Document Document Title
US08666115B2 Computer vision gesture based control of a device
A system and method are provided for controlling a device based on computer vision. Embodiments of the system and method of the invention are based on receiving a sequence of images of a field of view; detecting movement of at least one object in the images; applying a shape recognition algorithm on the at least one moving object; confirming that the object is a user hand by combining information from at least two images of the object; and tracking the object to control the device.
US08666109B2 System and methods for recording emergency data
A system and method for recording emergency data during a 911 call. The emergency data recorded may be in the form of a digital image. The digital image may be of the event prompting the 911 call. The digital image may be a single image, a series of images, or streaming video. The emergency data may be received on a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, through a digital imaging device, such as a digital camera. The emergency data may then be transmitted to a server, wherein the emergency data is stored. The emergency data may be accessed by a 911 dispatcher during a 911 call to review the image data to aid in assessing the emergency recorded in the emergency data.
US08666108B2 Watermarking scheme for digital video
Each bit of information that is impressed upon a video signal is impressed upon each pixel of a block of pixels of the video signal a video signal so as to reduce errors in transmission of the additional information. Prior to impression, the additional information may be further coded, e.g., using channel coding, interleaving, and differential encoding. A receiver performs complimentary processes to recover the additional data.
US08666107B2 Loudspeaker
A loudspeaker includes a housing, a conducting sound element, a rotating element, and a modulating element slidably mounted to the rotating element. The housing defines an insertion chamber and a notch. The conducting sound element is mounted in a front of the insertion chamber. The rotating element is rotatablely mounted in a rear of the insertion chamber. A rear end of the rotating element defines a holding groove. A portion of the rear surface of the rotating element is recessed forward to form a sliding groove. A front surface of the modulating element is equipped with an audio plug and defines a sliding element slidably located in the sliding groove. The audio plug is capable of being inserted into the holding groove or projecting out of the holding groove and the notch under a rotation of the modulating element together with the rotating element with respect to the housing.
US08666102B2 Hearing system comprising an earpiece
A hearing system includes at least one earpiece having a shell, an elongate retention element attached to the shell, and an insert unit. The shell has a sound tube portion carrying a soft tip for insertion into the user's ear canal, an outwardly oriented interface portion for detachably receiving the insert unit, and an engagement portion between the sound tube portion and the interface portion for engaging with the tragus/antitragus region of the ear, wherein the material and the dimensions of the retention element are such that the retention element can engage the user's concha by manual deformation by the user, and wherein the insert unit is a filter unit with at least one sound attenuation filter, or is an active electronic unit with at least a loudspeaker, and with an external electronic unit, which is worn on the user's body below the user's neck.
US08666098B2 Single earphone for stereo and monaural audio devices
A single Airbed style earphone employing a standard three-conductor stereo headphone plug is adapted to enable the use of one earpiece to hear the combined left and right channels of stereo audio in a single ear. The single Airbed invention employs a three-conductor plug and is wired in such a way that it may be used equally well with both stereo and mono audio devices without the need for any kind of adapter, switch or sensing circuit. A pair of resistors matches the impedance load of a stereo headphone set.
US08666094B2 Drive control method of electrostatic-type ultrasonic transducer, electrostatic-type ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic speaker using electrostatic-type ultrasonic transducer, audio signal reproducing method, superdirectional acoustic system, and display
A push-pull-type electrostatic-type ultrasonic transducer includes a first electrode having through holes, a second electrode having through holes each of which is paired with the corresponding through hole of the first electrode, and an oscillation film sandwiched between a pair of the first and second electrodes and having a conductive layer to which direct current bias voltage is applied. When a wavelength obtained from a resonance frequency at a mechanical oscillation resonance point of the oscillation film is λ, a thickness t of the respective fixed electrodes is (λ/4)·n or substantially (λ/4)·n (where λ: wavelength of ultrasonic wave, n: positive odd number). AC signals as modulation waves produced by modulating carrier waves in an ultrasonic frequency band by signal waves in an audio frequency band are applied between a pair of the electrodes.
US08666092B2 Noise estimation
A method and apparatus are provided for estimating the noise spectrum of an audio signal occupying a certain frequency range. The amplitude of the audio signal is measured at only a subset of the frequency range having a low expected signal to noise ratio at the time of measuring such that the measured amplitude is indicative of noise amplitude at that subset of the frequency range. A predefined noise spectral shape is then adapted by fitting to the noise amplitude so as to form the estimated noise spectrum. The noise spectrum so estimated is used to remove interference noise from the audio signal.
US08666091B2 Method for reducing a disturbance in an input signal caused by an output signal in a multi-port connector, multi-port connector, and mobile device
A method for reducing a disturbance in an input signal caused by an output signal in a multi-port connector, a multi-port connector circuit for reducing a disturbance in an input signal caused by an output signal, and a mobile device are described.
US08666090B1 Microphone modeling system and method
Disclosed is a system and method with independent adjustment of on and off-axis tonality and a system and method for modeling an idealized off-axis polar response of a directional microphone. The system can include two or more microphone capsules arranged in close proximity within a single housing and a filtering algorithm applied to the output of each microphone capsule that results in a signal that has a predominantly idealized on and off-axis user selectable polar pattern responses and user selectable microphone modeling which models the on-axis frequency response of a physical or virtual microphone. Optionally, the system and method can compensate for the on and off-axis polar response changes due to low-frequency proximity-effect.
US08666089B2 Adaptive night-time high definition (HD) signal sensitivity threshold for HD radio receivers
A vehicle has a lighting control module and a HD radio receiver. The lighting control module provides an indication of daytime operation of the vehicle and an indication of night-time operation of the vehicle. The HD radio receiver is configured for selecting between outputting digital format audio content of a radio signal and outputting analog format audio content of the HD radio signal dependent upon a HD signal sensitivity threshold. The HD radio receiver sets the HD signal sensitivity threshold to one of a plurality of different night-time HD signal sensitivity threshold values as a function of a signal strength characteristic of the HD radio signal when the lighting control module provides the indication of night-time operation thereto. The HD radio receiver sets the HD signal sensitivity threshold to a daytime HD signal sensitivity threshold value when the lighting control module provides the indication of daytime operation thereto.
US08666087B2 Integrated audio/communication system for use in a motor vehicle
An integrated audio/communication system for use in a motor vehicle includes a processing unit that selectively executes control routines/programs based upon the operational mode of the system. The system may operate in a audio playback mode, and in a telephony mode. In the audio playback mode the processing unit executes a control routine/program associated with audio playback. Whereas, in the telephony mode the processing unit executes a control routine/program associated with telephony. The operational mode of the system may be switched from audio playback to telephony, and visa versa. Selectively configuring the processing unit based upon the operational mode of the system, and allowing the system to easily transition between modes, provides a highly integrated audio/communication system for use in a motor vehicle.
US08666085B2 Component for noise reducing earphone
An active noise reduction (ANR) component for provision in an earphone housing is disclosed. The device includes a driver and a sensing microphone, the driver and sensing microphone being housed in a component housing. The earphone housing has an outlet passageway from the ANR component to an auditory canal. The ANR component is adapted for use with a controller to provide active noise reduction to the auditory canal over a predetermined range of physical dimensions or acoustic parameters of the housing outlet passageway. The ANR component can thus be used with different housings which simplifies the design process for producing ANR earphone products.
US08666083B2 Intercom headset connection and disconnection responses
A headset is able to be coupled via a cable to an intercom system, is able to be wirelessly coupled to a wireless device via a wireless transceiver of the headset, and is able to be connected to a wired device via another cable. A controller of the headset separately monitors the microphone conductors and audio conductors by which the headset may be coupled to the intercom system to detect whether or not one or both of a communications microphone and an acoustic driver of the headset are coupled to the intercom system, and monitors the operating state of the wireless transceiver to detect whether or not the wireless transceiver is inactive, on standby or in use; and selectively couples a system ground conductor to one of the microphone conductors, and selectively provides a local microphone bias voltage in response to what is observed through such monitoring.
US08666077B2 Traffic encryption key generation in a wireless communication network
In one embodiment, a traffic encryption key is generated based on a count value associated with a mobile. The count value is indicative of network accesses by a mobile, and the traffic encryption key is for encrypting communication traffic between the mobile and a base station. Generation of the traffic encryption key at a base station may be triggered by receipt of a message indicating that the mobile may handoff to the base station. In this embodiment, the message includes the count value. In another embodiment, the traffic encryption key is generated based on the count value and a key count. The mobile may trigger updating the traffic encryption key by changing the key count, and sending the new key count to the base station in a traffic encryption key update request message.
US08666076B2 Method of elliptic curve cryptography using EW-MOF on scalar multiplication
A method of elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) using the enhanced window-based mutual opposite form (EW-MOF) on scalar multiplication. First, an elliptic curve and a base point on the elliptic curve are selected. Next, essential pre-computed points for a selected window size are calculated. Then, a private key is randomly generated and the mutual opposite form (MOF) is used to convert the private key's binary representation into a signed binary representation. Finally, a public key is calculated by using the enhanced window (EW) method. By greatly reducing the number of essential pre-computed points, the EW-MOF reduces average key generation time (including pre-computation time).
US08666075B2 System and method for improving in-game communications during a game
The present invention is directed to a system and method for improving communications between players and coaches during a sporting event, more specifically allowing coaches to dynamically transmit secure real-time communications of an intended game plays in text, visual, sketch and/or verbal format to their players or other coaches on/off the field to be effected on the field during a game.
US08666070B2 Method and apparatus for minimizing differential power attacks on processors
A method of masking a cryptographic operation using a secret value, comprising the steps of dividing the secret value into a plurality of parts; combining with each part a random value to derive a new part such that the new parts when combined are equivalent to the original secret value; and utilizing each of the individual parts in the operation.
US08666062B2 Method and apparatus for performing finite field calculations
In general terms, the invention provides a finite field engine and methods for operating on elements in a finite field. The finite field engine provides finite field sub-engines suitable for any finite field size requiring a fixed number of machine words. The engine reuses these engines, along with some general purpose component or specific component providing modular reduction associated with the exact reduction (polynomial or prime) of a specific finite field. The engine has wordsized suitable code capable of adding, subtracting, multiplying, squaring, or inverting finite field elements, as long as the elements are representable in no more than the given number of words. The wordsized code produces unreduced values. Specific reduction is then applied to the unreduced value, as is suitable for the specific finite field. In this way, fast engines can be produced for many specific finite fields, without duplicating the bulk of the engine instructions (program).
US08666061B2 Mobile device
A mobile device is provided. The mobile device includes a panel assembly, a cover window and an adhesive tape. The panel assembly displays images and the cover window is mounted onto the panel assembly. The cover window protects the panel assembly and detects touches that occur thereon. The adhesive tape forms an open hole at the central portion to separate the cover window and the panel assembly. The adhesive tape adheres the cover window to the edge portion of the panel assembly. The adhesive tape further includes an air path part that provides an air passage for communicating an air chamber with the open hole. The air chamber fills with air. The mobile device can display images without a pooling phenomenon, and reduce the chance of malfunction when the user touches the panel assembly via the cover window.
US08666055B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing human-assisted natural language call routing
Exemplary embodiments relate to methods, systems, user devices and computer program products for providing human-assisted natural language call routing. Systems include a call interface device on an IVR system for receiving a telephone call from a caller. The system also includes a level one agent processing module for facilitating the handling of the telephone call when it is not directed by the IVR system after an initial interaction and a second interaction between the caller and the IVR system. The system further includes a level two agent processing module for facilitating the handling of the telephone call when it is not directed by the IVR system after the initial interaction and when a level two agent is available. In addition the system includes a level three agent processing module for facilitating the handling of the telephone call when a level three agent is available.
US08666053B2 System with call forward profile
A method and system for providing call forwarding in an IP telephone network is disclosed. First, when a telephone number for a first telephone from a second telephone is dialed, the call is routing to a call manager. Call setup procedures with a BRG responsible for the first telephone are then initiated. The BRG then checks stored call forwarding profiles to determine whether there is an active call forwarding profile for the first telephone. The call is connected to the first telephone if an active call forwarding profile is not found. However, if an active call forwarding profile is found, the call forwarding information is sent to the call manager. The call is routed to at least a third telephone based on the call forwarding information.
US08666052B2 Universal phone number for contacting group members
A universal phone number is provided for connecting to communication methods, including fixed line, mobile line, and internet communication methods. A communication group of communication methods may include multiple communication methods belonging to one individual or to multiple individuals within the communication group, such as a family. The universal phone number may be designated as the primary contact number for the communication group such incoming phone calls and text messages may be automatically routed to the communication methods in the communication group. The universal phone number may provide alerts to the multiple communication methods for notifying when incoming phone calls are answered. A universal voicemail box may also be provided for a scenario when the incoming call is not answered. Additionally, the universal phone number may provide the ability to keep the contact information for each of the individual communication methods private.
US08666050B2 System and method for handling a meeting request
Data processing and communications devices are configured to generate, using command signals received from at least one user input device, a signal set representing a meeting request, the meeting request signal set comprising signals representing one or more parameters for a proposed meeting and configured for causing a second data processing and communications device to initiate a voice call on receipt of command signals representing a response to the meeting request; and forward the generated meeting request signal set to the second data processing and communications device.
US08666049B2 Location based quality of session control in unified telephony
Implementing a location and historical trend based quality of session in unified telephony can begin with establishing a conference call. The location of each end-user device can be determined and a query of a previously established data store with historical trend data for quality of session for each end-user device based on the location of an identifier for the end user device can be performed. If the results of the querying indicate that an end-user device has a relatively low quality of session below a baseline established for the conference call, a corrective action designed to ensure the conference call is conducted with a quality of session at or above the baseline can be performed. Alternatively, the location and historical trend data and analysis for the collaboration session can be presented to a human moderator, who can be prompted to select a desired corrective action.
US08666048B2 Location based quality of session control in unified telephony
Implementing a location and historical trend based quality of session in unified telephony can begin with establishing a conference call. The location of each end-user device can be determined and a query of a previously established data store with historical trend data for quality of session for each end-user device based on the location of an identifier for the end user device can be performed. If the results of the querying indicate that an end-user device has a relatively low quality of session below a baseline established for the conference call, a corrective action designed to ensure the conference call is conducted with a quality of session at or above the baseline can be performed. Alternatively, the location and historical trend data and analysis for the collaboration session can be presented to a human moderator, who can be prompted to select a desired corrective action.
US08666047B2 High quality audio conferencing with adaptive beamforming
Systems and methods that enable high quality audio teleconferencing are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, a signal processor receives signals from a spatially dispersed set of directional microphones, processing the microphone signals and the far-end received audio into a signal for transmission to a far-end party. The processing may comprise the use of one or more algorithms that reduce conference room noise and may selectively increase participant audio levels by processing the microphone signals using beamforming techniques. An embodiment of the present invention may also comprise one or more omni-directional microphones that may be used in cooperation with the directional microphones to adjust for background noise, acoustic echo, and the existence of side conversations.
US08666044B2 Electronic document answering machine
An Electronic Document Answering Machine is adapted to connect to remote information sources and to download digital documents including e-mail and WEB pages, and to store the documents for later review by a user. The Answering machine has an alert device for alerting a user that new documents are available for review, and an initializing device for a user to cause documents to be communicated for review one-at-a-time. In a preferred embodiment documents are communicated over a speaker via voice synthesis. In an alternative preferred embodiment a small display is provided wherein documents may be displayed in alphanumeric characters. The answering machine can be implemented as a stand-alone device or can be connected via a serial port to a host PC for transferring documents to the PC for processing and review. In other embodiments the Answering Machine is implemented as a system in a PC, with alert and selective input added as an interface. The interface can be in a keyboard, and can be provided by existing keys and LEDs on a keyboard. An Answering Machine is also provided as a set-top-box for a TV, downloading digital documents from the Internet and providing the documents with user prompting to a TV via an audio/video output. prompting may be by infra-red input from a remote controller.
US08666041B2 System and method for facilitating account-based transactions
Systems, methods and apparatus are presented for facilitating account-based transactions. In an embodiment, the method includes associating a first person with an account, associating a second person with the account, receiving a request from a third party to authorize a transaction between the second person and the third party, determining a first communication address of the first party, and contacting the first party. The process also includes determining that the first person desires to communicate with the second person, determining a second communication address of the second person, initiating a communication between the first person and the second person, and receiving a signal from the first person that authorizes the transaction or declines the transaction.
US08666029B2 Methods, systems, and products for emergency location
Methods, systems, and products provide emergency location services for mobile devices. A communication is received to a 911 emergency address. A code is received during the communication to block emergency location services. The emergency location services are blocked in response to the code.
US08666024B2 Multi-X-ray generating apparatus and X-ray imaging apparatus
A multi-X-ray generating apparatus which has a plurality of electron sources arranged two-dimensionally and targets arranged at positions opposite to the electron sources includes a multi-electron source which includes a plurality of electron sources and outputs electrons from driven electron sources by selectively driving a plurality of electron sources in accordance with supplied driving signals, and a target unit which includes a plurality of targets which generate X-rays in accordance with irradiation of electrons output from the multi-electron source and outputs X-rays with different radiation qualities in accordance with the generation locations of X-rays. The generation locations and radiation qualities of X-rays from the target unit are controlled by selectively driving the electron sources of the multi-electron source.
US08666023B2 Radiation imaging apparatus
A radiation imaging apparatus communicating with a radiation imaging control apparatus for controlling an operation of acquiring a radiation image includes a radiation detection unit configured to detect radiation and to acquire the radiation image, a storage unit configured to store information about a plurality of the radiation imaging control apparatuses, a selection unit configured to select one of the plurality of the radiation imaging control apparatuses as an apparatus to communicate with the radiation imaging apparatus, and a setting unit configured to set communication with the radiation imaging control apparatus selected by the selection unit.
US08666019B2 Shift register unit and gate drive device for liquid crystal display
A shift register unit and a gate drive device for a liquid crystal display are disclosed. Both gate and drain of the tenth thin film transistor are connected to the source of the fifth thin film transistor, a source thereof is connected to a low voltage signal input terminal, threshold voltages of the eighth thin film transistor and the ninth thin film transistor are equal to or less than threshold voltage of the tenth thin film transistor. The shift register unit and the gate drive device for liquid crystal display provided in the present invention, could enable the thin film transistor used to suppress the noise in the shift register unit to maintain turning on, therefore it guarantees the reliability of the shift register unit.
US08666018B2 Nuclear fuel rod plenum spring assembly
A nuclear fuel rod plenum spring assembly that has a spacer affixed to the lower end of the ground torsion spring. The spacer has a substantially flat surface on its underside that presses against the upper surface of the upper fuel pellets to spread the load of the spring over the top surface of the upper most fuel pellet.
US08666017B2 Apparatus for repairing riser pipe elbow weld in boiling water nuclear reactor
A support clamp assembly for mechanically securing a thermal sleeve to an elbow conduit in a jet pump of a nuclear reactor vessel, the support clamp assembly including: a tension shaft having a first end extendable through an opening in a sidewall of the elbow conduit and an opposite end with a head; a cruciform assembly having a base with an opening to receive the tension shaft and to abut the head of the shaft, wherein the cruciform assembly seats in the thermal sleeve; a boss slidable over the first end of the tension shaft and having a curved surface seating an outside surface of the elbow conduit, and a coupling device engaging the first end of the tension shaft and abutting the boss, wherein the coupling device places the tension shaft under tension to secure the cruciform assembly to the thermal sleeve and the boss to the elbow conduit.
US08666015B2 Method and apparatus for generating thermal neutrons using an electron accelerator
Apparatus for generating thermal neutrons includes an electron accelerator for generating an electron beam and a converter for converting the electron beam into photons. A receiving device is provided for receiving the photons and includes a material which provides a photoneutron target for the photons, for producing high energy neutrons in a photonuclear reaction between the photons and the photoneutron target, and for moderating the high energy neutrons to generate the thermal neutrons. The electron beam has an energy level high enough to produce photons of sufficient energy to exceed the photodissociation threshold of the selected target material, but that is sufficiently low as to enable the material to moderate the high energy neutrons resulting from the photonuclear reaction.
US08666012B2 Operating a frequency synthesizer
An apparatus and method for operating a frequency synthesizer wherein a value of an first control signal associated with a fine frequency feedback loop connected to a signal generator is monitored, and a second control signal associated with a medium or coarse frequency feedback loop connected to the signal generator is adjusted based on the monitoring. The first and second control signals are then output to control the frequency synthesizer.
US08666010B1 Phase detector for bursty data streams
A bursty phase detector comprises upper and lower branches. The upper branch includes a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) providing a VCO phase; a phase detector with a first input for receiving a data stream and a second input coupled to the output of the VCO, the phase detector providing a phase error; a sample selector with a first input for receiving a sum of the VCO phase and the phase error, and a second input coupled to receive the data stream, the sample selector providing a data stream sample; a signal stream detector with a first input for receiving the sum of the VCO phase and the phase error, and a second input coupled to the output of the sample selector, the signal stream detector generating a data stream phase and a data stream detect signal. The lower branch includes a delay component with an input for receiving the data stream.
US08666008B2 Synchronization protocol
An efficient synchronization procedure applicable to mesh WLAN based on the 802.11s standard is proposed. A first and second stations initiate the process and establish a communication link between them. Next, the first station transmits to the second station a synchronization element that contains: a capability information element indicative of a capability of the first station to synchronize, and a status information element indicative of whether the first station has established a synchronized peer link with another station. One of the two stations may then initiate the actual handshake for synchronization. The initiator transmits a request for synchronization and receives a response from the other station representative of the acceptance by the other station of the synchronization, the request and the acceptance being restrained in that the stations may not entertain conflicting synchronization procedures with different links. The request may include a set of the synchronization profile.
US08666005B2 Configurable adaptive filter
Method and apparatuses are disclosed to substantially compensate for various unwanted interferences and/or distortions within a communications receiver. Each of these apparatuses and methods estimate the various unwanted interferences and/or distortions within the communications receiver. Each of these apparatuses and methods remove the estimates of the various unwanted interferences and/or distortions within the communications receiver from one or more communications signals within the communications receiver to substantially compensate for the various unwanted interferences and/or distortions.
US08665994B2 Antenna device
The invention relates to the technical field of radio communications, and in particular to an antenna device for a radio base station, and a method for precoding data in a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) system. Embodiments of the invention disclose a secondary precoder 24 in series with a multiple-input multiple-output precoder 22. The secondary precoder 24 has a plurality of inputs 34, 36 and a plurality of outputs 38, 40. The second plurality of inputs being in communication with each plurality of outputs 38, 40 such that one or more signals input to a respective one or more of the second plurality of inputs 34, 36 provides a substantially equal power of signals at the second plurality of outputs 38, 40.
US08665990B2 Method and apparatus for multi-antenna transmission in uplink
Method and apparatus for uplink transmission using multiple antennas are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) performs space time transmit diversity (STTD) encoding on an input stream of a physical channel configured for STTD. Each physical channel may be mapped to either an in-phase (I) branch or a quadrature-phase (Q) branch. The WTRU may perform the STTD encoding either in a binary domain or in a complex domain. Additionally, the WTRU may perform pre-coding on at least one physical channel including the E-DPDCH with the pre-coding weights, and transmitting the pre-coded output streams via a plurality of antennas. The pre-coding may be performed either after or before spreading operation.
US08665989B2 Phase shifter, wireless communication apparatus, and phase control method
Disclosed are a phase shifter, a wireless communication apparatus, and a phase control method in which power consumption is reduced. A phase shifter includes a 90° step phase shifter (17) and a 45° phase shifter (18) and adds phase information to two baseband signals to be output to an orthogonal modulator. The 90° step phase shifter (17) contributes to adding any one of phases 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° to the baseband signals according to a first control signal. The 45° phase shifter (18) contributes to adding one of phases 0° and 45° to the baseband signals according to a second control signal. A phase shifter (8) performs replacement of component signals of one of the baseband signals with component signals of the other of the baseband signals and inversion of polarities of the component signals.
US08665986B2 Communication system with modulation classifier and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a communication system includes: calculating a shift distance of a received signal having a distortion; calculating an approximate likelihood of the received signal matching a transmitted signal from the shift distance; determining a bias factor from the distortion; and selecting a determined modulation maximizing a combination of the approximate likelihood and the bias factor for communicating with a device.
US08665984B2 Method and system for precoding data
The present disclosure relates to channel state feedback in a communication system. The method includes obtaining a reference signal from an access point; deriving a rank indication, a codebook subset selection indication and a precoding matrix index based on the obtained reference signal; sending a first feedback message conveying the rank indication and the codebook subset selection indication, and sending a second feedback message conveying the precoding matrix index, to the access point; and receiving, from the access point, data precoded by a matrix derived based on the rank indication, the codebook subset selection indication and the precoding matrix index.
US08665983B2 Apparatus for cooperative MIMO OFDM using non-data-aided timing synchronization
An apparatus for cooperative multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is provided. The apparatus uses a new carrier assignment scheme (CAS) called generalized interleaved CAS, along with non-data-aided timing synchronization. With the generalized interleaved CAS, random OFDM signals are formed into patterns similar to unequal period synchronization patterns (UPSPs), and a corresponding non-data-aided timing synchronization scheme is set. With the help of majority vote refinement (MVR), the present invention achieves better timing synchronization and enhances the quality of signal demodulation.
US08665972B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting CSI-RS and data using partial muting of CSI-RS
A method and apparatus for transmitting Channel State Information Reference Symbol (CSI-RS) and data with partial muting of the CSI-RS are proposed. The method includes determining a CSI-RS pattern to be used among CSI-RS pattern candidates, determining a muting pattern for muting some resource elements constituting CSI-RS pattern candidates except for the determined CSI-RS pattern, mapping data symbols and CSI-RS to resource elements in a resource grid with rate patching in consideration of the CSI-RS pattern and muting pattern, and transmitting the data symbols and CSI-RS to a terminal.
US08665971B2 Apparatus and method for channel estimation using compressive sensing
An apparatus and method for channel estimation comprising obtaining a response matrix G(l) using Q quantity pilots; constructing a sensing matrix Wsensing based on K quantity tones, L quantity symbols and P quantity multipaths; and using compressive sensing channel estimation to determine an equivalent channel matrix Gp(i) based on the response matrix G(l) and the sensing matrix Wsensing.
US08665969B2 System and method for generating pseudo MPEG information from digital video information
A system and method are used to generate pseudo MPEG information from digital video information. An artificial time stamp module and a data transport device can be used to generate the pseudo MPEG information, including associating an artificial time stamp with the digital video information. This pseudo MPEG information can be decoded as MPEG information.
US08665967B2 Method and system for bit reorganization and packetization of uncompressed video for transmission over wireless communication channels
A method and a system for bit reorganization and packetization of uncompressed video for transmission over wireless communication channels. The bit stream of the uncompressed video is reorganized according to importance levels of video bits. Then, various unequal protection methods such as encoding are applied to bits at different video importance levels. The reorganized and encoded information is then transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver over a wireless channel. The receiver performs the reverse steps of the transmitter, along with error detection/correction as needed, to recover the uncompressed video information.
US08665964B2 Video coding based on first order prediction and pre-defined second order prediction mode
This disclosure describes video encoding and decoding techniques in which a first order prediction process and a second order prediction process are used in combination to generate predictive video blocks for video coding. First order prediction may be similar to conventional motion estimation and motion compensation that generates residual video blocks. The second order prediction may involve a process similar to conventional intra-prediction, but is performed on the residual video blocks. The techniques of this disclosure may pre-define the second order prediction to a specific mode, such as a mode similar to the intra-DC mode used in intra coding. In addition, the techniques of this disclosure may combine aspects of the first order and second order prediction into a single process so that the effects of second order prediction on the residuals are taken into account during the first order prediction process, which may improve compression.
US08665961B2 Motion vector coding and decoding methods
A coding apparatus includes a motion vector coding unit that codes an inputted motion vector. A motion vector for each current block is coded based on a difference between the motion vector and a predicted vector obtained from motion vectors of coded neighboring blocks. The predicted vector is generated by one of the following methods: motion vectors referring to the same picture are selected from among the motion vectors for the neighboring blocks; motion vectors of respective neighboring blocks are ordered in a, predetermined order, and the motion vectors of the same order rank are selected from the ordered motion vectors; and the predicted vector of a second motion vector of the current block is the first motion vector, and if the second motion vector and the first motion vector refer to different pictures, the first motion vector is scaled according to the temporal distance between the pictures.
US08665958B2 Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding video signal using motion compensation based on affine transformation
A video encoding method and apparatus are provided. The video encoding method includes determining whether a current block includes an affine-transformation object having an affine transformation; if the current block includes an affine-transformation object, generating a prediction block by performing affine transformation-based motion compensation on the current block in consideration of an affine transformation of the affine-transformation object; and if the current block does not include any affine-transformation object, generating a prediction block by performing motion vector-based motion compensation on the current block using a motion vector of the current block. Therefore, it is possible to achieve high video encoding/decoding efficiency even when a block to be encoded or decoded includes an affine transformation.
US08665957B2 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.
US08665955B2 Method of storing pictures in a memory using compression coding and cost function including power consumption
The present invention relates to a method of storing pictures in a memory, a picture being divided into data blocks, said method comprising the step of: computing a transform of an input data block for producing a transformed data block comprising a set of n transformed elements, where n is an integer, entropy coding m first transformed elements of the transformed data block for producing an encoded data block, where m is an integer lower than n, computing a cost function on the basis of a weighted sum of a distortion value between the input data block and the encoded data block and a power consumption required for reading or writing the encoded data block in the memory, iterating the entropy coding and cost function computing steps for different values of m, and storing in the memory the encoded data block corresponding to the value of m that minimizes the cost function.
US08665953B2 Redundant data dispersal in transmission of video data based on frame type
The transmitting end of a content distribution system selectively employs a redundancy mechanism to encoded video data based on the frame type of each frame being transmitted. In the event that a particular frame contains information upon which the decoding of multiple frames may depend, the transmitting end can apply a redundancy mechanism to redundantly distribute the data of the frame throughout a set of data segments, each of which is separately transmitted via the network to the receiving end. Otherwise, in the event that a particular frame to be transmitted does not contain substantial information upon which the decoding of multiple frames may depend, the loss of some or all of the data of the frame may not appreciably affect the presentation of the video content at the receiving end and thus the transmitting end can forgo application of the redundancy mechanism to such frames so as to avoid unnecessarily processing and reduce the overall network bandwidth used to transmit the encoded video data.
US08665951B2 Video compression and encoding method
Disclosed herein is a method for decoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks including a current block, including generating, for at least a selected pixel in the current block, a predicted value for at least one pixel located in a row i and a column j of the current block using a processor and according to the following equation: Xij=Li+Aj−C; wherein Xij is the predicted value, Li is the value of a pixel to the left of the current block, Aj is the value of a pixel in a row above the current block and C is the value of a pixel in the row above and the column to the left of the current block and decoding the current block using the predicted value.
US08665937B2 Load estimation in wireless communication
A method for noise rise estimation in a wireless communication system comprises receiving (210) of radio signals. An interference whitening (212) is performed. A useful signal power for a first user after the interference whitening is determined (214) for a plurality of time instances. Furthermore, a first user noise floor compensation factor is derived (216) based on combining weights for the first user used in the interference whitening. A probability distribution for a compensated useful signal power for the first user is estimated (218). A conditional probability distribution of a noise floor measure is computed (220). A noise rise measure for the first user is then calculated (222) based at least on the compensated useful signal power for the first user and the conditional probability distribution of a noise floor measure.
US08665936B2 Experiments transmitter training systems and method
A communication system and method are disclosed. The system includes a receiver to receive and process a transmission signal provided from a transmitter based on a digital input signal, and to generate a receiver signal that indicates eye characteristics associated with transmission characteristics of the processed transmission signal. The transmission characteristics can be set by a digital filter associated with the transmitter based on filter parameters. The system further includes a transmitter training system to implement a plurality of experiments based on implementing Design of Experiments (DOE) to provide the filter parameters to the transmitter and to evaluate the corresponding eye characteristics to determine an output set of filter parameters.
US08665935B2 Method and system for calibrating a transmitting system
The invention relates to a method and a system for calibrating a transmitting system (1) for transmitting data from a medium access control device (2) via a digital interface (IF1) to a physical layer (PHY) and an antenna (3) to a transmission line (4), wherein the physical layer (PHY) comprises a base band controller (5) and a data processing pipeline (6) comprising a plurality of functional blocks (FB1 to FB13), comprising the following steps: setting a calibration control register (R), thereupon, setting the transmitting system (1) to a calibration mode, wherein the transmitting system (1) generates a predetermined number of single test tones (T) and transmits the test tones (T) sequentially, and after transmission of the test tones (T), detecting the returned test tones (T) and measuring their levels, especially their power levels and the spectrum behavior of the transmission line (4).
US08665931B2 Calibration of communication processing path
Communication processing paths include distortions, such as DC offset in the baseband analog path, local oscillator feed-through distortion, and nonlinearity of gm's and power amplifiers which are calibrated for, separately or in combination. The cascaded DC offset and nonlinear distortions are modeled separately or in combination using even-and-odd order polynomials. A loopback path from the output of one or more distortion causing devices passes through a measurement and calculation module. The calculation module calculates predistortion polynomial's coefficients which will be stored in a look-up table to be used by a baseband predistorter to calibrate the path. The look-up table is stored locally or remotely.
US08665930B2 System and method for channel status information feedback in a wireless communications system that utilizes multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission
A method for user equipment operation in a wireless communication system, the wireless communication system having an base station, the method comprising measuring a channel between the UE and the base station, determining a quantized estimate using a codebook to approximate the measured channel, computing an error measure for the quantized estimate and transmitting the error measure and the quantized estimate to the base station for use by the base station in reconstructing an actual channel vector.
