| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08676077B2 |
Optical fixing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and optical fixing method
An optical fixing apparatus includes a transport unit that transports a recording medium in a first direction in a first fixing process and a second fixing process subsequent thereto and transports the recording medium in a second direction after the first fixing process and before the second fixing process; a light irradiating unit that irradiates the recording medium with light having a predetermined intensity while the recording medium is transported in the first and second fixing processes; a controller that performs a control so that the intensity of the light is lower than the predetermined intensity in a first period before the end of the first fixing process and a second period after the start of the second fixing process, and so that an area of the recording medium irradiated in the first period and an area of the recording medium irradiated in the second period overlap. |
| US08676073B2 |
Toner transportation device, toner case, image forming apparatus, and method of controlling toner transportation device
A toner transportation device includes a toner case and a drive section. The toner case includes a main body containing toner, and an agitating unit rotatably mounted in the main body that agitates the toner. The drive section includes a driving unit driving the agitating unit, a detection unit detecting a driving unit driving state, and a control unit able to transmit a drive instruction signal to the driving unit and receive a detection signal regarding the driving unit driving state from the detection unit. The control unit determines whether the toner case is in an overload state in accordance with a detection signal reception state. The control unit performs a retry control, causing the driving unit to repeatedly rotate the agitating unit forward and backward when the control unit determines that the toner case is in an overload state. |
| US08676072B2 |
Ratio modulated printing with charge area development
Methods for printing are provided. In one aspect, the method includes providing a primary imaging member having engine pixel locations with a ratio modulated difference of potentials, establishing a first development difference of potential to form a first net development difference of potential between the first development difference of potential and the engine pixel location and providing a first charged toner such that the second toner develops at the engine pixel location. Establishing a second development difference of potential that is greater than the first difference of potential proximate the engine pixel location such that a determined amount of first toner develops at the engine pixel locations according to a second net development difference of potential. Wherein the range of second toner potentials is such that a determined range of ratios of second toner amounts and the determined first toner amount provide ratio modulated differences of potential. |
| US08676071B2 |
Interdocument photoreceptor signal sensing and feedback control of paper edge ghosting
Apparatus and method for minimizing ghosting defects and process control instabilities for a printing system are disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, a controller retrieves uniformity measurements of an interdocument zone (IDZ) and sheet zone (SZ). In response to the uniformity measurements, a transfer current IDZ level is controlled to minimize differences in subsequent charging, photodischarge and/or development associated with the IDZ and SZ. |
| US08676069B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A multifunction peripheral includes: development units of respective colors; an intermediate transfer belt; a transfer roller; a movement mechanism that moves the intermediate transfer belt in a direction of coming in contact with and separating from a magenta development unit and the like; a concentration sensor; a control part that causes the magenta development unit and the transfer roller to form a toner pattern on the intermediate transfer belt; and a determination unit that determines that the pressing state of the magenta development unit and the like and the intermediate transfer belt is normal when the toner pattern concentration detected by the concentration sensor after the toner pattern is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt has reached a predetermined concentration value. |
| US08676064B2 |
Detecting a developing cartridge
A developing cartridge is provided. The developing cartridge includes a housing which accommodates developer therein, a receiving member which receives a driving force output member provided in an image forming apparatus, a developing roller which rotates by the driving force received by the receiving member, and a detectable rotary member including a detectable portion, which is a detection target to be detected by a detection member provided in the image forming apparatus, and a contact portion which is provided away from the detectable portion. The detectable rotary member rotates from a retreat position to an initial position where the detectable rotary member is rotated by the driving force received by the receiving member, by the contact portion contacting an interference member fixed in the image forming apparatus in a process of mounting the developing cartridge into the image forming apparatus. |
| US08676058B2 |
Differential transmission circuit and information processing system
A differential transmission circuit includes a grounded conductive layer, a pair of transmission line conductors, a conductive film and a via hole which connects the grounded conductive layer to the conductive film. The differential transmission circuit further includes a straight-line region which is present in the differential transmission circuit through which a differential transmission signal output by a driving circuit is transmitted and in which the pair of transmission line conductors extends parallel so as to have a first width, and a band rejection filter region in which the pair of transmission line conductors planarly overlaps the conductive film and extends parallel so as to have a second width narrower than the first width and a common mode of the differential transmission signal is attenuated at one of the frequencies which are natural number multiples of a frequency corresponding to the predetermined bit rate. |
| US08676048B2 |
Small-sized camera module for correcting hand-shake
The purpose of the present invention provides a small-sized camera module for correcting hand-shake, in which a magnet for correcting the shaking is integrated with a magnet for adjusting the focus to implement a simple structure. According to the present invention, the small-sized camera module for correcting hand-shake comprises: a housing; a holder which is mounted on the housing to move in a horizontal direction; a lens unit which is mounted inside the holder to move vertically, and has a lens therein; a first coil member which is wound on the outer surface of the lens unit; a second coil member which is mounted on either the holder or housing, and has a hollow form; and a magnetic member which is mounted on the remaining holder or housing, wherein the magnetic member comprises; a magnet which is inserted and arranged on the second coil member, and has polarities separated in left and right direction; and a yoke which is disposed on a lateral portion of the magnet, and encloses the lateral portion of the magnet and the upper/lower portions of the second coil member. |
| US08676041B2 |
Support of full resolution graphics, menus, and subtitles in frame compatible 3D delivery
Full resolution graphic overlays (e.g., graphics, menus, arrows, buttons, captions, banners, picture in picture information) and subtitles in frame compatible 3D delivery for a scalable system are described. |
| US08676038B2 |
Recording/reproducing apparatus, recording apparatus, reproducing apparatus, recording method, reproducing method and computer program
There is provided a recording/reproducing apparatus that includes an image recording unit for recording moving picture, an audio recording unit for recording audio, a reproduction information recording unit for recording in parallel, at the time of recording moving picture and audio, reproduction information of moving picture and audio, and a reproducing unit reproducing moving picture and audio based on reproduction information, wherein the reproduction information recording unit records, for each chunk of audio data, audio synchronization information for synchronizing video and audio at the time of recording the reproduction information. |
| US08676036B1 |
User data-driven DVR download scheduling system
A method, program product and system are provided for optimizing power requirements of a video recorder system in recording user-selected video programs. When it is determined that recording a selected video program at a time subsequent to a user designated time would result in a cost savings, an acceptable recording delay period is determined and if the subsequent recording time is within the acceptable recording delay period, the user-selected video program is recorded at the subsequent recording time rather than being recorded at the user designated time. The acceptable recording delay period is determined by accessing stored user data which are indicative of a future time when the user will be available to view a recording of the selected video program. |
| US08676035B2 |
Multimedia visual progress indication system
A multimedia visual progress indication system that provides a cache bar that is overlaid onto the program material or displayed on a dedicated display. A cache bar indicates the length of a recording session or the length of stored program material and expands to the right when material is being recorded. Index and/or bookmark indicators are displayed next to the cache bar. A position indicator moves within the cache bar and tells the user visually where his current position is within the program material. Numeric time or counter mark of the current position is displayed in the vicinity of the cache bar. The trick play bar and its associated components are displayed for a predetermined time period. |
| US08676034B2 |
System and method to remotely program a receiving device
A web server presents a web page to a user. The web page dynamically presents information corresponding to a digital video recorder (DVR) associated with the user. The web server accepts input information to control the DVR. A delayed-job server accepts input from the web server and stores a job entry corresponding to the input in a message queue. The delayed-job server processes the job entry from the message queue and creates a function request representative of the web server input. An access server accepts the function request from the delayed-job server and bi-directionally communicates messages with the DVR. The access server communicates a response to the function request back to the delayed-job server. The delayed-job server communicates data from the response to the web server, wherein the web server is not blocked while waiting for the response from the delayed-job server. |
| US08676030B2 |
Methods and systems for interacting with viewers of video content
A viewer interaction system and method receives video data from a video source and identifies object content in the received video data. A video signal is generated that represents the video data. That video signal is communicated to a display device which displays a video image representative of the video signal. The system and method monitor user interaction with the displayed video image and selects an interactive activity based on the user's interaction with the displayed video image and the identified object content in the received video data. |
| US08676022B2 |
Adapter for fiber optic connectors
A fiber optic connector adapter includes a base, a cap, and an interlock between the base and cap. The base includes surfaces that define an exterior and an interior passage between front and rear openings on opposing sides of the base. The cap is fastened to the base over one of the openings and has a port for a fiber optic connector, which includes a major dimension and a minor dimension narrower than the major dimension. The port includes only a single keyway, which is defined by an interior groove on the side of the port defining the major dimension. The interlock positions and holds the cap with the port oriented in a standard polarity. The interlock is releaseable and reengageable. The cap is configured to be released from the base, rotated 180-degrees, and refastened to the base, via the interlock. The keyway then has a reverse polarity. |
| US08676021B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing an optical waveguide
An apparatus for processing an optical waveguide includes a stripper, a cleaner, a cleaver, a sensor, and an actuator assembly. The stripper is adapted to remove an outer coating of a part of an optical waveguide. The cleaner is adapted to clean the part of the optical waveguide and includes a means for cleaning the part of the optical waveguide. The cleaver is adapted to cleave the optical waveguide. The sensor is configured for determining a feature of the optical waveguide. The actuator assembly is configured to move the optical waveguide with respect to at least one of the stripper, the cleaner, and the cleaver. Further, the actuator assembly includes a means for moving the optical waveguide and a means for clamping the optical waveguide. |
| US08676020B2 |
Repair box for optical fibre composite electric power cable
A cable joint for jointing two cable ends of an optical fiber cable of an optical fiber composite electric power cable including an electric power cable and an optical fiber cable. The cable joint includes a repair box arranged between the two cable ends of the optical fiber cable. The repair box is arranged within the optical fiber composite electric power cable and further includes storage for storing extra length needed for jointing optical fibers of the optical fiber cable. |
| US08676019B2 |
Optical fiber modules encapsulated by flame retardant silicone
Certain embodiments of the invention may include an optical fiber modules encapsulated by flame retardant encapsulant. According to an example embodiment of the invention, an optical fiber module is provided. The optical fiber module comprises an optical fiber shaped to form one or more loops within the module, and a flame retardant encapsulant covering any exposed portion of the optical fiber. The flame retardant encapsulant is rated UL94 V-1 or better. The loop portion of the optical fiber may be affixed permanently within the module and any exposed surface of the fiber is coated with the encapsulant. |
| US08676016B2 |
Compressible photonic crystal
A compressible photonic crystal comprising a polymer with an ordered array of voids, the photonic crystal having a reflectance in a first wavelength range for light incident to its incident surface and its opposing incident surface; wherein compression against at least a portion of at least one of the surfaces shifts the reflectance to a second wavelength range in at least that portion of that surface. The crystal may be used in authentication devices of various types. |
| US08676008B2 |
Bragg grating fiber hydrophone with a bellows amplifier including a fluid cavity and an optical fibre in which the bragg grating is integrated
A Bragg grating fiber hydrophone, includes a fluid chamber and an optical fiber in which a Bragg grating is integrated, the optical fiber passing through the fluid chamber along a longitudinal axis such that the Bragg grating is positioned inside the latter. The fluid chamber is filled with a compressible fluid and is defined by a casing including two ends connected to the optical fiber. The casing includes at least one portion formed by an extensible and compressible tube extending along the longitudinal axis. The portion formed by an extensible and compressible tube includes an outer end coinciding with one of the two casing ends and can be longitudinally deformed by a difference in the pressures applied on the walls thereof, which results in a variation of the length of the optical fiber as measured by a variation in the wavelength of a luminous flux extracted from the optical fiber. |
| US08676007B2 |
Light-based touch surface with curved borders and sloping bezel
A light-based touch-sensitive surface, including a housing, a surface attached to the housing for receiving touch input, a plurality of light sources in the housing for emitting light that crosses the surface, a plurality of light receivers in the housing for detecting the light emitted by the light sources, a curved lens adjacent to the surface through which the light emitted by the light sources passes, including two substantially similarly curved exterior panels, one of which forms a curved rim for the surface, and a calculating unit in said housing, connected to the light receivers, for calculating a touch location based on an absence of light expected to be received by the receivers. |
| US08676006B2 |
Lens array and optical module including lens array
A complete reflection surface is formed in a notched section. A transmittance surface, a transmittance surface, and a complete reflection surface are formed in a recess section. The complete reflection surface completely reflects each laser beam emitted from first lenses. The transmittance surface and the transmittance surface transmit the incident laser beam. The complete reflection surface completely reflects each laser beam emitted from third lenses. A main body of a lens array optically couples optical fibers and photoelectric conversion elements (light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements) without an optical path of the laser light and an optical path of the laser light intersecting. |
| US08676001B2 |
Automatic discovery of popular landmarks
In one embodiment the present invention is a method for populating and updating a database of images of landmarks including geo-clustering geo-tagged images according to geographic proximity to generate one or more geo-clusters, and visual-clustering the one or more geo-clusters according to image similarity to generate one or more visual clusters. In another embodiment, the present invention is a system for identifying landmarks from digital images, including the following components: a database of geo-tagged images; a landmark database; a geo-clustering module; and a visual clustering module. In other embodiments the present invention may be a method of enhancing user queries to retrieve images of landmarks, or a method of automatically tagging a new digital image with text labels. |
| US08675996B2 |
Catheter RF ablation using segmentation-based 2D-3D registration
A method for registering a two-dimensional image of a cardiocirculatory structure and a three-dimensional image of the cardiocirculatory structure includes acquiring a three-dimensional image including the cardiocirculatory structure using a first imaging modality. The acquired three-dimensional image is projected into two-dimensions to produce a two-dimensional projection image of the cardiocirculatory structure. A structure of interest is segmented either from the three-dimensional image prior to projection or from the projection image subsequent to projection. A two-dimensional image of the cardiocirculatory structure is acquired using a second imaging modality. The structure of interest is segmented from the acquired two-dimensional image. A first distance map is generated based on the two-dimensional projection image and a second distance map is generated based on the acquired two-dimensional image. A registration of the three-dimensional image and the two-dimensional image is performed by minimizing a difference between the first and second distance maps. |
| US08675988B2 |
Metadata-driven method and apparatus for constraining solution space in image processing techniques
Methods and apparatus for constraining solution space in image processing techniques may use the metadata for a set of images to constrain an image processing solution to a smaller solution space. In one embodiment, a process may require N parameters for processing an image. A determination may be made from metadata that multiple images were captured with the same camera/lens and with the same settings. A set of values may be estimated for the N parameters from data in one or more of the images. The process may then be applied to each of images using the set of values. In one embodiment, a value for a parameter of a process may be estimated for an image. If the estimated value deviates substantially from a value for the parameter in the metadata, the metadata value is used in the process instead of the estimated value. |
| US08675986B2 |
Reducing moiré patterns
Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer-implemented method includes receiving illustrated content. The illustrated content includes half-tone content. The method includes blurring at least part of the illustrated content. The blurring is performed according to a blur radius. The method includes downscaling the blurred illustrated content to an output size. |
| US08675982B2 |
Image processing for removing a noise component contained in an image
An image processing method for removing a noise component contained in an original image, includes: separating an original image into a temporary noise-free image and a temporary noise component; extracting an edge component in the temporary noise-free image by executing edge detection on the temporary noise-free image; determining a fine edge component in the original image contained in the temporary noise component based upon a level of the extracted edge component; extracting an actual noise component by excluding the fine edge component from the temporary noise component; and removing noise from the original image based upon the extracted actual noise component. |
| US08675980B2 |
Method and system for reducing update frequency of image-processing means
A method and a system for reducing update frequency of an image processor, in particular a software and/or a component. The image processor enables modifying the quality of digital images derived from and addressed to a set of appliances. The set of appliances includes an image capture device and/or an image scanning device. The image processor uses formatted data dependent on at least one variable, associated with defects of at least one appliance of the set of appliances. The formatted data includes parameters of at least a parameterable model dependent on the variables. The formatted data enables establishing a correspondence, in particular by a correspondence table, between part of the variables and identifiers. The identifiers enable determining the value of the variable corresponding to an identifier taking into account the identifier and the image. |
| US08675978B2 |
Image processing device and method
The present invention relates to an image processing device and method enabling noise removal to be performed according to images and bit rates. A low-pass filter setting unit 93 sets, from filter coefficients stored in a built-in filter coefficient memory 94, a filter coefficient corresponding to intra prediction mode information and a quantization parameter. A neighboring image setting unit 81 uses the filter coefficient set by the low-pass filter setting unit 93 to subject neighboring pixel values of a current block from frame memory 72 to filtering processing. A prediction image generating unit 82 performs intra prediction using the neighboring pixel values subjected to filtering processing, from the neighboring image setting unit 81, and generates a prediction image. The present invention can be applied to an image encoding device which encodes with the H.264/AVC format, for example. |
| US08675975B2 |
Method for encoding image using estimation of color space
An image encoding method using color space estimation is provided. A method for encoding a second color space pixel corresponding to coordinates of a first color space pixel using color spaces, includes encoding a pixel of a first color space; calculating a color space estimation value of a current pixel of a second color space by referring to the encoded pixel of the first color space; and encoding a differential value of the calculated color space estimation value and the current pixel value. Thus, the image compression efficiency can be enhanced by using the information between the color spaces in the image encoding, and the lossless image compression can be accomplished by ruling out the similarity of the pixels. |
| US08675970B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program
An image processing apparatus including: an edge detection processing section configured to generate an edge image by performing edge detection processing on a detection target image from which a target object is to be detected; a segment area setting section configured to segmentalize the edge image into a plurality of segment areas; an index value calculation section configured to calculate, for each of the plurality of segment areas, an edge component index value that indicates an amount of edge components included in each segment area; and a target object determining section configured to determine whether there is an image of the target object in each segment area based on the edge component index value. |
| US08675968B2 |
Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus includes a character data extraction unit, a contour data extraction unit, and an image density changing unit. The character data extraction unit extracts character data, forming a character image serving as a target to be read by an image reading apparatus, from image data. The contour data extraction unit extracts contour data forming a contour image of the character image from the image data. The image density changing unit changes an image density of the contour image base on the contour data extracted from the contour data extraction unit. |
| US08675966B2 |
System and method for saliency map generation
A system and a method are disclosed for generating a saliency map of an image. The method includes receiving image data representative of image forming elements of an image and determining saliency values for image forming elements by an iterative method. The iterative method includes computing a norm of the image data, computing values of deviation from the norm of the image data of the image forming elements, identifying the image forming elements corresponding to the image data having magnitudes of deviation that meet a pre-determined condition, assigning saliency values to the identified image forming elements based on the values of deviation, and repeating the computing the norm and deviation, identifying image forming elements and assigning saliency values using the image data of image forming elements that have no assigned saliency value. A saliency map of the image based on the assigned saliency values. |
| US08675961B2 |
Image processing system, display device, program and information storage medium for correction of color information
An image processing system includes: an update unit updating color space information indicating a color space by allowing rotational movement of a selected reference color, taking a line connecting a white color to a black color in the color space as a rotation axis, based on adjustment information indicating that hue of at least one reference color is adjusted, which is in a reference color group including plural reference colors of a RGB system and plural reference colors of a CMY system in the color space; and a correction unit correcting an input image signal based on the color space information. |
| US08675960B2 |
Detecting skin tone in images
One aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a method that includes sampling an image to generate a sample portion; evaluating pixels in the sample portion to determine whether the pixels correspond to skin tone colors; generating, based on the determination, a skin tone result indicating a confidence level that the received image includes a depiction of human skin; and providing the skin tone result to an image management application to indicate a likelihood the image depicts a human face. |
| US08675956B2 |
Method and system for verifying making time of a file by computer
The present invention is providing a method and a system for verifying making time of a file by computer. The method comprises: calling TWAIN protocol interfaces of a scanner for obtaining original color data both of an object file and a sample file, wherein making time of said sample file is known; sampling color points of said original color data of said object file thereby calculating color index data of said object file; and sampling color points of said original color data of said sample file thereby calculating color index data of said sample file; and comparing said color index data of said object file with said color index data of said sample file, and determining making time of said object file based on said known making time of said sample file. In accordance with the present invention, the sample file or the object file can be verified without damaged for the reason of analyzing color of said file by computer. By use of the computer system for sampling, analyzing, carrying out the result the present invention has reduced the influence of man-made factor so that it provides more reliable security to such result. |
| US08675954B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program product for image processing
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a first setting unit, a second setting unit, and a specifying unit. The first setting unit detects a position of at least a part of an object in an image so as to obtain, for one pixel or each of a plurality of pixels in the image, a first likelihood that indicates whether the corresponding pixel is included in a region where the object is present. The second setting unit obtains, for one pixel or each of a plurality of pixels in the image, a second likelihood indicating whether the pixel is a pixel corresponding to a 3D body by using a feature amount of the pixel. The a specifying unit specifies a region, in the image, where the object is present by using the first likelihood and the second likelihood. |
| US08675949B2 |
Reviewed defect selection processing method, defect review method, reviewed defect selection processing tool, and defect review tool
The present invention relates to semiconductor inspection and provides a technology capable of efficiently detecting a systematic defect. In the present system, with regard to the process (S7, S8) of matching hot spot (HS) points that can be simulated in advance and defect points obtained as a result of a visual inspection each other and the unmatched defect points, a process (S6, S9) of classifying the defect points into groups based on similarity of pattern layout at the defect points to determine the defects belonging to a pattern layout where defects frequently occur, thereby reliably detecting the systematic defect. Also, with a process (S11) of acquiring an uneven distribution in a defect occurrence distribution on a wafer, the systematic defect occurring due to topography of the wafer can also be detected. |
| US08675944B2 |
Method of registering image data
A method of registering a first set of image data and a second set of image data, comprises performing an initial registration of the first set of image data and the second set of image data, selecting a region for further registration, and performing a further registration of first image data corresponding to the image region from the first set of image data and second image data from the second set of image data. |
| US08675943B2 |
Method and system for heart isolation in cardiac computed tomography volumes for patients with coronary artery bypasses
A method and system for isolating the heart in a 3D volume, such as a cardiac CT volume, for patients with coronary artery bypasses is disclosed. An initial heart isolation mask is extracted from a 3D volume, such as a cardiac CT volume. The aortic root and ascending aorta are segmented in the 3D volume, resulting in an aorta mesh. The aorta mesh is expanded to include bypass coronary arteries. An expanded heart isolation mask is generated by combining the initial heart isolation mask with an expanded aorta mask defined by the expanded aorta mesh. |
| US08675940B2 |
Generation of moving vascular models and blood flow analysis from moving vascular models and phase contrast MRI
A method of deriving blood flow parameters from a moving three-dimensional (3D) model of a blood vessel includes determining a reference vascular cross-sectional plane through a location of a lumen in a moving 3D model of the blood vessel at one time within the model, determining a plurality of target vascular cross-sectional planes at multiple times via temporal tracking of the reference plane based on a displacement field, determining a plurality of contours based on an intersection of the target vascular cross-sectional planes with the moving 3D vessel model at multiple times within the model, and determining a blood flow parameter of the vessel from intersections of each contour of a given one of the times with a phase contrast magnetic resonance (PC-MRI) image of the blood vessel from the corresponding time. |
| US08675937B2 |
Method for increasing the quality of computer tomographic recording series by projection data processing and CT system having a computation unit
A method is disclosed for increasing the quality of computer tomographic recording series, to a computation unit and to an X-ray CT system. An embodiment of the method includes scanning a subject over a period of time which makes it possible to record at least two temporally offset projection data sets of the same recording region; transforming the projection data sets into transformation data sets for at least two spatial frequency ranges; calculating temporal compensation values of the transformation data sets for some of the spatial frequency ranges and replacing the compensated values of the transformation data sets with the calculated compensation values in new transformation data sets, projection data of congruent rays always being compared; transforming the new transformation data sets back into new projection data sets; reconstructing image data sets on the basis of the new projection data sets and representing the image data sets. |
| US08675934B2 |
Breast skin line detection in radiographic images
An image segmentation embodiment comprises applying a second derivative operator to the pixels of an image, growing a set of contours using seeding grid points as potential contour starting points, determining a contour strength vector for each of the contour pixels, generating a partial ellipse representing an estimated location of an object in the image, dividing the partial ellipse into a plurality of support sectors with control points, determining a contour strength and position for each contour, adjusting a position of each sector control point based on the contour positions weighted by the contour strengths of the contours centered in the respective sector, fitting the partial ellipse to the adjusted positions of the control points, and generating a segmentation mask of the object based on the partial fitted ellipse. |
| US08675933B2 |
Breast segmentation in radiographic images
An image segmentation embodiment comprises generating a start model comprising a set of model points approximating an outline of an object in an initial image, smoothing the image at a first smoothing level, generating a curvature image by applying a second derivative operator, locating second derivative local maxima in the curvature image that are orthogonal to a respective model point and within a search region having a first boundary on one side of the start model and a second boundary on an opposite side of the start model, generating a set of contours, shifting the start model to an outer boundary of the contours, and generating a segmentation mask of the object based on the shifted start model. |
| US08675932B2 |
Method for establishing at least one change in a tubular tissue structure in a living being, calculation unit and data storage medium
A method is disclosed for establishing at least one change in a tubular tissue structure in a living being from a first time to a second time, which differs from the first, wherein the midline of the tubular tissue structure is respectively determined in a provided first volume data record, generated at the first time, of the tubular tissue structure in the living being, and in a provided second volume data record, generated at the second time, which differs from the first, of the tubular tissue structure. In at least one embodiment, at least one change in the minimum and/or the maximum diameter of the inner wall of the tubular tissue structure and/or at least one change in the minimum and/or the maximum diameter of the outer wall of the tubular tissue structure is established in order to establish the at least one change in the tubular tissue structure along the tubular tissue structure at mutually corresponding positions of the midlines of the tubular tissue structure in the first volume data record and the tubular tissue structure in the second volume data record. At least one embodiment of the invention also relates to a calculation unit for carrying out the method and to a data storage medium, which has a calculation program implementing the method. |
| US08675928B2 |
Multiple charge-coupled biometric sensor array
Embodiments of the present invention relate to fingerprint scanning. Specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-sided fingerprint scanning device on a card (e.g., credit card, smart card, etc.), an associated energy-efficient method for attaining accurate fingerprint information using a multiple charge-coupled biometric sensor array. In a typical embodiment, a scanning device will be provided that includes a scanning area comprised of a set (e.g., at least one) of imaging pixel electrodes (e.g., arranged adjacent to one another in a grid-like or other fashion). As a user presses his/her finger against the scanning area, a portion of the finger will contact a plurality of electrodes. When this occurs, a voltage source of the device will apply a first voltage to each of the plurality of electrodes. A meter of the device will take a first electrical measurement (e.g., resistance and/or charged skin voltage) of the plurality of electrodes. The voltage source of the device will apply a second voltage to the plurality of electrodes. The meter of the device will take a second electrical measurement (e.g., resistance and/or charged skin voltage) of the plurality of electrodes. The voltage level difference between the first electrical measurement and second electrical measurement is calculated. The voltage level difference provides accurate fingerprint information. |
| US08675925B2 |
Spoof detection for biometric authentication
This specification describes technologies relating to biometric authentication based on images of the eye. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include obtaining images of a subject including a view of an eye. The methods may further include determining a behavioral metric based on detected movement of the eye as the eye appears in a plurality of the images, determining a spatial metric based on a distance from a sensor to a landmark that appears in a plurality of the images each having a different respective focus distance, and determining a reflectance metric based on detected changes in surface glare or specular reflection patterns on a surface of the eye. The methods may further include determining a score based on the behavioral, spatial, and reflectance metrics and rejecting or accepting the one or more images based on the score. |
| US08675924B2 |
Road estimation device and method for estimating road
A road estimation device receives data including a core point being assigned along a road and assigned with attributes for identifying the road. An input unit inputs map data including links having attributes corresponding to the attributes of the core point. An extraction unit first narrows down links into candidate links each having an attribute corresponding to a non-shape-relevant attribute of the core point. The extraction unit subsequently narrows down the candidate links into a candidate link having an attribute corresponding to a shape-relevant attribute of the core point, thereby to extract the candidate link pertinent to the road represented by the core point from the map data for estimating the road on a map. |
| US08675922B1 |
Visible motion blur
A method of measuring motion blur is disclosed comprising obtaining a moving edge temporal profile r1(k) of an image of a high-contrast moving edge, calculating the masked local contrast m1(k) for r1(k) and the masked local contrast m2(k) for an ideal step edge waveform r2(k) with the same amplitude as r1(k), and calculating the measure or motion blur Ψ as a difference function, Ω=S(ΔxΣk|m1(k)−m2(k)|β)1/β. The masked local contrasts are calculated using a set of convolution kernels scaled to simulate the performance of the human visual system, and Ψ is measured in units of just-noticeable differences. |
| US08675921B2 |
Distance measurement method and system, and processing software thereof
A distance measurement system and method are provided. The distance measurement method first projects a light beam with a speckle pattern to reference planes and an object to allow the reference planes and a surface of the object each have an image of the speckle pattern, the speckle pattern having a plurality of speckles. Next, images of the speckle pattern reflected by the reference planes are captured to generate reference image information, and an image of the speckle pattern reflected by the surface of the object is captured to generate an object image information. A processing module which may be a processing software can compare the object image information with the reference image information to obtain several similarity scores. If the most the most similarity score is greater than a threshold value, the processing module identifies the corresponding reference plane, thereby computing the position of the object. |
| US08675917B2 |
Abandoned object recognition using pedestrian detection
Methods and apparatus are provided for improved abandoned object recognition using pedestrian detection. An abandoned object is detected in one or more images by determining if one or more detected objects in a foreground of the images comprises a potential abandoned object; applying a trained pedestrian detector to the potential abandoned object to determine if the potential abandoned object comprises at least a portion of a pedestrian; and classifying the potential abandoned object as an abandoned object based on whether the potential abandoned object is not at least a portion of a pedestrian. The trained pedestrian detector is trained using positive training samples comprised of at least portions of human bodies in one or more poses and/or negative training samples comprised of at least portions of abandoned objects. |
| US08675914B2 |
Method and system for needle tracking in fluoroscopic image sequences
A method and system for tracking a needle in a fluoroscopic image sequence is disclosed. In order to track a needle in a fluoroscopic image sequence, the needle is initialized in a first frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence. Needle segments are detected in each subsequent frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence, and the needle is detected in each frame of the fluoroscopic image by tracking the needle from a previous frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence based on the detected needle segments in the current frame. |
| US08675912B2 |
System and method for initiating actions and providing feedback by pointing at object of interest
A system and method as described for compiling feedback in command statements that relate to applications or services associated with spatial objects or features, pointing at such spatial object or feature order to identify the object of interest, and executing the command statements on a system server and attaching feedback information to their representation of this object or feature in a database of the system server. |
| US08675910B2 |
Monitoring usage of a computer by performing character recognition on screen capture images
Compositions of matter comprising computer readable media storing a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform operations related to the monitoring of usage of a computer. In various aspects, the operations may include the steps of associating an identified user with a computer, and capturing an image of a monitored region of a computer screen of the computer at a specified time. The operations may include the steps of extracting image text from the image, determining image text content of the image text, and capturing a subsequent image of the monitored region of the computer screen of the computer at a subsequent time-subsequent to the specified time, in various aspects. A time difference between the specified time and the subsequent time is dependent upon image text content of the image text, in various aspects. The identified user does not control the associating step, the capturing step, the extracting step, the determining step, and the capturing a subsequent image step, in various aspects.This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the methods, systems, and compositions of matter disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof. |
| US08675904B2 |
Headphone device
A headphone device is provided which includes a housing including a speaker unit, and a band formed of a series of links and connected to the housings at an end of the band, each link being connected to one another by a joint. The each link includes an angle limiter for limiting a rotation angle between the each link and an adjacent link to the each link, and the band has an elastic force in a direction in which the housing presses an auricle by limiting the rotation angle. |
| US08675903B2 |
Acoustic porting for a portable communication device
A portable full duplex communication device (100) is provided with improved acoustic porting (114) by providing an earpiece enclosure (108) within the housing (102) of device. The earpiece enclosure (108) includes an array of micro-ports (114) formed to provide optimal low frequency response and echo performance without the use of external acoustical leak ports to the housing. |
| US08675902B2 |
Hearing aid with antenna for reception and transmission of electromagnetic signals
The invention regards a communication device which is adapted for placement in a users ear. The communication device comprises a shell part enclosing an input transducer for receiving an input signal, a signal processing device and an output N transducer for providing a signal perceivable as sound, a battery located at a surface part of the shell which is facing away from the head of the user, a transmission and reception circuit for transmission and/or reception of electromagnetic energy. According to the invention an antenna for radiating and/or receiving electromagnetic energy is provided such that it has a first surface turned towards the surroundings and a second surface located in close proximity of the battery. |
| US08675896B2 |
Apparatus and method for audio signal processing in dual standby mobile communication terminal
An apparatus and method for processing an audio signal in a dual standby mobile communication terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a first modem for supporting a first system and for outputting an interrupt signal that requests audio signal processing when a call for the first system is generated, and a second modem for supporting a second system, for receiving the interrupt signal that requests the audio signal processing from the first modem, and for performing digital signal processing of the audio signal for the first system. |
| US08675894B2 |
Audio console system
An audio console system includes an input for receiving an audio signal. The system may also include a user adjustable input amplifier which may amplify audio signals received from the input with a predefined gain. The system may additionally include a direct out output amplifier provided after the adjustable input amplifier. The direct out output amplifier may output a direct out output signal. The direct out output amplifier may adjust a gain of a signal transmitted from the adjustable input amplifier. The direct output amplifier may be configured in such a way, that, upon a user adjustment of the adjustable input amplifier, the direct out output amplifier may adjust the gain of the direct out output signal inversely to the adjustment of the input amplifier resulting in a predefined gain of the audio signal from the at least one input to the direct out output being maintained. |
| US08675892B2 |
Spectral management system
A spectral management system may be used in an audio system to receive and process audio signals having multiple distributed audio channels, such as a right, left, center, right side, left side, right rear and left rear channels. The spectral management system may separate and route a frequency range of audio content included in one or more of the distributed audio channels to other distributed audio channels. The separated and routed frequency range of audio content may be combined with audio content present on the other distributed audio channels to which the separated frequency range of audio content is routed. Separation, routing and combination may include bass audio content routing, mid-bass audio content routing, subwoofer audio content routing and treble audio content routing. |
| US08675890B2 |
Speaker localization
The present invention relates to a method for localizing a sound source, in particular, a human speaker, comprising detecting sound generated by the sound source by means of a microphone array comprising more than two microphones and obtaining microphone signals, one for each of the microphones, selecting from the microphone signals a pair of microphone signals for a predetermined frequency range based on the distance of the microphones to each other and estimating the angle of the inci-dence of the sound on the microphone array based on the selected pair of micro-phone signals. |
| US08675883B2 |
Apparatus and associated methodology for suppressing an acoustic echo
A new acoustic echo suppressor and method for acoustic echo suppression is described herein. Exemplary embodiments of the acoustic echo suppressor use one linear regression model for each subband. The linear regression model for each subband may operate on the squared magnitude of the input samples as well as corresponding cross-products. In this way, accurate and robust estimates of the echo signal in each subband can be obtained, thereby providing good echo reduction while keeping the signal distortion low. |
| US08675882B2 |
Sound signal processing device and method
