| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08666121B2 |
Vein authentication device which verifies a target that is compared to the extracted piece of vein information of a finger
An authentication device includes: a vein information extraction section that extracts a piece of vein information representing a vein from an image containing a vein of a finger; an extraction section that extracts a piece of information representing the position of the finger's outline at an intermediate stage of the process of extracting the piece of vein information; and a determination section that determines, based on the degree of similarity between the piece of information and a piece of information associated with a piece of registration-target vein information, a verification target to be compared with the piece of vein information. |
| US08666116B2 |
Method and system for obtaining a first signal for analysis to characterize at least one periodic component thereof
A method of facilitating obtaining a first signal, for analysis to characterize at least one periodic component, includes obtaining two second signals representative of intensities of electromagnetic radiation. The first signal is at least derivable from an output signal obtainable by applying a transformation to the second signals such that any value of the output signal is based on values from each respective second signal at corresponding points in time. The method further includes obtaining a value of a variable determining influences of components of respective second signals on the output signal when the signals corresponding to the second signals are captured and the transformation is applied, by (i) analyzing the first, second and/or the output signals to select a value of a parameter corresponding to a respective one of the variables; or (ii) calculating values of at least one time-varying factor corresponding to a respective one of the variables. |
| US08666112B1 |
Inferring locations from an image
Systems and methods are disclosed for determining the location where an image was captured. In general, a device such as a smartphone may capture one or more images from a location, such as images of buildings, street signs and the like, and a central system may compare the submitted images to images in an image library to identify matches. The location of the match may then be provided back to the smartphone. |
| US08666110B2 |
Method and apparatus for masking privacy area of image
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for masking a privacy area of an image. The method for masking a privacy area of an image includes: detecting a privacy area required to be protected in an image; and performing masking on the image. An important area (a face area of a person, a number plate area of a vehicle, a window area of a house, etc.) detected from an image inputted through a CCTV camera can be effectively and easily encrypted, scrambled, decoded, and descrambled. Also, the position of the important area detected before or after the important area is scrambled can be maintained to be consistent without having to use a metadata file. In addition, a scrambling algorithm of the same key value can be applicable regardless of the size of the important area. As a result, the system efficiency can be enhanced by effectively protecting personal information compared with a CCTV-based video security system. |
| US08666101B2 |
Precision micro-hole for extended life batteries
Various embodiments of the invention provide an enclosure for a metal-air battery assembly for an extended wear hearing aid. The enclosure includes a diffusion control element having a dimensional property configured for controlling oxygen and moisture diffusion into the metal-air battery assembly to maintain a minimum battery voltage when the hearing aid is operating and worn in an ear canal of a user over an extended period. In an embodiment, the enclosure can comprise a shell with a base end having an opening therein forming a cavity within the shell and a base cap for covering the opening of the base end. A diffusion element is disposed on the base cap. In an embodiment, the diffusion element comprises a laser drilled precision micro hole having an aspect ratio of least about four and a diameter in the range of about 10 to 15 microns. |
| US08666099B2 |
Hearing aid and a method for alleviating tinnitus using a notch filter
A hearing aid (62, 72, 82, 92, 102, 112) adapted for alleviating tinnitus of a user (75), comprises an audio input means (83), a signal processing unit (88, 98, 108, 118) and an output transducer (80). The hearing aid further comprises a band stop filter (87) arranged to match a tinnitus of the user and switching means (86, 116) and switch control means (84, 114) for controlling the switching of said band stop filter (87) into and out of the signal path between the audio input means (83) and the output transducer (80), in response to a predefined trigger event. The invention further provides a method of adjusting a hearing aid. |
| US08666096B2 |
Device and process for using audio plug-ins in a mixer
The present invention pertains to a device for using audio plug-ins in a mixer, provided with a mixer and a computer, whereby the mixer has a control panel and signal-processing electronics and the computer has an audio interface, and audio plug-ins can be installed on it, in which an audio plug-in host is installed on the computer for receiving plug-ins, that the mixer has a plug-in control system, that computer and mixer are connected to one another by means of audio tie lines and at least one control line, and that the entire control, including that of the audio plug-ins, can be carried out by the mixer. Furthermore, the present invention proposes a process for using audio plug-ins in a mixer, in which audio plug-ins to be used are automatically sought by a control system of the mixer in a file folder containing plug-ins installed on a computer, and that the audio plug-ins are each assigned to an effect slot (FX slot), whereby the audio tie lines required for this are occupied, as a result of which the audio plug-in is available for use in the mixer. |
| US08666088B2 |
Tunable, sound enhancing air induction system for internal combustion engine
A tunable, sound enhancing air induction system for an internal combustion engine includes an air supply duct extending between an air cleaner and a throttle body, and an acoustic amplifier mounted to the air supply duct at an anti-node of a desirable engine induction sound. The acoustic amplifier furnishes the desired sound to the passenger compartment of the vehicle, either through a duct, or by a directional horn. |
| US08666086B2 |
System and method for monitoring/controlling a sound masking system from an electronic floorplan
A system and mechanism for monitoring and/or controlling a sound masking system from a computer aided design drawing. According to an embodiment, the system is configured to allow an operator to “click” sound masking components on the design drawing and view operating/configuration settings, and/or edit, change or modify the operating/configuration settings, which are then applied via an interface to the associated physical sound masking component in the sound masking system. According to another embodiment, the system is configured to allow an operator to design or configure sound masking components on a design drawing. The sound masking components correspond to physical sound masking components in a sound masking system and comprise one or more active sound masking elements, which are configured to be responsive to an input and allow an operator to monitor, change and/or modify operating/configuration settings for physical sound masking component via the sound masking element in the design drawing. |
| US08666084B2 |
Method and arrangement for training hearing system users
The inventor has found that a considerable portion of hearing system users have a considerable lack of understanding the effect of adjusting adjustable audio processing parameters of the hearing system. Therefore, the method according to the invention comprises the steps of a) playing a first test sound to a user of a hearing system; r) receiving user input from said user in reaction to step a); s) interpreting said user input as a request for selecting and/or adjusting at least one audio processing parameter of a signal processing unit; h) calculating—based on said request obtained in step s), and in dependence of said first test sound played to said user—at least one value, which is related to said user's ability to make use of one or more adjustable audio processing parameters of said hearing system. This method can be used for improving said user's ability to make use of one or more adjustable audio processing parameters of said hearing system. A corresponding arrangement is disclosed, too. |
| US08666081B2 |
Apparatus for processing a media signal and method thereof
A method for processing a media signal, comprising: receiving, by an audio processing apparatus, an audio signal including a first channel signal and a second channel signal; estimating center sound by applying a band-pass filter to the first channel signal and the second channel signal; obtaining a first ambient sound by subtracting the center sound from the first channel signal; obtaining a second ambient sound by subtracting the center sound from the second channel signal; applying at least one of delay and reverberation filter to at least one of the first ambient sound and the second ambient sound to generate a processed ambient sound; and, generating pseudo surround signal using the center sound and the processed ambient sound is provided. |
| US08666069B2 |
Cryptographic processing apparatus and cryptographic processing method, and computer program
There is provided a highly secure cryptographic processing apparatus and method where an analysis difficulty is increased. In a Feistel type common key block encrypting process in which an SPN type F function having a nonlinear conversion section and a linear conversion section is repeatedly executed a plurality of rounds. The linear conversion process of an F function corresponding to each of the plurality of rounds is performed as a linear conversion process which employs an MDS (Maximum Distance Separable) matrix, and a linear conversion process is carried out which employs a different MDS matrix at least at each of consecutive odd number rounds and consecutive even number rounds. This structure makes it possible to increase the minimum number (a robustness index against a differential attack in common key block encryption) of the active S box in the entire encrypting function. |
| US08666068B2 |
Method for scrambling shaped data
A method includes, in a data storage device, receiving data having a particular proportion of zero values and one values and scrambling the data to generate scrambled data that has the particular proportion of zero values and one values. |
| US08666065B2 |
Real-time data encryption
A system and a method for real-time encryption of input data are described. A character numerical value associated with the input data is encrypted. The encoded character numerical value is then associated with a glyph corresponding to the input data. The encoded character numerical value and the glyph are then stored in a database. The encoded character numerical value is further encrypted using an encryption key to obtain an encrypted encoded character numerical value. |
| US08666064B2 |
Endecryptor capable of performing parallel processing and encryption/decryption method thereof
An encryption/decryption method of an endecryptor including a plurality of endecryption units supporting an XES mode with tweak and ciphertext streaming (XTS) includes dividing an input data stream into consecutive data units; inputting the divided data units to the endecryption units, respectively; and simultaneously processing the input data units at the respective endecryption units. According to the encryption/decryption method, parallel processing is performed to encrypt/decrypt data at higher speed. |
| US08666059B2 |
Method and device for processing data and to a communication system comprising such device
A method and a device process data transmitted via a channel. The channel is at least partially represented by a symmetrical transfer matrix, wherein at least one off-diagonal matrix element of the transfer matrix is determined by its symmetric and/or transposed off-diagonal matrix element and its corresponding diagonal matrix elements of the transfer matrix. In addition, a communication system is provided containing such a device. |
| US08666057B2 |
Remote powering of DSL ADMs
Apparatus and methods of remote powering of DSL ADMs are disclosed. In a subscriber communication node, at least communication components that enable the subscriber communication node to communicate with a network switching device, and possibly also subscriber communication components that enable one or more subscriber communication devices to communicate with the network switching device, can be powered either by a local power source or remotely through an electrically conductive twisted wire pair. A network node may derive its own power and also supply power to subscriber communication nodes through twisted wire pairs. A linear or ring topology of subscriber communication nodes can thus be kept operational, and subscriber communications can potentially also be maintained, when a local power source at one or more subscriber nodes becomes unavailable. |
| US08666056B2 |
System for facilitating loosely configured service worker groups in a dynamic call center environment
A system for soliciting and activating one or more groups of workers to service contact center business includes an interface accessible to the one or more groups for accepting group registration data, publishing contact center business and for enabling the groups to subscribe to receive business; a data repository for storing the registration data for subscribing groups; and a routing server for specifying routing strategies for event routing to the groups. The system is characterized in that the one or more groups of workers may be activated during contact center business activity to perform services based on need. |
| US08666054B2 |
Technique for continually assisting a user during an information assistance call
Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help. |
| US08666051B2 |
Notification to users of events
A method and system for notifying users of events. User activity of a user is monitored, based on user notification information in a storage location. The user notification information pertains to a scheduled event. In response to a detection, from the monitoring, of a change in the user activity, it is ascertained that the change necessitates notifying the user of the scheduled event due to the change impacting whether the user can participate in the scheduled event. Then the user is notified of the scheduled event. The user notification information in the storage location is modified, based on the detected change in the user activity, in response to receipt of an instruction from the user to change the user notification information in the storage location. |
| US08666046B2 |
System and method for providing enhanced telephone call functions associated with caller and/or callee information during telephony ringing signal
Method for providing caller information during a telephony ringing signal, including the procedures of storing caller information, associated with at least one of a caller and a callee, on a caller information server, installing a client application on a callee device, dialing a callee device CLI by the caller, identifying a caller device CLI by the callee device, contacting the caller information server by the callee device and providing the caller information server with at least one of the caller device CLI and the callee device CLI, retrieving, by the callee device, from the caller information server the caller information associated with at least one of the caller and the callee according to at least one of the caller device CLI and the callee device CLI, and presenting, on the callee device, the retrieved caller information. |
| US08666045B2 |
Method and apparatus to validate a subscriber line
A method is described of providing validation data associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network. The method includes obtaining line data of the subscriber line wherein the line data is suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB). The method interrogates the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data, and processes the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line. The invention extends to a subscriber line validation system to validate a subscriber line of a communication network. |
| US08666042B2 |
Techniques for performing key frame requests in media servers and endpoint devices
Techniques are provided for sending and receiving key frames and key frame request messages. At a video conference bridge, a key frame request message is received from a first endpoint device. The key frame request message comprises a request for a key frame from a second endpoint device. When a prior key frame request message is received before the key frame request message, a key frame request time value is determined that corresponds to an amount of time between receiving the key frame request message and receiving the prior key frame request message. This value is compared to a threshold time value. When the key frame request time is greater than the threshold time, a key frame request forwarding message is generated, and the key frame request forwarding message is sent to the second endpoint device to request the key frame from the second endpoint device. |
| US08666039B2 |
Voice traffic gateway
A voice traffic gateway including: a voice traffic input, a voice traffic output, a first domain router, non-secure warning (NSW) tone application apparatus and a signalling filter. The input receives voice traffic including voice messages and signalling messages from a first traffic domain. The output delivers output voice messages and signalling messages to a second, different traffic domain. The first domain router routes voice messages to the NSW apparatus and routes signalling messages to the signalling filter. The NSW apparatus applies a NSW tone to a received voice message to form an output voice message. The signalling filter compares a feature of a received signalling message with a reference feature. The signalling filter will pass a signalling message if the signalling message feature is the same as the reference feature and will block a signalling message if the signalling message feature is not the same as the reference feature. |
| US08666038B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for park call messages
There is described a method and telecommunication server for maintaining communication between at least two devices. A first incoming call for a first communication device is received at the communication server. The first incoming call for the first communication device is routed to a second communication device associated with the first communication device. A park data signal is received from the second communication device for placing a call to park. The call is placed to park and a park reminder message is sent to the first communication device. |
| US08666037B2 |
Alert provisioning system and method
An alert method and system permits an alert to be provided to a subscriber. Such visual alerts may comprise icons or graphical advertising units that may be navigated by the subscriber to trigger and initiate corresponding and dynamically updatable communications and communication links. |
| US08666034B2 |
Audio call screening for hosted voicemail systems
The present invention allows a user to screen messages being left at a hosted voicemail system from a telephone terminal. Incoming calls intended for the telephone terminal are routed to the voicemail system immediately or after attempting to connect incoming call to the telephone terminal. As the caller is leaving a message at the voicemail system, a connection between the incoming call, voicemail system, and telephone terminal is established to allow the user to listen to the message and decide whether to take the call. The user may decide to take the call or let the caller finish leaving the message. In one embodiment, the telephone terminal is equipped to open only the speaker channel for monitoring the message and will provide a fully bi-directional connection if the user takes the call. The supporting switch and telephone terminal communicate with each other to facilitate the monitoring and taking of calls. |
| US08666032B2 |
System and method for processing call records
A system and method for processing a call between a caller and a live agent is provided. A stream of verbal speech utterances is received from the caller and converted into text. Text messages are received from the agent in response to the stream of verbal speech utterances and converted into synthesized speech utterances. The synthesized speech utterances are provided to the caller. A record of the call is processed and presented to a further live agent for manipulation. The manipulated record is stored. |
| US08666031B2 |
System and method for citizen requests for assistance
A method and system for initiating an incident-specific request for assistance from a citizen call station by touching a sequence of positions on a display screen. The citizen call station comprises a display having a touch-responsive mechanism for entering a call sequence of statements including initiating an alert, reporting a concern, and selecting help needed. A transmission mechanism for transmitting the call sequence to a control location is provided. A confirmation of the request, sent from the control location, may be received at the call station. The call station may also deliver information from a central location. The call station may include cameras, various sensors, two-way communications, and may be used to provide information on demand, outside of the normal security concerns. |
| US08666028B2 |
Intermediary monitoring control
Systems and methods are disclosed for allowing a monitoring party to have intermediary control over a communication between a calling party and a called party. A notification may be sent to a monitoring party of an incoming communication attempt to a called party, and the monitoring party may control the routing and/or processing of the communication based on a real-time response to the notification. |
| US08666026B1 |
Systems and methods for providing notifications of hazardous ground conditions in telecommunication equipment
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to systems and methods for providing notifications of hazardous ground conditions in telecommunication equipment. A system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a control module positioned within a chassis at a network facility. The control module communicates with a plurality of access modules through a backplane of the chassis. At least one of the modules, such as the control module, comprises a voltage sensing element, control logic, and a user interface. The voltage sensing element is configured to measure a potential voltage difference between chassis ground and digital ground and determine whether such voltage difference is hazardous. The control logic is configured to monitor the voltage sensing element and provide an alarm via the user interface when the hazardous condition is present. Accordingly, a user is notified of the hazardous condition and the likelihood of equipment damage, loss of service, and personal injury are reduced. |
| US08666021B2 |
Radiation therapy system
A radiation therapy system including a radiation therapy apparatus for generating a therapeutic treatment beam, with which an object is irradiated, an imaging apparatus for generating a medical image of the object, and a positioning apparatus, with which the object is positioned in the radiation therapy system for irradiation and imaging purposes, is provided. The imaging apparatus and the radiation therapy apparatus are both rotatably mounted so that the object is positioned in a first rotation state in the imaging apparatus and is positioned in the radiation therapy apparatus in a second rotation state. |
| US08666020B2 |
Method and apparatus to filter X-ray beams generated using a CT apparatus with displaced geometry
A method and apparatus are provided to filter x-ray beams generated using a CT apparatus or other x-ray based system with displaced acquisition geometry. A CT apparatus may be used having a source (102), a detector (104) transversely displaced from a center (114) of a field of view (118) during acquisition of the projection data, and a filter (146). The filter may absorb at least a portion of overlapping radiation emitted by the source at opposing angular positions. The amount of transverse displacement may be determined for a desired field of view configuration and amount of overlapping radiation. The detector may be adjusted to correspond to the amount of determined transverse displacement. The size and location of the filter may be determined based on the amount of overlapping radiation. The filter may be adjusted to correspond to the determined size and location of the filter. |
| US08666014B2 |
Reproduction apparatus
A reproduction apparatus includes a setter configured to set at least one language, a separator configured to separate and output a video signal and an audio signal, a video signal processor configured to decode and encode the video signal, a first decoder configured to output a first center channel signal and a multi-channel signal generated by extraction of the first center channel signal, a second decoder configured to output a second center channel signal, and a selector configured to receive the first and second center channel signals and assign, according to a setting in the setter, the first and second center channel signals respectively to different outputs. |
| US08666013B1 |
Techniques for clock data recovery
A clock data recovery circuit includes a phase detector circuit, a filter circuit, a parts per million (PPM) detector circuit, a PPM decoder circuit, a summation circuit, and a phase interpolator circuit. The phase detector circuit generates a phase error signal based on a periodic signal and a data signal. The filter circuit generates a filtered signal based on the phase error signal. The PPM detector circuit and the PPM decoder circuit generate control signals based on the filtered signal. The phase interpolator circuit generates the periodic signal. The clock data recovery circuit adjusts a phase of the periodic signal based on the filtered signal and the control signals in response to variations in a data rate of the data signal using spread-spectrum clocking in order to track changes in the data rate of the data signal. |
| US08666011B1 |
Jitter-attenuated clock using a gapped clock reference
A system and method are provided for generating a jitter-attenuated clock using an asynchronous gapped clock source. The method accepts a first reference clock having a first frequency. Using the first reference clock, an asynchronous gapped clock is generated having an average second frequency less than the first frequency. A dynamic numerator (DN) and dynamic denominator (DD) are iteratively calculated for the gapped clock. Then, DN and DD are averaged. In response to the averaging, an averaged numerator (AN) and an averaged denominator (AD) are generated. Finally, the first frequency (first reference clock) is multiplied by the ratio of AN/AD to create a jitter-attenuated second clock having the second frequency. |
| US08666007B2 |
Methods and apparatus for synchronizing communication with a memory controller
A memory controller receives data and phase-providing signals from a memory device. The phase-providing signal is not a clock signal, but is used by the memory controller to phase align a local data-sampling signal with the incoming data. The memory controller samples the data signal with the data-sampling signal. The memory controller can perform maintenance operations to update the phase relationship between the phase-providing and data-sampling signals. |
| US08666004B2 |
Methods and systems for hybrid MIMO schemes in OFDM/A systems
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a hybrid receiver diversity scheme that involves combining received signals in accordance with a combination of multiple receive diversity schemes. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a hybrid transmit diversity scheme that involves transmitting diversity signals to a receiver according to a transmit diversity scheme selected based on signal quality measurements received from the receiver. |
| US08666001B2 |
Method and apparatus for updating symbol recovery parameters and correcting symbol timing misalignment
A radio receiver (100) includes a symbol recovery unit (108) the produces a raw symbol stream (112) and a recovered symbol stream (116). The recovered symbol stream is produced by applying symbol recovery parameters to the raw symbols. The symbol recovery parameters are updated (218) when the symbol recovery parameters used by the symbol recovery unit lack a requisite level of validity and there is a sufficient indication, based on successive instance of sync information using instance-specific recovery parameters, updated recovery parameters are valid. |
| US08666000B2 |
Reduced state sequence estimation with soft decision outputs
A receiver may be operable to receive an inter-symbol correlated (ISC) signal, and generate a plurality of soft decisions as to information carried in the ISC signal. The soft decisions may be generated using a reduced-state sequence estimation (RSSE) process. The RSSE process may be such that the number of symbol survivors retained after each iteration of the RSSE process is less than the maximum likelihood state space. The plurality of soft decisions may comprise a plurality of log likelihood ratios (LLRs). Each of the plurality of LLRs may correspond to a respective one of a plurality of subwords of a forward error correction (FEC) codeword. |
| US08665995B2 |
Dual channel transmission
There is provided a solution for dual channel transmission in a radio communication device. Both transmission signals to be transmitted on different channels are mixed two times by using oscillator signals having the same frequencies for both transmission signals, and the transmission circuitry is arranged to process the signals so that the transmission signals are nevertheless up-converted to different frequency channels. |
| US08665993B2 |
Orthogonal resource selection transmit diversity
Methods are disclosed for transmitting a plurality of information bits using resource selection on multiple antennas. In one or more embodiments, the methods include: selecting a first and a second orthogonal resource from an allocation of more than two orthogonal resources according to the state of the plurality of information bits; transmitting a first symbol in a first symbol instant on a first antenna using the first orthogonal resource; and transmitting a second symbol in the first symbol instant on a second antenna using the second orthogonal resource. In some embodiments, the first and second orthogonal resources are different and the first symbol is either a reference symbol or a modulation symbol. |
| US08665991B2 |
Communications device with separate I and Q phase power amplification having selective phase and magnitude adjustment and related methods
A communications device may include an In-phase (I) circuit having an In-phase modulator and mixer circuit, and an I power amplifier circuit coupled thereto, the I circuit configured to modulate and amplify a digital baseband I signal to generate an amplified I signal, and a Quadrature (Q) circuit having a Q modulator and mixer circuit, and a Q power amplifier circuit coupled thereto, the Q circuit configured to modulate and amplify a digital baseband Q signal to generate an amplified Q signal separate from the amplified I signal. A processor selectively switches the digital baseband I signal and the digital baseband Q signal between the I and Q signal inputs to provide selective phase shifting for the digital baseband I and Q signals. |
| US08665987B2 |
Space-time/space-frequency coding for multi-site and multi-beam transmission
The present invention relates to space-time or space-frequency coding in cellular systems. The same data is transmitted from different antennas with different coverage areas, corresponding to different cells. The different data streams have different parts of the space-time block codes applied. A mobile terminal can combine the different parts of the space-time block codes in different received signals. This provides better performance than the known techniques for single frequency networks. The invention can also be applied to antennas with different coverage areas from the same site, and different beams formed with antenna arrays. |
| US08665982B2 |
Channel information transmission method and feedback method, an apparatus thereof, a base station and a transmission method of the base station
A wireless communication system uses a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna in the transceiver mode. The system includes the technical features of a stage in which m bits of a first set of information is transmitted for a first pre-coding matrix (where m is an integer greater than 1), and a stage in which n bits of a second set of information is transmitted for a second pre-coding matrix (where n is an integer greater than 1 but less than n). |
| US08665981B2 |
Multiple input, multiple output wireless communication system, associated methods and data structures
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, in response to receiving a wireless communication signal, a non-uniform codebook is generated based at least in part on one or more characteristics of the received wireless communication signal for quantization and communication back to a source of the received signal. The non-uniform codebook may be generated by selecting a suitable uniform codebook based at least in part on the one or more characteristics of the received wireless communication signal, and supplementing the uniform codebook with additional codewords to generate the non-uniform codebook. |
| US08665978B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method
A wireless communication apparatus prevents deterioration of communication characteristics because of a transmission weight of a highest common factor and enhances the communication characteristics of feedback MIMO. A wireless communication apparatus having antennas includes a reception unit for obtaining channel state information of channels received from another wireless communication apparatus, a channel state information calculation unit for dividing a predetermined frequency band into regions, selecting a particular region based on the number of channels included in each of the regions and the channel state information of the channels, and calculating representative channel state information of the predetermined frequency band overall based on the channel state information of the channels included in the particular region, a transmission weight selection unit for selecting a transmission weight based on the representative channel state information, and a transmission unit for transmitting identification information of the transmission weight to the another wireless communication apparatus. |
| US08665975B2 |
Method for receiving data in multi input multi output
Disclosed is a method for receiving data in a Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) system, the method comprising: decoding data transmitted from a transmitter by using one beam-forming vector included in a codebook that beam-forming vectors are formed in a hierarchical structure according to at least one of change directions of radio channels, the number of channel change directions, and a change rate; determining whether to update the beam-forming vector based on the radio channel changes; selecting other beam-forming vector included in the codebook having a hierarchical structure when it is determined that update for the beam-forming vector is required; feed-backing information about an index indicating where the selected beam-forming vector is located in the hierarchical structure of the codebook to the transmitter; and decoding data received from the transmitter by using the selected beam-forming vector. |
| US08665970B2 |
Method and arrangement related to blind detection
Method and arrangement for use in a receiving node, for determining whether received data is encoded with a certain channel code candidate. The method involves obtaining baseband data encoded with an unknown channel code and calculating the respective posterior probabilities that a set of syndrome checks are satisfied, given the obtained data, which syndrome checks are associated with the channel code candidate. The method further involves combining the posterior probabilities and determining whether the channel code candidate was used for encoding the obtained data, based on the combined posterior probabilities. |
| US08665966B2 |
Video coding apparatus, method of controlling video coding and program of controlling video coding
The present invention realizes a video coding apparatus that is simple in configuration and can avoid video display quality deterioration due to an overrun of video coding processing. The video coding apparatus is provided with a coding means for bringing video into coding processing on a frame basis with a first coding processing method; a processing time detecting means for detecting coding actual processing time required for coding processing on the frame; a delay calculating means for calculating processing delay time of coding processing on the frame based on coding predicted processing time given to the coding processing and the coding actual processing time; a coding load controlling means for, in a case where the processing delay time on the frame is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, causing a subsequent frame to undergo coding processing with a second coding processing method bearing coding processing load lower than in said first coding processing method, and thereby processing time of frames after occurrence of an overrun is shortened for recovery from the overrun so that a frame skip due to occurrence of an overrun is prevented to enable avoidance of video quality deterioration. |
| US08665965B2 |
System, method and computer-readable medium for encoding a signal into macroblocks
A quantizer and dequantizer for use in a video coding system that applies non linear, piece-wise linear scaling functions to video information signals based on a value of a variable quantization parameter. The quantizer and dequantizer apply different non linear, piece-wise linear scaling functions to a DC luminance signal, a DC chrominance signal and an AC chrominance signal. A code for reporting updates of the value of the quantization parameter is interpreted to require larger changes when the quantization parameter initially is large and smaller changes when the quantization parameter initially is small. |
| US08665962B2 |
Digital television decoder
A method of operating a digital television decoder is disclosed. The decoder includes a memory, the memory storing onboard software, and the decoder is operable in a run mode to execute the onboard software. The method comprises: activating a power saving mode on the decoder; and upon activating the power saving mode: maintaining power to the memory; suspending execution of the onboard software; acquiring an execution context of the onboard software; updating the execution context of the onboard software to form an updated execution context; and saving the updated execution context in the memory. |
| US08665960B2 |
Real-time video coding/decoding
A video codec having a modular structure for encoding/decoding a digitized sequence of video frames in a multi-core system is described. The video codec comprises a memory unit; a multithreading engine. and a plurality of control and task modules organized in a tree structure, each module corresponding to a coding operation. The modules communicate with each other by control messages and shared memory. The control modules control all coding logic and workflow, and lower level task modules perform tasks and provide calculations upon receiving messages from the control task modules. The multithreading engine maintains context of each task and assigns at least one core to each task for execution. The method of coding/decoding comprises an error resilient algorithm. |
| US08665959B2 |
Block and partition signaling techniques for video coding
A video block syntax element indicates whether all of the partitions of a video block are predicted based on a same reference list and no greater than quarter-pixel accuracy is used. If the video block syntax element is set, partition-level signaling of the reference lists is avoided. If the video block syntax element is not set, partition-level signaling of the reference lists occurs. If the video block syntax element is set, partition-level syntax elements may be used for each of the partitions of the video block, wherein the partition-level syntax elements each identify one of the reference lists and motion vector accuracy for a given one of the partitions. |
| US08665956B2 |
Motion picture encoding device and motion picture decoding device
When a prediction is made between fields with different parity, the predicative efficiency of a chrominance vector is improved by adaptively switching the generation of a chrominance motion vector depending on a encoding/decoding field parity (top/bottom) and a reference field parity (top/bottom), and the coding efficiency is improved accordingly. |
| US08665949B1 |
Methods and apparatus for transmission of data at different modulation and/or coding rates
In a method for generating a physical layer (PHY) data unit for transmission via a communication channel, first data and second data that correspond to a unit of audio, video, and/or image information is received. The first data and the second data are encoded and modulated so that a resulting data rate of the first data is less than a resulting data rate of the second data. The first data and the second data are parsed to a plurality of spatial streams, and a single PHY data unit that includes the plurality of spatial streams is generated. |
| US08665947B2 |
Method and device for video-stream frame rate adaptation, and field programmable gate array chip and video stream processing apparatus
This invention provides a method and device for video-stream frame rate adaptation. The method includes: allocating a buffer space for each of at least one video conference room respectively and dividing the buffer space into at least one segment, each segment of which is used for buffering a video frame; and performing following steps for each of the at least one video conference room: generating a pulse signal for the video conference room periodically according to a certain pulse rate; and performing a data writing operation for a segment of the corresponding buffer space at an input-video-stream frame rate of the video conference room, and performing a reading operation for a segment of the buffer space at an output-video-stream frame rate. This invention also provides an FPGA chip and a video stream processing apparatus. The invention simplifies frame rate adaptation design, and reduces system processing overhead during the frame rate adaptation. |
| US08665946B2 |
Macroblock pair coding for systems that support progressive and interlaced data
A method of performing block matching on a video image of progressive data includes: receiving the video image; storing the video image to a first storage; loading a current macroblock pair and a current search window of the video image to a second storage and utilizing the current search window to perform block matching for the current macroblock pair; and loading a next macroblock pair and a plurality of macroblocks corresponding to a non-overlapped area of a next search window to the second storage to perform block matching for the next macroblock pair. |
| US08665943B2 |
Encoding device, encoding method, encoding program, decoding device, decoding method, and decoding program
The present invention relates to an encoding apparatus, an encoding method, an encoding program, a decoding apparatus, a decoding method and a decoding program for adaptively controlling an encoding bit rate. Coefficient data obtained using wavelet transform is quantized, and segmented into bit planes. The coefficient data is entropy encoded from the bit plane of the MSB in a direction from an upper bit position to a lower bit position. Entropy encoding is stopped at a bit position where an amount of code has reached a target amount. On the bit plane, the coefficient data is entropy encoded from a lower frequency region to a higher frequency region. Data greatly affecting subjective image quality of a decoded image is selectively output while the amount of code is easily controlled. |
| US08665941B1 |
Decision feedback equalizer for highly spectrally efficient communications
One or more embodiments describe a decision feedback equalizer for highly spectrally efficient communications. A method may be performed in a decision feedback equalizer (DFE). The method may include initializing values of tap coefficients of the DFE based on values of tap coefficients of a partial response filter through which said transmitted symbols passed en route to said sequence estimation circuit. The method may include receiving estimates of transmitted symbols from a sequence estimation circuit, and receiving an error signal that is generated based on an estimated partial response signal output by the sequence estimation circuit. The method may include updating values of tap coefficients of the DFE based on the error signal and the estimates of transmitted symbols. The method may include generating one or more constraints that restrict the impact of the error signal on the updating of the values of the tap coefficients of the DFE. |
| US08665940B2 |
Adaptive equalization using correlation of edge samples with data patterns
An integrated receiver supports adaptive receive equalization. An incoming bit stream is sampled using edge and data clock signals derived from a reference clock signal. A phase detector determines whether the edge and data clock signals are in phase with the incoming data, while some clock recovery circuitry adjusts the edge and data clock signals as required to match their phases to the incoming data. The receiver employs the edge and data samples used to recover the edge and data clock signals to note the locations of zero crossings for one or more selected data patterns. The pattern or patterns may be selected from among those apt to produce the greatest timing error. Equalization settings may then be adjusted to align the zero crossings of the selected data patterns with the recovered edge clock signal. |
| US08665933B2 |
Data transmitting and receiving method and device for communication and system thereof
A data transmitting and receiving device and method are used for saving powers and maintaining the connection quality, stability and continuous link. The method includes the step of gradually adjusting the de-emphasis of the signal transmitted from the data transmitting and receiving device according to the setting value thereof. The method also includes the steps of transmitting training sequence signal with an amplitude and the default de-emphasis by the data transmitting and receiving device to the remote device, receiving the training sequence signal from the remote device, thereby the channel attenuation is estimated using the method, and a better de-emphasis is set up. Then, the data transmitting and receiving device gradually increases the amplitude of the training sequence signal and re-transmits it until the remote device receives the training sequence signal transmitted therefrom. |
| US08665932B2 |
Low complexity technique for digital subscriber line (DSL) power control