US08665924B2 Electronic circuit and method of supplying electricity
The invention relates to an electronic circuit and a method for feeding power to at least one electrode of an alternating-current electric-arc furnace, particularly for melting metal. Known circuits of this type typically comprise a series connection with a transformer for providing a supply voltage for the electric-arc furnace from a power grid (1) and a AC power controller (8) connected between the transformer (6) and the electrode (11) for regulating the current through the electrode (11). According to the invention, a further development for such electronic circuits is proposed, which development has a simple design, is inexpensive and prevents overload of the AC power controller (8) even in operating modes of the electric-arc furnaces at high electrode currents. This further development provides to bypass the AC power controller with a bypass switch (9) that is opened or closed with the help of a controller as a function of the amount of current flowing through the electrode (11).
US08665910B2 Multi-cell channel estimation in 3G-LTE based virtual pilot sequences
A concept for estimating interfering channels in a multicellular radio communication system including a plurality of base stations and at least one mobile station is suggest, wherein pilot signals are transmitted from the base stations to at least a mobile station, additional pilot sequences are generated, a pattern is provided which defines a rule for distributing the pilot sequences to the base stations, the pilot sequences are modulated and superposed onto said pilot signals, and a pilot signal received at a mobile station is used for estimating interferences in the communication channel from the base station which transmits the pilot signal.
US08665909B2 Apparatus and method for coding an information signal into a data stream, converting the data stream and decoding the data stream
More customization and adaptation of coded data streams may be achieved by processing the information signal such that the various syntax structures obtained by pre-coding the information signal are placed into logical data packets, each of which being associated with a specific data packet type of a predetermined set of data packet types, and by defining a predetermined order of data packet types within one access unit of data packets. The consecutive access units in the data stream may, for example, correspond to different time portions of the information signal. By defining the predetermined order among the data packet types it is possible, at decoder's side, to detect the borders between successive access units even when removable data packets are removed from the data stream on the way from the data stream source to the decoder without incorporation of any hints into the reminder of the data stream.
US08665908B1 Signaling guard interval capability in a communication system
In a wireless network in which communication devices are configured to use a first guard interval between symbols or a second guard interval between symbols, wherein the first guard interval has a length shorter than a length of the second guard interval, a field is generated to indicate a set of one or more modulation and coding schemes (MCSs) supported by a first device in the wireless network and to indicate whether each of the one or more MCSs is supported when using the first guard interval. A data unit that includes the field is generated and transmitted to a second device in the wireless network.
US08665906B1 Method and apparatus for multi-user frame aggregation
A plurality of individual physical layer (PHY) data units having independent data for a plurality of stations are generated. The plurality of individual PHY data units includes a first individual PHY data unit corresponding to a first station, a second individual PHY data unit corresponding to a second station, and a third individual PHY data unit corresponding to a third station. The second individual PHY data unit includes a first midamble of an aggregated PHY data unit, and the third individual PHY data unit includes a second midamble of the aggregated PHY data unit. The aggregated PHY data unit is generated to include the plurality of individual PHY data units, wherein the first midamble includes information that indicates a location within the aggregated PHY data unit of the third individual PHY data unit.
US08665903B2 Systems and methods for policy-based intelligent provisioning of optical transport bandwidth
Policy-based, on-demand provisioning of optical transport bandwidth is disclosed. In one of many possible embodiments, a system is provided for policy-based, on-demand provisioning of optical transport bandwidth. The system includes a layer-specific operation support subsystem (OSS) configured to manage network elements that form a sub-network over an optical transport network. The optical transport network provides bandwidth-on-demand provisioning capabilities. The layer-specific OSS includes one or more predefined bandwidth provisioning policies. The layer-specific OSS is configured to selectively request on-demand provisioning of bandwidth on the sub-network based on the predefined bandwidth provisioning policies.
US08665901B1 Methods and apparatus for performing reverse auto-negotiation in network communication
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing reverse auto-negotiation, in which one network device establishes a link with another network device at a preferred operating mode (e.g., the lowest speed) common to both devices without linking twice. The physical layer of a local network device (local PHY) may stall the normal auto-negotiation process with the link partner, while receiving the abilities of the link partner. The local PHY may then transmit a signal having only the preferred common operating mode (e.g., the lowest speed) encoded within. The link partner may then conclude that the local PHY is only capable of the preferred common operating mode (e.g., the lowest speed) and a link between the two devices may be established at that common mode.
US08665900B2 Method and system for quality of service support for ethernet multiservice interworking over multiprotocol label switching
A method and system for maintaining quality of service parameters for transmissions as a native Ethernet service between a first network having a first communication protocol and a second network having a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol. The interworking device includes a first network interface operable to communicate with the first communication network using the first communication protocol, a second network interface operable to communicate with the second communication network using second communication protocol and a processing unit in communication with the first network interface and the second network interface. The processing unit receives a frame from the first network in the first communication protocol, maps parameters corresponding to quality of service parameters in the first communication protocol to quality of service parameters in the second communication protocol and assembles a data packet in the second communication protocol. The assembled data packet includes mapped quality of service parameters.
US08665899B2 Method and apparatus for integrating a soft mobile VoIP client in a cellular PC card
A method and apparatus for integrating a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) client in a wireless PC card are disclosed. A soft mobile phone client is combined with a cellular PC card to create a single physical device that is capable of providing VoIP services to a computer user through the cellular capabilities of the device itself, or alternatively, through any other Internet connectivity available to the computer. When a user inserts the VoIP client/Cellular PC Card into a computer, a graphical user interface (GUI) within the connection manager software is launched allowing the user to communicate VoIP function commands to the VoIP client. A check for Internet connectivity may be performed, at which time the Radio portion of the enhanced PC card may be put into an idle state if connectivity is detected, or may alternatively establish Internet connectivity through the cellular portion of the enhanced PC card.
US08665896B2 Enabling adaptive frequency agility by a body area network medium access control protocol
Adaptive frequency agility in a body area network (BAN) is enabled by a medium access control protocol by adaptively snooping channels of a frequency band utilized in the BAN. The method includes selecting an anchor channel to be scanned from a rank order list of channels (S520); periodically scanning, at a predefined snoop time interval, the anchor channel for duration of a dwell time set for the anchor channel (S535); periodically scanning all channels preceding the anchor channel in the rank order list, wherein each preceding channel is being scanned for a different predefined duration; checking if a message is received on the anchor channel or any of the preceding channels (S570); selecting a channel ranked immediately after the anchor channel in the rank order list to be a new anchor channel when a message is not received (S540, S545) for a duration of a dwell time set for the anchor channel; and determining the channel on which a message is received to be the new anchor channel (S580).
US08665892B2 Method and system for adaptive queue and buffer control based on monitoring in a packet network switch
Certain aspects of a method and system for adaptive queue and buffer control based on monitoring in a packet network switch are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include pre-allocating packet buffers from a pool of packet buffers in a network switching device based on anticipation of a type of application data being handled by a particular port of the network switching device according to packet classification and tracking. The buffers may be dynamically allocated and deallocated from the pool of packet buffers for a particular port of the network switching device based on changes to the application data.
US08665887B2 Number automatic routing method, updating method, withdrawing method, router and device
A number automatic routing method, an updating method, a withdrawing method, a router and a device is provided wherein the number automatic routing method includes: converting to-be-distributed number into number routing information to add to dynamic routing protocol; generating a dynamic routing protocol message according to the number routing information; transmitting the dynamic routing protocol message through an Internet Protocol (IP) network and distributing the number through the dynamic routing protocol message and the IP network. The method supports automatic routing of numbers such as E.164 and E.214 and SP through expanding current Multi-Protocol Border Gateway Protocol (MP-BGP) that optimizes network structure and improves efficiency.
US08665882B2 Serialized enforced authenticated controller area network
A system comprises a plurality of nodes; and a hub that is communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of nodes via a plurality of point-to-point links, wherein a priority-based arbitration scheme is used by the plurality of nodes and the hub to communicate over each of the plurality of point-to-point links. When the hub determines that one or more of the plurality of nodes is each transmitting a message having an identification field comprising a first sub-field and a second sub-field, the hub uses the first sub-field to select which node's message should be forwarded to the other nodes based, at least in part, on the priority-based arbitration scheme and forwards the selected node's message as it is received to the other nodes, continuing with the second sub-field of the selected node's message.
US08665881B2 Scheduling with quality of services, multiuser diversity gain, and fairness in wireless networks
Systems and methods for scheduling wireless communications of a base station with multiple user mobile stations involve grouping the user mobile stations in clusters based on a predetermined criterion, such as a QoS profile of a user mobile station. Each cluster is assigned with a cluster weight factor that defines a priority level of the cluster. For each user mobile station in each cluster, a priority index may be determined based on the cluster weight factor of a respective cluster, and throughput and fairness factors respectively selected to maximize throughput and provide fairness to user mobile stations. The user mobile stations may be served in an order based on their priority indexes.
US08665879B2 Flow based path selection randomization using parallel hash functions
Methods and apparatus for randomizing selection of a next-hop path/link in a network are disclosed. An example method includes receiving, at the network device, a data packet. The example method further includes generating a first hash key based on the data packet and generating a first hash value from the first hash key using a first hash function. The example method also includes generating a second hash key based on the data packet and generating a second hash value from the second hash key using a second hash function. The method still further includes combining the first hash value and the second hash value to produce a combined hash value and selecting a next-hop path based on the combined hash value.
US08665878B2 Wireless datagram transaction protocol system
Systems are provided for sequencing, delivery acknowledgement, and throttling of data packets over a network layer, such as UDP and SMS. To support devices with limited battery resources, the invention incorporates asymmetric retry logic and/or acknowledgements with overlapping ranges, to minimize the transmissions required for the device. The sender of a data-bearing frame does not need to wait for a frame to be acknowledged before sending the next, such that many frames can be “in flight” at once.
US08665876B2 Distributed overlay network data traffic management by a virtual server
An approach is provided in which a data traffic module executing on a network interface card receives a data packet initiated by a first virtual machine with a destination at a second virtual machine. The data traffic module identifies one or more physical path translations corresponding to a logical connectivity that is independent of physical topology constraints of a physical network. In turn, the data traffic module encapsulates the data packet with the one or more physical path translations and sends the encapsulated data packet to the second virtual machine over the physical network.
US08665874B2 Method and apparatus for forwarding data packets using aggregating router keys
Method and apparatus for supporting the forwarding of received data packets in a router (402,702) of a packet-switched network. A forwarding table (706a) is configured in the router based on aggregating router keys and associated aggregation related instructions received from a key manager (400,700). Each aggregating router key represents a set of destinations. When a data packet (P) is received comprising an ingress tag derived from a sender key or router key, the ingress tag is matched with entries in the forwarding table. An outgoing port is selected for the packet according to a found matching table entry that further comprises an associated aggregation related instruction. An egress tag is then created according to the aggregation related instruction, and the packet with the created egress tag attached is sent from the selected outgoing port to a next hop router.
US08665871B2 Dynamic VLAN IP network entry
Systems and methods for tagging packets in a wireless network are described. The methods can comprise detecting initial entry of subscriber equipment into a wireless network at a first base station and generating a network tag for the subscriber equipment, the network tag associating the subscriber equipment with the first base station. The tag can be distributed to other base stations and, upon reentry of the subscriber equipment to the network, a network connection can be configured for the subscriber equipment based on the tag. Detecting initial entry includes receiving a network entry packet a including a unique identifier associated with the subscriber equipment. The network connection can be configured by providing an IP address assigned to the subscriber equipment and the IP address may be distributed through a relay agent instantiated for the network connection. The network tag can be an IEEE 802.1q tags, MPLS tags, etc.
US08665869B2 System, apparatus, and methods for inserting information into captured data packets
Systems, apparatus, and methods for inserting information into a captured data packet included in a traffic flow of captured data packets are herein disclosed. Exemplary information inserted into a capture data packet includes a data segment, a time stamp, port stamp, a virtual local area network (VLAN) tag, Gateway General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Tunneling Protocol (GTP) information, and multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) information.
US08665864B1 Method and system for call setup with databaseless address translation
A method to translate between Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) numbers and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) addresses without performing an address translation database lookup. A network gateway receives and translates a first endpoint identifier associated with a destination client device to a second endpoint identifier associated with the destination client device. The first endpoint identifier is either a PSTN number or a VoIP address comprising at least the PSTN number and a predefined suffix and the second endpoint identifier is the other of the PSTN number and the VoIP address. The network gateway translates the first endpoint identifier to the second endpoint identifier without performing an address translation database lookup, by either adding the predefined suffix to or removing the predefined suffix from the first endpoint identifier. The network gateway generates and transmits a second session initiation message containing the second endpoint identifier to facilitate establishment of the session.
US08665858B2 Method and computer readable medium for gathering user equipment location information
A non-transitory computer readable medium and a method for gathering user equipment (UE) location information from a radio access network (RAN), the method may include: intercepting a UE location message sent from the RAN towards a core network element configured to process UE location messages, wherein the intercepting is executed by an intermediate entity positioned between the RAN and the core network element; extracting UE location information from the UE location message; and preventing the core network element from receiving the location information embedded in the UE location message.
US08665857B2 Method and apparatus for sending and receiving random access response in a wireless communication system
Techniques for supporting random access by user equipments (UEs) in a wireless communication system are described. In one design, a UE transmits a random access (RA) preamble for random access. The UE thereafter receives a random access response composed of a first part and a second part. The first part includes a list of N RA preamble IDs for N RA preambles being responded to by the random access response, where N≧1. The second part includes N individual RA responses for the N RA preambles being responded to. The UE processes the first part to detect for an RA preamble ID of the RA preamble transmitted by the UE. If this RA preamble ID is not detected, then the UE skips the second part. Otherwise, the UE processes the second part to obtain an individual RA response for the transmitted RA preamble.
US08665856B2 Data processing apparatus, communication device, and data processing method
A data processing apparatus includes a scrambling processing unit and a sending unit. The scrambling processing unit is configured to generate a Pseudo-Random Binary Sequence (PRBS), perform a modulo-2 addition on the pseudo-random sequence and data frame data to scramble the data frame data including first load data, use one section of a part of the pseudo-random sequence on which the modulo-2 addition is performed with the data frame data as an identification sequence, and carry status information corresponding to the identification sequence in frame header information. The sending unit is configured to send the frame header information carrying the status information and the scrambled first load data. Through the scrambling process, continuous run-lengths of “1” and “0” in the data frame data are quite short, while basically the same probability of occurrence is maintained, which is favorable to transmission of the data frame data, thereby alleviating error code problems.
US08665855B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving uplink signaling information in a single carrier FDMA system
A method and an apparatus for transmitting uplink information items having various characteristics by using a single Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) block. The method includes determining whether uplink signaling information exists to be transmitted when uplink data exists to be transmitted; multiplexing the uplink data and control information for the uplink data and transmitting multiplexed data through a first frequency resource allocated for the uplink data, when no uplink signaling information exists; multiplexing the uplink data, control information for the uplink data, and the uplink signaling information, and transmitting multiplexed data through a first frequency resource allocated for the uplink data, when the uplink signaling information exists; and transmitting the uplink signaling information through a second frequency resource allocated for the uplink signaling information, when no uplink data is to be transmitted and the uplink signaling information exists to be transmitted.
US08665853B2 Packet-based communication system and method
A system and method for facilitating communication of packets between one or more applications residing on a first computing device and at least one second computing device. The system comprises a connection manager adapted to receive packets from the at least one second computing device, and a packet cache for storing packets received by the connection manager. The connection manager, upon receiving a packet from a second computing device, transmits the packet to the packet cache for storage and notifies each of the applications of receipt of the packet. Subsequently, the packet is retrievable from the packet cache by a notified application, and verification that the packet is intended for communication to the notified application is made.
US08665850B2 Wireless LAN array
A wireless access device in a local area network (LAN) having a plurality of transceivers. Each transceiver has a directional antenna positioned in a substantially circular array to communicate signals with a plurality of stations in a corresponding sector. Each sector defines a portion of a coverage area surrounding the wireless access device. The wireless access device has a network interface to a data network, and an array controller to control communication of data between the stations and the transceivers, and between the transceivers and the network interface. The array controller is configured to modify channel assignments so as to minimize channel interference dynamically.
US08665847B2 Service-assisted network access point selection
Embodiments enable prioritization and selection of network access points (NAP) by a computing device using NAP attribute values. The computing device obtains the attribute values based on a location of the computing device and/or proximate NAPs detected by the computing device. The obtained attribute values are compared to a state of the computing device (e.g., sensor values), user preferences, or other criteria to select at least one of the NAPs for connection with the computing device. In some embodiments, a user of the computing device is presented with a list of Wi-Fi access points ranked according to relevance to the computing device and/or user.
US08665845B2 Communication system, network element and method for antenna array beam-forming
A network element for a wireless communication system is locatable to couple at least one base station to an antenna array. The network element comprises at least one receiver arranged to receive a radio frequency signal from the at least one base station or the antenna array and modem logic operably coupled to the at least one receiver. The modem logic comprises radio frequency conversion circuitry arranged to down-convert a received radio frequency signal to a baseband signal; analogue-to-digital conversion logic arranged to convert the baseband signal to digitized signals; and beam-form processing logic arranged to perform active beam-forming adjustment on the digitized signals. The modem logic further comprises digital-to-analogue conversion logic arranged to convert the beam-form adjusted digitized signals to analogue signals and radio frequency conversion circuitry arranged to up-convert the analogue signals to a radio frequency radio signal for forwarding to the antenna array or the at least one base station.
US08665844B2 Direct link setup method in tunneled direct link setup (TDLS) wireless network
According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a direct link setup method in a tunneled direct link setup (TDLS) wireless communication system. The method including: an initiator QSTA acquiring medium access control (MAC) address information of a peer quality of service station (QSTA); transmitting a TDLS setup request frame comprising the MAC address information to the peer QSTA; receiving a TDLS setup response frame in response to the TDLS setup request frame to the initiator QSTA from the peer QSTA; and transmitting a TDLS setup confirm frame in response to the TDLS setup response frame to the peer QSTA.
US08665840B2 User interface based on magnetic induction
A receiving and transmitting node for a wireless data network, and a wireless data network based on magnetic induction. The receiving node includes an antenna receive module for receiving one or more data signals emitted from the transmitting node and a calculation module adapted to calculate one or more distances between the receiving node and the transmitting node, and/or adapted to calculate the position of the transmitting node in relation to the position of the receiving node, and/or adapted to calculate the orientation of the transmitting node in relation to the orientation of the receiving node. The reception of the data signal is based on magnetic induction and the calculation of the one or more distances, and the position of the transmitting node and/or the orientation of the transmitting node is based on the one or more data signals.
US08665838B2 Method of handling time alignment command during a random access procedure
Disclosed is the radio (wireless) communication system providing a radio communication service and the terminal, and more particularly, a method of handling time alignment command during a random access procedure in an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS) evolved from the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system is provided.
US08665834B2 Method and apparatus for transceiving data using directional beam in wireless personal area network
Provided are a method and apparatus for data communication in a wireless personal area network (WPAN) using directional beams, the method including: setting priorities to a plurality of beam paths capable of establishing a link between a first device and a second device; generating a list of the beam paths to which the priorities are set; and establishing a link between the first device and the second device with reference to the generated list. Accordingly, time and wireless resources for restoring the link can be minimized.
US08665833B2 Mobile communication method and mobile station
To appropriately transmit “entering/leaving proximity indication” while preventing the wastage of radio resources. A mobile station UE according to the present invention is configured not to transmit “entering proximity indication” even when an entry into a predetermined area #1 is detected, and not to transmit “leaving proximity indication” even when an exit from the predetermined area #1 is detected, when a predetermined period has not elapsed since the time of transmission of “entering proximity indication” or “leaving proximity indication”.
US08665832B2 Device, channel quality estimation method, and transmission method
A mobile device includes a first receiving unit that receives a dedicated pilot signal included in a dedicated pilot signal part of a data unit that is transmitted from a base station to the self-device, an second receiving unit that receives a signal included in a dedicated pilot signal part of a data unit that is transmitted from the base station to the other device other than the self-device, a CQI generating unit that estimates a channel quality indicator that indicates a reception environment when the self-device receives data on the basis of the dedicated pilot signal received by the first receiving unit and the signal received by the second receiving unit, and a radio unit that transmits the channel quality indicator estimated by the CQI generating unit to the base station. Therefore, the present invention can contribute to the assignment optimization of a radio resource of the base station.
US08665828B2 Methods and apparatus to maintain call continuity
Example methods and apparatus to maintain call continuity are disclosed. A disclosed example method to control a user equipment (UE) includes the UE initiating a tracking area updating (TAU) procedure in an EMM_CONNECTED mode, identifying a lack of a voice service in response to the TAU procedure being successful, identifying a remaining bearer comprising a bearer context, and the UE staying in the EMM_CONNECTED mode until radio bearers associated with the bearer context are released.
US08665827B2 Method and system for mobile station handover, and mobile station
In a method embodiment, the current serving BS of the MS obtains information about neighboring BSs, and broadcasts the information about the neighboring BSs. The MS scans the neighboring BSs according to the neighboring BS information broadcast by the current serving BS. If no neighboring BS having the same bandwidth as the current serving BS fulfills requirements, the MS scans and measures signal quality of neighboring BSs with a different bandwidth and selects several BSs compliant with signal quality requirements and suitable as target BSs to make up a target BS list. The MS performs handover to a target BS in the target BS list.
US08665826B2 Adaptation of handover command size in a mobile telecommunication network
The present invention relates to a method and a base station for determining a handover command based on mobility related parameters such as a handover margin or a time value required to trigger the handover.
US08665825B2 Method and apparatus for supporting idle mode handover in heterogeneous wireless communication
A method for supporting an idle mode handover of an Single Radio Mobile Station (SR MS) by a target Access Service Network GateWay (ASN_GW) in a heterogeneous wireless communication system is disclosed. The method includes, upon detecting that an operation mode of the SR MS is to be changed from an idle mode to an active mode, acquiring an address of a Home Agent (HA) of the SR MS from a preregistered ASN_GW with which the SR MS has performed a preregistration operation, upon detecting that a Base Station (BS) is to set up a path with the preregistered ASN_GW, transmitting a message, including the address of the HA and requesting to set the target ASN_GW as a new Foreign Agent (FA) of the SR MS, to the preregistered ASN_GW, and upon receiving a message, requesting to register the target ASN_GW as the new FA of the SR MS, from the preregistered ASN_GW, setting up a data path with the HA, and then registering the target ASN_GW as the new FA of the SR MS.
US08665821B2 Method and apparatus for switching frequency assignment in wireless communication system
A method and an apparatus for FA switching in a wireless communication system are provided. The apparatus includes a base station for broadcasting a neighbor list, which includes a base station identifier, an FA identifier, and a preamble index corresponding to a first FA, and neighbor base station information, to mobile stations that the base station provides a service for, one of, unicasting a scanning indication message for the first FA to each of the mobile stations and broadcasting the scanning indication message to the mobile stations, for temporarily switching a second FA, which is being currently used, to the first FA, for transmitting a preamble signal corresponding to the first FA to the mobile stations by using the FA identifier and the preamble index during a preset scanning time interval, and for switching the second FA to the first FA according to a scanning result received from the mobile stations in response to the scanning indication message.
US08665820B2 Method and apparatus for non-access stratum message processing during handover in evolved network
A method and an apparatus for non-access stratum (NAS) message processing during handover in an evolved network are provided. The method includes the following steps. An evolved packet core (EPC) receives a message which indicates that a UE is being handed over sent by a source evolved NodeB (S-eNB), and stops sending an NAS message to the UE temporarily. The EPC receives a message which indicates that the UE returns to an S-eNB service area sent by the S-eNB. The EPC sends the NAS message to the UE through the S-eNB, if needed. With the method and the apparatus, the EPC can acquire a location of the UE in time in the case of a handover failure of the UE, a time limit of a retransmission timer is set precisely, and a specific implementation for forwarding an NAS message through an X2 interface is provided.
US08665818B2 Method and system for dynamic anchoring of circuit-switched calls
The disclosure is directed to a mobile communication device that is capable of accessing different types of networks such as a circuit-switched network and a packet-switched network. Anchoring of a circuit-switched initiated session is useful when the session is transferred to a packet-switched network. Accordingly, a dynamic anchoring technique is used that relies on the mobile device to determine when, during on ongoing session, a handoff condition exists. The mobile device then sends a trigger signal that initiates the anchoring process.
US08665807B2 Method and apparatus for providing high bandwidth utilization
An approach is provided for allocating bandwidth among a plurality of bandwidths for providing communication over a radio network. The radio network utilizes a plurality of cells. Different values of center carrier frequencies are assigned corresponding to the cells, wherein the different values are set to vary frequency reuse over the allocated bandwidth.
US08665806B2 Passive coordination in a closed loop multiple input multiple out put wireless communication system
A system and method for passive coordination of base stations in a closed-loop multiple-input multiple-output wireless communication system, includes a first step 400 of allocating a subframe zone to be used by a serving base station and a neighboring base station to provide synchronized communications. A next step 402 includes defining at least one beam combination for the base stations, the beam combination to be used over at least one resource block of the allocated zone. A next step 406 includes reporting feedback on measured channel conditions for the zone at a first time for the at least one beam combination and associated resource block of the zone. A next step 408 includes providing synchronized communications using the feedback by the base stations over the zone at a second time by repeating the same associated at least one beam combination and associated resource block of the zone.
US08665804B2 Filtering semi-persistent scheduling false alarms
A scheduled data communication system of an access node and terminal supports recurring communications of small data amounts such as Voice over IP (VoIP). In order to make error checking more robust in a random access response (RAR), such as for semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) for VoIP, a portion of a grant or assignment payload has a constraint imposed that can be verified as a condition precedent to determining a valid grant or assignment rather than only relying upon a validity check field, such as a cyclic redundancy check (CRC). Thereby, incorrect validation of a grant or assignment is avoided for dynamic scheduling or for semi-persistent scheduling, the latter causing a persistent error.
US08665799B2 Beacon assisted cell search in a wireless communication system
Techniques for transmitting synchronization signals to assist user equipments (UEs) perform cell searches are described. In one design, a base station for a cell may generate and transmit a primary synchronization signal and a secondary synchronization signal, which may be used by the UEs for initial cell search at power up. The base station may also generate and transmit one or more beacon signals, which may be used by the UEs for neighbor cell search to detect for neighbor cells. The number of beacon signals to transmit and the set of subcarriers usable for each beacon signal may be determined based on the system bandwidth. Each beacon signal may be mapped to one subcarrier in the set of subcarriers in each beacon symbol period. This one subcarrier may be determined based on a beacon hopping pattern or a beacon code and may be dependent on a cell identifier (ID).
US08665796B2 Method and system for dynamic ACK/NACK repetition for robust downlink MAC PDU transmission in LTE
A method and apparatus for dynamic acknowledgement repetition for a downlink medium access control packet data unit transmission ‘MAC PDU’ requiring multiple acknowledgements, the method having the steps of: receiving the downlink MAC PDU requiring multiple acknowledgements; and utilizing a differentiating factor and acknowledgement scheme, sending the multiple acknowledgements.
US08665791B2 Apparatus and method for providing multimedia broadcast/multicast service in mobile communication system
A mobile communication system for supporting a Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS) is provided. More particularly, an apparatus and a method for applying a direct tunnel feature in order to reduce a transmission delay of a mobile communication system for providing an MBMS. The system includes a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN). The GGSN omits transmission of data to a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and transmits data to a Radio Network Controller (RNC) using the direct tunnel feature when transmitting data.
US08665788B1 Phy device preamble formatting SUWs, inverse SUWs, sync, and tone
A preamble sequence according to the disclosed systems and methods of setting a preamble sequence for multilevel frequency modulations is comprised of four sections: an initiation sequence, based on a repeatable unique word; a start of frame delimiter, which consists of the negation of the unique word; a continuous wave signal with a certain duration and frequency added after the start of frame delimiter; and an additional sequence for further training of the receiver, also based on repetitions of the unique word and/or its negations.
US08665783B2 Dynamic multi-point access network
A router is operatively coupled to a plurality of local computers and has one or more connections to a remote computer network for managing one or more data routes between the local computers and the remote computer network. In providing dynamic access to the remote computer network by any of the local computers, one or more of the connection(s) of the router to the remote computer network includes one or more wireless connections independent of the router between the local computers and the remote computer network.
US08665782B2 Loop-detection in moving networks
A method of generating network identifiers for use by mobile routers of a moving network is provided which enables fast and efficient routing loop avoidance and detection. The method comprises receiving at a mobile router of a sub-network chain, a beacon from a preceding mobile router in the chain, the beacon containing a network identifier of the preceding mobile router, generating a new network identifier by applying a pre-defined function to the received network identifier, and including the new network identifier in beacons broadcast by the receiving mobile router. When preparing for a handover, a mobile router compares the network identifier contained in a received beacon with values generated by applying said function against its own network identifier. This allows the mobile router to identify beacons originating from mobile routers that are downstream in the same chain.
US08665777B2 Dynamic routing from space
A satellite communication network includes one or more satellites and multiple ground stations, or ground stations. An originating ground station receives an Internet communication, determines when a satellite will be within range, and transmits a stream of data packets including part or all of the communication to the satellite when in communication range. The satellite either forwards the data packets to another satellite, or determines when a destination ground station will be in sight and transmits the data packets to the destination ground station when in range.
US08665775B2 Method and apparatus in which a relay station makes a hybrid automatic repeat request in a multi-carrier system
A method of performing a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) of a relay station in a backhaul link of a multi-carrier system is provided. The method includes: receiving backhaul downlink data through at least one carrier between a first carrier and a second carrier; transmitting acknowledgement/not-acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) for the backhaul downlink data through an uplink component carrier; and receiving new backhaul downlink data or retransmitted backhaul downlink data in accordance with the transmitted ACK/NACK through at least one carrier between the first carrier and the second carrier, wherein the first carrier is a component carrier dedicated to the backhaul downlink between a base station and the relay station, and the second carrier is a component carrier used in both the backhaul downlink and an access downlink between the relay station and a relay user equipment at different times.
US08665769B2 Method for signalling resources to a radio station and radio station therefor
The present invention relates to a method for signaling a plurality of transmission parameters for a plurality of communications between a primary station and a plurality of respective secondary stations in a multi-user MIMO mode, comprising the steps of (a) signaling the value of at least one first transmission parameter in a multicast message to at least two secondary stations, the value of the first transmission parameter being common to the respective communications corresponding to the at least two secondary stations, and (b) signaling the value of at least one second transmission parameter in a plurality of unicast messages to each secondary stations of the plurality of secondary stations.
US08665767B2 Method and apparatus for multiple-user communication in a client initiated communication transmission scheme
An apparatus is disclosed having a receiver configured to receive a request to transmit data from a wireless node in a plurality of wireless nodes; and a transmitter configured to transmit a multi-cast message to a set of wireless nodes in the plurality of wireless nodes to permit data transmission. A method for wireless communications is also disclosed.
US08665761B2 Method and apparatus for relaying data in wireless communication system
A method of relaying data in a wireless communication system is provided. The method comprises: receiving data, transmitted over a first subframe from a base station, over a second subframe; and relaying the data to a user equipment over a third subframe which is placed after one or more subframes from the second subframe, wherein at least any one of the first and the second subframes is a non-detection subframe to which the user equipment does not attempt data detection. According to the present invention, the wireless communication system enables efficient data transmission between a base station and a relay station as compared to conventional subframe-configurated systems. Furthermore, the wireless communication system enables data transmission with improved wireless resource allocation efficiency.
US08665759B2 Multiple subscriber videoconferencing system
A system, method, and device for use in videoconferencing. The method typically includes installing a videoconferencing services switch at an access point to an IP network, and registering a plurality of subscribers for videoconferencing services. Each subscriber typically has a plurality of endpoints. The method further includes receiving subscriber-specific settings to be applied to multiple videoconferencing calls from the plurality of endpoints associated with each subscriber. The method further includes storing the subscriber-specific settings at a location accessible to the switch, and configuring the switch to connect calls from the plurality of endpoints at each subscriber based on the corresponding subscriber-specific settings.
US08665757B2 Method and node for finding content in a content distribution network, and method for creating a virtual representation of a content distribution network
Embodiments of the present invention a method and a node for finding the shortest path to a cache node in a content delivery network (CDN) comprising requested content and a method for creating a virtual representation of a network. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the virtual representation is in the form of a virtual, hierarchical topology, and the cache nodes correspond to the cache nodes of the real network. All cache nodes are arranged at a first level and with the virtual nodes arranged at higher levels. In the virtual representation, all nodes (cache and virtual) are connected with virtual links such that there exist only one path between any two arbitrary cache nodes. Further, costs to the virtual links are assigned such that the path cost between any two arbitrary cache nodes in the virtual representation generally corresponds to the lowest path cost between corresponding cache nodes in the real network.
US08665756B2 System and method for topology optimization of directional network
The present invention includes a system and method by which a network of directional, wireless nodes that are not fixed in space can be optimized by optimizing each node individually. The network does not have a central control node, so each node is responsible for optimizing its surrounding topology. This is accomplished by synthesizing incoming information from neighboring nodes and determining which nodes will provide the best connections based on specific utilities each node is attempting to optimize. Neighboring nodes then exchange messages to request, accept, or reject directional connections between them based on their preferred optimizations. The overall directional network topology is achieved by consensus driven by local preferences.
US08665755B2 Communication device, communication system, and route allocation method
A route allocation method including: calculating a route between a sending node and a receiving node in a network; and allocating the route to a communication slot, wherein the allocating selects route allocation for the communication slot based on a number of allocatable routes that are other routes not including a link the transfer direction of which is the same as that of a route, the link being located in the route embedded into the communication slot.
US08665754B2 Path generating method, relay device, and computer product
On a network formed by multiple nodes, a shortest path is generated between an ingress node and an egress node. When a packet is transmitted from the ingress to the egress node, in addition to the packet being transmitted from the port to the shortest path, the packet is flooded from the other ports excluding the port to the shortest path, whereby nodes that are among the nodes forming the network and not on the shortest path automatically generate according to a conventional first-in, first-learned scheme, a path that is shortest in the network excluding the shortest path, i.e., a redundant path that shares no links or nodes with the shortest path. Therefore, the operator can automatically generate a redundant path by merely specifying the ingress node and the egress node.