In reverberant environments, reflected waves including an echoic sound and a muffled sound affect and disable recognition of sound arrival directions. As a result, the subjective clearness of the sounds deteriorates. In order to enhance the clearness of a reproduced sound in a reverberant environment, a pre-processing filter unit corrects an input sound signal portion having a frequency band relating to human auditory recognition on a sound wave arrival direction, and speakers reproduce the sound signal. The correction involves attenuating an input sound signal in the frequency band portion, based on the relationship between the frequencies of the input sound signal and the magnitude of influence to the recognition of the sound wave arrival direction. This attenuation is achieved by filtering using filter coefficients that are set by a first filter characteristic setting unit using hearing characteristic parameters that are set by a hearing characteristic setting unit. |
| US08675880B2 |
Device for and a method of processing data
A device (100) for processing data, the device (100) comprising a detection unit (110) adapted for detecting individual reproduction modes indicative of a manner of reproducing the data separately for each of a plurality of human users, and a processing unit (120) adapted for processing the data to thereby generate reproducible data separately for each of the plurality of human users in accordance with the detected individual reproduction modes. |
| US08675879B2 |
Methods and devices for allocating scrambling codes
A method of operating a User Equipment (UE) for generating a second scrambling code group where the UE is configured for receiving downlink transmission from a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) on a set of at least two downlink carriers including an anchor carrier and at least a first secondary carrier includes: determining a first scrambling code group associated with a first cell on the anchor carrier and deriving the second scrambling code group associated with a second cell on said first secondary carrier using a predefined rule defining the relation between the second scrambling code group and the first scrambling code group. |
| US08675876B2 |
Differential phase shift keying quantum key distribution
Differential phase shift (DPS) quantum key distribution (QKD) is provided, where the average number of photons per transmitted pulse is predetermined such that the secure key generation rate is maximal or nearly maximal, given other system parameters. These parameters include detector quantum efficiency, channel transmittance and pulse spacing (or clock rate). Additional system parameters that can optionally be included in the optimization include baseline error rate, sifted key error rate, detector dead time, detector dark count rate, and error correction algorithm performance factor. The security analysis leading to these results is based on consideration of a hybrid beam splitter and intercept-resend attack. |
| US08675873B2 |
Method of making secure a link between a data terminal and a data processing local area network, and a data terminal for implementing the method
This method makes secure a link, for example a radio link, between a data terminal (PDA2) and a data processing local area network (WLAN2) that is coupled to a mobile telephone network (PLMN2) that includes an authentication center (AU2). It consists in: linking (L3) the data terminal (PDA2) to a mobile telephone terminal (T2) that includes means (SIM3) for executing a procedure for making secure a radio link between said mobile telephone terminal (T2) and the mobile telephone network (PLMN2), said procedure including in particular exchanging information with the mobile telephone network (PLMN2), said exchange of information usually being supported by a radio link between the mobile telephone terminal (T2) and the mobile telephone network (PLMN2); executing the same procedure in the mobile telephone terminal (T2), but with the exchange of information supported by the link (L4) between the data terminal (PDA2) and the data processing local area network (WLAN2) and by an interworking link (IL2) connecting the data processing wireless local area network (WLAN2) and the mobile telephone network (PLMN2); and transferring the result of this procedure from the mobile telephone terminal (T2) to the data terminal (PDA2). |
| US08675866B2 |
Multiplicative splits to protect cipher keys
In the field of computer enabled cryptography, such as a keyed block cipher having a plurality of rounds, the cipher is hardened against an attack by a protection process which obscures the round keys using the properties of group field automorphisms and applying masks to the states of the cipher, for encryption or decryption. This is especially advantageous in a “White Box” environment where an attacker has full access to the cipher algorithm, including the algorithm's internal state during its execution. This method and the associated computing apparatus are useful for protection against known attacks on “White Box” ciphers, by eliminating S-box operations, together with improved masking techniques and increasing the cipher's complexity against reverse engineering and key storage attacks. |
| US08675863B2 |
Passive system for recovering cryptography keys
Modern cellular wireless communications providers strive to keep their network and subscribers secure through various means. The identity of the subscriber may be obfuscated through the use of a temporary identifier for most network transactions including signaling events, voice calls, SMS messages and data sessions. A subscriber's unique identity may only be transmitted over the air in an encrypted form. Similarly, the content of voice calls, SMS messages and data sessions may also be encrypted when transmitted over the air and even when transferred over internal network interfaces. However, the use of encryption presents significant challenges for law enforcement communities when court ordered lawful intercept is required to monitor and locate subscribers utilizing the wireless networks for illegal and/or terrorist purposes. A technique to aid in the determination of a subscriber's unique wireless identity and the decryption of encrypted signals would be very useful for lawful intercept. In this document we describe an architecture and technique to aid in the decryption of encrypted wireless signals for lawful intercept by determining the current encryption key. It may also be used to decrypt encrypted signals on internal interfaces of the wireless and wireline networks. |
| US08675862B1 |
Method and apparatus of a certain cell phone case with a universal decorative pattern layer
A protective case discloses an electronic device protective casing, comprising the main protective shell body and the universal decorative pattern layer, the said main protective shell body layer has a pattern opening corresponding to the pattern of the universal decorative pattern layer to snugly fit in, and the said decorative pattern layer disposed on the said protective shell body layer via fixed plate. And the said fixed plate area is greater than the said decorative pattern layer. Since the said universal decorative pattern layer and the said protective shell body are manufactured separately, the universal decorative plate will be able to use for different electronic devices, therefore it will reduce the cost to make such case in term of reproduction of molding, and thereby the cost of the electronic device protective case will be as well reduced. |
| US08675861B2 |
Methods and apparatus for variable wait treatments for requests enqueued in one or more queues
Methods and apparatus are provided for variable wait treatments for requests enqueued in one or more queues. A request in a resource allocation system is processed by assigning the request to a queue and selecting a wait treatment for the request based on one or more characteristics of the queue. The characteristics may include, for example, a predicted wait time for servicing the request. A request in a resource allocation system is processed by assigning the request to a queue; determining a predicted wait time for servicing the request; selecting a wait treatment for the request based on one or more characteristics of the queue; transferring the request to an announcement server for a transfer duration for presentation of the selected wait treatment; and reassessing the predicted wait time upon completion of the transfer duration. The request can be assigned to an available resource based on the reassessed predicted wait time. |
| US08675860B2 |
Training optimizer for contact center agents
The present disclosure describes various ways of monitoring the needs of a contact center in real-time and pushing training to a number of agents to address those needs. In determining to push training to agents, the short-term efficiency of the agent is balanced with the long-term efficiency of the contact center. When agents receive and then complete training events designed to address the monitored contact center needs the attributes associated with the agents are updated to allow them to handle the contacts requiring training. |
| US08675859B2 |
Implementing a contact center using open standards and non-proprietary components
The present invention discloses an open contact center formed from multiple contact center components that conform to open standards and that intercommunicate utilizing open standards. The open contact center can provide automated interactive communications with callers, can provide queue management for callers waiting to communicate with live agents, can provide skills based routing for assigning live agents to callers based upon skills of the live agents and skills needed by the callers, and can provide tooling for provisioning and monitoring the live agents. In one configuration, the contact center components can execute within a middleware solution, such as WEBSPHERE, that has IP Multimedia Subsystem capability. Additionally, the contact center components can be implemented as service oriented architecture (SOA) components that communicate over an enterprise service bus (ESB). |
| US08675858B1 |
Method and apparatus for network-intelligence-determined identity or persona
A method and apparatus is presented for enabling an agent to assume the identity or persona of a called party and process calls directed to the called party. In one embodiment, methods, which enable an agent to assume the identity or persona of a called party, and process calls directed to the called party are considered a call center functions and may be implemented in a call center. A call is initiated to a called party. Initiating the call generates called party information. Using the called party information a server retrieves information associated with the called party and then forward the information associated with the called party to an agent. The call is then forwarded to the agent. As a result, the agent may use the information associated with the called party to assume the identity or persona of the called party when responding to the call. |
| US08675857B1 |
Method and apparatus for enabling customized and selectable network announcements
The present invention enables network providers of toll free calls to give customers a choice of what network announcements they want to listen to as they wait in queue. For example, customers could select to hear silence with periodic estimations of wait time, different types of music, current global, domestic, or local news, information about sports or financial information. The present invention allows customers to toggle between different selections via a predefined Dual Tone Multiple Frequency (DTMF) signal. |
| US08675852B2 |
Using location as a presence attribute
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for determining location of a principal. According to one embodiment, a method of providing location information for a principal can comprise receiving a presence event related to the principal. A location of the principal can be indicated by or determined based on the presence event. The location of the principal can be stored as a location attribute of a presence profile of the principal. The method can further comprise providing access to the location attribute of the presence profile of the principal to one or more subscribers or users of a presence service. In some cases, providing access to the location attribute of the presence profile of the principal to the one or more subscribers can be based on one or more policies of the presence service. |
| US08675850B2 |
Content delivery during call idle time
A method for effective utilization of call idle time, including automatically detecting that a first person using a phone has initiated a phone call to a second person, and that the second person has not yet answered the call, wherein the phone is operative in an idle mode to present content pre-designated by the first person, and is operative in a normal mode to send and receive voice communications to and from the second person and to not present the pre-designated content, activating the idle mode of the phone in response to the automatically detecting, further automatically detecting that the second person has answered the call, and automatically activating the normal mode of the phone in response to the further automatically detecting. A cell phone is also described and claimed. |
| US08675849B2 |
Ubiquitous transfer of a phone number to another phone
A method of receiving a phone number is provided, including receiving, at a receiver of a first phone during a first voice communication session between the first phone and a second phone, a phone number transmitted by a user of the second phone after the first voice communication session is established. The phone number is detected with a signal detector coupled for communication with the receiver, and stored in a memory coupled to the signal detector. |
| US08675848B2 |
Method and system for determining authorization levels in a virtual private network (VPN)
Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to determine authorization levels in a virtual private network are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes determining whether a call originated from an originating station associated with a virtual private network, the call originating via a private branch exchange associated with the virtual private network by a first user of a plurality of users associated with the virtual private network, querying a private-number table based on at least one of a switch identifier representing a service switching point, a trunk group identifier representing the private branch exchange, or an originating station identifier representing the originating station to obtain a private number assigned to the first user, and providing an authorization level associated with the private number to the service switching point, the service switching point to process the call according to the authorization level. |
| US08675847B2 |
Scalable conference bridge
In one embodiment, a conference bridge receives a call initiated by a first caller endpoint. The conference bridge identifies a conference to which the call requests entry and determines whether the conference bridge has available resources to process the call. The conference bridge enables the call to join the conference via a second conference bridge associated with a second caller endpoint participating in the conference according to whether the conference bridge has available resources to process the call. |
| US08675842B2 |
Speech usage and performance tool
A system may include a database configured to selectively store and retrieve data. The system may further include a call record parser configured to receive a plurality of call records, each call record being associated with a respective call, parse the plurality of call records to identify periods of resource usage and types of resource usage for the associated calls, create parsed data based on the identified periods of resource usage and the types of resource usage, and store the parsed data in the database indexed according to the type of the identified resource and including the start and end times for the identified periods of usage. |
| US08675840B2 |
System and method for using a prepaid card
A system and method for transferring money by use of a prepaid card account is disclosed wherein two cards are issued to the user accountholder, one of which is provided to another user, and either user may add value to the prepaid account so that the other user may use the card and that value in a financial transaction. |
| US08675838B2 |
Intercom unit for providing a status alert for a movable barrier
An access control system is provided for a movable barrier. A main communication unit grants access to a movable barrier operator. The movable barrier operator controls movement of the movable barrier. A remote communication unit has an input device to receive an access request and to transmit a corresponding access signal to the main communication unit and to transmit a status indication to the main communication unit in response to detecting a predetermined event. |
| US08675837B2 |
Method and apparatus for the secure storage of audio signals
In one embodiment, a method, system and apparatus for recording audio is provided so that the recording can be authenticated. The system may be implemented as a central server that is accessed via one or more lines for audio communication, or as a stand-alone unit. The system operates by encrypting communicated data (e.g., audio signals), storing the encrypted information, and providing at least one user with a key that can be used to decrypt the stored information. |
| US08675830B2 |
Method and apparatus for interrupting an active telephony session to deliver information to a subscriber
A method and apparatus for delivering information to a subscriber involved in an active telephony session is provided. A message originating from a sender and directed to the subscriber is received. Information related to the message is delivered to the subscriber by interrupting the active telephony session involving the subscriber. |
| US08675828B2 |
Authentication of a user to a telephonic communication device
The invention provides a method, system, and program product for authenticating a user to a telephonic communication device. In one embodiment, the invention includes obtaining a reference sample of an authorized user's voice, storing the reference sample of the authorized user's voice, collecting a sample of the voice of a user of the telephonic communication device, comparing the sample of the voice of the user to the reference sample of the authorized user's voice, determining whether the user is the authorized user, and in the case that the user is determined not to be the authorized user, prohibiting use of the telephonic communication device. |
| US08675823B2 |
Method and apparatus for activating a communication device operably connected to a safety lanyard
A personal safety device comprises a “smart” safety lanyard capable of automatically contacting emergency response personnel. A “smart” lanyard of the subject invention comprises a strap with one or more fall arrest mechanisms or break away mechanisms operably attached thereto. A trigger mechanism also operably attached to the safety lanyard can detect when the fall arrest or break away mechanism has been deployed. A personal communication device operably attached to both the strap and to the trigger mechanism can automatically contact response personnel when the lanyard has been deployed. |
| US08675820B2 |
Electronic conical collimator verification
A device for use with a radiation machine includes a first cone collimator, wherein the first cone collimator has a first end for receiving a radiation beam, a collimating portion for changing the radiation beam, and a second end for emitting an output beam, and wherein the first cone collimator is configured to be detachably coupled to a coupling device that has a plurality of moveable switches, and has one or more engaging portions configured to engage with a first subset of the plurality of switches. A method of using a cone collimator includes receiving a portion of a cone collimator, determining a subset of a plurality of switches that is pressed by the cone collimator, and determining an identity of the cone collimator based on the subset of the plurality of switches that is pressed by the cone collimator. |
| US08675819B2 |
Integral liquid-coolant passageways in an x-ray tube
Integral liquid-coolant passageways in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube includes a can at least partially defining an evacuated enclosure, a cathode at least partially positioned within the evacuated enclosure, and an anode at least partially positioned within the evacuated enclosure. The can has first integral liquid-coolant passageways formed therein. The can is configured to have a liquid coolant circulated through the first integral liquid-coolant passageways to thereby cool the can without the can being submersed in a liquid coolant. |
| US08675814B2 |
Radiography apparatus including a body thickness information obtainment unit
When a subject is irradiated with radiation, and the radiation that has passed through the subject is detected, body thickness information about the subject is obtained. Further, a slice image obtainment condition representing a range in which a slice image is obtained in the subject is set based on the body thickness information. Further, the slice image is obtained based on the slice image obtainment condition. |
| US08675808B2 |
Natural circulation type boiling water reactor
A natural-circulation type boiling water reactor includes a plurality of divided chimneys provided above a reactor core and a number of fuel assemblies are charged in the reactor core. The natural-circulation type boiling water reactor is provided with a pressure equalization structure arranged on rectangular-columnar lattice plates of the divided chimneys for equalizing pressures in divided chimney portions so as to equalize the pressures of the divided chimneys with the pressure equalization structure. |
| US08675807B2 |
Basket and pH adjusting device
Disclosed is a basket 50 that is located within a basket containment vessel, into which a boric acid solution capable of dissolving a pH adjuster flows, and can allow a pH adjuster solution to flow out by the inflowing boric acid solution. The basket 50 includes a plurality of containment units 71 stacked in a vertical direction with a predetermined first space L1 therebetween. The pH adjuster can be stored in each of the containment units 71. Also disclosed is a pH adjusting device including the basket 50, the basket containment vessel in which the basket 50 can be contained and in which cooling water can be stored, and an overflow pipe that, within the basket containment vessel, allows the pH adjuster solution that is obtained from the pH adjuster dissolved in the cooling water to flow out. |
| US08675804B2 |
Boiling water reactor fuel support casting flow limiter
A flow limiter may include a head and a fin extending from a bottom of the head. The head may include a side surface having at least one first hole and the side surface may be symmetric about a first axis. The fin may include at least one second hole and the at least one second hole may have an axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The flow limiter may be inserted into a support casting that may interface with a nuclear fuel bundle to reduce the flow of water to the nuclear fuel bundle thereby reducing a moisture carry over (MCO) level at an exit of a fuel bundle of a nuclear reactor. |
| US08675802B2 |
Method and apparatus of deactivating explosives and chemical warfare with high-energy neutrons generated from deuterium tritium fusion reaction
A non-destructive assay of deactivation of the contents of explosives and chemical warfare on-field (and or in lab) is presented with high-energy neutrons at 14, 4 and 2 MeV. The elements and substances present in the munitions are transmuted into passive elements through neutron-alpha nuclear reactions. Deactivating of the explosives on-field is presented with a unique and compact neutron generator fueled with deuterium gas and tritium breeder. Several high explosives and chemical warfare are presented in the transmutation with physical analysis. The present method and technique can be employed on-field as an improvised explosive device and as a precise explosive device in labs and centers. |
| US08675799B2 |
Circuit for generating a clock data recovery phase locked indicator and method thereof
A circuit includes an oversampling logic unit, an alternating current estimator, and a logic processor. The oversampling logic unit generates a plurality of alternating current terms according to an oversampling clock, and outputs a plurality of alternating current terms corresponding to an output clock from the plurality of alternating current terms according to the output clock. The alternating current estimator executes a discrete cosine transform and a discrete sine transform on a plurality of alternating current terms outputted from the oversampling logic unit within a first predetermined time to generate a first value and a second value respectively. The logic processor compares a number of first values and a number of second values within a second predetermined time, and generates a clock data recovery phase locked indicator according to a comparing result. |
| US08675796B2 |
Interference cancellation under non-stationary conditions
A method for timing and frequency synchronization in a wireless system is provided. The method comprises the steps of receiving a burst of symbols, selecting a subset of the burst of symbols, iteratively adjusting the subset of the burst of symbols by a plurality of timing offsets and calculating, for each timing offset, a first performance metric corresponding to the adjusted subset. The method further comprises the steps of determining one of the plurality of timing offsets to be a preferred timing offset based upon the first performance metric thereof, iteratively rotating the subset of the burst of symbols by a plurality of frequency offsets and calculating, for each frequency offset, a second performance metric corresponding to the rotated subset, and determining one of the plurality of frequency offsets to be a preferred frequency offset based upon the second performance metric thereof. |