An apparatus comprising a transmitter at a digital subscriber line (DSL) Cabinet configured to transmit a downstream signal in a subscriber line according to a power spectral density (PSD) mask, wherein the PSD mask comprises a relatively low power between a first transition frequency and a second transition frequency and a first relatively high power below about the first transition frequency and a second relatively high power above about the second transition frequency. Also included is an apparatus comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method comprising selecting a first transmission frequency and a second transmission frequency for a PSD that meets a target data-rate for transmission in a DSL, and limiting the PSD between the first transition frequency and the second transition frequency. |
| US08665929B1 |
Method and device for deterministic timing acquiring and tracking
Assuring acquisition of symbol timing in a full-duplex data transceiver under inter-symbol interference conditions. One embodiment includes a transmitter comprising a first local clock having a first free running frequency, and a receiver comprising a second local clock having a second frequency initially set to a value higher than the first free running frequency. A first type decision-directed timing recovery mechanism is intentionally limited to only decreasing the frequency of the second local clock. A second type decision-directed timing recovery mechanism is not limited to only decreasing the frequency. The receiver receives symbols, decrease the frequency of the second local clock to a third frequency value using the first type decision-directed timing recovery mechanism, disables the first type mechanism after reaching the third frequency, and then phase-lock the second local clock to the optimal phase under MMSE criteria using the second type decision-directed timing recovery mechanism. |
| US08665928B1 |
Circuit for generating an output clock signal synchronized to an input clock signal
A circuit generates an output clock signal synchronized to an input clock signal. The circuit includes a reference clock port, a phase interpolator, and a phase controller. The reference clock port receives a reference clock signal. The phase interpolator generates the output clock signal that, as a function of a variable control value, is an interpolation between two reference phases. The reference phases are generated from the reference clock signal and have a reference frequency. The phase controller generates the variable control value providing a phase rotation rate. An output frequency of the output clock signal equals a sum of the reference frequency and the phase rotation rate. The output frequency matches an input frequency of the input clock signal. |
| US08665926B2 |
Closed-loop transmission power control method, base station apparatus and terminal
In a closed-loop TPC for a channel using a wireless resource, to which frequency hopping is applied, a high quality reception is achieved for all RBs without applying another technique to each RB. This transmission power control method, in a mobile communications system that transmits signals by frequency hopping in a plurality of resource blocks, includes a transmission power control method that transmission-power controls a channel in a closed loop using a wireless resource to which frequency hopping is applied, measures a reception channel quality of received signals for each resource block (RB1 and RB2), and transmits a TPC command-bit via a downlink so that the reception quality that is independently measured at each resource block among the resource blocks is made equal to a target reception quality. |
| US08665925B2 |
Method and device for generating scrambling code
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for generating a scrambling code, and the method includes: acquiring initial sequences X0, Y0; extending the initial sequences X0, Y0 for (└N/M┘+1) times, and obtaining extended sequences X*, Y*, wherein, the N is a positive integer, 0 |
| US08665923B2 |
Remotely induced atmospheric lasing
A laser pulse from an ultrashort pulse laser (USPL) is fired into the atmosphere. The USPL pulse is configured to generate a plasma filament at a predefined target in the atmosphere, in which free, or “seed,” electrons are generated by multi-photon or tunneling ionization of the air molecules in the filament. A second pulse is fired into the atmosphere to form a heater beam that impinges on the plasma filament and thermalizes the seed electrons within the plasma filament, leading to the collisional excitation of the electrons in the filament. The excited electrons collisionally excite various electronic and vibrational states of the air molecules in the filament, causing population inversions and lasing, e.g., exciting the C3Πu→B3Πg(v=0→0) transition of the N2 in the atmosphere to cause lasing at 337 nm. |
| US08665922B2 |
Driver circuit of light-emitting element
A driver circuit is provided which comprises a series-connected unit having a light-emitting element and a current limiting inductor directly connected to the light-emitting element, a regenerative diode which is connected in parallel to the series-connected unit and which regenerates energy stored in the current limiting inductor, a transistor which controls a current flowing through the light-emitting element and the current limiting inductor, and a controller which controls an operation of the transistor, wherein the controller controls the transistor according to a voltage value of a power supply applied to the light-emitting element. |
| US08665921B2 |
Method and apparatus of automatic power control for burst mode laser transmitter
An apparatus of automatic power control for burst mode laser transmitter and method are provided. In one implementation a method includes: generating an output current with a modulation pattern determined by a transmit data and a transmit enable signal, and a modulation level determined by a first control code and a second control code, wherein a light signal is generated in response to the output current; generating a first decision based on a comparison between a photodiode current and the first reference current, a second decision based on a comparison between the photodiode current and the second reference current, wherein the photodiode current is generated in accordance to the light signal; and generating the first control code and the second control code in response to the first decision and the second decision. |
| US08665919B2 |
Semiconductor laser module
A semiconductor laser module includes a semiconductor device including a semiconductor laser and a bending waveguide through which a laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser propagates, a beam splitter splitting the laser light into a first laser light and a second laser light, a plurality of detectors respectively arranged at different positions in a cross section of a light flux of the second laser light to detect the second laser light, and a waveform shaping unit provided on an optical path of the laser light. The waveform shaping unit is configured to make a relation between an output of the semiconductor laser and detection values of the detectors approach a linear relation. |
| US08665918B2 |
Fiber-based wavelength agile visible laser source
A system is provided for providing high power, wavelength tunable, laser radiation, the system comprising: a plurality of seeder sources, each the source of the plurality having a different seeder wavelength; a Ytterbium doped amplifier chain, receiving radiation from the plurality of seeder sources and at least one pump source; a second harmonic generator communicating with the Ytterbium doped amplifier chain, the second harmonic generator comprising converting radiation of the seeder wavelength into radiation of a second harmonic wavelength; and wherein the second harmonic generator comprises a crystal having a plurality of grating segments, wherein each grating segment converts radiation of a different wavelength. |
| US08665916B2 |
Fiber laser
The optical fiber of the present invention has an input double-clad fiber containing high-reflection FBG, an oscillation double-clad fiber, and an output double-clad fiber containing low-reflection FBG. The output double-clad fiber is formed of a core, a first clad, and a second clad. In the output double-clad fiber, a high refractive-index resin coat section recoated with high refractive-index resin whose refractive index is the same as that of the second clad or greater is disposed at a part where the second clad is partly removed between an output end and the low-reflection FBG. The refractive index of the high refractive-index resin coat section gradually increases along the direction in which light travels through the first clad. |
| US08665907B2 |
Method of constructing a frame by multiplexing subframes having different CP length
The present invention relates to a broadband wireless access system, and more particularly, to a frame structure to which OFDM symbols having a cyclic prefix are transmitted. A method of constructing a frame in a broadband wireless access system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises including one or more first subframes in the frame, the first subframes including a plurality of symbols having a cyclic prefix of a first length; and including one or more second subframes in the frame, the second subframes including a plurality of symbols having a cyclic prefix of a second length different from the first length, wherein the number of the first subframes and the number of the second subframes are determined considering an idle time for which effective symbols are not included in the frame. |
| US08665905B1 |
Systems and methods for centrally provisioning virtual circuit information
A system for provisioning virtual circuit information in packet has a plurality of access modules that are inserted into slots of a chassis at a network facility. Each access module is provisioned with sets of Ethernet virtual circuit (EVC) attribute data in order to provide the access module with sufficient information to handle data packets carried by EVCs serviced by the access module. Rather than manually provisioning each access module with EVC attribute data, the sets of attribute data are stored at a central location. Each access module has logic that is configured to automatically retrieve, from the central location, sets of attribute data associated with the EVCs to be serviced by the access module. The logic then automatically provisions the access module to handle data packets carried by such EVCs. |
| US08665904B2 |
Auto-compression for media over IP
The present invention allows communicating devices to control the amount of compression used in packet sessions for transmitting streaming media to and from each other. When a communicating device detects a decrease in performance or quality of service indicative of a limited bandwidth condition, the amount of compression for the current or subsequent sessions is temporarily increased to allow the currently available bandwidth to support the session or subsequent sessions. After a set period of time, or when the limited bandwidth condition is removed, communications associated with the sessions can revert back to transporting uncompressed data or reducing the amount of compression for the sessions, thus using more of the available bandwidth. |
| US08665898B2 |
Method and system for adaptively obtaining bandwidth allocation requests
A method and apparatus for adaptively obtaining bandwidth requests in a broadband wireless communication system. The method and apparatus includes dynamically varying technique combinations enabling a plurality of users to efficiently request bandwidth from a shared base station. A user may “piggyback” a new bandwidth request upon, or set a “poll-me bit” within, presently allocated bandwidth. A base station may poll users, individually or in groups, by allocating unrequested bandwidth for new requests. Polling may respond to a “poll-me bit,” and/or it may be adaptively periodic at a rate based on communication status parameters, such as recent communication activity and connection QoS levels. Group polling permits a possibility of collisions. Polling policies may be established for dynamically varying user groups, or may be determined for each user. Dynamic selection of appropriate polling techniques makes use of efficiency benefits associated with each technique. |
| US08665895B2 |
Advanced and dynamic physical layer device capabilities utilizing a link interruption signal
Advanced and dynamic physical layer device capabilities utilizing a link interruption signal. The physical layer device can use a link interruption signal to signal to a media access controller device that the link has temporarily been interrupted. This link interruption signal can be generated in response to one or more programmable modes of the physical layer device that are used to support the advanced and dynamic physical layer device capabilities. |
| US08665891B2 |
Gateway apparatus
A gateway apparatus performs frame forwarding between an external device connected to a first bus and controllers connected to a second bus. Each controller outputs a response frame upon reception of a communication frame from the external device. The response frame has an address field in which a private address is set. The private address is uniquely assigned to each controller in a private network space defined by the second bus. When the communication frame is directed to each controller, the communication frame is forwarded to each controller in sequence at different times to prevent collision between the response frames in the second bus. The private address set in the address field of the response frame is converted into a predetermined transmitting address specified in the first bus. |
| US08665890B2 |
Hybrid cross-layer routing protocol for MANETs
A Hybrid Cross-Layer Routing (HCLR) protocol designed and implemented based on the premise of being able to leverage a pair of proactive and reactive routing schemes in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) which is used to compensate against wireless link effects thereby allowing for making more intelligent routing decisions. Compared to standalone proactive or reactive routing protocols, HCLR provides a two-tier improvement logic by performing local on-demand search in an n-hop neighborhood utilizing a 2-tuple cross-layer routing metric. HCLR is implemented in a Linux Quagga suite and its performance improvements compared to OSPF MANET Designated Routing (MDR) through emulation studies is demonstrated. |
| US08665889B2 |
Unidirectional asymmetric traffic pattern systems and methods in switch matrices
A switch fabric system and network element based thereon include a N×M switch fabric with M Trail Termination Points (TTPs) each with N timeslots there through in a bidirectional manner, a first connection in the switch fabric, wherein the first connection includes a unidirectional asymmetric connection of X timeslots, wherein X |
| US08665886B2 |
Redundant host connection in a routed network
One embodiment of the present invention provides a switch. The switch includes a management mechanism and a configuration mechanism. During operation, the management mechanism is configured to operate the switch in conjunction with the partner switch as a single logical switch. The configuration mechanism is configured to assign a virtual switch identifier to the logical switch. |
| US08665884B2 |
Embedded end-to-end delay information for data networks
A system comprises a plurality of nodes, at least one of the plurality of nodes configured to insert, on a per-virtual link basis, a delay value into a dynamic delay field of a frame corresponding to the respective virtual link, wherein the dynamic delay value represents latency of frames of the respective virtual link. The system also comprises a switch having a plurality of ports, each port coupled to one of the plurality of nodes. The switch is configured to route frames received from the plurality of nodes to one or more of the plurality of nodes. At least one of the plurality of nodes is configured to store frames received from the switch in a buffer and to update the value in the dynamic delay field to reflect the end-to-end system delay. |
| US08665880B2 |
Techniques for distributing content to multiple devices in a communication network
This disclosure describes techniques for scheduling distribution of content to a plurality of devices in a communication network, such as a cellular-based wireless network. According to this disclosure, two or more distribution techniques may be used, and scheduling techniques are performed to determine which distribution technique to use for different content. For example, content can be broadcast to all devices on the network (broadcast), multicast within several cells of the network (multi-cell multicast), multicast in a specific cell of the network (single cell multicast), or unicast to one or more specific devices within specific cells of the network (unicast). The scheduling techniques described in this disclosure may improve content distribution by substantially maximizing the number of content requests that are satisfied, particularly when bandwidth is limited. |
| US08665877B2 |
Establishing directed communication based upon physical interaction between two devices
A method and system for establishing wireless communication with a device is provided. Aspects of an exemplary embodiment include detecting, at a first device, a physical interaction involving the first device and a second device. Further, the first device identifies a network address usable for establishing communication between the first device and the second device, the network address identified based on information associated with the detected physical interaction. Further, a role of the first device is determined, wherein the role of the first device is an initiator device. Further, based on the role of the first device as the initiator device, the network address is wirelessly provided to the second device. Further, content is wirelessly transferred between the first device and the second device using the network address. |
| US08665873B2 |
Network address translator 64 for dual stack mobile internet protocol version six
An apparatus comprising a home agent (HA) configured to couple to a mobile node (MN), a network address translation (NAT) server, and an Internet Protocol (IP) version four (IPv4) only host and to associate an IP version six (IPv6) address for an interface with the MN with an IPv4 address for an interface with the IPv4 only host in a NAT state table entry, wherein the NAT state table entry is used to translate an IPv6 packet associated with the MN to an IPv4 packet associated with the IPv4 only host. |
| US08665870B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling push messages
The described embodiments include a first electronic device that sends one or more dummy packets to a second electronic device to cause network hardware in a network connection between the first and second electronic devices to forward buffered push messages and/or acknowledge messages. |
| US08665867B2 |
Method and device for processing switching control command
The present invention provides a method for processing a switch control command for solving the problem that consistency of data of the network device and the network management is unable to be kept in the process of processing the switch control command in the prior art. This method includes: when a priority of obtained trigger information is higher than a priority of a switch control command, discarding the switch control command (103); and reporting the discarded switch control command to a control system which manages the network device (104). The present invention further provides an device for processing a switch control command. |
| US08665863B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring quality of customer service in customer/agent calls over a VoIP network
A system and method for monitoring call quality for calling centers using packet based call technology. A distributed system manages packet flow between a caller and a call center agent and storage servers. The distributed system is used to monitor, record and analyze real time communications between the caller and the agent and to identify whether certain predetermined parameters are occurring in any particular call. In the event that such a predetermined parameter does exist, a message can be sent to a supervisory station or dialog guidance messages may be sent to the agent. |
| US08665862B1 |
Performing cross-domain deregistration
A mobile station attached to a first type service domain determines that the mobile station should deregister in a second, different type service domain. In response to the determination to deregister, a deregistration request is sent through the first type service domain. The deregistration request indicates that the mobile station is to be deregistered in the second type service domain. |
| US08665861B1 |
VoIP delay for predictive maintenance
A method automatically detects and isolates total, partial, and latent total failures of one or more network segments by analyzing delay data collected by an internet protocol monitor during the set-up or termination of an internet protocol connection. The overall and/or intermediate delays of protocol messages exchanged during the set-up or termination of an internet protocol call connection are monitored and flagged based on threshold values. By analyzing the overall and/or intermediate delays, one or more potential problem segments can be isolated. |
| US08665860B2 |
Relay device and method for continuing service
A relay device that relays a message transmitted from a terminal device to a server through a communications network. When a message is received from the terminal device, the relay device obtains attribute information related to the user of the terminal device, obtains an identifier to be inserted into a message to the terminal device by a server that generated a session in response to the message from the terminal device, the identifier being for identifying the session, stores the obtained identifier that is associated with the attribute information, determines whether or not the attribute information coincident to the attribute information obtained by receiving the message from the terminal device is to be stored when a message was received from the terminal device, inserts the identifier associated with the attribute information into the message received from the terminal device when the coincident attribute information is stored, and relays the message. |
| US08665846B2 |
Communication system, apparatus and method for antenna array control
A wireless communication system comprises a network element (315) operably coupled to an antenna array for communicating with a remote wireless communication unit (305). The antenna array comprises a plurality of radiating elements where at least one first radiating element of the plurality of radiating elements is arranged to create a radiation pattern that comprises a sector beam (405). The plurality of radiating elements comprises at least one second radiating element arranged to create a major portion of at least one sub-sector beam (420, 425, 430) within the sector beam (405). |
| US08665843B2 |
Single MPDU frame signaling
Embodiments of systems and methods for providing single MPDU frame signaling are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08665841B1 |
Multiple simultaneous mesh routes
A device within a first mesh node includes a data interface that receives a data frame and a frame generation module that generates a plurality of route request frames based on a type of data within the data frame where each of the plurality of route request frames is used to discover at least one route between the first mesh node and a second mesh node. |
| US08665839B2 |
Wireless communications system, base station, and mobile station
A wireless communications system including a mobile station MS and base stations BS1 and BS2, wherein one or both of the mobile station MS and the base stations BS1 and BS2 is provided with a unit for notifying information of a frame position with the possibility of transmission of packets based on detection of deterioration of a reception quality and wherein the mobile station MS is provided with a unit for determining a frame position without the possibility of transmission of packets and shifting to a peripheral cell detection mode at this frame position based on information of a frame position with the possibility of transmission of packets, whereby it is possible to shift to a peripheral cell detection mode without lowering the transmission efficiency and without complicating the processing. |
| US08665837B2 |
Communicating control information in mobile communication system
The present invention relates to communicating control information in a mobile communication system, wherein the control information of a mobile terminal for scheduling an uplink channel may be notified to a network more quickly with less power. The present invention comprises transmitting a data block on a first physical channel, wherein the data block comprises control information, and transmitting an indicator having a specific value on a second physical channel for indicating the transmission of the control information on the first physical channel. |
| US08665835B2 |
Self-optimizing wireless network
Optimizing a plurality cell sites or sectors in a wireless network including receiving network data regarding a plurality of cell sites or sectors; determining a critical zone in which communication is degraded; determining best neighbor cell sites or sectors among the neighbor cell sites or sectors associated with the critical cell sites or sectors; determining if the critical cell sites or sectors in the critical zone have available resources for achieving a desired improvement in communications; determining if the best neighbor cell sites or sectors have available resources for achieving the desired improvement in communications; and altering wireless network parameters of the critical cell sites or sectors, or the best neighbor cells sites or sectors for achieving the desired improvement in communications. |
| US08665831B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling cellular reselection attempts on a computing device
A method and apparatus for controlling cellular reselection attempts on a computing device is disclosed. A computing device performs an automated process to repeatedly check the adequacy of the serving cell that it is currently assigned to. The computing device performs the check to determine whether it should perform a neighbor search and cell reselection. If the computing device determines the presence of particular conditions, it can perform the reselection by a default automated process. On the other hand, if the computing device determines criteria based, at least in part, on past instances, the computing device can modify the default automated process and skip attempts at performing neighbor search and cell reselections. |
| US08665830B2 |
Methods, apparatuses, related computer program product and data structure for deciding on a signaling scheme for handover
A first method (and related first apparatus) includes transmitting, in a handover request message, an indication of a first protocol version; a second method (and related second apparatus) includes receiving, in the handover request message, the indication, deciding, based on the received indication and a second protocol version, on a value of an information element included in a handover request acknowledgement message to be transmitted, the information element indicating usage of a first or second signaling schemes, and transmitting the handover request acknowledgement message including the information element; and in the first method receiving the handover request acknowledgement message including the information element; and a third method (and related third apparatus) including receiving the handover command message including the information element, and configuring according to one of the first and second signaling schemes indicated by the information element. |
| US08665823B2 |
Method and entities for inter-domain handover
Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and entities involved in enabling and improving inter-domain handover. A PS based RAN such as eUTRAN can identify which potential handover to prepare and which handover to initiate, PS-PS or SR-VCC based on: (1) the UE's SR-VCC capabilities, (2) “SR-VCC indication” from the MME, (3) active VoIP bearer, and (4) target cell capabilities. |
| US08665822B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling physical downlink control channel orders in wireless communication system
A method for handling physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) orders in a user equipment (UE) of a wireless communication system is disclosed. The wireless communication system supports Carrier Aggregation, which enables the UE to perform transmission and/or reception through multiple carriers. The method includes steps of configuring a plurality of carriers, receiving a PDCCH order, and using a specific carrier within the plurality of carriers to trigger a random access procedure according to the PDCCH order. |
| US08665819B2 |
System and method for providing mobility between heterogenous networks in a communication environment
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes providing an Internet Protocol (IP) address based on an authentication request associated with a device, the authentication request being associated with a Wi-Fi protocol. The method also includes identifying a Wi-Fi event associated with the IP address, and mapping the Wi-Fi event to a WiMax event. Further, the method includes providing a WiMax message, which is based on the Wi-Fi event, to a network element. In other embodiments, the mapping further includes converting the Wi-Fi event to the WiMax message such that the WiMax message is presented to the network element in a WiMax format. The same IP address can be used for both the Wi-Fi event and the WiMax message. In yet other embodiments, the method includes communicating a disconnection request to the network element when the device moves from a Wi-Fi coverage area to a WiMax coverage area, mapping a new WiMax event to a new Wi-Fi event, and providing a Wi-Fi message, which is based on the new WiMax event, to the device. |
| US08665817B2 |
Method and apparatus for mode switching between a multi-cell coordinated communication mode and a single-cell MIMO communication mode
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, and more particularly, discloses a method and an apparatus for mode switching between a multi-cell coordinated communication mode and a single-cell MIMO communication mode. A method for dynamically switching a communication mode according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step of generating and transmitting first feedback information in accordance with a first communication mode; a step of switching the first communication mode into a second communication mode interlocked with the first communication mode; and a step of generating and transmitting second feedback information in accordance with the second communication mode. The first communication mode is one of a multi-cell coordinated multi-point (CoMP) communication mode and a single-cell multi-input multi-output (MIMO) communication mode, and the second communication mode is the other of the multi-cell coordinated multi-point (CoMP) communication mode and the single-cell multi-input multi-output (MIMO) communication mode. The switching step can be performed without signaling from a base station. |
| US08665816B2 |
Wireless communication method in traffic system, wireless base station, and wireless terminal
An on-vehicle device sends an allocation request for a wireless resource to a roadside device. The roadside device, in response to receiving this allocation request, allocates a roadside-vehicle resource that is a wireless resource for roadside-vehicle communication with the on-vehicle device, and an inter-vehicle resource that is a wireless resource for inter-vehicle communication between on-vehicle devices; and sends the allocation information to the on-vehicle device. The on-vehicle device carries out roadside-vehicle communication with the roadside device using the roadside-vehicle resource identified with the allocation information received from the roadside device, and carries out inter-vehicle communication with other on-vehicle devices using the inter-vehicle resource identified with the allocation information. Thereby, roadside-vehicle communication and inter-vehicle communication can be achieved with higher utilization of wireless resources while avoiding the hidden terminal problem. |
| US08665812B2 |
Multi-user scheduling involving retransmission
The present invention discloses a network node (100) for multi-user scheduling involving retransmission. The network node comprises a receiver (110) adapted to receive channel quality indicator (CQI) report from a user equipment (UE), an adjuster (120) adapted to adjust signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) derived from the CQI report to obtain SINR for retransmission, a combiner (130) adapted to combine SINR for initial transmission and SINR for one or a plurality of retransmission to obtain effective SINR, and a scheduler (140) adapted to perform multi-user scheduling on the basis of priority metric derived from the effective SINR. The present invention improves multi-user scheduling by taking HARQ combining gain into account. Instantaneous throughput as well as priority metric can be accurately measured, because SINR from not only channel quality (e.g. CQI) but also HARQ processing gain are both included. |
| US08665811B2 |
Reference signal for a control channel in wireless communication network
A wireless communication terminal receives a first set of pilot signal resource elements and control information in spatial layers in a first resource block in a subframe and a second set of pilot signal resource elements and data in spatial layers in a second resource block in the subframe, wherein the first and second resource blocks span a set of time symbols in a sub-frame, the first resource blocks span a first set of frequency carriers in the sub-frame, and the second resource blocks span a second set of frequency carriers in the sub-frame. The terminal decodes the spatial layers in which the control information is received using the first set of pilot signal resource elements. The terminal also decodes the spatial layers in which the data are received in the second resource block using the second set of pilot signal resource elements. |
| US08665808B2 |
Method of converting allocated radio resource mode of MS in wireless access system
A method of switching a radio resource mode allocated to a mobile station in a wireless access system is discussed. The method for switching the radio-resource mode allocated to a mobile station in the wireless access system includes, transmitting a first message comprising Carrier to Interference and Noise Ratio (CINR) information of a second radio-resource mode to a base station for requesting a switching from a first radio-resource mode allocated to the mobile station to the second radio-resource mode; and transmitting a predetermined codeword for indicating that the switching from the first radio-resource mode to the second radio-resource mode has not been normally performed, if a second message approving the switching of the radio-resource mode is not received within a predetermined time. |
| US08665803B2 |
Tone selection in communication networks
Tones within a channel can be selected randomly and/or based on orthogonal tone selection. Random selection can include selecting tones randomly from a fixed set, which is referred to as channelized tone selection. Channelized tone selection can be chosen if a critical tone exists. Random selection can also include selecting resources randomly from the total number of resources available, which is referred to as non-channelized tone selection. Orthogonal tone selection can be chosen to mitigate the probability of receiver desensitization and/or to attempt to mitigate interference. |
| US08665802B2 |
Method of transmitting and receiving wireless resource information
A method of transmitting and receiving radio resource information is provided. The present invention includes transmitting a physical random access channel (PRACH) preamble to a network, receiving an acknowledgement for the PRACH preamble from the network, where the acknowledgement for the PRACH preamble includes an identifier identifying the UE and uplink grant information, transmitting a connection request message for requesting a connection to the network using the uplink grant information, and receiving a connection response message from the network in response to the connection request message. |
| US08665800B2 |
Uplink allocations for acknowledgement of downlink data
The specification and drawings present a new method, system, apparatus and software product for implicit signaling and defining uplink allocations for an acknowledgment of downlink data using user downlink resource allocations, e.g., combined with user equipment detection of other user's allocations for data-non-associated signaling of hybrid automatic request process (HARQ) control information. Sequences of the downlink resource allocations are used to pre-define associated uplink control signaling resources. |
| US08665798B2 |
Method and system for transferring wireless transmit/receive unit-specific information
The present invention is related to a method and system for transferring wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU)-specific information to support enhanced uplink (EU) operation in a wireless communication system. A radio network controller (RNC) obtains WTRU-specific information, and transfers the WTRU-specific information to the Node-Bs. Each Node-B is configured to schedule uplink transmissions from a WTRU and utilizes the WTRU-specific information in operation of EU transmissions. |
| US08665795B2 |
Method and system for providing beamforming feedback in wireless communication systems
Techniques to support beamforming for stations in a wireless network are described. A station may support beamforming with implicit or explicit feedback by having capabilities to transmit and receive sounding frames, responding to training request by sending a sounding frame, and responding to request for explicit feedback. In one explicit beamforming embodiment, the station may send a first frame with an explicit feedback request and may also send a Null Data Packet (NDP) having at least one training field but no data field. The station may receive a second frame with explicit feedback, which may be derived based on the NDP. The station may derive steering information based on explicit feedback and may then send a steered frame with beamforming based on steering information. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described. |
| US08665794B2 |
Frame concatenation in wireless UWB devices
A method and system is provided for transmitting data frames from a first device to a second device in a wireless network. The method includes concatenating a plurality of data frames (303) into an aggregated frame (100) by the first device; transmitting the aggregated frame (100) from the first device to the second device; validating each of the plurality of data frames (303) individually by the second device; and retransmitting each of the data frames (303) that contains an error by the first device, without retransmitting the data frames that are valid. |
| US08665793B2 |
Method and system for implementing single radio voice call continuity
The present invention discloses a method and a system for implementing single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC), and said method includes: an ALG sending number information and/or identifier information if the ALG to a SCAS via a signaling message; said SCAS judging whether the number information and/or identifier information of the ALG are identical with the last used REFER number information or not, and if not, said SCAS notifying a PS or CS network control entity of the number information and/or identifier information of the ALG; alternatively, said SCAS notifying the PS or CS network control entity of the number and/or identifier information of the ALG. The present invention implements to dynamically select the ALG as a REFER operation entity to implement SRVCC, and solves the problem that a REFER request cannot be sent to an appropriate ALG since this ALG cannot be dynamically determined. |
| US08665790B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling access to a radio resource
In a radio system where wireless nodes are in contact, the wireless nodes are enabled to exchange information with adjacent nodes. In addition, in one embodiment distant nodes out of range for direct communication can be communicated with by forwarding data over multiple hops. When a user, in particular a primary user, is detected by a node, a spectrum access blocking message is sent, to other nodes in the vicinity of the node thereby enabling blocking of the radio resource in a geographical area in which the other usage is detected. This means that the radio resource is blocked in that area from being accessed by other users than the primary user. The blocking message can be distributed in any suitable manner and can be tailored for the application at hand. |
| US08665789B2 |
Architecture for open communication in a heterogeneous network
Network architecture configured for open communication between a plurality of sub-networks. Each of the plurality of sub-networks has a different routable network addressing scheme. The architecture includes at least one broker node adapted to communicate using at least two different routable network addressing schemes. The broker node comprises an identification management module configured to collect peer-application addresses for nodes currently accessing a specific application, the peer-application addresses being associated with a specific application, an address resolution module configured to map each of the peer-application addresses to a sub-network specific routable network address and a network coordination module configured to monitor and coordinate sub-network communication capabilities between the broker node and at least one other broker node and elect a primary broker node for each sub-network which the broker node and at least one other broker node is capable of communication. |
| US08665785B2 |
Systems and methods for establishing a telecommunications bridge between a user device and a node
Systems and methods for establishing a telecommunications bridge between a user device and a node are provided herein. In some embodiments a method for establishing a telecommunications bridge between a user device and a node includes receiving a request to establish a telecommunications bridge, the request including information indicative of a user device, and a campaign identifier corresponding to at least one node, comparing the campaign identifier to a campaign database, the campaign database including information indicative of campaign identifiers associated with at least one node, and establishing the telecommunications bridge between a user device and at least one node. |
| US08665784B2 |
Web based smart sensor network tracking and monitoring system
A wireless sensor network including a plurality of Smart Sensors coupled to a wide area network such as the Internet via a Wireless Sensor Coordinator. Each wireless sensor network comprises a plurality of Smart Sensors, each operable to measure one or more physical quantities. Each wireless sensor communicates the measured data to a Wireless Sensor Coordinator which then stores the collected data in memory. The Wireless Sensor Coordinator further includes a web server operable to post a web site on a network that is accessible by a common web browser. Upon receiving a request for sensed data via the web site, the Wireless Sensor Coordinator retrieves the appropriate measured and stored data and converts it into HTML format pages which are then posted on the web site for review by the requestor. |
| US08665780B2 |
Arrangements and method for handling macro diversity in UTRAN transport network
The present invention relates to a router, computer program products and a method in a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). The router resides in an Internet Protocol (IP) based UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) Transport Network. The UTRAN transport network carries Dedicated Channel (DCH) frames on DCHs between a RNC and at least one Node B, wherein the router comprises means for splitting one DCH traffic flow into at least two DCH traffic flows by using an IP multicast protocol. |
| US08665779B2 |
Monitoring and control of transmit power in a multi-modem wireless communication device
A method (100) for limiting transmission power of a communication device (600) having a plurality of transceivers (610, 615). The method can include determining a desired maximum transmission power and determining a plurality of power contribution factors. Each of the power contribution factors can be associated with a respective one of the transceivers. The method also can include determining an expected transmission power based on, at least in part, a sum of the power contribution factors. Further, responsive to the expected transmission power exceeding the desired maximum transmission power, the power contribution for at least one of the transceivers can be selectively reduced or terminated. |
| US08665778B2 |
Monitoring and control of transmit power in a multi-modem wireless communication device
A method (100) for limiting transmission power of a communication device (600) having a plurality of transceivers (610, 615). The method can include determining a desired maximum transmission power and determining a plurality of power contribution factors. Each of the power contribution factors can be associated with a respective one of the transceivers. The method also can include determining an expected transmission power based on, at least in part, a sum of the power contribution factors. Further, responsive to the expected transmission power exceeding the desired maximum transmission power, the power contribution for at least one of the transceivers can be selectively reduced or terminated. |
| US08665774B2 |
Reverse link power-controlled repeater
The invention provides a mechanism for automatically setting reverse link gain or power for a repeater (120) used in a communication system (100) through the use of the reverse link power control of a built-in wireless communications device. By embedding a wireless communication device (430, 630, 700) inside the repeater and injecting reverse link signals of the embedded device into the reverse link of the repeater (124A, 124B), the gain of the repeater is maintained relatively constant. The embedded WCD can also be activated on a periodic basis to make calls and utilize reverse link power-control to calibrate or re-calibrate the gain of the repeater, making it a power-controlled repeater. |
| US08665771B2 |
Satellite mobile communication systems considering evolution of satellite mobile communication services market and method for communication using the system
Disclosed is a communication method of a satellite mobile communication system. The communication method of a satellite mobile communication system, includes: receiving system information indicating frame intervals in which first user equipments using a satellite radio interface in commonality with a terrestrial radio interface do not perform communications from a base station; accessing the base station in the rest frame intervals other than frame intervals in which the first user equipments do not perform communications, based on the system information; transmitting the system information from the base station to second user equipments using a satellite radio interface optimized for satellite environment; and accessing the base station in the rest frame intervals based on the system information received in the second user equipments. |
| US08665770B2 |
MBMS feedback method for E-MBS adaptation
An MBS feedback method is disclosed. The MBS feedback method includes detecting one or more codes multiplexed in Code Division Multiplexing (CDM) from an MBS feedback channel, and adjusting a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) based on the detected one or more codes. |