US08665753B2 Simultaneous setup of a wireless network adapter and a network host device
A system and method for causing concurrent setup of a wireless network adapter and a network host device. The method involves receiving a request to install either a wireless network adapter or a network host device. If the request is to install the wireless network adapter, then the method further involves detecting that the network host device is not yet installed, and prompting a user to connect to the network host device. Alternatively, if the request is to install the network host device, then the method further involves detecting that the wireless network adapter is not yet installed, and prompting the user to connect to the wireless network adapter. The method also involves causing a connection to be established between the wireless network adapter and the network host device.
US08665752B2 Network modeling, service provisioning, and service management
Methods and devices for network modeling, service provisioning, and service management are disclosed. A network modeling method includes accessing information describing a set of nodes of a communications network, physical links physically connecting the nodes, and logical links logically connecting the nodes using the physical links. The method further includes, based on the information, creating a different connection group object for each of the physical links and for each of the logical links. Each connection group object includes a connection representing the link, a first endpoint representing a first node of the set connected to the link; and a second endpoint representing a second node of the set connected to the link.
US08665747B2 Preventing loops on network topologies built with virtual switches and VMS
A method and apparatus is disclosed for preventing loops on a network topology which includes virtual switches and virtual machines. For example, a virtualization management application may prevent loops from being introduced into a network topology where a virtual machine forwards traffic between any two (or more) virtual network interface cards (vNICs). A method to prevent loops may include receiving a request to create a virtual network interface (vNIC) for a virtual machine (VM) instance on a computing system, and in response to determining that the requested vNIC is to be connected to the same network segment as an existing vNIC of the VM instance, failing the request to generate the requested vNIC.
US08665746B2 Method for measuring throughput for a packet connection
An apparatus comprising a first node configured to couple to a second node, wherein the first node is further configured to exchange a plurality of timestamps recording transmission times and at least one of a plurality of octet counts and a plurality of frame counts with the second node to perform throughput measurements, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of octet counts and the plurality of frame counts correspond to a packet flow between the first node and the second node and are used to calculate throughput for the packet flow based on a time interval of the exchanged at least one of the plurality of octet counts and the plurality of frame counts that is determined using the timestamps.
US08665745B2 Method and device for determining a jitter buffer level
It is disclosed a method for determining a buffer level of a jitter data buffer (203) comprised in a receiver (200) adapted to sequentially receive data packets from a communications network (202), wherein frames are encoded into the data packets. Each frame may comprise timestamp information and payload size information. The buffer level is determined on the basis of a first part of frame arrival delay related to payload size variation between frames and a second part related to the amount of crosstraffic in the communications network (202). It is further disclosed a receiver (200) adapted to sequentially receive data packets from a communications network (202), wherein frames are encoded into the data packets, the receiver (200) comprising a data jitter buffer (203) and being adapted to perform the method.
US08665743B2 User behavior model and statistical transition map to assist advanced WLAN applications
A statistical transition map is built based on mobile wireless device user mobility history data. This data is useful to assist various wireless local area network applications. Received signal strength and location trace information associated with movements of mobile wireless devices in a wireless network is collected. The received signal strength and location trace information is converted to a sequence of natural language pseudo-location word labels representing pseudo-locations of each mobile wireless device as each mobile wireless device moves about with respect to a plurality of wireless access point devices in the wireless network. A statistical transition map is generated for each mobile wireless device from the sequence of natural language pseudo-location word labels using a natural language model. A probability of a next pseudo-location for a particular mobile wireless device is computed based on its current location and its statistical transition map.
US08665740B2 Method and devices for bit rate allocation for point-to-multipoint multimedia communications
A method is provided for controlling point-to-multipoint communications. Channel condition information for multiple receivers of a point-to-multipoint group is received. Signal-to-noise ratio distortion is estimated for a point-to-multipoint group on the basis of the received channel condition information and available encoding bit rates. A bit rate allocation providing an optimal overall signal-to-noise ratio for transmission to the point-to-multipoint group is selected. Encoding of content to the point-to-multipoint group is controlled in accordance with the selected bit rate allocation.
US08665739B2 Packet loss measurement at service endpoints of a virtual private LAN service
In general, techniques are described for measuring packet data unit (PDU) loss in a L2 virtual private network (L2VPN) service, such as a VPLS instance. In one example of the techniques, provider edge (PE) routers that participate in the L2VPN measure known unicast and multicast PDU traffic at the service endpoints for the instance to determine unicast PDU loss within the service provider network. As the routers learn the outbound service (i.e., core-facing) interfaces and outbound local (i.e., customer-facing) interfaces for L2 addresses of customer devices that issue packets to the VPLS instance, the routers establish respective unicast transmit and receipt counters for the service endpoints that serve the customer devices. In another example, PE routers that participate in the L2VPN measure multicast PDU traffic at the service endpoints for the instance and account for internal replication by intermediate service nodes to determine multicast PDU loss within the service.
US08665736B2 MAC slot alignment among multiple wireless stations
A device in a wireless network receives signals and determines media access control (MAC) slot boundaries of the received signals. The MAC slot boundaries are averaged in time, and a local slot boundary is modified in response thereto. The local MAC slot boundary is modified by less than ten percent of a short interframe space until the local MAC slot boundary is within one orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) cyclic prefix duration of the averaged MAC slot boundaries.
US08665727B1 Placement and routing for a multiplexer-based interconnection network
A computer-implemented method is described for determining cost in a non-blocking routing network that provides routing functionality using a single level of a plurality of multiplexers in each row of the routing network. The method includes assigning a respective numerical value, represented by bits, to each row of the routing network. A number of bits that differ between the respective numerical values of each pair of rows of the routing network indicates a number of row traversals necessary to traverse from a first row of the pair to a second row of the pair. A signal routing cost is computed from the number of bits that differ between the respective numerical values of the first row and the second row of the routing network. The calculated signal routing cost is provided to a placement module.
US08665725B2 System and method for hierarchical adaptive dynamic egress port and queue buffer management
A system and method for hierarchical adaptive dynamic egress port and queue buffer management. Efficient utilization of buffering resources in a commodity shared memory buffer switch is key to minimizing packet loss. Efficient utilization of buffering resources is enabled through adaptive queue limits that are derived from an adaptive port limit.
US08665723B2 Managing data on Infiniband (IB) networks
Mechanisms are provided to improve efficiency of systems operating on internet protocol (IP) over Infiniband (IB) networks. One mechanism includes multicasting a first ARP request from a source node, the first ARP request including an IP address of a source port of the source node, and performing load-balancing of host traffic across a plurality of ports of a plurality of nodes by sending a reply from a destination node corresponding to the IP address included in the first ARP request, the reply being sent over the source port to the source node.
US08665720B2 Method and system for determining limited soft buffer size on transport blocks for rate matching
Aspects of a method and system for determining a limited soft buffer size on transport blocks for rate matching are provided. A data stream may be processed for transmission between a base station (eNodeB) and a UE via HARQ procedures. A two-stage rate-matching algorithm may be used in the HARQ procedures. A limited virtual soft buffer size at the UE in the two-stage rate-matching algorithm may be calculated on site based on channel condition information, available channel bandwidth, number of layers in spatial multiplexing, and the capacity of the UE, respectively. The data stream may be first rate-matched to the calculated limited soft buffer size available at the UE, and forwarded for second stage rate-matching to an actual physical channel size determined by the base station. The amount of bits forwarded for second stage rate-matching may equal to the calculated limited virtual soft buffer size of the virtual soft buffer.
US08665719B2 Variable packet-size backplanes for switching and routing systems
The present invention provides switches and routers, preferably with fully-connected mesh fabrics, that transmit data through the switch fabric in variable-size data units. Variable-size data units allow switches and routers to provide throughputs close to hardware capabilities, eliminating the need for over-capacity hardware in the switch fabric and other components. Along with variably-size data units, preferred embodiments of this invention include scheduling methods that provide fair allocation of pre-determined bandwidths to different protocols, to different classes of service within protocols, and to different resources within the switch by use of certain weighted, fair scheduling methods. The switches and routers of this invention are particularly directed to multi-protocol, high-throughput communication applications, but may have wide applicability in systems generally where data packets are switched or routed.
US08665718B2 Method and device for implementing virtual-switch
The present invention provides a method and a device for implementing a V-Switch. Through setting up a V-Switch correlation with respect to at least two VLAN tags, a DRE performs a V-Switch transmission on an Ethernet frame received according to the V-Switch correlation with respect to at least two VLAN tags. The invention can expand the number of V-Switch connections carried on a local link to 4096×4096, or even to 4096×4096×4096 . . . . Therefore, the problem of insufficient VLAN tag resources is solved, and the requirements for the scale of V-Switch technology is met. Moreover, a more effective V-Switch method is provided, the switching capability of V-Switch is improved, and the application scale of V-Switch technology is enlarged.
US08665716B2 Enabling circuit-switched services during mobility management congestion control
A method is provided that includes causing transmission of a first mobility management (MM) message from a UE to a core network including packet-switched (PS) and circuit-switched (CS) domains. The method may include causing transmission of the first MM message to a PS-domain component, and receiving a rejection message from the PS-domain component in response thereto. The rejection message indicates congestion as a cause for rejection of the first MM message. In response to receipt of the rejection message, the method may include running a back-off timer. While the back-off timer is running in an instance in which the rejection message indicates that circuit-switched services are permitted, the method may include causing transmission of a second MM message from the UE to a CS-domain component. A corresponding apparatus and computer-readable storage medium are also provided.
US08665713B2 Radio communication system, radio communication method and base station
In a radio communication system in which a radio terminal 10 transmits, to a base station 100, uplink user data via an enhanced dedicated physical data channel, the base station 100 includes a base station side transmitter unit (scheduling unit 120a) configured to transmit, to the radio terminal 10, transmission rate decrease data for instructing a decrease of the transmission rate assigned to the radio terminal 10, when the uplink user data is not transmitted from the radio terminal 10 to the base station 100 by using the transmission rate assigned to the radio terminal 10.
US08665710B2 Protocol circuit layer
A protocol circuit layer is described. The protocol circuit layer may employ a routing layer to determine optimal routes when establishing a circuit. The circuit layer may employ a link layer to send data packets over links to other network nodes. A naming layer may employ circuits to establish a distributed database of associations between network node addresses and their network locations.
US08665709B2 Use of 1:1 protection state machine for load sharing and alternative protection schemes
A system is provided for sharing a protection path between at least two protection groups in a network. The system includes at least one working path associated with each of the protection groups, and at least one working maintenance entity group (“WMEG”) monitoring the status of each of the working paths. Each WMEG notifies the protection group associated with the monitored working path of changes in the status of the monitored working path. At least one protection entity group (“PMEG”) monitors the status of the protection path and notifies each of the protection groups of changes in the status of the protection path. Each of the protection groups is switchable to the protection path in response to the receipt of notifications from the WMEG of changes to a non-operational status for the respective working paths associated with each of the protection groups.
US08665707B2 Optimizing use of mobile gateways
A device receives first information from a first service gateway (SGW) and second information from a second SGW. The device further generates a rank of the first SGW and the second SGW based on the first information and the second information. The device also receives a request for a session from a user device, selects the first SGW or the second SGW based on the rank, and uses the selected SGW for the session.
US08665705B2 Methods and systems for automatically rerouting logical circuit data from a logical circuit failure to a dedicated backup circuit in a data network
An example method of rerouting data involves rerouting a logical circuit from a first set of switches to a second set of switches to communicate data between network devices without breaking the logical circuit. The logical circuit comprises variable communication paths. The second set of switches is to form a route associated with the variable communication paths that is not predefined and that is dynamically defined at a time of automatic rerouting. The example method also involves rerouting the data from the logical circuit to a logical failover circuit in the data network when the logical circuit fails based on a committed information rate having been exceeded. The logical failover circuit comprises an alternative communication path to communicate the data.
US08665704B2 Parallelly coupled stackable network switching device
A network switching device includes at least two stacking ports, each stacking port being connectable via a stacking cable to a stack including at least one external network switching device. The device further includes an internal communication medium coupled to the stacking ports and capable of transmitting a frequency division multiplexed signal between the stacking ports. The device further includes a network switch and an interface to enable communication between the network switch and the internal communication medium. The interface includes a parallel coupling to the internal communication medium such that a signal with one carrier frequency being communicated between the network switch and the internal communication medium does not interfere with transmission between the two stacking ports of a signal with a different carrier frequency.
US08665700B2 Fault detection and mitigation for in-vehicle LAN network management
A method of detecting and mitigating an unintended active state of an in-vehicle communication network. The in-vehicle communication network includes a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) communicating over a controller area network bus system. Each ECU includes both transmitting and receiving capabilities, and is configured with a communication protocol that provides guidelines for exchanging messages with other ECUs within the communication system. Each ECU enters a communication kernel active state for communicating on the bus. Virtual networks within the communication system are identified. Each virtual network includes a collection of signals involving respective ECUs whose transmission and reception are started and stopped collectively as a unit. Each respective virtual network that is active by fault is detected. Each faulty active virtual network is deactivated.
US08665698B2 System and method for restoration in a multimedia IP network
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer readable media for modifying IP backbone link weights such that multicast traffic and unicast traffic will not travel on a same path between nodes. The method comprises assigning link weights to nodes within an IP backbone such that multicast forwarding paths and unicast forwarding paths are failure disjoint, and delivering undelivered multicast packets using IP unicast encapsulation to the loopback address of next hop router on a multicast tree upon link/interface failure.
US08665695B2 Methods for transceiving data in multi-band orthogonal frequency division multiple access communications system and communications apparatuses utilizing the same
A communications apparatus is provided. A receiving module receives a signal with a predetermined signal bandwidth. A low pass filter filters the signal to obtain a filtered signal. A filter bandwidth of the low pass filter is wide enough to pass the regular sub-carrier frequency components and at least half of the guard sub-carrier frequency components of the signal. An analog to digital converter samples the filtered signal with a sampling rate exceeding a standard sampling rate defined in accordance with the predetermined signal bandwidth of the signal to obtain a plurality of digital samples. A Fast Fourier Transform module performs a fast Fourier transform on a predetermined number of points of the digital samples to obtain a plurality of transformed samples. The predetermined number exceeds a standard number defined in accordance with the predetermined carrier bandwidth. A sub-carrier collector collects the data from the transformed samples.
US08665692B2 Method and apparatus providing interference measurement in a coordinated multi-point transmission environment
A method includes receiving signaling from a base station, where the signaling includes information descriptive of a muted resource element pattern configuration when operating in a cell that is associated with at least one multi-cell cooperation area. The method further includes making at least one measurement according to the received information for at least one of the cooperation areas for making an interference estimate and transmitting measurement results to the base station. Another method includes transmitting signaling that contains information descriptive of a muted resource element pattern configuration to a user equipment operating in a cell that is associated with at least one multi-cell cooperation area. This method further includes muting resource element transmissions in accordance with the information descriptive of the muted resource element pattern configuration; and receiving from the user equipment at least one measurement made according to the transmitted signaling for at least one of the cooperation areas. In these methods different cooperation areas are associated with mutually orthogonal muted resource elements. Corresponding apparatus and computer programs stored on non-transitory computer readable medium are also disclosed.
US08665686B2 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.
US08665685B2 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.
US08665682B2 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.
US08665680B2 Recording/reproducing apparatus
A recording/reproducing apparatus, for producing a virtual disc independent upon a host PC, and for managing virtual discs with an easy operation, comprises a CPU 100, a memory 101, a storage I/F 102, an external I/F 103, a device portion (DP) controller portion 201, a virtual device portion (VDP) controller portion 202, a virtual serial ATA 601, a virtual ATAIP 602, and at least two (2) or more numbers of recording/reproducing apparatuses, wherein it is notices to a HOST PC that a device is connected to the device portion when a virtual disc is produced, and the virtual disc is cut off and also information corresponding thereto is deleted when taking out or an order of taking out is made from the HOST PC.
US08665678B2 Reproducing device and reproducing method
A reproduction device, contains a rotatable operation disk part for performing an input related to reading of data stored in a memory and a capacitance sensor section for outputting a sensor value expressing a change of a capacitance according to depression of the rotatable operation disk part. The device also contains a storage part for storing a reference value corresponding to the sensor value obtained while the rotatable operation disk part is not depressed, and a control part for judging presence/absence of pressing on the rotatable operation disk part based on a vector quantity being a relative value obtained from a difference between the sensor value output from the capacitance sensor section and the reference value stored in the storage part.
US08665674B2 Time code discrimination apparatus and wave clock
Disclosed is a time code discrimination apparatus that discriminates a time code including one-minute digit and ten-minute digit codes. The time code discrimination apparatus includes: a first code acquiring section to acquire a plurality of sets of one-minute digit codes at a time interval in which the plurality of sets of one-minute digit codes are equal in value of one-minute digit; and a first code discrimination section to execute a process of reducing erroneous discrimination on the plurality of sets of one-minute digit codes acquired by the first code acquiring section, and to discriminate the one-minute digit codes.
US08665673B2 Clock shower head
A clock shower head includes a hollow body, a hydroelectric generator, a storage battery, a clock processor, a clock displayer and a main control circuit; the hydroelectric generator, the storage battery, the clock processor and the main control circuit are disposed inside the sealing zone of the hollow body. The clock shower head has both illuminating and time display function. People can see the time when enjoying the shower using the clock shower head.
US08665672B2 Process for producing capacitive electromechanical conversion device, and capacitive electromechanical conversion device
A process for producing a capacitive electromechanical conversion device by bonding together a substrate and a membrane member to form a cavity sealed between the substrate and the membrane member, the process for producing a capacitive electromechanical conversion device comprises the steps of: providing a gas release path penetrating from a bonded interface between the substrate and the membrane member to the outside, and forming the cavity by bonding the membrane member with the substrate with the gas release path provided; the gas release path being provided at a location where the path does not communicate with the cavity.
US08665670B2 Acoustic deterrence
A method of deterring mammals comprising configuring an acoustic deterrent system to emit an acoustic signal having characteristics which repel the mammals by eliciting an acoustic startle response reflex in said mammals.
US08665668B2 Ultrasonic distance measurement controller
Technologies are generally described for an integrated circuit that is designed to serve as the basis of SONAR sensors that provide high sensitivity, low noise, low cost, and electronically adjustable gain in a small package may incorporate transducer drivers and signal sensing functions. Electronically programmable gain of the circuit may provide flexibility in system designs for gain management, and eliminate a need for manual gain adjustments in production. Power may be supplied to the sensor(s) over a power line of the circuit from a direct current source through a resistor. The same line may also be used for communicating with the sensor(s). Data from the microcontroller may be transmitted to the sensor(s) using an open-drain driver transistor and received through another transistor isolating the micro-controller's input from potentially high voltages present on the power line.
US08665665B2 Apparatus and method to adjust clock duty cycle of memory
An embodiment of the invention provides a memory controller for controlling a memory. The memory controller comprises a pulse width modulation module, a voltage comparator and a duty cycle calibration device. The pulse width modulation module is suitable for receiving a clock signal to generate a first voltage. The voltage comparator is suitable for receiving and comparing a reference voltage with the first voltage to output a comparison signal. The duty cycle calibration device is suitable for adjusting a duty cycle of the clock signal according to the comparison signal.
US08665664B2 Semiconductor memory device, memory system including the same, and method for adjusting timing between internal clock and command
A method for adjusting a timing between an internal clock and a command in a gear down mode of a memory device includes detecting a sync pulse at rising and falling edges of the internal clock, and adjusting between the internal clock of the memory device and the command according to the detection result.
US08665663B2 Memory circuit and control method thereof
A memory circuit according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a clock driver and an ODT timer. The clock driver is configured to provide a system clock signal based on a root clock signal when the memory circuit is in a read mode, and is configured to stop providing the system clock signal when the memory circuit is not in the read mode. The ODT timer is configured to provide a system ODT signal when the memory circuit is not in the read mode, wherein the transition edge of the system ODT signal is aligned with the transition edge of the root clock signal.
US08665659B2 Data transmission circuit
A data transmission circuit includes an enable signal generation unit configured to receive a first enable signal and generate a second enable signal having a pulse width controlled according to a swing width of data inputted through a first data line, and a sense amplification unit configured to sense and amplify the data inputted through the first data line in response to the second enable signal, and transmit the amplified data to a second data line.
US08665658B2 Tracking cell and method for semiconductor memories
A semiconductor memory includes a memory array having at least one bit line, a tracking bit line, and a global tracking circuit. The tracking bit line is configured to emulate a voltage transition of the at least one bit line. The global tracking circuit is configured to generate a timing signal for generating a negative voltage with respect to ground on the at least one bit line of the memory array.
US08665657B2 Semiconductor memory device
A first write transistor has a source connected to a power-supply node, a drain connected to a first local bit line, and a gate connected to a second write global bit line. A second write transistor has a source connected to the power-supply node, a drain connected to a second local bit line, and a gate connected to a first write global bit line. A third write transistor has a source connected to the first write global bit line, a drain connected to the first local bit line, and a gate receiving a first control signal. A fourth write transistor has a source connected to the second write global bit line, a drain connected to the second local bit line, and a gate receiving the first control signal. A read circuit is connected to the first and second local bit lines and first and second read global bit lines.
US08665655B2 Non-volatile memory device and sensing method thereof
A non-volatile memory device is disclosed, which performs a sensing operation using a current. The non-volatile memory device includes a cell array including one or more unit cells, configured to read or write data, a current-voltage converter configured to convert a sensing current corresponding to data stored in the unit cell into a sensing voltage, and perform a precharge operation of the sensing voltage upon receiving the sensing current in response to a current driving signal at an activation time point of a word line of the cell array, and a sense-amp configured to compare the sensing voltage with a predetermined reference voltage, and amplify the compared result.
US08665654B2 Memory edge cell
A column of a memory includes a first edge cell and at least one memory cell. The first edge cell is located at a first edge of the column and includes a first edge cell reference node and a second edge cell reference node. Each of the at least one memory cells includes a first memory reference node. The first edge cell reference node is coupled to respective first memory reference nodes of the at least one memory cell. The second edge cell reference node serves as second memory reference nodes of the at least one memory cell. Front-end layers of the first edge cell are the same as front-end layers of a memory cell of the at least one memory cell.
US08665652B2 Method for erasing memory array
A method for erasing a memory array is provided. The memory array comprises a plurality of memory cell strings, and each of the memory cell strings comprises a plurality of memory cells connected to a plurality of word lines. The method for erasing the memory array includes the following steps. A first voltage is applied to a substrate of the memory array. A second voltage is applied to a word line of a selected memory cell, and a plurality of passing voltages are applied to other word lines. And, a third voltage and a fourth voltage are respectively applied to a first source/drain region and a second source/drain region of the selected memory cell, so that a band to band (BTB) hot hole injecting method is induced to erase the specific memory cell, wherein the third voltage is not equal to the fourth voltage.
US08665650B2 Reliability metrics management for soft decoding
Embodiments provide a method for reading a target memory sector of a memory. The method comprises, based on read data corresponding to a plurality of memory sectors of the memory, estimating first one or more reference voltages and, using the first one or more reference voltages, performing a first read operation on the target memory sector. The method further comprises determining an error correcting code (ECC) decoding failure of the first read operation and, in response to determining the ECC decoding failure of the first read operation and based on read data corresponding to the target memory sector, updating the estimate of the first one or more reference voltages to generate second one or more reference voltages. The method also comprises using the second one or more reference voltages, performing a second read operation on the target memory sector.
US08665646B2 Method and apparatus for indicating bad memory areas
Regardless of data values stored on data memory cells, all read operations on the data memory cells are disallowed. For example, current flow is disallowed through a string of the data memory cells and one or more select line memory cells. The particular select value stored in a first select line memory cell in the string, for example coupled to a ground select line or a string select line, determines whether the string is enabled or disabled.
US08665643B2 Non-volatile memory device and read method thereof
Disclosed is a non-volatile memory device which includes a memory cell array having memory cells arranged in rows and columns, a page buffer circuit configured to read data from the memory cell array, and a control logic and input/output interface block including a normal read scheduler controlling a normal read operation and a data recover read scheduler controlling a data recover read operation and configured to control the page buffer circuit at a read request. One of the normal read scheduler and the data recover read scheduler is selected according to selection information provided from an external device.
US08665637B2 Semiconductor memory
A semiconductor memory includes a plurality of memory cells. The plurality of memory cells each include a latch having two inverters, where an input node and an output node of one of the inverters are respectively coupled to an output node and to an input node of the other one of the inverters, a first switch coupled in series with the latch between a first and a second power sources, and a second switch coupled in parallel with the first switch.
US08665636B2 Semiconductor storage device
According to one embodiment, when a row address of a port A matches a row address of a port B, a memory cell is accessed only from the port A by controlling a word line potential of the port A based on a third clock, and data is exchanged between a bit line of the port A and the port A based on a first clock and data is exchanged between the bit line of the port A and the port B based on a second clock.
US08665630B2 Memory cell operation including capacitance
Methods, devices, and systems associated with memory cell operation are described. One or more methods of operating a memory cell include charging a capacitor coupled to the memory cell to a particular voltage level and programming the memory cell from a first state to a second state by controlling discharge of the capacitor through a resistive switching element of the memory cell.
US08665629B2 Condensed memory cell structure using a FinFET
An integrated circuit and method for manufacturing an integrated circuit are described. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit includes a memory cell that includes a resistivity changing memory element. The resistivity changing memory element is electrically coupled to a select transistor that includes a FinFET including a source, a drain, and a fin structure formed above a surface of a substrate between the source and the drain. The fin structure includes a channel area extending in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate, and a dielectric layer formed around at least a portion of the channel area such that an effective channel width of the select transistor depends at least in part on a height of the fin structure.
US08665627B2 Built-in self test for one-time-programmable memory
An apparatus and method of testing one-time-programmable memory provides one-time-programmable memory having one or more memory locations for storing data and corresponding programming circuitry for each memory location. In addition, each programming circuitry has a circuit element configured to permanently change state to store the data in the memory. The method also reads each memory location to verify that the memory location is unprogrammed and activates the programming circuitry for each memory location, which applies a test current to the programming circuitry. The test current is less than a threshold current needed to permanently change the state of the circuit element. The method then determines whether the programming circuitry is functioning properly.
US08665625B2 Semiconductor device having hierarchically structured bit lines and system including the same
A system includes a first circuit, a second circuit including a logic circuit, and a bus interconnecting the first and second circuits to each other so that the second circuit accesses the first circuit to perform a data transfer therebetween, wherein the first circuit includes a first sense amplifier array including a plurality of first sense amplifiers that are arranged in a first direction, each of the first sense amplifiers including first and second nodes; and a plurality of first global bit lines each extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, the first global bit lines being arranged in the first direction on a left side of the first sense amplifier array so that each of the first global bit lines being operatively connected to the first node of an associated one of the first sense amplifiers.
US08665615B2 Method and apparatus for increasing the power capability of a power supply
One controller for a power supply includes an oscillator, a first circuit, a counter, and a pause circuit. The first circuit generates a drive signal to control switching of a switch to regulate an output of the power supply. The first circuit initiates an on time period of the switch in response to both a clock signal of the oscillator and an enable signal that is generated in response to a feedback signal of the power supply. The counter receives the enable signal and generates an output signal when the counter reaches a count value indicating that the enable signal has been idle for an amount of time. The pause circuit generates a pause signal in response to the output signal of the counter. The oscillator is paused in response to the pause signal and a maximum on time period of the switch is extended while the oscillator is paused.
US08665611B2 Controller for a resonant switched-mode power converter
In accordance with an embodiment, a switch controller for a switched-mode power supply includes an oscillator, an advance timing generator, and a dead zone generator. The advance timing generator generates an advance timing output pulse having a first pulse width that is asserted when the oscillator reaches a first phase. The dead zone generator produces a dead zone output having a second pulse width when the advance timing output pulse is de-asserted. This dead zone output pulse is coupled to a freeze input of the oscillator that freezes the phase accumulation of the oscillator when asserted. The controller also has a primary switch logic circuit that produces primary switch drive signals having a dead zone coincident with the dead zone output, and a secondary switch logic circuit that generates a secondary switch drive signal that is de-asserted when the advance timing output pulse becomes asserted.
US08665608B2 Circuit board packaging structure
The circuit board packaging structure capable of inserting and extracting an interface part of a circuit board into and from a connector part of the processing equipment in a direction different from a direction of attaching and detaching the circuit board to and from the processing equipment includes: an operating part which turns on receiving force; a plate part which is fixed to the circuit board to be rotatable in a direction reverse to a turning direction of the operating part, and converts the force received by the operating part to force in a direction different from the attaching and detaching direction to move the circuit board in that direction; a link part which connects the operating part with the plate part to transmit the force received by the operating part to the plate part; and a fastener which fastens the circuit board and the operating part with play.
US08665603B2 Housing for electrical components
A housing for electrical components is provided. The housing may include a mouth portion to cooperate with a circuit board in an assembled condition wherein said circuit board is applied against said mouth portion of the housing. The housing may include at least one spring formation located at said mouth portion to cooperate with said circuit board to elastically urge said circuit board away from said mouth portion, and at least one hook-like formation extending from said mouth portion distally of said housing, said hook-like formation adapted to cooperate with said circuit board to retain said circuit board assembled to said housing against the force exerted by said spring formation.
US08665602B2 Bus bar device and fusible link unit
A bus bar device 1 includes a bus bar 2 connected to a battery post 52 provided in a battery 50, an insulative housing 3 that covers the bus bar 2, a circuit board 5 attached to the housing 3 and an electronic parts 4 mounted on the circuit board 5. The bus bar 2 includes a first flat plate part 9 having a battery attaching part 13 to which the battery post 52 is attached, a second flat plate part 11 having a first parallel part 16 parallel to the first flat plate part 9 and an electric wire connecting part 21 extended from the first parallel part 16 to connect a terminal fitting of an electric wire connected to a load and a third flat plate part 10 provided between the second flat plate part 11 and the first flat plate part 9 and arranged in parallel with the circuit board 5. The third flat plate part 10 is provided in a direction intersecting the first flat plate part 9.
US08665600B2 Single sided feed circuit providing dual polarization
A feed circuit for connecting adjacent components includes: a printed circuit board having a first portion and an axis of symmetry extending along a longitudinal direction of the first portion, second portions extending in substantially opposite directions from one end of the first portion, and third portions extending in substantially opposite directions from another end of the first portion; at least two circuits electrically connecting respective ones of the second portions with corresponding ones of the third portions; and connection areas at each of the second portions configured to be connected to one of the adjacent components, and at each of the third portions configured to be connected to another one of the adjacent components.
US08665591B2 Systems and methods to thermally manage electronic devices
A system for an electronic device includes a housing having one or more walls that define an internal region. An outlet port is fluidically coupled to the internal region of the housing, which allows emission of a fluid from the internal region of the housing as a first flow at a first temperature. A merging element, fluidically coupled to the outlet port, merges the first flow with a second flow, which has a second temperature that is less than the first temperature.
US08665588B2 Fastening device for hard disk drive
A fastening device for a hard disk drive (HDD) includes two fastening members and a bottom plate. Each fastening member includes a sidewall, and a top wall and a bottom wall perpendicularly extending from opposite sides of the sidewall. The top walls are fastened to a bottom of the HDD. An engaging hole is defined in each bottom wall. The engaging hole includes a first hole and a second hole. A positioning tab extends from one of the fastening members. A block is formed on the positioning tab. Two protrusions protrude from the bottom plate. A positioning portion is formed on the bottom plate. The HDD is operable to slide to allow the protrusions to engage in the first holes. The positioning tab extends through a through hole bounded by the positioning portion and bottom plate, to allow the block to be blocked by the positioning portion.
US08665585B2 Cover mechanism and electronic device thereof
A cover mechanism of covering a hole on a casing is disclosed in the present invention. The cover mechanism includes a base, a first holder, a second holder, a cover and a resilient component. The first holder and the second holder are respectively disposed on the base. The cover is pivotably disposed on the first holder. The resilient component includes a shaft and a curved portion. The shaft pivots to the second holder. A first end of the curved portion is connected to the shaft, and a second end of the curved portion pivots to a connecting hole on the cover. The cover drives the curved portion to generate resilient deformation when rotating from a first position to a second position, and a resilient recovering force of the curved portion can be for stopping the cover at the second position.
US08665583B2 Shelving system
A modular shelving system includes: a rail including a plurality of mounting holes; a plurality of shelves, each shelf including a pair of pivot pins; a plurality of pivots removably secured to the rail, wherein each pivot receives at least one pivot pin such that each of the shelves are rotatably supported on the rail between a corresponding pair of pivots; and a plurality of covers covering the rail and spanning the distance between each corresponding pair of pivots. The shelves each include a portion of a piece of visual art, such that when each of the shelves is positioned approximately vertically, the portion of the visual art is displayed and further such that when all of the plurality of shelves are positioned in the approximately vertical position, the entirety of the visual art is displayed.
US08665582B2 Quick roll mounting bracket for modular panels
The present invention relates generally to a mounting bracket for a modular panel. More particularly, the invention encompasses a quick roll mounting bracket for modular panels. The quick roll mounting bracket for a modular panel provides an easier/improved means for an installer to install a modular panel and to electrically and mechanically couple the modular panels together. The inventive roller bracket helps guide the modular panel during the coupling process by providing at least one wheel or a rolling interface to an otherwise metallic or metal-to-metal interface. The wheel or a rolling interface could be secured to the modular panel via at least one mounting bracket or via at least one spacer or at least one emboss.
US08665578B2 Electroadhesive devices
Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.
US08665568B2 Magnetic sensor
A magnetic sensor comprises a nonmagnetic conductive layer, a free magnetization layer disposed on a first part of the nonmagnetic conductive layer, a fixed magnetization layer disposed on a second part of the nonmagnetic conductive layer different from the first part, upper and lower first magnetic shield layers opposing each other through the nonmagnetic conductive layer and free magnetization layer interposed therebetween, upper and lower second magnetic shield layers opposing each other through the nonmagnetic conductive layer and fixed magnetization layer interposed therebetween, a first electrically insulating layer disposed between the lower second magnetic shield layer and nonmagnetic conductive layer, and a first electrode layer for electrically connecting the lower second magnetic shield layer and nonmagnetic conductive layer to each other, while the fixed magnetization layer and first electrode layer oppose each other through the nonmagnetic conductive layer.