| US08675795B2 |
Apparatuses for adjusting a bandwidth and coefficient values of a receiver in a wireless network
A receiver has a bandwidth. The receiver includes paths, a first receiver module, an enable module, and a second receiver module. The paths are configured to be enabled to receive signals. The first receiver module is configured to, prior to the receiver receiving the signals, detect a number of the paths that are enabled to receive a signal. The enable module is configured to, based on the number of the paths detected to have been enabled (i) determine if the signals to be received by the receiver are receivable by a number of the paths less than the number of the paths detected to have been enabled, and (ii) disable, based on a result of the determination, one or more of the paths detected to have been enabled. The second receiver module is configured to, based on the number of the paths enabled, adjust the bandwidth of the receiver. |
| US08675793B2 |
MIMO communication system and control method thereof
Disclosed are a MIMO communication system and a method of controlling the same. The MIMO communication system includes an MCS (modulation and coding scheme) level selector for selecting an MCS level representing combination of data modulation and coding schemes according to a channel status, a modulation and coding section for processing transmit data according to modulation and coding schemes corresponding to the selected MCS level, a D-STTD (double-space time transmit diversity) encoder for coding the transmit data, which has been processed through the modulation and coding section, through a D-STTD scheme and transmitting the transmit data through M transmit antennas, and a receiver for receiving data, which have been coded through the D-STTD scheme, through N receive antennas, detecting the received data through an OSIC-MMSE (ordered successive interference cancellation-minimum mean-square error) scheme, and decoding the received data through the modulation and coding schemes employed in the modulation and coding section. |
| US08675790B2 |
Adaptive digital signal processing of a receive signal
A receiver is provided with a digital signal processing circuit to process a receive signal. In addition, the receiver includes an interference detector to detect an interference scenario affecting reception of the signal by the receiver. Depending on the interference scenario detected by the interference detector, the digital signal processing circuit is adapted. |
| US08675788B2 |
Correction of frequency offsets greater than the nyquist frequency
A method of estimating frequency offset of a received signal in a terminal apparatus comprises a) determining a phase change between a first and a second reference symbol of the received signal, wherein the time distance t between the first and the second reference symbols is associated with an observation frequency f such that f=1/t. The method further comprises: b) determining a preliminary frequency offset Δf based on the determined phase change, wherein Δf forms a frequency offset hypothesis Δfh; and c) decoding at least a part of the received signal, with application of the frequency offset hypothesis Δfh, to a decoded signal. The method further comprises: d) determining whether the decoded signal is a successful decoding. If the decoded signal is a successful decoding, the frequency offset hypothesis Δfh is determined to be the estimated frequency offset, but if the decoded signal is not a successful decoding, the frequency offset hypothesis Δfh is adjusted by an integer n times the observation frequency f such that Δfh=Δf+n·f, where nε[+/−1, 2, 3, . . . ]. Steps c) and d) are then repeated. |
| US08675786B1 |
Method and apparatus for performing baseband equalization in symbol modulated communications
A system includes a channel estimator configured to receive a plurality of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols via a plurality of respective antennas, and generate estimates of a channel based on the plurality of OFDM symbols. A demodulator is configured to generate a plurality of demodulated symbols based on the plurality of OFDM symbols and the estimates of the channel. A decoder is configured to receive the estimates of the channel from the channel estimator, receive the plurality of demodulated symbols from the demodulator, and calculate decision metrics for the plurality of OFDM symbols using both the estimates of the channel and the plurality of demodulated symbols. |
| US08675785B2 |
Method and apparatus for Turbo receiver processing
One aspect of the present invention concerns the management of processing resource allocations for a Turbo receiver, where such resources are consumed from a finite resource budget within a defined processing time interval. The contemplated Turbo receiver attempts to allocate more processing resources to those demodulation and/or Turbo decoding tasks that make more valuable contributions with respect to the ultimate goal of successfully decoding all data streams that are of interest in a received signal. The advantageous management approach allows the Turbo receiver to obtain better results for a given consumption of processing resources, and further permits the Turbo receiver to quit upon either achieving a successful outcome within a defined processing time interval or exhausting the budgeted resources. |
| US08675784B1 |
Channel adaptive sphere detector
A method for detecting communications from multiple transmission antennas includes receiving a signal with at least one receive antenna, wherein the signal comprises data transmitted from at least one of the transmission antennas, calculating an equalized received signal and an equalized channel matrix using the signal and a channel matrix, determining whether a correlation factor threshold value is exceeded, and based on the act of determining, generating a listed based log likelihood ratio (LLR) soft output or a MMSE LLR soft output based on the equalized received signal and the equalized channel matrix. |
| US08675777B2 |
Programmable if frequency filter for enabling a compromise between DC offset rejection and image rejection
A center frequency of an adjustable filter is controlled to achieve a compromise between DC offset rejection and image rejection. |
| US08675776B2 |
Majority detector apparatus, systems, and methods
Apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed, including, for example, a data receiver to receive a calibration voltage and a reference voltage to calibrate the data receiver. The output of the data receiver is provided to a first ripple counter that counts the outputs from the data receiver and provides an output count. The ripple counter may count either ones or zeros. A second ripple counter counts the number of a clock signals over the same period of time. The output count is either multiplied by two or the count of clock signals is divided by two. A ripple comparator may then compare the outputs and adjust the reference voltage based upon the comparison results. |
| US08675775B1 |
Signal processing apparatus and methods
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming. |
| US08675770B1 |
Transmitter circuit with integrated power control
An integrated circuit device, set forth by way of example and not limitation, includes an IC package provided with a plurality of leads and enclosing: a) a buffer amplifier, b) a switching-mode power amplifier having an input coupled to the output of the buffer amplifier and having an output coupled to at least one of the plurality of leads, and c) a digital controller. A method, set forth by way of example and not limitation, for controlling the power output of a RF transmitter circuit without the need for an attenuator includes developing a signal source, applying the signal source to a buffer amplifier to provide an amplified signal, applying the amplified signal to a switching-mode power amplifier to provide a power output signal, and controlling a gain of the switching-mode power amplifier in response to a digital command. |
| US08675763B2 |
Multi-stream communication system
The present invention relates to a multi-stream communication system comprising a transmitting node provided with a polyphase antenna and a receiving node provided with an antenna arrangement configured to receive multiple data streams. The polyphase antenna has at least one group of multiple antenna elements, each group having N antenna elements. The transmitting node is also provided with at least one radio chain and a switch for each radio chain arranged to cyclically connect each radio chain to the antenna elements in one of the groups. The switch is configured to operate with a switching frequency fsw. The transmitting node is further configured to transmit M weighted symbols of an uncorrelated signal from each antenna element in each group, the M weighted symbols being less than or equal to N, and the receiving node is further configured to convert the received N data streams into each respective uncorrelated signal. |
| US08675762B2 |
Method of transforming pre-coded signals for multiple-in-multiple-out wireless communication
The present invention provides a method of transforming pre-coded signals for transmission over an air interface in a MIMO wireless communication system. Embodiments of the method may include applying, at a transmitter, a transform matrix and a pre-coding matrix to a signal prior to transmitting the signal using a plurality of antennas deployed in a first antenna configuration. The pre-coding matrix is selected from a codebook defined for a second antenna configuration deployed in a non-scattering environment. The transform matrix is defined based on the first antenna configuration and a scattering environment associated with the transmitter. |
| US08675759B2 |
Wireless transmission system, and wireless station and method used for same
A wireless transmission system performs multi-station simultaneous transmission of data. The wireless transmission system includes wireless stations for transmitting and receiving data. Transmitter-side wireless stations, a multipath channel, and receiver-side wireless stations constitute a system for path diversity. At least one wireless station among the wireless stations determines, depending on a response packet with respective to a multi-station simultaneous transmission request packet transmitted by itself or other stations, delay amounts from a reference timing during multi-station simultaneous transmission in the wireless transmission system, and symbol waveforms that are a basis for a modulated waveform. A difference between each delay amount is set to be larger than or equal to a predetermined delay resolution for each symbol waveform, and a difference between maximum and minimum values of the delay amounts is set to be smaller than or equal to a predetermined maximum delay. |
| US08675756B2 |
Method for identifying received symbols corrupted by burst noise and related device
A method for identifying a corrupted received signal that includes symbols is described. Each symbol may have a value of a Galois field associated therewith. The receiver may be configured to store a logarithm of normalized probability mass functions and corresponding Galois field values for each of the symbols. The normalized probability mass functions may be normalized with respect to a greatest probability mass function of a given symbol. The method may include comparing, for each symbol, a logarithm of normalized probability of an n-th best probability value with a respective threshold, counting a number of the logarithms that exceed the respective threshold and generating, for each symbol, a score corresponding to the number. The method may also include calculating a moving average of the scores, and comparing the moving average with an output threshold and flagging a just received symbol as corrupted based upon the comparison. |
| US08675752B2 |
Digital video broadcast service discovery
Embodiments are directed to binary phase shift key modulating a first pilot symbol according to a reference sequence, and differentially binary phase shift key modulating a second pilot symbols. The original reference sequence and the delayed differentially modulated sequence are then combined before performing an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform and inserting a guard interval. Receiver operations are an inverse of the transmitter operations, which were just discussed. The receiver does not have to know the reference sequence. Embodiments are directed to specifying a plurality of seeds that are bit patterns each having r bits not all of which have a value of zero, extending the seeds into respective sequences by applying to each seed a recurrence formula; and using one of the sequences as a comb sequence and using the sequences other than the comb sequence as binary phase shift keying patterns. |
| US08675750B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing peak to average power ratio through recombination of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbol
There are provided an apparatus and a method for reducing a peak to average power ratio (PAPR) through the recombination of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol. The apparatus includes an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol transforming unit, a peak power measuring unit, and an OFDM symbol selecting unit, wherein the OFDM symbol transforming unit generates the plurality of OFDM symbols by (a) performing a process of rotating the OFDM symbol by a predetermined angle in a complex plane and performing cyclical shifting with respect to the rotated OFDM symbol and (b) repetitively performing process (a) with respect to the cyclically shifted OFDM symbol. Therefore, diversity is secured, whereby the PAPR may be reduced. |
| US08675747B2 |
Channel estimating apparatus and method thereof
A channel estimating technique is applied to an Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) communication system which receives a plurality of OFDM symbols. In one aspect, a channel estimating method includes performing Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) with a second number of sampling points and a phase shift on each of preliminarily estimated frequency-domain channel responses including a first number of response values corresponding to each of the OFDM symbols, so as to obtain a first time-domain channel impulse response corresponding to each of the OFDM symbols, where the first number is lager than the second number. The method also generates a plurality of frequency-domain channel responses corresponding to the OFDM symbols according to the time-domain channel impulse responses. |
| US08675745B2 |
Method for detecting an OFDM signal
A method for detecting the presence of an OFDM signal in a received signal wherein said received signal is down converted into baseband and subjected to a passband filtering corresponding to a band of interest before being sampled. The thus sampled signal is subjected to a second filtering for eliminating at least one interfering line in the band of interest. The presence of an OFDM signal is detected if the signal filtered by the second filtering is cyclostationary. |
| US08675742B2 |
Method and system for synchronously transmitting asynchronous data
A transmission method for synchronously transmitting asynchronous data is disclosed by the present invention, and the method includes: a transmitting end encapsulating the asynchronous data into a synchronous data frame, and synchronously transmitting it to a receiving end; and the receiving end receiving and de-encapsulating the synchronous data, writing the obtained asynchronous data into a buffer of the receiving end, reading the asynchronous data by using a reading clock of the asynchronous data and outputting the asynchronous data to a receiving apparatus for asynchronous data; wherein, the receiving end also adjusts the frequency of reading clock by using data depth information of the buffer, increases the frequency of reading clock when the data depth in the buffer increases, and outputs data representing idle when the buffer is empty. A transmission system and receiving apparatus for synchronously transmitting asynchronous data are also disclosed by the present invention. |
| US08675739B2 |
Method and apparatus for video decoding based on a multi-core processor
A multi-core processor device and a video decoding method using a multi-core processor, which can efficiently use system resources in a multi-core processor environment that requires a considerable amount of computation. The multi-core processor device includes a video decoder module which includes a plurality of function modules for performing video decoding; a memory which stores an input bitstream and loads the function modules; and a multi-core processor which includes a plurality of cores that perform a video decoding operation on the input bitstream by using the function modules, the cores including a first core and a second core, wherein, if the first core becomes idle during the video decoding operation, the second core allocates part of a remaining task of the second core to the first core and thus reduces an idle time of the first core. |
| US08675738B2 |
Video decoding method without using additional buffers for storing scaled frames and system thereof
A video decoding method for decoding a bit stream to a plurality of frames, includes: determining whether a size of a current picture is equal to that of a next picture according to the bit stream; scaling a corresponding reference frame for the next picture to generate a scaled frame when the size of the current picture is not equal to that of the next picture; and storing the scaled frame in a first frame buffer of a storage unit, wherein at least a portion of a first frame originally stored in the first frame buffer is displayed. |
| US08675737B2 |
Method and apparatus for predictive reference data transfer scheme for motion estimation
A method and apparatus for predicting reference data transfer scheme for motion estimation. The method includes computing, via the processor, hypothetical rectangle region in reference frame containing all the predicting and reference data for doing motion estimation search around the region, if the macroblock is not the first in a row, utilizing overlap with previously fetched reference data, computing overlap with previously fetched reference data, and transferring needed data, invalidating any predictor, wherein the predictor is not part of the fetched data, and regulating the motion estimation and setting the motion vector to an effective value based on the fetched and computed data. |
| US08675736B2 |
Motion vector processing
This disclosure describes techniques for processing motion vectors such that the resulting motion vectors better correlate with the true motion of a video frame. In one example, the techniques may include comparing a block motion vector corresponding to a video block to a sub-block motion vector corresponding to a sub-block contained within the video block. The techniques may further include selecting one of the block motion vector and the sub-block motion vector as a spatially-estimated motion vector for the sub-block based on the comparison. Motion vectors that better correlate with true motion may be useful in applications such as motion compensated frame interpolation (MCI), moving object tracking, error concealment, or other video post-processing that requires the true motion information. |
| US08675735B2 |
Predicted reference information generating method, video encoding and decoding methods, apparatuses therefor, programs therefor, and storage media which store the programs
When video images are processed by applying temporal or spatial interframe prediction encoding to each divided area, and generating a predicted image of a processing target area based on a reference frame of the processing target area and reference information which indicates a predicted target position of the processing target area in the reference frame, predicted reference information is generated as predicted information of the reference information. Reference information used when an area adjacent to the processing target area was processed is determined as predicted reference information prediction data used for predicting the reference information of the processing target area. Reference area reference information is generated using one or more pieces of reference information used when a reference area indicated by the prediction data was processed. The predicted reference information prediction data is updated using the reference area reference information. The predicted reference information is generated using one or more pieces of the updated predicted reference information prediction data. |
| US08675732B2 |
Method and apparatus of compressing image data
A method and an apparatus of compressing image data are provided. The method of compressing data comprises calculating differences between values of predetermined pixels from among pixels constructing an image and values of reference pixels respectively corresponding to the predetermined pixels; ordering bits, which correspond to bit strings of the differences, into bit planes; and coding the bit planes according to priority of the bit planes. |
| US08675729B2 |
Picture coding method and picture decoding method
In a picture coding method for generating a coded signal corresponding to each picture by coding a plurality of coded signals, a switching picture which is capable of switching a plurality of coded signals and subsequent pictures of the switching picture can refer to only a group of pictures of the same time in the coded signals. More specifically, the case where picture numbers of an adjacent picture of an S picture and the S picture are not continuous is not considered as an error. |
| US08675725B2 |
Integrated circuit, communication unit and method for improved amplitude resolution of an RF-DAC
An integrated circuit comprises a digitally-controlled power generation stage (DPA) for converting an input signal to a radio frequency (RF) carrier, the DPA comprising a plurality of selectable switching devices capable of adjusting an envelope of the RF carrier; and a pulse width modulator (PWM) generator arranged to generate a PWM control signal and operably coupleable to the plurality of selectable switching devices of the DPA. The PWM generator inputs the PWM control signal to a subset of the plurality of the selectable switching devices such that a PWM signal adjusts the envelope RF carrier output from the DPA. |
| US08675724B2 |
Decision feedback equalizers and operating methods thereof
A method for updating a tap coefficient of a decision feedback equalizer is provided. The method includes sampling a first input signal received by a sampler of a decision feedback equalizer. It is determined if an amplitude of the first input signal falls within a range defined between a first predetermined voltage level and a second predetermined voltage level. If the amplitude of the first input signal falls outside the range, a tap coefficient is updated to generate an updated tap coefficient that is fed back to adjust an amplitude of a second input signal received at an input end of the decision feedback equalizer. If the amplitude of the first input signal falls within the range, the tap coefficient is free from being updated. |
| US08675723B2 |
Apparatus and methods for processing a vestigial sideband signal using a sectionalizing adaptive equalizer
A symbol sequence corresponding to a vestigial sideband (VSB) signal is divided into a plurality of sections, respective ones of which correspond to respective time periods. Individual ones of the sections are recursively adaptively equalized to produce respective equalized sections. A bit stream is constructed from the equalized sections. |
| US08675722B2 |
Methods and apparatus for snapshot-based equalization of a communications channel
Equalization techniques for compensating distortion associated with a communications channel are provided. In one aspect of the invention, a method/apparatus for equalizing an input signal received from a communications channel includes the following steps/operations. At least one sampling is generated from the received input signal based on a clock signal unrelated to a clock signal used to recover data associated with the received input signal. Distortion associated with the communications channel is then compensated for based on at least a portion of the at least one generated sampling. |
| US08675720B2 |
Noise estimation filter
A noise estimation filter for an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexed (OFDM) system can include a filter bank module, a coefficient squaring module, and a summing module. The filter bank module can multiply a unitary vector by an OFDM signal vector to generate scalar products of the OFDM signal vector. The coefficient squaring module can square the scalar products and weight the scalar products to generate a plurality of weighted single estimates. The coefficient squaring module can include a squaring module for squaring the scalar product to generate a plurality of single estimates and a coefficient multiplication module for weighting each of the single estimates with a noise coefficient forming a plurality of weighted single estimates. The summing module can sum the weighted single estimates to generate a noise and interference power estimate. |
| US08675719B2 |
Multi-domain test and measurement instrument