| US08665768B2 |
Femtocell one-to-many packet delivery
Femto nodes provide Local IP Access (LIPA) which allows terminals to communicate with local area networks that the femtocells reside in using cellular air-interfaces (such as cdma2000, UMTS or LTE). Femto nodes also enable Remote IP Access (RIPA) service, which allows the terminals to access the local area network from the Internet as if they were present in the local area networks. Further, to avoid degradation of standby time of the terminals or the capacity of the femto node, or both, apparatus and methods are described herein in which a femto node consolidates received Broadcast/Multicast IP packets from a local area network prior to delivering the packets to terminals over a cellular air-interface. In other aspects, a femto node may deliver the received Broadcast/Multicast IP packets via a cellular one-to-many transmission, either with or without consolidation. |
| US08665765B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus
A wireless communication apparatus (100) includes a broadcast/multicast reception determination unit (120) for determining whether data distributed by broadcast/multicast is being received or not; a wireless session close process unit (140) for performing a wireless session close process when a wireless session close timer is expired; and a control unit (150) for controlling the wireless session close process unit to hold the wireless session close process activated based on expiration of the wireless session close timer until reception of data distributed by broadcast/multicast is completed, in case that it is determined that data distributed by the broadcast/multicast is being received when the wireless session close timer is expired. |
| US08665764B2 |
Apparatus and method for changing multicast and broadcast service channel of terminal in broadband wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for changing a Multicast and Broadcast Service (MBS) channel of a terminal in a broadband wireless communication system are provided. In the method, an overall channel scheduling information message comprising group information for Connection Identifications (CIDs) of all channels in service is received from a base station. Transmission information of an MBS channel scheduling information message corresponding to a group to which a CID of a current channel belongs is extracted from the overall channel scheduling information message. A relevant MBS channel scheduling information message is received from the base station using the extracted transmission information of the MBS channel scheduling information message. Transmission information of an MBS MAP message for a relevant CID is extracted from the MBS channel scheduling information message. Therefore, an MBS channel change of a terminal can be easily performed. |
| US08665763B2 |
Method for controlling downlink transmission power in wireless communication system and apparatus for the same
Provided is a method of controlling power of a downlink channel in a wireless communication system, the method including: transmitting at least one data to a user equipment; receiving feedback information for the data from the user equipment; and controlling downlink transmission power using the feedback information. It is possible to control the power without time delay and additional use of radio resources in a VoIP service which is responsible for satisfying a fixed transmission rate in real time. Moreover, it is possible to control the power without waste of control channels to perform PDCCH link adaptation. |
| US08665751B2 |
Digital subscriber line (DSL) network upgrade tool
A network upgrade tool identifies at least one new digital subscriber line (DSL) path pre-provisionable elements associated with the at least one new DSL path. The tool provisions the identified pre-provisionable elements prior to transition from at least one existing DSL path to the at least one new DSL path; receives a notification that physical network changes associated with a target digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) have been made; and provisions non-pre-provisioned elements following receipt of the notification. |
| US08665750B2 |
Methods, devices, and computer program products for auditing and repairing a wireless telecommunications network configuration
A wireless telecommunications network configuration is audited and repaired. Configuration data is received, representing a current configuration of network elements within the network. The current configuration indicates how network elements are configured within the network or routing and handling communications within the network. Fault and performance data is received representing a current level service quality of the network. The current configuration data is compared to a signature configuration of the network, the signature configuration representing how network elements should be configured within the network such that communications are routed and handled for at least one of optimal performance, disaster recovery, and operation continuity. A determination is made, based on the comparison and the collected fault and performance data, whether repairs are needed to the current configuration of the network. Repair information is provided for the network elements needing repairs based on a determination that repairs are needed. |
| US08665749B2 |
Method and apparatus for realizing source routing in a blocking cross network
The present invention discloses a method for realizing source routing in a blocking cross network. Link state advertisement information diffused in the network carries cross constraint characteristic information, and a call initiating node checks a path tree and gets a service path according to the cross constraint characteristic information included in the link state advertisement information in the network; the cross constraint characteristic information includes physical transmission link layer constraint information of a link in a node, which is called link switching constraint information, and constraint information of each wavelength channel in the link, which is called wavelength constraint characteristic information. The present invention also discloses an apparatus for realizing source routing in a blocking cross network. When a control connection request is initiated, the present invention can calculate a complete end-to-end path and a proposed wavelength of each link according to the link switching constraint information and the wavelength constraint characteristic information, and multi-level service scheduling is supported. |
| US08665744B2 |
Convenient provisioning of embedded devices with WiFi capability
A WiFi-enabled embedded device boots as a first access point. The WiFi-enabled embedded device communicates with a first wireless station to receive configuration parameters while continuing to operate as an access point. The WiFi-enabled embedded device then applies the configuration parameters internally to cause the WiFi-enabled embedded device to operate as a second wireless station. In an embodiment, the first wireless station discovers a configuration service advertized by the WiFi-enabled embedded device using mDN/DNS-SD, and automatically provides the configuration parameters to the WiFi-enabled embedded device. Convenient provisioning of the WiFi-enabled embedded device is thus made possible. |
| US08665742B2 |
Method of using link adaptation and power control for streaming services in wireless networks
A method for improving the performance for a streaming service by link-adaptation and power-control in a wireless packet network such as an Enhanced General Packet Radio Services (EGPRS) cellular network is described. In particular, the effects of a combined link adaptation and power control scheme (referred to as an error-based scheme) for achieving a target error rate, which is non-zero but low enough so that limited retransmission and error concealment techniques are effective, is presented. |
| US08665738B2 |
Transmission apparatus and signal transmission method
A transmission apparatus stores frame data of a first frame in a second frame having a bit rate different from that of the first frame through regulation of the amount of stuffs to be stored in the second frame. The transmission apparatus includes: a storage unit storing the first-frame frame data; a first control unit controlling a timing of writing the first-frame frame data in the storage unit based on first stuff information indicating the amount of stuffs contained in the first frame; an arithmetic and logic unit obtaining second stuff information indicating the amount of stuffs to be contained in the second frame based on a bit rate ratio between the first frame and the second frame; and a second control unit controlling a timing of reading out the first-frame frame data stored in the storage unit based on the second stuff information. |
| US08665731B1 |
Reliability estimation methods for large networked systems
A computer-based method for determining a probability that no path exists from a starting node to a target node within a network of nodes and directional links between pairs of nodes. The nodes and directional links form paths of a reliability graph and the method is performed using a computer coupled to a database. The method includes selecting a set of paths between the starting node and the target node that have been determined to be reliable, calculating a reliability of the union of the selected path sets, setting an upper bound for unreliability of the set of all paths, selecting a set of minimal cutsets from all cutsets that lie between the starting node and the target node, calculating the probability of the union of the minimal cutsets, and setting a lower bound for the unreliability of the set of all cutsets. |
| US08665728B2 |
System and method for IP target traffic analysis
Methods and systems for identifying network users who communicate with the network (e.g., the Internet) via a given network connection. The disclosed techniques analyze traffic that flows in the network to determine, for example, whether the given network connection serves a single individual or multiple individuals, a single computer or multiple computers. A Profiling System (PS) acquires copies of data traffic that flow through network connections that connect computers to the WAN. The PS analyzes the acquired data, attempting to identify individuals who login to servers. |
| US08665717B2 |
Data rate aware scheduling in advanced wireless networks
A base station for an Internet protocol (IP) wireless access network receives an initial attach request from a user device. Based on the initial attach request, a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) device provides to the base station, a subscriber bearer policy that includes a particular quality-of-service control indicator (QCI) value, an uplink data rate limit, and a downlink data rate limit. The base station calculates an uplink bandwidth allocation, based on the QCI value and the uplink data rate limit, that is proportionate to the total maximum data rate of all uplink traffic with the same QCI value. The base station also calculates a downlink bandwidth allocation, based on the QCI value and the downlink data rate limit, that is proportionate to the total maximum data rate of all downlink traffic with the same QCI value. |
| US08665712B2 |
Apparatus and methods for delayed network information transfer
Apparatus and method for delayed network information transfer are disclosed. A user requests a file via a file requesting device, over a network, from a server. That request is accompanied by an expected delivery time of the file to the user. A schedule is generated by the server for transfer of the file according to a scheduled time, which scheduled time is determined in part at least by the expected delivery time. At the scheduled time, the file is then transmitted by the server to a file receiving device. |
| US08665711B2 |
Fast restoration for provider edge node and access link failures
A first network device creates a protection path to a second network device associated with a first service site, and creates a pseudowire between the first service site and a second service site via the first network device and the second network device. The first network device also detects a failure between the first network device and the first service site, and forwards traffic, provided by the pseudowire between the first service site and the second service site, via the protection path. The second network device uses the traffic on the protection path as a trigger to activate a link between the second network device and the first service site. |
| US08665706B2 |
Redundancy in point-to-multipoint (PMP) backhaul networks
A device establishes a failover virtual local area network (VLAN) with a first concentration node, a first Ethernet backhaul router, and an access node of a first Ethernet backhaul coverage area. The device also receives, via the first Ethernet backhaul router, an indication of a failure of a second concentration node of a second Ethernet backhaul coverage area intersecting with the first Ethernet backhaul coverage area. The device further enables, based on the failure indication, a switchover of traffic, associated with the second concentration node, to the device and via the failover VLAN. |
| US08665691B2 |
Frame and data pattern structure for multi-carrier systems
The present invention relates to a transmitting apparatus for transmitting signals in a multi carrier system on the basis of a frame structure, each frame comprising at least one signalling pattern and one or more data patterns, said transmitting apparatus comprising frame forming means adapted to arrange first signalling data in said at least one signalling pattern in a frame, and adapted to arrange data in said one or more data patterns in a frame, whereby the data of said one or more data patterns comprise content data and sorting information enabling a sorting of the content data in the correct temporal order, transforming means adapted to transform said at least one signalling pattern and said one or more data patterns from the frequency domain into the time domain in order to generate a time domain transmission signal, and transmitting means adapted to transmit said time domain transmission signal.The invention further relates to a corresponding transmitting method and frame structure, as well as a corresponding receiving apparatus and method, and corresponding transmitting and receiving apparatus and method. |
| US08665689B2 |
Multi-layer optical disc and optical disc apparatus
[Problem] In a conventional multilayer optical disc, management information needs to be retrieved from the control area of its reference layer to find how many information layers there are in the optical disc.[Means for Solving the Problem] A multilayer optical disc according to the present invention has multiple information layers that are stacked one upon the other. The information layers include at least one layer on which layer number information, indicating its own place in the multiple information layers, and information about the total number of information layers included are both stored. |
| US08665684B2 |
Information storage medium, reproducing method, and recording method
A machine readable information storage medium, a reproducing method and apparatus which reproduces data from the storage medium, and a recording method and apparatus for recording data on the storage medium. The information storage medium includes a control area which stores within a data structure information usable by the recording or reproducing apparatus to record or reproduce the data on or from the storage medium. The information stored within the data structure includes a version corresponding to a specification, a revision number of recording speed, and an extended part version field. |
| US08665681B2 |
Optical disc drive
There is provided an optical disc drive comprises an optical pick-up including a laser diode (LD) and a laser diode driver (LDD) for driving the laser diode, a digital signal processor (DSP) including a write strategy circuit and low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) drivers for transmitting a produced write strategy signal, a circuit board having the DSP mounted thereon and including a line for transmitting the write strategy signal, a transmission line connecting the circuit board and the LDD and transmitting a write strategy signal, and differential resistors connected between differential lines of outputs of the LVDS drivers. Especially, a resistor having a resistance value in a range of 80 to 500Ω is inserted between the differential lines of outputs of the LVDS driver inside the DSP. |
| US08665679B2 |
Optical read/write apparatus and read apparatus
In one embodiment, the optical read/write apparatus includes a plurality of optical pickups arranged to cross tracks of an optical storage medium and a control section. On finding the data that has been written by any of those optical pickups inaccurate or on detecting any defect at a location where data is going to be written by any of the optical pickups, the control section instructs another one of the optical pickups to write that data on a different track from a track on which the data should have been written. |
| US08665676B2 |
Acoustic radiating membrane for a music box or striking watch
The acoustic radiating membrane (1) is for assembly in a music box or a striking watch. The membrane is made with at least one area of asymmetrical shape, formed in the material of the membrane or with at least one area of asymmetrical shape having a different thickness from the general thickness of the membrane. It preferably includes two asymmetrical areas of elliptical shape (2, 3) which are partly superposed and have a different thickness from each other. The two ellipses (2, 3), preferably hollowed out of the membrane, are off-centre in relation to each other. |
| US08665675B2 |
Timepiece with wireless communication function
A timepiece with a wireless function comprises a movement that displays time; a conductive case that holds the movement; a crystal that is disposed on a face side of the case and covers a face side of the movement; a conductive plate that is disposed between the movement and the crystal and reflects radio waves; and an antenna that has a substantially annular, conductive antenna electrode and is disposed along an outside edge of the conductive plate between the conductive plate and the crystal as seen in a lateral view. The antenna electrode is configured to receive the radio waves reflected by the conductive plate. |
| US08665671B2 |
Seismic sensor devices
A sensor device (100) is adapted to be installed at a land-air interface. The sensor device (100) comprises a fluid-filled housing (101) and a sensor arrangement (102, 103) supported within the housing (101) and coupled directly to the fluid so as to detect movement thereof. A seismic sensor installation comprises a sensor device (100) installed at a land-air boundary, wherein the sensor device comprises a fluid-filled housing (101) and a sensor arrangement (102, 103) supported within the housing (101) and coupled directly to the fluid as to detect movement thereof. |
| US08665669B2 |
Acoustic signal detector
Disclosed is an acoustic signal detector for detecting a target with moving in water. The acoustic signal detector may include a body having a front portion, the front portion having a cross section which becomes gradually narrow and an end formed to have a plane. The plane may be perpendicular to a moving direction of the acoustic signal detector. The acoustic signal detector may further include a plurality of sensor arrays configured to generate sound and detect sound returned by being reflected by a target. The plurality of sensor arrays may be mounted on a side surface of the front portion and on the plane. |
| US08665660B2 |
Clock handoff circuit and clock handoff method
A clock handoff circuit outputting data in synchronism with a first clock input thereto as output data in synchronism with a second clock, includes: a dual port RAM capable of performing writing and reading independently of each other; a write address control section controlling write addresses of the dual port RAM in which the input data is written; a blank address detecting section detecting blank addresses among the write addresses in which the input data is not written; and a read address conversion section converting the write addresses of the dual port RAM excluding the blank address into read addresses from which the output data are read out. |
| US08665651B1 |
Reference cell circuit and method of producing a reference current
The present invention discloses a reference cell circuit which is applied to a non-volatile memory. The reference cell circuit includes a reference cell array, a first current mirror circuit, and a second current mirror circuit. The reference cell array includes at least one row of floating gate transistors. The first current mirror circuit is arranged to generate a mirror current according to a reference current generated by the reference cell array. The second current mirror circuit is arranged to receive the mirror current and generate an adjusted reference current according to the mirror current and a selected one of a plurality of enable signals, wherein the plurality of enable signals correspond to a plurality operations of the non-volatile memory and the adjusted reference current is arranged to determine logical state of a plurality of memory cells of the non-volatile memory. |
| US08665645B2 |
Drift compensation in a flash memory
A plurality of memory cells are managed by obtaining values of one or more environmental parameters of the cells and adjusting values of one or more reference voltages of the cells accordingly. Alternatively, a statistic of at least some of the cells, relative to a single reference parameter that corresponds to a control parameter of the cells, is measured, and the value of the reference voltage is adjusted accordingly. Examples of environmental parameters include program-erase cycle count, data retention time and temperature. Examples of reference voltages include read reference voltages and program verify reference voltages. Examples of statistics include the fraction of cells whose threshold voltages exceed initial lower bounds or initial medians. |
| US08665644B2 |
Stacked memory device and method of fabricating same
A stacked semiconductor memory device comprises a semiconductor substrate having a functional circuit, a plurality of memory cell array layers, and at least one connection layer. The memory cell array layers are stacked above the semiconductor substrate. The connection layers are stacked above the semiconductor substrate independent of the memory cell array layers. The connection layers electrically connect memory cell selecting lines arranged on the memory cell array layers to the functional circuit. |
| US08665641B2 |
Semiconductor device
A memory cell changes a potential of a bit line to a discharge potential from a precharge potential in correspondence with held data. A sense amplifier precharges a bit line by a precharge circuit, compares potential at a decision point linked with the potential of the bit line with a decision threshold and outputs a comparison result by an output circuit, and sets the potential at the decision point at a time of precharging in correspondence with the decision threshold. A capacitor element connects between the bit line and an input end of the output circuit. A potential setting circuit enables setting of an input end of the output circuit forming a decision point, to a prescribed potential between a precharge voltage of the bit line and the decision threshold at a time of precharging the bit line. Operating range of memory function is enlarged. |
| US08665640B2 |
Spin torque transfer cell structure utilizing field-induced antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic coupling
A magnetic memory cell including a soft magnetic layer and a coupling layer, and methods of operating the memory cell are provided. The memory cell includes a stack with a free ferromagnetic layer and a pinned ferromagnetic layer, and a soft magnetic layer and a coupling layer may also be formed as layers in the stack. The coupling layer may cause antiferromagnetic coupling to induce the free ferromagnetic layer to be magnetized in a direction antiparallel to the magnetization of the soft magnetic layer, or the coupling layer may cause ferromagnetic coupling to induce the free ferromagnetic layer to be magnetized in a direction parallel to the magnetization of the soft magnetic layer. The coupling layer, through a coupling effect, reduces the critical switching current of the memory cell. |
| US08665639B2 |
Magnetoresistive element and magnetic memory
According to one embodiment, a magnetoresistive element includes a first magnetic layer with a perpendicular and variable magnetization, a second magnetic layer with a perpendicular and invariable magnetization, and a first nonmagnetic layer between the first and second magnetic layer. The first magnetic layer has a laminated structure of first and second ferromagnetic materials. A magnetization direction of the first magnetic layer is changed by a current which pass through the first magnetic layer, the first nonmagnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. A perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of the second ferromagnetic material is smaller than that of the first ferromagnetic material. A film thickness of the first ferromagnetic material is thinner than that of the second ferromagnetic material. |
| US08665638B2 |
MRAM sensing with magnetically annealed reference cell
Systems and method for reading/sensing data stored in magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) cells using magnetically annealed reference cells. A MRAM includes a reference circuit comprising at least one magnetic storage cell, wherein each magnetic storage cell in the MRAM is programmed to the same state. The reference circuit includes a load element coupled to the magnetic storage cell, wherein the load element is configured to establish a reference voltage during a read operation. |
| US08665635B2 |
Memory cell
Methods, and circuits, are disclosed for operating a programmable memory device. One method embodiment includes storing a value as a state in a first memory cell and as a complementary state in a second memory cell. Such a method further includes determining the state of the first memory cell using a first self-biased sensing circuit and the complementary state of the second memory cell using a second self-biased sensing circuit, and comparing in a differential manner an indication of the state of the first memory cell to a reference indication of the complementary state of the second memory cell to determine the value. |
| US08665634B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A memory cell array includes memory cells disposed at intersections of first lines and second lines, and each having a rectifying element and a variable resistance element connected in series. A control circuit, when performing an operation to change retained data, applies a first voltage to a selected first line and applies a second voltage to a selected second line; furthermore, applies a third voltage to a non-selected first line; and, moreover, applies a fourth voltage larger than the third voltage to a non-selected second line. An absolute value of a difference between the third voltage and the fourth voltage is set smaller than an absolute value of a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage by an amount of an offset voltage. A value of the offset voltage increases as the absolute value of the difference between the first and second voltages increases. |
| US08665633B2 |
Nonvolatile variable resistance memory element writing method, and nonvolatile variable resistance memory device
A method of writing data to a variable resistance element (10a) that reversibly changes between a high resistance state and a low resistance state according to a polarity of an applied voltage, as a voltage applied to an upper electrode (11) with respect to a lower electrode (14t): a positive voltage is applied in a high resistance writing step (405) to set the variable resistance element to a high resistance state (401); a negative voltage is applied in a low resistance writing step (406, 408) to set the variable resistance element to a low resistance state (403, 402); and a positive voltage is applied in a low resistance stabilization writing step (404) after the negative voltage is applied in the low resistance writing step, thereby setting the variable resistance element through the low resistance state to the high resistance state. |
| US08665632B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device according to the embodiment comprises memory cells each having asymmetrical voltage-current characteristics, wherein the memory cell has a first state, and a second state and a third state of higher resistances than that in the first state, wherein the memory cell, (1) in the second state, makes a transition to the first state on application of a first voltage of the first polarity, (2) in the first state, makes a transition to the second state on application of a second voltage of the second polarity, (3) in the first state, makes a transition to the third state on application of a third voltage of the second polarity (the third voltage |
| US08665628B2 |
Ferroelectric memory device
A ferroelectric memory device has word, bit, plate lines; memory cells having access gate and ferroelectric capacitor; latch amplifier for latching stored data; and write amplifier for driving bit lines according to write data. The bit lines are precharged to a reference potential before an active period. In active period, at a first time, selected word line and plate line are driven to a high-level potential so that ferroelectric capacitor output electric charge to selected bit line, and at a second time, selected bit line is brought to reference potential regardless of write data so that first data is written to selected memory cell, and at a third time, plate line is driven to reference potential and is maintained; and in a precharge period, the write amplifier drives selected bit line to high-level potential according to write data so that second data is written to selected memory cell. |
| US08665624B2 |
Semiconductor device
According to an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a substrate, a connector, a volatile semiconductor memory element, multiple nonvolatile semiconductor memory elements, and a controller. A wiring pattern includes a signal line that is formed between the connector and the controller and that connects the connector to the controller. On the opposite side of the controller to the signal line, the multiple nonvolatile semiconductor memory elements are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the substrate. |
| US08665623B2 |
Power converter designed to enhance stability in operation
A power converter equipped with a plurality of semiconductor modules, a cooling device, a control circuit board, a smoothing capacitor, and a discharging resistor. The discharging resistor mounted on the control circuit board in parallel connection to the smoothing capacitor. The control circuit board has fabricated thereon a timing controller working to control timings of on/off operations of the semiconductor modules, a driver coupled to control terminals of the semiconductor modules to control voltage applied to the control terminals, and a power supply circuit working to transform a voltage input to the control circuit board into operating voltages for the timing controller and the driver. The driver is disposed between at least one of the timing controller and the power supply circuit and the discharging resistor, thereby protecting the timing controller and/or the power supply circuit mounted on the control circuit board from thermal energy radiating from the discharging resistor. |
| US08665622B2 |
Power supply unit supplying standby power by sharing switch of main converter
There is provided a power supply unit supplying a standby power by sharing a switch of a main converter. The power supply unit includes: a main converter, and a standby converter. The main converter controls a current flowing in a primary side winding of a main transformer and supplies a main power through a secondary side winding of the main transformer. The standby converter controls a current flowing in a primary side winding of a standby transformer and supplies a standby power through a secondary side winding of the standby transformer, and a portion of a plurality of switches of the main converter is included in switches of the standby converter. |
| US08665619B2 |
T-type three-level inverter circuit
This invention relates to a T-type three-level inverter circuit. The circuit includes an absorption unit. In the absorption unit, a first terminal of the first resistor is connected to a positive bus terminal, and a second terminal of the first resistor is connected to a first terminal of the first capacitor and a negative electrode of the first diode; a second terminal of the first capacitor and an positive electrode of the first diode are respectively connected to an emitter and a collector of the first controllable switch tube; a first terminal of the second resistor is connected to a negative bus terminal, and a second terminal of the second resistor is connected to a positive electrode of a third diode; a negative electrode of the third diode is connected to both a first terminal of the second capacitor and a positive electrode of a second diode; and a second terminal of the second capacitor and a negative electrode of the second diode are respectively connected to a collector and a emitter of the second controllable switch tube. As the T-type three-level inverter circuit according to the invention is implemented, a voltage stress on the bidirectional switch tube is effectively reduced due to strong absorption capacity of the absorption unit, and thus the bidirectional switch tube can adopt a tube having a relatively low breakdown voltage value. Moreover, the absorption unit has a low cost and a small loss. |
| US08665618B2 |
Passive three phase input current harmonic reduction and power factor correction circuit for power supplies
A harmonic input current reduction and power factor correction circuit for three phase, power supplies. The circuit includes passive elements including a series inductance and capacitor connected between each AC line of a three phase voltage source, and each input phase of the uncorrected power supply. The inductance and capacitor are designed and chosen to meet linearity and volt ampere requirements to achieve total harmonic current levels of less than 10%, and power factors greater than 0.98. This is achieved with less than 1% loss in line operating input voltage range and overall efficiency of greater than 99.5%. Further, the dynamic response of a circuit to power supply load transient demands is limited in voltage overshoot or undershoot effects. |
| US08665616B2 |
Near zero current-ripple inversion or rectification circuits
The present invention relates to a near zero current-ripple inversion circuit including top and bottom cells, a transformer (T1) comprising primary windings (P1, P2) and a secondary winding (S1), and at least one middle cell connected in series between the top and bottom cells. The top cell comprises two capacitors (C1, C2) and a switch (Q1) each connecting to the middle cell, and an inductor (Lr1) and the primary winding (P1) connected in series between the capacitor (C1) and switch (Q1), wherein the switch (Q1) is connected to the capacitors (C1, C2) respectively. The bottom cell comprises a capacitor (C3) and a switch (Q2) each connecting to the middle cell, and an inductor (Lr2) and the primary winding (P2) connected in series between the capacitor (C3) and switch (Q2), wherein the primary winding (P2) is connected to the middle cell, and the capacitor (C3) and switch (Q2) are connected. |
| US08665614B2 |
Control method and device for switching power supplies having more than one control mode
A control device for controlling a switching power supply adapted to convert an input voltage into an output voltage according to a switching rate of a switching element. The control device includes first control means for switching the switching element in a first working mode at a constant frequency and second control means for switching the switching element in a second working mode at a variable frequency, under a maximum frequency, in response to the detection of a predefined operative condition of the switching power supply. The control device further includes means for selecting the first working mode or the second working mode. |
| US08665613B2 |
Switched mode power converter and method of operation thereof
The invention relates to a switched mode power converter and a method of operating such a converter A switched mode power converter according to the invention includes a transformer (2) having a primary winding (2a) and at least one secondary winding (2b) and a secondary side rectifier circuit including an output filter (6, 10) coupled to the at least one secondary winding (2b), and a secondary side active switch device (S3) coupled between the at least one secondary winding and the output filter. The converter further includes primary side and secondary side control means (12, 16, 18) for regulating the switching of the primary side and secondary side switches, respectively, and configured so as to reduce the duty cycle of the primary side switch device (S1) during a lower power mode of operation of the converter, the reduction of the duty cycle of the primary side switch being determined with reference to the duty cycle of the secondary side switch (S3). This leads to a substantial increase in the efficiency of operation in the low power mode. |
| US08665609B2 |
Key device and electronic equipment
A key device includes: a chassis which has an opening divided by one of a vertical rib and a horizontal rib; a plurality of keys which are arranged along the opening; and a substrate which is housed in the chassis, wherein the rib is engaged with the substrate. |
| US08665605B2 |
Substrate structure and package structure using the same
A substrate structure and a package structure using the same are provided. The substrate structure includes a number of traces, a substrate core and a number of first metal tiles. The substrate core has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first metal tiles are disposed on one of the first surface and the second surface, the minimum pitch between adjacent two of the first metal tiles is the minimum process pitch. |
| US08665601B1 |
Solid state drive with improved enclosure assembly
The present invention pertains to a hard disk drive form factor compatible solid-state storage device enclosure assembly that protects circuit boards contained within the enclosure from environmental disruption, such as mechanical stress, vibration, external electronic disruption, or any combination of these, while allowing for a variable number of circuit boards in the SSD enclosure. In another embodiment, the solid-state storage device enclosure assembly, or a similar circuit board assembly, includes an alignment guide that precludes a circuit board from being misaligned within the enclosure. |
| US08665598B2 |
Planar information device
An substantially planar information device is provided comprising: a memory module including a memory device and an electrical interface to connect the memory device to a complementary interface of a computing device; and a housing including a recess in which the memory module can be removably received, a receptacle to receive the electrical interface when the memory module is received in the recess, wherein the memory module and the housing are substantially planar such that the information device can be affixed to a planar substrate without substantially changing the profile of the planar substrate. |
| US08665597B2 |
Tube
A tube includes a tube body and a heat-dissipating member. A light-emitting module and a first electronic component connected electrically to the light-emitting module are disposed in the tube body. At least one opening is formed on the tube body in correspondence to the first electronic component. The heat-dissipating member is placed over the opening. The heat-dissipating member provides a first heat-dissipating path for the first electronic component. |
| US08665596B2 |
Power switching circuitry
Power switching circuitry has a heat absorbing structure, and a heat conductive substrate having power switching components on a first surface and a second surface adjacent to the heat absorbing structure. Electrically conductive members, comprising first and second members, are on the first surface and extend along a first axis orthogonal to the heat conductive substrate. The second portion is more remote from the heat conductive substrate, and has a smaller cross-sectional area than, the first portion to define a shoulder region orthogonal to the first axis. A circuit board is located on the shoulder regions, with the second portions extending through the circuit board. An urging mechanism urges the circuit board against the shoulder regions, whereby the electrically conductive members provide a current path between the heat conductive substrate and the circuit board, and urge the heat conductive substrate into thermal contact with the heat absorbing structure. |
| US08665595B2 |
Method and apparatus for cooling a circuit component
An apparatus includes a thermally conductive section with a side facing approximately parallel to an axis and adapted to be thermally coupled to a circuit component, and includes a fluid supply section which directs a fluid flow along the axis toward an opposite side of the thermally conductive section. The thermally conductive section splits the fluid flow into a plurality of flow portions which each flow through the thermally conductive section in a direction approximately parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis, the flow portions exiting the thermally conductive section at a plurality of respective locations disposed along a substantial portion of the periphery of the thermally conductive section. |
| US08665587B2 |
Mounting apparatus for expansion card
A mounting apparatus having two latching members for fixing an expansion card to an expansion slot mounted on a motherboard. Two latching members are mounted to two ends of the expansion slot, for fixing the expansion card. Two latching members are pivotably sandwiched between the ends of the expansion slot and the motherboard, respectively. A latching block protrudes from each of the latching members, for abutting against a bottom of the corresponding locking member. |
| US08665586B2 |
Display device
A display device is provided, including a front case, a rear case fixed to the front case, a frame disposed between the front and rear cases, a display panel disposed on the frame, and a cushion. The cushion is disposed on the frame and contacts the front and rear cases, so as to space the frame apart from the front and rear cases. |
| US08665584B2 |
Tablet holder and tablet stowage system
A tablet holder including a frame configured to hold a tablet. A barrel is defined in the frame and opens through one side of the frame. A mounting post is pivotally and retractably received within the barrel, and a locking mechanism is provided for locking the mounting post against relative movement. A tablet stowage system includes a tablet holder, a container for stowing a plurality of tablet holders, and a galley cart for stowing the container. |
| US08665581B2 |
Spiral wound electrical devices containing carbon nanotube-infused electrode materials and methods and apparatuses for production thereof
Electrical devices having electrodes containing carbon nanotubes infused to a substrate are described herein. The electrical devices contain at least a first electrode material containing a first plurality of carbon nanotubes infused to a first substrate and a second electrode material containing a second plurality of carbon nanotubes infused to a second substrate. The first electrode material and the second electrode material are wound in a spiral configuration about a central axis. The electrical devices can be supercapacitors, which also contain at least an electrolyte in contact with the first electrode material and the second electrode material, and a first separator material disposed between the first electrode material and the second electrode material. Methods and apparatuses for making the electrical devices are also disclosed herein. |
| US08665579B2 |
Variable capacitor, matching circuit element, and mobile terminal apparatus
There is proved a variable capacitor that includes a substrate, a signal line disposed on a surface of the substrate for feeding a signal, a ground electrode disposed on the surface, and a movable electrode opposed the signal line and the ground electrode, the movable electrode operable to move toward and away from the signal line and the ground electrode. The movable electrode can be displaced by an electrostatic attraction between the movable electrode and the signal line and between the movable electrode and the signal line. An amount of displacement of the movable electrode varies according to an amount of the voltage which generates the electrostatic attraction. |
| US08665577B2 |
Safe area voltage regulator
A safe area voltage regulator is provided that includes a loss element, a distributed shunt regulator and an output terminal. The loss element component is directly connected to the distributed shunt regulator and includes a plurality of loss elements connected in series. The distributed shunt regulator is made up of a plurality of shunt regulators connected in parallel and is configured to regulate a peak voltage of a voltage signal to below a maximum voltage threshold. The output terminal is directly connected to the distributed shunt regulator and configured to output the voltage signal with the regulated peak voltage. The safe area voltage regulator is configured to ensure that the voltage signal with the regulated peak voltage does not exceed a maximum voltage threshold when a fault occurs to a signal power amplifier inputting the voltage signal to the safe area voltage regulator or when a fault occurs to one of the plurality of shunt regulators or when a fault occurs to one of the plurality of loss elements. |
| US08665576B2 |
Fuse circuits
A power supply circuit has parallel supply and control branches each with fuses, the power supply branch comprising at least one replaceable fuse. The supply branch is connected to one or more electrical components of an electrical device, such as the actuator and sensors of a printer, and the supply branch is connected to control or monitoring components. A circuit comprising lights indicates correct or faulty operation of the various parts of the supply circuit. |
| US08665575B2 |
Solar module with overheat protection
A photovoltaic module (10) with a plurality of solar cells (20) interconnected in serial and/or parallel arrangement within the module (10) is equipped with an overheat protection system (30) for suppressing damages of the photovoltaic module (10) due to defects of the solar cells (20). The overheat protection system (30) comprises a heat sensor (32) which is thermally coupled to a solar cell (20). The heat sensor (32) is physically integrated into an electrical switch (34, 36, 38) which is electrically connected to said solar cell (20). |
| US08665574B2 |
Thermal memory in a fault powered system
A circuit breaker system for providing thermal protection to a conductor conducting current from a power source to a load. While the power source is connected to the load, a microcontroller is powered by the current passing through the conductor to thermally model the temperature of the conductor. If the microcontroller determines that the temperature of the conductor has risen to an undesirable or unsafe level, the circuit breaker disconnects the power source from the load and the current no longer passes through the conductor. With no current passing through the conductor, the microcontroller no longer receives power from the conductor. Instead, the microcontroller continues to model the temperature of the conductor as the conductor cools to an ambient temperature by receiving power from an energy storage device. Accordingly, the microcontroller continuously models the temperature of the conductor until the temperature of the conductor cools to the ambient temperature. |