US08665566B1 Suspension tail design for a head gimbal assembly of a hard disk drive
A method of assembling a head stack assembly of a magnetic storage drive is provided. The method includes attaching a flexible printed circuit (FPC) with a suspension tail of a head gimbal assembly, wherein the suspension tail includes a plurality of discrete segments positioned within a bonding area and other portions of a structural layer outside of the bonding area, and pressing tail bond pads of the suspension tail against corresponding ones of FPC bond pads of the FPC by bringing a single flat surface of a thermode in contact with each of the discrete segments.
US08665561B1 Method and system for providing enhanced thermal expansion for hard disk drives
A method and system provide a magnetic read and/or write transducer for use in disk drive. A read transducer has an air-bearing surface (ABS) and includes a read sensor, a nonmagnetic gap, a heater, and an expander. The nonmagnetic gap is adjacent to a portion of the read sensor and has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The heater heats a portion of the magnetic read transducer. The expander is adjacent to a portion of the nonmagnetic gap and has a second CTE greater than the first CTE. The write transducer includes a pole, a coil, an insulator adjacent to and for insulating the coil, a heater and an expander. The expander has a CTE greater than the insulator's CTE.
US08665560B1 Head with supplemental module for backward and/or cross-platform compatibility
In one general embodiment, a magnetic head includes at least one first module configured for writing and/or reading data to and from a tape in a first format and/or first generation and writing data to the tape in a second format and/or second generation that is different than the first format and first generation; and a supplemental module coupled to the first module, the supplemental module being configured for reading a tape having data written in the second format and/or the second generation, wherein the data readers on the first module are wider in a cross-track direction than data readers on the supplemental module. Additional products and processes are also presented.
US08665555B1 Disk drive with added external labyrinth path during servo track writing
A disk drive includes an enclosure that has a breather port therethrough. A first labyrinth path may be disposed inside the disk drive enclosure, in fluid connection with the breather port. A second labyrinth path may be temporarily disposed outside the disk drive enclosure, in fluid connection with the breather port. An alternative gas such as helium may be allowed to bleed out through the second labyrinth path during a period of servo track writing. The second labyrinth path may be removed after servo track writing.
US08665554B2 Ratcheting gripper for a storage library
Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for selective gripping and/or releasing of media cartridges using a robotic ratcheting gripper mechanism. Embodiments operate in context of a data storage library having a number of media cartridges physically located within slots of one or more magazines. A robot with a hand assembly uses a gripper mechanism to retrieve and ferry the cartridges between the magazines and one or more media drives. A novel gripper mechanism is provided that toggles between open and closed states according to movement of the gripper. In some embodiments, movement of a carriage from a retracted to an extended position extends the gripper mechanism and toggles its state, while movement of the carriage from the extended to the retracted position retracts the gripper mechanism while maintaining its state. Certain embodiments implement this functionality with simple mechanical components.
US08665546B1 Adaptive threshold for detecting touchdown or contamination
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a head for writing data to the disk, and control circuitry coupled to the head. The control circuitry is operable to determine a first set of fly height values and determine a threshold based on the first set of fly height values. The control circuitry determines a second set of fly height values, adjusts the threshold based on the second set of fly height values, and detects a head characteristic based on the adjusted threshold. The head characteristic is detected by detecting a head touchdown event and/or detecting contamination related to the head based on the adjusted threshold.
US08665545B2 Shingled magnetic recording (SMR) disk drive with verification of written data
A “write-squeeze-verify” method is used for verification of the data that has been written in the annular bands of a shingled magnetic recording disk drive. The writing of data along a track overwrites a portion of the previously written track and thus “squeezes” the data of the previously written track to thereby form a “shingled data track” (SDT). The data in each SDT is read back and verified by an error correction check using error correction bits associated with the data written in the SDT, or by comparing the readback data with the data stored in memory. If the data read back is not verified, a write error counter is incremented and a write error frequency is calculated. One or more attempts to write the data can be performed. If the data in the SDT cannot be verified after the attempted rewrite(s), then a “re-try fail” is reported.
US08665541B2 Evaluation method of perpendicular magnetic recording medium and manufacturing method of perpendicular magnetic recording medium
A characteristic evaluation method of a perpendicular magnetic recording medium suitable for obtaining a perpendicular magnetic recording medium which can respond to much higher recording density is provided.This is an evaluation method of a perpendicular magnetic recording medium, including a process of recording a first signal of a specific frequency at an arbitrary first position in the perpendicular magnetic recording medium; a process of measuring a reproduction output of the first signal and of measuring a signal/noise ratio (initial value) of the first signal at a peak position where the reproduction output becomes the maximum; a process of recording a signal of a specific frequency at a second position away from the first position by a predetermined distance in the radial direction of the perpendicular magnetic recording medium; a process of measuring the signal/noise ratio of the first signal at the peak position again; a process of repeating the process of recording the signal of the specific frequency at a position brought close to the first position from the second position by a predetermined distance and of measuring the signal/noise ratio of the first signal at the peak position again while sequentially getting closer to the first position from the second position; and a process of determining whether the value of the signal/noise ratio has lowered from the initial value by a predetermined range or more.
US08665540B2 Lens barrel
A lens barrel is provided that includes a base, a motor, a drive gear, and a rotary frame. The motor is fixed to the base and produces a driving force. The drive gear is coupled to the base and configured to transmit the driving force. The rotary frame has a substantially cylindrical shape and a gear component disposed on at least part of its inner peripheral surface. The gear component meshes with the drive gear so that during rotation of the drive gear the rotary frame rotates, via the driving force, relative to the base component and advances and retracts along a rotational axis of the lens barrel. The length of the drive gear is greater than the length of the gear component, and as the rotary frame and the gear component advance and retract, the gear component remains within a range of opposing ends of the drive gear.
US08665537B2 Modified retrofocus-type wide-angle lens
What is described is a modified retrofocus-type wide-angle lens, with, as seen from the object, a front group (G1) with negative refractive power, a first rear group (Gh1) with positive refractive power displaceable along the optical axis for focusing purposes and a second rear group (Gh2) with positive refractive power facing an image plane.
US08665535B2 Lens barrel and imaging device
A lens barrel includes a first support frame and a second support frame. The first support frame has a cam groove. The second support frame has an annular main body with a cam follower that extends outwardly in a radial direction. The cam follower is slidably disposed in the cam groove and has a first cam portion, a second cam portion and a connecting portion. The second cam portion is aligned with the first cam portion along the circumferential direction of the main body. The connecting portion connects the first cam portion and the second cam portion to create a space between the connecting portion and the cam groove.
US08665530B2 Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus using the same
A zoom lens includes, in order from the object side, a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, a positive fourth lens group, a negative fifth lens group, and a positive sixth lens group. The first lens group, the third lens group, and the sixth lens group are fixed. The second lens group, fourth lens group, and the fifth lens group are movable. The first lens group includes a reflecting optical element that bends the optical path. The second lens group includes a negative lens and a cemented lens made up of a negative lens and a positive lens. The third lens group includes an aperture stop. The fourth lens group includes a positive lens and a negative lens. The fifth lens group includes a negative lens.
US08665522B2 Lenticular sheet and method for manufacturing lenticular sheet
There is provided a lenticular sheet including: a lenticular lens having a plurality of convex lens parts arranged two-dimensionally; a first ink absorbing layer which is provided on a surface, of the lenticular lens, opposite the convex lens parts and in which ink permeates; a suppressing part provided on the first ink absorbing layer to divide the first ink absorbing layer into a plurality of regions and suppressing the ink from permeating across the plurality of the regions; and a second ink absorbing layer provided to cover the suppressing part.
US08665521B2 Window system and light guiding film therein
The present invention relates to a window and light guiding film therein. The light guiding film includes a film base and at least one microstructure. The microstructure is disposed on a side of the film base, and comprises a first surface and a second surface. The refraction index of the microstructure is 1.9 to 2.6. A first inclination angle is between the first surface and a reference plane, the reference plane is perpendicular to the film base, and a second inclination angle is between the second surface and the reference plane, wherein the first inclination angle is less than or equal to the second inclination angle.
US08665518B2 Stereo display system with scanning of light valves
A display method and system are described for displaying a stereo image comprising a first image and a second image. A light valve array comprising an array of light valve elements is driven according to an image and a light source is provided for generating a shaped light beam which can illuminate a portion of the light valve array. A scanning device is provided which is arranged to scan the shaped light beam across the light valve array. Light valve elements of the same light valve array are caused to sequentially adopt a state representative of the first image of the stereoscopic image and a state representative of the second image, and to cause the light valve elements to adopt a new state representative of one of the first and second images in advance of the scanning by the shaped light beam and to change to a new state representative of the other of the first and second images during a period between successive scans of the shaped light beam.
US08665514B2 Multi-core optical amplification fiber wound with decreasing radius of curvature
A fiber laser apparatus includes an optical amplification fiber with a multi-core structure composed of a first waveguide that pumping light enters and that transmits the pumping light; a second waveguide composed of a core containing a laser medium and for generating laser, and a clad for transmitting pumping light; and a third waveguide containing the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The optical amplification fiber is wound while the curvature radius is being changed to provide a small-size, high-power fiber laser apparatus.
US08665512B2 Multi-pane electrochromic windows
Window units, for example insulating glass units (IGU's), that have at least two panes, each pane having an electrochromic device thereon, are described. Two optical state devices on each pane of a dual-pane window unit provide window units having four optical states. Window units described allow the end user a greater choice of how much light is transmitted through the electrochromic window. Also, by using two or more window panes, each with its own electrochromic device, registered in a window unit, visual defects in any of the individual devices are negated by virtue of the extremely small likelihood that any of the visual defects will align perfectly and thus be observable to the user.
US08665511B2 Electrochromic device with improved transparent conductor and method for forming the same
Embodiments provided herein describe electrochromic devices and methods for forming electrochromic devices. The electrochromic devices include a transparent substrate, a transparent conducting oxide layer coupled to the transparent substrate, and a layer of electrochromic material coupled to the transparent conducting oxide layer. The transparent conducting oxide layer includes indium and zinc.
US08665504B2 Digital holography device and phase plate array
A digital holography device includes a light source that emits light, the light source being provided for supply of object light beams formed by radiation, transmission, scattering, reflection, or diffraction of the emitted light from a subject, an array device that splits the light emitted from the light source into two kinds of reference light beams having different phases in a plane perpendicular to a direction in which the light emitted from the light source travels, a CCD camera having an image-capturing plane on which two kinds of interference fringe patterns are recorded, the interference fringe patterns being formed by interferences between the two kinds of reference light beams, and the object light beams, and an image reconstruction device that generates a reconstructed image of the subject from the two kinds of interference fringe patterns recorded on the image-capturing plane.
US08665502B2 Image reading device, image reading method, and image forming apparatus
An image reading device includes a transporter transporting a document to a reading position, a first corrector correcting a skew of the document by coming into contact with a leading edge thereof, a radiating unit radiating light to the document, an image-information acquiring unit acquiring image information of the document based on information of light reflected therefrom, a reflector reflecting the radiated light, a leading-edge detector comparing a quantity of light reflected by the reflector with a quantity of light reflected by the document so as to detect the leading edge, a skew-amount calculator calculating a skew amount of the leading edge, and a second corrector correcting a skew of the image information based on the skew amount. The device switches between the skew correction by the first corrector and the skew correction by the second corrector based on document information, the skew amount, or user's selection.
US08665490B2 Information processing apparatus, display method therefor, and computer-readable storage medium
An information processing apparatus sets, on an image to be printed, the print position of attribute information of the image. The information processing apparatus displays, on a display device, the print preview screen of the image to be printed in which an image forming the attribute information is arranged at the set print position. When a region corresponding to the attribute information on the print preview screen displayed on the display device is selected, the information processing apparatus enlarges and displays the attribute information.
US08665488B2 Optimal mapping of a spatial print infrastructure
Disclose are embodiments for selecting an advantageous, feasible and suitable location for placing a selected printing device within a space. A mathematical formula identifies a most advantageous location for placing the selected printing device. Next, successive contour regions surrounding this most advantageous location are defined such that any inner contour region is considered more advantageous than any outer contour region. A mark representing the most advantageous location and contour lines indicating the successive contour regions are plotted onto a floor plan of the space. The edited floor plan is then evaluated (e.g., either visually by a user or automatically) to determine whether the mark overlaps any fixed shapes and/or restricted-use areas. If the mark overlaps a fixed shape or restricted-use area, a different location can be selected that is within a closest possible contour region without overlapping any other fixed shapes or restricted-use areas.
US08665479B2 Three-dimensional printing
Three-dimensional printing techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a system includes a three-dimensional printer and a computing device. The three-dimensional printer has a three-dimensional printing mechanism that is configured to form a physical object in three dimensions. The computing device is communicatively coupled to the three-dimensional printer and includes a three-dimensional printing module implemented at least partially in hardware to cause the three-dimensional printer to form the physical object in three dimensions as having functionality configured to communicate with a computing device.
US08665467B2 Image processing apparatus and method extracting still images from a moving image, system having such apparatus, printing apparatus used in such system, and computer-readable medium storing a program executed by a computer that extracts still images from a moving image
An image processing apparatus extracts still images from a moving image and performs an image process. A parameter indicating characteristics of moving image data is extracted, and the number of still images is determined based on the parameter indicating characteristics of the moving image data. Then, based on a determined number of still images, still images are extracted from the moving image, the extracted still images are saved as a single file, and the image process is carried out using saved still images.
US08665466B2 Image forming apparatus, program updating method and computer-readable storage medium
An image forming apparatus which executes a program and updates the program, and is provided with an updating part configured to store a program prior to updating or a copy of the program prior to the updating and to generate an updating program by executing an updating process of the program, to thereby set the updating program as a boot target, a boot judging part configured to judge whether or not a booting of the updating program was successful and to record information indicating a result of judgement in a storage part, and a restoring part configured to confirm whether or not the booting of the updating program was successful based on the information, and to set the stored, program prior to the updating, as the boot target, if the booting of the updating program failed.
US08665459B2 Multifunction peripheral information processor for providing control information to a multifunction peripheral
A multifunction peripheral 1 of the present invention includes an image data storage section 16 for storing image data received by a first communication section 14 or a modem 15, the first communication section 14 for transmitting reception information including sender's information of the image data to an information processor 2, and a sections control section 10 for causing, according to control information transmitted from the information processor 2, a predetermined process to be executed on the image data stored in the image data storage section 16.
US08665457B2 Postscript stream interpreter with integrated pagination
Systems and methods presented herein provide for the processing of PostScript print jobs that are not DSC compliant. A single stream of a PostScript data is processed and divided into multiple streams (e.g., page objects), each comprising data operable to render an individual page. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving the PostScript data stream and identifying object tokens in the PostScript data stream. An object token is operable to generate a PostScript object or execute a PostScript operation. A portion of the object tokens may be operable to define page boundaries in the PostScript data stream. The method also includes analyzing the object tokens to parse the object tokens into a plurality of page objects, separating the page objects into a plurality of data paths, and parallel processing the page objects through the data paths to rasterize the PostScript data stream on a page by page basis.
US08665455B2 Movable body apparatus, pattern formation apparatus and exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
On the +X and −X sides of a projection unit, a plurality of Y heads are arranged in parallel to the X-axis by a distance half or less than half the effective width of the scale, so that two heads each constantly form a pair and face a pair of Y scales. Similarly, on the +Y and −Y sides of the projection unit, a plurality of X heads are arranged in parallel to the Y-axis by the distance, so that two heads each constantly form a pair and face a pair of X scales. Of the pair of heads consisting of two heads which simultaneously face the scaler measurement values of a priority head is used, and when abnormality occurs in the measurement values of the priority head due to dust and the like adhering on the scale surface, measurement values of the other head is used. By using the two pairs of Y heads and the pair of X heads, a position of a stage within a two-dimensional plane is measured in a stable manner and with high precision.
US08665452B2 Method and apparatus for measuring the refractive index of air based on the laser synthetic wavelength interferometry
Measuring refractive index of air based on laser synthetic wavelength interferometry. The Apparatus includes a dual-frequency laser that emits orthogonal linear polarized light of wavelengths λ1 and λ2, a beamsplitter, two polarizing beamsplitters, two corner-cube retroreflectors, a quartz vacuum cavity of length L disposed in the measuring optical path in parallel to the light propagation direction, and two detectors. The apparatus is used to measure the refractive index of air using the dual-frequency laser to emit orthogonal linear polarized light with wavelengths λ1 and λ2, using the beamsplitters, corner-cube retroreflectors, quartz vacuum cavity, and detectors. The integer N and fraction ε of interference fringes of wavelength λ2 are determined. The refractive index of air n is obtained by using the length L of the vacuum cavity, integer N and fraction ε of the interference fringes of wavelength λ2. The measurement is accurate up to 10−9 or higher, and has strong anti-disturbance ability to the environment.
US08665451B2 Interferometric biometric sensing apparatus including adjustable coupling and associated methods
A biological sensing apparatus comprises an excitation source configured to induce waves in a biological target, and an optical waveguide interferometer configured to sense the induced waves in the biological target. The optical waveguide interferometer comprises a probe segment having a probe segment end, and an adjustable coupler configured to permit setting a gap between the probe segment end and the biological target. A controller is coupled to the adjustable coupler and configured to set the gap between the probe segment end and the biological target.
US08665449B2 System and method for optical coherence tomography
The invention relates to a system and to a corresponding method for optical coherence tomography having an interferometer (10) which has a beam splitter (13), a first reflector (11) and a reflector (12) the optical distance (I) of which from the beam splitter (13) is changeable by a speed (v), and a detector (30) for collecting light which is reflected by a specimen (1) to be examined.In order to reduce the times required for the most reliable possible recording of interference patterns, provision is made such that the intensity of the light (14 or 4) injected into the interferometer (10) or emitted by the interferometer (10) is modulated with a modulation frequency (fM) which is not equal to the Doppler frequency (fD), the Doppler frequency (fD) being given by twice the ratio of the speed (v) of the change of the optical distance (I) between the reflector (12) and the beam splitter (13) to the average wavelength (λ0) of the injected light (14): fM≠fD=2·v/λ0.
US08665448B2 Sensor arrangement and detection method
The invention relates to an optical sensor arrangement comprising a measuring optical fiber demonstrating birefringence modifiable as a function of a measurement variable, and to an optical analysis unit having two optical branches implemented as optical fibers forming a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and an optical coupler for bringing together light guided in the two branches, wherein at least one output of the coupler is optically connected to at least one light-sensitive element, and wherein the analysis unit comprises a polarizing beam splitter from which the optical branches originate, wherein the measurement optical fiber is connected upstream of an optical input of the polarizing beam splitter, and wherein a polarization converter is disposed in a course of one of the optical branches. The invention further relates to a detection method that can be performed using said sensor arrangement.
US08665444B2 Optical member and surface plasmon resonance measuring apparatus
The shape of a prism is set such that an excitation light beam that enters the prism to cause surface plasmon resonance to be generated is not irradiated onto the corners of the prism after being totally reflected within the prism. The angle of a surface that the excitation light exits the prism is set to an angle at which the excitation light beam is not totally reflected. Thereby, the excitation light beam returning to a light source, and being scattered within the prism are prevented, and therefore the accuracy of measurements can be improved.
US08665440B1 Pseudo-apposition eye spectral imaging system
A spectral imaging system comprises a plurality of spectral units arranged in an array, each spectral unit of the plurality of spectral units comprising: a microlens having an optical axis; a spectral filter having a center wavelength and aligned with the optical axis; a fiber optic bundle, the fiber optic bundle having a curved light receiving surface and a planar light output surface, wherein the curved light receiving surface is aligned with the optical axis; and a plurality of pixel sensors configured to receive light from the planar light output surface of the fiber optic taper portion.
US08665434B2 Integrated Raman spectroscopy detector
A system and method for performing Raman spectroscopy using a heterodyne detection scheme are described. The heterodyne detection scheme can combine a modulated portion of radiation having passed through a sample to be analyzed with a reference radiation to produce a combined frequency signal. At least a portion of the reference radiation can be filtered out of the combined frequency signal, resulting in a filtered frequency signal. Information related to the sample can be determined based upon the filtered signal. The determined information can then be analyzed to determine a chemical composition of the sample.
US08665433B2 Standoff explosives detector using deep-UV Raman spectroscopy
A method of performing Raman spectroscopy, and an apparatus for performing the method, including irradiating, with laser light, a trace amount of a target substance disposed on a painted surface, receiving reflected laser light and a Raman return signal from the trace amount of the target substance, processing the Raman return signal using, at least, a spectrograph and camera to obtain a Raman signature for the target substance, and identifying the target substance based on the Raman signature for the target substance and a database of Raman signatures. The laser light wavelength may be selected based on a ratio of Raman return signal power to fluorescence power.
US08665432B2 Apparatus for performing SERS
An apparatus for performing surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) includes a substrate and a plurality of nano-pillars, each of the plurality of nano-pillars having a first end attached to the substrate, a second end located distally from the substrate, and a body portion extending between the first end and the second end, in which the plurality of nano-pillars are arranged in an array on the substrate, and in which each of the plurality of nano-pillars is formed of a polymer material that is functionalized to expand in the presence of a fluid to cause gaps between the plurality of nano-pillars to shrink when the fluid is supplied onto the nano-pillars.
US08665426B2 Optical thread position detection device
Provided is an optical thread position detection device for detecting the rotational position of threads of containers. The thread position detection device comprises at least an optical detector and a positioning device for the defined orientation of a longitudinal axis of the containers relative to the detector ,the positioning device and a defined coupling area of the container being connectable to one another. The optical detector , without coming into contact, registers items of information on at least one relative rotational position of at least one thread portion, the processor device serving to generate data on the rotational position of the container, incorporating a defined reference variable and the items of information.
US08665425B2 Eccentricity measuring method
In an eccentricity measuring method according to the present invention, a first position of a light source image formed by reflection at one optical surface is measured (S2), a predetermined second position related to another optical surface is measured (S3), and a relative eccentricity between both optical surfaces is calculated based on the first and second positions (S5). Therefore, the eccentricity measuring method enables measurement of eccentricity by a same measurement optical system regardless of a radius of curvature of an optical surface of an optical element.
US08665424B2 Optical absorption gas analyser
An optical absorption gas analyzer is provided for determining the concentration of a target gas in a sample, comprising: a chamber for containing the sample in use; an optopair, comprising a light emitting diode (LED) arranged to emit radiation into the chamber and a photovoltaic radiation detector arranged to detect radiation transmitted through the chamber from the LED and to output a corresponding detection signal SS; a temperature sensor arranged in thermal contact with the LED and the photovoltaic radiation detector, and to output a temperature signal T representing the temperature of the optopair; a memory having stored therein data representative of the baseline detection signal ST output by the optopair in the absence of the target gas as a function of the temperature of the optopair across a range of temperatures; and a processor adapted to generate a differential detection signal SA indicative of the concentration of target gas in the sample by retrieving from the memory the baseline detection signal ST corresponding to the temperature signal T and calculating the difference between the detection signal SS and the baseline detection signal ST.
US08665422B2 Back-illuminated distance measuring sensor and distance measuring device
Two charge quantities (Q1,Q2) are output from respective pixels P (m,n) of the back-illuminated distance measuring sensor 1 as signals d′(m,n) having the distance information. Since the respective pixels P (m,n) output signals d′(m,n) responsive to the distance to an object H as micro distance measuring sensors, a distance image of the object can be obtained as an aggregate of distance information to respective points on the object H if reflection light from the object H is imaged on the pickup area 1B. If carriers generated at a deep portion in the semiconductor in response to incidence of near-infrared light for projection are led in a potential well provided in the vicinity of the carrier-generated position opposed to the light incident surface side, high-speed and accurate distance measurement is enabled.
US08665421B1 Apparatus for providing laser countermeasures to heat-seeking missiles
A laser-based infrared countermeasure (IRCM) system is disclosed. The IRCM system includes a set of receive optics, a dichroic filter, first and second detectors, a lens module and a laser. Receive optics are configured to receive optical information. The lens module reflects the optical information from the receive optics to the dichroic filter. The dichroic filter selectively splits the optical information to the first and second detectors. The first and second detectors, each of which is formed by a single-pixel detector, detects a potential missile threat from the optical information. Based on information collected by the first and second detectors, the laser sends laser beams to neutralize any missile threat.
US08665420B2 Spectral purity filter and lithographic apparatus
A spectral purity filter is configured to reflect extreme ultraviolet radiation. The spectral purity filter includes a substrate, and an anti-reflective coating on a top surface of the substrate. The anti-reflective coating is configured to transmit infrared radiation. The filter also includes a multi-layer stack configured to reflect extreme ultraviolet radiation and to substantially transmit infrared radiation.
US08665417B2 Apparatus and method for inspecting a substrate
An apparatus measures properties, such as overlay error, of a substrate divided into a plurality of fields. The apparatus includes a radiation source configured to direct radiation onto a first target of each field of the substrate. Each first target (T4G) has at least a first grating and a second grating having respective predetermined offsets, the predetermined offset (+d) of the first grating being in a direction opposite the predetermined offset (−d) of the second grating. A detector is configured to detect the radiation reflected from each first target and to obtain an asymmetry value for each first target from the detected radiation. Further, a module is configured to determine an overlay value for each first target based on at least the obtained asymmetry value and the predetermined offsets and determine a polynomial fit across a plurality of first targets of a corresponding plurality of fields of the substrate for a relationship between the obtained asymmetry value and determined overlay value of each first target.
US08665412B2 Display device with sufficient adhesive strength for sealing material
A display device which can ensure sufficient adhesive strength between each pair of substrates of a liquid crystal display panel and a sealing material includes: a first substrate having a predetermined integrated circuit; a second substrate on one surface of the first substrate in an overlapping manner; and an adhesive material between the first substrate and the second substrate that has an annular planar shape. The adhesive material adheres the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein an outer periphery of the adhesive material includes a zone which includes a plurality of first portions passing substantially the same position as an outer periphery of the surface of the first substrate and a plurality of second portions each connected with the two neighboring first portions and having a center portion thereof in a peripheral direction retracted toward an inner peripheral side of the adhesive material.
US08665411B2 Liquid crystal display device having particular conductive layer
Techniques are provided for unifying steps of sealing material so that the yield and the reliability of a liquid-crystal display device become high. A starting film of scanning lines is patterned so that prismatic dummy wirings 301 for the first layer which are not electrically connected are formed in regions R1 and R2, and wirings 302 extending from the pixel section are formed in a region R3, and wirings 303 having connection end portions 303a are formed in a region R4. After an interlayer insulation film is formed, the starting film of the signal lines is patterned so that the dummy wirings 304 for the second layer are formed to embed the gaps between the wirings 301 to 303, and also the wirings 305 and the wirings 303 which extend from the pixel portion are connected to each other. This permits unification of the cross-sectional structure of the sealing material formation region.
US08665406B2 Display integrated circuit chip
A display IC chip includes a plurality of sides, a plurality of output terminals, two first color short-circuit lines, one second color short-circuit line, one third color short-circuit line, and conductive wires. The two first color short-circuit lines are parallel disposed in the IC chip and coupled to a first output terminal group of the output terminals. The second color short-circuit line is disposed between and parallel with the first color short-circuit lines. The second color short-circuit line is coupled to a second output terminal group of the output terminals. The third color short-circuit line is disposed between and parallel with the first color short-circuit lines. The third color short-circuit line is coupled to a third output terminal group of the output terminals. The conductive wires are coupled the first color short-circuit lines with the first output terminal group do not cross the second and third color short-circuit lines.
US08665403B2 Liquid crystal display device
Reflection efficiency of reflected light is improved and white display is efficiently performed in a liquid crystal display device which performs display by reflecting incident external light. A liquid crystal display device with higher visibility and higher image quality is provided. White display is performed utilizing reflected light which is efficiently scattered with the use of a pixel electrode layer whose surface has depressions and projections, whereby reflection efficiency of the reflected light can be improved and white display can be efficiently performed. Further, a liquid crystal display device with higher visibility and higher image quality can be provided.
US08665397B2 Backlight unit, liquid crystal display apparatus using the same, and light-emitting diode used therefor
There are provided light-emitting layer provided on transparent substrate and emitting light of a specific wavelength, mirror layer formed on a light exit side of light-emitting layer and including a function of reflecting light emitted from light-emitting layer, reflecting layer provided on a side of substrate in a manner to interpose light-emitting layer between mirror layer and reflecting layer; and a diffusion layer that diffuses light emitted from light-emitting layer is disposed between mirror layer and reflecting layer.
US08665394B2 Liquid crystal display and method for fixing circuit board thereof
A liquid crystal display and a method for fixing a circuit board thereof are provided in the present invention. The liquid crystal display includes: a back plate having a back plate body, at least one elastic piece disposed at the back plate body, the elastic piece including at least one supporting portion; a circuit board having a grounding area, the circuit board located on the outside of the back plate body, and the grounding area contacting with the supporting portion of the elastic piece; a liquid crystal display panel electrically connected with the circuit board; and a plastic housing having a plurality of sidewalls and a top wall, the circuit board located on the inside of the sidewall, the sidewall having at least one hook, and the hook engaged with the elastic piece for elastically clipping and fixing the circuit board. The present invention has advantages of few parts, simple structure and convenient for assembly.
US08665393B2 Flat panel display apparatus with grounded PCB
A flat panel display apparatus comprises a flat panel display module; a control PCB placed in one rear edge area of the flat panel display module and having a conductive grounding part; and a grounding contact member including a rear contact part contacting the grounding part of the control PCB, and a side contact part bent from the rear contact part and contacting one edge of the flat panel display module, and grounding the control PCB. With this configuration, the present invention provides a flat panel display apparatus in which a control PCB having the length shorter than the width of a flat panel display module is easily grounded and the production cost thereof is decreased.
US08665391B2 Liquid crystal display device and its case
An LCD device and its case, the case includes a front frame and a back cover cooperating with each other and a fastener for assembling them together, and side walls of them are overlapped and holes are disposed in the side walls correspondingly. It further includes a connector member, the connector member includes a fixing portion closely fitted with a bottom wall of the back cover; a connecting portion closely fitted with the side wall of the front frame; a stopping portion inserted into the holes in the side walls of the front frame and the back cover correspondingly; an installation pole is disposed on the bottom wall of the back cover, the fixing portion of the connector member has an installation hole corresponding to the installation pole, the fastener goes through the installation hole and is fastened in the installation pole, and thus the connector member is fixed.
US08665390B2 Flat panel display device, stereoscopic display device, and plasma display device
The present invention provides a flat panel display device, which includes a backlight system and a display panel. The backlight system includes a light source, a light homogenization mechanism, and a back frame. The back frame carries the light source and the light homogenization mechanism, and the light homogenization mechanism guides light from the light source into the display panel. The back frame includes at least two primary assembling pieces and also includes secondary assembling pieces and a bracing piece for fixing a circuit board. According to practical needs of the main frame structure, different materials are used for different parts at different locations. The back frame is provided with the bracing piece for fixing a circuit board, and the bracing piece includes a bracing body, a first suspension section, a first bearing section, and a first resilient bent section. The present invention also provides a stereoscopic display device and a plasma display device. The flat panel display device, the stereoscopic display device, and the plasma display device of the present invention have a back frame having a simple structure, overcome the problem that a circuit cannot be easily fixed, reduce the expenditure of a back frame mold, and save the material used for back frame so as to lower down the cost of flat panel display device.
US08665388B2 Display assembly and method
A display assembly and a method of making a display assembly are disclosed. A display assembly is disclosed including a display unit 1 and two transparent plates 2, 3 bonded respectively to the front and rear surfaces of the display unit 1 by an adhesive. A tape is secured along at least one side of at least one of the plates 2, 3 on its inner surface such that the adhesive inner region of the tape bonds with the tape and not directly with the surface of the plates 2, 3.
US08665385B2 Capacitive coupled non-volatile electronic display
A non-volatile electronic display includes a light valve plate comprising a plurality of liquid crystal cells on a transparent substrate; a plurality of “floating/storage” nodes functioning like non-volatile memories formed on the transparent substrate and corresponding to the liquid crystal cells, and a plurality of word lines and a plurality of bit lines connected to the plurality of non-volatile memories and supplying signal to store charge to at least one non-volatile memory. The charge is retained in the at least one “floating/storage” nodes functioning like non-volatile memory for a predetermined period when no external power is applied to the non-volatile electronic display.
US08665382B1 Pivoting display device used in aircraft
A pivoting device especially useful in aircraft passenger cabins that can pivot a monitor between stowed and open positions, the pivoting device including a forward/reverse rotatable driving motor. An electromagnetic brake holds the monitor in stowed and opened positions A power unit powers the motor and the electromagnetic brake. A controller controls the pivoting movement of the monitor. The power unit includes a rectifier circuit that transforms AC to a DC, a step-up circuit that steps up the transformed voltage, a voltage regulator that adjusts the transformed voltage to a prescribed DC voltage, and a retraction power retention circuit including a capacitor. When no source voltage is detected while the monitor is in its opened state, the capacitor supplies the power to a voltage regulator of the power circuit, deactivates the electromagnetic brake and reverse rotates the motor to drive the monitor to its stowed position.
US08665381B2 Viewing cone adjustment system
One embodiment of a viewing cone adjustment system includes a projection lens that defines a projection lens optical axis adjustably offset from a viewing screen optical axis, and an image source device that defines an image source optical axis adjustably offset from the projection lens optical axis.