A test and measurement instrument including a time domain channel configured to process a first input signal for analysis in a time domain; a frequency domain channel configured to process a second input signal for analysis in a frequency domain; and an acquisition system coupled to the time domain channel and the frequency domain channel. The acquisition system is configured to acquire data from the time domain channel and the frequency domain channel. Time domain and frequency domain data can be time aligned. |
| US08675718B2 |
Iterative precoder matrix computation method and apparatus
Precoder weights employed at a base station which coordinates with other base stations to form a super-cell are determined by: (a) determining an initial downlink precoding matrix at the base station for a mobile station serviced by the base station in the super-cell; (b) revising a downlink receiver matrix associated with the mobile station based on the initial downlink precoding matrix; (c) transforming the downlink receiver matrix to an uplink precoder matrix associated with the mobile station; (d) revising an uplink receiver matrix associated with each base station in uplink communication with the mobile station based on the uplink precoder matrix associated with the mobile station; and (e) revising the initial downlink precoding matrix by transforming the uplink receiver matrix to a revised downlink precoding matrix. Steps (b), (c), (d) and (e) are repeated for a particular number of iterations to determine a final downlink precoding matrix for the mobile station. |
| US08675714B2 |
Trace canceller with equalizer adjusted for trace length driving variable-gain amplifier with automatic gain control loop
Distortions of both amplitude and phase along a transmission line are compensated for by a trace canceller inserted between a transmitter and a receiver. The trace canceller has an equalizer that compensates for a trace length between the transmitter and the trace canceller. A variable gain amplifier between the equalizer and an output buffer has its gain controlled by an automatic gain control circuit that compares low-frequency swings of the input and output of the trace canceller. The gain of the variable gain amplifier is reduced to prevent the output buffer from saturating and clipping peak voltages on its output. Thus both the variable gain amplifier and the output buffer remain in the linear region. Training pulses from the transmitter are passed through the trace canceller without clipping of peak voltages, allowing the transmitter and receiver to adjust transmission parameters to best match the transmission line. |
| US08675712B1 |
Zero delay reduced memory GPS PRN code interpolation
In accordance with the teachings described herein, system and methods are provided for a GPS PRN code interpolation scheme with a reduced memory requirement. An example GPS receiver system may include a memory, a local PRN code generator, and an interpolator. The memory may be used to store GPS PRN code received from a global positioning satellite. The local PRN code generator generates a replica PRN code having a repeating code that includes at least a first epoch and a second epoch. The interpolator determines an offset point in the first epoch of replica PRN code and interpolates the replica PRN code at a predetermined sample rate to generate an interpolated replica PRN code for use in correlating with the GPS PRN code. |
| US08675708B2 |
Laser oscillation apparatus
Provided is a laser oscillation apparatus capable of stabilizing resonance even when finesse of an optical resonator is increased and generating stronger laser light than that of a traditional apparatus by accumulating laser light in the optical resonator. The laser oscillation apparatus includes a laser light source which generates laser light for excitation, a fiber amplifier which generates laser light with a desired wavelength when the laser light generated at the laser light source for excitation is supplied, an optical resonator, an optical isolator which is interposed between the optical resonator and the fiber amplifier and which guides the laser light from the fiber amplifier to one side of the optical resonator while blocking laser light in the opposite direction, a circulation optical path which accelerates resonance as introducing laser light emitted from the other side of the optical resonator and returning the laser light to the optical resonator via the fiber amplifier and the optical isolator, and a modulator which performs amplitude modulation on the laser light in the circulation optical path. |
| US08675704B2 |
Single ridge N-P-N diode laser
The present disclosure relates to a diode laser and a method for producing the same. In one embodiment, the diode laser, comprises a passive pedestal layer structure, an active ridge layer structure positioned over the passive pedestal layer structure, a p-contact contacting a top side of the active ridge layer structure, a first n-contact disposed on a first side of the active ridge layer structure, a second n-contact disposed on a second side of the active ridge layer structure and, an n-final-metal layer connecting the first n-contact metal and the second n-contact metal, wherein the n-final-metal layer is continuous over the active ridge layer structure. |
| US08675699B2 |
Laser pulse synthesis system
A laser pulse synthesis system is provided. A further aspect of the present system uses a phase-only modulator to measure ultrashort laser pulses. An additional aspect achieves interferences between split subpulses even though the subpulses have different frequencies. Yet another aspect of a laser system employs multi-comb phase shaping of a laser pulse. In another aspect, a laser system includes pulse characterization and arbitrary or variable waveform generation through spectral phase comb shaping. |
| US08675695B2 |
Method for finding and tracking single-mode operation point of external cavity diode lasers
An apparatus comprising: a processor for determining if a laser is operating in a single-mode state and for determining the degree to which one of one or more tunable parameters for the laser must be adjusted so that laser operates in a single-mode state if not operating in a single-mode state, wherein the one or more tunable parameters include the following parameters: the laser current and the wavelength of the output light. The apparatus may include a laser and/or a holographic storage medium. Also provided is a method for determining if a laser is operating in a single-mode state and for determining the degree to which one of one or more tunable parameters for the laser must be adjusted so that laser operates in a single-mode state if not operating in a single-mode state. |
| US08675693B2 |
Iterative decoding with configurable number of iterations
Techniques for transmitting and receiving data in a communication system are described. A receiver may iteratively decode a data packet and may obtain better performance with more decoding iterations. The receiver may select the number of decoding iterations based on at least one parameter (e.g., packet size) to tradeoff between decoder throughput and link performance. In one design, a transmitter may obtain a transport format selected based on the number of decoding iterations, process a data packet in accordance with the transport format, and send a transmission of the data packet to the receiver. The receiver may receive the transmission of the data packet and may perform decoding for the data packet for up to the selected number of decoding iterations. The transport format and/or CQI information may be determined based on an expected degradation in link performance due to the receiver performing the selected number of decoding iterations. |
| US08675679B2 |
Cooperative writes over the address channel of a bus
A method of communicating over a bus is disclosed. The bus includes a write address channel, a write channel, and a read address channel. The method includes sending an address from a sending device to a receiving device via the write address channel. The method further includes concurrently sending a portion of a payload to the receiving device via the write channel and another portion of the payload to the receiving device via the read address channel. When sending multiple sequential portions of the payload via the bus concurrently, the sending device is configured to give data ordering preference to the write channel over the read address channel by sending a first sequential portion of the multiple sequential portions via the write channel and sending a subsequent sequential portion of the multiple sequential portions via the read address channel. |
| US08675678B2 |
Adaptive medium access control
Bandwidth allocation configuration and fully decentralized adaptive medium access control (AMAC) systems and methods with support for time critical applications, spectrum efficiency, scalability enhancements, and fair allocation of bandwidth among nodes sharing a common channel. The methods fully integrate TDMA and CSMA/CA channel access approaches and incorporate adaptive congestion and collisions avoidance scheme to reduce bandwidth wastage and diminish adverse cross layers interactions. AMAC improves support for multi-media traffic while allowing higher transmission incidents from large number of transmitting devices sharing a common channel, with fair distribution of the available bandwidth, to enable improved multi-level-security connectivity over a common multi-hop wireless network, provide end-to-end performance enhancement for constant bit rate traffic, variable bit rate traffic, and distribute bandwidth fairly amongst competing TCP traffic flows that traverse varying length paths in multi-hop ad-hoc wireless networks. |
| US08675671B2 |
Systems and methods for multiple mode voice and data communications using intelligently bridged TDM and packet buses and methods for performing telephony and data functions using the same
A system for managing voice and data communications for at least one user is coupled to at least one wide area telecommunications network and includes at least a processor and data storage resources. A first bus is adapted to couple video data between the system and a video unit coupled to the system under control of the processor. A second bus is adapted to couple audio data between the system and a microphone unit coupled to the system under control of the processor, and audio data are coupled to a TDM bus in the system operating under control of the processor. A digital transmission link of the wide area telecommunications network couples the video and audio data from the system, under control of the processor. A user participates in a video call with the video data, while concurrently the user participates in a telephone call with the audio data. Voice communications of the telephone call that stay in a circuit-switched form are provided via the TDM bus, and the video call and the telephone call can provide a conference call. |
| US08675670B2 |
Distribution of routes in a network of routers
An autonomous system comprises a plurality of routers within a packet transmission network, respective links joining the routers according to a topology of routers. At the level of a first router of the autonomous system which is joined to a second router, for a route exiting the autonomous system through an exit router, a path is determined between the second router and the exit router according to performance criteria. Next, the route is announced to the second router if the first router is situated on the previously determined path. |
| US08675669B2 |
Policy homomorphic network extension
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: establishing a proxy device; establishing a connection between the proxy device and a local network device associated with the network group; configuring the local network device to: forward, to the proxy device, a first subset of received packets via the connection, wherein the first subset of received packets comprises packets destined for the remote node, and forward a second subset of received packets as though the second subset of packets were received directly from the remote node, wherein the second subset of received packets comprises packets received from the proxy device via the connection; and configuring the proxy device to: forward packets received from the local network device via the connection toward the remote node, and forward packets received from the remote node to the local network device via the connection. |
| US08675667B1 |
Systems and methods for forming and operating robust communication networks for an enterprise
Systems and methods are described for forming and operating communication networks that support the needs of an enterprise. These systems and methods include: establishing a plurality enterprise network nodes overlaid on one or more common carrier networks; establishing independence between the enterprise network and the common carrier networks; designing services provided by the enterprise network to be consistent with the current modes of operation of the common carrier networks and employing existing services of the common carrier networks to transport enterprise data; employing redundancy in communications among enterprise network nodes and in the storage of enterprise data. Compared to current enterprise networks, a network based on these methods and systems is easier to implement, is less expensive, and could be deployed more quickly. This network is not limited by the coverage and services provided by any particular carrier. With the systems and methods of this invention, the impact on the common carrier networks of providing services for an enterprise network are minimized. The redundancy associated with the systems and methods of this invention enables an enterprise network to quickly recover from a disaster and support the continuity of business operations. |
| US08675666B2 |
Systems and methods for distributing GPS clock to communications device
A method for synchronizing network elements to a global clock derived from the GPS clock acquired by a plurality of base stations. The global clock is distributed to controllers of various networks, and from there to network access devices. The network access devices further distribute the global clock to various wire-line and local wireless networks and from there, to the users served by these networks. The user equipment is enabled with a simple clock discipliner that adjusts the local clock to the global clock, resulting in a reliable synchronization across the converged communication networks. |
| US08675663B2 |
Method for QoS authorization
The invention is directed to providing a method and apparatus for authorizing Quality of Service (QoS) at a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) node in response to receiving a service request for a subscriber having a requested QoS, a QoS Negotiation Attribute Value Pair (AVP) and a QoS Upgrade AVP such that the QoS Negotiation AVP takes precedence over the QoS Upgrade AVP. |
| US08675660B2 |
Selection of receive-queue based on packet attributes
According to embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method for operating a network processor. The network processor receiving a first data packet in a stream of data packets and a set of receive-queues adapted to store receive data packets. The network processor processing the first data packet by reading a flow identification in the first data packet; determining a quality of service for the first data packet; mapping the flow identification and the quality of service into an index for selecting a first receive-queue for routing the first data packet; and utilizing the index to route the first data packet to the first receive-queue. |
| US08675656B2 |
Scaling virtual private networks using service insertion architecture
In one embodiment, service routers may register their serviced VPNs with a service directory/broker (SDB), and edge routers may register their attached VPNs. The SDB may then return service headers, each corresponding to a particular VPN, and also returns an address of a service router corresponding to each service header to the edge routers. An edge router may then push an appropriate service header onto a received packet, and forward the packet to the corresponding service router, which forwards the packet based on a maintained VRF for a VPN according to the service header (e.g., thus the edge routers need only maintain limited/reduced VRFs). Also, services provided by the service routers may be distinguished using service headers accordingly. In this manner, the edge routers may forward packets requiring one or more desired services to service routers configured to perform such services. |
| US08675653B2 |
Co-existing static and dynamic IP multicast
A system and method are provided for providing both static and dynamic IP multicasting. When a router receives a PIM message or an IGMP message, the router determines whether the group specified in the message is within the multicast Static-Range. If the group pertains to a static multicasting group, the router does not propagate the message to upstream routers and only connects or disconnects interfaces internal to the router. If the multicast group address in the message is not within the multicast Static-Range, the router implements PIM or IGMP protocols. If the invention is used for broadcasting TV, the low end of TB channels or commonly used channels can be created as static IP multicast. This way, a user can access or leave such channels without an entire shortest path tree being created or torn down, improving access time and channel surfing for a user. |
| US08675652B2 |
Packet processing with adjusted access control list
Network devices and methods are provided for packet processing. One method includes using logic embedded in an application specific integrated circuit on a network device to dynamically adjust an access control list. According to the method, the access control list is adjusted in response to information received from a checking functionality related to packets received by the network device from a particular port. The method also includes handling packets later received from the particular port according to the adjusted access control list. |
| US08675649B2 |
Audio network system and method of detecting topology in audio signal transmitting system
In an audio network system constructed from a main node and a plurality of satellite nodes each having a plurality of ports, the main node generates and transmits a main packet including audio signals of a plurality of channels. Each satellite node selects one of the plurality of ports in turn, and confirms whether the main packet arrives at the selected port every predetermined period or not. When the main packet arrives at the selected port every predetermined period, the main packet is received via the port by continuing selection of the port. In the case where reception of the main packet is lost, one is selected from the plurality of ports in turn, the operation to confirm arrival of the main packet is restarted, and another port at which the main packet arrives at the present stage is automatically found. |
| US08675648B1 |
Methods and apparatus for compression in packet classification
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a policy vectors associated with a switch fabric, determining a compression scheme, and producing a compressed vector based on the policy vector and the compression scheme. The policy vector is represented by a bit sequence and has a plurality of policy bit values. A policy bit value from the plurality of policy bit vales is configured to trigger an action associated with a data packet in the switch fabric. The compression scheme is determined based on a portion of the policy vector. |
| US08675647B1 |
Non-broadcast multiple access inverse next hop resolution protocol (INNHRP)
The present invention is a method and apparatus for obtaining information transmitted between a source station and a destination station in a non broadcast multiple access network. A connection between the source station and a server for the destination station is established. The server has a cache containing the information. The source station transmits a request packet having parameters relating to the information to the server. The source station receives a reply packet containing the information from the server. The reply packet matches the parameters of the request packet. |
| US08675646B2 |
Method for encoding information object and encoder using the same
A method for encoding an information object in a communication system by storing the information object in a buffer; generating a sampling set including bits randomly selected from the buffer and bits regularly selected from the buffer; generating control channel data including a sampling set number of the sampling set and size information for the information object; and modulating the sampling set and the control channel data. |
| US08675645B2 |
Method for operating a wireless mesh data network with multiple nodes
A method for operating a wireless mesh data network with multiple nodes, wherein data frames are transmitted from a source node via one or more intermediate nodes to a destination node, wherein the source node, the one or more intermediate nodes, and the destination node constitute network nodes of the data network, wherein during transmission of a data frame, at least some of the network nodes which receive the data frame, using a precursor list for the destination nodes which is assigned to the destination nodes of the data frame, check whether the network node sending the data frame is in the precursor list, and wherein in the case of a positive result, the data frame is transmitted to a further network node, and in the case of a negative result, the data frame is thrown out or processed by an error recovery routine. |
| US08675642B2 |
Using PSTN reachability to verify VoIP call routing information
A system for verifying VoIP call routing information. In particular implementations, a method includes verifying one or more Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) call agents for respective destination telephone numbers based on demonstrated knowledge of previous public switched telephone network (PSTN) calls to the respective destination telephone numbers; receiving a call initiation message identifying a destination telephone number; and conditionally initiating a call over a VoIP network to a target VoIP call agent, or over a circuit switched network, based on whether the target VoIP call agent has been verified for the destination telephone number identified in the call initiation message. |
| US08675641B2 |
System and method for supporting concurrent communication over multiple access points and physical media
A system and method for enabling communication concurrently over multiple access points and multiple physical media including but not limited to: cellular, network (e.g., Ethernet), broadband wireless, audio communication schemes. |
| US08675631B2 |
Method and system for achieving faster device operation by logical separation of control information
Provided is a method and system for managing device operations. The method includes dividing control information into two or more portions, each portion being associated with a unique control sequence number. Each of the associated control sequence numbers is examined during an update cycle to determine which of the portions must be updated. The control sequence number includes information related to control information updates. |
| US08675630B2 |
Systems and methods for multiplexing multiple connections in mobile IP network
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for facilitating multiplexing of simultaneous multiple connections between a mobile device and its IP mobility anchors, such as mobile IP home agents or proxy mobile IP local mobility anchors. An example method comprises assigning a unique IP mobility anchor identifier to each IP mobility anchor associated with the mobile device. The method further comprises negotiating an IP flow reservation for each IP mobility anchor identifier and signaling a request to associate each negotiated IP flow with an IP tunnel to a particular IP mobility anchor. The method further comprises sending packets through each negotiated IP flow and associated IP tunnel to each IP mobility anchor. |
| US08675628B2 |
Demultiplexing apparatus, multiplexing apparatus, communication apparatus, and relay satellite
A demultiplexing apparatus includes, in each of n stages, 2n FC+RXHBFs that down-sample a signal, from which a high-frequency component is removed after frequency conversion is carried out, and output the signal. The demultiplexing apparatus extracts, from an input signal including a plurality of band signals, the band signals to thereby demultiplex the input signal. The demultiplexing apparatus includes a reception-filter-bank control unit that calculates, based on channel information including bands and frequency arrangement of the band signals, a dividing position on a frequency axis and a frequency offset value indicating a frequency conversion value and instructs the FC+RXHBF, which is set as a target of output of divided signals of the input signal, about the calculated values. The FC+RXHBF carries out frequency conversion based on the frequency offset value. |
| US08675625B2 |
Access point which sends geographical positioning information from the access point to mobile terminals and mobile terminal which receives the information and estimates the position thereof based on said information