| US08665572B2 |
Battery charge/discharge protection circuit
The present invention relates to a battery charge/discharge protection circuit that protects an associated battery from charge/discharge damage. The charge/discharge protection circuit includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a charge over-current detection circuit, a discharge over-current detection circuit, a short circuit detection circuit, and a PMOS transistor. A drain electrode and a gate electrode of the PMOS transistor are connected to the first terminal and the second terminal respectively. A source electrode of the PMOS transistor is connected to the charge over-current detection circuit, the discharge over-current detection circuit and the short circuit detection circuit, such that when a voltage above an overvoltage threshold is supported by the charger, the voltage of the source electrode of the PMOS transistor is maintained above a negative threshold voltage and the elements in these circuits do not receive such a voltage output by the charger. |
| US08665571B2 |
Apparatus and method for integrated circuit protection
Apparatus and methods for integrated circuit protection are provided. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) includes a first pad, a second pad, a third pad, a first protection subcircuit coupled between the first pad and a common node, a second protection subcircuit coupled between the second pad and the common node, and a third protection subcircuit coupled between the third pad and the common node. The first, second, and third protection subcircuits each include one or more building blocks for maintaining the voltage of each of the pads within a predefined safe range, as well as to maintain the voltage between each of the pads within acceptable limits. A portion of the building blocks used to provide transient signal protection can be shared between pads, thereby reducing the area of the pad protection circuit relative to a scheme using a separate stack of building blocks for each pad. |
| US08665567B2 |
Suspension assembly having a microactuator grounded to a flexure
Disclosed is a suspension assembly for a disk drive that includes: a mounting plate having a through-hole extending from a top-side of the mounting plate to a bottom-side of the mounting plate; a microactuator mounting structure formed in the mounting plate; a microactuator mounted in the microactuator mounting structure; and a flexure attached to the bottom-side of the of mounting plate. The flexure includes: a metal layer; an insulator layer; a trace layer that includes a ground trace; and an opening, wherein the opening extends through the metal layer and the insulator layer to a gold-plated ground trace. A conductive epoxy is bonded to the microactuator and extends through the through-hole to bond to the flexure, wherein the epoxy extends through the opening of the flexure to the gold-plated ground trace of the flexure such that the microactuator is grounded to the flexure. |
| US08665558B2 |
Disk drive device
A disk drive device includes: a base member; a hub on which a recording disk is placed; a bearing unit arranged on the base member for rotatably supporting the hub; and a spindle drive unit for rotationally driving the hub, wherein the spindle drive unit includes a stator core having salient poles, a coil wound around each of the salient poles, and a magnet having a plurality of magnetic poles arranged in a circumferential direction opposed to the salient poles, the hub includes an outer cylindrical portion formed of a magnetic material and engaged with an inner periphery of the recording disk, and an inner cylindrical portion fixing an outer periphery of the magnet, the number of magnetic poles is an even number in a range of 10 to 16, and the number of salient poles is a multiple of 3 in a range of 12 to 24. |
| US08665557B1 |
Spindle motor and disk drive apparatus
A base member includes a base groove portion, at least one base through-hole, and a first insulating sheet portion. The base groove portion is positioned on a lower surface of the base member. The base through-hole extends through the base member. The first insulating sheet portion is arranged on a bottom surface of the base groove portion. A lead wire extending from a coil is led out into the base groove portion through the base through-hole. The base through-hole includes a major axis extending in a radial direction and a minor axis extending in a circumferential direction. The base through-hole has a radial length larger than a circumferential width thereof. A portion of an edge of the first insulating sheet portion is arranged on the lower surface of the base member to intersect the major axis of the base through-hole and to cover a portion of the base through-hole. |
| US08665552B2 |
Controlling positions of storage media heads
Controlling positions of storage media heads is disclosed. An example storage media head position controller includes a position error filter to filter a media head position error based on a target position for a storage media head relative to a storage medium and a present media head position to generate a position signal, and a media speed monitor to modify an integration factor in the position error filter based on a media speed to adjust a phase margin of the position control loop. |
| US08665543B2 |
Inter-track interference cancelation for shingled magnetic recording
Inter-track interference cancelation is disclosed, including: receiving an input sequence of samples associated with a track on magnetic storage; using a processor to generate inter-track interference (ITI) data associated with a first side track including by performing a correlation between the input sequence of samples and a sequence of data associated with the first side track. |
| US08665538B2 |
Imaging lens apparatus
An imaging lens apparatus comprises four lenses with refractive power by which lead the light from the object side to the image side: a first lens with a convex object-side surface and positive refractive power, at least one surface of the first lens is aspheric; an aperture stop set next to the first lens; a second lens which is a biconcave lens with negative refractive power, at least one surface of the second lens is aspheric; a third lens which is a positive meniscus lens with a concave object-side surface, both side of the third lens are aspheric; and a fourth lens which is a negative meniscus lens with a convex object-side surface, both side of the fourth lens are aspheric with at least one inflection point; and the imaging lens apparatus satisfy the conditions below: |1/slope_S8|>0.9; −0.2 |
| US08665534B2 |
Lens barrel and imaging device
The lens barrel includes a first frame, a second frame configured to be rotatably supported by the first frame, a drive actuator that is disposed on the inside of the second frame, and a transmission mechanism disposed on the inside of the second frame and configured to transmit the drive force of the drive actuator to the second frame. The imaging device includes the above-mentioned lens barrel and an imaging element that converts an optical image formed by this lens barrel into image data. |
| US08665533B2 |
Zoom lens and optical imaging device including the same
A zoom lens and an imaging optical device including the same, the zoom lens including, sequentially from an object side, a first lens group having a negative refractive power, a second lens group having a positive refractive power, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power, wherein the first lens group includes a spherical negative lens and an aspherical positive lens and the second lens group includes a positive lens and a negative lens, the positive lens and the negative lens including three or more aspherical surfaces. |
| US08665528B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus having the same
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit of a negative refractive power, a second lens unit of a positive refractive power, and a third lens unit of a positive refractive power, an interval between the first lens unit and the second lens unit and an interval between the second lens unit and the third lens unit being configured to change in zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end. The first lens unit includes, in order from the object side to the image side, a negative lens and a positive lens. The predetermined conditions are satisfied. |
| US08665516B2 |
Multi-pass optical system for a pump laser
The various laser architectures described herein provide increased gain of optical energy as well as compensation of optical phase distortions in a thin disk gain medium. An optical amplifier presented herein provides for scalable high energy extraction and gains based on a number of passes of the signal beam through a gain medium. Multiple, spatially separate, optical paths may also be passed through the same gain region to provide gain clearing by splitting off a small percentage of an output pulse and sending it back through the amplifier along a slightly different path. By clearing out the residual gain, uniform signal amplitudes can be obtained. |
| US08665515B2 |
Fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers with reduced out-of-band gain
A method of operating a fiber amplifier characterized by a spectral gain curve includes providing an input signal at a signal wavelength. The signal wavelength lies within an in-band portion of the spectral gain curve extending from a first in-band wavelength to a second in-band wavelength, the in-band portion being characterized by a first amplitude range. The method also includes providing pump radiation at a pump wavelength. The pump wavelength is less than the signal wavelength. The method further includes coupling the pump radiation to the fiber amplifier and amplifying the input signal to generate an output signal. All portions of the spectral gain curve at wavelengths less than the first in-band wavelength and greater than the pump wavelength are characterized by a second amplitude less than or equal to 10 dB greater than the first amplitude range. |
| US08665513B2 |
Electro-phoretic display device and fabricating method thereof
An electro-phoretic display device includes a first substrate, an active elements array, a driving circuit, a conductive flexible board, an electro-phoretic layer and a second substrate. The first substrate has a first surface defining a display area and a circuit area, and a second surface. The active elements array is disposed within the display area and the driving circuit is disposed within the circuit area and electrically connected to the active elements array. The conductive flexible board is partially disposed at the first substrate and electrically connected to the driving circuit. The electro-phoretic layer and the second substrate are sequentially disposed on the active elements array and the driving circuit. A fabricating method of electro-phoretic display device is also disclosed. |
| US08665510B2 |
Electro-optic rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
A reflective element assembly for a vehicular rearview mirror assembly includes front and rear substrates with an electro-optic medium disposed therebetween. An electrical connector has an attachment portion and a wire receiving portion for receiving an electrical wire therein. A flange of the attachment portion is configured to be disposed at a fourth surface of the rear substrate and a tab is configured to extend at least partially across a perimeter edge of the rear substrate. An electrically conductive material is disposed in an uncured state and uncured electrically conductive material flows at least partially through the aperture and is cured to secure the electrical connector at the rear substrate. The wire receiving portion of the electrical connector is configured to receive the electrical wire therein and includes at least one tang that engages the electrical wire when the electrical wire is inserted into the wire receiving portion. |
| US08665509B2 |
Method of bonding metal and glass using optical contact bonding, method of manufacturing display apparatus using the method of bonding, and display apparatus manufactured by the method of bonding
A method of bonding metal and glass using an optical contact bonding includes depositing an optical contact bonding medium on a surface of a metal substrate; and bonding the metal substrate on which the optical contact bonding medium is formed to a glass substrate using optical contact bonding. |
| US08665508B2 |
Method and system for encoding multi-level pulse amplitude modulated signals using integrated optoelectronic devices
Methods and systems for encoding multi-level pulse amplitude modulated signals using integrated optoelectronics are disclosed and may include generating a multi-level, amplitude-modulated optical signal utilizing an optical modulator driven by two or more electrical input signals. The optical modulator may include optical modulator elements coupled in series and configured into groups. The number of optical modular elements and groups may configure the number of levels in the multi-level amplitude modulated optical signal. Unit drivers may be coupled to each of the groups. The electrical input signals may be synchronized before communicating them to the unit drivers. Phase addition may be synchronized utilizing one or more electrical delay lines. The optical modulator may be integrated on a single substrate, which may include one of: silicon, gallium arsenide, germanium, indium gallium arsenide, polymers, or indium phosphide. The optical modulator may include a Mach-Zehnder interferometer or one or more ring modulators. |
| US08665507B2 |
Module mounting mirror endoscopy
The present invention is directed to a two-dimensional scanning arrangement for a laser vein-illumination device that includes a base and a frame connected to the base using at least one flexible hinge. The hinge allows the frame to move angularly with respect to the base in a first direction. The invention further includes a means for exciting angular oscillations of the frame at or near said frame's resonant frequency. An elastic torsional element having a proximal end rigidly attached to said frame and a distal end rigidly attached to a mirror is also included. The torsional element allows the mirror to move angularly with respect to the frame in a second direction, generally perpendicular to the first direction. There may also be a means for exciting the angular oscillations of the mirror.The invention also includes a device for optically inspecting confined spaces having one or more small access orifices. The device includes at least one laser light source and a scanning means which scans one or more laser beam in a two-dimensional pattern over an inspection area. Also present is at least one light detector, sensitive to the light of the laser beam(s) being reflected from the inspection area. There is also a connecting member being thin and long enough to reach the inspection area through the access orifice. |
| US08665503B2 |
Image reading device and image forming apparatus
A document reading section includes a document load table, a document load tray, a first document receiving tray, a linear conveyance path, a first guide member and a first reading section. The linear conveyance path, inclining downward from the document load tray, reaches the first document receiving tray. The first guide member is disposed in the linear conveyance path, and its top surface inclines downward along the linear conveyance path toward a downstream side in a document conveying direction in relation to the document load table. The first guide member is disposed in such a manner that part of its top surface intersects with a plane containing a top surface of the document load table. |
| US08665501B2 |
Light scanning device and image forming device
A light scanning device includes a movable section having a light reflecting section adapted to reflect light, oscillating around an oscillation axis, and having a variable magnitude of a maximum deflection angle of the oscillating, and a detection section adapted to detect the maximum deflection angle of the movable section, and the detection section includes a light source adapted to emit light to the light reflecting section, a light receiving section adapted to receive reflected light, which is the light emitted from the light source and then reflected by the light reflecting section, and a displacement driving section adapted to change a position of the light source in accordance with the maximum deflection angle of the movable section. |
| US08665500B2 |
Vibration control in scanners
A scanning apparatus (200) includes a chassis (102), an actuator (104) that moves along a first axis (106, 110) with respect to the chassis, and a scanning head, e.g., an optical scanning head (108), that is mechanically coupled to the actuator and that moves along a second axis that is the same as or substantially parallel to the first axis. Methods of controlling vibration in a scanning apparatus include moving the actuator along the first axis and moving the scanning head along the second axis such that the actuator functions as a counterbalance weight for the moving scanning head, thereby reducing vibration in the scanning apparatus by decoupling translation of the actuator from the chassis. |
| US08665497B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and program
An image processing apparatus detects an edge from image data and generates edge data indicating a result of the detection, obtains a variance value of the generated edge data, and determines that the image data is data with print information when the obtained variance of the edge data is equal to or larger than a threshold and determines that the image data is data without print information when the variance is smaller than the threshold value. |
| US08665496B2 |
Control device, laser projection device, recording method, computer program, and recording medium
A control device includes a shape information storage storing shape information to be plotted, a stroke generation unit generating first and second stroke data having transmission start and end coordinates of first and second strokes, a scanning start time computation unit determining scanning start time of the second stroke by adjusting, when selecting first and second points having a shortest distance, a waiting time to scan the second stroke, a traveling rate from the transmission end coordinates of the first stroke to the transmission start coordinates of the second stroke, and scanning rates of scanning the first and second strokes to have a desired time interval between the selected points, a plotting instruction generation unit generating plotting instructions including the scanning start time of the second stroke and the transmission start and end coordinates of the first and second strokes, a plotting instruction storage storing the plotting instructions, and a plotting instruction execution unit executing the plotting instructions. |
| US08665495B2 |
User defined associations of colors to cartridges for color printers
Inputs of scaled percentages of a single color of ink are received, each of the scaled percentages being associated with a color of multiple colors in a file, the color being different than the single color of ink and being associated with a separate cartridge position from among multiple cartridge positions of a printer. An input of the single color of ink is received, the single color of ink being one of the file colors. The file colors other than the single color of ink for the printer to print in the single color of ink scaled according to each of the scaled percentages. |
| US08665494B2 |
Printing control apparatus and printing control method
Based on an input profile which regulates a corresponding relationship between an input gradation value of a device-dependent color space depending on a first printing apparatus and a gradation value of a device-independent color space, and an output profile which regulates a corresponding relationship between a gradation value of a device-independent color space and an input gradation value of a device-independent color space depending on a second printing apparatus, the colors of each pixel of a case, where the gradation values of each pixel shown by reference image data are input gradation values of the device-dependent color space depending on the first printing apparatus, are specified by the input gradation value of the device-dependent color space depending on the second printing apparatus, and the output gradation value is specified by converting the specified input gradation value based on the color conversion table of the second printing apparatus. |
| US08665491B2 |
Mechanism for applying formula based transformations in a color management workflow
A method is disclosed. The method includes receiving a print job to be printed, determining if the print job is to be processed according to a formula based workflow and invoking formula based International Color Consortium (ICC) profiles to perform color transformations if the print job is determined to be processed according to the formula based workflow. |
| US08665489B2 |
Laser printing process using light controlled wettability
A light controlled laser imaging method includes exposing a surface layer of an imaging member substrate to a first expose source to render the surface layer uniformly hydrophilic, wherein the surface layer comprises a compound having reversible light controlled wettability whereby the surface layer is reversibly hydrophilic and hydrophobic; exposing the surface layer to a second expose source in an image-wise fashion to render image areas of the surface layer hydrophobic; exposing the surface layer to a polar liquid wherein the polar liquid attracts to non-image hydrophilic areas; exposing the surface layer to a hydrophobic liquid colorant wherein the hydrophobic liquid colorant attracts to hydrophobic image areas; contacting the surface layer with an image receiving substrate to transfer the image thereto; fixing the image; and optionally, treating the surface layer to remove residual hydrophobic liquid colorant. |
| US08665487B2 |
Calibration of half-tone densities in printers
Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer readable media are provided for calibration of at least one half-tone density in a printer. In one approach, a method is provided comprising the steps of acquiring a plurality of half-tone density values from a respective plurality of test patches generated on a belt in the printer over a period of time, each of the test patches embodying an intended half-tone density, generating a mathematically smoothed half-tone density value from the half-tone density values, and calibrating a half-tone density in the printer based upon the mathematically smoothed half-tone density value. |
| US08665485B2 |
Swapping resolution factors for direct marking printing
A method for printing including preparing an image at a first resolution in a first direction, selecting pixels from the prepared image, reordering the selected pixels to create a translated image having a second resolution in the first direction, where the second resolution is different from the first resolution, and printing the translated image. Also included are a printing system and an article of computer readable code. |
| US08665482B2 |
Raster image processor using a self-tuning banding mode
A raster image processor (RIP) using a self-tuning banding mode is disclosed. The RIP automatically and continuously adjusts the band size used for generating the raster image based on past performance (i.e. past data throughput values) and corresponding band sizes. At the start of each page of image, or after a certain number of pages has been processed or certain amount of time has elapsed, the RIP determines whether performance has worsened since the last band size adjustment. If it has worsened, the band size is reverted to a previous best performing value. If the performance has improved, then the band size is changed in the same direction as the last change. Raster image processing is performed using the adjusted band size. |
| US08665475B2 |
Image forming apparatus, information processing apparatus, image forming method, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus, which is capable of effectively performing a test print with the number of records being smaller than that of all records of variable data printing VDP, receives a VDP job including a plurality of records, extracts records by deleting items in which different values are set to all records among the items which are set to the plurality of records included in the VDP job and used for printing and by combining records which have the same combination of values set to remaining items by an extraction unit, receives an test print instruction, and prints the records which the extraction unit extracts according to the test print instruction. |
| US08665473B2 |
Printing system, control method, storage client apparatus, and web application server
A printing system includes a web application server, a storage client apparatus, and a printing apparatus to save the storage capacity. The storage client provides stored bibliographic information data to a web application server and, when the storage client apparatus acquires print instruction from the web application server, the storage client apparatus provides data, to be stored in the storage client apparatus, to the web application server in response to a provision request from the web application server. The printing apparatus acquires and prints corresponding data after acquiring a print request from the web application server. The web application server manages information of the storage client apparatus and the printing apparatus, sends display data to a client apparatus operated by a user, and acts on storage, print, and query requests. |
| US08665471B2 |
Print system
A controller able to communicate with print devices each of which is configured to print a file on a medium, includes: a storage; a folder specifying unit configured to specify a folder stored in the storage as a print target folder; a destination specifying unit configured to specify one of the print devices as a destination print device; a file analyzing unit configured to analyze a format of each of print target files, which are all files in all hierarchical levels in the print target folder, and to determine whether each print target file is a printable file formats which has one of formats printable by the destination print device; and a transmission unit configured to transmit, to the destination print device, the printable format file. |
| US08665470B2 |
Method of displaying expected service life values collected by replaceable unit in an electronic device, and a display program
The user of an electronic device can easily know when a replaceable unit needs replacing (the service life). A host computer 100 connected to a media processing device 1 (electronic device) executes a step (S4) of acquiring maintenance counter information that is stored in the media processing device 1, steps (S5, S7) of calculating based on the acquired maintenance counter information A=(the total open/close count of the media tray of the media drive 41 (51))/(an assured media tray open/close count), B=(the cumulative CD writing time of the media drive 41 (51)/(the assured CD writing time), and C=(the cumulative DVD writing time) of the media drive 41 (51)/(the assured DVD writing time), and steps (S6, S8) of displaying the maximum value of values A, B, and C as the expected service life of the media drive 41 (51) on a display unit. |
| US08665469B2 |
Page parallel rip with interleaved chunks
Systems and methods are described that facilitate distributing a raster image processing task for an input file (e.g., an electronic document) across a plurality of nodes (e.g., computers) in a network. The input file is received at a first node, which becomes the controlling node and splits the pages of the input file into interleaved chunks such that adjacent pages are allocated to different chunks (i.e., no chunk contains adjacent pages in the document). Chunks are then assigned to different nodes for concurrent raster image processing. Once complete, the processed pages are returned to the controller node, which logically orders the pages into their original sequential order, and outputs the logically ordered, raster image processed pages to a printer, where they are printed. |
| US08665468B2 |
Identifying sensor and print device
Various apparatus and methods are disclosed relating to an identifying sensor that interprets a first identifier and a printing device that prints a second distinct image based upon the first identifier. |
| US08665465B2 |
Image processing apparatus, processing method performed in image processing apparatus, and computer program product
When, during execution of a job, an operation/display control unit detects a job execution stop command given by an operation display unit, and receives a command to display a list of jobs in an execution standby state from the operation display unit, the operation/display control unit displays a job list screen on the operation display unit, without accepting an input of authentication information from the operation display unit and without passing authentication conducted by an authentication control unit. When the operation/display control unit accepts a command to delete a job in the execution standby state from the operation display unit, the operation/display control unit accepts an input of authentication information, and a job control unit executes deletion of the job in the execution standby state or change of setting of the job in the execution standby state after successfully passing authentication with the authentication control unit using the authentication information. |
| US08665463B2 |
Sharing common printing passwords among multiple printing devices connected to network
An apparatus and method share and manage passcodes across multiple printing device drivers. The method can include providing, on the electronic device, a first printing device driver for a first printing device and a second printing device driver for a second printing device. The first printing device driver and the second printing device driver can access a common secure printing device passcode storage location for secure printing device passcodes. The method can include storing at least one secure printing device passcode in the common secure printing device passcode storage location. The method can include displaying secure print information to the user in response to receiving a secure print input. The method can include sending a secure printing device passcode over the network interface to a printing device to securely print the document. |
| US08665458B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a control unit that generates print data by carrying out a rasterizing process based on a display list, and computer readable recording medium
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus which generates print data based on control data for page print inputted from an external device and which forms an image based on the print data. The image forming apparatus includes a control unit having a plurality of arithmetic processing units, and an image forming unit for forming an image based on the print data which is outputted by the control unit. The control unit generates the print data by carrying out a rasterizing process of one page in band unit constituted by a predetermined number of lines based on the control data for page print and sequentially outputs the generated print data at output timings defined in a constant output interval, wherein the rasterizing process is controlled based on whether or not generation of print data is to be completed within the output interval for all of bands in the one page. |
| US08665456B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and computer-readable storage medium storing computer program for selecting a transmission destination to which read data is to be transmitted
An image processing apparatus including a selecting unit adapted to select an information processing apparatus displayed by a displaying unit, and a transmitting unit adapted to transmit data generated when the reading unit reads an original document in accordance with a reading setting specified by the selected information processing apparatus in accordance with identification information included in notification information transmitted from the information processing apparatus. |
| US08665450B2 |
Integrated dual swept source for OCT medical imaging
An optical coherence analysis system comprising: a first swept source that generates a first optical signal that is tuned over a first spectral scan band, a second swept source that generates a second optical signal that is tuned over a second spectral scan band, a combiner for combining the first optical signal and the second optical signal to form a combined optical signal, an interferometer for dividing the combined optical signal between a reference arm leading to a reference reflector and a sample arm leading to a sample, and a detector system for detecting an interference signal generated from the combined optical signal from the reference arm and from the sample arm. |
| US08665446B2 |
Apparatus and method for coherent multi-dimensional optical spectroscopy
An apparatus and a method for coherent multi-dimensional optical spectroscopy employs a beam splitter for splitting a base light pulse into at least first to fourth light pulses, three of which are suitable for interaction with a sample, lens system focuses the first to fourth light pulses at a sample site, and an optical delay varies the arrival times of the first to fourth light pulses at the sample. A detector detects an interference signal. The beam splitter is a non-diffractive optical element. The light pulses, at least along part of their light paths, are guided pairwisely such that changes in the optical path length due to vibration of the beam splitter or due to the delay element are identical for each pair of pulses, where the pulse pairs compensate for any change in the interference signal due to a change of the arrival times of the pair of pulses. |
| US08665445B2 |
Diagnostic system for optical touch control module and automatic diagnostic method thereof
A diagnostic system for an optical touch control module and an automatic diagnostic method thereof are disclosed. The diagnostic system is used for testing an optical capturing module of the optical touch control module. The diagnostic system includes a controlling module, a first test element, a second test element, and a rotary fixture. The first and the second test element are disposed on a touch surface for allowing the optical capturing module to capture a first and a second test signal. The rotary fixture is used for contacting to the optical capturing module, wherein the controlling module determines whether an image signal captured by the optical capturing module has the first and the second test signal. If not, the controlling module controls the rotary fixture to rotate the optical capturing module to adjust a capturing direction. |
| US08665442B2 |
Cavity enhanced laser based isotopic gas analyzer
Systems and methods for measuring the isotope ratio of one or more trace gases and/or components of gas mixtures such as different gas species present in a gas mixture. The system includes a resonant optical cavity having two or more mirrors and containing a gas, the cavity having a free spectral range that equals the difference between frequencies of two measured absorption lines of different gas species in the gas, or of two different isotopes, divided onto an integer number. The system includes a continuous-wave tunable laser optically coupled with the resonant optical cavity and a detector system for measuring an absorption of laser light by the gas in the cavity. The detector system includes a photo-detector to measure an intensity of the intra-cavity light, or both a photo-acoustic sensor to measure photo-acoustic waves generated in the cavity and a photo-detector to measure an intensity of the intra-cavity light. |
| US08665438B2 |
Color sensing device
A color sensing apparatus includes an optical system that produces a spatially uniform light beam independent of the use of a diffusion chamber, and a color sensor that senses reflected light of a reflection of the spatially uniform light beam, wherein the optical system includes a light integrator with a tapered inlet surface and a lens secured to an exit plane thereof. |
| US08665437B2 |
Method of controlling a transformation process of charge material to a product
A method for controlling a transformation process in which the conversion of charge materials to a product takes place along a transformation interface from the crystal and/or grain and/or phase and/or pore surface into the charge material, wherein one or more chemical elements in the charge materials is released and/or incorporated and/or rearranged and wherein the conversion of the charge materials takes place along advancing transformation interfaces. The charge materials are identified on the basis of at least one optical, in particular microscopic, analysis with respect to their phases and/or phase components and/or their phase morphology, structure, texture and/or their chemical composition. On the basis of these variables, reference functions for the charge materials, which describe the conversion of the charge materials in the process, are assigned and used for establishing the process parameters of the transformation process. |
| US08665436B2 |
Device and method for determining a piece of polarisation information and polarimetric imaging device
The invention relates to a method and to a device for determining a piece of polarisation information on a measurement point of a target sample, the device comprising: —a light source capable of emitting a rectilinearly polarised light beam in a predefined direction, the light beam being intended to be reflected by the measurement point of the target sample; —a unit for computing the piece of polarisation information on the measurement point using the beam reflected by the target sample; -a waveguide for guiding the incident beam towards the target sample and the reflected beam towards the computing means; and —a unit for rotating the polarisation, capable of rotating two orthogonal polarimetric components of the incident beam exiting the waveguide and two orthogonal polarimetric components of the reflected beam before passing through the waveguide. |
| US08665430B2 |
Exposure condition determining method and surface inspection apparatus
There is provided an exposure condition determining method for determining an exposure condition for an exposure-objective substrate having a plurality of semiconductor pattern features formed by predetermined exposure on a surface thereon, the method including, irradiating an illumination light onto a surface of a substrate, which has the pattern features, detecting a diffracted light from the plurality of semiconductor pattern features of the substrate irradiated with the illumination light, and determining the exposure condition based on a variation in brightness of the detected diffracted light. |
| US08665429B2 |
Method for measuring light intensity distribution
A method for measuring intensity distribution of light includes a step of providing a carbon nanotube array having a top surface. The carbon nanotube array is located in an inert gas environment or a vacuum environment. A light source irradiates the top surface of the carbon nanotube array, to make the carbon nanotube array radiate a radiation light. An imaging element images the radiation light, to obtain an intensity distribution of the light source. |
| US08665427B2 |
Ground support equipment tester for laser and tracker systems
Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for testing the boresight of a gimbaled camera and laser system, such as an infrared countermeasures (IRCM) system, in extreme environments. Light simulating a target is reflected through an optics system to the camera, with a portion of the light reflected back from a corner cube reflector through the optics system as a reference. A laser beam from the laser is received through the same optics system, and a position of the corner cube reflected reference and laser beam are compared in order to determine whether the camera and laser are properly aligned. A spherical shell adapted to position the camera at its geometric center keeps misaligned laser pulses from reflecting back into the camera. |
| US08665419B2 |
Device for an optical arrangement and method for positioning an optical element of an optical arrangement
A device for an optical arrangement includes an optical element and a holding structure. The optical element makes contact with the holding structure at six discrete contact points. Coupling elements are provided, by which it is possible to apply a force at the contact points. A component of the force is greater than the weight force of the optical element in terms of absolute value and/or direction. |
| US08665418B2 |
Projection optical system, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
A projection optical system for forming an image of a first surface on a second surface has a first imaging optical system and a second imaging optical system, and a folding member for guiding light from the first imaging optical system to the second imaging optical system. Every optical element having a power in the second imaging optical system is a refractive element. |
| US08665416B2 |
Exposure apparatus and method of manufacturing device
An exposure apparatus comprises a measurement system which measures an aberration of a projection optical system. The measurement system includes a first pattern positioned on an original stage, a second pattern positioned on a substrate stage, a third pattern positioned on the original stage to align the first and second patterns, a fourth pattern positioned on the substrate stage to align the first and second patterns, a detection system which detects a relative position between the third pattern and the fourth pattern, and a controller which controls at least one of the stages to align the first pattern positioned at a position spaced apart from the third pattern by a predetermined distance, and the second pattern positioned at a position spaced apart from the fourth pattern by a predetermined distance, based on the relative position between the third pattern and the fourth pattern detected by the detection system. |
| US08665414B2 |
Methods for fabricating thermochromic filters
Thermochromic liquid crystal filters are fabricated by providing two polarizers oriented at offset polarity with respect to each other; providing alignment structures adjacent the inner surfaces of the polarizers; placing a plurality of spacers between the polarizers; and filling a space created by the spacers with a thermotropic liquid crystal that acts as a depolarizer in a nematic state. The filter acts as a wave block when the liquid crystal is in an isotropic state. Alternatively, the filters can be created by encapsulating a thermochromic liquid crystal with a polymer material to form a flexible film and orienting the thermochromic liquid crystal in the polymer material to create a structure that functions as a thermochromic optical filter. Such filters can control the flow of light and radiant heat through selective reflection, transmission, absorption, and/or re-emission. The filters have particular application in passive or active light-regulating and temperature-regulating films and materials. |
| US08665409B2 |
Display device with sealing material
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. |
| US08665407B2 |
Chip-on-film structure for liquid crystal panel
A chip on film (COF) structure for a liquid crystal panel is disclosed, and comprises a flexible substrate, an output edge, a first wire bonding portion, two second wire bonding portions, a fan-out trace portion, and two array trace portions. A long direction of lead strips of the second wire bonding portion is parallel to the output edge, and the array trace portions connect one end of the lead strips of the second wire bonding portion to the output edge. The design of the second wire bonding portions parallel to the output edge and turning traces of the array trace portions can lower the length of the fan-out trace portion, so that it is advantageous in a design trend of narrow frame edge of a liquid crystal panel. |
| US08665398B2 |
Liquid crystal display and LED module thereof
An apparatus includes a chassis assembly; a liquid crystal display panel; a light guide plate configured to guide light to the liquid crystal display panel; a light emitting diode (LED) module including a printed circuit board (PCB), a plurality of LED packages which are mounted on the PCB and emit light to a lateral side of the light guide plate, and a connector connected to the PCB such that the connector is located behind the light guide plate; and a white strip member disposed between the PCB of the LED module and the light guide plate. An edge portion of a bottom surface of the light guide plate is supported by the PCB. |
| US08665389B2 |
Backlight assembly and liquid crystal display device including the same
The present invention provides a backlight assembly and a liquid crystal display including the backlight assembly, where the liquid crystal display device is slim, lightweight, and requires low manufacturing costs because the device integrates a bottom chassis and a lamp cover. The bottom chassis includes an accommodating portion for mounting a light guide plate, an optical sheet, and a reflection sheet; an inner sidewall for accommodating the light guide plate, the optical sheet, and the reflection sheet; and a lamp cover, where both ends of the accommodating portion are bent to enclose the lamp. |
| US08665387B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes: first and second substrates; a liquid crystal layer; first and second gate lines; a data line and a voltage supplying line disposed on the first substrate; and a pixel. The pixel includes a first switching element connected to the first gate line and the data line, a second switching element connected to the first gate line and the voltage supplying line, a third switching element connected to the second gate line, a first pixel electrode connected to the first switching element, and a separate second pixel electrode connected to the second switching element. The voltage supplying line is supplied with a first voltage, which has a substantially uniform magnitude. |
| US08665386B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating is provided for a liquid crystal display device capable of decreasing the number of masks used to fabricate a thin film transistor (TFT) by forming an active pattern and a storage electrode by a single mask process, by simultaneously patterning a pixel electrode at the time of a gate line patterning, and by using only an organic insulation layer having a low dielectric constant. |
| US08665384B2 |
Ruggedized switchable glazing, and/or method of making the same
A coated article includes a low-E coating supported by a substrate (e.g., glass substrate), the low-E coating including first and second IR reflecting layers comprising silver and/or gold, and at least one UV blocking layer that blocks significant amounts of UV light having a wavelength of from 380-400 nm so that no more than about 20% of light having a wavelength of from 380-400 passes through the low-E coating. The UV blocking layer may be positioned so as to not directly contact the first and second IR reflecting layers. |
| US08665383B2 |
Mother substrate for stereoscopic image display device
A stereoscopic image display device includes a pixel array cell provided with a plurality of pixels used to display 2D and 3D images, a switchable optical layer opposite to the pixel array cell, and a transparent both-sided adhesive film joining the pixel array cell to the switchable optical layer between the pixel array cell and the switchable optical layer. |