US08665380B2 Rapid television channel scan using frequency plans to identify channels
In accord with embodiments and implementations consistent with the present invention, rather than perform a full scan of every frequency to find a channel, the tuner is programmed to find a reasonable sample of channels. For example, the tuner can search for at least two or three channels to determine the frequency plan of the channels (by virtue of detection of at least one channel) and then use one of the known plans to directly identify the frequency map. The process can then step quickly through each frequency, without optimizing or fine tuning each channel, to determine the existence of a channel. With this process the number of tunable channels is found quicker and the initial setup time is shortened. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08665376B2 Methods and systems for filtering noise in video data
Several systems and methods for filtering noise from a picture in a picture sequence associated with video data are disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes accessing a plurality of pixel blocks associated with the picture and filtering noise from at least one pixel block from among the plurality of pixel blocks. The filtering of noise from a pixel block from among the at least one pixel block includes identifying pixel blocks corresponding to the pixel block in one or more reference pictures associated with the picture sequence. Each identified pixel block is associated with a cost value. One or more pixel blocks are selected from among the identified pixel blocks based on associated cost values. Weights are assigned to the selected one or more pixel blocks and set of filtered pixels for the pixel block is generated based on the weights.
US08665375B2 Apparatus and method for tracking the location of a pointing element in a cropped video field
An apparatus for tracking a pointing device in use by a foreground subject in a sequence of video fields having a foreground component and a background component, where the pointing device is the leftmost or rightmost object within the foreground component. The apparatus determines the boundaries of a cropped video field within each of the video fields and determines a pixel value and scan line representing the leftmost and rightmost positions of the foreground subject and pointing device for that cropped video field. The apparatus determines the centerline of the foreground subject for each cropped video field, and using the centerline, determines whether the pointing device is on the right side of the cropped video field or the left side of the cropped video field. The position of the pointing device is stored after receipt of a signal generated by the foreground subject.
US08665369B2 Signal processing apparatus for applying AVC to delayed signals and a method thereof
A signal processing apparatus and method are provided. The signal processing apparatus adjusts the level of a certain signal from among sequentially input signals based on the levels of the signals, and the certain signal is one of signals input prior to the latest signal input to the adjusting unit. Accordingly, a storage cell is shared for lip-sync and AVC, resulting in reduced manufacturing costs, and enhanced stabilization of the signal and the rate of the stabilization of the signal.
US08665366B2 TV wall system capable of displaying images according to a positioning signal
A TV wall system includes a video source and at least a row of display devices. The video source is used for providing a video signal. The at least one row of display devices is coupled to the video source. The at least one row of display devices includes a plurality of display devices coupled to each other in a cascaded manner. Each of the display devices includes a positioning module, a sensing unit, and a display control unit. The positioning module is used for generating a positioning signal. The sensing unit is coupled to the positioning module for sensing the positioning signal generated by the positioning module. The display control unit is used for controlling the display device to display images according to the video signal and the positioning signal sensed by the sensing unit.
US08665363B2 Solid-state image device, method for producing the same, and image pickup apparatus
A solid-state image device includes a silicon substrate, and a photoelectric conversion layer arranged on the silicon substrate and lattice-matched to the silicon substrate, the photoelectric conversion layer being composed of a chalcopyrite-based compound semiconductor of a copper-aluminum-gallium-indium-sulfur-selenium-based mixed crystal or a copper-aluminum-gallium-indium-zinc-sulfur-selenium-based mixed crystal.
US08665361B1 Enhancing imaging performance through the use of active illumination
A system for capturing super-resolved images includes a camera and a projector. The projector projects a spatially periodic illumination pattern onto the scene to be captured. The spatially periodic illumination patterns may include any pattern or combination of patterns that result in complex modulation. The objects of the scene modulate the spatially periodic illumination patterns, shifting high spatial frequencies into the passband of the camera's optical transfer function. The images may be demodulated, and the demodulated components may be combined with un-modulated components. The resulting image has characteristics of the high spatial frequencies previously beyond the optical passband of the camera.
US08665353B2 Solid-state image pickup apparatus and method for driving the same
A solid-state image pickup apparatus has: a pixel area having unit pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix; a plurality of analog/digital converters, each provided for the unit pixels on the same column; a plurality of first/second memory units, provided to respective analog/digital converters, for storing the digital signals of one/another row; and a digital signal processing unit for generating an output signal based on the signals from the first and second memory units, wherein the first and second memory units store the digital signals of a same row at a non-addition operation and store the digital signals of different rows at an addition operation, and wherein, at the non-addition operation, if one of the first and second memory units on a same column is defective, the digital signal processing unit generates the output signal based on the signal from the other one of the units on the same column.
US08665347B2 Image processing device, image processing program, and imaging device computing brightness value and color phase value
An image processing device comprises: a brilliance gradient computation unit computing a brilliance gradient within an image based on an image information; a color phase value computation unit computing a first color phase value and a second color phase value, the first color phase value representing a color phase inside a candidate region determined based on the brilliance gradient computed by the brilliance gradient computation unit, the second color phase value representing a color phase in a region surrounding the candidate region; and a region extraction unit extracting a region from the candidate region such that a difference between the first color phase value and the second color phase value is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value.
US08665346B2 Image pickup apparatus with noise elimination
An image pickup apparatus includes: a first sound-collection unit that detects an ambient sound and outputs first sound information; a second sound-collection unit other than the first sound-collection unit that detects the sound and outputs second sound information; and a signal processing unit that generates a sound signal corresponding to the sound by eliminating a common noise signal included in the first sound information and the second sound information based on the first sound information and the second sound information.
US08665345B2 Video summary including a feature of interest
A digital video camera system that provides a video summary using a method that includes: specifying reference data, wherein the reference data indicates a feature of interest; capturing a video sequence of the scene using the image sensor, the video sequence including a time sequence of image frames; processing the captured video sequence using a video processing path to form a digital video file; during the capturing of the video sequence, analyzing the captured image frames using a feature recognition algorithm to identify a subset of the image frames that contain the feature of interest; forming the video summary including fewer than all of the image frames in the captured video sequence, wherein the video summary includes at least part of the identified subset of image frames containing the feature of interest; storing the digital video file in the storage memory; and storing a representation of the video summary in the storage memory.
US08665342B2 Model-independent generation of an enhanced resolution image from a number of low resolution images
A method, an apparatus and/or a system of model-independent generation of an enhanced resolution of image from a number of low resolution images is disclosed. A method includes capturing a number of low resolution images through a first sensor (e.g., first plurality of low resolution images) and a number of low resolution images through a second sensor (e.g., second plurality of low resolution images). The first sensor has a higher resolution than the second sensor. The method also includes estimating expansion coefficients of polyphase components of an enhanced resolution image based on the number of low resolution images through a second sensor (e.g., second plurality of low resolution images) through a processor. The expansion coefficients are expressed in terms of the number of low resolution images through a first sensor (e.g., first plurality of low resolution images).
US08665341B2 Methods and apparatus for rendering output images with simulated artistic effects from focused plenoptic camera data
Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable storage media for simulating artistic effects in images rendered from plenoptic data. An impressionistic-style artistic effect may be generated in output images of a rendering process by an “impressionist” 4D filter applied to the microimages in a flat captured with focused plenoptic camera technology. Individual pixels are randomly selected from blocks of pixels in the microimages, and only the randomly selected pixels are used to render an output image. The randomly selected pixels are rendered to generate the artistic effect, such as an “impressionistic” effect, in the output image. A rendering technique is applied that samples pixel values from microimages using a thin sampling kernel, for example a thin Gaussian kernel, so that pixel values are sampled only from one or a few of the microimages.
US08665340B2 Indoor/outdoor scene detection using GPS
A digital camera system, comprising: a digital image sensor; an optical system for forming an image of a scene onto the digital image sensor; a global positioning system sensor; a processor-accessible memory system; and a processor. The processor performs the steps of analyzing a signal from the global positioning system sensor to determine whether the digital camera system is indoors or outdoors; capturing an input digital image of the scene using the digital image sensor; processing the input digital image responsive to whether the digital camera system is indoors or outdoors; and storing the processed digital image in the processor-accessible memory system.
US08665334B2 Blur-calibration system for electro-optical sensors and method using a moving multi-target constellation
Embodiments of a system and method for blur-calibration of an imaging sensor using a moving constellation are generally described herein. In some embodiments, blur-calibration of an imaging sensor includes moving a known target pattern across the field-of view (FOV) of the imaging sensor to present the target pattern across different frames at different pixel phases. Frames of images of the moving target pattern as seen in the FOV of the imaging sensor are captured to generate image data output. The image data output may be subsequently processed to generate data products representative of a shape of a point-spread function (PSF) from a high-resolution composite image generated from the captured frames. A chopper modulation may be applied to the moving target sequence and separate chopper-open and chopper-closed composite images are created. The PSF may be determined based on the difference between the chopper-open and chopper-closed composite images. The PSF may specify the shape of blur at one or more locations in the FOV.
US08665328B2 Method and apparatus for determining an overtravel time of a machine
An apparatus for determining an overtravel time of a machine, which has a moveable machine part and an optoelectronic protection device, has a light source designed to produce a defined light spot. The protection device for the machine comprises a camera having an observation area in which at least one protection zone having a protection zone boundary is defined. The protection device produces a stop signal when an object enters the protection zone. The light spot simulates an object within the protection zone. The light source is supported by a support element designed to position the light source in the area of the protection zone boundary. An evaluation and control unit of the apparatus is designed to switch on the light source at a defined starting time, and to determine a time interval between the defined starting time and the reception of an “end” signal indicating that the machine part has come to rest.
US08665323B2 Stereoscopic display apparatus and method for driving stereoscopic display apparatus
A stereoscopic display apparatus includes: a plurality of light-emitting devices; a power supply line for supplying current to the light-emitting devices; a switching device provided on the power supply line; a glasses control circuit which generates a glasses control signal for setting, in a pair of shutter-type glasses, a non-viewable period in which both the right-eye image and the left-eye image are made non-viewable at the same time; and a power supply control circuit which generates a device control signal for setting, in the switching device, a voltage reduced period in which the voltage between the electrodes in the light-emitting device is reduced, in which the glasses control circuit and the power supply control circuit control the shutter-type glasses and the switching device, respectively, for setting the non-viewable period to be a period at least from a start to an end of the voltage reduced period.
US08665322B2 Shutter glasses and method for controlling a pair of shutter glasses
A method for controlling shutter glasses is utilized for viewing stereo images. A video output apparatus respectively outputs a first image and a second image during a plurality of image output periods, alternately. Each image output period includes an image driving period and an image stabilization period. The method includes controlling each of a first shutter lens and a second shutter lens to be switched between an on-state and an off-state. The first shutter lens stays in the on-state within image stabilization periods respectively corresponding to two successive first images, and is switched from the off-state to the on-state and then switched from the on-state to the off-state for at least one time during a time interval between the image stabilization periods respectively corresponding to the two successive first images.
US08665320B2 Method and apparatus for automatic synchronization of audio and video signals
Described herein are techniques which facilitate the automatic synchronization of audio and video signals between an entertainment device and a presentation device. A sensing device detects and records timing information from a video test pattern generated by an entertainment device and output by a presentation device. Using the timing information from the sensing device, the entertainment device synchronizes the audio and video signals it outputs to one or more presentation devices. The presentation device exhibits synchronized audio and video to a user.
US08665315B2 Signal processing device, reproducing device, signal processing method and program
There is provided a signal processing device which includes a change position detection unit that detects stepwise change positions of an n-bit quantized signal generated from an input signal; a density detection unit that calculates a value indicating a degree of density of the stepwise change positions detected by the change position detection unit; and a first low-frequency component extraction unit that extracts a desired low-frequency component from the input signal based on the value indicating the degree of density of the change positions calculated by the density detection unit.
US08665313B2 Using distributed local QOS optimization to achieve global QOS optimization for video conferencing services
A media gateway (MG) that services a plurality of client devices, may be handled at least a portion of video conferencing (VC) processing during a VC call between at least one of said plurality of client devices and at least one other VC client. The portion of the VC processing handled by the media gateway may be offloaded from a centralized VC multipoint control unit (MCU). The MG may handle one or more VC MCU functions, which may comprise video conferencing call control and/or management and/or audio/video (AV) transcoding. The MG may perform localized quality of service (QoS) management, to select, and adaptively control and/or configure resources and/or local links used in the MG and/or in VC clients or neighboring MGs connected to the MG, during VC operations, such as in generating, handling, and/or communicating data or content exchanged during VC calls.
US08665304B2 Establishing 3D video conference presentation on 2D display
A 3D video conferencing system includes two cameras at each of two video conferencing locations. Images from the two cameras are exchanged between the locations and are combined at the receiving location in accordance with the angle at which the viewer at the receiving location is viewing an otherwise 2D display to give the illusion of depth perception.
US08665300B2 Thermal marking system
One or more arrays of heating elements are configured with insulating regions to prevent the dissipation of heat to unintended regions of a thermochromic substrate. Methods include printing and arranging impressions on a two-sided substrate avoiding bleeding and other problems more-commonly associated with traditional two-sided thermal printing techniques. A simple and reliable thermal printing system is provided for use in ballot marking, including several mechanisms for receiving and detecting the orientation of a substrate within a thermal printing apparatus.
US08665299B2 Exposure control apparatus, image forming apparatus, and exposure control method
An exposure control apparatus includes: a plurality of line memories; a processing unit that processes image data by successively recording the image data to the plurality of line memories, and successively reading the image data from the plurality of line memories; and an exposing unit that performs, with an exposure cycle, an exposure process according to the processed image data, and that forms a latent image based on the image data onto an image carrier, wherein the image data is transferred with a cycle which is N times as high as the exposure cycle (N is a natural number), and the processing unit reads the image data N times with the exposure cycle.
US08665295B2 Electroluminescent display initial-nonuniformity-compensated drve signal
An electroluminescent (EL) panel with 2T1C subpixels is compensated for initial nonuniformity (“mura”). The current of each subpixel is measured at a selected time to provide a status signal representing the characteristics of the subpixel. A compensator receives a linear code value and changes it according to the status signals. A linear source driver drives the panel with the changed code values.
US08665294B2 Image layout device, image layout method, and storage medium
An image layout device including an image alignment unit configured to align an image included in an image group based on an attribute of an image included in an image group, a layout selection unit configured to select a layout frame based on an order of a layout frame, which arranges an image, included in a template which is an arrangement object of an image and an attribute of the layout frame, an image selection unit configured to select an image based on an order of an image aligned by the image alignment unit and on the attribute of the image, and a selected image layout unit configured to arrange an image selected by the image selection unit in a layout frame selected by the layout frame selection unit.
US08665290B2 Image-based source gamut adjustment for compression-type gamut mapping algorithm
Color management which converts source device colors into counterpart colors in a destination device color space. Device independent source and destination device gamut boundaries are obtained. A color image is generated in the source device color space. The color image is transformed into an image in a device independent color space. A gamut boundary for the device independent image is generated, based on the content of the device independent image. The source device gamut boundary is shrunk in a hue symmetric manner, such that color hues do not change, until it touches the image gamut boundary. Colors of the device independent image are mapped onto a gamut of the destination device by invoking a compression-type gamut mapping algorithm that uses the modified source device gamut boundary and the destination device gamut boundary to perform gamut mapping. The gamut mapped colors are converted into colors in destination device dependent color space.
US08665289B2 Methods and apparatus for calibrating a color display
Improved methods are provided for calibrating color on a color display coupled to a computer, which are useful for obtaining calibrated data in a virtual proof network for enabling different color devices to render consistent color. Methods involve user interactions with screens on the display to set color display parameters. An apparatus is also provided for calibrating a sensor which may be used for measuring color of a display in one or more of these methods.
US08665288B2 Color tracking method for panel and associated modifying module
A color tracking method for a panel and an associated modifying module are provided. A set of measured display values are obtained according to a measurement of the panel by a color meter and the measured display values are modified. Display settings of the panel are then calculated according to the modified display values.
US08665286B2 Composition of digital images for perceptibility thereof
Teachings herein compose a digital image so that the image is perceptible on a viewing surface, such as a projection surface or a transparent screen. In doing so, the teachings advantageously recognize a digital image as consisting of one or more logical objects, like buttons of a user interface. Often, logical objects may be spatially arranged within the image and/or colored in different possible ways without substantially affecting the meaning conveyed by the image. Exploiting this, teachings herein evaluate light reflected from, or transmitted through, the viewing surface, and compose the digital image from one or more logical objects that have a spatial arrangement or coloration determined in dependence on that evaluation. The teachings might, for example, place a logical object within the image so that it will be displayed on a region of the surface which has high contrast with the object's colors and/or low color variance.
US08665285B2 Storage medium having stored therein image processing program, image processing apparatus, image processing system, and image processing method
A plurality of polygons are placed in a 3-dimensional virtual space. Each of plural types of first textures corresponding to plural types of attributes which the plurality of polygons have is mapped to the polygon that has the attribute of the type corresponding to the first texture, the 3-dimensional virtual space is shot by a first virtual camera, and thereby a main image is generated. In addition, each of the plural types of second textures corresponding to plural types of attributes which the plurality of polygons have is mapped to the polygon that has the attribute of the type corresponding to the second texture, the 3-dimensional virtual space is shot by a second virtual camera, and thereby a main image is generated.
US08665280B2 Controlling display updates for electro-optic displays
A display controller may include a display update controller that may cause a color processing operation to be initiated in response to completion of an image data transmission, or a display update operation to be initiated in response to completion of the color processing operation. The display update operation may include updating display pixels of a display matrix of an electro-optic display device. A collision detector may determine whether a waveform for updating a display state of a particular display pixel has finished. The display update controller may cause the particular display pixel to be omitted from a display update operation if the waveform for updating the display state of the particular display pixel has not finished. A second display update operation may automatically be initiated when the waveform for updating the display state of the particular display pixel has finished.
US08665279B2 Electrical device supporting switchable graphics function and method for controlling thereof
An electrical device supporting switchable graphics function, electrically connected with a display unit, includes a first graphic chip, a second graphic chip, a peripheral, an Embedded Controller (EC) and a processing unit. Information of a present graphic chip is stored in an EC RAM of the EC, wherein the present graphic chip is one of the first graphic chip and the second graphic chip. A control unit of the EC obtains the information of the present graphic chip from the EC RAM and controls operation status of the peripheral according to the obtained information of the present graphic chip. The processing unit obtains the information of the present graphic chip from the EC RAM. The processing unit drives the present graphic chip to process an image signal and transmit the processed image signal to the display unit for display according to the obtained information of the present graphic chip.
US08665278B2 Multi-layered slide transitions
Architecture that enhances the visual experience of a slide presentation by animating slide content as “actors” in the same background “scene”. This is provided by multi-layered transitions between slides, where a slide is first separated into “layers” (e.g., with a level of transparency). Each layer can then be transitioned independently. All layers are composited together to accomplish the end effect. The layers can comprise one or more content layers, and a background layer. The background layer can further be separated into a background graphics layer and a background fill layer. The transition phase can include a transition effect such as a fade, a wipe, a dissolve effect, and other desired effects. To provide the continuity and uniformity of presentation the content on the same background scene, a transition effect is not applied to the background layer.
US08665277B1 Integrating a motion synthesis system into a video game system
The present disclosure includes, among other things, systems, methods and program products for integrating a motion synthesis system into a video game system.
US08665276B2 Image processing method for feature retention and the system of the same
The present invention discloses an image processing method for feature retention associated with averaging processes. The image processing method comprises: scaling and aligning a plurality of image data for acquiring feature information; determining a plurality of two-dimensional feature label points according to the feature information for generating at least one Bezier curve; utilizing the at least one Bezier curve to generate at least one Bezier tube and performing Bezier tube fitting for generating result of Bezier tube fitting; deforming the plurality of image data according to the Bezier tube or the result of Bezier tube fitting for generating a plurality of deformed image data; and averaging the plurality of deformed image data for generating feature-preserved average image data. The present invention also provides an image processing system, a computer readable storage medium, and a computer program product, for implementing the image processing method.
US08665274B2 Method and system for generating and displaying an interactive dynamic view of bi-directional impact analysis results for multiply connected objects
A method and system for generating a graph view on a user interface in a computing environment, is provided. One implementation involves, at a server, generating graph coordinate data for a dependency graph view of bi-directional impact analysis results for multiply connected objects in a data source; transmitting the graph coordinate data to a client as lightweight object data; and at the client, based on the lightweight object data rendering an interactive dynamic dependency graph view on a user interface.
US08665265B2 Methods and systems for remoting three dimensional graphics
Methods and systems for providing three dimensional graphics to remote computing machines and appliances that include an agent executing on a local computing machine to intercept a plurality of graphics commands generated by a three dimensional application executing on a local computing machine. A first portion of the plurality of graphics commands are encoded by the agent using a first codec, while a second portion of the plurality of graphics commands are encoded by the agent using a second codec. The agent creates a frame comprising the first portion and the second portion of the plurality of graphics commands, compresses the frame, and transmits the frame to a remote computing machine.
US08665261B1 Automatic spatial correspondence disambiguation
An interactive multi-mesh modeling system may allow users to employ a variety of modeling techniques to interactively create one or more objects for a variety of different tasks or tools. The interactive multi-mesh modeling system may employ a variety of techniques for taking a source computer-generated representation of an object and providing the automatic creation, management, and maintenance of instances or versions of the source, and any information defined thereon or associated therewith, that are suitable for several different tasks. The interactive multi-mesh modeling system may further employ a variety of techniques for resolving ambiguities between various meshes based on establishing a correspondence between a first manifold and a second manifold based on a first metric of the first manifold, a second metric of the second manifold, and a third distinct metric of an embedding space.
US08665260B2 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.
US08665257B2 Three-dimensional modeling of the oral cavity
A method for creating three-dimensional models of intra-oral scenes features. The intra-oral scene is illuminated by a two-dimensional array of structured illumination points, with anti-aliasing achieved by using stored two-dimensional patterns of pixels for anti-aliasing. Using a single camera to form images reduces the amount of apparatus necessary to introduce into the patient's mouth. Three-dimensional models are obtained from the single image by triangulation with a stored image of the structured illumination onto a reference surface such as a plane. Alternative methods include the use of “bar-coded” one-dimensional patterns.
US08665255B2 Power supply circuit and display device including the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a power supply circuit including a charge-pumping booster section which uses switching elements provided only by N-channel transistors yet does not have a problem of voltage drop by threshold value. In a booster section (11a), capacitors (C1) and (C2) have their respective first terminals connected with transistors (Q1, Q3) and (Q2, Q4) respectively. Each transistor has its gate terminal supplied with control signals generated in a driver section (11b). The driver section (11b) includes capacitors (C3, C4) connected with input terminals (Ti3, Ti4) for respective supply of clock signals DCK2, DCK2B each having a voltage alternating between −VDD and VDD (VDD represents an input supply voltage from outside), as level-shifted signals of clock signals DCK1, DCK1B which are supplied to second terminals of the capacitors (C1, C2) respectively. In this arrangement, the driver section 11b generates signals each having a voltage alternating between VDD and 3VDD, as the control signals.
US08665249B2 Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device capable of ensuring the drive stability. The organic light emitting display includes a plurality of pixels; first signal supply lines respectively coupled to the pixels disposed in at least two horizontal lines; and second signal supply lines being lower in number than the first signal supply lines and respectively coupled to the pixels disposed in the horizontal lines includes a scan driver driving the first and second signal supply lines; a data driver driving data lines disposed in a direction that is crossed to the first and second signal supply lines; and a dummy pattern block providing dummy patterns so that loads of the second signal supply lines are identical to loads of the first signal supply lines.
US08665246B2 Pointing device for improved accuracy
A pointing device includes a first ground potential electrode; a second electrode for applying a voltage; a third electrode for measuring an electrical potential; a printed circuit board on which the first through the third electrodes are provided; a location pointing driving body that is provided on the printed circuit board and that is configured with a conductive part and that contacts the first and second electrodes, and a spherical part; a slide member that is located to cover a top part of the location pointing driving body and that is configured to drive the location pointing driving body by being slidable within a plane parallel to the printed circuit board; and a pressing force restriction member that is configured to restrict pressing force from the spherical part to the printed circuit board by receiving force from the slide member in the pressing direction.
US08665245B2 Reconfigurable tactile controls and displays
New methods and apparatus are provided for efficiently and safely providing controls and displays therefore, particularly, but necessarily to be used within the center stack region of a vehicle instrument panel. The apparatus utilizes, in most embodiments, a rear projection display and machine vision sensing of control position and, optionally, finger touch. A very stylistic and easy to use instrument panel results which can be programmed or otherwise provided in many different forms to suit different users or option package designs.
US08665243B2 Sensor device, method of driving sensor element, display device with input function and electronic unit
A sensor device includes sensor elements arranged in a matrix form, and a sensor driving section driving the sensor elements. Each of the sensor elements includes a photoelectric conversion element generating electric charge, a storage node storing electric charge, to show a voltage which fluctuates according to the stored electric charge, a reset transistor resetting the voltage in the storage node and a readout section reading the voltage value resulted from the stored electric charge in the storage node, to output the resultant voltage value. The sensor driving section controls the reset transistor so that the storage nodes of the sensor elements over sensor element lines are reset into the predetermined reset voltage at a time, and then performs read control after a lapse of a predetermined exposure period to allow the sensor detection signals to be sequentially outputted from the respective sensor elements arranged in each sensor element lines.
US08665238B1 Determining a dominant hand of a user of a computing device
In one example, a method includes determining, by a computing device, a plurality of features. Each feature from the plurality of features may be usable to determine a dominant hand of a user of the computing device. The method also includes receiving, by the computing device, a plurality of input values, each input value from the plurality of input values corresponding to the respective plurality of features, and determining, using a probabilistic model and based at least in part on at least one input value from the plurality of input values corresponding to the respective feature from the plurality of features, a hand of the user as a dominant hand of the user. The method also includes generating, based at least in part on the determined dominant hand of the user, a graphical user interface for display at a presence-sensitive display operatively coupled to the computing device.
US08665237B2 Information display apparatus with proximity detection performance and information display method using the same
An information display apparatus with proximity detection performance contains a display device that displays image information, a sensor constituted of plural detection electrodes, and an adjusting device of detection resolution that adjusts the detection resolution to be detected based on a distance between the sensor and an object that is contacted to any one of the detection electrodes.
US08665236B2 Electronic device with wrap around display
A consumer electronic product includes at least a transparent housing and a flexible display assembly enclosed within the transparent housing. In the described embodiment, the flexible display assembly is configured to present visual content at any portion of the transparent housing.
US08665230B2 Sensing display device
A sensing display device including a display panel and a sensing element is provided. The display panel includes at least a plurality of pixel units, and the pixel units are arranged along a primary direction. The sensing element is disposed on the pixel units and includes at least a plurality of sensor units. Each of the sensor units includes a mesh-pattern electrode, and the mesh-pattern electrode includes a plurality of first traces having conductivity. At least one of the first traces is substantially extended along a first direction, wherein a first angle is formed between the first direction and the primary direction, and the first angle is an acute angle.
US08665227B2 Method and apparatus for replicating physical key function with soft keys in an electronic device
An electronic device (100) is provided with a touch-sensitive display (109). The electronic device (100) includes one or more physical keys (105,106,107,108), each of which has a corresponding function. When a user (110) touches the touch-sensitive display (109) for a predetermined amount of time, one or more processors (203) present one or more soft keys as user actuation targets (101,102,103,104) on the touch-sensitive display (109). The user actuation targets (101,102,103,104) can replicate the functions of the physical keys (105,106,107,108), thereby affording the user (110) the ability to execute those functions with soft keys, rather than by having to access the physical keys (105,106,107,108).
US08665225B2 Portable multifunction device, method, and graphical user interface for interpreting a finger gesture
A portable device with a touch screen display detects a finger-in-contact event at a first position on the touch screen display and identifies a user interface object associated with the first position. The portable device determines whether the identified user interface object is moveable across the touch screen display. For an identified object that is determined to be moveable across the touch screen display, the portable device detects a sequence of one or more first finger-dragging, a first finger-out-of-contact, one or more second finger-dragging, and a first finger-out-of-range events and performs a first operation associated with the identified moveable user interface object at least in part in accordance with the first and second finger-dragging events. For an identified not moveable object, the portable device detects a second finger-out-of-contact event and performs a second operation, different from the first operation in response to a second finger-out-of-contact event.
US08665221B2 Method and apparatus for inputting Chinese characters
A method for inputting Chinese characters to an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a plurality of numeric input keys for inputting numeric numbers and a plurality of control keys for navigation, selection, and editing. The method includes decomposing a Chinese character into a plurality of character elements based on the structure of the character; identifying a plurality of Chinese number characters respectively corresponding to the character elements based on a first mapping; identifying a plurality of numeric input keys respectively corresponding to the Chinese number characters based on a second mapping; pressing the identified numeric input keys in a predetermined order; navigating to the wanted candidate in a list of character candidates with at least one of the control keys; selecting the wanted candidate with at least one of the control keys; and correcting any error made in the other steps with at least one of the control keys. The first mapping is based on the similarity in the shapes between the character elements and the Chinese number characters. The second mapping is essentially based on the meaning of the Chinese number characters. An apparatus for inputting Chinese characters is also provided.
US08665220B2 System for securing a keypad to a housing
An electronic device includes an interlocking mechanism for fixing a keypad to a housing of the device. The housing is coupled with the keypad such that the keys may extend to the edges of the electronic device and the edge keys are secured against being removed from the keypad. The edge keys may include a hook or locking mechanism coupled with the housing to prevent uprooting of the edge keys. Another set of hooks or lockings connect the housing with the keypad to prevent bulging of the keypad and to limit lateral movement between the keys or the keypad with the housing.
US08665218B2 Portable device
A portable device including a body, a panel display, a touch sensor, and a positioning determining element is provided. The panel display and the touch sensor are disposed at a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface of the body. The positioning determining element is disposed in the body for determining the locations of each finger when the body is hold and defining a conformal keyboard corresponding to the shape of hands, so the user can execute programs via the finger actions on the touch sensor conveniently.
US08665217B2 Multi-button mouse
A mouse with multi button functionality is disclosed. The mouse includes a housing that surrounds the internal components of the mouse. The housing includes at least a first member and a second member, each of which forms a substantial portion of the housing. The first member moves relative to the second member so as to implement at least one of the multiple button functions of the mouse.
US08665215B2 Single-screen view in response to rotation
A multi-screen user device and methods for controlling data displayed thereby are disclosed. Specifically, a gesture sequence is disclosed which enables a user to toggle or shift though applications that are displayed by the multi-screen user device. The gesture sequence may correspond to various rotation or partial rotations of the multi-screen user device.
US08665213B2 Spatial, multi-modal control device for use with spatial operating system
A system comprising an input device includes a detector coupled to a processor. The detector detects an orientation of the input device. The input device has multiple modal orientations corresponding to the orientation. The modal orientations correspond to multiple input modes of a gestural control system. The detector is coupled to the gestural control system and automatically controls selection of an input mode in response to the orientation.
US08665212B2 Systems and methods for locking an electronic device
Systems and methods for locking an input device of an electronic device are described herein. An example method includes detecting a moving action of a housing of the electronic device from an open position to a closed position. The method includes detecting at least a first condition of the electronic device after detection of the moving action from the open position to the closed position and locking the input device upon detection of the first condition within a first time interval based on the electronic device being moved to the closed position.
US08665209B2 Pressure based selection
The use of pressure-sensitive selection tools in a graphical user interface is disclosed in which the amount of pressure during a selection operation may modify selection behavior. Upon receiving a selection input, the pressure applied is determined and the selection behavior modified. In some embodiments, the number of objects selected is increased when more pressure is applied and decreased when less pressure is applied.
US08665208B2 Product having absolute positioning code pattern on a surface thereof and method for generating absolute positioning code pattern
Disclosed is a product having an absolute positioning pattern on its surface and a method for forming the absolute pattern. The product includes first cells displaying coded binary data or displaying coded data expressed in terms of at least three digits; second cells displaying data coded in a manner different from the first cells or having no data; and a unit cell pattern formed by a group of at least a predetermined number of the first and second cells. The combination of data corresponding to the first cells within the unit cell pattern indicates an absolute coordinate of the corresponding unit cell pattern, and the unit cell pattern is differentiated from other adjacent unit cell patterns by the second cells within the unit cell pattern. The disclosed product and method require a smaller amount of operation to calculate the coordinate value compared with the prior art, but can display a broader position.
US08665207B2 Display control apparatus and control method thereof, and computer program
A display control apparatus includes an input unit which has plural types of keys and accepts an operation of a key from the user, a display unit which displays a screen which allows the user to operate the input unit, and a display controller which selectively displays plural screens of the display unit in accordance with the types of keys operated on the input unit. When the display controller controls the display unit to display a screen for making the user make a key operation using any one type of key of the plural types of keys, and accepts an operation of a key of a type other than the any one type of key, it switches the screen to another screen for making the user make an operation using the other type of key.
US08665202B2 Active matrix substrate, liquid crystal panel, liquid crystal display device, and television receiver
Provided is an active matrix substrate for use in a liquid crystal display device in which two scan signal lines (16i and 16j) are scanned simultaneously; pixel regions including two pixel electrodes each are arranged in the row and column directions when the column direction is the scanning direction; one scan signal line is provided for one pixel region row; and a shielding conductive body (41p) is disposed to cover the gap between two adjacent pixel electrodes (17ib and 17ja), one of which is a pixel electrode included in a given pixel region (101) and the other is a pixel electrode included in a pixel region (102) adjacent to said given pixel region (101) on the downstream side of the scanning direction. By using the present active matrix substrate, the display quality of a liquid crystal display device in which two scan signal lines are selected simultaneously can be improved.
US08665199B2 Liquid crystal display device, liquid crystal display device drive method, and television receiver
A gate driver creates a dummy insertion period in which the driver does not apply a gate on pulse to a scanning signal line immediately after the time of the inversion of a data signal. When a period from the time of the application of the gate on pulse to an odd numbered or even numbered scanning signal line to which the gate on pulse is applied previously to the time of the application of the gate on pulse to an even numbered or odd numbered scanning signal line to which the gate on pulse is applied later is set as an adjacent line writing time lag period for two scanning signal lines adjacent to each other, a CS control circuit allows the polarity of every CS signal to be reversed on the same cycle at least in the adjacent line writing time lag period.
US08665194B2 Over-drive controller applied to a display panel and method for over-drive control therein
An over-drive controller applied to a display panel and a method for over-drive control are provided. The over-drive controller includes an analyzing unit and an over-drive delta value determining unit. The analyzing unit is arranged for analyzing information of a current pixel in order to generate an over-drive information. The over-drive delta value determining unit is coupled to the analyzing unit, and is arranged for determining an over-drive delta value according to the over-drive information. Herein the over-drive information includes a position information or a field information of the current pixel.