An access point sends geographical positioning information from the access point to mobile terminals and to a mobile terminal which receives this information and estimates the position thereof based on said information. Geographical-locating architecture for WiFi 802.11 mobile terminals on ADSL access points generally includes geographical positioning information, i.e., the geographical coordinates of the access point during the registration phase thereof. The access point includes this geographical information in the information posted so that the mobile terminals can be connected to same. The mobile terminals can thus know the geographical location where they are located with an approximation that will depend directly on the number of access points that the mobile terminal can detect. |
| US08675623B2 |
Distributed prioritized contention for spectrum sharing
Techniques for use in contending for a portion of a television channel spectrum are disclosed. In some instances, a back-off value is used to decide whether a contender's contention number will be transmitted when the contention channel is free, and the back-off value is determined based on the contention number. In some instances, a contender monitors the contention channel and withdraws from contention if it detects from the contention channel that a higher priority contender is in contention. |
| US08675620B1 |
Scheduled service periods in wireless mesh networks
A method, apparatus and computer program product in which a computer system functions as a mesh point (MP) and provides scheduled service periods in wireless mesh networks is presented. The MP enters a light sleep mode. The MP determines peers of itself and determines beacons for the peers of itself. The MP then enters an Awake state for the beacons of its peers. |
| US08675618B2 |
Logical connection establishment method for mobile terminal
A logical channel establishment method for a mobile terminal is provided for improving network connection possibility and connection reliability. A logical channel establishment method of the present invention includes transmitting a resource request message for establishing a logical connection to an unlicensed wireless access network via a base station; retransmitting, when a resource request rejection message is received or no response message is received before a timer expires, the resource request message after a retry timer expires; and repeating retransmission of the resource request message a threshold number of retransmission times until a logical connection is established. |
| US08675615B2 |
Temperature-driven airlink selection in a multi-mode wireless device
A method and system for temperature-driven airlink selection in a multi-mode wireless device is disclosed. The method may include monitoring a temperature in the multi-mode wireless device while the multi-mode wireless device operates in a first airlink mode, determining whether to switch the airlink mode of the multi-mode wireless device in response to a change in the monitored temperature, and switching the multi-mode wireless device to operate in a second airlink mode in response to a determination to switch the airlink mode. |
| US08675605B2 |
Frequency hopping in license-exempt/shared bands
RRC signaling is used to configure a user device for N secondary cells SCells on license-exempt channels wi in a frequency hopping channel set W={wi} where i=1, 2, . . . N. Then cross-carrier scheduling is sent on a primary cell PCell to schedule a frequency hopping FH resource block hi on the ith license-exempt channel wi. Based on measurements of at least some of the license-exempt channels wi received from at least the user device, parameters for the frequency hopping are adapted. The FH resource block contains M physical resource blocks, scheduled for the SCell during a FH time interval Tu*L+j by a resource grants sent on a PDCCH of the PCell. In an embodiment the RRC signaling is sent by a micro access node/HeNB on the PCell, the cross carrier scheduling is sent also by the micro access node/HeNB on the PCell, and the PCell lies within a LTE licensed frequency band. |
| US08675604B2 |
Relay enhanced cellular telecommunication network
Systems and techniques for avoiding inefficiencies resulting from failed handover attempts. A base station selects one or more mobility management entity (MME) pools for assignment to a relay node, with the selection being performed so as to minimize or eliminate handover attempts requiring that a target device support a particular MME pool when the MME pool is not supported by the MME. A base station selects, when communicating with a relay node, a subset of the MME pools that it supports and assigns the subset to the base station. UEs served by the relay node are assigned the MME pool or MME pools assigned to the relay node. The relay node is informed of the MME pools supported by one or more neighbor nodes and, when attempting a handover to a neighbor node, attempts an X2 handover only to neighbor nodes supporting an MME pool assigned to the relay node. |
| US08675599B2 |
Apparatus and method of changing access point in wireless network system
An apparatus and method of changing an access point in a wireless network system is provided. The wireless network system includes a first access point existing on a wireless network, and a user terminal accessing the first access point. The first access point transmits information on a second access point, which is one of a plurality of access points accessible by the user terminal, to the user terminal, and the user terminal determines whether to access the second access point and accesses the second access terminal in accordance with the determination result. |
| US08675598B2 |
Method for improving the success rate of reception of control channels in an LTE system
In some examples, a method for allocating a Cell Identity (CELL-ID) to a particular cell in a radio communication network is described. The method may include assigning a first Cell Identity (CELL-ID)i to a first cell i in a radio communication network. The method also includes determining an element δm of an aggregate δn which makes a sum of conflict probability in a common search space of the first cell i and in a common search space of one or more adjacent cells k have a minimum value Pmin. δm may be an integer. The method may also include assigning a second Cell Identity (CELL-ID)j to a particular adjacent cell j selected from the one or more adjacent cells k such that an absolute value of (CELL-ID)i−(CELL-ID)j equals δm. |
| US08675597B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting control information in WLAN system
There is provided a method of transmitting control information in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) system, comprising transmitting first control information by means of cyclic shift delay diversity beam-forming and transmitting second control information. The first control information comprises information necessary for each of a plurality of target stations of the second control information to receive the second control information. The second control information beamformed and transmitted to the plurality of target stations. |
| US08675593B2 |
Wireless communication base station apparatus and control channel allocation method
A wireless communication base station apparatus that allows the number of times of blind decodings at a mobile station to be reduced without increasing the overhead caused by notifying information. In this apparatus, a CCE allocation part (104) allocates allocation information allocated to a PDCCH received from modulation parts (103-1 to 103-K) to a particular one of a plurality of search spaces that is corresponding to a CCE aggregation size of the PDCCH. A placement part (108) then places the allocation information in one of downstream line resources, reserved for the PDCCH, that is corresponding to the CCE of the particular search space to which the allocation information has been allocated. A radio transmission part (111) then transmits an OFDM symbol, in which the allocation information has been placed, to the mobile station from an antenna (112). |
| US08675592B2 |
Methods, apparatus and computer programs for physical layer transmission and/or reception
Embodiments include a method for physical layer transmission in a network equipment including receiving, from a higher layer, messages to be transmitted during a subframe on one or more control channels. The number of elements required (i.e. aggregation level) for each control channel is determined. A plurality of physical resource blocks (PRBs) for transmitting the control channels and partitioning the PRBs into clusters is allocated. The interleaving depth (IDP) for each cluster is determined. Each element is mapped to a cluster according to the IDP for that cluster. A transmission signal including the clusters is generated. |
| US08675591B2 |
Method for mobile reception of multimedia broadcast multicast service by user equipment, and user equipment
Disclosed in the present invention are a method for mobile reception of a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) by a user equipment and a user equipment. The method includes: when a UE moves from a source cell to a target cell, the UE judges whether the UE will move out of or has already moved out of one or more multimedia broadcast multicast single frequency network (MBSFN) areas. |
| US08675589B2 |
Method and device for transmitting a downlink reference signal in a wireless communication system supporting multiple antennas
A method for a base station to transmit a channel-state-information reference signal for up to 8 antenna ports includes mapping, in accordance with a predetermined pattern, the channel-state-information reference signal for up to 8 antenna ports onto a data region of a downlink subframe having an extended cyclic prefix (CP) structure, and transmitting the downlink subframe onto which the channel-state-information reference signal for up to 8 antenna ports has been mapped; and, in the predetermined pattern, the channel-state-information reference signal for up to 8 antenna ports in mapped onto 2 OFDM symbols on the data region of the downlink subframe, with a definition for mapping onto at least one of 4 subcarrier wave positions in each of the 2 OFDM symbols, and the 4 subcarrier wave positions defined in the predetermined pattern can be disposed at 3 subcarrier wave intervals. |
| US08675583B2 |
Method of performing wireless communication in multi-carrier system
A method of performing wireless communication in a multi-carrier system by a User Equipment (UE) comprises receiving minimum aggregation information on at least one carrier which is determined as a default irrespective of carriers supportable by the UE, configuring the at least one carrier on a basis of the minimum aggregation information, and performing communication using the at least one carrier. |
| US08675581B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for enhancing data rate for packet-switched (PS) data service
A wireless communication device for eliminating performance degradation of a packet-switched (PS) data service. The device comprises a processor configured to receive a request to perform the PS data service with a first subscriber identity card, reduce a plurality of scheduled monitoring tasks associated with a second subscriber identity card, and perform the PS data service with the first subscriber identity card while using the reduced plurality of scheduled monitoring tasks to maintain mobility or receive network messages with the second subscriber identity card. |
| US08675579B2 |
System and method for allocating network resources for a communications link
A system and method for a system and method for allocating network resources for a communications link are provided. A method for communications controller operations includes allocating network resources to a communications link. The communications link includes an uplink (UL) part and a downlink (DL) part. The method also includes if a type of the allocated network resources is not equal in the DL part and the UL part, transmitting a first indication of the allocated network resources for one part of either the UL part or the DL part and a second indication of the allocated network resources for a remaining part of either the UL part or the DL part. The first indication and the second indication are based on an amount of network resources allocated. The method further includes if the type of the allocated network resources is equal in the DL part and the UL part, transmitting an indication of the allocated network resources for one part of either the UL part or the DL part. The indication is based on an amount of network resources allocated. |
| US08675578B2 |
Method for allocating resources in wireless communication system and system thereof
This invention relates to a method for allocating resources in a wireless communication system and a system thereof. The disclosed method comprises steps for: allowing a user's terminal to receive information about the wireless transmission resources among semi-permanent transmission resources; performing CRC-calculation by receiving a message about the allocation of the semi-permanent transmission resources based on the received information; verifying the validity of the message by comparing the information about the wireless resources indicated in the received message with the received information about the wireless transmission resources; and receiving data as the transmission resources indicated in the message if there is no error in the verification. |
| US08675576B2 |
Optimized resource allocation for wireless device in packet transfer mode
A method and system for a wireless device configured to communicate with a network is presented. The network is communicated with at a radio link control layer. An indication is communicated to the network that a higher layer protocol is operating in an acknowledged mode. The higher level protocol is above the radio link control layer. In some implementations, the higher level protocol terminates at a device located outside the network. A resource allocation is received from the network. The resource allocation is at the RLC layer. |
| US08675572B1 |
Dynamic asynchronous-capsule timer for traffic channel assignment messages
Methods and systems for periodically transmitting traffic channel assignment (TCA) messages in a radio access network are disclosed herein. An exemplary method involves (a) periodically transmitting a capsule that includes one or more TCA messages, wherein an async timer specifies a period that is used to periodically transmit the capsule; and (b) using one or more backhaul-latency indicators as a basis for determining the period that is used to periodically transmit the capsule. The method may further comprise periodically repeating (b) in order to dynamically update the async timer to reflect changes in backhaul latency. |
| US08675568B2 |
Method and a device for saving power in a wireless user terminal
A method for use in a cellular system with a controlling node and user terminals, UEs. In the system, UEs can assume one of at least two states, a non-listening state, i.e. a state during which a UE does not listen for data from its controlling node, and a listening state, an “on duration” state. According to the method a UE in the system is able to alternate between said two states according to a certain scheme, the scheme according to which a UE in the system alternates between said two states being dependent on whether or not data units which are transmitted between the UE and its controlling node are received entirely and correctly within an initially allocated resource for each data unit. |
| US08675564B2 |
Multi-cell transmission diversity method and apparatus
A multi-cell transmission diversity method and apparatus that is capable of forming two virtual antennas of each cell and producing orthogonality of the virtual antennas using an improved precoding technique in an OFDM-based cellular mobile communication system is provided for improving transmission diversity gain with coherent combination of the orthogonal signals at the receiver. A multi-cell transmission diversity transmission method of a transmitter according to the present invention includes generating a first signal stream and a second signal stream by performing transmission diversity encoding on a user data; multiplexing and precoding the first signal stream and a first dedicated reference signal into a first diversity signal; multiplexing and precoding the second signal stream and a second dedicated reference signal a second diversity signal; and transmitting the first and second diversity signals simultaneously, wherein the first dedicated reference signal and the second dedicated reference signal are user-specific reference signal signals. |
| US08675561B2 |
WiFi distance measurement using location packets
A method of determining a distance between a first wireless device and a second wireless device is provided. In this method, a location symbol can be generated by filtering and modulating a pseudorandom (PRN) code. The location symbol can be provided in a data field of a legacy wireless packet to form a first location packet. The first location packet can be transmitted from the first wireless device to the second wireless device. A second location packet can be transmitted from the second wireless device to the first wireless device, wherein the second location packet is substantially identical to the first location packet. An effective roundtrip time between the first and second wireless devices can be determined based on the first and second location packets. The distance between the first and second wireless devices can be computed using this roundtrip time. |
| US08675557B2 |
Method for communication between nodes in a wireless network
A method for communication between nodes in a wireless network, in particular in a wireless ad hoc or mesh network, wherein multiple wireless channels with different frequency bands are provided and wherein the nodes are enabled to operate on the different channels is characterized in that each the node has assigned a home channel where it usually resides, wherein a node that leaves its home channel and switches to another of the multiple channels—temporary operating channel—provides information about the temporary operating channel on the node's home channel. |
| US08675556B2 |
Method of transmitting data frame to multi-user in wireless communication systems
Provided a method for simultaneously transmitting data frames to a plurality of STAs in a multi-user based wireless communication system. The method includes: requesting sounding or feedback for the plurality of STAs by using a first control information frame containing first group information; receiving responses to the sounding or feedback request; reconfiguring the plurality of STAs composing the first group into a plurality of second groups on the basis of the responses such that the sum of maximum transport streams of the respective STAs composing one group becomes equal to or less than the maximum number of streams transmitted by an AP; transmitting a second control information frame containing second group information on the respective second groups to the plurality of STAs composing the first group; and transmitting data frames by using the second group information. |
| US08675553B2 |
Regulating the scope of service geographically in wireless networks based on priority
A network communication entity (e.g., an access terminal, access network and/or application server) obtains a location associated with a given access terminal that is attempting to participate in a given communication service, obtains a priority level of the given access terminal, determines a given level of service restriction for the given access terminal's participation in the given communication service based on the obtained location and the obtained priority level and restricts the given access terminal's participation in the given communication service based on the given level of service restriction. In an example, the priority levels can be established such that low-priority access terminals obtain a first level of service restriction within a defined location region, and a second level of service restriction outside of the defined location region, whereas high-priority access terminals obtain the first level of service restriction both inside and outside of the defined location region. |
| US08675552B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting information via uplink control channel in OFDMA communication system
An apparatus is capable of transmitting information via an uplink control channel in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) communication system. Uplink control information is encoded to obtain a predetermined bit string. A signal sequence corresponding to the predetermined bit string is generated. The signal sequence is cyclic-shifted according to a predetermined rule. The cyclic-shifted signal sequence is controlled according to a subframe length. Therefore, reception performance deterioration of an uplink control channel allocated to an irregular subframe can be minimized. |
| US08675549B2 |
Method of serving sector maintenance in a wireless communication systems
An apparatus and method for serving sector maintenance in a wireless communication system is described. A forward link serving sector (FLSS) change command (ChangeFLSS) is received and it is determined if a FLSS in the ChangeFLSS command is a member of a NonSynchronousSubset. If the determination is positive, a reverse link serving sector (RLSS) and a dedicated RLSS (DRLSS) in the public data may be updated to be equal to the FLSS in the ChangeFLSS command, and indications that the RLSS and the DRLSS have changed may be issued. Otherwise, the FLSS and a dedicated FLSS (DFLSS) in the public data may be updated to be equal to the FUSS in the ChangeFLSS command, and indications that the FUSS and the DFLSS have changed may be issued. |
| US08675546B2 |
Mobile station, base station, communications system, and communications method
A mobile station includes a radio link control unit for outputting or inputting data that are transmitted or received via a radio channel to or from a higher-level protocol layer, a media access control unit for outputting or inputting the data via a logical channel to or from the radio link control unit, a physical layer control unit for outputting or inputting the data via a transport channel to or from the media access control unit, and for controlling radio communications, and a radio resource control unit for outputting or inputting control data to or from the radio link control unit, media access control unit, and physical layer control unit. The mobile station multiplexes report information therefrom into a channel for packet data transmission so as to transmit it to a base station. The base station carries out assignment of radio resources using the report information. |
| US08675536B2 |
Customer facing interface power cycling of wireless terminals
Systems and methods are described for configuring customer premises equipment in a wireless network in response to reconnection of subscriber station to a base station. A set of rules is provided that governs configuration of a network interface based in part on whether the interface connects to a different base station after reconnection. Reconfiguration may include cycling power of the network interface and the decision to cycle power may be based on network configuration determined after the loss of communication. This decision can be made after the loss of communication and after the network interface is reconnected to the wireless network through the same or a different base station. The rules may be processed by a combination of subscriber equipment, network interface and base station. Power may be cycled responsive to a message transmitted by the one base station to the network interface. |
| US08675531B1 |
Memory efficient filtering
In a method and apparatus for providing memory efficient filtering of a received broadcast signal, filter expressions are compared to packet data in the broadcast signal and by a wireless device assembly to determine if a match exists. The wireless device assembly is able to perform such filtering with an associated host assembly in a sleep mode or with that host in an active mode. Upon finding a filter match, the wireless device assembly selectively communicates the received packet data to the host assembly for packet decoding and analysis. If the host assembly is in a sleep mode, the wireless device assembly may send a wakeup signal to the host assembly prior to transmitting the packet data. |
| US08675530B2 |
Method for enhancing power saving performance of user equipment
A method for enhancing power saving performance of user equipment (UE) is provided. The method includes the following steps: a UE receives the downlink data transmitted by an evolved node B (eNB); the UE starts a corresponding RTT Timer according to the received downlink data, the timing of the RTT Timer is determined based on the uplink/downlink (UL/DL) configuration and the sub-frame number of the downlink sub-frame carrying the downlink data by the UE; and the UE controls the discontinuous reception (DRX) process according to the RTT Timer. By re-defining the RTT Timer, the present invention can improve power saving performance of the UE in TDD system effectively. |
| US08675526B2 |
Wireless communication system, base station, channel allocation method, and program
A wireless communication system includes a terminal and a base station for forming a plurality of sectors and receiving an uplink subframe from said terminal positioned in any of said plurality of sectors, according to an OFDMA/TDD scheme. Here, in said uplink subframe, said base station allocates a predetermined subchannel among subchannels usable by said base station to two predetermined sectors among said plurality of sectors in said uplink subframe, according to time division. |
| US08675524B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamically allocating resources for large-scale multimedia conferences