| US08665378B2 |
Filter for video stream
A filter for a video stream is provided. The filter generates a filtered picture according to a current picture and its previous picture. A motion difference calculator accumulates differences between current picture values and previous picture values within a neighborhood of each pixel to provide a corresponding motion difference. A histogram counter performs histogram counting according to motion differences of the pixels. A filter value calculator provides a filter value for each pixel according to operations of the motion difference calculator and the histogram counter. A blender blends the current picture value and the previous picture value of each pixel according to weightings correlated to the filter value, and provides a filtered picture value for each pixel of the filtered picture. |
| US08665377B2 |
Video information processing apparatus and recording medium having program recorded therein
A video-information-processing apparatus comprising: a smoothing unit to smooth input video information of a plurality of pixels and generate smoothed video information; a subtraction unit to calculate a gradation difference between the input and smoothed video information; a mixing unit to mix the input and smoothed video information at a ratio corresponding to the difference and generate mixed video information; a determination unit to determine whether or not a peripheral pixel region, including each pixel in the input video information and pixels located around the pixel, is a low-frequency region not including a gradation change greater than or equal to a predetermined gradation change; and an output-selection unit to output the mixed video information when the determination unit determines that the peripheral pixel region is the low-frequency region and output the input video information when the determination unit determines that the peripheral pixel region is not the low frequency region. |
| US08665373B2 |
Scheme for determining the locations and timing of advertisements and other insertions in media
A method for use with content includes analyzing a sequence of frames of the content, determining whether an area exists in a scene depicted by the sequence of frames where additional content such as advertising can be inserted without obstructing activity in the scene, for any such area, determining an amount of time that the area is available when the sequence of frames is being played, and for any such area, determining a size of the area. A storage medium storing a computer program for causing a processor based system to execute these steps and an apparatus for use with content are also disclosed. |
| US08665372B2 |
Method and system for key aware scaling
A video processing device can determine whether an input pixel includes a keyed video parameter prior to filtering the input pixel. A non-keyed substitute pixel can be generated for the input pixel that includes the keyed video parameter. The non-keyed substitute pixel can be filtered if the input pixel included the keyed video parameter, otherwise the input pixel can be filtered. |
| US08665371B2 |
Television control method
A method is provided for controlling a television including a user input part for manipulating a channel adjusting item. The method includes displaying a channel map showing a predetermined number of channels including a tuned broadcast channel if the channel adjusting item is selected through the user input part, and a channel setting information menu corresponding to one of the channels shown in the channel map. Thus, the television control method not only allows a user to easily and simply recognize a channel setting state according to channels when the user wants to adjust channel-related functions, but also allows a user to conveniently and effectively adjust the channel setting state according to the channels. |
| US08665370B2 |
Method for synchronized playback of wireless audio and video and playback system using the same
A method for synchronized playback of wireless audio and video is applicable to a playback system. The method for synchronized playback includes steps of receiving and processing multimedia data by the playback system, in which the multimedia data includes video data and audio data; wirelessly transmitting the audio data to a loudspeaker and meanwhile holding the video data for a threshold time; and finishing the transmission of the audio data when the threshold time is reached, so that the video data and the corresponding audio data are synchronously played. The method for synchronized playback can control the delay caused by the wireless audio transmission, thus achieving the objective of synchronously playing the audio and video data. |
| US08665364B2 |
Reinforcement structure for wafer-level camera module
An example reinforcement structure for protecting a wafer-level camera module includes a top sheet element and a side sheet element. The top sheet element is to be disposed over a top surface of the camera module and includes a first opening for allowing light to pass through to the camera module. The side sheet element is coupled to the top sheet element for securing the reinforcement structure to a printed circuit board (PCB). A second opening in the side sheet element is included to allow an adhesive to be dispensed through the second opening to adhere the reinforcement structure to the camera module. |
| US08665359B2 |
Image pickup apparatus in which image pickup element is movable in optical axis direction
An image pickup apparatus includes lens barrels 12 and 13 that house an image pickup optical system L1 to L5, an image pickup element 8 that performs a photoelectric conversion of an object image, an image pickup element holding member 10 that is movable in an optical axis direction with respect to the lens barrels, guide bars 15 and 16 that guide a movement of the image pickup element holding member, and adjustment mechanisms 9a and 9b that perform an inclination adjustment of the image pickup element. Ends at an object side of the guide bars are held by the lens barrels, and ends at an image side of the guide bars are held by a cover member 14 that includes an opening 14c to operate the adjustment mechanism from an outside at the opposite side and that is connected with the lens barrels. |
| US08665358B2 |
Apparatus for processing an image having detachable lens and a ring for setting photographing parameter values
An apparatus for processing an image, including: a body; a lens module disposed on the body; and a control ring disposed on the lens module, wherein the control ring is configured to change a setting value of a setting item. |
| US08665355B2 |
Image capture with region-based adjustment of contrast
Image capture with an image capture device including an imaging assembly having a spectral response which is tunable in accordance with a capture parameter. A first capture parameter is applied to the imaging assembly. A preview image of a scene is captured using the imaging assembly whose spectral response is tuned in accordance with the first capture parameter. A user interface is displayed by which first and second regions of the preview image are designated, and by which a target range is set for contrast between the first and second regions. A second capture parameter is derived for the imaging assembly, by implementing the target range for contrast between the first and second regions. The second capture parameter is applied to the imaging assembly. A second image of the scene is captured by using the imaging assembly whose spectral response is tuned in accordance with the second capture parameter. |
| US08665349B2 |
Method of simulating short depth of field and digital camera using the same
A method of simulating short depth of field for a digital camera is disclosed. The method includes steps of detecting an object distance corresponding to a focus pixel, generating an original image according to the focus distance, and blurring a plurality of pixels of the original image to different extents according to a plurality of contrast values of the plurality of pixels, to generate an image with short depth of field. |
| US08665348B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method using forward and inverse local adaptation processing and dynamic range processing
A captured image and capture conditions of an input device when the captured image was captured are input, and viewing conditions when a reproduced image, which is reproduced by an output device, is viewed are input. A first perceived image is generated from the captured image by a forward conversion of local adaptation processing that conforms to information, which indicates viewing angle, distance to a subject and image resolution of the captured image, included in the capture conditions. A second perceived image is generated by converting a dynamic range of the first perceived image to a dynamic range of the output device. A reproduced image, which is supplied to the output device, is generated from the second perceived image by an inverse conversion of the local adaptation processing that conforms to information, which relates to viewing distance and size of the reproduced image, included in the viewing conditions. |
| US08665344B2 |
Device and method for image processing
An imaging device includes an image capturing element which photoelectrically converts a subject image into electrical charge information, a driving device which drives a driving part related to image capturing, and a controlling unit which changes a driving frequency of the driving device at a timing to read the electrical charge information from the image capturing element. |
| US08665343B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, program, and recording medium
An image processing apparatus including: a scene recognition section recognizing a scene captured by an image; an assigning section selecting a change-target parameter being an adjustment parameter whose parameter value is to be changed from a plurality of adjustment parameters adjusting the image in response to the scene of the image, and assigning the parameter to a specific operation section being a specific operation section out of user-operable operation sections; and a parameter setting section setting a parameter value of the change-target parameter assigned to the specific operation section in response to operation of the specific operation section by a user. |
| US08665338B2 |
Blurred image detection for text recognition
Techniques are described for identifying blurred images and recognizing text. One or more images of text may be captured. A change of movement associated with each image of the one or more images may be calculated. The change of movement associated with an image of the one or more images represents a change in an amount of acceleration of the device used to capture the image while the image was being captured. A steady image may be selected from the one or more images to use for text recognition. The steady image can be selected using the variances of acceleration associated with each image of the one or more images. |
| US08665337B2 |
Image sharing system, image managing server, and control method and program thereof
An image processing apparatus determines categories for classifying image data based on shooting information of the image data, generates an update information file for each category, and uploads the update information file along with the image data to an image managing server. A client terminal registers, in advance, the address of a desired update information file, and periodically checks the update information file in the image managing server. If the update information file indicates that new image data has been added to the image managing server, the image data is downloaded in accordance with the file path described in the update information file. |
| US08665336B2 |
Imaging apparatus, control method and storage medium
An imaging apparatus notifies, to an external apparatus, a media content stored in a storage medium of the imaging apparatus, and a control content for use in a control of the imaging apparatus and having a same format as the format of the media content. When the control content is requested from the external apparatus, the imaging apparatus performs a control corresponding to the requested control content. The imaging apparatus determines whether the imaging apparatus notifies the media content or the control content according to an operation mode of the imaging apparatus. |
| US08665332B2 |
Devices to equip vehicles with close circuit television backup system
A removable vehicle backup closed circuit television system for articulated vehicle trailers having a clamping device for instant securing or releasing of the rearward facing camera to the trailer. The clamp preferable is coupled to the trailer door's vertical locking rods. |
| US08665326B2 |
Scene-change detecting device, computer readable storage medium storing scene-change detection program, and scene-change detecting method
An image processing device includes a motion-vector detecting unit that detects motion vectors between an image and another image at a plurality of positions on the image, the image being at least a part of a plurality of images making up an image sequence; a pattern categorizing unit that categorizes the images into pattern groups each indicating a predetermined motion pattern, on the basis of the plurality of the motion vectors detected in the image; a group-based image-change detecting unit that detects, in each of the pattern groups, an image change between the images in the pattern group; and a group-based scene-change detecting unit that detects scene change in each of the pattern groups on the basis of the image change between the images in the pattern group. |
| US08665324B2 |
Stereoscopic image display and driving method thereof
Embodiments of this document provide a stereoscopic image display device and a driving method capable of preventing the reduction in resolution when 3D images are displayed on a stereoscopic image display device including a patterned retarder. According to an exemplary embodiment, in odd numbered display lines of a display panel, left eye image data input during an N-th (where N is a positive integer) frame period is displayed during the N-th frame period, and left eye compensation image data generated based on the data input during the N-th frame period is displayed during a (N+1)-th frame period, and in even numbered display lines of the display panel, right eye compensation image data generated based on data input during a (N−1)-th frame period is displayed during the N-th frame period, and right eye image data input during the (N+1)-th frame period is displayed during the (N+1)-th frame period. |
| US08665318B2 |
Digital video coding
Analysis of digitally encoded videos is disclosed. A method comprises: calculating pixelwise errors between each block and its search area that are mapped to an equal size; collecting the errors into a memory; and analyzing a three-dimensional surface formed by the errors collected into the memory in order to define a level of detail in the first digital image and/or in the second digital image, and/or a correspondence between the first digital image and the second digital image, and/or a motion extending beyond borders of the first digital image and the second digital image, and/or a motion blur within the first digital image and/or within the second digital image. |
| US08665316B2 |
Multi-resolution digital large format camera with multiple detector arrays
A large format digital camera has a primary camera system configured for collecting panchromatic image data and two or more secondary camera systems configured for collecting color image data. Each of the secondary camera systems has an optical system that has a longer focal length than the optical system of the primary camera system. The resolution of each of the secondary camera systems is also greater than the resolution of the primary camera system. The footprint of images produced by the primary camera system is larger in size than the footprint of images produced by the secondary camera systems. Images produced by the primary camera system offer information for performing image-based georeferencing by means of photogrammetric triangulation. Images produced by the secondary camera systems offer a high-resolution narrow angle color image suitable for use in ortho image production. |
| US08665314B2 |
Image processing system and processing method thereof
A processing method of an image processing system, which is applied with at least one real-time messaging video communication system of an electronic device and contains a start module, a process detecting module and an image processing module, includes the steps of: installing the process detecting module into the real-time messaging video communication system by the start module; detecting whether the real-time messaging video communication system starts the real-time communication by the process detecting module; installing the image processing module into the real-time messaging video communication system when the real-time messaging video communication system starts the real-time communication; and generating a plurality of converted frame data by the image processing module in accordance with a plurality of frame data to be displayed by the real-time messaging video communication system. In addition, the image processing system is also disclosed. |
| US08665312B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method of managing data transmission, and transmission management program
When a refrained state is detected at a first transmission terminal, a transmission management system sends operation state information of the first transmission terminal, which is determined based on the refrained state of the first transmission terminal, to a second transmission terminal that may initiate communication with the first transmission terminal before the second transmission terminal starts communication with the first transmission terminal. |
| US08665311B2 |
Methods and apparatus for collaboration
Improved methods and apparatus for sharing and collaborating around a video source by maintaining and providing to users a list of a plurality of contacts containing both video source device contacts and interactive message source contacts. This allows for collaboration among users by permitting them to communicate with each other around an automatically-shared video source, to interact with automatically shared video sources, and to make decisions based on these shared video sources. |
| US08665309B2 |
Video teleconference systems and methods for providing virtual round table meetings
Video teleconferencing systems and methods are provided for providing virtual roundtable meetings. In one embodiment, a video teleconference system is provided for providing virtual round table meetings. The system comprises a curved display surface and a video processor configured to receive a video image of a participant from each of a plurality of remote video teleconferencing systems and display each participant equally spaced about the curved display surface. |
| US08665307B2 |
Augmenting a video conference
A device configured for participation in a video conference. The device includes a display disposed on the device for displaying video captured at a second device. The device also includes a virtual object receiver for receiving a virtual object, wherein the virtual object is configured to augment the video conference. A virtual object incorporator for incorporating the virtual object into the video captured at the second device, and a transmitter for transmitting said video comprising the virtual object. The video comprising the virtual object is configured to be displayed at the second device. |
| US08665306B2 |
Communication terminal, communication system, communication method, and medium storing communication control program
A communication terminal detects activation of a mute function of the communication terminal, even when the activation is caused by a sound input device that is not capable of notifying its mute state to the communication terminal, or even when the sound input device is not provided with a mute function. |
| US08665303B2 |
Image forming apparatus provided with laser drive apparatus for controlling light amount of laser beam scanned by scanning unit
First and second light amount detection elements are arranged on a scanning line of a laser beam. The first light amount detection element receives a laser beam having a first light amount, and the second light amount detection element receives a laser beam having a second light amount that is lower than the first light amount. The detection signal that is output by the second light amount detection element is amplified by an amplifier and used as a synchronization signal. Here, an amplification factor of this amplifier is greater than an amplification factor of another amplifier for amplifying the detection signal that is output by the first light amount detection element. The detection signals amplified by the amplifiers are modified by a modification coefficient that correspond to the amplification factors, and used as signals that indicate the light amounts. |
| US08665302B2 |
Optical device, control method of optical device, and image forming apparatus
An optical device includes: an irradiation unit that irradiates a part of laser beams output from a light source as a scan beam onto an irradiation target and outputs the remaining part of the laser beams as a monitor beam used to monitor a light amount of the laser beams; a measurement unit that measures a light amount of the monitor beam; a storage unit that stores a plurality of measurement results obtained by the measurement unit when the laser beams are output in a plurality of different light amounts, and the plurality of the different light amounts associated with each other; and a prediction unit that predicts the light amount of the monitor beam relative to a reference light amount of the laser beam using a plurality of the light amounts stored in the storage unit and the measurement results corresponding to the plurality of the light amounts. |
| US08665297B2 |
Display apparatus having temperature sensor and method of driving the same
A display apparatus includes a temperature sensor, a timing controller, a data driver and a display panel. The temperature sensor senses a temperature, the timing controller includes a dynamic capacitance capture (“DCC”) block, which converts a green data, a red data and a blue data into a green compensation data, a red compensation data and a blue compensation data, respectively, based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor, and the data driver converts the red compensation data, the green compensation data and the blue compensation data into a data voltage and outputs the data voltage. The display panel receives the data voltage and displays an image. |
| US08665293B2 |
Automatic draw order
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for automating a draw order of entities output from a computer. A drawing output from a computer (e.g., on a display device) is obtained by a drawing program and examined to identify two or more entities that overlap/intersect. The drawing program then automatically determines the drawing order for the two or more entities based on a set of one or more predefined rules. |
| US08665283B1 |
Method to transfer image data between arbitrarily overlapping areas of memory
An apparatus including a first memory, a second memory, and a memory interface. The first memory may be configured to store an entire image. The second memory may be configured to store a portion of the image during an image processing operation. The memory interface may be configured to transfer the portion of the image (i) from a source area of the first memory to the second memory prior to the image processing operation and (ii) from the second memory to a destination area of the first memory following the image processing operation. The memory interface may be further configured to select from among four modes of transferring image data from the source area of the first memory and to the destination area of the first memory based upon how the source area and the destination area overlap in the first memory. |
| US08665281B2 |
Buffer management for real-time streaming
Technologies are described herein for buffer management during real-time streaming. A video frame buffer stores video frames generated by a real-time streaming video capture device. New video frames received from the video capture device are stored in the video frame buffer prior to processing by a video processing pipeline that processes frames stored in the video frame buffer. A buffer manager determines whether a new video frame has been received from the video capture device and stored in the video frame buffer. When the buffer manager determines that a new video frame has arrived at the video frame buffer, it then determines whether the video processing pipeline has an unprocessed video frame. If the video processing pipeline has an unprocessed video frame, the buffer manager discards the new video frame stored in the video frame buffer or performs other processing on the new video frame. |
| US08665271B2 |
System and method for iterative interactive ray tracing in a multiprocessor environment
A method comprises receiving scene model data including a scene geometry model and a plurality of pixel data describing objects arranged in a scene. The method generates a primary ray based on a selected first pixel data. In the event the primary ray intersects an object in the scene, the method determines primary hit color data and generates a plurality of secondary rays. The method groups the secondary packets and arranges the packets in a queue based on the octant of each direction vector in the secondary ray packet. The method generates secondary color data based on the secondary ray packets in the queue and generates a pixel color based on the primary hit color data, and the secondary color data. The method generates an image based on the pixel color for the pixel data. |
| US08665270B2 |
Method of determining implicit hidden features of phenomena which can be represented by a point distribution in a space
A method of determining implicit hidden features of phenomena, representable by a point distribution in a space, includes the following steps: defining a set of first parameters describing effects of a phenomenon such as an event or process; defining a n-dimensional space, wherein the first parameters are represented by entity points; determining, as a function of measured values of the first parameters, additional geometrical points in the n-dimensional space, which are expected to provide additional characteristic parameters describing the phenomenon or additional locations where the phenomenon will produce its effects; adding the additional parameters or points, in recurrent sequence, to the first parameters or points, to define at each iterative step a shorter minimum spanning tree than at the preceding step; and displaying or printing the n-dimensional space, wherein the additional characteristic parameters or points are shown together with the first parameters and the geometrical point. |
| US08665269B2 |
Method of determining features of events or processes having a dynamic evolution in space and/or time
A method of determining features of events or processes having a dynamic evolution in space and/or time using measurements of parameters that calculate the most probable consequences of the event or process at a certain time includes: defining a set of measurable parameters describing the effects of the event or process, characteristic of the event or process, and measurable at a certain time; defining a n-dimensional space where the parameters describing the event or process are represented by entity points; determining, as a function of the measured values of the characteristic parameters describing the event or process at the certain time, a geometrical point in the n-dimensional space forces accumulate that are generated by the evolution of the event of process in time; and displaying or printing the n-dimensional space where the characteristic parameters are shown as entity points and as a geometrical point. |
| US08665267B2 |
System and method for generating 3D surface patches from unconstrained 3D curves
Various embodiments of a system and methods for generating 3D surface patches from unconstrained 3D curves are described. The system may receive a set of unconstrained 3D wireframe curves that represent a 3D wireframe model. The 3D wireframe curves may be unorganized, may have inconsistent orientations, and may have an arbitrary number and type of curve intersections. The system may automatically generate the 3D surface patches, dependent on the 3D wireframe curves. The 3D surface patches may form a 3D surface that connects the 3D wireframe curves. The 3D surface patches may be generated from faces of the 3D wireframe model. The faces may be elementary cycles extracted from the 3D wireframe model. The system may receive user input which indicates changes to the 3D surface patches. A user may change, create, and/or delete 3D surface patches to achieve a desired 3D surface that represents the 3D wireframe model. |
| US08665266B2 |
Global visualization process terrain database builder
A process for optimizing a tile mesh for a surface in a level-of-detail hierarchy includes obtaining a plurality of elevation values for an elevation grid of the surface, downsampling the elevation grid to a resolution based on a minimum edge size for triangles of the tile mesh as determined by a level-of-detail parameter, encoding the elevation grid into a linearized quadtree of virtual nodes, iteratively optimizing the quadtree according to an adaptive sampling pattern based on one or more prioritized split tests; and converting the optimized linearized quadtree into a tile mesh. |
| US08665262B2 |
Depth map enhancing method
The present invention discloses a depth map enhancing method. The method includes steps of obtaining an original depth map and a depth related parameter and storing the original depth map and the depth related parameter into a storage medium; quantifying the gray level of every pixel in the original depth map between 0 and 1 to obtain a plurality of quantified gray levels; raising the depth related parameter to the power of every quantified gray level respectively, subtracting 1, being divided by the value of the depth related parameter subtracting 1 and then being multiplied by a max gray level value to obtain a plurality of depth-relation-enhanced gray levels; and evenly distributing the plurality of depth-relation-enhanced gray levels between 0 and the max gray level value according to the relative proportional relationship among the plurality of depth-relation-enhanced gray levels to obtain a plurality of final gray levels. |
| US08665259B2 |
Multiscale three-dimensional navigation
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for providing an end user with a multiscale three-dimensional (3D) navigation experience in design software application programs. An adaptive multiscale 3D navigation system allows an end user to transition between a planetary scale down to an individual building scale. The end user may navigate within the building, inspecting object details within the building. The size of the environment is sensed automatically, and the viewing and travel parameters are adjusted accordingly to provide the end user with a seamless navigation experience. A consistent navigation experience is supported at various scales, and real-time collision detection is provided. Scale computation for 3D scenes and collision detection may be based on a generated depth cubemap of the environment. |
| US08665258B2 |
Generating a depth map based on a single image
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium for determining a depth map from a single image. An image is displayed on a computer display, where the displayed image corresponds to image data. User input via is received via one or more tools applied to the displayed image, where the user input specifies one or more depth constraints for at least a portion of the image. A depth map for the image data is automatically determined subject to the one or more depth constraints, and a representation of the depth map is displayed on the computer display. |
| US08665254B2 |
Pixel circuit of display panel, method of controlling the pixel circuit, and organic light emitting display including the display panel
A pixel circuit of a display panel, a method of driving the pixel circuit, and an organic light emitting display device including the display panel. All of a plurality of transistors included in the pixel circuit are NMOS transistors, and the pixel circuit configured to compensate for a voltage change at a source electrode of a driving transistor during light emission. |
| US08665253B2 |
Control apparatus of electro-optic apparatus, electro-optic apparatus and electronic apparatus
Each of a plurality of regions of a display unit is provided with an access flag indicative of whether a writing operation is performed on pixels in a corresponding region. It is determined whether the corresponding operation is performed on each of the regions based on the access flag. When the corresponding operation is necessary, image data written in a memory is compared with estimated image data. As a result, when a new writing operation is necessary, the new writing operation starts to be performed on each pixel after a previous writing operation is terminated. When the writing operation is terminated on all the pixels included in the region, the state of the access flag corresponding to the relevant region is changed to a state in which the writing operation is not necessary. |
| US08665252B2 |
Duty cycle calculation and implementation for solid state illuminators
A display uses x illuminator systems to produce x primary colors and y overlap colors, which are combinations of primary colors, to illuminate a spatial light modulator in a display system. A first set of n duty cycles for the x primary colors over a frame is provided, wherein the display system can select any one of the duty cycles to produce a desired white point. A second set of n duty cycles of x+y colors over a frame corresponding to the first set of duty cycles is determined, where the second set of duty cycles are generated responsive to a specified desired allocation of the frame to the y overlap colors, such that each of the overlap colors can be displayed from a dark shade to a bright shade while maintaining a constant color point. |
| US08665251B2 |
Display device and method of manufacturing the same
The display device includes stacked layers including a display element layer and a control layer including a capacitor including an upper electrode layer and a lower electrode layer that face each other in a layer-stacking direction, wherein the upper electrode layer includes a first upper capacitor electrode connecting two circuit elements, a disconnectable portion, and a second upper capacitor electrode connected to the first upper electrode layer through the disconnectable portion, and the lower electrode layer includes a first lower capacitor electrode connecting two circuit elements, a disconnectable portion, and a second lower capacitor electrode connected to the first lower electrode layer through the disconnectable portion. The capacitor has a capacitance each between the first upper capacitor electrode and the second lower capacitor electrode, and the first lower capacitor electrode and the second upper capacitor electrode. |
| US08665250B2 |
Shift register circuit
A shift register circuit includes plural stages of shift registers. Each stage of shift register includes a pull-up circuit, a control signal generator and a voltage-stabilizing circuit. The pull-up circuit is used for charging a first node. The control signal generator is electrically connected with the first node. According to a voltage level of the first node, a corresponding control signal is outputted from an output terminal of the control signal generator. The voltage-stabilizing circuit is electrically connected with the output terminal of the control signal generator for stabilizing the control signal from the control signal generator. Some circuits of some other shift registers are controlled according to the control signal. |
| US08665235B2 |
Touch structure and touch panel having an antenna function
A touch structure having an antenna function includes a substrate unit and an antenna unit. The substrate unit has a touch surface on the top surface thereof for an external object to touch in order to operate a touch-controlled module. The substrate unit includes at least one transparent substrate having at least one transparent portion and at least one nontransparent portion disposed around the transparent portion and combined with the transparent portion, the transparent portion has an image-viewing area on the top surface thereof, and the nontransparent portion has a non-image-viewing area on the top surface thereof. The antenna unit includes at least one antenna radiation structure disposed on the transparent substrate or embedded in the transparent substrate, and the layout of the antenna radiation structure shows an antenna radiation pattern having a predetermined operation band. |
| US08665234B2 |
In cell touch panel
Embodiments of the present invention employ resistance compensation to broaden voltage reading range of readout lines connected to a processing chip of an in cell touch panel. The resolution of the in cell touch panel is increased under the condition that the number of pins of the processing chip is not increased or is unchanged. |
| US08665231B2 |
Sensing methods for touch sensing devices
A sensing method for a touch sensing device is provided. In one embodiment, for one set of interlaced receiving electrode and transmitting electrodes of the touch sensing device, an integrator coupled to the receiving electrode is reset only one time. In another embodiment, for each group of sensing electrodes, an integrator coupled to the sensing electrodes is reset only one time. Accordingly, the rate at which the touch sensing array is sensed may be increased. Noise reduced by the process of resetting the integrator due to charge injection effects may be decreased. |
| US08665228B2 |
Energy efficient interactive display with energy regenerative keyboard
An electronic device including an interactive display having an interactive mode and a non-interactive mode. The interactive display includes an image display device that displays a user-interactive imaged keypad in at least a portion of the image display device when the interactive display is in the interactive mode and that displays other image data in the at least a portion of the image display device when the interactive display is in the non-interactive mode, a substantially transparent physical keypad that provides tactile feedback to a user indicating location of keys within the imaged keypad, one or more permanent magnets disposed within the physical keypad, and one or more charged electrical circuit elements oriented so that movement of the one or more permanent magnets relative to the one or more charged electrical circuit elements results in generation of electricity. |
| US08665226B2 |
Capacitive touch panel
An integrally-formed capacitive touch panel is disclosed including: a singular lens substrate, a mask layer, and a sensing circuit integrally coupled with said singular lens substrate. Said singular lens substrate, said mask layer, and said sensing circuit are integrally formed. |
| US08665223B2 |
Display device and method providing display contact information based on an amount of received light
A display device and a display method are provided in which the influence of the outside light can be removed easily, in the case where light-emitting and light-receiving are performed in parallel and simultaneously.In the case where an image-display and a light-receiving are performed simultaneously or alternately on a display surface of the display device, processing of making the display surface emit light to display an image is performed; light entering the display surface is received, which is the light-receiving of two times of a state in which the light-emitting for display use is being performed (step S11) and of a state in which light is not emitted (step S12); and a state in which the display surface is touched or approached is detected based on the detection of a difference in the quantities of received light of the two times (step S13). |
| US08665222B2 |
Handwriting-input device and method
A handwriting-input device and method capable of inputting a mixture of a character and a graphic without feeling discomfort even when an input area is physically limited. A handwriting-input device including, on a display screen, a normalized pencraft input area for inputting a pencraft desired to be normalized to be input and a pencraft arrangement area for inputting a pencraft that is not normalized and normalizing the pencraft to display it, at least includes: coordinate input means to obtain coordinate position information input by an input medium; and input area judgment means to judge which of the normalized pencraft input area and the pencraft arrangement area the pencraft is input in, based on the coordinate position information, wherein the pencraft can be input based on a judgment result in the input area judgment means. |
| US08665219B2 |
Wireless attached reader screen for cell phones
A display device is provided comprising a housing, a communication means within the housing configured to receive content from a local content source device external to the housing and to transmit messages to the local content source device, wherein the content comprises a static screen image, a storage means configured to store the content having been received from the content source device, wherein the storage means stores no more than a single static screen image and a display configured to display the content. A method for use with the display device is further provided. |
| US08665216B2 |
System and method of tactile access and navigation for the visually impaired within a computer system
A tactile access and navigation system and method for a visually impaired user operating within a computerized data environment includes a bi-directional input-output system having one or more tactile displays and user-operable input controls; a data transformer for extracting display data from the computer and transforming that data into a form suitable for display by the one or more tactile displays; apparatus for arranging the display data into a predetermined structure of GUI elements for navigation by the bi-directional input-output system; and apparatus for providing display data to the one or more tactile displays in any of one or more viewing modes for displaying on the one or more tactile displays a tactile representation of graphical and textual data content; and one or more navigational modes for displaying on the one or more tactile displays a tactile representation of the orientation of the GUI elements within the structure. |
| US08665210B2 |
Sensing user input using the body as an antenna
A human input system is described herein that provides an interaction modality that utilizes the human body as an antenna to receive electromagnetic noise that exists in various environments. By observing the properties of the noise picked up by the body, the system can infer human input on and around existing surfaces and objects. Home power lines have been shown to be a relatively good transmitting antenna that creates a particularly noisy environment. The human input system leverages the body as a receiving antenna and electromagnetic noise modulation for gestural interaction. It is possible to robustly recognize touched locations on an uninstrumented home wall using no specialized sensors. The receiving device for which the human body is the antenna can be built into common, widely available electronics, such as mobile phones or other devices the user is likely to commonly carry. |
| US08665200B2 |
Display device and method for driving display device
An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device which prevents effective voltages applied to liquid crystal from differing between positive and negative polarities, even when a generation timing of a timing signal is shifted. In at least one example embodiment, a driving signal has an electric potential waveform where one frame period is made up of first period, second period, third period, and fourth period. In first frame, each of a Low level in the first period and a Low level in the third period is lower in electric potential than a Low level in the second period. In second frame, each of a High level in the first period and a High level in the third period is higher in electric potential than a High level in the second period. |
| US08665192B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A display device having pixels disposed in a matrix and a pixel row in which a first pixel, a second pixel, a third pixel, and a fourth pixel are disposed in one direction, includes: a gate signal line having a first gate signal line to which the first pixel and the third pixel are connected and a second gate signal line to which the second pixel and the fourth pixel are connected; a drain signal line supplying a video signal to two pixel columns; and a storage line including a first storage line and a second storage line disposed so as to interpose the pixel row therebetween, wherein the first storage line and the second storage line are electrically connected to each other in a region where the drain signal line is not disposed, and a pixel electrode of each of the pixels has a portion overlapping with the drain signal line and a portion overlapping with the storage line. |
| US08665191B2 |
Organic light emitting display
An organic light emitting display. The organic light emitting display includes a display unit, a scan driver, a data driver, a pad unit including a plurality of pads for transmitting driving power or driving signals to at least one of the display unit, the scan driver, and the data driver, and a protective circuit unit coupled between the pad unit and at least one of the display unit, the scan driver, or the data driver. The protective circuit unit includes a semiconductor layer, insulating layers on the semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer on the insulating layer. One region of the conductive layer that overlaps the semiconductor layer is physically disconnected to create two adjacent ends that are coupled to each other through the semiconductor layer. The two adjacent ends of the disconnected conductive layer have recesses and protrusions. |
| US08665189B2 |
Display apparatus and display apparatus driving method
A display apparatus includes: a display panel that includes display elements having a current-driven light-emitting portion, in which the display elements are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix in a first direction and a second direction, and that displays an image on the basis of a video signal; and a luminance correcting unit that corrects the luminance of the display elements when displaying an image on the display panel by correcting a gradation value of an input signal and outputting the corrected input signal as the video signal. The luminance correcting unit includes a reference operating time calculator, an accumulated reference operating time storage, a reference curve storage, a black-level shift amount holder, and a video signal generator. |
| US08665187B2 |
Pixel array substrate and display device
A pixel array substrate includes: a first through fourth transistors (Ta through Td); a light-emitting element (OEL); a scanning line connected with a control terminal of the fourth transistor; a data line connected with one conducting terminal of the fourth transistor; a first control line (AZi) connected with one conducting terminal of the third transistor; a second control line (Ei) connected with a control terminal of the first transistor; and a first power source line (Ypj) connected with one conducting terminal of the first transistor. One conducting terminal of the second transistor is connected with the first power source line via the first transistor. A control terminal of the second transistor is connected with the data line via the fourth transistor and with a terminal of the light-emitting element via a capacitor (C). |