US08665193B2 Liquid crystal display
An OCB (Optically Compensated Bend) liquid crystal display in which impulse driving is performed such that an impulse data voltage is applied between normal data voltages used for displaying an image. The impulse data voltage is divided into a first impulse data voltage and a second impulse data voltage having a voltage value that will not break a bent alignment of the OCB liquid crystals. Referring to the application of the first impulse data voltage between the normal data voltages as first impulse driving and the application of the second impulse data voltage between the normal data voltages as second impulse driving, the second impulse driving is performed at every two or more of the first impulse drivings, so as to not break the bent alignment of the liquid crystals and to thereby improve luminance of the LCD.
US08665190B2 Electro-optical device, wiring substrate, and electronic apparatus
The invention provides an electro-optical device in which a voltage drop due to the wiring resistance of a cathode is reduced and therefore steady image signals are transmitted such that erroneous image display, such as low contrast, is reduced or prevented. The invention also provides an electronic apparatus including such an electro-optical device. An electro-optical device includes red, green, and blue luminescent power-supply lines to apply currents to light-emitting elements arranged in an actual display region in a matrix; and a cathode line disposed between the light-emitting elements and a cathode. The cathode line has a width larger than a width of red, green, and blue luminescent power-supply lines.
US08665181B2 Method for driving an AC type plasma display panel
This disclosure relates to a method for driving an AC type plasma display panel. According to this disclosure, an elapse time period between an end time point of ramp-down and a time when a first scan pulse is applied is maintained to be uniform even when a ramp-down slope is different in such a manner that a comparator of a scan electrode driving circuit compares an output voltage with a reference voltage and a logic control circuit outputs a control signal to a logic control circuit when the output voltage is equal to the reference voltage. Accordingly, the method for driving the AC type plasma display panel is capable of improving an address characteristic and a driving margin.
US08665177B2 Touch sensor for controlling eyewear
Capacitive touch sensors are integrated with a head-mounted display (HMD) device or other video eyewear devices to create a more reliable and more intuitive user interface. The sensors, which may be implemented as an array, control various aspects of a left and right channel multimedia presentation, such as interpupillary distance or stereoscopic convergence, brightness, volume, or power mode.
US08665175B2 Thermal control film for spacecraft
A thermal control film for use in spacecraft having a multi-layer interference filter adapted to exhibit high reflectivity to solar radiation, low absorptivity across the microwave spectrum and high emissivity in the far infra-red. The film is free from metal and extends over the active face of an antenna carried by the spacecraft. Such a film exhibits the desired thermo-optical properties for a thermal control radiator surface and can be used over the active face of a communications or radar antenna without disrupting the RF signal.
US08665172B2 Chip carrier for a transponder module and transponder module
A chip carrier for contacting with a chip and an antenna is disposed on an antenna substrate. The chip carrier features a carrier substrate having a chip contact arrangement located at a distance from longitudinal ends of the carrier substrate for electrical contacting with a chip. The carrier substrate includes two antenna contact surfaces having the chip contact arrangement therebetween for electrical contacting with the antenna. The chip contact arrangement and the antenna contact surfaces are located on an application surface of the chip carrier. At least one insulation surface-is formed on the application surface between the chip contact arrangement and the antenna contact surfaces.
US08665170B2 Antenna assembly having multiple antenna elements with hemispherical coverage
An antenna assembly includes a cable assembly having at least one wire and a circuit board assembly having a ground plane and a plurality of mounting locations. The wire(s) is electrically connected to corresponding mounting locations. A plurality of antenna elements are mounted to the circuit board at corresponding mounting locations. Each antenna element has a feed finger and a ground finger, where the ground finger is electrically connected to the ground plane and the feed finger is electrically connected to the corresponding wire. Each antenna element has a first portion extending from the circuit board along a first plane and a second portion extending from the first portion along a second plane that is transverse to the first plane. Each antenna element provides hemispherical coverage and wide frequency bandwidth.
US08665165B1 Broad beam waveguide feed and reflector antenna employing same
An improved waveguide feed includes a ridged waveguide section and a feed section. The ridged waveguide section includes a wall structure and spaced-apart opposing ridges disposed on an internal surface of the wall structure, with the spaced-apart opposing ridges extending along a major axis of the wall structure. The feed section is coupled to the ridged waveguide section, and includes an extension of only a portion of the wall structure of the ridged waveguide section, and an extension of the spaced-apart opposing ridges disposed on an internal surface of the extended wall structure of the feed section.
US08665162B2 Antenna with loop form radiator for mobile terminals
A radiation section of an antenna includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion, and is in a loop form having a plate shape. A switch unit couples the second connection portion to the first connection portion e.g. according to a signal input from the outside. Further, the switch unit couples the second connection portion e.g. to ground formed on a reverse side of a substrate according to a signal input from the outside.
US08665160B2 Antenna, shielding and grounding
A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include a single piece housing formed from a radio opaque material with a cover formed from a radio transparent material. To implement a wireless interface, an antenna stack-up can be provided that allows an antenna to be mounted to a bottom of the cover. Methods and apparatus are provided for improving wireless performance. For instance, in one embodiment, a metal housing can be thinned to improve antenna performance. As another example, a faraday cage can be formed around speaker drivers to improve antenna performance.
US08665155B2 Emergency rescue system and rescue-information judgment method
An emergency rescue system and a rescue-information judgment method are disclosed. The emergency rescue system includes a plurality of fixed nodes, a dynamic node and a back-end processing platform. Each fixed node has its own fixed node identification. The dynamic node can be a portable device with an emergency illumination module. If the dynamic node is manipulated to broadcast a mayday signal, at least one of the fixed nodes senses the mayday signal. Each fixed node which senses the mayday signal sends the fixed node identification thereof and signal strength of the sensed mayday signal to the back-end processing platform. Thereby, the back-end processing platform calculates and determines a rescue location relative to the dynamic node.
US08665150B1 Sync feedback for time to first fix
In embodiments of sync feedback for time to first fix (TTFF), satellite data signals are received from which a geographic position of a positioning-system device can be determined. The satellite data signals each include a time reference and ephemeris data that indicates an orbital position of a satellite. A sync feedback is generated that includes a time-free position fix determined from a satellite data signal before bit sync and/or frame sync of the satellite data signal are obtained. The sync feedback is then utilized as a feedback input to determine the bit sync and/or the frame sync of the satellite data signal.
US08665149B2 Apparatus and method for processing navigation signal
An apparatus and method for processing a navigation signal are provided. When a navigation signal is received and processed, a search range associated with signal processing may be reduced by directly computing a clock offset of a receiving terminal, and accordingly it is possible to reduce an operation amount associated with the signal processing, and an amount of a power consumed by the receiving terminal. Additionally, due to a reduction in the search range, it is also possible to reduce a time required to acquire a signal.
US08665145B2 System and method for determining the heading angle of a vehicle
A system and method for determining the heading angle of a vehicle includes first and second antennas associated with the vehicle. The first and second antennas are configured to receive signals comprising global positioning system data. A receiver front end is configured to receive the signals comprising global positioning system data. An electronic data processor is capable of receiving the global positioning system data from the receiver front end. The data processor is configured or programmed to execute a method to determine the attitude of the vehicle which may include the heading angle of the vehicle.
US08665144B2 Dual-polarization radar processing system using time domain method
Embodiments of the present invention provide for improved estimation of environmental parameters in a dual-polarization radar system. In some embodiments, environmental parameters can be estimated using a linear combination of data received in two orthogonal polarization states. In particular, embodiments of the invention improve ground clutter and noise mitigation in dual polarization radar systems. Moreover, embodiments of the invention also provide for systems to determine the differential reflectivity and/or the magnitude of the co-polar correlation coefficient and the differential phase in a dual polarization radar system.
US08665141B2 Obtaining a calibration parameter for an antenna array
Embodiments herein include a method for obtaining a calibration parameter for an antenna array. The antenna array comprises a first and a second radio module with respective associated antennas, wherein both radio modules comprise a main transmitter and a connected calibration receiver or both radio modules comprise a main receiver and a connected calibration transmitter. The method comprises: injecting a first calibration signal in the first radio module and measuring a first response to the first calibration in the first radio module. This injecting and measuring is repeated for all combinations of the first and second radio modules. Finally, a numerical value is calculated using the responses; a calibration parameter is calculated based on the calculated numerical value. Embodiments herein also include a corresponding antenna array, computer program and computer program product.
US08665140B2 Method and device for processing signal, and radar device
This disclosure provides a signal processing device, which includes an echo signal input unit for being inputted with echo signals caused by electromagnetic waves discharged from an antenna and reflected on one or more target objects, an echo signal level detector for detecting a level of each of the echo signals with reference to an azimuth and a distance to the antenna, a level change detector for detecting a level change between the echo signals from locations close to each other, the locations of the echo signals being such that the distances from the antenna are substantially the same but the azimuths are different, a pattern output module for comparing the level change with a predetermined reference pattern and outputting a level change pattern, and a missing determining module for determining a missing of a signal based on at least two of the level change patterns.
US08665138B2 Method and system for reducing light pollution
A system for preventing light pollution includes one or more radar units that monitor for vehicles in a volume surrounding or containing one or more obstructions having one or more obstruction lights. A master radar detection processing unit receives sensed radar detection information from the one or more radar units with associated radar signal processing units and determines whether a vehicle is present within the monitored volume. A plurality of obstruction light controller units are interconnected in a network, such as a wireless network. Each obstruction light controller unit turns on an obstruction light when a vehicle enters the monitored volume or a failure condition exists, and turns off the obstruction light when the vehicle has vacated the monitored volume and no failure condition exists. The one or more radar units can transmit sensed radar detection information to a master radar detection processing unit via the network.
US08665136B2 Image processing device, radar apparatus equipped with the same, method of processing image, and image processing program
This disclosure provides an image processing device, which includes a relative trail image memory for storing a relative trail data group indicating relative changes in position of a target object detected by echo signals obtained corresponding to detection signals transmitted while changing a transmitting azimuth direction, with respect to a transmitting position from which the detection signals are transmitted, and an approaching target object determination processing module for determining whether the target object detected with the detection signals is an approaching target object that approaches the transmitting position based on relative trail data existing on the same sweep line among the relative trail data group stored in the relative trail image memory.
US08665135B2 Radar device
A radar device is disclosed, which includes an antenna for transmitting an electromagnetic wave and receiving an echo signal from a target object while rotating in a horizontal plane, a display module for displaying the target object so as to correspond the echo signal to a position of the target object with respect to the antenna, a speed calculation module for calculating a relative velocity of the antenna and the target object, and a risk level detection module for detecting a risk level of the target object based on the relative velocity of the target object calculated by the speed calculation module. The speed calculation module calculates the relative velocity of the target object based on a change in phases of at least two of the echo signals received at a different time. The display module controls a display mode of the target object based on the risk level.
US08665133B2 Methods and systems for presenting weather hazard information on an in-trail procedures display
Systems and methods for improving situational awareness on an in-trails procedures display. A radar system transmits a radar signal and receives and stores weather radar reflectivity values into a three-dimensional buffer. A processor determines whether any of the stored weather reflectivity values indicate the presence of a weather hazard and generates one or more weather hazard icons based on the stored weather reflectivity values. An in-trail procedures display device displays the generated weather hazard icons. Wake vortex information for other aircraft is generated and outputted on the in-trail procedures display. Also, the processor receives a request for an altitude change and generates an alert when the aircraft is determined not to be cleared to transition to the requested altitude based on a projected transition, any existing weather hazards, wake vortices of proximate aircraft, and in-trail procedures.
US08665132B2 System and method for iterative fourier side lobe reduction
A method and system for generating images from projection data comprising: at least one processor for processing input data, the input data comprising positional data and image data, the image data comprising frequency data for a pre-determined number k frequencies the at least one processor operating to: a) set the frequency data to zero for a predetermined percentage of the k frequencies to form modified frequency data; b) form a preliminary image comprising an array of retained pixel values based upon first positional data and the modified frequency data; c) set the frequency data to zero for a predetermined percentage of the k frequencies to form modified frequency data; d) form a modified image comprising an array of pixels based upon the positional data and the modified frequency data; e) compare the retained array of pixel values to the pixel values of the modified image formed at step (d); f) retain the minimum pixel value at each pixel location to form an image comprising minimum pixel values; g) repeat steps (c) through (f) for L iterations each time retaining an array of pixel values; h) output the image of retained pixel values.
US08665128B2 Sigma-delta difference-of-squares log-RMS to DC converter with forward path multiplier and chopper stabilization
A sigma-delta (ΣΔ) difference-of-squares LOG-RMS to digital converter for true RMS detection by merging a ΣΔ modulator with an analog LOG-RMS to DC converter based on a difference-of-squares. Chopper-stabilization, implemented through commutators running at two different frequencies, can be employed to reduce sensitivity to DC offsets and low-frequency errors, resulting in an extension of the useful input-referred dynamic range. High-order ΣΔ LOG-RMS converters can be implemented with a loop filter containing multiple integrators and feedforward and/or feedback paths for frequency compensation. The resulting implementations are ΣΔ difference-of-squares LOG-RMS to DC converters with a natural digital output and a logarithmically compressed dynamic range.
US08665126B2 ΣΔ difference-of-squares LOG-RMS to DC converter with forward and feedback paths signal squaring
A sigma-delta (ΣΔ) difference-of-squares LOG-RMS to digital converter” by merging a traditional ΣΔ modulator with an analog LOG-RMS to DC converter based on a difference-of-squares concept. Two basic architectures include one based on two squaring cells in the feedforward and feedback paths and a second based on a single squaring cell in the forward path. High-order ΣΔ LOG-RMS can be implemented with a loop filter containing multiple integrators and feedforward and/or feedback paths for frequency compensation. The embodiments as described allow the implementations of ΣΔ difference-of-squares LOG-RMS to DC converters with a natural digital output and a logarithmically compressed dynamic range.
US08665124B2 Compression format for high bandwidth dictionary compression
Method, apparatus, and systems employing dictionary-based high-bandwidth lossless compression. A pair of dictionaries having entries that are synchronized and encoded to support compression and decompression operations are implemented via logic at a compressor and decompressor. The compressor/decompressor logic operatives in a cooperative manner, including implementing the same dictionary update schemes, resulting in the data in the respective dictionaries being synchronized. The dictionaries are also configured with replaceable entries, and replacement policies are implemented based on matching bytes of data within sets of data being transferred over the link. Various schemes are disclosed for entry replacement, as well as a delayed dictionary update technique. The techniques support line-speed compression and decompression using parallel operations resulting in substantially no latency overhead.
US08665120B2 Primary flight display pitch- and power-based unreliable airspeed symbology
A system for displaying pitch- and power-based guidance commands and flight path information for a variety of display modes (climb, cruise, descent, landing) to pilots in response to situations wherein the measured air data should not be relied upon. This information is presented in an intuitive and expedient manner exactly when and where it is needed on the primary flight display. The displayed information dynamically changes in response to airplane parameters.
US08665119B2 Electrically activated latch for aircraft stowage bins
An electrically activated latch for aircraft stowage bins includes an overhead stowage bin module having a stationary support structure and a movable stowage bin portion. An electrically operated stowage bin latch mechanism latches the movable stowage bin portion in a closed position and unlatches the movable stowage bin portion to an open position. An electrically operated stowage bin activation switch operates the stowage bin latch mechanism, allowing the aircraft stowage bins to be locked by independently controlling the overhead stowage bins through the aircraft cabin management system, or by control of the latch by the stowage bin activation switch.
US08665117B2 Method and apparatus for supporting a parking process of a vehicle
The invention relates to a method and a device for assisting a parking process of a vehicle (1) into a longitudinal parking space (P) which is arranged next to a carriageway (F) having a measuring device for measuring the parking space (P) while said vehicle (1) travels past, and for determining the position of a front boundary (A2) and/or of a rear boundary (A1) of the longitudinal parking space (P), and having an evaluation device for determining, on the basis of the position (O1, O2) of the front boundary (A2) and/or of the rear boundary (A1), a parked position (G2) of the vehicle (1) in the longitudinal parking space (P), and of determining a parking travel (E).So that the parked position (G) of the vehicle (1) can be defined by the evaluation unit in a particularly reliable way, the profile of the travel (V) of the vehicle (1) is measured by the measuring device as said vehicle (1) passes the longitudinal parking space (P), and is additionally taken into account in the definition of the parked position (G) of the vehicle (1) by the evaluation device.
US08665116B2 Parking assist overlay with variable brightness intensity
A parking assist system overlay that adjusts the color and/or intensity of locus lines at a predetermined steering wheel angle to alert a vehicle operator that static or dynamic locus lines should be followed to ensure the vehicle successfully reaches a target parking space.
US08665114B2 Display
The present invention provides a display for traffic control within a region of traffic flow, comprising an array of lights arranged for illumination to indicate to traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with a first path of travel the likely movement of traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with a second path of travel different from the first, and thus whether said traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with said second path of travel has a right of way over traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with said first path of travel.
US08665112B2 Message broadcast system and method for vehicular network
The present invention provides a message broadcast system and method for vehicular network. The system comprises a positioning device, a transmitting device and a processing device. The positioning device positions a location data of a vehicle. The transmitting device transmits a first packet to a neighbor vehicle. The processing device is coupled to the positioning device and transmitting device. The processing device determines the transmitting device transmits a second packet to the neighbor vehicle when the vehicle is in a section of crossroads. The processing device determines whether the vehicle is in a section of crossroads or a road section according to a third packet periodically transmitted from the neighbor vehicle.
US08665110B2 Transmitting electric power into a bore hole
A system for transmitting electric power into a bore hole, the system having an electric transmission line extending through the bore hole between an electric power source and a receiving station, wherein the receiving station includes frequency increasing means for increasing the frequency of the electric current supplied through the electric transmission line, voltage converter means for changing the voltage of the electric current supplied to it via the frequency increasing means, connecting means for supplying the frequency-increased electric current to the voltage converter means, and means for connecting an electric load to the receiving station.
US08665107B2 Physical layer management using RFID and near-field coupling techniques
An intelligent network physical layer management system is provided that includes hardware that tracks the connection of plugs of patch cords in interconnect or cross-connect patching environments. RFID signaling is combined with near-field communication techniques to provide a reliable physical layer management system. In interconnect configurations, RFID tags are associated with switch ports of an Ethernet switch, enabling the system of the present invention to detect patch cord insertion and removal at switch ports and to receive information about the switch ports. In cross-connect configurations, RFID signaling is used to track the connections of patch cords between two patch panels. Systems according to the present invention avoid the problems associated with traditional galvanic connections previously used for tracking patch cord connections. An alternative common-mode system is also described.
US08665102B2 Transceiver interface for power system monitoring
A system and method for filtering electric power system data communicated from faulted circuit indicators (FCIs) and at least one other source before the electric power system data is further communicated to a monitoring system such as SCADA. The power system data from the FCIs may include an event such as a fault on the electric power system. To avoid sending incorrect or excess information along to the monitoring system, the present disclosure describes a system and method for comparing data from the FCIs against electric power system data gathered either directly from the electric power system or from an intelligent electronic device (IED). If the two sets of data agree, then the information is passed on to the monitoring system. The FCIs may communicate to a transceiver interface periodically, upon detection of an event, and/or upon interrogation by the transceiver interface.
US08665101B2 System method and device for leak detection and localization in a pipe network
The invention provides a system for leak detection of a fluid in a pipe network. The system includes flow meters, and vibration detectors adapted to be attached to a pipe at a location in the pipe network. A processor analyzes signals generated by the flow meters and vibration detectors to identify the presence of one or more leaks in the pipe network. The invention also provides a method for detecting and localizing leaks in a pipeline network, and a device comprising a flow meter integral with a vibration detector for use in the system of the invention.
US08665095B2 EAS tag for irregular objects
An EAS tag has an adjustable retention cable for attaching the tag to an irregularly shaped object. A clutch mechanism prevents the retention cable from being released without authorization. The tag may carry electronic components including a circuit board, microprocessor, battery, audible alarm generator, light emitting diode, anti-tamper switches, infrared communication port, and other communication electronics. The tag may also carry an EAS element such as a harmonic element or acousto-magnetic element. An EAS system with which the EAS tag is associated may communicate with the EAS tag and obtain information, arm, disarm, encode information, and otherwise reprogram the tag via the infrared communication port or other means.
US08665093B2 Anti theft electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus comprises a main apparatus portion, a unique identification device for attachment in close proximity to the main apparatus portion and an interrogation system provided as part of the main apparatus portion for wirelessly interrogating the identification device such that the main apparatus portion function is enabled only when in close proximity to the identification device. The identification device is adapted to be made disfunctional by detachment or attempted detachment. In this arrangement, the main apparatus portion is the normal electronic apparatus to be protected from theft. It is provided with an interrogation system so that it can be made to cease functioning if not in close proximity to the identification device.
US08665091B2 Method and device for determining elapsed sensor life
Methods and systems for determining elapsed sensor life in medical systems, and more specifically continuous analyte monitoring systems.
US08665090B2 Multi-modal load control system having occupancy sensing
A multi-modal load control system includes a sensor that operates as an occupancy sensor in a first mode of operation and operates as a vacancy sensor in a second mode of operation. The load control system comprises a load control circuit adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source and an electrical load for controlling the amount of power delivered to the load in response to sensor, which is operable to detect occupancy or vacancy conditions in a space in which the sensor is located. In the first mode of operation, the load control circuit turns the load on when the sensor detects the occupancy condition and turns the load off when the sensor detects the vacancy condition. In the second mode of operation, the load control circuit turns the load off when the sensor detects the vacancy condition and does not turn the load on when the sensor detects the occupancy condition.
US08665088B2 Method and apparatus involving global positioning and long-range wireless link using a tag
A tag has a transmitter for transmitting first wireless signals, and a receiver for receiving second wireless signals from which the tag can determine its current physical location. A different embodiment includes a tag having a transmitter for transmitting wireless signals, and a reader having a receiver for receiving the wireless signals, the receiver in the reader being an ultra-sensitive receiver.
US08665087B2 Wearable or portable device including sensors and an image input for establishing communications interoperability and situational awareness of events at an incident site
Common handheld transceivers operating on different frequencies with differing protocols can be provided with a mini module attached to the handheld transceiver that not only converts the audio information available from the handheld to the format and frequency of the temporary incident area network (20), the mini module also provides a sensor platform coupled to a wide variety of sensors whose data gathering capabilities in the vicinity of the individual are used to provide an incident commander or other individuals at nodes on the network with data to ascertain the conditions at the incident scene in the vicinity of the individual. Thus not only can information pertaining to the immediate health of and danger to emergency personnel be ascertained quickly, the transmission of sensor and image data over the same network provides situational awareness for the incident commanders and indeed for all those coupled to nodes on the network.
US08665084B2 Security system and method
A security control apparatus, system and method are provided. The security control apparatus includes a wireless communication element that supports a plurality of wireless communication protocols. The wireless communication element is configured to provide wireless communications with a user interface device and at least one premise-based device. A remote communication element is configured to provide remote communications with a monitoring center. A processor is in communication with the local wireless communication element and the remote communication element. The processor is configured to use the wireless communication element to communicate with the user interface device to receive local control and configuration data. The processor is also configured to use the remote communication element to communicate data associated with at least one of a life safety feature and life style feature with the monitoring center.
US08665077B2 Circuit for selectively producing switching signals, especially for a vehicle door locking, a vehicle, system and method equipped therewith for protecting areas of risk as well as a system, system components and method for hermetically transferring validatable data
The invention relates to a circuit for selectively producing switching signals, in particular signals used for locking vehicle doors, a vehicle provided with said circuit, a system and method for protecting areas of risk and a system, components and method for hermetically transferring validated data. For automotive engineering, it is desired that certain switching processes in or outside the vehicle like the opening of a door, the actuation of a start button or the activation of a parking brake be carried out exclusively by a driver. The aim of said invention is to develop the solutions which make it possible to advantageously produce distinctive signals for coordinating a switching process. For this purpose, the inventive method for generating switching signals consists in producing said signals according to the selective activation of a switching device by a user. The inventive circuit is characterized in that the device signal is emitted towards the user and is transmitted by the user during the actuation of the switching device. The switching signal is produced by said device.
US08665075B2 Gesture-initiated remote control programming
A method and system for configuring a universal remote control (URC) to control a remote-controlled device includes establishing a communication link between the URC and the remote-controlled device in response to detecting a gesture motion of the URC. Device information may be received from the remote-controlled device and used by the URC to program the URC to control the remote-controlled device. The URC may be configured to control a plurality of remote-controlled devices. The communication link may be a near field wireless communication link.
US08665074B1 RFID tag chips and tags with alternative behaviors and methods
RFID tags, ICs for RFID tags, and methods are provided. In some embodiments, an RFID tag includes a memory with multiple sections, and a processing block. The processing block may map one of these sections, or another of these sections, for purposes of responding to a first command from an RFID reader. As such, an RFID tag can operate according to the data stored in the section mapped at the time. In some embodiments, a tag can even transition from mapping one of the sections to mapping another of the sections. This can amount to the tag exhibiting alternative behaviors, and permits hiding data on the tag.
US08665072B2 Electronic monitoring systems, shipment container monitoring systems and methods of monitoring a shipment in a container
A shipping container has passive radio antenna element having internal and external antennas. A connector spanning the wall joins the two antennas. An internal communications device is disposed within the container and an external communications device is disposed external to the container. Another shipping container has a repeater element having internal and external antennas. A repeater unit spans the wall joining the two antennas. A communications device is disposed within the container and another communications device is disposed externally. RF signals are re-radiated by the antennas. Methodology includes inputting PF signals from a communication device disposed at a first location, receiving the signals through an antenna comprised by an antenna element, and re-radiating the signal from a second antenna comprised by the element, where the element spans the wall of a shipping container. The re-radiated signal is received by a second communications device disposed at a second location.
US08665071B2 Methods and systems for using RFID in biological field
Biological reagent carrier devices and methods are disclosed, which employ RFID techniques to associate information with biological reagents.
US08665070B2 Mobile electronic device
According to one embodiment, a mobile electronic device that makes an initial response in a slot marker system, includes a reception unit configured to receive an initial response command from a terminal, a recognition unit configured to recognize a total slot number N (integer equal to or greater than 2) set in the terminal, from the initial response command received by the reception unit, a logic unit configured to generate an integer n from a random number, a storage unit configured to store data set to the mobile electronic device and representing whether the mobile electronic device is a main device or a sub device, and a control unit configured to cause the logic unit to generate 0 as integer n, thereby responding to the initial response command for the first time, if the mobile electronic device is set as the main device.
US08665061B2 Intelligent electronic device having user-authenticating capabilities
An intelligent electronic device (IED) includes a user authentication module configured for authenticating authorized users of the IED and preventing an access by non-authorized personnel to a user-selectable portion of operational features of the IED. In exemplary embodiments, the user authentication module includes a database of information authenticating an authorized user and a sensor acquiring user-identifying information (e.g., a biometric sensor, a reader of magnetic, holographic, RFID, or smart ID cards, or a keypad). In one application, these techniques are implemented in IEDs such as electrical power and energy meters and used to control access to reset, configuration, billing, communication, and data acquisition/processing functions of the meters.
US08665059B2 High frequency resistor
An ultra wideband frequency compensated resistor and related methodologies for frequency compensation are disclosed. In exemplary configuration, a resistive layer is provided over a substrate, and a frequency compensating structure is provided over at least a portion of the resistive layer and separated therefrom by an insulative layer. In certain embodiments, the insulating layer may be an adhesive that may also be effective to secure a protective cover over the resistive material and supporting substrate. In selected embodiments, the frequency compensating structure corresponds to a plurality of conductive layers, one or more of which may be directly electrically connected to terminations for the resistive material while one or more of the conductive layers are not so connected.
US08665051B2 Vertical transformer
A vertical transformer comprising a core provided with a middle leg installing a first and a second coils, a side leg, a first connection part connecting an end of the middle leg and that of the side leg, and a second connection part connecting the other end of the middle leg and that of the side leg, a first bobbin provided with a first hollow cylinder where at least either the first or the second coil is wound, and a core on-board face connected to an end of the first hollow cylinder, and an adhesive hardened part connecting a connection side face, and the core on-board face, and formed by hardening an adhesion, wherein the core on-board face is provided with a positioning part positioning the connection side face, and a positioning projection, is formed on both sides of the first connection part.
US08665049B2 Graphene-coated coupling coil for AC resistance reduction
At least one graphene layer is formed to laterally surround a tube so that the basal plane of each graphene layer is tangential to the local surface of the tube on which the graphene layer is formed. An electrically conductive path is provided around the tube for providing high conductivity electrical path provided by the basal plane of each graphene layer. The high conductivity path can be employed for high frequency applications such as coupling coils for wireless power transmission to overcome skin depth effects and proximity effects prevalent in high frequency alternating current paths.
US08665044B2 Cover for an electronic device
A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
US08665043B2 Rotor and assembly procedure thereof
For so-called pole wheels, as they are used for angle detection through magnetic field sensors, centering is facilitated and the service life of the pole wheel is increased by fixating the magnet ring rotationally and disengageable through sliding it on a prefabricated hub through a mounting device, which is disposed there between, like e.g. a friction locking band.
US08665040B1 Field programmable filter array
A field programmable filter array with high spectral isolation and reconfigurability. A bank of resonators can be programmed at will and on the fly to give any type of filtering response. The order, type and bandwidth of the filter are electronically reconfigured. Each subset of resonators can switch between bandstop and bandpass configurations and form custom filter shapes consisting of combinations of bandstop and bandpass filters. The filter can include a unit cell of a resonator with a series of switches to enable coupling to any of its nearest neighbors. The path in which the flow of energy takes through the array of resonators is dynamic, and the filtering function which is created is dialable on demand.
US08665039B2 Dual mode cavity filter assembly operating in a TE22N mode
A microwave cavity filter is configured for operation in the dual TE22N mode to realize a very high Q factor at very high frequency ranges. The microwave filter is formed from using one or more cylindrical cavities in which two orthogonal field polarizations of the TE22N mode are excited and coupled together by means of a coupling element. Different combinations of inter-cavity irises provide for both direct and cross-coupling of aligned field polarizations in adjacent cavities, as required, to realize complex filter functions. The irises may be formed in either a side or end wall of the cavities for both collinear and planar mount configuration. Negative mode coupling also allows for transmission zeros to be realized on either side of the filter passband.
US08665034B2 Varactor tuning control using redundant numbering
Techniques for improved tuning control of varactor circuits are disclosed. For example, an apparatus comprises a plurality of varactors for tuning a frequency value. The plurality of varactors comprises approximately sqrt(2N) varactors, where N is a number of tuning steps and the plurality of varactors are respectively sized as 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, . . . , approximately sqrt(2N)x, and where x is a unit of capacitance. A given one of the N tuning steps may be represented by more than one combination of varactors. This may be referred to as redundant numbering.
US08665031B2 System and method for improved start-up of self-oscillating electro-mechanical surgical devices
An oscillating circuit for determining a resonant frequency of an electro-mechanical oscillating device and for driving the electro-mechanical oscillating device at the determined resonant frequency includes a driving circuit and a start-up, impetus injection circuit. The driving circuit is configured to receive one or more reference signals and further configured to provide a driving signal related to the reference signals to the electro-mechanical oscillating device. The start-up, impetus injection circuit is operably coupled to the electro-mechanical oscillating device and configured to selectively provide a start-up excitation signal to the electro-mechanical oscillation device. The start-up, impetus injection circuit is activated upon start-up of the oscillating circuit to drive the electro-mechanical oscillation device and the driving circuit determines a resonant frequency by measuring a parameter related to the resonant frequency of the electro-mechanical oscillating device.
US08665028B2 Amplifier with integrated filter
An amplifier with integrated filter (e.g., an LNA) is described. In one design, the amplifier may include a gain stage, a filter stage, and a buffer stage. The gain stage may provide signal amplification for an input signal. The filter stage may provide filtering for the input signal. The buffer stage may buffer a filtered signal from the filter stage. The amplifier may further include a second filter stage and a second buffer stage. The second filter stage may provide additional filtering for the input signal. The second buffer stage may buffer a second filtered signal from the second filter stage. All of the stages may be stacked and coupled between a supply voltage and circuit ground. The filter stage(s) may implement an elliptical lowpass filter. Each filter stage may include an inductor and a capacitor coupled in parallel and forming a resonator tank to attenuate interfering signals.
US08665027B2 Amplifier for wireless receiver and associated method
An amplifier for wireless receivers and an associated method is provided. The amplifier provides an output signal to an output terminal in response to an input signal received from an input terminal, and further includes a first block and a second block. The first block is coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal, and includes a gain control terminal and a first transistor. The gain control terminal is coupled to a gain control signal, while the gain control signal is provided such that the first transistor is kept operating in a triode region, and a gain of the output signal over the input signal can be seamlessly tuned in response to the gain control signal.
US08665026B2 Gain control system
A gain control system may include an input terminal that receives an input signal. The gain control system may include a first transistor having a source connected with the input terminal and a drain connected with an output terminal. The gain control system may include a second transistor having a gate connected with the input terminal and the source of the first transistor. The second transistor may have a drain connected with the output terminal. The second transistor may generate a reduction signal. The output terminal may output an output signal based on the input signal and the reduction signal.
US08665025B2 Push-pull amplification systems and methods
An amplification system is provided that comprises a push-pull amplifier system having a first power transistor series coupled with a second power transistor that alternately switch between a push-pull amplifier mode of operation and a single-ended amplifier mode of operation. In the push-pull amplifier mode, both the first power transistor and the second power transistor alternately conduct to provide an amplified output signal to an output load in response to an input signal having an amplitude that is greater than or equal to a threshold level. In the single-ended amplifier mode of operation, the first power transistor conducts and the second power transistor is disabled for amplification purposes in response to the input signal having an amplitude that is less than the threshold level.