In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for dynamically allocating resources for large-scale multimedia conferences. In one embodiment, a method for allocating resources to a multimedia conference includes receiving a request from a potential participant to join the multimedia conference and dynamically assigning the request to one of a plurality of media servers serving the multimedia conference. |
| US08675522B2 |
Conveying the VLAN/L2 VSN/bridging-domain of the incoming interface (IIF) when transporting multicast traffic over a shortest path bridged (SPB) network
Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for improving multicast traffic operations in a Shortest Path Bridging (SPB) network by conveying bridging domain information of an incoming interface (IIF) when transporting multicast traffic over the SPB network. Techniques disclosed herein include modifying encapsulation packet header information of existing Mac-In-Mac fields to convey additional information that can be interpreted at edge nodes by modifying edge node interpretation of multicast data. Specifically, the value of the I-SID in the BMAC-DA field can be set to be different from the I-SID value in the I-TAG field. Carrying the L2 VSN I-SID value in the I-TAG allows the Egress BEBs to determine which VLAN/L2 VSN/Bridging-Domain of the IIF is in use, and then modify or preserve underlying header information accordingly. |
| US08675518B2 |
Message transport system using publication and subscription mechanisms
A message transport system may use a publication subscription mechanism to connect nodes and transport messages through the nodes. Each node may establish connections to other nodes, and subscription requests and publication notifications may be passed across the nodes to establish paths for messages. When a message is published, the message may be passed over those connections for which a subscription is active. A path identifier may be added to the message as it is passed between nodes, and the path identifier may be used by a subscribing node for identification of the information being received. When a subscriber notification is removed, the path may be deconstructed across multiple nodes. The nodes may be arranged such that each node is agnostic to any connections past the nodes to which it is connected, and may allow any node to subscribe to any information published within the network. |
| US08675515B2 |
Elastic multiplexing for shared control channels
A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing elastic multiplexing for shared control channels in a wireless device in a wireless communication system. The present work includes, but is not limited to, phase feedback for closed-loop transmit diversity (CL-TD) in mobile wireless communication systems. The method enhances system performance with control channel scheduling flexibility around resource conflicts such as blocking and preemption. The present work discloses an elastic multiplexing processor that is cable of carrying out the elastic multiplexing process. |
| US08675512B2 |
Fixed multiple access wireless communication
A user terminal for wireless communication with a remote access point can include a mapping module, a delay module, a transmit module, and a directional antenna. The mapping module can be used to map one or more input data bits to an uplink symbol. The delay module can be used to apply a delay to the uplink symbol. The transmit module can be used to modulate the delayed symbol into a frequency channel. The directional antenna can be oriented along a dominant path to the access point, and the antenna is used to transmit the modulated symbol to the access point. The delay is chosen such that the transmitted symbol arrives at the access point simultaneously with a another symbol that is modulated into the frequency channel and transmitted by another user terminal. |
| US08675509B2 |
Feedback to support restrictive reuse
The scheduler in a base station needs CQI information from a terminal for all re-use sets every 5 ms. to decide on which re-use set to schedule a given terminal. For MIMO users, the problem is that the CQI cannot be reconstructed for all re-use sets, using the current design. Solution: (1) For Multiple Code Word MIMO users, a MIMO VCQI connection layer message enables the base station to reconstruct the MIMO-CQI for all reuse sets on a packet-by-packet basis. This will enable dynamic scheduling (RESTRICTIVE REUSE) gains. (2) For Single Code Word users, dynamic RESTRICTIVE REUSE can be obtained by changing the CQI reporting format, and also sending a MIMO-VCQI connection layer message. (3) For Single Code Word design, quasi-static scheduling gains can be obtained by sending a MIMO-VCQI connection layer message. |
| US08675507B2 |
Service profile management with user preference, adaptive policy, network neutrality and user privacy for intermediate networking devices
Various embodiments are disclosed for a services policy communication system and method. In some embodiments, an intermediate networking device provides a service intermediary or intermediate connection between a network and one or more communications devices; implements a service profile set for assisting control of the intermediate networking device use of a service set on the network, wherein the service profile set includes one or more service profiles, each profile being associated with either the intermediate networking device or a communications device, each profile further including a plurality of service policy settings; and monitors use of the service set based on the service profile set, in which the implementation of the first service profile set is verified. |
| US08675502B2 |
Relative one-way delay measurements over multiple paths between devices
The relative one-way delays from a networked device to a remote device can be determined based on the round-trip delay of pairs of probe/probe-return packets as each pair takes a different path to the remote device and takes the same path from the remote device to the networked device. The relative one-way delays from a remote device to a networked device can be determined based on the round-trip delay of pairs of probe/probe-return packets as each pair takes a same path to the remote device and takes a different path from the remote device to the networked device. |
| US08675500B2 |
Automated network condition identification
Performance data relating to each of multiple network devices distributed in a geographic region is analyzed. That data can include values for various parameters measured automatically by routine polling of subscriber devices and/or network elements serving those subscriber devices. Measured parameter values can then be stored in a database and made available, together with information about subscriber device locations, to one or more analysis servers that analyze different portions of the network. As part of that analysis, groups of devices experiencing performance problems are identified based on device location. Information about those groups is then communicated and can be made available for, e.g., monitoring by service personnel. |
| US08675499B2 |
Apparatus and method of user equipment relocation
A method for relocating User Equipment (UE). The method includes a Source Home Node B (S-HNB) sending a Radio Access Network Application Part (RANAP) Relocation Required message and a RANAP Relocation Request message encapsulated in a RANAP User Adaptation (RUA) Direct Transfer message to an HNB gateway (HNB GW). The method also includes the HNB GW sending the RANAP Relocation Request message encapsulated in a RUA Direct Transfer message or in a RUA Connection message to a target HNB (T-HNB). The relocation method may have several advantages. For example, the HNB GW is not required to store a large amount of UE Context, thereby reducing the burden of the HNB GW. The interaction with the CN is decreased, thereby reducing the burden of the CN. The HNB GW is not required to construct RANAP relocation messages, thereby reducing the complexity of the HNB GW. |
| US08675497B2 |
Communication quality evaluation system, device, method, and program thereof
A communication quality evaluation system, a device, a method, and a program for evaluating communication quality at an arbitrary location, in the form which can actually felt by a user, are provided. According to an instruction from an evaluator, a control device displays a map or layout diagram of a specified area on a map/layout diagram display device and specifies an evaluation point within a display range of the map or the layout diagram. According to the network quality estimated by a network quality estimation unit, a network quality simulation unit for estimating the network quality when communications are performed at the evaluation point deteriorates the evaluation data and transmits the data to an evaluation device. The evaluation data deteriorated is a sample of data actually transmitted and received in the communication system. The evaluation device uses a communication device actually used by a user in the communication system. |
| US08675495B2 |
Communication system
A communication system includes a transmission device configured to transmit a packet and a reception device configured to receive the packet. The reception device is equipped with a behavior information acquisition unit, a model specification information acquisition unit, and a model specification information transmission unit. The behavior information acquisition unit acquires behavior information representing the behavior of a packet before the packet reaches the reception device from the transmission device. The model specification information acquisition unit acquires model specification information for specifying a mathematical model representing the behaviors of a plurality of packets based on the acquired behavior information. The model specification information transmission unit transmits the acquired model specification information to the transmission device. The transmission device is equipped with a model specification information reception unit. The model specification information reception unit receives model specification information. |
| US08675493B2 |
Routing bandwidth guaranteed paths with local restoration in label switched networks
A method of providing at least one restoration path for a primary routing path in a network. The method includes receiving a customer connection request to route information. Costs are assigned for the primary routing path, and the primary routing path is computed based upon the primary routing path costs. A backtracking distance over the primary routing path is determined, and costs for at least one restoration path are assigned. The at least one restoration path may then be computed based upon the at least one restoration path costs. |
| US08675491B2 |
Packet switching
In an embodiment, an apparatus is provided that may include an integrated circuit including switch circuitry to determine, at least in part, an action to be executed involving a packet. This determination may be based, at least in part, upon flow information determined, at least in part, from the packet, and packet processing policy information. The circuitry may examine the policy information to determine whether a previously-established packet processing policy has been established that corresponds, at least in part, to the flow information. If the circuitry determines, at least in part, that the policy has not been established and the packet is a first packet in a flow corresponding at least in part to the flow information, the switch circuitry may request that at least one switch control program module establish, at least in part, a new packet processing policy corresponding, at least in part, to the flow information. |
| US08675484B2 |
Receiving data in a sensor network
A sensor network has a plurality of wireless sensors which transmit to an intermediate receiving device which relays data to a central server. A method is provided for receiving data packets at the intermediate receiving device from a plurality of the transmitting devices. Data packets are sensed on a communication medium at the receiving device and the total traffic intensity of data packets from the transmitting devices is estimated. A detection threshold for data packets is provided and adapted as a function of the total intensity. The receiving device receives data packets with a signal strength above the current detection threshold. |
| US08675482B1 |
Method and apparatus for cooperative communications between groups of communication units
Enhanced reception in a communication system is achieved by synchronously combining transmissions from a cluster of transmitting communication devices at a group of distant receiving communication devices. The transmitting communication devices coordinate their transmissions such that each device transmits the same signal on the same communication channel at different transmission times. As a consequence of the spatial diversity of the transmitting and receiving communication devices and the temporal diversity of the transmission times, the transmitted signals arrive at the receiving communication devices at different times. The receiving communication devices each essentially treat the different transmitted signals as though they were different multipath signals from a single transmitting communication device. This permits detection at a greater range or with a lower bit error rate. In addition, the many-to-many configuration enables a communication protocol to be maintained without modification of the protocol or termination (or interruption) of a protocol message sequence. |
| US08675479B2 |
Methods and apparatus for improving network communication using ethernet switching protection
A network layout between network elements and routers using network redundancy to improve reliability of network communication is disclosed. Upon detecting a link failure associated with a primary link between an access switch and a primary router by the access switch via a connectivity verification protocol, the access switch sends a message to the primary router indicating connection defect via the connectivity verification protocol such as IEEE 802.1 ag standard. After enabling protection switching mechanism to activate a secondary link between the access switch and a backup router for network communication, routing data streams are routed between the access switch and the router via the secondary link. In one aspect, the protection switching mechanism is operated in accordance with G.8031 under International Telecommunication Union (“ITU”) standard. |
| US08675476B2 |
Multi-streaming communication session
A communication session between a first communication device and a second communication device is hosted in an Internet Protocol (IP) based packet data network. A contact server functions as a bridge service between the first communication device and the second communication device. A communication link between the first communication device and the contact server or the second communication device and the contact server is initially a voice-over IP (VoIP) communication link over a wireless data network comprised of a first packet data media stream. The contact server receives the first packet data media stream and at least one other packet data media stream from the first communication device and combines them into a single packet data media stream before transmitting the combined single packet data media stream to the second communication device. |
| US08675474B2 |
Method and system for handling error in LPP messages exchange
A system and method for handling an error in a LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) transaction is provided. The method includes the steps of: receiving, by a receiver, at least one of a plurality of LPP messages from a sender, wherein each of the LPP messages has a sequence number; returning, by the receiver, an acknowledgment to the sender for each of the at least one received LPP message; returning, by the receiver, an error indication to the sender when the receiver detects an error in the at least one received LPP message; and receiving, by the receiver, at least one of the at least one received LPP message retransmitted by the sender. |
| US08675471B2 |
Method for constructing space-time/space-frequency code, and transmitting method and apparatus
A method for constructing a space-time/space-frequency code, and a transmitting method and apparatus are provided, which relate to the field of wireless communication technologies. The method for constructing a space-time/space-frequency code includes: classifying at least two transmitter antennas into K groups, and classifying information symbols into K′ groups; constructing a Toeplitz matrix for information symbols in each group according to the number of transmitter antennas in a transmitter antenna group; and substituting the Toeplitz matrix for nonzero elements in an Orthogonal Space-Time Block Coding (OSTBC) matrix that is based on K and K′, and when the OSTBC matrix comprises a zero element, substituting a zero matrix with a corresponding dimension, for the zero element. The space-time code constructed with the above method has orthogonality. |
| US08675470B2 |
Crosstalk coefficient estimating apparatus and crosstalk coefficient estimating method
This invention relates to crosstalk coefficient estimating apparatus and crosstalk coefficient estimating method. The crosstalk coefficient estimating apparatus is used to estimate a crosstalk coefficient of crosstalk inflicted on one channel of an optical fiber transmission system comprising two or more channels. The crosstalk coefficient estimating apparatus comprises a complex conjugate unit, for obtaining a complex conjugate signal for signal in one polarization-state of another channel other than said one channel; a multiplying unit, for multiplying the complex conjugate signal obtained by the complex conjugate unit with signal in another polarization-state of the another channel; and a filter, for filtering the multiplication result of the multiplying unit to obtain a crosstalk coefficient of crosstalk inflicted on the signal in one polarization-state of said one channel, wherein a transmission function of the filter is set according to system parameters of the optical fiber transmission system. |
| US08675465B2 |
Method of controlling light, and optical pickup device and optical disk drive adopting the method
An optical pickup device, an optical disk drive and method of controlling light performed by the optical pickup device are provided. The optical pickup device includes: a light transmitting system including an object lens for facing a medium having a multi recording layer for storing information, a light source system for providing a plurality of beams used to record information on or reproduce information from the multi recording layer via the light transmitting system, a light-receiving system disposed on a path of a beam reflected from the medium, and a light controller including a light control device for controlling stray light generated in the medium such that the stray light does not reach the light-receiving device. |
| US08675463B2 |
Optical disc driving device
An optical disc driving device includes a control circuit 4 for performing a gain adjustment for each of two recording surfaces of a multilayered optical disc 1 on the basis of an FE signal in such a way as to maintain a state in which light is focused onto either of the recording surfaces, to generate a focus servo loop signal, and for generating a focus jump signal for causing either a transition from a state in which the light is focused onto one recording surface to a state in which the light is focused onto the other recording surface, or a transition in the opposite direction from a threshold set up on the basis of an amount of gain adjustment, and a focus actuator driving circuit 5 for performing either a focus jump or an operation of maintaining the state in which the light is focused. |
| US08675458B2 |
Connection structure of flexible printed circuits and optical pickup device
In connecting flexible printed circuits, a structure with improved connection strength of the connection portion is provided. In this structure in which a first flexible printed circuit and a second flexible printed circuit are connected to each other, a through-hole is provided on the second flexible printed circuit, and a resin member passes through the through-hole and is adhered to the wires of a connection surface of the first flexible printed circuit and the side of the second flexible printed circuit opposite to the connection surface, whereby impact is absorbed by the elasticity of the resin; as for the first flexible printed circuit, adhesion is performed on a metal in a wiring layer with high adhesion strength, while as for the second flexible printed circuit, adhesion is performed on the back side upon which no peeling stress is exerted, improving joining strength to prevent peeling. |
| US08675457B1 |
Near-field light generator including a plasmon generator and a waveguide
A near-field light generator includes a waveguide, a plasmon generator, and an MgO layer. The waveguide includes a core and a cladding. The plasmon generator has an outer surface including a plasmon exciting part and a near-field light generating part, and is configured so that a surface plasmon is excited on the plasmon exciting part based on light propagating through the core, and the near-field light generating part generates near-field light based on the surface plasmon. The MgO layer is in contact with at least part of the outer surface of the plasmon generator excluding the near-field light generating part, and not in contact with the core. The cladding is lower in refractive index than the core and the MgO layer. |
| US08675454B2 |
Apparatus and method for signal processing
Method and apparatus for signal processing for controlling a digital audio source may include retrieving a time code signal from a rotating recording medium. The time code signal may be a sum of a binary signal and a sinusoidal pilot signal in the audible range, and the binary signal has a symbol frequency less than a frequency of the pilot signal. The time code signal may be filtered to recover the pilot signal and the binary signal. An estimated speed of rotation of the recording medium may be determined from a recovered pilot signal, and an estimated position may be determined from a recovered binary signal, for controlling the digital audio source. |
| US08675452B2 |
Systems and methods for timing athletic events
Improved systems and methods for timing athletic events. A radio-based starter unit and a radio based timer unit communicate wirelessly via radio. Push buttons/switches and lights and a speaker in the units provide an intuitive, easy to use interface. Handshaking occurs between the starter unit and the timer unit, and lights indicate that the event is ready to start. Real time clocks in the units are synchronized. Upon detection of race or other event start, such as from a starter's pistol, information indicative of the race start time is transmitted from the start unit to the timer unit. A camera in communication with the timer unit provides video frames, and the timer unit encodes and inserts elapsed time information in the video frames, which are then output from the timer unit for review and analysis on a computer. |
| US08675450B2 |
Displacement estimating method and displacement estimating apparatus
Disclosed is a displacement estimating method of iteratively estimating displacement using ultrasound signals, and the method includes: transmitting, to a medium, at least one of the ultrasound signals to scan the medium; receiving the ultrasound signal reflected from the scanned medium; calculating a size of a window; calculating a border of the window based on the calculated window size; estimating displacement for each depth of the ultrasound signal, using the window with the calculated border; warping the ultrasound signal based on the estimated displacement; and guiding convergence of the method using the warped ultrasound signal so that a correlation value of the ultrasound signal is larger. |
| US08675449B2 |
Ultrasound sensor having blockage detection
An ultrasound sensor for distance detection includes a transducer external surface and a blockage sensor provided on the transducer external surface. The surface of the blockage sensor terminates flush with the transducer external surface and is sensitive to an electrical characteristic or is sensitive to a temperature present at the blockage sensor surface. In this way, the blockage sensor can determine whether the ultrasound transducer is blocked by a layer of ice or whether the sensor is free of blockage. |
| US08675447B2 |
Device and method for de-blending simultaneous shooting data
A device, medium and method for de-blending seismic data associated with a subsurface of the earth. The method includes a step of receiving seismic data “d” recorded with one or more land receivers, wherein the seismic data includes shot recordings generated by plural sources that are simultaneously actuated; a step of forming either a continuous receiver trace or trace segments from the received seismic data; a step of selecting plural overlapping spatial blocks that cover the surface shot locations; a step of assigning the shot recordings to the plural overlapping spatial blocks; a step of applying a mathematical technique to the recordings to determine de-blended data; and a step of generating an image of the subsurface based on the de-blended data. |
| US08675446B2 |
Ocean bottom seismic cable recording apparatus