| US08665186B2 |
Image display device and method of driving the same
The image display device includes: a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each of which includes a driving transistor which converts a signal voltage which determines luminous intensity into a driving current; a luminescence element which generates photons according to the driving current flowing through it; and a threshold voltage detecting unit which detects a threshold voltage of the driving transistor while a reference voltage is applied. The pixels make up two or more driving blocks each of which includes a plurality of pixel rows. The image display device controls supply of the reference voltage and a power source voltage to all pixels in the same driving block with the same timing in a predetermined period and controls supply of the reference voltage and the power source voltage to all pixels in different blocks with different timings. |
| US08665182B2 |
Emission control driver and organic light emitting display device using the same
An emission control driver includes a plurality of stages, each of the plurality of stages including an output terminal coupled to a corresponding one of the emission control lines; input terminals respectively coupled to two or more scan lines of the scan lines for generating a corresponding one of the emission control signals; an input circuit for controlling voltages at a first node and a second node corresponding to scan signals supplied from the two or more scan lines; and an output circuit coupled to the input circuit, the output circuit for controlling the corresponding one of the emission control signals according to the voltages at the first node and the second node. |
| US08665179B2 |
Projection apparatus, projection method, and storage medium having program stored thereon
A light emission state of each of the plurality of different types of light-emitting elements is controlled in accordance with i) a color image formation period in which a color image is formed by using light emitted from the different types of light-emitting elements, ii) a synchronization period in which at least two different types of light-emitting elements are simultaneously driven to output a synchronization signal synchronized with projection timing of a left-eye image or a synchronization signal synchronized with projection timing of a right-eye image, and iii) off-state periods between which the synchronization period is interposed, and in which all the light-emitting elements are in the off-state. |
| US08665178B1 |
Partially-reflective waveguide stack and heads-up display using same
An apparatus that includes a waveguide comprising a front surface, a back surface and an embedded structure between the front surface and the back surface. A reflective array is formed by at least part of the embedded structure. The reflective array includes a plurality of wedges, each wedge having a primary facet, a secondary facet, and a plateau facet wherein at least one of the plurality of primary facets is at least partially reflective. Other implementations are disclosed and claimed. |
| US08665176B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus including a display section that includes a plurality of thin display devices formed at multiple layers such that their display screens overlap with one another, wherein at least one of the display devices closest to a viewing side of the display section is configured to be transparent, and control means for controlling each display of the plurality of display devices of the display section. |
| US08665173B2 |
Continuous current rod antenna
A Continuous Current Rod Antenna that may be positioned in close proximity to a conductive backplane and has extremely tight lattices which stabilize the radiation impedance and allows dense T/R modules packaging. The Continuous Current Rod Antenna offers lower profile packaging, with higher gain over larger bandwidths than other collinear array techniques. |
| US08665171B2 |
Diversity antenna apparatus including rectifier device
A diversity antenna apparatus includes a feed line through which radio communication power is transmitted, antennas connected in cascade through the feed line, and a first rectifier device placed in the feed line, wherein a first one of the antennas and a second one of the antennas each include a second rectifier device having an input terminal thereof connected to the feed line, an antenna device connected to an output of the first rectifier device, and a third rectifier device having an input terminal thereof connected to a connection point between the second rectifier device and the antenna device, and having an output terminal thereof grounded, wherein the first rectifier device placed in the feed line connects between the input terminal of the second rectifier device of the first one of the antennas and the input terminal of the second rectifier device of the second one of the antennas. |
| US08665169B2 |
Monopole antenna
Provided is a small monopole antenna, which can generate a plurality of resonant frequencies, have a high antenna efficiency, and be easily installed. The antenna includes a first antenna element formed of a coaxial cable; a second antenna element sealing the first antenna element and sharing a feed point with the first antenna element; and a feeder cable for feeding electric power to the feed point. This antenna is applied as a small antenna. |
| US08665166B2 |
Compact multibeam reflector antenna
The inventive device enables to ensure its compactness, that is, a minimum thickness at a high antenna efficiency of an antenna in the frequency range 10.7-12.75 GHz. This technical effect can be achieved because the antenna comprises a main reflector (1), at least two feeds (2) and at least two sub-reflectors (3). Each sub-reflector is provided with such a shape of its external surface that ensures reflection of the feed directional pattern central beam to the edge of the main reflector and reflection of a lateral beam to the central area of the main reflector, the sub-reflector adjoining surfaces being truncated. |
| US08665161B2 |
Electronic device including a patch antenna and visual display layer and related methods
An electronic device may include a substrate and a stacked arrangement of layers thereon. The stacked arrangement of layers may include a visual display layer, and a patch antenna above the visual display layer. The patch antenna may include an optically transmissive electrically conductive mesh. |
| US08665156B2 |
Position estimation assistance information for mobile station
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to providing assistance information to a mobile station for performing position estimation operations. |
| US08665154B2 |
Modeling and location inference based on ordered beacon sets
Embodiments order observed beacons based on relative signal strength to create a correspondence between beacon sets and positions. A computing device such as a mobile device provides a positioned observation including a plurality of observed beacons and a position of the mobile device during observation. The observed beacons are ordered based on quality indicators such as signal strength relative to each other. A set of the beacons are selected based on the ordering (e.g., the beacons with the strongest signal strength are selected in order). The position of the observing mobile device is associated with the beacon set to enable location inference for other devices providing observations including the same beacon set. |
| US08665153B2 |
Array signal processing device
Provided is an array signal processing device capable of, when a spatial averaging method is applied to array signal processing, reducing the number of antennas constituting an array antenna while making use of the spatial averaging method. In the array signal processing device (300), an array antenna (310) comprises four antennas (311-1 to 311-4) disposed at the four vertices of a parallelogram. Correlation calculation units (341-1, 2) calculate, based on a received signal, spatial correlation matrices for respective sub-array antenna (312-1) and sub-array antenna (312-2), the sub-array antenna (312-1) comprising the antennas (311-1, 3) disposed at the opposing two vertices and the antenna (311-2), the sub-array antenna (312-2) comprising the antennas (311-1, 3) and the antenna (311-4). An array rotation unit (342) converts a first spatial matrix of the calculated two spatial matrices to the complex conjugate thereof. A spatial averaging unit (343) averages the complex conjugate of the first spatial matrix and a second spatial matrix. |
| US08665151B2 |
L1/L2 GPS receiver with programmable logic
A Global Positioning System (GPS) commercial receiver includes programmable logic that utilizes P-code modulated L1 and L2 GPS signals to derive estimates of in-phase and quadrature-phase components of both L1 and L2 signals, a programmable processor that calculates pseudoranges and pseudo-Doppler phases, and derives navigation solutions. A resulting complex accumulated L2 signal comprises near-ML estimates of desired L2 amplitude and pseudo-Doppler phase. |
| US08665148B2 |
Global positioning system receiver with phase offset compensation
An electronic device such as a cellular telephone may include transceiver circuitry for handling wireless communications. The transceiver circuitry may include a transceiver such as a cellular telephone transceiver or a wireless local area network receiver and may include a satellite positioning system receiver. Radio-frequency circuitry may be used to couple the transceiver circuitry to antenna structures. When operating the transceiver in different modes of operation, the radio-frequency circuitry may be adjusted to optimize performance. Adjustments to the radio-frequency circuitry may impose phase offsets on satellite positioning system signals that are received through the antenna structures and radio-frequency circuitry. These phase offsets which would otherwise cause degradation in the satellite positioning system receiver can be compensated by applying stored compensating phase offset values to the satellite positioning system receiver during operation. |
| US08665147B2 |
GPS antenna diversity and noise mitigation
A system and method for improving acquisition sensitivity and tracking performance of a GPS receiver using multiple antennas is provided. In an embodiment, the acquisition sensitivity can be improved by determining the correlation weight of each received path signal path associated with one antenna form a plurality of antennas and then combining the path signals based on their respective correlation weight. In another embodiment, carrier offset correction information of each path signal is individually determined and then summed together to be used for tracking the code phase in a code phase tracking loop. The code phase tracking loop generates an early code and a late code that are used to determine the code phase error. The system includes notch and bandpass filters to mitigate narrowband and broadband noises of a received GPS signal, wherein the digital adaptive filters are switched on periodically or by external events. |
| US08665139B2 |
Distance measuring apparatus and distance measuring method
Disclosed is a distance measuring apparatus which includes: a first pulse generating means (135) which generates reference signals; a second pulse generating means (137) which generates subject detection signals; a time measuring section (139) which measures a period of time from a time when a first pulse is generated to a time when a second pulse is generated; a first phase detecting section (141) which detects the first phase of a signal received using a signal at a first frequency; a second phase detecting section (163) which detects the second phase of a signal received using a signal at a second frequency; and a distance calculating section (165) which calculates the distance to the subject on the basis of output from the time measuring section, the first phase detecting section and the second phase detecting section. |
| US08665129B2 |
Complex second-order integrator and oversampling A/D converter having the same
An oversampling A/D converter with a few operational amplifiers is configured using a complex second-order integrator including first and second second-order integrators and first and second coupling circuits configured to couple these integrators together. Each of the second-order integrators includes an operational amplifier, four resistance elements, and three capacitance elements. The first coupling circuit cross-couples one of two serially-connected capacitance elements inserted between the inverted input terminal and output terminal of the operational amplifier in the first second-order integrator to the counterpart in the second second-order integrator using two resistance elements. The second coupling circuit cross-couples the other capacitance element in the first second-order integrator to the counterpart in the second second-order integrator using two resistance elements. |
| US08665127B2 |
Σ-Δ difference-of-squares RMS to DC converter with multiple feedback paths
Architectures of ΣΔ difference-of-squares RMS-to-digital converters employing multiple feedback paths. Additional feedback paths enable a stable ΣΔ closed-loop behavior in different topologies where the RMS level of the quantization error processed by the squaring non-linearity is minimized. Such feedback paths include lowpass filtered and constant gain feedback paths, lowpass and highpass filtered paths or multiple lowpass filtered paths. These can be combined with multiple integrators in the forward path, with frequency compensation provided by additional feedforward or feedback paths. Electronic configurability can further extend the total input referred dynamic range (DR) of such architectures. |
| US08665125B2 |
Electronic device and method for measuring differential non-linearity (DNL) of an SAR ADC
The device comprises a successive approximation register, a capacitive digital-to-analog converter comprising a plurality of capacitors, the plurality of capacitors being coupled with a first side to a common node; a comparator coupled to the common node and being adapted to make bit decisions by comparing a voltage at the common node with another voltage level, and a SAR control stage for providing a digital code representing a conversion result. The device is configured to operate in a calibration mode, where the device is configured to sample a reference voltage on a first capacitor of the plurality of capacitors by coupling one side of the first capacitor to the reference voltage, to perform a regular conversion cycle with at least those capacitors of the plurality of capacitors having lower significance than the first capacitor and to provide the conversion result of the regular conversion cycle for calibrating the first capacitor. |
| US08665122B2 |
System for the detection and the depiction of objects in the path of marine vessels
System for detection and depiction of objects in the path of marine vessels and for warning about objects that may constitute a risk to the navigational safety. The system includes a sweeping unit for illumination of objects within the field of view of the system, including a light source which emits a beam within the field of view of the system, an optical sensor and pulse processing unit including optical detectors for monitoring of the beam output power and generation of a start pulse for measurement of distance, for detection/reception of radiant energy reflected from objects, including measurement of distance to the reflecting object(s) based on the time delay between emitted and reflected light, including energy and peak effect of the pulses. The sweeping unit sweeps the beam and the optical detector's instantaneous field of view over the sweep area, by means of first and second sweeping mechanisms, to obtain directional information related to the instantaneous radiation direction relative to the vessel. |
| US08665118B1 |
Parking information aggregation platform
This document describes systems and techniques that may be used to aggregate information about open parking spots from various different parking providers or organizations. |
| US08665113B2 |
Detecting roadway targets across beams including filtering computed positions
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting targets across beams at roadway intersections. Embodiments of the invention include tracking a target across a plurality of beams of a multiple beam radar system in a roadway intersection and updating track files for targets within a roadway intersection. Returns from a plurality of radar beams monitoring a roadway intersection are divided into range bins. Identified energy in the range bins is used to compute the position of targets within a roadway intersection. When the position of a target is computed, it is determined if the position is a new position for an existing target or if the position is the position of a new target. |
| US08665109B2 |
Wired drill pipe connection for single shouldered application and BHA elements
A method and apparatus for transmitting data across a tool joint connection. In one embodiment, the system includes a first data transmission element connected to a first downhole component, a second data transmission element connected to a second downhole component, and a biasing element biasing at least one of the first and second data transmission elements towards the other data transmission element such that the first and second data transmission elements are in data communication with each other. |
| US08665106B2 |
Personal audio cable alarm device
The present invention relates to a personal audio cable device comprising a personal alarm being easily accessible to a user. The personal audio device is configured to relay electric audio signals to a personal hearing device, said personal audio cable device comprising an electric signal receiving unit, a jack socket configured to receive a jack plug of the personal hearing device. The personal audio cable device comprises an audio alarm unit, and an audio alarm actuating circuit, wherein the audio alarm unit is configured to generate an audio frequency alarm when actuated and triggered by disengaging the jack plug of the hearing device from the jack socket of the personal audio cable device. The audio alarm unit may in also dial up an emergency rescue number, upon actuation. The invention provides how to easily actuate an audio alarm when being attacked by an intruder. |
| US08665105B2 |
System and method for providing improved detection of user inaction
A mobile computing device may include an interface device, a near field communication (NFC) device, and a processor coupled with the interface device and the NFC device. The processor may be capable of detecting proximity of an encasement based upon the NFC device, and changing an operational mode of the interface device based upon detecting the proximity of the encasement. |
| US08665104B2 |
Systems and methods for protecting rotating machines
Systems and methods for protecting rotating machines are provided. Measurements data collected by a plurality of sensors may be received by a controller that includes one or more computers. The plurality of sensors may be configured to monitor vibrations associated with the rotating machine. Based at least in part upon the measurements data, the controller may determine that a respective amplitude change for at least two of the plurality of sensors exceeds a threshold condition. The controller may also determine that the threshold condition is exceeded for a predetermined period of time. Based at least in part upon determining that the threshold condition is exceeded for a predetermined period of time, the controller may identify an alarm event. |
| US08665099B2 |
Inattentive state determination device and method of determining inattentive state
An inattentive state determination device includes an observed amount acquiring means for acquiring information on the driver's line of sight and at least one of either information on driving operations or information on the traveling state as an observed amount; and an inattentive state determining means for determining the inattentive state of the driver based on the stochastic relationship between the inattentive state and the observed amount as well as the observed amount acquired by using the observed amount acquiring means. In addition, the inattentive state determining means calculates the probability that the driver is driving inattentively and determines that the driver is driving inattentively when the calculated probability exceeds a threshold. |
| US08665098B2 |
Non-contact motion detection apparatus
A non-contact motion detection apparatus includes at least one reception antenna, at least one transmission antenna, a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and a phase lock loop (PLL). The at least one reception antenna receives a first wireless radio frequency (RF) signal. The at least one transmission antenna transmits a second wireless RF signal to an object which reflects the second wireless RF signal into the first wireless RF signal. The VCO outputs an oscillation signal to the at least one transmission antenna. The first wireless RF signal received by the at least one reception antenna is injected to the VCO. The PLL generates a control voltage to the VCO according to the oscillation signal from the VCO and a reference frequency. Controlled by the control voltage, which represents a motion information of the object, the oscillation signal of the VCO is locked to the reference frequency. |
| US08665097B2 |
System and method of worker fall detection and remote alarm notification
A fall indicating alarm system includes one or more fall sensors and at least one gas sensor coupled to a displaced alarm system which, responsive to an output from a fall sensor, generates an audible or visual alarm indicator. Both local and displaced alarm indicators can be generated. |
| US08665094B2 |
RFID tag-embedded casino chip
Disclosed is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag-embedded casino chip. The RFID tag-embedded casino chip includes an Integrated Circuit (IC) and an antennae connected to the IC. The RFID tag has a frequency which is equal to or greater than 20 MHz and is equal to or less than 25 MHz. |
| US08665092B2 |
Manipulation detection system for cash boxes that can be inserted in and removed from automatic teller machines
A manipulation detection system for removable insertable cash cartridges in automated banking machines is described, wherein the cash cartridge has a lockable cash dispensing/deposit opening for disbursing money and/or depositing money in the operating position of the cash cartridge, wherein the cash dispensing/deposit opening is opened automatically when the cash cartridge is inserted into the automated banking machine even before said cassette reaches its operating position, wherein when the cash dispensing/deposit opening is opened, a manipulation alert is generated at the cash cartridge by means of a sensor. The system is also characterized in that at least two switches (S1, S2, S*) are provided in the cash cartridge, the at least two switches (S1, S2, S*) are actuated automatically when the cash cartridge is inserted into the automated banking machine, the switch actuation sequence of the at least two switches (S1, S2, S*) is evaluated using pre-determined criteria for the generation of a manipulation alert. |
| US08665085B2 |
Tracking and monitoring system
A tracking device is incorporated into a band, such as a watch band or bracelet. The tracking device appears as an ordinary band, but cannot be removed by the individual wearing it. If necessary, the location of the tracking device can be determined by a central server and reported to the authorities or to the individual's family. |
| US08665079B2 |
Vision system for vehicle
A vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor operable to capture an image data set representative of a scene occurring in the exterior field of view of the imaging sensor. A processor processes the captured image data set via an edge detection algorithm, which is applied to a reduced image data set of the captured image data set to detect edges of objects present exteriorly of the equipped vehicle and within a target zone within the exterior field of view of the imaging sensor. The reduced data set is processed more than other image data of the captured image data set in order to detect objects present exteriorly of the equipped vehicle and within the target zone. The target zone encompasses a geographic area of the exterior scene where an object of interest to the driver of the equipped vehicle is realistically expected to be present. |
| US08665073B2 |
Truncation, compression, and encryption of RFID tag communications
An RFID tag is capable of storing data, receiving a signal from a reader, determining a response taking into account the tag mode and the data, and transmitting a response to the reader. The data includes a first plurality of bits and a second plurality of bits. The tag mode may be set by a current or a prior command by the reader. Depending on the tag mode, the response may be complete, or the second plurality of bits may be truncated, compressed, or encrypted. In an aspect of the invention, the response includes an implicit indication of whether the response is complete, truncated, encrypted, or compressed. In another aspect of the invention, a command from the reader indicates how many bits should be truncated, compressed, or encrypted. |
| US08665066B2 |
Reader control system
An RFID reader control system and method is provided. A protocol for controlling an RFID reader and an RFID reader control unit of a mobile phone is defined. Messages, information, commands, responses, and notification are constructed and transmitted between the RFID reader and the RFID reader control unit. |
| US08665064B1 |
Wireless security control system
A security control system includes a remote access control system to receive wireless information from a central access control system. The remote access control system includes a remote access controller electrically coupled to a remote wireless communicator. The remote access controller receives information from the remote wireless communicator and uses the information to control locking and unlocking of the door. The remote wireless communicator also transmits wireless information to the central access control system and a switch is provided for selectively choosing between the receiving and transmitting the wireless information. The remote wireless communicator communicates via RF information, such as spread-spectrum RF. The remote access control system also includes a reader to read user data when presented to the reader. |
| US08665062B2 |
Method and system for communicating access authorization requests based on user personal identification as well as method and system for determining access authorizations
A control system for access to a limited access area requires identification and preferably authentication of the accessing person; in order to achieve efficiency and effectiveness, the system need to be automatic. According to the present invention, the arrangement associated with the accessing person is split into at least two devices in communication between each other: a personal identity biometric authentication device (D1) and a wirelessly communicating device (D2); the authentication device (D1) is responsible for user authentication, while the communication device (D2) is responsible for transmitting requests of access authorization to an electronic access controller (D3). |
| US08665057B2 |
Electronic assembly having stressable contact bridge with fuse function
An electronic circuit includes a conductor path on a circuit board, and at least one SMD component, electronic component and/or electromechanical component mounted on the circuit board and connected to the conductor path. A circuit connection is established via a soldered joint and a spring-loaded or stressed springy contact bridge that provides fuse protection. In the event of excessive power dissipation or high temperature, the soldered joint melts or softens and the contact bridge springs open to interrupt the circuit. |
| US08665056B2 |
Fuse assembly
A circuit protection assembly includes a mounting block, a unitary fuse assembly, a post assembly and a plug connector. The unitary fuse assembly is disposed the mounting block and includes a plurality of fuses each of which is defined by a portion of a bus plate disposed on the lower surface of the mounting block to form a first terminal of the fuse, a second terminal disposed at least partially on the upper surface of the mounting block and a fuse element connecting the first terminal and the second terminal. The post assembly is disposed at least partially within the mounting block and a post extending from the block. The plug connector extends from a portion of the first terminal of at least one of the plurality of fuses. |
| US08665055B2 |
Soft magnetic alloy and uses thereof
The invention discloses a soft magnetic amorphous alloy and a soft magnetic nanocomposite alloy formed from the amorphous alloy. Both alloys comprise a composition expressed by the following formula: (Fe1-x-yCoxMy)100-a-b-cTaBbNc where, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni and Mn; T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nb, W, Ta, Zr, Hf, Ti, Cr, Cu, Mo, V and combinations thereof, and the content of Cu when present is less than or equal to 2 atomic %; N is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Si, Ge, C, P and Al; and 0.01≦x+y≦0.5; 0≦y≦0.4; 1≦a≦5 atomic %; 10≦b≦30 atomic %; and 0≦c≦10 atomic %. A core, which may be used in transformers and wire coils, is made by charging a furnace with elements necessary to form the amorphous alloy, rapidly quenching the alloy, forming a core from the alloy; and heating the core in the presence of a magnetic field to form the nanocomposite alloy. The resulting nanocomposite alloy of the core comprises the amorphous alloy having embedded therein, fine grain nanocrystalline particles, about 90% of which are 20 nm in any dimension. |
| US08665053B2 |
Laminated ceramic electronic component and manufacturing method therefor
A method for manufacturing a laminated ceramic electronic component enables formation of a plating film as at least a portion of an external electrode which connects exposed ends of internal electrodes. A component main body including a plurality of ceramic layers and a plurality of internal electrodes partially exposed from the component main body is prepared such that the component main body has a conductive region formed by diffusion of a conductive component included in the internal electrodes at the end surfaces of the ceramic layers located between adjacent exposed ends of the plurality of internal electrodes. The ceramic layers are preferably composed of a glass ceramic containing a glass component of about 10 weight % or more. A plating film is formed directly on the component main body by growing the exposed ends of the internal electrodes and the conductive region as nucleuses for plating deposition. |
| US08665052B2 |
Transformer-based circuit with compact and/or symmetrical layout design
A transformer-based circuit has at least a first port and a plurality of second ports. The transformer-based circuit includes a first winding conductor and a plurality of second winding conductors. The first winding conductor is electrically connected to the first port, and has a plurality of sectors connected in series to thereby form a plurality of loops, where the loops are arranged in a concentric-like fashion. The second winding conductors are magnetically coupled to the first winding conductor; besides, the second winding conductors are electrically connected to the second ports, respectively. Overall layout patterns of the second winding conductors are identical to each other. The first winding conductor acts as one of a primary winding conductor and a secondary winding conductor, and each of the second winding conductors acts as the other of the primary winding conductor and the secondary winding conductor. |
| US08665050B2 |
Transformer
A transformer includes a bobbin, an iron core assembly, and a first sleeve. The bobbin includes a main body and a channel passing through the main body. The iron core assembly includes a first iron core and a second iron core. The first end of the first iron core and the second end of the second iron core are disposed near the periphery of the bobbin. The first sleeve is disposed at a first gap between the first end and the second end, so as to make the first end and the second end to be accommodated within the first sleeve. And, the first end is aligned opposite to the second end. |
| US08665046B2 |
Electromagnet and electromagnetic coil assembly
An electromagnet may comprise a pole piece (20) and coil assembly (30). The pole piece (20) may be magnetically susceptible and have a channel structure and a first flange member (22). The channel structure may have an annular inner side wall (24), an annular outer side wall (26) and an annular end wall (28) that fixedly couples the inner and outer side walls (24, 26) to one another on a first axial end (27) of the pole piece (20). The channel structure may be open on a second axial end (29) of the pole piece (20) that is opposite the first axial end (27). The first flange member (22) may be coupled to an end of one of the inner and outer side walls (24, 26) on the second axial end (29) and extend in a radial direction of the pole piece (20) towards an interior of the channel structure. The coil assembly (30) may be fixedly coupled to the channel structure between the inner and outer side walls (24, 26). |
| US08665045B2 |
Accessory device with magnetic attachment
A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device. |
| US08665042B2 |
Wireless switch with multipolar electromagnetic generator
A wireless switch comprises a mechanical oscillator, a mechanical impulse deliverer, a first array of magnets positioned on a planar surface, a first conductor, and a power management circuit. The mechanical impulse deliverer delivers a mechanical impulse to the mechanical oscillator when the wireless switch is switched. The first array comprises a one dimensional or two dimensional array of magnets. The first conductor comprises a first serpentine conductor. The power management circuit provides DC power as a result of relative motion due to the mechanical oscillator between the first array of magnets and the first conductor. |
| US08665041B2 |
Integrated microminiature relay
A micro-relay that overcomes some of the limitations and drawbacks of the prior art is disclosed. The micro-relay comprising: (1) a first substrate comprising one or more monolithically integrated planar coils for generating a magnetic field; and (2) a second substrate comprising a magnetically actuated switch having a moving contact that selectively moves in a plane parallel to its substrate. The first and second substrate are aligned and bonded to collectively provide a closed magnetic circuit that efficiently channels the generated magnetic field through the switch. |
| US08665037B2 |
Cross polarization multiplexer formed in a monoblock body
The invention relates to a cross polarization multiplexer which doubles the capacity of radio links using a vertical polarization diplexer, a horizontal polarization diplexer and an octagonal transducer module for separating the vertically polarized waves from the horizontally polarized waves. The invention is characterized in that the vertical diplexer and the horizontal diplexer are integrated in a module forming a monoblock body having a specific, simple and inexpensive configuration. This configuration allows the use a single transceiver unit which also provides a cost saving. |
| US08665032B2 |
Flexural mode resonator element, resonating device, and electronic apparatus
A flexural mode resonator element includes: a vibration arm extending from a base end toward a tip; a base joined to the vibration arm at the base end; and supporting arms arranged on both sides of the base in a width direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the vibration arm and joined to the base, wherein the base has a reduced cross-section portion disposed along the extending direction of the vibration arm between a joint portion with the vibration arm and a joint portion with the supporting arms, and the reduced cross-section portion is disposed so as to satisfy a relationship 2×W1≦L≦6×W1 where L is the length of the reduced cross-section portion in the extending direction of the vibration arm, and W1 is the arm width of the vibration arm. |
| US08665029B2 |
Oscillator module and reference circuit thereof
A reference circuit for an oscillator module is provided. The reference circuit includes a reference voltage generation unit and a reference current generation unit. The reference voltage generation unit includes an electric element having a voltage proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT voltage) and provides a reference voltage based on the PTAT voltage. The reference current generation unit is coupled to the reference voltage generation unit and provides a reference current to the oscillator circuit to serve as an input current based on the PTAT voltage. The oscillator circuit generates a clock signal based on the reference voltage and the input current. The reference voltage and the input current are proportional to absolute temperature and have the same change trend relative to absolute temperature, such that the clock signal is a temperature insensitive signal. An oscillator module including an oscillator circuit and the foregoing reference circuit is also provided. |
| US08665022B2 |
Low noise-linear power distributed amplifier
The present disclosure describes a distributed amplifier (DA) that includes active device cells within sections that are configured to provide an input gate termination that is conducive for relatively low noise and high linearity operation. A section adjacent to an output of the DA is configured to effectively terminate the impedance of an input transmission line of the DA. Each active device cell includes transistors coupled in a cascode configuration that thermally distributes a junction temperature among the transistors. In this manner, noise generated by a common source transistor of the cascode configuration is minimized. The transistors coupled in the cascode configuration may be fabricated using gallium nitride (GaN) technology to reduce physical size of the DA and to further reduce noise. |
| US08665015B1 |
Power amplifier circuit
A power amplifier circuit, comprising: an input for receiving an input signal to be amplified; a power supply; an amplifier, coupled to the input and the power supply; and a cascode device coupled between the power supply and the amplifier. The circuit is characterized by: a first current source coupled between the input and the amplifier, configured to provide a biasing current which is proportional to absolute temperature; and a second current source for controlling the cascode device, configured to provide a current which is complementary to absolute temperature (CTAT). |
| US08665012B2 |
Analog filter with adjustable filter frequency
A low noise analog filter with adjustable filter frequency includes an oscillatory circuit, whose resonance frequency equals the filter frequency of the filter. The oscillatory circuit has a first circuit branch. One of the frequency determining elements is a capacitance and the other an inductance. The low noise analog filter further includes an amplifier with adjustable amplification installed in one of the two circuit branches. The output of the amplifier is connected with its inverting input via the frequency determining element arranged in such circuit branch. In filter operation, the amplifier amplifies, according to the adjusted amplification, a voltage applied across the frequency determining element arranged in such circuit branch and thereby effects a corresponding change of an electrical current flowing through such frequency determining element. |
| US08665011B2 |
Micro electro-mechanical system circuit capable of compensating capacitance variation and method thereof
A micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) circuit includes a MEMS differential capacitor, a read-out circuit, a control circuit, and a compensation circuit. The MEMS differential capacitor includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor. The read-out circuit is coupled to the MEMS differential capacitor for reading a difference between the first capacitor and the second capacitor in a zero-G condition, and generating an output signal according to the difference. The control circuit is coupled to the read-out circuit for receiving the output signal and generating a control signal. The compensation circuit is coupled to the control circuit for compensating the MEMS differential capacitor according to the control signal. |
| US08665008B2 |
Semiconductor device that can cancel noise in bias line to which bias current flows
Disclosed herein is a device that includes a bias line to which a bias current flows, a switch circuit controlling an amount of the bias current based on a control signal, a control line to which the control signal is supplied, and a cancellation circuit substantially cancelling a potential fluctuation of the bias line caused by changing the control signal, the potential fluctuation propagating via a parasitic capacitance between the control line and the bias line. |
| US08665005B2 |
Process and temperature insensitive inverter
The transition frequency of an inverter can vary with the transconductance of its internal transistors as a function of temperature and bias level. To maintain consistent transition frequency across temperatures, and therefore reduce the phase noise variation introduced by the inverter, systems, methods, and circuits are disclosed for biasing the inverter with a temperature varying current such that the transconductance of transistors remains constant across temperatures, while maintaining the lowest possible power consumption to do so. Various embodiments can include using current sources that have proportional-to-absolute-temperature (PTAT) devices. |
| US08665004B2 |
Controlling a MOS transistor
A device for controlling (10) a power transistor (5), comprises: an amplifying device (15) for monitoring the transistor gate (5) via an output control signal, the device including: a first input connected to the transistor drain, the whole assembly forming a first circuit portion; a second input connected to the transistor source, the whole assembly forming a second circuit portion. The control device comprises means for producing a polarizing current (I1, I2), the current being injected into the first and second inputs (NEG, POS) so as to offset the drain-source voltage measurement and maintain a linear operating mode of the output control signal, prior to opening the transistor, and the same number of N semiconductor junctions in the first and second circuit portions. The device is applicable in particular on battery charging devices. |
| US08665001B2 |
Low voltage isolation switch, in particular for a transmission channel for ultrasound applications
A low voltage isolation switch is coupled between an input terminal suitable for receiving a high voltage signal and an output terminal suitable for transmitting this high voltage signal to a load. The isolation switch includes a first driving transistor coupled between a first reference terminal and an intermediate node, a second driving transistor coupled between the intermediate node and the second reference terminal, a control transistor connected across a diode block coupled between the input and output terminals. The control transistor has a control terminal connected to the intermediate node through a low voltage decoupling block that includes first and second substrate terminals, first and second parasitic capacitive element connected to these first and second substrate terminals, and first and second decoupling transistors coupled in parallel to each other and having control terminals connected to the first and second parasitic capacitive elements, respectively. |
| US08665000B2 |
Down-conversion using square wave local oscillator signals
A method of frequency down-converting an input signal to an output signal, a first local oscillator signal is generated as a square wave having a duty cycle of 1/3 or 2/3, and the input signal is mixed with first oscillator signal to achieve a first down-converted signal, a second local oscillator signal is generated as a modified square wave having the same period time as the first oscillator signal and a duty cycle of 2/3, of which one part has a positive amplitude and another part has a negative amplitude. The input signal is mixed with the second oscillator signal to achieve a second down-converted signal. The first oscillator signal has a delay of 1/4 of the period time to achieve a phase shift of π/2 between the oscillator signals, and at least one down-converted signal is multiplied by a pre-calculated factor. The resulting down-converted signals are added to achieve the output signal. |
| US08664999B2 |
Mixer arrangement
A mixer arrangement for generating an analog output signal by mixing an analog input signal with a discrete-time mixing signal. The mixer arrangement comprises a plurality of unit elements. Each unit element is adapted to be in an enabled mode in a first state of an enable signal supplied to the unit element, and in a disabled mode in a second state of the enable signal. Each unit element is adapted to generate the output signal of the unit element based on the analog input signal of the mixer arrangement in the enabled mode but not in the disabled mode. The unit elements are connected for generating a common output signal as the sum of the output signals from the unit elements. The mixer arrangement is adapted to generate the analog output signal of the mixer arrangement based on the common output signal. A corresponding method is also disclosed. |
| US08664998B2 |
Adaptive filter circuit for sampling a reflected voltage of transformer in a power converter and method thereof
An adaptive filter circuit for sampling a reflected voltage of a transformer of a power converter includes a first switch for receiving the reflected voltage, a resistor having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal of the resistor being coupled to the first switch, a capacitor coupled to the second terminal of the resistor for holding the reflected voltage, and a second switch coupled to the resistor in parallel, wherein the resistor and the capacitor develop a filter for sampling the reflected voltage which is sampled without filtering by the filter in a first period during a disable period of a switching signal and also sampled with filtering by the filter in a second period during the disable period of the switching signal. |
| US08664994B1 |
System to generate a predetermined fractional period time delay
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an all-digital technique for generating an accurate delay irrespective of the inaccuracies of a controllable delay line. A sub-sampling technique based delay measurement unit capable of measuring delays accurately for the full period range is used as the feedback element to build accurate fractional period delays based on input digital control bits. The delay generation system periodically measures and corrects the error and maintains it at the minimum value without requiring any special calibration phase. A significant improvement in accuracy is obtained for a commercial programmable delay generator chip. The time-precision trade-off feature of the delay measurement unit is utilized to reduce the locking time. Loop dynamics are adjusted to stabilize the delay after the minimum error is achieved, thus avoiding additional jitter. |
| US08664990B2 |
Coherent phase locked loop
In a fractional-n Phase Locked Loop the frequency control word multiplies by the output of a reference counter to provide the carry bit utilized in n/n+1 switching. |
| US08664989B1 |