US08665021B2 Apparatus and methods for amplifier power supply control
Apparatus and methods for amplifier power supply control are provided. In certain implementations, an amplifier includes an input amplification stage and a power supply control block for generating a power high supply and a power low supply for the input amplification stage. The power supply control block receives a reference signal indicative of a common-mode input voltage of the amplifier, and the power supply control block adjusts a voltage level of the power high and power low supplies while maintaining a substantially constant voltage difference between the power high and power low supplies. The power supply control block changes the voltage level of the power high and power low supplies based on the reference signal such that the voltage levels of the power high and power low supplies move in relation to the common-mode input voltage.
US08665019B2 Power amplifier
A power amplifier is provided. The power amplifier includes a loading circuit, a first stage amplifying circuit, an analog pre-distorter, a loading circuit and a second stage amplifying circuit. The first stage amplifying circuit is coupled to the loading circuit to receive a first signal and output a second signal accordingly. The analog pre-distorter is coupled to the first stage amplifying circuit to detect the envelope of the second signal and generates a third signal according to the envelope. The second stage amplifying circuit is coupled to the first stage amplifying circuit to receive the second signal. The loading circuit is biased on the third signal. The gain of the first stage amplifying circuit is related to the third signal.
US08665018B2 Integrated circuit, wireless communication unit and method for a differential interface for an envelope tracking signal
An integrated circuit for providing a differential interface for an envelope tracking signal is described. The integrated circuit includes a subtraction module having a first input for receiving a digital envelope tracking signal and a second input for receiving a second signal, wherein the subtraction module is arranged to subtract the second signal from the digital envelope tracking signal and produce an envelope tracking signal with a reduced average direct current (DC) component; a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) arranged to receive the envelope tracking signal with the reduced average DC component and produce a differential analog version thereof; and a modulator operably coupled to a differential output of the DAC, wherein the modulator comprises a DC input point arranged to insert a DC component into the differential analog version of the envelope tracking signal.
US08665017B2 Amplifier circuit and radio communication apparatus
An amplifier circuit of envelope tracking scheme has a timing adjusting unit having a finite number of adjustment values for adjusting time by which the output is delayed from the input, and capable of adjusting a time difference between an input signal and a power supply voltage which reach an amplifier, by making a selection from the adjustment values; a test signal output unit capable of repeatedly sending out a test signal serving as the input signal at predetermined cycles; and an adjustment value determining unit sequentially measuring output power for m (≦k) periods from the amplifier while changing an adjustment value of the timing adjusting unit to a different value every k periods of the test signal, searching for an adjustment value at which a total sum of the output power form periods is maximum, and setting the adjustment value on the timing adjusting unit.
US08665014B2 I/Q demodulation apparatus and method with phase scanning
An I/Q demodulation apparatus and method with phase scanning are provided. The demodulation apparatus includes a ring oscillator, a first latch unit, a decoding unit, a counter unit, a second latch unit, a first arithmetical unit and a second arithmetical unit. The first latch unit samples phase signals outputted from the ring oscillator. The decoding unit decodes the output of the first latch unit to correspondingly generate fine code of a first, a second, a third and a fourth codes. The counter unit counts the phase signals. The second latch unit samples the output of the counter unit to correspondingly generate coarse code of the first, the second, the third and the fourth codes. The first arithmetical unit performs an addition/subtraction operation by using the first code and the second code. The second arithmetical unit performs the addition/subtraction operation by using the third code and the fourth code.
US08665013B2 Monolithic integrated circuit chip integrating multiple devices
A monolithic integrated circuit (IC) chip containing a plurality of transistors, including: a substrate; a first transistor on the substrate; and a second transistor integrally formed on the substrate with the first transistor, the second transistor having a different structure than the first transistor, wherein the first transistor includes a first material system and the second transistor includes a second material system different from the first material system. The monolithic IC chip may further include a third transistor integrally formed on the substrate with the first and second transistors. The first transistor may include gallium nitride (GaN) and the second and third transistors may include silicon carbide (SiC).
US08665010B2 Circuit and method for sub-harmonic elimination of a power converter
A circuit and method are provided for a power converter to select one from a plurality of current limit signals as a final current limit signal according to the present duty ratio of a power switch for the pulse width modulation of the next cycle, so that the duty ratio of the power switch in the next cycle is prevented from acute variation to eliminate sub-harmonic which otherwise may happen.
US08665009B2 Integrated circuit and method for controlling load on the output from on-chip voltage generation circuitry
An integrated circuit and method are provided for controlling variation in the voltage output from on-chip voltage generation circuitry. The integrated circuit comprises voltage generation circuitry configured to operate from a supplied input voltage and to generate at an output node an on-chip voltage supply different to the supplied input voltage. A circuit block is then arranged to receive the on-chip voltage supply generated by the voltage generation circuitry, during operation of the circuit block the circuit block presenting a varying load on the output node. Oscillation circuitry is also coupled to the output node to provide an additional load on the output node, and is configured to produce an oscillation signal whose frequency varies as the value of the on-chip voltage supply varies. Control circuitry is configured to be responsive to a trigger condition to adjust the additional load provided on the output node by the oscillation circuitry. This provides a particularly simple and effective mechanism for providing an additional load on the output node which can be altered with the aim of offsetting variation in the load on the output node presented by the circuit block, thus allowing the variation in the voltage output from the on-chip voltage generation circuitry to be controlled.
US08664997B2 Rapid switchable HV P-MOS power transistor driver with constant gate-source control voltage
Systems and methods for providing a rapid switchable high voltage power transistor driver with a constant gate-source control voltage have been disclosed. A low voltage control stage keeps the gate-source voltage constant in spite of temperature and process variations. A high voltage supply voltage can vary between about 5.5 Volts and about 40 Volts. The circuit allows a high switching frequency of e.g. 1 MHz and minimizes static power dissipation.
US08664996B2 Clock generator and method of generating clock signal
A clock generator utilized for providing a clock signal includes: a first oscillator and a switching circuit. The switching circuit is coupled to the first oscillator and a second oscillator, and utilized for receiving a first oscillating signal generated from the first oscillator and a second oscillating signal generated from the second oscillator, and selecting one of the first oscillating signal and the second oscillating signal as the clock signal according to a status signal.
US08664995B2 Uniform-footprint programmable-skew multi-stage delay cell
Described embodiments provide a delay cell for a complementary metal oxide semiconductor integrated circuit. The delay cell includes a delay stage to provide an output signal having a programmable delay through the delay cell. The delay cell has a selectable delay value from a plurality of delay values and a selectable output skew value from a plurality of output skew values, where the cell size and terminal layout of the delay cell are relatively uniform for the plurality of delay values and the plurality of output skew values. The delay stage includes M parallel-coupled inverter stages of stacked PMOS transistors and stacked NMOS transistors. The stacked transistors have configurable source-drain connections between a drain and a source of each transistor, wherein the selectable delay value corresponds to a configuration of the configurable source-drain connections to adjust a delay value of each of the M inverter stages and an output skew value of the delay cell.
US08664993B2 Phase interpolator, multi-phase interpolation device, interpolated clock generating method and multi-phase clock generating method
A phase interpolator, multi-phase interpolation device, interpolated clock generating method and multi-phase clock generating method is related to a phase interpolator with a differential to single-ended converter, a load circuit, two differential pairs, a current source and at least a switch pair. By using the switch pair to control the current providing for the two differential pairs from the current source, and through regulating the load of the load circuit and/or the reference current of the current source, the intersection of a first signal and a second signal is in the overlap duration between a first input clock and a second input clock, so that uniform multi-phase output clock signal can be interpolated.
US08664992B2 Duty cycle controlling circuit, duty cycle adjusting cell, and dutycycle detecting circuit
A duty cycle controlling circuit for adjusting duty cycle of a target clock signal to a desired value, comprises: a first duty cycle adjusting cell, for receiving a first duty cycle control signal to adjust duty cycle of an input clock signal to generate a first output clock signal as the target clock signal; and a duty cycle detecting module, for generating the first duty cycle control signal according to the first output clock signal.
US08664991B1 Apparatus and methods for phase-locked loops
Apparatus and methods for phase-locked loops (PLLs) are provided. In certain implementations, a PLL includes a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) including first and second frequency control circuits, which are coupled to first and second frequency control inputs, respectively. Additionally, the PLL can further include a loop filter, a high frequency pole circuit, and a low frequency pole circuit. The high frequency pole circuit can be electrically connected between the loop filter's output and the VCO's first frequency control input, and the low frequency pole circuit can be electrically connected between the loop filter's output and the VCO's second frequency control input.
US08664988B1 Circuits and methods for clock generation using a flying-adder divider inside and optionally outside a phase locked loop
A phase locked loop including a flying-adder divider circuit configured to receive phases of a periodic signal from a frequency generator and output a feedback signal to a phase detector, and a method of generating a periodic signal using such a flying-adder circuit, are disclosed. The flying-adder divider circuit generally includes a flying-adder and one or two divide-by-N dividers. The flying-adder receives K phases of the periodic signal, where K is an integer of at least 2, and generates a divided periodic signal from the K phases. The phase locked loop may include flying-adder divider circuits inside and/or outside the loop.
US08664987B2 Filtering circuit, phase identity determination circuit and delay locked loop
A filtering circuit includes a clock selection unit configured to transfer a first clock or a second clock having a frequency lower than the first clock as an operating clock in response to a frequence signal, and a filter configured to filter an input signal and generate a filtered signal in synchronization with the operating clock.
US08664979B2 Track and hold circuit using a bootstrapping circuit
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a tracking system and method. The system includes a transistor switch having a gate node and a source node, a power source circuit connected to the gate node, and a bootstrapping circuit connected to the source node and to the gate node. The power source circuit charges the switch during a first tracking phase, and the bootstrapping circuit charges the switch during a second tracking phase.
US08664977B2 Ultra-low power multi-threshold asynchronous circuit design
A multi-threshold null convention logic circuit. The circuit includes a first circuit, a first high-threshold transistor coupled to Vcc, and an inverter receiving power from the first high-threshold transistor, driven by the first circuit, and including an output.
US08664975B1 Systems and methods for flexibly configuring a programmable logic device
Systems and methods for flexibly configuring one or more intellectual property (IP) blocks of a programmable logic device are described. The methods include configuring and operating a first portion of the programmable logic device before configuring a remaining portion of the programmable logic device. By operating the first portion before configuring the remaining portions, various timing constraints including power-up timing constraints can be met by the programmable logic device.
US08664974B2 Operational time extension
A reconfigurable integrated circuit (“IC”) that has several reconfigurable circuits, each having several configurations for several configuration cycles. The reconfigurable circuits include several time-extending reconfigurable circuits. During the operation of the IC, each particular time-extending reconfigurable circuit maintains at least one of its configurations over at least two contiguous cycles, in order to allow a signal to propagate through a signal path, which contains the particular time-extending circuit, within a desired amount of time.
US08664973B2 Common mode termination with C-multiplier circuit
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide input termination circuits that overcome the deficiencies of conventional designs. Specifically, embodiments eliminate large-on chip bypass capacitors that are commonly used for common mode termination, and instead use an active capacitor-multiplier (C-multiplier) circuit at the common mode node. The C-multiplier circuit mimics a large capacitor at high frequency. By eliminating large on-chip bypass capacitors, the IC design (e.g., receiver) is reduced in size, without affecting common mode return loss performance. Embodiments may be used with any applications that require input termination, and particularly with differential applications that require common mode termination.
US08664967B2 Inspection method and inspection apparatus
There is established an easier inspection method with which it is not required to set up probes on wires. Also, there is provided an inspection apparatus using this inspection method. With the inspection apparatus or inspection method, primary coils of an inspection substrate and secondary coils of a device substrate are superimposed on each other so that a certain space is maintained therebetween. An AC signal is inputted into the primary coils, thereby generating an electromotive force in each secondary coil by electromagnetic induction. Then, each circuit provided on the device substrate is driven using the electromotive force and information possessed by an electromagnetic wave or electric field generated in this circuit is monitored, thereby detecting each defective spot.
US08664965B2 Device for the measurement of electrical properties of fluids and method for measuring said electrical properties
Device (2) for measuring electric parameters of a fluid (F), comprising: two measurement circuits (8, 10) for measuring, respectively, the dielectric permittivity and the electrical conductivity of the fluid (F); two electrodes (5, 5′) facing each other from opposite sides of the fluid (F); a selector system (11) for alternatively connecting the two measurement circuits (8, 10) to the electrodes (5, 5′). Each electrode (5, 5′) comprises two sectors (5a, 5b) suited to establish mutually separate electrical contact with the fluid (F) and the electrical conductivity measurement circuit (10) comprises two measurement sections (V, A) of different impedance, each one of which being connectable to a corresponding sector (5a, 5b) of each electrode (5, 5′).
US08664961B2 Validation of arc flash detection systems
An arc flash validation unit may generate stimulus to be received by an arc flash detection unit (AFDU) and observe the response of the AFDU thereto. The response of the AFDU to the stimulus may allow for validation of the AFDU (e.g., validation that the AFDU is operating as expected). In addition, the arc flash validation unit may determine the response time of the AFDU. Different types of stimulus may be provided to the AFDU, including electro-optical (EO) stimulus (e.g., visible light), current stimulus, and the like. Results of the validation may be displayed on a human-machine interface, which may display an estimate of the total energy that would be released in an actual arc flash event. The estimate may be used to define appropriate safety parameters for the equipment monitored by the AFDU.
US08664958B2 Antenna of an electromagnetic probe for investigating geological formations
An antenna (3) of an electromagnetic probe used in investigation of geological formations GF surrounding a borehole WBH comprises a conductive base (31) and an antenna element (32). The conductive base (31) comprises an opened non-resonant cavity (33). The antenna element (32) is embedded in the cavity (33) and goes right through the cavity. The antenna element (32) is isolated from the conductive base (31). The antenna element (32) is coupled to at least one electronic module via a first 34A and a second 34B port, respectively. The electronic module operates the antenna so as to define a simultaneously superposed pure magnetic dipole and pure electric dipole.
US08664953B2 Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus setting field-of-view (FOV) based on patient size and region of interest (ROI)
When the settings of the region of interest are received from the operator, the measurement data acquisition control unit performs control so that an image for generating profile data is taken, and the data processing unit generates profile data in the encoding directions of the set region of interest. Then, the field-of-view setting unit sets the field of view in each of the encoding directions, based on the relationship between the dimensions of the subject P in the encoding directions that are calculated from the profile data of the encoding directions and the dimensions of the region of interest in the corresponding encoding directions, by use of coefficients stored in the coefficient storage unit.
US08664950B2 Method for measuring longitudinal bias magnetic field in a tunnel magnetoresistive sensor
A method for measuring longitudinal bias magnetic field in a tunnel magnetoresistive sensor of a magnetic head, the method includes the steps of: applying an external longitudinal time-changing magnetic field onto the tunnel magnetoresistive sensor; determining a shield saturation value of the tunnel magnetoresistive sensor under the application of the external longitudinal time-changing magnetic field; applying an external transverse time-changing magnetic field and an external longitudinal DC magnetic field onto the tunnel magnetoresistive sensor; determining a plurality of different output amplitudes under the application of the external transverse time-changing magnetic field and the application of different field strength values of the external longitudinal DC magnetic field; plotting a graph according to the different output amplitudes and the different field strength values; and determining the strength of the longitudinal bias magnetic field according to the graph and the shield saturation value.
US08664945B2 Magnetic angle sensor
A magnetic angle sensor comprises a semiconductor chip, at least two magnetic field concentrators of planar shape which are arranged on a surface of the semiconductor chip, and four Hall sensors. Each Hall sensor is assigned to one of the magnetic field concentrators and comprises a Hall element or a cluster of Hall elements. The Hall elements are integrated in the semiconductor chip and are arranged in the region of the edge of the assigned magnetic field concentrator where they are permeated by field lines of the magnetic field which extend approximately perpendicularly to the mentioned surface of the semiconductor chip in the region of the edge of the magnetic field concentrator. Two Hall sensors form a first pair of sensors for measuring a first component of the magnetic field and the two other Hall sensors form a second pair of sensors for measuring a second component of the magnetic field. Connecting lines which connect the Hall sensors which are arranged in the region of the edge of the same magnetic field concentrator run either parallel with respect to each other or form a single common line.
US08664942B2 Distance sensor
A sensor device for height measurement, air spring comprising a sensor device for height measuring and a corresponding method allowing determining the height also under rough conditions like noisy, dusty or vibrating environments.
US08664941B2 Magnetic sensor with low electric offset
A magnetic sensing system, including: a magnetic component proximate a movable mechanical component; and a magnetic sensor configured to determine a movement of the mechanical component based on a magnetic field produced by the magnetic component. The magnetic sensor includes: a low-offset magnetic sensing element; a high-sensitivity magnetic sensing element; and an offset compensation circuit configured to: determine a zero-crossing of a sensing field from an output of the low-offset magnetic sensing element; sample an offset value of the high-sensitivity magnetic sensing element at the zero-crossing; and subtract the offset value from an output of the high-sensitivity magnetic sensing element.
US08664939B2 Utility meter cover with interlocking bidirectional tab
A utility meter cover and complementary base are disclosed, the cover including a window section and a shroud. The shroud is for covering a complementary portion of a meter base, and includes: a radially extending base portion; an axial extension extending from the base portion, the axial extension for obstructing access to the complementary portion of the meter base; and a key member extending axially from the base portion, the key member having a bidirectional tab for engaging a slot in the complementary portion of the meter base.
US08664937B2 Non-invasive energy consumption monitoring
Devices, methods, and systems for non-invasive energy consumption monitoring are described herein. One or more device embodiments include a transformer configured to couple the device to a circuit conductor that is coupled to an additional device, a detection module configured to detect a change in a power signal over the circuit conductor, and a transmission module configured to transmit a unique signal associated with the additional device over the circuit conductor if the change in the power signal meets or exceeds a particular threshold.
US08664935B2 Magnetic shield for current transformer in electronic watt-hour meter
An electronic watt-hour meter; a current transformer operatively coupled to the electronic watt-hour meter; a first shield on a first side of the current transformer; and a second shield on a second side of the current transformer, wherein the second side is substantially parallel to the first side, wherein the first shield and the second shield each include a substantially magnetically permeable and conductive metal.
US08664934B2 System and method for verifying the operating frequency of digital control circuitry
A system and method are presented for verifying the operating frequency of digital control circuitry. The system and method according to the present disclosure provide for a digitally controlled system, such as an electrosurgical system, to confirm or verify its operating frequency using a single external device, and software and/or firmware.
US08664932B2 Voltage generating circuit, device including the same, and method of generating voltage
A voltage generating circuit includes a range adjusting unit configured to output a code signal for adjusting the range of an output voltage and to determine a magnitude of the output voltage to set a control code while an output range adjusting operation is performed. The range adjusting unit is configured to output the code signal in response to a data code received from the outside after the output range adjusting operation is complete. The voltage generating circuit includes a digital analog converter configured to output a conversion voltage in response to the code signal, and an output unit configured to set an amplification gain thereof according to the control code and to amplify the conversion voltage according to the amplification gain to output the output voltage.
US08664931B2 Self-optimizing energy harvester using generator having a variable source voltage
A self-optimizing energy harvester comprises a thermoelectric generator coupling to a thermal source, producing a source voltage greater than a minimum start-up voltage, where the thermoelectric generator drives a boost circuit and a feedforward circuit, delivering power to a load. A conventional boost circuit has a maximum output power only at the input voltage for which a fixed set point resistor is chosen. The feedforward circuit dynamically optimizes the boost circuit according to a dynamic set point resistance, thus increasing output power for a wide range of input voltages, relative to using a fixed reference resistor. The dynamic set point resistance is the sum of a variable resistance and a reference resistance. A sample element forms a differential voltage between the source and input voltage elements, and the variable resistance corresponds to the differential voltage. A reference resistor is chosen to establish the minimum start-up voltage.
US08664930B2 Method of stabilizing work consumption of passive element
While an electronic product including passive elements is connected to an AC input voltage source, corresponding decreased currents are calculated according to a constant input/output work and a voltage curve of the input voltage source. Therefore, while the electronic product is activated under voltage sources having different scales or being unstable, the calculated decreased currents are applied so as to stabilize the input work or the output work.
US08664929B2 Audio-skipping of a constant on-time power converter
When the switching frequency of a constant on-time power converter decreases to a threshold, the power converter is switched from the original operation of triggering a constant on-time of a high-side switch responsive to the output voltage of the power converter reaching a valley point to the operation of triggering a constant off-time of the high-side switch responsive to the output voltage reaching a peak point, to thereby prevent the power converter from operating in an audio frequency range.
US08664928B2 Digital power factor correction device
A digital power factor correction device is provided, which is an all-digital control module. The digital power factor correction device includes a voltage loop control unit, an input power control unit, a current loop control unit, and a pulse width modulation generation unit, to perform power factor correction for minimizing the phase difference between input current and input voltage through adjusting input current with an external driver and a switch unit. The voltage loop control unit and the current loop control unit contain a proportion-integral-differentiation controller to form a voltage control loop and a current control loop, respectively. The input power control unit adjusts current waveform according to the input power, while the pulse width modulation generation unit determines the stop time of pulse width modulation to produce a pulse width modulation signal, to control the external driver and the switch unit for eliminating loading effect.
US08664925B2 Voltage regulator
Provided is a voltage regulator having low current consumption, which is capable of preventing a reverse current from flowing thereto from an output terminal (122), irrespective of a magnitude of a voltage of a VDD terminal (121). The voltage regulator has a circuit configuration in which voltage dividing resistors are not used for a comparator circuit for comparing the voltage of the VDD terminal (121) with a voltage of the output terminal (122), to thereby achieve lower current consumption.
US08664924B2 Standalone solar energy conversion system with maximum power point tracing and method of operating the same
A standalone solar energy conversion system includes a first DC-DC conversion apparatus, a second DC-DC conversion apparatus, and a control apparatus. The first DC-DC conversion apparatus receives a DC voltage and converts a voltage level of the DC voltage to provide a capacitance voltage. The second DC-DC conversion apparatus receives the capacitance voltage and converts a voltage level of the capacitance voltage. The control apparatus includes a first comparison unit and a second comparison unit. The capacitance voltage is compared to a first capacitance voltage command and a second capacitance voltage command through the first comparison unit and the second comparison unit, respectively, thus controlling output powers of the first DC-DC conversion apparatus and the second DC-DC conversion apparatus.
US08664918B2 Current control circuit
A plurality of current control MOS transistors and a plurality of current detection systems are provided, each of the current detection systems including a current detection transistor current-mirror connected to the current control MOS transistor and a current-voltage converter connected in series to the current detection transistor. The current detection systems are switched between one another for operation in response to the intensity of a charging current flowing through the current control transistors.
US08664917B2 Adapter and method for mobile unit charging and communication
The present disclosure includes an adapter and associated method of use for mobile unit (MU) charging and communication that enables multiple connector types to be utilized with a single charger or charging station. The adapter enables standardization of a connector scheme on newer MUs while maintaining compatibility with current or older MU devices. Specifically, the adapter resides between the MU and a charging device or station. The adapter may include various connector features mimicking connectors of various different MUs, thus allowing it to interface with a device of a different connector design. Advantageously, the adapter enables enterprises to deploy various cradles throughout facilities and achieves universal connections for a plurality of different MUs. In an exemplary embodiment, the adapter provides connectivity between various MUs and their associated cradles and a hook and pivoting latching system.
US08664910B2 Electronic device with power generation function
The present invention provides an electronic device with a secondary cell which has a simple structure and is capable of extending a continuous operating period by compensating for power consumption through effective utilization of a light source and external light. On a rear face of a casing 201 of a mobile phone, a light source 204, a conductive key sheet 203 having a plurality of operation keys 206 and a solar battery 202 are layered. Each of the operation keys 206 is exposed outwards through a through-hole 208 of the solar battery 202 and a through-hole 207 of the casing 201. The key sheet 203 guides the light from the light source 204 and the light from the outside of the casing 201 to the solar battery 202 and guides the light from the light source 204 onto the operation key 206. The solar battery 202 receives the light from the light source 204 and the outside of the casing 201 through the key sheet 203 and converts the light into electric energy to be charged into a secondary cell.
US08664907B2 Fast switching for power inverter
An apparatus includes an inverter including a high-side switch coupled to a low-side switch, the inverter generating a time-varying drive current from a plurality of drive control signals, a positive rail voltage, and a negative rail voltage wherein controlling the switches to generate the time-varying drive current produces a potential transitory overshoot condition for one of the switches of the inverter; a drive control, coupled to the inverter, to generate the drive control signals and to set a level of each of the rail voltages responsive to a plurality of controller signals; and a controller monitoring one or more parameters indicative of the potential transitory voltage overshoot condition, the controller dynamically adjusting, responsive to the monitored parameters, the controller signals to reduce a risk of occurrence of the potential transitory voltage overshoot condition.
US08664905B2 Control of brushless motor
Systems and methods for generating a signal useful in the commutation of current through windings of brushless direct current electric motors are provided. Such methods comprises detecting a kickback pulse in a non-driven winding of a motor; detecting a rotor-induced zero crossing in the non-driven winding following the detection of the kickback pulse; and using the detection of the rotor-induced zero crossing to generate a signal useful in commutation of the motor.
US08664904B2 Motor drive apparatus and electric power steering system using the same
A booster circuit of a motor drive apparatus has at least two sub-booster circuits connected in series. Each sub-booster circuit includes a booster coil, a boosting switching element, a reducing switching element and an output capacitor, and outputs, by boosting an input voltage, a boosted output voltage. The booster circuit 20 outputs from its final stage sub-booster circuit a booster output voltage, a total boosting ratio of which is a product of sub-boosting ratios of the series-connected sub-booster circuits. Thus, the booster output voltage supplied to a motor drive circuit is prevented from falling even when high power output is required.
US08664902B2 Polyphase AC motor, driving device and driving method therefor
Provided is an AC motor in a three-phase unbalanced state such as a claw-teeth type AC motor (108), which is reduced in magnetic flux pulsations and torque pulsations. Among the current command values of individual phases to be intrinsically given to an inverter (106) for feeding three-phase alternating currents of variable voltages/frequencies to the electric motor, a current command of an intermediate phase (a V-phase) having a smaller magnetic resistance of a stator core than those of other phases is subjected to a reducing correction by a correction unit (102) on the basis of the correction amount calculated by a current correction amount calculating unit (103), and the unbalanced three-phase alternating currents are fed to the AC motor (108), so that magnetic flux pulsations of a secondary electric angle and torque pulsations of the same order are reduced.
US08664898B2 Device and method of stopping induction motor
Provided are a device and method of stopping an induction motor. The includes: a frequency commanding unit for generating an operating frequency corresponding to a rotational speed command of the induction motor; a q-axis and d-axis V/F converter for outputting a first q-axis voltage (Vq1) proportional to the generated operating frequency and a first d-axis voltage (Vd1) proportional to a 0 frequency; a q-axis PI current controller for outputting a second q-axis voltage (Vq2) for stopping the induction motor when the operating frequency reaches a stopping frequency; a d-axis PI current controller for outputting a second d-axis voltage (Vd2) for stopping the induction motor when the operating frequency reaches the stopping frequency; and a selection unit for selecting and outputting the first q-axis and d-axis voltages (Vq1 and Vd1) or the second q-axis and d-axis voltages (Vq2 and Vd2) according to the operating frequency generated by the frequency commanding unit.
US08664895B2 Circuits and methods for driving light sources
A controller for controlling power to a light source includes a first sensing pin, a second sensing pin, a third sensing pin, and a driving pin. The first sensing pin receives a first signal indicating an instant current flowing through an energy storage element. The second sensing pin receives a second signal indicating an average current flowing through the energy storage element. The third sensing pin receives a third signal indicating whether the instant current decreases to a predetermined current level. The driving pin provides a driving signal to a switch to control an average current flowing through the light source to a target current level. The driving signal is generated based on one or more signals selected from the first signal, the second signal and the third signal.
US08664890B2 LED display device providing current correction and correction method thereof
An LED display device providing current correction includes a number of LED modules, a microprocessor, and a storage unit storing a standard voltage value. The correction sequence begins with each of the plurality of LED modules entering a work state in sequence, outputting a feedback voltage indicating work current of one of the LED modules to the microprocessor in sequence, comparing the feedback voltage with the standard voltage, adjusting the current of the LED module if the feedback voltage does not equal the standard voltage.
US08664886B2 Timer-based switching circuit synchronization in an electrical dimmer
Timer-based switching circuit synchronization in an electrical dimmer is provided. The energizing of a switching circuit in a dimmer is synchronized with an AC wave to facilitate providing by the dimmer electrical power to a load. The synchronizing includes starting a timer having a predetermined timeout, responsive to receipt of a zero-crossing signal. Responsive to receipt of a subsequent zero-crossing signal prior to reaching the timeout, the timer is restarted, and responsive to expiration of the timeout, a switching circuit is energized at a predetermined firing angle with respect to the zero-crossing signal to supply electrical power to the load.
US08664885B2 Circuit for connecting a low current lighting circuit to a dimmer
A circuit for connecting to a dimmer, the circuit configured to receive an input signal from the dimmer. The circuit comprises a first load and a switch. The switch is operable to automatically engage the first load at a predetermined time from a zero-crossing of the input signal and automatically disengage the first load at other times.
US08664880B2 Ballast/line detection circuit for fluorescent replacement lamps
Disclosed herein is a replacement light for a fluorescent tube usable in a fluorescent fixture connected to a power source and containing at least one LED, the improvement including a detection circuit for connection to the power source, the detection circuit configured to identify the power source.
US08664878B2 Ballast with an arc quenching circuit
An arc detection circuit that detects an occurrence of arcing between ballast and a lamp is provided. A transformer has a primary side connected between the ballast and the lamp to receive lamp current and conduct the lamp current from the ballast to the lamp during normal operation. A secondary side of the transformer produces a transformer voltage as a function of the lamp current received by the primary side. The produced transformer voltage is less than a threshold value during normal operation and greater than the threshold value during an occurrence of arcing between the ballast and the lamp. The arc detection circuit reduces the produced transformer voltage and provides it to the ballast so as to shut down the ballast operation.
US08664874B2 Backlight unit and apparatus and method for controlling LED driving circuit
A backlight unit is provided. The backlight unit includes an LED; an LED driving unit which drives the LED in accordance with a switching operation of a transistor; and a control unit which adds an additional signal to an output current of the LED to obtain a combined current, compares the combined current with the reference current, and controls the switching operation of the transistor based on the results of the comparison, wherein the additional signal is a current signal whose level increases over time in each period and is then reset to a predefined value in each period in accordance with an operation cycle of the transistor.
US08664872B2 Circuit arrangement for operating a discharge lamp
An apparatus for operating a gas discharge lamp. The apparatus includes an electronic ballast and a controller. The electronic ballast includes a half bridge configuration, a full bridge configuration, a first network, and a second network. The electronic ballast is controlled by a controller that causes the half bridge configuration to ignite an arc between electrodes of the gas discharge lamp in an igniter function that uses the first network, to switch the electronic ballast from the half bridge configuration to the full bridge configuration after the arc is ignited so that a buck inverter function using the second network sustains the arc between the electrodes of the gas discharge lamp, and to provide a transient operation function to the buck inverter function to produce a spike voltage that is used to re-ignite the arc between the electrodes of the gas discharge lamp when the arc extinguishes.
US08664866B2 Solar powered lamp with brightness control
The present invention describes a solar powered garden lamp (100,100a,100b). The lamp (100,100a,100b) includes a lamp assembly, a solar panel (192), a rechargeable battery (150), a sunlight-hour switch (154), an LED (146a,146b) and a control circuit (140). In use, a user estimates the number of hours of sunlight incident on the solar panel (192) and the sunlight-hour switch (154) is calibrated by applying a weather variability factor on a battery charger (142) capacity that is connected to the solar panel. The solar panel (192) converts solar energy into electric power to recharge the battery (150) during the day so that the battery (150) has sufficient power to light up the LED (146a or 146b) at a predetermined brightness continuously from dusk to dawn.
US08664863B2 Device and method of supplying power to an electron source, and ion-bombardment-induced secondary-emission electron source
The power supply device (14) for an ion-bombardment-induced secondary-emission electron source in a low-pressure chamber includes a control input, two high-voltage outputs, an element for generating a plurality of positive pulses on a high-voltage output, and an element for generating a negative pulse on the other high-voltage output after at least some of the positive pulses.
US08664861B1 Plasma generator
A plasma generator generates a plasma by ionizing a gas with a high-frequency discharge in a plasma generating chamber so that electrons from the plasma are emitted outside the plasma generator through an electron emitting hole. The plasma generator includes an antenna that is provided in the plasma generating chamber and that emits a high-frequency wave, and an antenna cover that is made of an insulating material and that covers an entire body of the antenna. A plasma electrode having the electron emitting hole is made of a conductive material. A frame cover with a protrusion ensures conductivity by preventing an insulating material from accumulating on a surface of the plasma electrode on a plasma side in sputtering by the plasma.
US08664856B2 Electrode for a discharge lamp and a discharge lamp and method for producing an electrode
In various embodiments, an electrode for a discharge lamp is provided. The electrode may include a metal pin that has a section around which a coil made of metal wire is wound, wherein the metal wire is flattened.
US08664855B2 High-pressure discharge lamp having a capacitive ignition aid
A high-pressure discharge lamp having an ignition aid may be provided, having a discharge vessel that is surrounded by gas, wherein the discharge vessel includes two ends having fusings in which electrodes are secured, wherein an ignition aid is fastened on at least one fusing, wherein the ignition aid has a local field amplifier in the form of a tip or a curved part, wherein the ignition aid is configured to cause a corona discharge in the surrounding gas which emits UV radiation into the discharge vessel.
US08664853B1 Sintered wire cesium dispenser photocathode
A photoelectric cathode has a work function lowering material such as cesium placed into an enclosure which couples a thermal energy from a heater to the work function lowering material. The enclosure directs the work function lowering material in vapor form through a low diffusion layer, through a free space layer, and through a uniform porosity layer, one side of which also forms a photoelectric cathode surface. The low diffusion layer may be formed from sintered powdered metal, such as tungsten, and the uniform porosity layer may be formed from wires which are sintered together to form pores between the wires which are continuous from the a back surface to a front surface which is also the photoelectric surface.
US08664852B2 Organic light emitting display device and method for manufacturing the same
Present invention is for an organic light emitting display device in which permeation of exterior moisture can be prevented, dark defects caused by foreign materials can be improved and lifespan can thus be improved by changing the structure and manufacturing method of thin film encapsulation layer, and a method for manufacturing the same, the organic light emitting display device includes the edge region of the thin film encapsulation layer is thicker than the active region thereof and the thin film encapsulation layer includes a plurality of organic film and a plurality of inorganic film, the organic film and the inorganic film being laminated one on top of the other.
US08664847B2 Arrangement and method for generating mixed light
At least two semiconductor components emit electromagnetic radiation in different wavelength ranges. The superimposition of these electromagnetic radiations of all semiconductor components has at least one fraction in the visible wavelength range. At least one of the semiconductor components has a luminescence conversion element in the beam path.
US08664843B2 Spark plug
A spark plug having an insulator with improved breakage resistance. The spark plug has a cross-section that satisfies the following relationship: 0.6 mm<=L, where “A” represents a connection point between a support portion of the insulator and an insulator trunk portion formed at a front end side with respect to the support portion, where “B” represents a position closer to the outer circumference side among the positions of (a) an innermost position of a contact portion where the support portion and a packing are in contact with each other and (b) an intersection of the support portion and a virtual straight line that is parallel to an axial line of the spark plug and extends from an innermost circumferential end of a stepped portion of a metal shell, and where “L” represents a length of a path from point “A” to point “B” along a surface of the insulator.
US08664840B2 LED bulb capable of mating with light bulb sockets having different configurations
An LED bulb includes a bulb body and an adapter detachably connecting with the bulb body. The bulb body has two pins function as a negative electrode and a positive electrode. The two pins are for inserting into and electrically connecting with a bi-pin socket connector for light bulb, such as MR16 socket connector. The adapter includes a junction seat, a first connector, a second connector, and a bulb cap. Metallic threads are formed on the bulb cap. The first connector is received in the junction seat and electrically contacts the threads. The second connector extends through the junction seat and the bulb cap to make a bottom end thereof being exposed. The adapter is able to engage and electrically connect with an Edison screw socket connector, for example, E-10 socket connector.
US08664838B2 Illumination apparatus and a method of assembling the illumination apparatus
The invention provides an illumination apparatus (10) and a method of assembling the illumination apparatus. The illumination apparatus comprises a light source (101) having a plurality of LED arrays, wherein at least two of the plurality of LED arrays have different lumen degradations as a function of junction temperature of the respective LED arrays; and a heat dissipation unit (102) configured to be capable of dissipating heat generated by the light source, wherein the heat dissipation unit is mounted on a first surface of the light source in such a way that there is a gap between the first surface and the heat dissipation unit when the light source is not in operation, and the gap is narrowed or can be deemed to disappear when the light source reaches a preset temperature, so that the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat dissipation unit is improved.
US08664836B1 Passivated micromechanical resonators and related methods
Passivated micromechanical resonators and related methods are described. Applicants have appreciated that polycrystalline conductive layers used as electrodes for some MEMS resonators are a source of mechanical and electrical instability. To inhibit or prevent contamination of such conductive layers, which may exacerbate the instabilities, passivation structures are used. The passivation structures can be grown, deposited, or otherwise formed.
US08664835B2 Acoustic wave device
An acoustic wave device includes: an electrode that excites an acoustic wave and is located on a substrate; and a silicon oxide film that is located so as to cover the electrode and is doped with an element or molecule displacing O in a Si—O bond, wherein the element or molecule is F, H, CH3, CH2, Cl, C, N, P, or S.
US08664830B2 Ultrasonic device
An ultrasonic device is configured to transmit ultrasonic waves and includes a substrate, a diaphragm, a piezoelectric member and a control unit. The substrate has an opening. The diaphragm covers the opening of the substrate. The piezoelectric member is coupled to the diaphragm, and includes a first piezoelectric part and a second piezoelectric part. The control unit controls a voltage applied to the first piezoelectric part to be a vibration voltage and controls a voltage applied to the second piezoelectric part to be a constant voltage when the ultrasonic device transmits the ultrasonic waves.
US08664827B2 Electric power generation device and electronic instrument
Disclosed is an electric power generation device comprising: a pair of electrodes arranged opposite to each other; and an electret member that is arranged between the pair of electrodes to be spaced apart from the pair of electrodes, and is provided to be movable in a direction of a perpendicular axis passing through the pair of electrodes.
US08664823B2 Magnetic barrier for minimizing demagnetization in bi-permanent magnet synchronous machines
A rotor for a permanent synchronous machine includes a rotor having a plurality of arcuately-shaped cavities formed within a rotor core structure. The plurality of arcuately-shaped cavities substantially concentrically layered with respect to an outer cylindrical wall of the rotor core structure. A plurality of permanent magnets is inserted within the plurality of arcuately-shaped cavities. Each cavity layer retains a permanent magnet of a first magnetic field strength disposed in end sections and a permanent magnet of a second magnetic field strength in a center section of each cavity layer. Each respective cavity includes an air barrier formed between the magnets having different magnetic field strengths. The air barrier generates a reluctance within an air barrier gap for directing a flow of flux generated by each third permanent magnet in a preceding layer in a direction toward each third permanent magnet in a succeeding layer.
US08664822B2 Bi-permanent magnets in synchronous machines
A rotor for an interior permanent synchronous machine. A rotor core structure includes an outer cylindrical wall juxtaposed to an air gap. A plurality of arcuately-shaped cavities is formed within the rotor core structure. The plurality of arcuately-shaped cavities is substantially concentrically layered with respect to an outer cylindrical wall of the rotor core structure. Each arcuately-shaped cavity extending between first and second end sections is juxtaposed to the outer cylindrical surface wall of the rotor structure and includes an intervening center section. A plurality of permanent magnets is inserted within the plurality of arcuately-shaped cavities. Each first end section retains a respective first permanent magnet having a first magnet field strength. Each second end section retains a respective second permanent magnet having the first magnetic field strength. Each center section retains a respective third permanent magnet having a second magnet field strength less than the first magnetic field strength.
US08664820B2 Electric motor-driven compressor for vehicle
Disclosed is an electric motor-driven compressor having a structure capable of improving the performance of an electric motor of the electric motor-driven compressor for the vehicle. The electric motor-driven compressor has an angle which is formed by two straight lines passing through a center of the rotor and making contact with both end portions of one permanent magnet, and is in a range of about 48.7° to about 51°. The cogging torque and the torque ripples are minimized, the power of the electric motor is improved, and the electric motor is easily controlled.
US08664818B2 Electric motor or generator with a low friction touch-down area
An electric motor or generator having a stator with stator teeth for mounting electrical coils and a rotor, wherein the stator has a first surface that is parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotor and is axially separated from the stator teeth and the rotor has a second surface that is formed in substantially the same axial position as the stator s first surface, wherein material is mounted on the first surface or the second surface that has a lower frictional coefficient than the first surface or second surface.
US08664817B2 Electrical submersible pump system having high temperature insulation materials and buffered lubricant
Electric submersible well pumping systems operable in well temperatures of above about 180° C. (356° F.) utilize high temperature electrical insulation. The electrical insulation includes E-base polyimide films or perfluoropolymer TE films on various components. The insulation films are employed around magnet wires that are threaded through slots in the stator. Slot insulation of E-base polyimide or perfluoropolymer TE film surrounds the magnet wires in the stator slots. Sheets of E-base polyimide or perfluoropolymer TE film extend around and between phase loops of the magnet wire at the lower end of the stator. The motor contains a PAO oil having additives to dissipate acid generated by epoxy used in the motor.
US08664815B2 Flywheel energy storage device with a hubless ring-shaped rotor
A flywheel based energy storage apparatus includes a housing and a hub-less flywheel mounted within the housing. The hub-less flywheel has a mass which is shifted radially outwards from a central axis of the hub-less flywheel thus increasing the energy density of the apparatus. The flywheel includes an outer axially extending annular surface, an inner axially extending surface and two radially extending side surfaces. The inner axially extending surface has a plurality of magnets aligned to form a rotor. A plurality of coils is supported by the housing and is aligned with the rotor to form a motor/generator. A controller controls the motion of the hub-less flywheel to reduce vibrations and controls electrical power transfer to and from the motor/generator.
US08664808B2 Linear motor coil assembly with cooling device
A linear motor coil assembly includes a base plate (1), a line of iron cores affixed longitudinally on the upper surface of the base plate, multiple coils respectively provided for the iron cores, and a first cooling tube being in contact with contacts the multiple coils and through which a first refrigerant passes. The lower surface of the base plate can be attached to a precision table of a machine tool or a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. A groove (8) that extends longitudinally in linear fashion is formed on the lower surface of the base plate. A second cooling tube (92, 94), through which a second refrigerant passes, provided within the groove is additionally provided in the linear motor coil assembly.
US08664806B2 Communication bus and electric panel comprising said bus
Communication bus having at least one pair of communication lines designed to be connected in series respectively to conductors of a main communication bus designed to be connected to communicating devices of at least one electric panel. Said communication bus comprises at least two branched outputs each having at least two branch lines, said branch lines respectively having a first end connected to a communication line and having a second end designed for connection of the communicating devices. The communication lines are etched on a first conducting layer of a printed circuit, and the branch lines are etched on a second conducting layer of said printed circuit. The communication lines are separated from one another by a distance.
US08664805B2 Power distribution apparatus
A power distribution apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a modulated block type power distribution apparatus capable of reducing a space by consequently connecting a main breaker to a sub breaker as a block not to form a gap while installing. The apparatus may include a multifunctional block type power distribution apparatus capable of easily connecting breakers with one another, the breaker having different height, by additionally installing a height controller able to control a height of a branch breaker on the apparatus manufactured in one mold and preventing wrong coupling while connecting a plurality of branch breakers with one another. The apparatus may include a preassembled power distribution apparatus capable of increasing coherence between terminals while coupling a main breaker terminal, a branch breaker terminal, and an additional breaker terminal, forming the preassembled power distribution apparatus, with various terminals of another preassembled power distribution apparatus.
US08664800B2 System and method for distribution of inverter VAR support
Power inverters are controlled in response to reactive power support commands received from a power grid such that at least one power inverter provides reactive power to the power grid. The reactive power provided is based on each power inverter's reactive power capacity only while the total power capacity of each power inverter providing the reactive power is not exhausted in generating real power.
US08664789B2 Wave-power unit
The invention relates to a wave-power unit with a floating body (1) connected by flexible connection means (3) to a translator (6) reciprocating in a linear generator (2), The floating body (1) is arranged for floating on the sea and the stator (8) of the generator for anchoring on the sea bed, According to the invention the connection means is guided by a guiding device (9) through lower and upper openings, The part of the connection means (3) that momentary is within the guiding device (9) is thereby guided to be aligned with the translator movements adjacent the lower opening and to be allowed to be inclined adjacent the upper opening. The invention also relates to a use of the invented wave-power plant and to a method for producing electric energy.
US08664785B2 Power recovery system using a rankine power cycle incorporating a two-phase liquid-vapor expander with electric generator
A power recovery system using the Rankine power cycle incorporating a two-phase liquid-vapor expander with an electric generator which further consists of a heat sink, a heat source, a working fluid to transport heat and pressure energy, a feed pump and a two-phase liquid-vapor expander for the working fluid mounted together with an electric generator on one rotating shaft, a first heat exchanger to transport heat from the working fluid to the heat sink, a second heat exchanger to transport heat from the heat source to the working fluid.
US08664783B2 Methods and systems for engine starting
A system for improving engine starting is disclosed. In one example, an engine starting is improved by providing a predictable load to the engine during engine starting. The predictable load may be provided by controlling alternator field voltage during the engine start.
US08664782B1 Electric generator apparatus for motor vehicles
A system for generating electricity for powering an electric or hybrid motor vehicle uses a fan which is driven by the air flow created by the motion of the vehicle. In the event that the fan is unable to generate sufficient electricity, a controller operates an auxiliary gas powered motor for the generation of electricity for powering the electric or hybrid motor vehicle.
US08664780B2 Semiconductor package having plural semiconductor chips and method of forming the same
A semiconductor package includes a first semiconductor chip mounted to a substrate, a first encapsulant covering the first semiconductor chip and have first to fourth sidewall surfaces, and a chip stack mounted to the substrate and disposed on the first encapsulant. The chip stack includes a plurality of second semiconductor chips. A second encapsulant covers the chip stack. The second encapsulant may cover the first sidewall surface of the first encapsulant and expose the third sidewall surface of the first encapsulant.
US08664779B2 Semiconductor device with front and back side resin layers having different thermal expansion coefficient and elasticity modulus
Disclosed are a semiconductor device wherein warping of a semiconductor chip due to a sudden temperature change can be prevented without increasing the thickness, and a semiconductor device assembly. The semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor chip, a front side resin layer formed on the front surface of the semiconductor chip by using a first resin material, and a back side resin layer formed on the back surface of the semiconductor chip by using a second resin material having a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the first resin material. The back side resin layer is formed thinner than the front side resin layer.
US08664778B2 Method of flip-chip hybridization for the forming of tight cavities and systems obtained by such a method
A method for manufacturing a microelectronic assembly including stacked first and second microelectronic components having a cavity therebetween including defining said cavity by means of a lateral wall forming a closed frame extending around a determined area of the first component except for an opening used as a vent; forming within the closed frame and opposite to the vent an obstacle capable of forming, in cooperation with the lateral wall, a bypass duct for the filling material; performing a flip-chip hybridization of the first and second components, a surface of the second component resting on the upper edge or end of the lateral wall formed on the first component to form said at least one cavity; injecting the filling material in liquid form between the two hybridized components to embed said at least one cavity and to make it tight by obstruction of the vent as said filling material solidifies.
US08664772B2 Interface substrate with interposer
An interface substrate is disclosed which includes an interposer having through-semiconductor vias. An upper and a lower organic substrate are further built around the interposer. The disclosed interface substrate enables the continued use of low cost and widely deployed organic substrates for semiconductor packages while providing several advantages. The separation of the organic substrate into upper and lower substrates enables the cost effective matching of fabrication equipment. By providing an opening in one of the organic substrates, one or more semiconductor dies may be attached to exposed interconnect pads coupled to through-semiconductor vias of the interposer, enabling the use of flip chips with high-density microbump arrays and the accommodation of dies with varied bump pitches. By providing the opening specifically in the upper organic substrate, a package-on-package structure with optimized height may also be provided.
US08664771B2 Apparatuses and methods to enhance passivation and ILD reliability
Some embodiments of the present invention include apparatuses and methods relating to processing and packaging microelectronic devices that reduce stresses on and limit or eliminate crack propagation in the devices.
US08664768B2 Interposer having a defined through via pattern
A structure includes a substrate having a plurality of balls, a semiconductor chip, and an interposer electrically connecting the substrate and the semiconductor chip. The interposer includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, at least one first exclusion zone extending through the interposer above each ball of the plurality of balls, at least one active through via extending from the first side of the interposer to the second side of the interposer, wherein the at least one active through via is formed outside the at least one first exclusion zone and wherein no active through vias are formed within the at least one first exclusion zone, and at least one dummy through via extending from the first side of the interposer to the second side of the interposer, wherein the at least one dummy through via is formed within the at least one first exclusion zone.
US08664765B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, an insulating substrate mounted on the substrate, a metal pattern formed on the insulating substrate, an electronic part mounted on the metal pattern across a bond, and a wire member, separate from a wiring wire, which contains a material repellent to the bond and is formed on the metal pattern and around the electronic part.
US08664763B2 Semiconductor apparatus, electronic device, and method of manufacturing semiconductor apparatus
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor apparatus including: a first semiconductor part including a first wiring; a second semiconductor part which is adhered to the first semiconductor part and which includes a second wiring electrically connected to the first wiring; and a metallic oxide formed by a reaction between oxygen and a metallic material which reacts with oxygen more easily than hydrogen does, the metallic oxide having been diffused into a region which includes a joint interface between the first wiring and the second wiring and the inside of at least one of the first wiring and the second wiring.
US08664761B1 Semiconductor structure and manufacturing method of the same
A semiconductor structure and a manufacturing method of the same are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a plurality of stacked structures and a plurality of contact structures. Each of the stacked structures includes a plurality of conductive strips and a plurality of insulating strips, and the conductive strips and the insulating strips are interlaced. Each of the contact structures is electrically connected to each of the stacked structures. The contact structure includes a first conductive pillar, a dielectric material layer, a metal silicide layer, and a second conductive pillar. The dielectric material layer surrounds the lateral surface of the first conductive pillar. The metal silicide layer is formed on an upper surface of the first conductive pillar. The second conductive pillar is formed on the metal silicide layer. The upper surfaces of the first conductive pillars are coplanar.
US08664758B2 Semiconductor package having reliable electrical connection and assembling method
A semiconductor package includes a printed circuit board, a chip, a protection frame, and a covering layer. The chip is mounted on the printed circuit board and is electrically connected to the printed circuit board through a number of first bonding wires. The protection frame includes a sidewall surrounding the chip and the bonding wires and defines a number of through holes passing through an inner surface and an outer surface of the sidewall. The protection frame is filled with adhesive. The adhesive adheres to the inner surface and covers the chip and the boding wires. The covering layer is coated on the outer surface and covers the through holes.
US08664757B2 High density chip stacked package, package-on-package and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor package including a protection layer, a plurality of semiconductor chips stacked on the protection layer, an inner encapsulant disposed on the protection layer to surround side surfaces of the semiconductor chips, and a terminal disposed to be buried in an upper portion of the inner encapsulant. Herein, each of the semiconductor chips includes an active surface, an inactive surface opposite to the active surface, and a chip pad disposed on a portion of the active surface, and an upper surface of the terminal is exposed from an upper surface of the inner encapsulant.
US08664750B2 Semiconductor substrate, package and device
A semiconductor substrate including a carrier, a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer is disclosed. The carrier has a first surface, a second surface, and a concave portion used for receiving a semiconductor element. The first conductive layer is embedded in the first surface and forms a plurality of electric-isolated package traces. The second conductive layer is embedded in the second surface and electrically connected to the first conductive layer. The semiconductor substrate can be applied to a semiconductor package for carrying a semiconductor chip, and combined with a filling structure for fixing the chip. Furthermore, a plurality of the semiconductor substrates can be stacked and connected via adhesive layers, so as to form a semiconductor device with a complicated structure.
US08664740B2 Semiconductor device and method of producing the same
A semiconductor device improves a Schottky-barrier field-effect transistor. In a semiconductor device including a gate electrode formed with interposition of a gate insulating film on a channel formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a Schottky source/drain formed within a top surface of the substrate to be positioned on both sides of the gate insulating film so that end portions of the Schottky source and the Schottky drain do not cover a lower end portion of the gate insulating film and so as to form Schottky junctions with the semiconductor substrate, a Schottky barrier height at an interface between the end portion of the Schottky source and the semiconductor substrate and a Schottky barrier height at an interface between the end portion of the Schottky drain and the semiconductor substrate are different from Schottky barrier heights at interfaces between portions except the end portions of the Schottky source/drain and the substrate.
US08664738B2 Solid-state imaging apparatus having a translucent member
A solid-state imaging apparatus including an insulating structural body having a through opening, a wiring part formed on a front surface of the structural body, a solid-state imaging element which is connected to the wiring part and also is attached to the structural body so as to close the through opening, a translucent member which is opposed to the solid-state imaging element and is attached to the structural body through an adhesive inside an adhesion region R so as to close the through opening, and a solder resist film with which at least a part of the front surface of the structural body is covered, and is characterized in that a region R0 in which the solder resist film is selectively removed is had in the adhesion region R and the removed region R0 is filled with the adhesive.
US08664737B2 Three-dimensional semiconductor template for making high efficiency thin-film solar cells
A semiconductor template having a top surface aligned along a (100) crystallographic orientation plane and an inverted pyramidal cavity defined by a plurality of walls aligned along a (111) crystallographic orientation plane. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor template by selectively removing silicon material from a silicon template to form a top surface aligned along a (100) crystallographic plane of the silicon template and a plurality of walls defining an inverted pyramidal cavity each aligned along a (111) crystallographic plane of the silicon template.
US08664730B2 Manufacturing method for electronic component, electronic component, and electronic equipment
A manufacturing method for electronic device, includes: preparing a first substrate having a plurality of first regions; preparing a second substrate having a plurality of second regions; facing the first region and the second region each other, and connecting the first substrate and the second substrate while disposing at least a part of a functional element within a space between the first region and the second region; obtaining a plurality of first divisional substrates by cutting the first substrate at each of the first regions, after the connecting of the first substrate and the second substrate; forming a sealing film covering the plurality of the first divisional substrates on the second substrate, after cutting the first substrate; obtaining a plurality of second divisional substrates by cutting the second substrate at each of the second regions, after forming the sealing film; and obtaining a plurality of individual electronic devices.
US08664729B2 Methods and apparatus for reduced gate resistance finFET
Methods and apparatus for reduced gate resistance finFET. A metal gate transistor structure is disclosed including a plurality of semiconductor fins formed over a semiconductor substrate, the fins being arranged in parallel and spaced apart; a metal containing gate electrode formed over the semiconductor substrate and overlying a channel gate region of each of the semiconductor fins, and extending over the semiconductor substrate between the semiconductor fins; an interlevel dielectric layer overlying the gate electrode and the semiconductor substrate; and a plurality of contacts disposed in the interlevel dielectric layer and extending through the interlevel dielectric layer to the gate electrode; a low resistance metal strap formed over the interlevel dielectric layer and coupled to the gate electrode by the plurality of contacts; wherein the plurality of contacts are spaced apart from the channel gate regions of the semiconductor fins. Methods for forming the reduced gate finFET are disclosed.
US08664728B2 Power transistor with protected channel
A transistor includes a substrate, a well formed in the substrate, a drain including a first impurity region implanted in the well, a source including a second impurity region implanted in the well and spaced apart from the first impurity region, a channel for current flow from the drain to the source, and a gate to control a depletion region between the source and the drain The channel has an intrinsic breakdown voltage, and the well, drain and source are configured to provide an extrinsic breakdown voltage lower than the intrinsic breakdown voltage and such that breakdown occurs in a breakdown region in the well located outside the channel and adjacent the drain or the source.
US08664727B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device
Provided is a semiconductor integrated circuit device capable of realizing an analog circuit required to have a high-precision relative ratio between adjacent transistors, which is reduced in size and cost. A single MOS transistor is provided within each of well regions. A plurality of the MOS transistors is combined to serve as an analog circuit block. Since distances between the well regions and channel regions may be made equal to one another, a high-precision semiconductor integrated circuit device can be obtained.
US08664724B2 Semiconductor devices having slit well tub
An electrostatic discharge semiconductor device can include a first conductivity type substrate that includes inner first conductivity type wells therein and a plurality of gate electrodes that are on an active region of the substrate. A second conductivity type well can be located in the substrate beneath the plurality of gate electrodes including at least one slit therein providing electrical contact between the inner first conductivity type wells and a first conductivity type outer well outside the active region.
US08664722B2 Thin film transistor with metal silicide layer
In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a semiconductor film formed over an insulator is doped with an impurity element to a depth less than the thickness of the semiconductor film, thereby forming an impurity doped layer; a metal silicide layer is formed on the impurity doped layer; the metal silicide layer and the semiconductor film are etched to form a recessed portion; and a layer which is not doped with the impurity element and is located at the bottom of the recessed portion of the semiconductor film is thinned to make a channel formation region. Further, a gate electrode is formed in the recessed portion over the thinned non impurity doped layer, with an insulating film interposed therebetween.
US08664721B2 FET with FUSI gate and reduced source/drain contact resistance
A field effect transistor (FET) includes source/drain silicide regions located in a silicon layer; source/drain interfacial layers located in between the source/drain silicide regions and the silicon layer; and a fully silicided gate stack comprising a gate oxide layer located on the silicon layer, a gate interfacial layer located on the gate oxide layer, and a gate silicide located on the gate interfacial layer.
US08664714B2 Power MOSFET
A power MOSFET includes an epitaxy substrate, conductive trenches, well regions and a dielectric layer. The power MOSFET further has at least one termination structure including at lest one of the conductive trenches, some of the well regions within a termination area and mutually insulated by the conductive trench, a field plate, a contact plug and a heavily-doped region. The field plate including a plate metal and the dielectric layer is on the well regions and the conductive trench within the termination area. The contact plug penetrates through the dielectric layer and connects the plate metal and one of the well regions, so the plate metal has equal potential with the connected well region through the contact plug. The well regions and the conductive trench are electrically coupled to the plate metal by the dielectric layer. The heavily-doped region is between the contact plug and the connected well region.
US08664711B2 Dielectric stack
A method of forming a device is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate and forming a device layer on the substrate having a formed thickness TFD. A capping layer is formed on the substrate having a formed thickness TFC. Forming the capping layer consumes a desired amount of the device layer to cause the thickness of the device layer to be about the target thickness TTD. The thickness of the capping layer is adjusted from TFC to about a target thickness TTC.
US08664709B2 Non-volatile memory and fabricating method thereof
A non-volatile memory including a substrate, a stacked gate structure, two doped regions and a plurality of spacers is provided. The stacked gate structure is disposed on the substrate, wherein the stacked gate structure includes a first dielectric layer, a charge storage layer, a second dielectric layer and a conductive layer in sequence from bottom to top relative to the substrate. The doped regions are disposed in the substrate at two sides of the stacked gate structure, respectively, and bottom portions of the doped regions contact with the substrate under the doped regions. The spacers are respectively disposed between each side of each of the doped regions and the substrate, and top portions of the spacers are lower than top portions of the doped regions.
US08664706B2 Current in one-time-programmable memory cells
A method of fabricating a one-time programmable (OTP) memory cell with improved read current in one of its programmed states, and a memory cell so fabricated. The OTP memory cell is constructed with trench isolation structures on its sides. After trench etch, and prior to filling the isolation trenches with dielectric material, a fluorine implant is performed into the trench surfaces. The implant may be normal to the device surface or at an angle from the normal. Completion of the cell transistor to form a floating-gate metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistor is then carried out. Improved on-state current (Ion) results from the fluorine implant.
US08664705B2 Metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor
A MOS capacitor includes a substrate, a p-type MOS (pMOS) transistor positioned on the substrate, and an n-type MOS (nMOS) transistor positioned on the substrate. More important, the pMOS transistor and the nMOS transistor are electrically connected in parallel. The MOS transistor further includes a deep n-well that encompassing the pMOS transistor and the nMOS transistor.
US08664704B2 Electronic component with reactive barrier and hermetic passivation layer
An electronic component is provided on a substrate. A thin-film capacitor is attached to the substrate, the thin-film capacitor includes a pyrochlore or perovskite dielectric layer between a plurality of electrode layers, the electrode layers being formed from a conductive thin-film material. A reactive barrier layer is deposited over the thin-film capacitor. The reactive barrier layer includes an oxide having an element with more than one valence state, wherein the element with more than one valence state has a molar ratio of the molar amount of the element that is in its highest valence state to its total molar amount in the barrier of 50% to 100%. Optionally layers of other materials may intervene between the capacitor and reactive barrier layer. The reactive barrier layer may be paraelectric and the electronic component may be a tunable capacitor.
US08664702B2 Shallow trench isolation for a memory
In some embodiments, a gate structure with a spacer on its side may be used as a mask to form self-aligned trenches in a microelectronic memory, such as a flash memory. A first portion of the gate structure may be used to form the mask, together with sidewall spacers, in some embodiments. Then, after forming the shallow trench isolations, a second portion of the gate structure may be added to form a mushroom shaped gate structure.
US08664699B2 Methods and devices for fabricating and assembling printable semiconductor elements
The invention provides methods and devices for fabricating printable semiconductor elements and assembling printable semiconductor elements onto substrate surfaces. Methods, devices and device components of the present invention are capable of generating a wide range of flexible electronic and optoelectronic devices and arrays of devices on substrates comprising polymeric materials. The present invention also provides stretchable semiconductor structures and stretchable electronic devices capable of good performance in stretched configurations.
US08664694B2 Field effect transistor with narrow bandgap source and drain regions and method of fabrication
A transistor having a narrow bandgap semiconductor source/drain region is described. The transistor includes a gate electrode formed on a gate dielectric layer formed on a silicon layer. A pair of source/drain regions are formed on opposite sides of the gate electrode wherein said pair of source/drain regions comprise a narrow bandgap semiconductor film formed in the silicon layer on opposite sides of the gate electrode.
US08664693B2 Light emitting diode having algan buffer layer and method of fabricating the same
The present invention relates to a light emitting diode having an AlxGa1-xN buffer layer and a method of fabricating the same, and more particularly, to a light emitting diode having an AlxGa1-xN buffer layer, wherein between a substrate and a GaN-based semiconductor layer, the Al x Ga 1-x N (O≦x≦1) buffer layer having the composition ratio x of Al decreasing from the substrate to the GaN-based semiconductor layer is interposed to reduce lattice mismatch between the substrate and the GaN-based semiconductor layer, and a method of fabricating the same. To this end, the present invention provides a light emitting diode comprising a substrate; a first conductive semiconductor layer positioned on the substrate; and an AlxGa1-xN (O≦x≦1) buffer layer interposed between the substrate and the first conductive semiconductor layer and having a composition ratio x of Al decreasing from the substrate to the first conductive semiconductor layer.
US08664690B1 Bi-directional triode thyristor for high voltage electrostatic discharge protection
A bi-directional triode thyristor (TRIAC) device for high voltage electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection may include a substrate, an N+ doped buried layer, an N-type well region and two P-type well regions. The N+ doped buried layer may be disposed proximate to the substrate. The N-type well region may encompass the two P-type well regions such that a portion of the N-type well region is interposed between the two P-type well regions. The P-type well regions may be disposed proximate to the N+ doped buried layer and comprise one or more N+ doped plates and one or more P+ doped plates. The portion of the N-type well region that is interposed between the two P-type well regions may comprise one or more P-type portions, such as a P+ doped plate or a P-type implant.
US08664689B2 Memory cell access device having a pn-junction with polycrystalline plug and single-crystal semiconductor regions
A memory device includes a driver comprising a pn-junction in the form of a multilayer stack including a first doped semiconductor region having a first conductivity type, and a second doped semiconductor plug having a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type, the first and second doped semiconductors defining a pn junction therebetween, in which the first doped semiconductor region is formed in a single-crystalline semiconductor, and the second doped semiconductor region includes a polycrystalline semiconductor. Also, a method for making a memory device includes forming a first doped semiconductor region of a first conductivity type in a single-crystal semiconductor, such as on a semiconductor wafer; and forming a second doped polycrystalline semiconductor region of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type, defining a pn junction between the first and second regions.
US08664688B2 Nitride semiconductor light-emitting chip, method of manufacture thereof, and semiconductor optical device
A nitride semiconductor light-emitting chip offers enhanced luminous efficacy as a result of an improved EL emission pattern. The nitride semiconductor laser chip (nitride semiconductor light-emitting chip) has a nitride semiconductor substrate having a principal growth plane, and nitride semiconductor layers grown on the principal growth plane of the nitride semiconductor substrate. The principal growth plane of the GaN substrate is a plane having off-angles in both the a- and c-axis directions relative to an m plane, and the off-angle in the a-axis direction is larger than the off-angle in the c-axis direction.
US08664687B2 Nitride semiconductor light-emitting device and process for producing the same
Provided are a nitride semiconductor light-emitting device comprising a polycrystalline or amorphous substrate made of AlN; a plurality of dielectric patterns formed on the AlN substrate and having a stripe or lattice structure; a lateral epitaxially overgrown-nitride semiconductor layer formed on the AlN substrate having the dielectric patterns by Lateral Epitaxial Overgrowth; a first conductive nitride semiconductor layer formed on the nitride semiconductor layer; an active layer formed on the first conductive nitride semiconductor layer; and a second conductive nitride semiconductor layer formed on the active layer; and a process for producing the same.
US08664680B2 Color filter structure and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a color filter structure includes: providing a base layer; forming a first colored layer on the base layer; patterning the first colored layer to form a pair of first colored patterns, a first opening between the first colored patterns, and a second opening adjacent to the first colored patterns; forming a first dielectric layer on the first colored patterns and the base layer exposed by the first and second openings; forming a second colored layer on the first colored patterns and the first dielectric layer; patterning the second colored layer to form a second colored pattern in the first opening; forming a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer and the second colored pattern; forming a third colored layer on the second dielectric layer; and patterning the third colored layer to form a third colored pattern in the second opening.
US08664679B2 Light emitting devices having light coupling layers with recessed electrodes
A light emitting device comprises a first layer of an n-type semiconductor material, a second layer of a p-type semiconductor material, and an active layer between the first layer and the second layer. A light coupling structure is disposed adjacent to one of the first layer and the second layer. In some cases, the light coupling structure is disposed adjacent to the first layer. An orifice formed in the light coupling structure extends to the first layer. An electrode formed in the orifice is in electrical communication with the first layer.
US08664673B2 Multicolored mask process for making display circuitry
A process for forming a pixel circuit is disclosed comprising: (a) providing a transparent support; (b) forming a multicolor mask having at least four different color patterns; (c) forming integrated electronic components of the pixel circuit having at least four layers of patterned functional material comprising a first conductor, a dielectric, a semiconductor, and a second conductor each layer of patterned functional material corresponding to the four different color patterns of the multicolor mask. The functional material is patterned using a photopattern corresponding to each color pattern.
US08664670B2 Metal wiring structure, organic light-emitting display device and method of manufacturing the organic light-emitting display device
An organic light-emitting display device comprises a substrate, an anode electrode formed on the substrate, an organic layer formed on the anode electrode, a cathode electrode formed on the organic layer, and an organic capping layer formed on the cathode electrode and containing a capping organic material and a rare-earth material which has higher oxidizing power than the material which forms the cathode electrode.