Method to increase frequency resolution of a fractional phase-locked loop
The ratio of the output frequency of the PLL to the reference frequency is governed by the ratio of the feedback divider to the output divider. For the case of a fixed-point delta-sigma modulator based PLL, the feedback divide factor can only be a non-recurring/terminating rational number in base-2 (binary) system and the output divide ratio is constrained to be an integer. Hence, the range or resolution of the output frequencies that are possible is inherently limited. To solve this problem, an additional gain factor is introduced in the feedback loop. The gain factor is determined by finding an initial gain factor for which the value of the feedback divide ratio can be represented precisely in the binary format. The closest power of two larger than the initial gain factor is used as the denominator to divide the initial gain factor. The present system and method increases the resolution of such a PLL, while actually saving area/power, by introducing an additional factor within the modulator and also by not affecting the analog part of the circuit. |
| US08664983B1 |
Priority control phase shifts for clock signals
A clock data recovery circuit includes a sampler circuit, a filter circuit, a control circuit, and a phase shift circuit. The sampler circuit samples input data in response to a clock signal. The filter circuit is coupled to the sampler circuit. The control circuit is coupled to the filter circuit. The phase shift circuit provides the clock signal to the sampler circuit. The control circuit causes the phase shift circuit to shift a phase of the clock signal by a first phase shift, and by a second phase shift after the phase of the clock signal has shifted by the first phase shift, in response to the filter circuit indicating to shift the phase of the clock signal by more than a predefined phase shift. |
| US08664980B2 |
Frequency synthesizer for generating a low noise and low jitter timebase of a reference signal
A frequency synthesizer for generating a low noise and low jitter timebase of a reference signal generates first and second output signals a difference frequency that is low enough for use in sub-scanning is implemented with a first incrementer, having a preset increment and a preset end value E1 controlling a first fractional divider and a second incrementer having a preset increment and a present end value E2 controlling a second fractional divider, wherein each of the incrementers is clocked from the output signal of each fractional divider so that, when the end value E1, E2 is reached, an end signal is output and the incrementers are reset to a carryover value as a new starting value and the end signal is switched between the division factors of the fractional dividers so that the switching sequence of the end signal is periodic with the output signals of the fractional dividers. |
| US08664978B2 |
Methods and apparatus for time to current conversion
A time to current conversion apparatus and methods. An impedance having an input for selectively receiving a time varying periodic signal or a known voltage signal is provided; and a current output is coupled to the impedance. By observing the average current through the impedance for the known voltage signal over a time period, and by observing the average current through the impedance for a time varying periodic signal, the duty cycle of the time varying periodic signal may be determined by evaluating a ratio of a first average current observed at the current output while the time varying periodic signal is coupled to the impedance to a second average current observed at the current output while the known voltage signal is coupled to the impedance. An embodiment time to current converter circuit is disclosed. Method embodiments for determining the duty cycle of a time varying periodic signal are provided. |
| US08664976B2 |
Shift register and semiconductor display device
The invention provides a shift register which can operate normally while suppressing a delay of signal and a rounding of waveform. The shift register of the invention includes a plurality of stages of flip-flop circuits each of which includes a clocked inverter. The clocked inverter includes a first transistor and a second transistor which are connected in series, a first compensation circuit including a third transistor and a fourth transistor which are connected in series, and a second compensation circuit including a fifth transistor and a transmission gate. According to the first compensation circuit, a timing at which a signal outputted from the flip-flop circuit rises or falls can be controlled in synchronization with an output of two stages before. The second compensation circuit can control a clock signal input can be controlled. |
| US08664971B2 |
Method of testing functioning of a semiconductor device
A method of testing a semiconductor device including applying a reference test pattern to the semiconductor device in which a preset number of power pins of the semiconductor device are supplied with current, incrementally disconnecting the power pins from the current to set a number of removal power pins, and determining a final number of power pins which represents a minimum number of power pins with which the semiconductor device operates normally. The method additionally includes applying a delay test pattern to the semiconductor device to set a cycle of the delay test pattern corresponding to the number of removal power pins to reduce or prevent an overkill phenomenon. |
| US08664969B2 |
Methods and apparatus for implementing electrical connectivity for electronic circuit testing
Various embodiments are directed at an apparatus for implementing electrical connectivity for testing of a semiconductor device. The apparatus comprises a probe head which comprises an upper guide plate and a lower guide plate, wherein the upper guide plate defines a plurality of first apertures, and the lower guide plate defines a plurality of second apertures in some embodiments. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of probes, wherein each of the plurality of probes passes through one of the plurality of first apertures on the upper guide plate and one of the plurality of second apertures on the lower guide plate, and at least one of the plurality of probes defines a buckled form after the at least one of the plurality of probes is finally assembled in the apparatus. The apparatus further comprises a template member to guide the plurality of probes. |
| US08664966B2 |
Device for evaluating degree of degradation of lubricating oil
A method of evaluation a degree of degradation of a lubricating oil, comprising: using a device for evaluating a degree of degradation of a lubricating oil, the device comprising a pH-ISFET which is free from a reference electrode; and measuring a current flowing between a drain and a source of the pH-ISFET with a first circuit wherein a constant voltage is applied between the drain and the source, or measuring a voltage between a drain and a source with a second circuit wherein a constant current is caused to flow between the drain and the source. |
| US08664962B2 |
Winding method and winding structure of stator for rotation detector, and electric motor comprising rotation detector
The N1(s) turns of a first output winding is divided by a split ratio α into N1a(s) turns of a lower-layer first output winding and N1b(s) of an upper-layer first output winding. The lower-layer first output winding is continuously wound around all slots as the undermost layer. A second output winding is continuously wound around all slots over the lower-layer first output winding. An upper-layer first output winding is continuously wound around all slots over the second output winding. The split ratio α is adjusted only in the slots where the detection accuracy decreases. This equalize the contribution of the first output windings and the second output winding to the flux linkage, thereby achieving high angle detection accuracy. |
| US08664960B2 |
Charged state estimating device and charged state estimating method of secondary battery
When a battery current is not larger than a limit current set depending on the battery temperature and is flowing continuously for a predetermined time set depending on the battery temperature or longer, a decision is made that a secondary battery is in stable state. When the secondary battery is in stabilized state, the battery voltage is considered to be equal to the open circuit voltage and SOC estimation is performed based on the open circuit voltage-SOC characteristics. When the product of the internal resistance of the secondary battery and the limit current is made substantially constant (constant voltage) by setting the limit current in association with temperature dependence of the internal resistance, estimation error can be kept within a predetermined range in the stabilized state even if SOC estimation is performed while the battery voltage is assumed as the open circuit voltage. Consequently, SOC can be estimated with high precision within a predetermined error by a simple and reliable system under stabilized state. |
| US08664959B2 |
Mobile system for measuring abnormality detection parameters of a switch in a high voltage electrical substation
There is provided a method for measuring abnormality detection parameters of a disconnect switch, comprising: releasably connecting a first sensor to the disconnect switch, the first sensor adapted to measure a first parameter related to a position of an arm of the disconnect switch, the disconnect switch comprising a rotating actuation element operatively connected to the arm for moving the arm between a closed position and an open position; releasably connecting a second sensor to the rotating actuation element, the second sensor adapted to measure a second parameter related to a torque of the rotating actuation element; moving the arm using the actuation element; measuring and storing in memory the first and second parameters while the arm is moving; and disconnecting the first and second sensors. |
| US08664957B2 |
High-current cable connection for gradient cables of a magnetic resonance tomography system
The present embodiments relate to a method and gradient cable connection for a magnetic resonance tomography system. The gradient cable connection connects cable shoes of two gradient cables to one another. A first fastening device is provided with two nuts. Using the first fastening device, the cable shoes are pressed against one another by the two nuts, the two nuts being disposed on a bolt on opposing sides of the cable shoes. A second fastening device is also provided. Using the second fastening device, the bolt is pressed against a support plate by the bolt and one of the two nuts. |
| US08664956B2 |
Antenna arrangement for magnetic resonance applications
An antenna arrangement for magnetic resonance applications includes antenna elements substantially parallel to a common central axis, distributed around the central axis at a distance from the central axis, and enclosing an essentially cylindrical volume. The antenna arrangement includes intermediate connections that connect to immediately adjacent antenna elements at connection points that lie between the ends of the antenna elements. A preamplifier connects to each of the intermediate connections and has an output that, in a receive mode, corresponds to a respective feed-out point. In send mode, the antenna arrangement injects radio-frequency signals into the antenna elements using the injection points. The antenna arrangement is also configured to adjust the intermediate connections to a higher resistance when the antenna arrangement is in the send mode and at least some of the intermediate connections to a lower resistance when the antenna arrangement is in the receive mode. |
| US08664949B2 |
Resolver and resolver-rolling bearing unit
A resolver includes: a resolver rotor attached to a rotational shaft; an annular resolver stator that is provided on a radially outer side of the resolver rotor and that has a plurality of teeth each opposed, across a clearance, to an outer peripheral face of the resolver rotor and circumferentially arranged at given intervals; and a case member having a cylindrical fit portion to which an outer peripheral face of the resolver stator is fitted. At least three protrusions, each protruding radially outward, are formed at given circumferential intervals on the outer peripheral face of the resolver stator, so that the outer peripheral face of the resolver stator is press-fitted to an inner peripheral face of the fit portion at positions at which the protrusions are formed. |
| US08664948B2 |
Measuring vibration in a rotating element
A system for measuring a variation in a distance of an axis of rotation of an object relative to a point in a plane perpendicular to this axis comprises at least two sensors for measuring a value representing an angular position of said object about said axis, at least a first of said sensors, whose position is fixed relative to said point, comprising a magnetometer suitable for measuring the magnetic field generated by said object whose magnetization varies around its circumference; and means for determining said variation of distance on the basis of a variation in an angular deviation between said sensors relative to the axis, from one revolution of said object to the next. |
| US08664946B2 |
Sensor packages including a lead frame and moulding body and methods of manufacturing
In one embodiment, a sensor package includes a lead frame with a first portion extending and a second portion extending in a direction inclined with respect to the first potion. The sensor package also includes an application specific integrated circuit and a magneto resistive sensor and a ferrite provided with a molding body. |
| US08664944B2 |
Angle measuring system and method for producing an angle measuring system
An angle measuring system includes a first component group and a second component group, the first component group being mounted in a manner allowing rotation about an axis relative to the second component group. The first component group includes a ring having a running surface and an angle scaling. The second component group has a further ring having a further running surface, as well as a sensor for scanning the angle scaling. Rolling elements are arranged between the running surfaces, the angle scaling being applied such that a geometric pattern of the angle scaling in a first region differs from a geometric pattern of the angle scaling in a second region as a function of radial runouts of the running surfaces and/or of the rolling elements. |
| US08664943B2 |
Position detecting apparatus
The present invention provides a single component implementing highly precise pulse detection for rotational or liner position detecting apparatuses for jog dials and mechanical products. Focusing on the fact that the phase difference between the magnetic fields in circumferential and radial directions generated by a magnetized ring is precisely 90 degrees, a position detecting apparatus of the present invention includes two Hall elements placed at a distance; a protective film provided on magnetic sensitive portions of the two Hall elements to cover the magnetic sensitive portions; a thin-film magnetic plate placed on the protective film to cover the magnetic sensitive portions of the two Hall elements; and further a processing circuit calculating the sum and difference of the signals from the two Hall elements to generate signals having an accurate phase difference of 90 degrees. The position detecting apparatus can therefore detect the rotation direction and precise rotation angle. |
| US08664940B2 |
Graphite-based sensor
A graphite-based sensor includes an undoped graphite structure that adsorbs foreign atoms and molecules. A magnetization detection device includes a substrate on which the graphite structure is adhered, a current source by which a current is applied to the substrate and the graphite structure, and a voltage measuring device coupled to the substrate. When the graphite structure adsorbs the gas molecules, the graphite structure exhibits a ferromagnetic-type behavior, and a corresponding voltage generated in the magnetic detection device changes. |
| US08664933B2 |
Frequency measuring apparatus
A frequency measuring apparatus includes: a counter section adapted to count a signal including a pulse signal for a predetermined time period, and output a binary count value corresponding to a frequency of the signal including the pulse signal; and a low pass filter section adapted to perform a filtering process on the count value, wherein the low pass filter section includes a first stage filter and a second stage filter, the first stage filter is a moving average filter to which the count value is input, and which provides a binary output with a high-frequency component reduced, and the second stage filter performs an average value calculation on the binary output to provide an output with the high-frequency component reduced. |
| US08664926B2 |
DC-DC converter and power supplying system using a DC-DC converter
A DC-DC converter includes first and second capacitors connected in series, a switching part, and a control circuit part which includes a voltage difference calculating part for calculating a difference between voltages of the first and second capacitors, a duty ratio controller for controlling duty ratio of on- and OFF-durations to decrease the voltage difference of the first and second capacitors on the basis of the calculated difference. A power supplying system including the DC-DC converter controls balance between first and second capacitors in voltage on the basis of the powering/regenerating discriminating signal. |
| US08664922B2 |
Snubber circuit
A snubber circuit comprises a first energy storage device and circuitry coupled to the first energy storage device to facilitate capturing, by the first energy storage device, energy of a switching circuit. The snubber circuit also comprises a second energy storage device coupled to the first energy storage device to store the captured energy. The circuitry additionally facilitates resetting of the first energy storage device. |
| US08664921B2 |
Means of providing variable reactive load capability on an electronic load
Embodiments of the invention include an electronic load having variable reactive load capability and techniques for controlling and/or modeling a reactive component in a load. The electronic load can include a user interface through which a latency value is received from a user. A delay is created based on the latency value between the time that a variable of the input signal is sensed and the time that a variable of the input signal is driven to a new value, thereby simulating a reactive component in the electronic load based on the created delay. In one example embodiment, the driven variable can be stepped after the created delay to produce an approximation of a capacitive or inductive element. In another example embodiment, the driven variable can be slewed during the delay period using an arbitrary waveform generator, thereby more accurately simulating the reactive component. |
| US08664920B2 |
Method and system for solar panel peak-power transfer using input voltage regulation
An apparatus and method for charging a battery includes a battery to be charged, a power delivery path configured for delivering power to the battery, and an integrated switching battery charger configured for charging a battery by delivering output power to the battery via the power delivery path based on input power from an input power source. The integrated switching battery charger includes an output voltage regulation loop and an input voltage regulation loop, both of which are configured to control the output current flowing out of the integrated switching battery charger to the battery. The input or output voltage regulation loops are further enhanced by adding a current source which is proportional to absolute temperature from the regulated voltage to the control voltage for the purpose of either regulating peak power from the source or to maximize energy storage in the battery as a function of temperature. |
| US08664916B2 |
Charging control device
A charging control device stores expected driving start time of each of motor vehicles and controls charging operations of the motor vehicles in such a manner as to finish charging a battery mounted to each of the motor vehicles by the corresponding expected driving start time. The charging control device includes a storage unit for storing the expected driving start time of each of the motor vehicles; and a control unit for searching the motor vehicles to find a specific motor vehicle whose charging is expected to be finished by the expected driving start time and causing the specific motor vehicle to discharge an electric power to be used in charging at least one of the motor vehicles other than the specific motor vehicle. |
| US08664912B2 |
Low battery voltage alert system
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for alerting a low battery charge condition in a jump-starter. In an embodiment, the system is portable. The system includes a first battery. The first battery is configured to provide a first battery voltage across a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the first battery. The system also includes a voltage comparison circuit that is electrically connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the first battery. The voltage comparison circuit is configured to compare a reference voltage to the first battery voltage. The system includes an alert circuit electrically connected to the voltage comparison circuit and configured to generate an output signal for a speaker. The system also includes a switch configured to toggle between an enabled state and a disabled state. In an embodiment, the switch includes a stopper tap. The alert circuit is configured to cause an audible alert when the first battery voltage is less than the reference voltage, and when the enabled state is true. When the enabled state is false (or the disabled state is true), the alert circuit will not cause the audible alert. In an embodiment, the system includes a display circuit to visually indicate the first battery voltage. |
| US08664911B1 |
Micro grid bridge structures
A micro grid bridge structure and an associated method of formation. The micro grid bridge structure includes micro grid apparatuses and at least one bridge module including two bridge units connected by a bridge hinge. Each micro grid apparatus includes a central area and radial arms defining docking bays. Each bridge unit in each bridge module is latched into a docking bay of a respective micro grid apparatus of two micro grid apparatuses to bridge the two grid apparatuses together such that each micro grid apparatus is bridged to at least one other micro grid apparatus. Each micro grid apparatus is either a power hub apparatus whose central area includes rechargeable batteries or a processor apparatus whose central area includes processors that includes a unique processor having a unique operating system differing from an operating system in each other processor. |
| US08664906B2 |
Motor control device
Problems to be Solved To provide is a motor control device capable of detecting a rotor position of a synchronous motor under a certain accuracy and a low processing load. Means for Solving the Problems The motor control device detects the rotor position θm by directly finding a rotor position θm from a rotor position expression (θm=θi−β−90°) containing, as a variable, a current electrical angle θi from among a phase current peak value Ip and a phase current electrical angle θi detected in a phase current peak value and electrical angle detection unit 19 and an induced voltage peak value Ep and an induced voltage electrical angle θe detected in an induced voltage peak value and electrical angle detection unit 20, and containing, as a variable, a current phase β capable of being selected using [a phase current peak value Ip] and [an induced voltage electrical angle θe−a phase current electrical angle θi] as parameters from a predefined data table. |
| US08664903B2 |
Adaptive flux control drive
This disclosure relates to a variable speed drive for driving a motor having a starting circuit. The variable speed drive adaptively generates motor voltages to reduce the likelihood of starting circuit intrusions. |
| US08664901B2 |
Method and system for estimating electrical angular speed of a permanent magnet machine
Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for estimating electrical angular speed of a permanent magnet machine based on two-phase stationary reference frame feedback stator current samples, and a dimensionless gain (K) that is computed based on a sampling time (T) and machine parameters. |
| US08664899B2 |
Motor drive control device
To present a motor drive control device capable of realizing high speed driving by a simple power feeding control method. The motor drive control device of the invention has a three-phase full bridge circuit for adjusting the feeding phase so as to invert the terminal voltage in feeding-off time, by cyclically repeating positive direction feeding period, non-feeding period, negative direction feeding period, and non-feeding period. In high speed driving, the phase is adjusted so as to invert the terminal voltage right after feeding-off, and if not reaching the desired rotating speed, the feeding time is shortened. As a result, the phase angle to the actual applied voltage can be advanced, and high seed rotation by weak-field system driving is realized. |
| US08664897B2 |
Motor drive apparatus having power failure detection unit for determining presence or absence of power failure
A motor drive apparatus includes a rectifier which converts AC power to DC power and DC power to AC power, an inverter which converts the DC power output by the rectifier to AC power and supplies the AC power to a motor, and which converts regenerative power from the motor to DC power and returns the DC power to the rectifier, a DC voltage detection unit which detects a DC output voltage of the rectifier, an AC voltage detection unit which detects an AC output voltage of the rectifier, a frequency calculation unit which calculates the frequency of the AC voltage; a storage unit which stores as a reference value the DC voltage at the start of the regenerative operation, and a power failure detection unit which determines the presence or absence of a power failure by using the DC voltage, the reference value, and the AC voltage frequency. |
| US08664896B2 |
Error detector in an operating device for lighting devices
A control circuit for an operating device for lighting devices, wherein a return signal is supplied to an input of the control circuit by the lighting device, and the control circuit has an error detection block that recognizes at least two different types of lighting device errors by means of the return signal applied at said input. |
| US08664894B2 |
Method and device for driving a fluorescent lamp
A method is described for driving a fluorescent lamp (L) with variable light output within a dimming range between a low dimming level and a high dimming level. The lamp power and the lamp current are monitored. At high dimming level the lamp control is based on current control; at low dimming level, the lamp control is based on power control; at intermediary levels the lamp control is based on both current and power control. A first measuring signal (Ilamp) indicating lamp current and a second measuring signal (Plamp) indicating lamp power are obtained. An error signal (Serr) is calculated as a function of the said two measuring signals and as a function of dim level. With increasing dim level, the contribution of the first measuring signal (Ilamp) to the error signal (Serr) increases while the contribution of the second measuring signal (Plamp) to the error signal (Serr) decreases. |
| US08664892B2 |
Light emitting diode system
The invention relates to a light emitting system (100), the system comprising a light emitting diode (104), a socket adapter for retrofitting a fluorescent lamp and an electric circuit (112; 200; 306), the electric circuit (112; 200; 306) being adapted for emulating the presence of a fluorescent lamp to a fluorescent lamp driver (102). |
| US08664889B2 |
Two-wire dimmer switch for low-power loads
A two-wire load control device (such as, a dimmer switch) is operable to control the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load (such as, a high-efficiency lighting load) and has substantially no minimum load requirement. The dimmer switch includes a bidirectional semiconductor switch, which is operable to be rendered conductive each half-cycle and to remain conductive independent of the magnitude of a load current conducted through semiconductor switch. The dimmer switch comprises a control circuit that conducts a control current through the load in order to generate a gate drive signal for rendering the bidirectional semiconductor switch conductive and non-conductive each half-cycle. The control circuit may provide a constant gate drive to the bidirectional semiconductor switch after the bidirectional semiconductor switch is rendered conductive each half-cycle. The bidirectional semiconductor switch may comprise, for example, a triac or two field-effect transistors coupled in anti-series connection. |
| US08664887B2 |
Xenon lamp drive unit, method for driving xenon lamp, and artificial solar light irradiation unit
A xenon lamp drive unit of the present invention comprises: a charging circuit; and a current control circuit adapted to supply a current to a xenon lamp by using a charged voltage of the charging circuit as a power source, wherein the current control circuit is adapted to supply, in a first period after a lamp ignition, a high output lamp current having a higher current value than a steady output lamp current to the xenon lamp by constant current control and supply, in a second period after the first period, the steady output lamp current to the xenon lamp by constant current control. |
| US08664884B2 |
LED driving circuit and feedback control circuit thereof
An LED (Light-Emitting Diode) driving circuit to drive an LED module is provided. The LED driving circuit includes a converting circuit and a feedback control circuit. The converting circuit is coupled to the LED module, and converts an input voltage into an output voltage according to at least one control signal. The feedback control circuit generates the control signal to control the converting circuit to perform voltage conversion according to a feedback signal. In addition, the feedback control circuit receives a dimming signal, and is operated in a first state or a second state in response to the dimming signal, wherein the feedback control circuit adjusts the duty cycle of the control signal to have the duty cycle larger than or equal to a predetermined duty cycle in a predetermined period right after the feedback control circuit is operated from the second state to the first state. |
| US08664881B2 |
Two-wire dimmer switch for low-power loads
A two-wire load control device (such as, a dimmer switch) is operable to control the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load (such as, a high-efficiency lighting load) and has substantially no minimum load requirement. The dimmer switch includes a bidirectional semiconductor switch, which is operable to be rendered conductive each half-cycle and to remain conductive independent of the magnitude of a load current conducted through semiconductor switch. The dimmer switch comprises a control circuit that conducts a control current through the load in order to generate a gate drive signal for rendering the bidirectional semiconductor switch conductive and non-conductive each half-cycle. The control circuit may provide a constant gate drive to the bidirectional semiconductor switch after the bidirectional semiconductor switch is rendered conductive each half-cycle. The bidirectional semiconductor switch may comprise, for example, a triac or two field-effect transistors coupled in anti-series connection. |
| US08664877B2 |
Light driving apparatus
The present disclosure relates to a light driving apparatus which may stably drive an LED light at a normal operation by feeding back the output voltage of the LED light and stably drive the LED light at an abnormal operation by feeding back the voltage supplied to the LED light, and the light driving apparatus includes: a rectifier circuit; a transformer circuit; a power factor correction circuit; a smoothing circuit; a constant-current driving circuit; a dimming control circuit; a photo-coupler; a sample and hold circuit; a first photo-coupler driving circuit for feeding back the voltage output from the sample and hold circuit and applying the feedback voltage as a driving voltage of the photo-coupler; and a second photo-coupler driving circuit for feeding back the voltage output from the smoothing circuit and supplied to the LED module and supplying the feedback voltage as a driving voltage of the photo-coupler. |
| US08664876B2 |
Lighting device with optical pulsation suppression by polyphase-driven electric energy
Polyphase alternating current power with a phase difference, or direct current power rectified from polyphase alternating current power, is used to drive a common electric energy-driven luminous body, or to separately drive proximately installed individual electric energy-driven luminous bodies, so that alternating-current-induced pulsation in the light output of the luminous bodies is reduced. |
| US08664875B1 |
LED control circuit with auto on/off function
An LED control circuit with auto ON/OFF function has a power module, a control module, a timer module, a driver module and an LED module with a first LED unit and a second LED unit. The control module generates a time control signal and an LED control signal to respectively activate the timer module and the LED module. The LED module is activated by the LED control signal only when the timer module is turned ON. The timer module can be automatically turned ON/OFF by the time control signal. Moreover, the LED control signal has high potentials and low potentials. The driver module activates the first LED unit and the second LED unit based on two the different potentials of the LED control signal respectively. Both high and low potentials of the LED control are used. The performance of the LED module is improved. |
| US08664871B2 |
High voltage power supply for powering a magnetron in a UV curing lamp assembly
A power supply for use in a UV curing lamp assembly is disclosed. The power supply is powered by two intermediate frequency (200-400 Hz) low voltage sinusoidal power sources that drive the primary windings of a dual laminated transformer. The low voltage sinusoidal power sources are configured to have different phases. The out-of-phase low voltage sine wave sources are converted to high voltage sine waves on the secondary windings of the dual laminated transformer having the same phase difference relationship. A single rectifier comprising six high voltage diodes, called a ladder rectifier, combine the two out-of-phase sine waves into a single, approximately DC output power source. By modulating a phase difference between two input sine wave power sources, the approximate DC output voltage exiting the ladder rectifier may be alternated between a low ripple mode of about a 13.84% ripple, a high current mode, a high voltage mode, and an intermediate mode with a ripple in the range of about 13.84% to about 100%. |
| US08664870B2 |
Cascoded current regulator
A cascoded current regulator, including: a first load circuit, having a first load and a current source unit; and a second load circuit, being cascaded with the first load circuit and having a second load and a current mirror unit, wherein a first current flowing through the first load and a second current flowing through the current source unit are controlled by a control voltage, and a third current flowing through the second load and a fourth current flowing through the current mirror unit are generated according to the second current. |
| US08664869B2 |
Method for controlling an electrical load
A method for controlling an electrical load of at least two single loads includes activating and deactivating the single loads in switching cycles of predefined duration sequentially following one another. In one switching cycle, the single loads are activated and deactivated alternately with respect to one another. |
| US08664868B2 |
Image processing circuit and light illumination module
An image processing circuit and a light illumination module are provided. The light illumination module has an integrated circuit and a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) strings connected in parallel. The integrated circuit could be the image processing circuit. Each of the LED strings has a plurality of LEDs connected in series. The integrated circuit has a driving circuit coupled to the LED strings. The driving circuit supplies a driving voltage to first ends of the LED strings to drive the LED strings. The driving circuit is also configured to maintain a voltage value of the driving voltage obtained while all of the strings of the light emitting diodes are turned on, until all of the LED strings are turned on again. Accordingly, the interference of the LED strings is decreased, and the LED strings operate more stably. |
| US08664867B1 |
Illuminated windshield wiper
A device by which windshield wiper arms on motor vehicles are provided with an illumination source is intended to increase vehicle visibility as well as create a unique visual effect at night. A motor vehicle equipped with the device comprises at least one illumination source or sources interconnected via wiring to a dash-mounted control box which provides a pair of switches to control the illumination of at least one illumination source. |
| US08664865B2 |
Lighting system having an OLED light sensor
An apparatus and method of detecting ambient light in a lighting system is provided. An OLED may be used to emit light and detect ambient light in such a system. Detection can occur during a time interval when light is not emitted from the OLED. Feedback to control the emitted light level of the OLED can be based on the detected ambient light. |
| US08664864B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling and measuring aspects of time-varying combined light
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing combined time-varying light comprising light from one or more light sources (132, 134, 136), and determining aspects of light from one or more light sources based on measurements of the combined light. Light sources of one or more colors can be controlled to provide time-varying combined light outputs (310, 360) using different switching sequences for different light sources, for example according to PWM, PCM, or other modulation methods. By appropriately configuring the timing of the switching sequences, the combined light output can be made to exhibit a plurality of lighting combinations. A broadband optical sensor (148) can be configured to measure (145) some or all of the plurality of lighting combinations, and the measurements used to determine light output measurements of portions of the combined light, and optionally of ambient light, by appropriate processing (150) of the measurements. |
| US08664862B2 |
Low-power gaseous plasma source
A plasma source includes a first rod forming a quarterwave antenna, surrounded by at least one parallel rod forming a coupler and which is substantially the same length as the first rod, set to a reference potential, the coupler rods being evenly distributed radially about the first rod, at a distance of around one-fifth to one-twentieth of the quarter of the wavelength. |
| US08664860B2 |
Cathode heating device of magnetron, microwave generating device and method of preheating cathode of magnetron
This disclosure provides a device for heating a cathode of a magnetron, which includes a heater for heating the cathode of the magnetron, a heater current detecting module for detecting a value of heater current that flows into the heater, and a control module for determining the completion of preheating of the magnetron based on a change in the heater current. |
| US08664859B2 |
Automotive lamp
Provided is an automotive lamp, and more particularly, an automotive lamp which can secure a forward long-range field of view without requiring an additional light source. The automotive lamp having a plurality of light distribution patterns of Class-W, Class-V, Class-C, Class-E, and High and includes: a plurality of lamp units in which light-emitting diodes (LEDs) turned on or off according to each of the light distribution patterns or having different illumination patterns are installed; an actuator driving the lamp units; and a controller enabling a switch from any one of the light distribution patterns to another one of the light distribution patterns by controlling at least one of the actuator and a value of current supplied to each of the lamp units. |
| US08664858B2 |
Light fixture with an electrodeless plasma source
The present invention relates to a light fixture comprising an electrodeless plasma source, said electrodeless plasma source comprises a resonator and a light bulb, said light bulb is operating inside a cavity of a TIR where the TIR lens comprises a metal grid covering at least a part of said TIR lens, the metal grid grounding electromagnetic radiation generated by said electrodeless plasma source. In another embodiment, the light fixture comprises blowing means sending an air stream into the cavity. A further embodiment also comprises at least one LED, which ELPS bulb and the LED are controlled by a control system, which control system performs dimmer control of at least the ELPS and the LED. |
| US08664857B2 |
Lighting device
A lighting device may include a substrate attached to one edge side of a radiator and a cover may be attached to cover the substrate. Heat-radiating fins may be provided on the other edge side of the radiator and an air-cooling unit may be rotatably provided inside the heat-radiating fins, thereby enabling freely rotation. In one or more examples, a case storing a circuit part is attached to the other edge side of the radiator and a cap is provided to the case. By the air flow from the air-cooling unit, the heat-radiating fins are caused to be a part of the ventilation path to allow for ventilation of the inside of the radiator. |
| US08664854B2 |
Amalgam tip temperature control for an electrodeless lamp
A electrodeless lamp including a fluorescent discharge vessel, a tip, an amalgam, a lamp core, and a heater. The vessel contains a gas having a partial vapor pressure and a fluorescent material. The tip has an inner end engaging the vessel, and an opening in communication with the gas. The amalgam is positioned within the opening, in heat transfer relation with the tip. When the temperature of the amalgam decreases, mercury vapor in the gas condensates onto the amalgam, causing a decrease in the partial vapor pressure of the gas. The opposite occurs when the amalgam temperature increases. The lamp core generates a magnetic flux, causing an electrical discharge in the gas. The heater includes a positive temperature coefficient connected to a winding of the lamp core. The heater is in heat transfer relation with the tip and heats the tip when the electrodeless lamp is in a dimming mode. |
| US08664851B2 |
Electronic device, organic light emitting device, and protection multilayer structure
Provided is an electronic device including a substrate, a pixel located on the substrate and defined by a bank layer, and a multilayer protection film placed on the pixel and composed of multiple layers including at least one organic layer. The thickness of the first organic layer of the multiple layers forming the multilayer protection film satisfies T≧k×H×W where T represents the thickness of the first organic layer, H denotes the height of the bank layer, and k is a constant that is varied according to flowability or viscosity of the first organic layer. |
| US08664848B2 |
Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device comprises: a substrate; a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) formed on a first surface of the substrate; a passivation layer covering the plurality of TFTs; a plurality of first pixel electrodes formed on the passivation layer and respectively electrically connected to the plurality of TFTs, and overlapping with the plurality of TFTs so as to cover the plurality of TFTs, and including a reflection layer formed of a light-reflecting conductive material; a second pixel electrode formed of a light-transmitting conductive material and disposed on the passivation layer so as to be electrically connected to the plurality of first pixel electrodes; an opposite electrode formed such that light is transmitted or reflected therethrough, and disposed opposite the plurality of first pixel electrodes and the second pixel electrode; and an organic layer interposed between the plurality of first pixel electrodes and the second pixel electrode, and including an emission layer. Accordingly, transmittivity of the organic light emitting display device is increased, and optical outcoupling efficiency of the organic light emitting display device is also increased during double-sided emission. |
| US08664846B2 |
Solid state lighting device including green shifted red component
A green-shifted red solid state lighting device includes at least one green solid state light emitter arranged to stimulate emissions from at least one red lumiphor, arranged in combination with at least one blue solid state light emitter. Such device may be devoid of any yellow lumiphor arranged to be stimulated by a blue solid state light emitter. A green shifted red plus blue (GSR+B) lighting device exhibits reduced Stokes Shift losses as compared to a blue shifted yellow plus red (BSY+R) lighting device, with comparable color rendering performance and similar efficiency, enhanced color stability over a range of operating temperatures, and enhanced color rendering performance at higher correlated color temperatures. Additional solid state emitters and/or lumiphors may be provided. |
| US08664837B2 |
Piezoelectric device and method for fabricating the same
A piezoelectric device includes a piezoelectric vibrating piece, a base plate, which has a connecting electrode on one principal surface and a mounting terminal on another principal surface, in a rectangular shape, and a lid plate. The another principal surface of the base plate includes a pair of sides that face one another. At least the pair of sides has a level difference portion depressed toward the one principal surface side and a castellation passing through from the another principal surface to the one principal surface. A wiring electrode extracted from the mounting terminal to the one principal surface of the base plate is at a part of the level difference portion and the castellation. The wiring electrode and the mounting terminal include a metal film formed by sputtering or vacuum evaporation and an electroless plating film formed on the metal film by electroless plating. |
| US08664831B2 |
Electromechanical motor, especially a piezoelectric microstepper drive
A motor which includes two drive elements, especially piezoelectric bending actuators, having effective directions that are perpendicular to each other. These actuators act upon a drive ring to thereby rotate a shaft. Diagonally opposite securing elements are provided on the drive ring and are used to flexibly suspend the drive ring via respective articulated corner elements on respective fixing elements that are diagonally opposite the respective securing elements. The drive according to the invention is compact, having actuators that are non-radially hinged to the drive ring. |
| US08664829B2 |
Piezo drive
The invention relates to a piezo drive, in particular for use in geodesic devices, having at least one piezoelectric motor element that includes an advancing component, a running surface component, and a receptacle for the running surface component, wherein said receptacle is to be connected to a component to be driven, wherein the piezoelectric motor element has a window of operation of the motor as a frequency range of the movement of the advancing component. The running surface component and the receptacle are sized and connected to one another such that the natural resonances of the running surface component lie outside the window of operation of the motor. |
| US08664825B2 |
Molded motor
Provided is a molded motor that hardly causes electric corrosion in bearings and produces less noise and vibration. Electrical continuity between a bracket 51 on an output side and a bracket 52 on a counter output side is secured by a conductive plate 60 having elasticity. Therefore, since the conductive plate 60 is unlikely to be cut off by an external force and does not change significantly with time, the electrical continuity between the bracket 51 on the output side and the bracket 52 on the counter output side is hardly interrupted. Accordingly, since a difference in potential between the bracket 51 on the output side and the bracket 52 on the counter output side hardly occurs, electric corrosion is hardly caused in a bearing 41 on the output side and a bearing 42 on the counter output side. |
| US08664821B2 |
Arrangement for attaching a magnet to a rotor, and a rotor
An arrangement for attaching a permanent magnet to the rotor of an electrical machine and such a rotor are provided. The rotor is assembled of sheets and includes at least two magnetic poles and a magnetic core. Permanent magnets are installable on a surface of the magnetic core, and a pole piece assembled of sheets is installable on a side of the permanent magnet that faces an air gap. At least one channel passing through the pole piece is built in the pole piece and magnetic core. A tightening strip is installable in the channel. The tightening strip is attachable to the pole piece using locking parts, and an end of the tightening strip facing the magnetic core includes fixing parts for attaching the tightening strip to the magnetic core. |
| US08664819B2 |
Method and apparatus for permanent magnet attachment in an electromechanical machine
An apparatus and method for the installation and removal of permanent magnets in a permanent magnet electromechanical machine, for example a wind turbine power unit generator. A magnet holder is mounted on a magnet carrying structure such as a rotor. Permanent magnets may be inserted into and removed from the magnet holder after the electromechanical machine is assembled. In this manner, permanent magnets may be installed on the magnet carrying structure by an interference fit, without using bolts or adhesives, to facilitate both assembly and removal for maintenance and repair. |
| US08664813B2 |
Phase ring assembly
The phase ring assembly includes a support ring carrying a plurality of phase rings provided with connection arms that are bent to the phase rings. The connection arms are placed between the phase rings and the support ring. The support ring has recessed seats housing the connection arms. |
| US08664812B2 |
Current diverter ring
The current diverter rings and bearing isolators serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the current diverter is substantially arc shaped with a plurality of radial channels extending there through. A conductive assembly may be positioned in each radial channel such that a contact portion of the conductive assembly is positioned adjacent a shaft passing through the center of the current diverter ring. The arc-shaped body may be particularly useful during installation over certain existing shafts. |
| US08664803B2 |
Wireless power feeder, wireless power receiver, and wireless power transmission system
A wireless power receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention is a wireless power receiver which acquire power by a non-contact method from a wireless power feeder, the wireless power receiver having: a power receive resonance circuit that includes a power receive coil and power receive capacitor and acquires power from a power feed coil of the wireless power feeder by means of the power receive coil on the basis of a magnetic field resonance effect between the power feed coil and the power receive coil; a power receive load coil that receives the power fed from the power receive coil by a non-contact method; and an impedance converter that is arranged between the power receive load coil and a load and in which a primary impedance connected to the power receive load coil is higher than a secondary impedance connected to the load. |
| US08664801B2 |
Non-contact power supply system
A non-contact power supply system includes a power supply device for transmitting high frequency power and a load device which receives the high frequency power in a non-contact mode by electromagnetic induction to supply it to a load. The power supply device includes a power transmission unit having a primary power coil and an inverter circuit, an inquiry unit having at least one primary signal coil and an oscillation circuit, a signal detection unit and a control unit. The load device includes a power reception unit having a secondary power coil magnetically coupled to the primary power coil and a power conversion unit, a secondary signal coil magnetically coupled to the primary signal coil, and a response unit which is operated by electromotive force induced in the secondary signal coil. The control unit stops power transmission when no signal is detected and executes power transmission which a signal is detected. |
| US08664798B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device and power supply circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a power supply circuit that generates one or more internal supply voltages from an external supply voltage, and one or more functional circuits that operate on the one or more internal supply voltages. A step-down converter in the power supply circuit generates one or more stepped-down voltages from the external supply voltage. A control circuit in the power supply circuit compares the external supply voltage with a reference voltage and selects the internal supply voltages from among the external supply voltage and the stepped-down voltages according to the result of the comparison. The semiconductor integrated circuit device can accordingly operate on different external power supplies, and can continue to operate on battery power even if the battery voltage drops. |
| US08664797B2 |
Photovoltaic assembly and method of operating a photovoltaic assembly
A photovoltaic assembly is disclosed which comprises a string formed from a plurality of series-connected photovoltaic generators, and a hierarchical structure of power-exchange units, which each exchange power between neighboring photovoltaic generators or groups of photovoltaic generators. The photovoltaic generators may be individual solar cells or a plurality of series-connected solar cells arranged as a segment. To compensate for differences in output between segments for instance due to partial shading, power-exchange units, such as DC-DC converters, are arranged across neighboring segments, such that each power-exchange unit effectively sources or sinks current between neighboring segments to current-match the string. To avoid unnecessary “rippling” of power matching along many power-exchange units and the associated power loss due to many power-exchange units operating at less than 100% efficiency, the power-exchange units are arranged in a hierarchical structure. A method of operating such a photovoltaic assembly is also disclosed. |
| US08664796B2 |
3-phase high power ups
According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a UPS comprising a plurality of electrical buses, a first AC/DC converter coupled to the electrical buses and configured to convert a first input AC voltage to a plurality of DC voltages, a second AC/DC converter coupled to the electrical buses and configured to convert a second input AC voltage to the plurality of DC voltages, a third AC/DC converter coupled to the electrical buses and configured to convert a third input AC voltage to the plurality of DC voltages, a first DC/AC converter configured to convert the plurality of DC voltages into a first output AC voltage, and a DC bus balancer configured to maintain voltages present on the electrical buses by transferring energy between the plurality of electrical buses. |
| US08664795B2 |
Structure and method for capturing and converting wind energy at sea
A system for capturing and converting and/or storing wind energy includes a vessel adapted to receive at least one wind machine for capturing wind and a device for converting wind energy to storable energy. A method of adapting a vessel, such as a surplus cargo ship or an oil tanker, for use as a offshore power generating system comprises equipping a vessel with devices for capturing a renewable energy source, positioning the vessel at sea to capture the renewable energy source, converting the renewable energy to a storable energy source, and storing the converted energy, and repositioning the vessel to capture further renewable energy or transport the stored, converted energy. |
| US08664792B2 |
Wind turbine and a shaft for a wind turbine
A drive shaft for a wind turbine is shaped so as to allow for increased bending of the shaft, while being suitable for transferring torque in a wind turbine system. An example of such a shaping is a drive shaft having a helical rib defined on the surface of the shaft. A wind turbine incorporating such a shaft, and a method of manufacture of such a shaft are also described. |
| US08664788B1 |
Method and systems for operating a wind turbine using dynamic braking in response to a grid event
A method and system for dissipating energy in a direct current (dc) bus of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) converter during a grid event is described. In one aspect, the method comprises monitoring operating conditions of an electrical system, the electrical system comprising at least a DFIG generator and a line side converter and a rotor side converter connected by a dc bus having a dynamic brake connected thereto; detecting an overvoltage on the dc bus or a condition indicative of an overvoltage on the dc link is detected, the overvoltage on the dc bus or condition indicative of the overvoltage caused by a grid event; and causing energy in the dc link to be dissipated using the dynamic brake. |
| US08664787B2 |
Speed setting system and method for a stall-controlled wind turbine
A speed setting system that generates a speed control command for controlling the rotational speed of a stall-controlled wind turbine of a wind-powered machine. The speed setting system generates the speed command as a function of performance variation of the wind turbine due to environmental and/or other factors. The speed setting system utilizes a performance-compensation term that is slowly adjusted to compensate for relatively long-term performance variation. In one example, the performance-compensation term is adjusted only when the current power output of the wind turbine is at least 80% of the rated output power to ensure the wind speed is sufficiently high. |
| US08664786B1 |
Underwater pumped-hydro energy storage
Device and methods associated with underwater pumped-hydro energy storage are disclosed. An underwater pumped-hydro energy storage device includes a submersible tank that includes an inlet and an outlet. A pump is disposed at the outlet of the submersible tank to evacuate water from the submersible tank in a surrounding body of water. A valve is disposed at the inlet of the at least one submersible tank to control a flow of the water into the submersible tank from the surrounding body of water. Moreover, a turbine power unit is to generate output electrical power from the flow water into the submersible tank. |
| US08664775B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a circuit substrate, a first semiconductor chip disposed on the circuit substrate, a plurality of first spacers disposed on the first semiconductor chip, a second semiconductor chip which includes a first adhesive agent layer on a lower face thereof and is disposed on upper portions of the plurality of spacers, a wire which connects the circuit substrate to the first semiconductor chip, and a first sealing material which seals a gap between the first semiconductor chip and the first adhesive agent layer, wherein each height of the plurality of the first spacers is greater than height of the wire relative to an upper face of the first semiconductor chip. |
| US08664774B1 |
Bondwire configuration for reduced crosstalk
To protect victim bondwires in a packaged electronic component from crosstalk induced by noisy aggressor bondwires, shielding bondwires are configured between the victim bondwires and the aggressor bondwires. The shielding bondwires, on either side of the victim bondwires, are connected to the same reference voltage on the package side of the component and to each other on the die side of the component, e.g., via a metal connection mounted on the die. As configured in one embodiment, the shielding bondwires and metal connection form a two-dimensional Faraday cage that shields the victim bondwires from crosstalk induced by the aggressor bondwires. |
| US08664769B2 |
Semiconductor device
An element using a semiconductor layer is formed between wiring layers and, at the same time, a gate electrode is formed using a conductive material other than a material for wirings. A first wiring is embedded in a surface of a first wiring layer. A gate electrode is formed over the first wiring. The gate electrode is coupled to the first wiring. The gate electrode is formed by a process different from a process for the first wiring. Therefore, the gate electrode can be formed using a material other than a material for the first wiring. Further, a gate insulating film and a semiconductor layer are formed over the gate electrode. |
| US08664764B2 |
Semiconductor device including a core substrate and a semiconductor element
One embodiment provides a semiconductor device having: a core substrate having first and second surfaces and an accommodation hole penetrating therethrough; a semiconductor element accommodated in the accommodation hole so that a front surface thereof is on the first surface side; a first metal film formed on a back surface of the semiconductor element; a second metal film formed on the second surface of the core substrate; an insulating layer covering the first and second metal films; and a third metal film formed on the insulating layer, via parts thereof penetrating through the insulating layer to respectively reach the first and second metal films. |
| US08664762B2 |
Semiconductor package, electrical and electronic apparatus including the semiconductor package, and method of manufacturing the semiconductor package
In one embodiment, a semiconductor package may include a semiconductor chip having a chip pad formed on a first surface thereof, a sealing member for sealing the semiconductor chip and exposing the first surface of the semiconductor chip, a conductive wiring overlying a part of the first surface of the semiconductor chip and directly contacting a part of an upper surface of the sealing member. The conductive wiring further contacts the pad. The semiconductor package may also include an encapsulant covering the conductive wiring and having openings for exposing parts of the conductive wiring. |
| US08664760B2 |
Connector design for packaging integrated circuits
A device includes a top dielectric layer having a top surface. A metal pillar has a portion over the top surface of the top dielectric layer. A non-wetting layer is formed on a sidewall of the metal pillar, wherein the non-wetting layer is not wettable to the molten solder. A solder region is disposed over and electrically coupled to the metal pillar. |
| US08664759B2 |
Integrated circuit with heat conducting structures for localized thermal control
An integrated circuit die includes a substrate having an upper surface, at least one active device formed in a first area of the upper surface of the substrate, and a plurality of layers formed on the upper surface of the substrate above the at least one active device. A first stacked heat conducting structure is provided, spanning from a point proximate the first area of the upper surface of the substrate through the plurality of layers. A lateral heat conducting structure is formed above the uppermost layer of the plurality of layers and in thermal contact with the first stacked heat conducting structure. The invention advantageously facilitates the dissipation of heat from the integrated circuit die, particularly from high-power sources or other localized hot spots. |
| US08664756B2 |
Reconstituted wafer package with high voltage discrete active dice and integrated field plate for high temperature leakage current stability
A reconstituted wafer level package for a versatile high-voltage capable component is disclosed. The reconstituted wafer package includes a dice substantially encapsulated by a mold material except for a first face. A dielectric layer is disposed on the first face of the dice. The package further includes an array of ball bumps formed on an exterior facing portion of the dielectric layer. Further, a field plate is disposed within the dielectric material and interposed between the first face of the dice and the ball bump array. The field plate may be spaced from the dice by a predetermined distance to prevent dielectric breakdown of the material of the dielectric layer. |
| US08664755B2 |
Power module package and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed herein is a power module package including: a first substrate; a second substrate having a pad for connection to the first substrate formed on one side or both sides of one surface thereof and having external connection terminals for connection to the outside formed on the other surface thereof; and a lead frame having one end bonded to the first substrate and the other end bonded to the pad of the second substrate to thereby vertically connect the first and second substrates to each other. |
| US08664753B2 |
Semiconductor device with protruding component portion and method of packaging
A semiconductor package device having a protruding component portion and a method of packaging the semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device has a component, such as a leadframe, and a packaging mold body. The packaging mold body is formed around a portion of the component and a recess is formed in the packaging mold body adjacent the protruding portion of the component to prevent the protruding portion of the component from damaging other adjacent and abutting semiconductor devices. |
| US08664751B2 |
Semiconductor package
A semiconductor package includes a substrate in which a plurality of wires are formed; at least one semiconductor chip electrically connected to portions of the plurality of wires; and a shielding can mounted on the substrate, surrounding the at least one semiconductor chip, electrically connected to at least one wire of the plurality of wires and including a soft magnetic material. The semiconductor package can prevent or substantially reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). |
| US08664749B2 |
Component stacking using pre-formed adhesive films
A method of forming integrated circuits includes laminating a patterned film including an opening onto a wafer, wherein a bottom die in the wafer is exposed through the opening. A top die is placed into the opening. The top die fits into the opening with substantially no gap between the patterned film and the top die. The top die is then bonded onto the bottom die, followed by curing the patterned film. |
| US08664746B2 |
Gettering method for dielectrically isolated devices
A silicon on insulater (SOI) wafer is provided. A dielectric layer is formed on an active silicon substrate of the wafer. The dielectric layer is patterned and etched to expose selected portions of the silicon substrate. Impurities are then introduced into the exposed portions of the silicon substrate to act as gettering regions. The dielectric layer is then removed and an epitaxial layer of silicon is grown on the silicon substrate. Trenches are etched in the epitaxial layer of silicon through the gettering regions, partially removing the gettering regions and any contaminants contained therein. Remaining portions of the gettering regions still act as gettering regions during subsequent process steps. |
| US08664741B2 |
High voltage resistor with pin diode isolation
Provided is a high voltage semiconductor device that includes a PIN diode structure formed in a substrate. The PIN diode includes an intrinsic region located between a first doped well and a second doped well. The first and second doped wells have opposite doping polarities and greater doping concentration levels than the intrinsic region. The semiconductor device includes an insulating structure formed over a portion of the first doped well. The semiconductor device includes an elongate resistor device formed over the insulating structure. The resistor device has first and second portions disposed at opposite ends of the resistor device, respectively. The semiconductor device includes an interconnect structure formed over the resistor device. The interconnect structure includes: a first contact that is electrically coupled to the first doped well and a second contact that is electrically coupled to a third portion of the resistor located between the first and second portions. |
| US08664739B2 |
Image sensor comprising isolated germanium photodetectors integrated with a silicon substrate and silicon circuitry
In accordance with the invention, an improved image sensor includes an array of germanium photosensitive elements integrated with a silicon substrate and integrated with silicon readout circuits. The silicon transistors are formed first on a silicon substrate, using well known silicon wafer fabrication techniques. The germanium elements are subsequently formed overlying the silicon by epitaxial growth. The germanium elements are advantageously grown within surface openings of a dielectric cladding. Wafer fabrication techniques are applied to the elements to form isolated germanium photodiodes. Since temperatures needed for germanium processing are lower than those for silicon processing, the formation of the germanium devices need not affect the previously formed silicon devices. Insulating and metallic layers are then deposited and patterned to interconnect the silicon devices and to connect the germanium devices to the silicon circuits. The germanium elements are thus integrated to the silicon by epitaxial growth and integrated to the silicon circuitry by common metal layers. |
| US08664736B2 |
Bonding pad structure for a backside illuminated image sensor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device including a device substrate having a front side and a back side. The semiconductor device further includes an interconnect structure disposed on the front side of the device substrate, the interconnect structure having a n-number of metal layers. The semiconductor device also includes a bonding pad disposed on the back side of the device substrate, the bonding pad extending through the interconnect structure and directly contacting the nth metal layer of the n-number of metal layers. |
| US08664735B2 |
IR sensor using REO up-conversion
A pumped sensor system includes a substrate with a first layer formed thereon and doped for a first type conduction and a second layer doped for a second type conduction, whereby the first and second layers form a silicon light detector at an up-conversion wavelength. A ternary rare earth oxide is formed on the second layer and crystal lattice matched to the second layer. The oxide is a crystalline bulk oxide with a controlled percentage of an up-conversion component and a majority component. The majority component is insensitive to any of pump, sense, or up-conversion wavelengths and the up-conversion component is selected to produce energy at the up-conversion wavelength in response to receiving energy at the pump and sense wavelengths. The layer of oxide defines a light input area sensitive to a pump wavelength and a light input area sensitive to a sense wavelength. |
| US08664726B2 |
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device, method of fabricating the device, and electronic apparatus including the device
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) device includes a substrate, an external well of a first conductivity type in the substrate, and an internal well of a second conductivity type in the external well, the first conductivity type opposite the second conductivity type. The ESD device further includes a first heavily doped region of the first conductivity type located at a surface of the internal well, a second heavily doped region of the second conductivity type located at a surface of the internal well, and a third heavily doped region of the first conductivity type located at a surface of the external well. The second heavily doped region is interposed between and spaced from each of the first and third heavily doped regions, and at least one of a space between the first and second heavily doped regions and a space between the second and third heavily doped regions is devoid of a device isolation structure of electrical isolation material. |
| US08664725B1 |
Strain enhanced transistors with adjustable layouts
A transistor may include a semiconductor region such as a rectangular doped silicon well. Gate fingers may overlap the silicon well. The gate fingers may be formed from polysilicon and may be spaced apart from each other along the length of the well by a fixed gate-to-gate spacing. The edges of the well may be surrounded by field oxide. Epitaxial regions may be formed in the well to produce compressive or tensile stress in channel regions that lie under the gate fingers. The epitaxial regions may form source-drain terminals. The edges of the field oxide may be separated from the nearest gate finger edges by a distance that is adjusted automatically with a computer-aided-design tool and that may be larger than the gate-to-gate spacing. Dummy gate finger structures may be provided to ensure desired levels of stress are produced. |
| US08664720B2 |
High voltage semiconductor devices
In one embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a first source of a first doping type disposed in a substrate. A first drain of the first doping type is disposed in the substrate. A first gate region is disposed between the first source and the first drain. A first channel region of a second doping type is disposed under the first gate region. The second doping type is opposite to the first doping type. A first extension region of the first doping type is disposed between the first gate and the first drain. The first extension region is part of a first fin disposed in or over the substrate. A first isolation region is disposed between the first extension region and the first drain. A first well region of the first doping type is disposed under the first isolation region. The first well region electrically couples the first extension region with the first drain. |
| US08664719B2 |
High voltage device with reduced leakage
A semiconductor device is provided which includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate structure formed on the substrate, sidewall spacers formed on each side of the gate structure, a source and a drain formed in the substrate on either side of the gate structure, the source and drain having a first type of conductivity, a lightly doped region formed in the substrate and aligned with a side of the gate structure, the lightly doped region having the first type of conductivity, and a barrier region formed in the substrate and adjacent the drain. The barrier region is formed by doping a dopant of a second type of conductivity different from the first type of conductivity. |
| US08664718B2 |
Power MOSFETs and methods for forming the same
A power MOSFET includes a semiconductor region extending from a top surface of a semiconductor substrate into the semiconductor substrate, wherein the semiconductor region is of a first conductivity type. A gate dielectric and a gate electrode are disposed over the semiconductor region. A drift region of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type extends from the top surface of the semiconductor substrate into the semiconductor substrate. A dielectric layer has a portion over and in contact with a top surface of the drift region. A conductive field plate is over the dielectric layer. A source region and a drain region are on opposite sides of the gate electrode. The drain region is in contact with the first drift region. A bottom metal layer is over the field plate. |
| US08664717B2 |
Semiconductor device with an oversized local contact as a Faraday shield
This application is directed to a semiconductor device with an oversized local contact as a Faraday shield, and methods of making such a semiconductor device. One illustrative device disclosed herein includes a transistor comprising a gate electrode and a source region, a source region conductor that is conductively coupled to the source region, a Faraday shield positioned above the source region conductor and the gate electrode and a first portion of a first primary metallization layer for an integrated circuit device positioned above and electrically coupled to the Faraday shield. |
| US08664716B2 |
Semiconductor device, method of manufacturing the same and power-supply device using the same
In a lateral-type power MOSFET, high breakdown voltage is achieved with suppressing to increase a cell pitch, and a feedback capacity and an ON resistance are decreased. An n− type silicon region having a high resistance to be a region of maintaining a breakdown voltage is vertically provided with respect to a main surface of an n+ type silicon substrate, and the n− type silicon region having the high resistance is connected to the n+ type silicon substrate. Also, a conductive substance is filled through an insulating substance inside a trench formed to reach the n+ type silicon substrate from the main surface of the n+ type silicon substrate so as to contact with the n− type silicon region having the high resistance, and the conductive substance is electrically connected to a source electrode. |
| US08664715B2 |
Isolated transistor
A transistor is formed inside an isolation structure which includes a floor isolation region and a trench extending from the surface of the substrate to the floor isolation region. The trench may be filled with a dielectric material or may have a conductive material in a central portion with a dielectric layer lining the walls of the trench. |
| US08664713B2 |
Integrated power device on a semiconductor substrate having an improved trench gate structure
A power device integrated on a semiconductor substrate and having a plurality of conductive bridges within a trench gate structure. In an embodiment, a semiconductor substrate includes a trench having sidewalls and a bottom, the walls and bottom are covered with a first insulating coating layer which then also includes a conductive gate structure. An embodiment provides the formation of the conductive gate structure with covering at least the sidewalls with a second conductive coating layer of a first conductive material. This results in a conductive central region of a second conductive material having a different resistivity than the first conductive material forming a plurality of conductive bridges between said second conductive coating layer and said conductive central region. |
| US08664703B2 |
Display device having a shield
The instant application describes a display device that includes a substrate; a gate electrode provided on the substrate; a gate insulating film provided on the gate electrode; a semiconductor layer provided on the gate insulating film; a source electrode and a drain electrode provided on the semiconductor layer; a protective insulating film provided on the source electrode and the drain electrode; a pixel electrode provided on the protective insulating film, and connected to one of the source electrode and the drain electrode through a contact hole formed through the protective insulating film; and a shield provided on the protective insulating film, the shield not being electrically connected to the pixel electrode. |
| US08664701B2 |
Rectifier with vertical MOS structure
A method for manufacturing a rectifier with a vertical MOS structure is provided. A first trench structure and a first mask layer are formed at a first side of the semiconductor substrate. A second trench structure is formed in the second side of the semiconductor substrate. A gate oxide layer, a polysilicon structure and a metal sputtering layer are sequentially formed on the second trench structure. The rectifier further includes a wet oxide layer and a plurality of doped regions. The wet oxide layer is formed on a surface of the first multi-trench structure and in the semiconductor substrate. The doping regions are formed on a region between the semiconductor substrate and the second trench structure, and located beside the mask layer. The metal sputtering layer is formed on the first mask layer corresponding to the first trench structure. |
| US08664698B2 |
Bipolar transistor and method with recessed base electrode
High frequency performance of (e.g., silicon) bipolar devices is improved by reducing the extrinsic base resistance Rbx. An emitter, intrinsic base and collector are formed in a semiconductor body. An emitter contact has a region that overlaps a portion of an extrinsic base contact. A sidewall is formed in the extrinsic base contact proximate a lateral edge of the overlap region of the emitter contact. The sidewall is amorphized during or after formation so that when the emitter contact and the extrinsic base contact are, e.g., silicided, some of the metal atoms forming the silicide penetrate into the sidewall so that part of the highly conductive silicided extrinsic base contact extends under the edge of the overlap region of the emitter contact closer to the intrinsic base, thereby reducing Rbx. Smaller Rbx provides transistors with higher fMAX. |
| US08664696B2 |
Nitride semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a nitride semiconductor device includes a first, a second and a third semiconductor layer, a first and a second main electrode and a control electrode. The first layer made of a nitride semiconductor of a first conductivity type is provided on a substrate. The second layer made of a nitride semiconductor of a second conductivity type is provided on the first layer. The third layer made of a nitride semiconductor is provided on the second layer. The first electrode is electrically connected with the second layer. The second electrode is provided at a distance from the first electrode and electrically connected with the second layer. The control electrode is provided within a first trench via an insulating film. The first trench is disposed between the first and the second main electrodes, penetrates the third and the second layers, and reaches the first layer. |
| US08664691B2 |
Silicon photomultiplier with trench isolation
A silicon photomultiplier maintains the photon detection efficiency high while increasing a dynamic range, by reducing the degradation of an effective fill factor that follows the increase of cell number density intended for a dynamic range enhancement. |
| US08664686B2 |
Light emitting device and the manufacture method thereof
This invention provides a light-emitting element and the manufacture method thereof. The light-emitting element is suitable for flip-chip bonding and comprises an electrode having a plurality of micro-bumps for direct bonding to a submount. Bonding within a relatively short distance between the light-emitting device and the submount can be formed so as to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the light-emitting device. |
| US08664685B2 |
Resin composition for optical semiconductor element housing package, and optical semiconductor light-emitting device obtained using the same
The present invention relates to a resin composition for forming an insulating resin layer for optical semiconductor element housing package having a concave portion in which a metal lead frame and an optical semiconductor element mounted thereon are housed, in which the resin composition includes the following ingredients (A) to (D), and the ingredients (C) and (D) are contained in a blend ratio (C)/(D) of 0.3 to 3.0 as a weight ratio thereof: (A) an epoxy resin; (B) an acid anhydride curing agent; (C) a white pigment; and (D) an inorganic filler. |
| US08664681B2 |
Parallel plate slot emission array
Parallel plate slot emission array. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an article of manufacture includes a side-emitting light emitting diode configured to emit light from more than two surfaces. The article of manufacture includes a first sheet electrically and thermally coupled to a first side of the light emitting diode, and a second sheet electrically and thermally coupled to a second side of the light emitting diode. The article of manufacture further includes a plurality of reflective surfaces configured to reflect light from all of the surfaces of the light emitting diode through holes in the first sheet. The light may be reflected via total internal reflection. |
| US08664678B2 |
Phosphor ceramic and light-emitting device
A phosphor ceramic includes at least one fluorescent layer that is capable of emitting fluorescent light; and at least one non-fluorescent layer that does not emit fluorescent light and is laminated onto the fluorescent layer. |
| US08664677B2 |
Light-emitting element and organic electroluminescent display device
Provided is a light-emitting element in the structure and configuration of causing no possibility of a short circuit between first and second electrodes even if there is any foreign substance or a protrusion on the first electrode. Such a light-emitting element is configured to include, in order, a first electrode 21, an organic layer 23 including a light-emitting layer made of an organic light-emitting material, a semi-transmissive/reflective film 40, a resistance layer 50, and a second electrode 22. The first electrode 21 reflects a light coming from the light-emitting layer, and the second electrode 22 passes through a light coming from the semi-transmissive/reflective film 40 after passing therethrough. The semi-transmissive/reflective film on the organic layer 23 has an average film thickness of 1 nm to 6 nm both inclusive. |
| US08664676B2 |
LED package structure housing a LED and a protective zener diode in respective cavities
An LED package structure includes a base and two diodes. The base includes an insulating layer having an outer peripheral edge, and a conductive bottom layer disposed on a bottom face of the insulating layer and having an outer peripheral edge spaced from the outer peripheral edge of the insulating layer at a predetermined distance. The insulating layer is formed with two spaced-apart through holes, and cooperates with the conductive bottom layer to form first and second cavities. The diodes are disposed within the first and second cavities, respectively. A transparent encapsulant covers the base and the diodes. |
| US08664674B2 |
Light emitting diode device preventing short circuiting between adjacent light emitting diode chips
A light emitting device free from void-generation at a bonding between an LED chip and a metal layer provided on a dielectric substrate. This light emitting device is also free from short-circuit between the closely arranged LED chips. This light emitting device includes a plurality of the LED chips, one dielectric substrate (sub-mount member) which is made of a dielectric substrate for holding the LED chips. The dielectric substrate is formed with a plurality of supporting platforms which respectively holds the LED chips. Each supporting platform is provided with a metal layer which is soldered to the LED chip. The supporting platforms are configured to leave a groove between the adjacent ones of the supporting platforms. Each supporting platform is provided at its side surface with a solder-leading portion made of a material having a solder-wettablity higher than that of the supporting platform. |
| US08664672B2 |
Light emitting panel having a plurality of light emitting element arrays arranged in descending order of wavelength
A light emitting panel includes a plurality of light emitting element arrays each of which has a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a plane. The light emitting element arrays are configured so that an arrangement plane of the light emitting elements of one light emitting element array is overlapped with another arrangement plane of the light emitting elements of another light emitting element array in substantially parallel to each other, and so that the light emitting elements of one light emitting element array and the light emitting elements of another light emitting element array emit lights to the same side. |
| US08664671B2 |
Display device and fabrication method for display device
A display device capable of suppressing decrease in capacitance and capable of reducing area even when a capacitor unit is repaired is provided. A capacitor unit in a display device includes: a capacitor element having a first capacitor electrode connected to a power line and provided in an SD electrode layer and a second capacitor electrode provided in a GM electrode layer; a backup capacitor electrode provided in the TM electrode layer; a disconnect-able portion at which a connection between the first capacitor electrode and the power line can be disconnected; and a connectable portion at which the backup capacitor electrode and the power line can be connected, and the disconnect-able portion and the connectable portion overlap in a stacking direction. |
| US08664669B2 |
Organic EL element, display apparatus, and light-emitting apparatus
An organic EL element has an anode, a cathode, a hole injection layer and at least one functional layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. The at least one functional layer contains an organic material. Holes are injected into the functional layer from the hole injection layer, which contains a tungsten oxide. A Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy (UPS) spectrum obtained from a UPS measurement has a protrusion near a Fermi surface and within a region corresponding to a binding energy range lower than a top of the valence band. The tungsten oxide contained in the hole injection layer satisfies a condition, determined from an X-ray Photoelectronic Spectroscopy measurement, that a ratio in a number density of atoms other than tungsten and oxygen atoms to the tungsten atoms does not exceed approximately 0.83. |
| US08664668B2 |
Combined semiconductor apparatus with semiconductor thin film
A combined semiconductor apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate having an integrated circuit, a planarized region formed in a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a semiconductor thin film including at least one semiconductor device and bonded on the planarized region. A surface of the semiconductor thin film, in which the semiconductor device is formed, is disposed on a side of the planarized region. The apparatus may further include a planarized film disposed between the planarized region and the semiconductor thin film. |
| US08664667B2 |
Optical waveguide device
An optical waveguide device of the present invention comprises: an optical waveguide including a plurality of cores configured to emit outgoing light from distal ends thereof; and a light-receiving element including a plurality of photo diodes configured to receive the outgoing light. Respective pitches L1 between adjacent cores are greater than pitches L2 between adjacent photo diodes. At least one photo diode on which only outgoing light of each core is incident is present with respect to each of the cores. |
| US08664665B2 |
Schottky diode employing recesses for elements of junction barrier array
The present disclosure generally relates to a Schottky diode that has a substrate, a drift layer provided over the substrate, and a Schottky layer provided over an active region of the substrate. A junction barrier array is provided in the drift layer just below the Schottky layer. The elements of the junction barrier array are generally doped regions in the drift layer. To increase the depth of these doped regions, individual recesses may be formed in the surface of the drift layer where the elements of the junction barrier array are to be formed. Once the recesses are formed in the drift layer, areas about and at the bottom of the recesses are doped to form the respective elements of the junction barrier array. |
| US08664655B2 |
Organic light emitting display apparatus
An organic light emitting display apparatus has a hybrid structure in which resonance red, green and blue pixels and a non-resonance white pixel are combined. An optical path control layer and a white color filter which selectively absorbs light having a specific wavelength are included in the white pixel. Thus, the organic light emitting display apparatus has a large viewing angle, low power consumption, and long lifetime. |
| US08664654B2 |
Thin film transistor and thin film transistor array panel including the same
A thin film transistor, a thin film transistor array panel including the same, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided, wherein the thin film transistor includes a channel region including an oxide semiconductor, a source region and a drain region connected to the channel region and facing each other at both sides with respect to the channel region, an insulating layer positioned on the channel region, and a gate electrode positioned on the insulating layer, wherein an edge boundary of the gate electrode and an edge boundary of the channel region are substantially aligned. |
| US08664653B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
Disclosed is a semiconductor device including an insulating layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode embedded in the insulating layer, an oxide semiconductor layer in contact with the insulating layer, the source electrode, and the drain electrode, a gate insulating layer covering the oxide semiconductor layer, and a gate electrode over the gate insulating layer. The upper surface of the surface of the insulating layer, which is in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer, has a root-mean-square (RMS) roughness of 1 nm or less. There is a difference in height between an upper surface of the insulating layer and each of an upper surface of the source electrode and an upper surface of the drain electrode. The difference in height is preferably 5 nm or more. This structure contributes to the suppression of defects of the semiconductor device and enables their miniaturization. |
| US08664651B2 |
Switching device and method of manufacturing the same
A switching device includes a first electrode (101), a second electrode (102), and a complex oxide ion conducting layer (103) interposed between the first electrode (101) and the second electrode (102). The complex oxide ion conducting layer (103) contains at least two oxides including a metal oxide. The first electrode (101) can supply electrons to the complex oxide ion conducting layer (103). The second electrode (102) contains a metal and can supply ions of the metal to the complex oxide ion conducting layer (103). |
| US08664647B2 |
Organic electroluminescent element
Provided is a high-luminance, long-life laminated organic electroluminescent element. The organic electroluminescent element has a composition in which a plurality of light-emitting units, including at least one organic light-emitting layer, are laminated between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and in which a linking layer is held between the respective light-emitting units. The linking layer is formed by laminating, in succession from the positive electrode side, an electron generating/transport section, an intermediate layer, and a hole generating/transport section, which contain at least one metal selected from a group consisting of an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, rare earth metal, alloy of these metals, and compound of these metals. Preferably the intermediate layer contains an electrical insulating non-semiconductive substance having a specific resistance which is between 1.0×102 Ω·cm and 1.0×109 Ω·cm. |