An ocean bottom seismic cable recording apparatus comprising a plurality of seismic node casings (1), said node casings being separated from each other by separate stress member sections (2), each stress member section having acoustic decoupling arrangements (3) at each end connecting to said seismic node casings (1), and where each seismic node casing comprising an autonomous sensor capsule (5) for sensing and recording seismic data, and wherein the autonomous sensor capsule (5) is removable from said seismic node casing (1), and wherein each seismic node casing (1) further comprising an inner compartment (4) accommodating the autonomous sensor capsule (5). |
| US08675440B2 |
Method controlling deep power down mode in multi-port semiconductor memory
A method of controlling a deep power down mode in a multi-port semiconductor memory having a plurality of ports connected to a plurality of processors includes controlling the deep power down mode in the multi-port semiconductor memory such that activation/deactivation of the deep power down mode are determined in accordance with signals applied through various ports in the plurality of ports. |
| US08675439B2 |
Bit line voltage bias for low power memory design
In a digital memory with an array of bit cells coupled to word lines and bit lines, each bit cell having cross coupled inverters isolated from bit lines by passing gate transistors until addressed, some or all of the bit cells are switchable between a sleep mode and a standby mode in response to a control signal. A bit line bias circuit controls the voltage at which the bit lines are caused to float when in the sleep mode. A pull-up transistor for each bit line BL or BLB in a complementary pair has a conductive channel coupled to a positive supply voltage and a gate coupled to the other bit line in the pair, BLB or BL, respectively. A connecting transistor also can be coupled between the bit lines of the complementary pair, bringing the floating bit lines to the supply voltage less a difference voltage ΔV. |
| US08675434B1 |
High speed time interleaved sense amplifier circuits, methods and memory devices incorporating the same
A memory device can include first sense amplifiers coupled to bit lines of a memory array in a first access period and de-coupled from the bit lines in a first sense period, the first sense amplifiers configured to amplify data signals from the memory array in the first sense period; and second sense amplifiers coupled to the bit lines in a second access period that follows the first access period and configured to amplify data signals from the memory cell array in a second sense period that overlaps the first sense period. |
| US08675433B2 |
Sense amplifier
A circuit comprises a first node, a second node, a sense amplifier, at least one first transistor, at least one second transistor, and one or a combination of a first control circuit and a second control circuit. The first control circuit is configured to generate a first control signal for at least one first gate of the at least one first transistor. The first control signal is capable of having a first voltage level lower than a first operational voltage. The second control circuit is configured to generate a second control signal for at least one second gate of the at least one second transistor. The second control signal is capable of having a second voltage level higher than a second operational voltage. |
| US08675431B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and defective cell relieving method
A memory cell array of a first semiconductor chip includes a normal cell array and a spare cell array. A first defect address data output circuit outputs first defect address data indicating an address of a defective memory cell in the memory cell array. A first comparison circuit compares address data with the first defect address data and outputs a first match signal in case of matching. A second defect address data output circuit outputs second defect address data indicating an address of a defective memory cell in the memory cell array. A second comparison circuit compares the address data with the second defect address data and outputs a second match signal in case of matching. |
| US08675430B2 |
Semiconductor storage device
A semiconductor storage device including an open bit line core architecture includes a plurality of array areas, wherein each of the array areas includes two redundant array blocks, a plurality of real array blocks, and a power supply capacity control unit. The two redundant array blocks contain only redundant word lines and located in edge portions at both ends of the array area, and the plurality of real array blocks contain only real word lines and arranged between the two redundant array blocks by interposing a sense amplifier in alternating fashion. The power supply capacity control unit is configured to increase power supply capacity for a first array area when word line redundancy switching is performed in the first array area to replace any one of the real word lines with a corresponding one of the redundant word lines. |
| US08675429B1 |
Optimal channel design for memory devices for providing a high-speed memory interface
A system is provided for high-speed communication between a memory controller and a plurality of memory devices. A memory controller, and a plurality of memory devices are provided. Additionally, at least one channel is included for providing electrical communication between the memory controller and the plurality of memory devices, an impedance of the channel being at least partially controlled using High Density Interconnect (HDI) technology. |
| US08675427B2 |
Implementing RC and coupling delay correction for SRAM
A method and circuit for implementing delay correction in static random access memory (SRAM), and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The SRAM circuit includes a precharge enable signal coupled between precharge near and precharge far signals and wordline near and wordline far signals of the SRAM. A precharge pull down device is coupled between the precharge far signal and ground and is controlled responsive to the precharge enable signal to decrease a time delay of the falling transition of the precharge far signal. A respective word line pull up device is coupled between a respective wordline far signal and a voltage supply rail and is controlled responsive to the precharge enable signal to increase wordline voltage level upon a rising transition of the wordline far signal. |
| US08675420B2 |
Devices and systems including enabling circuits
Examples of devices and systems including enabling circuits are described. Two voltage supplies may be used to operate different portions of the devices, including peripheral circuits and I/O circuits. When the voltage supply to the peripheral circuits of one or more devices is disabled, the I/O circuits of that device may be disabled. In some examples, power may advantageously be saved in part by eliminating or reducing a DC current path through the I/O circuits. |
| US08675419B2 |
Device including a plurality of memory banks and a pipeline control circuit configured to execute a command on the plurality of memory banks
A semiconductor device includes a delay buffer, and a pipeline control circuit. The pipeline control circuit controls the delay buffer to hold read data from outputting to a read/write bus for each of banks based on a read command to the each bank while the pipeline control circuit controlling the delay buffer to output write data to the read/write bus, when a next command to the each bank is a write command for the write data. The read/write bus is common to the banks. |
| US08675416B2 |
Flash memory device and related program verification method
A nonvolatile memory device performs a program operation using an incremental pulse programming (ISPP) scheme in which a plurality of program loops alternate between a coarse-fine verify operation, and a fine verify operation according to a value of a program loop counter. |
| US08675408B2 |
Non-volatile memory device having configurable page size
A flash memory device having at least one bank, where the each bank has an independently configurable page size. Each bank includes at least two memory planes having corresponding page buffers, where any number and combination of the memory planes are selectively accessed at the same time in response to configuration data and address data. The configuration data can be loaded into the memory device upon power up for a static page configuration of the bank, or the configuration data can be received with each command to allow for dynamic page configuration of the bank. By selectively adjusting a page size the memory bank, the block size is correspondingly adjusted. |
| US08675406B2 |
Nonvolatile memory system and refresh method
A memory system including non-volatile memory devices and a corresponding refresh method are disclosed. The method groups memory blocks of the non-volatile memory devices into memory groups, determines a refresh sequence for the memory groups, and refreshes the memory groups in accordance with the refresh sequence. |
| US08675404B2 |
Reading method of non-volatile memory device
A reading method of a non-volatile memory device that includes a plurality memory cells that each include one floating gate and two control gates disposed adjacent to the floating gate on two alternate sides of the floating gate, respectively, and two adjacent memory cells share one control gate, the reading method comprising applying a read voltage to control gates of a selected memory cell, applying a second pass voltage to alternate control gates of the memory cells different from the control gates of the selected memory cells starting from the control gates next to the selected memory cell, and applying a first pass voltage that is lower than the second pass voltage to alternate the control gates of the memory cells different from the control gates of the selected memory cells starting from the control gates secondly next to the selected memory cell. |
| US08675398B2 |
Volatile memory elements with soft error upset immunity
Memory elements are provided that exhibit immunity to soft error upset events when subjected to high-energy atomic particle strikes. The memory elements may each have ten transistors including two address transistors and four transistor pairs that are interconnected to form a bistable element. Clear lines such as true and complement clear lines may be routed to positive power supply terminals and ground power supply terminals associated with certain transistor pairs. During clear operations, some or all of the transistor pairs can be selectively depowered using the clear lines. This facilitates clear operations in which logic zero values are driven through the address transistors and reduces cross-bar current surges. |
| US08675397B2 |
Cell structure for dual-port SRAM
The present disclosure provides a dual port static random access memory (SRAM) cell. The dual-port SRAM cell includes a first and second inverters cross-coupled for data storage, each inverter includes a pull-up device (PU) and a plurality of pull-down devices (PDs); a plurality of pass gate devices configured with the two cross-coupled inverters; and at least two ports coupled with the plurality of pass gate devices (PGs) for reading and writing, wherein each of PU, PDs and PGs includes a fin field-effect transistor (FinFET), a ratio between a number of PDs in the SRAM cell and a number of PGs in the SRAM cell is greater than 1, and a number of FinFETs in the SRAM cell is equal to or greater than 12. |
| US08675396B1 |
Integrated circuit devices and systems having programmable impedance elements with different response types
An integrated circuit (IC) device can include a memory array having memory elements formed with a solid ion conductor, the memory array programmable to provide portions with different response types; and a logic section comprising logic circuits configured to perform logic functions, the logic section being coupled to the memory array to store and read data values therefrom. A memory device can also have a plurality of access ports, each configurable to access any of the different portions of the memory array. A memory device can further include a read circuit configured to read data values from the different portions according to the response type of each portion. |
| US08675395B2 |
Low noise memory array
A circuit compatible with dynamic random access memories (DRAM) and static random access memories (SRAM) is disclosed. The circuit includes a substrate having a first conductivity type. A trench isolation region (850,852) is formed in the substrate. The trench isolation region has sides and a bottom formed below a face of the substrate. A first semiconductor region having a second conductivity type (868) is formed at the bottom of the trench isolation region. A second semiconductor region having the second conductivity type (870) is formed separately from the first semiconductor region adjacent a first side of trench isolation region and in conductive contact with the first semiconductor region. |
| US08675394B2 |
Semiconductor memory device with oxide semiconductor transistor
An object is to provide a semiconductor device which can hold stored data even when not powered and which achieves high integration by reduction of the number of wirings. The semiconductor device is formed using a material which can sufficiently reduce the off-state current of a transistor, e.g., an oxide semiconductor material which is a wide bandgap semiconductor. When a semiconductor material which allows a sufficient reduction in the off-state current of a transistor is used, data can be held for a long period. One line serves as the word line for writing and the word line for reading and one line serves as the bit line for writing and the bit line for reading, whereby the number of wirings is reduced. Further, by reducing the number of source lines, the storage capacity per unit area is increased. |
| US08675393B2 |
Method for driving non-volatile memory element, and non-volatile memory device
Provided is a method for driving a non-volatile memory element in which a variable resistance element including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a variable resistance layer capable of reversibly changing between a high resistance state and a low resistance state with application of electrical signals having different polarities is connected in series with a current steering element having bidirectional rectifying characteristics with respect to an applied voltage. After the non-volatile memory element is manufactured, the resistance value of the variable resistance layer is reduced from a resistance value in the initial resistance state higher than that in the high resistance state by applying, to the non-volatile memory element, a voltage pulse having the polarity identical to that of the voltage pulse for changing the variable resistance layer from the low resistance state to the high resistance state in the normal operations. |
| US08675391B2 |
Refreshing memristive systems
A method for operating a circuit (100) containing memristive devices (130) senses respective states of a plurality of memristive devices (130) and refreshes the respective states of the memristive devices (130) according to the states sensed. A memristive device (100) including an array of memristive devices (130) between crossing lines (110 and 120) includes logic that senses respective states of memristive devices (130) and refreshes the respective states of the memristive devices (130) according to the states sensed. |
| US08675379B2 |
Power converting apparatus having improved electro-thermal characteristics
A power-converting apparatus, such as a power module, may include a base plate (16), a first direct current (DC) bus and a second DC bus (22, 24). A power semiconductor component (18, 20) may be electrically coupled to one of the buses, and may be disposed on a substrate (12, 14) physically coupled to the base plate. The power semiconductor component may be made from a high-temperature, wide bandgap material, and the substrate may be exposed to a heat flux based on an operational temperature of the power semiconductor component. At least a first capacitor (50) may be coupled across the first and second DC buses, and at least second and third capacitors (52) may be respectively coupled across respective ones of the first and second buses and an alternating current (AC) return path. Capacitors (50, 52) may each be located inside the power module to establish circuit connections sufficiently proximate to the first power semiconductor component to reduce a formation of parasitic inductances, and further may each be located physically apart from the substrate and thus not exposed to the heat flux. |
| US08675377B2 |
Architecture of a compensator for power factors and harmonics for a power distribution system
A rectifier system for a primary AC electrical power distribution system comprising a PFC circuit connected onto the primary distribution system which delivers a DC power supply and means for storing electrical energy connected to the outputs of the PFC via a switching circuit. This circuit is controlled in such a manner as to effect either the discharge of the electrical energy stored in the storage means onto the DC power supply line, or the charging of the storage means by the DC power supply line. A first control circuit determines the state of operation of the switching circuit by comparing the value of the voltage on the power supply line with a first reference voltage. A second control circuit regulates the power delivered by the PFC over the power supply line by comparing the voltage present at the output of the storage means with a second reference voltage. |
| US08675376B2 |
Power layer generation of inverter gate drive signals
Techniques include systems and methods of synchronizing multiple parallel inverters in a power converter system. In one embodiment, control circuitry is connected to a power layer interface circuitry at each of the parallel inverters, via an optical fiber interface. The system is synchronized by transmitting a synchronizing pulse to each of the inverters. Depending on the operational mode of the system, different data exchanges may occur in response to the pulse. In an off mode, power up and power down data may be exchanged between the control circuitry and the inverters. In an initiating mode, identification data may be transmitted from the inverters to the control circuitry. In an active mode, control data may be sent from the control circuitry to the inverters. In some embodiments, the inverters also transmit feedback data and/or acknowledgement signals to the control circuitry. Power layer circuitry of the inverter adjusts a local clock based upon sampled data from the control circuitry to maintain synchronicity of the inverters between synchronization pulses. |
| US08675375B2 |
System and method for input voltage transient response control
The present invention provides a DC/DC converter for use with a DC input signal. The DC/DC converter includes a control signal generator, a primary and a secondary side, a voltage generating portion, a threshold voltage providing portion and a feedback signal generator. The control signal generator can control the primary side and the secondary side. The voltage generating portion can generate a surge voltage based a control signal from the control signal generator. The threshold voltage providing portion can generate a threshold voltage. The feedback signal generator can generate a feedback signal based on the surge voltage and the threshold voltage. The control signal generator can further modify control of one of the primary and secondary sides based on the feedback signal. |
| US08675374B2 |
Auto-optimization circuits and methods for cyclical electronic systems
Methods, systems, and devices are described for an adjustment module that interacts with a parameter detection module to provide a threshold value for initiating switching of a switching module in a cyclical electronic system. Aspects of the present disclosure provide a switching module used in conjunction with an inductor that is coupled with the switching module. The threshold voltage for switching the switching module may be adjusted to provide switching at substantially zero volts while maintaining sufficient energy in the inductor to drive the voltage at a switching element in the switching module to zero volts. Such auto-adjustment circuits may allow for enhanced efficiency in cyclical electronic systems. The output of an up/down counter may be used to set another parameter that effects the performance of the cyclical electronic system in order to enhance the performance of the cyclical electronic system. |
| US08675369B2 |
Module board
A module board has a configuration in which a first circuit board, a first composite sheet, a second circuit board, a second composite sheet, and a third circuit board are laminated in this order. Inspection terminals are arranged in a matrix shape in a predetermined region on an upper surface of the third circuit board. Electronic components are mounted on the first and second circuit boards. The inspection terminals are electrically connected to the electronic components mounted on the first and second circuit boards through vias and wiring patterns. |
| US08675368B2 |
Vertically oriented semiconductor device and shielding structure thereof
The present disclosure involves a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate. The semiconductor device includes an electronic device positioned over the substrate. The electronic device includes an opening. The semiconductor device includes a shielding device positioned over the substrate and surrounding the electronic device. The shielding device includes a plurality of elongate members. A subset of the plurality of elongate members extend through the opening of the electronic device. At least one of the electronic device and the shielding device is formed in an interconnect structure positioned over the substrate. |
| US08675363B2 |
Thermal conductors in electronic devices
In one implementation, an electronic device includes a first body portion, a second body portion movably coupled to the first body portion, a heat source, and a thermal conductor in thermal communication with the heat source. The heat source is disposed within one of the first body portion or the second body portion. The thermal conductor has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a flexible portion between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion of the thermal conductor is disposed within the first body portion. The second end portion of the thermal conductor is disposed within the second body portion. |
| US08675360B2 |
Output device
An output device which houses a portable device in an internal space and which outputs at least audio or images outputted from the housed portable device to the outside, includes: a case body including a housing portion housing the portable device; a lid body connected to the case body so as to pivot about a hinge portion and pivoted between an opened position in which the housing portion of the case body is opened and a closed position in which the housing portion of the case body is closed; and a pair of buckles pivotally supported at one outer peripheral portion of the case body or the lid body between a locked position and a lock release position as well as pivoted to the locked position when the lid body is pivoted to the closed position to thereby lock the lid body with respect to the case body. |
| US08675358B2 |
Portable terminal and method for manufacturing the same
A portable terminal includes a first metallic layer formed of a metallic material and having a through hole on one surface thereof, a second metallic layer laminated on another surface of the first metallic layer and formed of a different material from the first metallic layer, and an exposed portion protruding from one surface of the second metallic layer and arranged at the through hole so as to be exposed to outside of the first metallic layer via the through hole. Under this configuration, a unique pattern may be implemented on the appearance. This may implement a personalized design and a sophisticated appearance. |
| US08675346B2 |
Mesoporous nanocrystalline film architecture for capacitive storage devices
A mesoporous, nanocrystalline, metal oxide construct particularly suited for capacitive energy storage that has an architecture with short diffusion path lengths and large surface areas and a method for production are provided. Energy density is substantially increased without compromising the capacitive charge storage kinetics and electrode demonstrates long term cycling stability. Charge storage devices with electrodes using the construct can use three different charge storage mechanisms immersed in an electrolyte: (1) cations can be stored in a thin double layer at the electrode/electrolyte interface (non-faradaic mechanism); (2) cations can interact with the bulk of an electroactive material which then undergoes a redox reaction or phase change, as in conventional batteries (faradaic mechanism); or (3) cations can electrochemically adsorb onto the surface of a material through charge transfer processes (faradaic mechanism). |
| US08675342B2 |
Stacked chip device and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed herein are a stacked chip device including: a stacked body in which a plurality of sheets having an internal electrode made of a conductive material are stacked; external electrodes provided at both sides of the stacked body; and connection electrodes extending from the internal electrode and electrically connecting the internal electrode with the external electrodes, wherein the connection electrodes include: a plating solution permeation preventing section extending from the internal electrode, however, extending with a thickness smaller than the thickness of the internal electrode; and a contact reinforcement section extending from the plating solution permeation preventing section, however, extending in the form in which the thickness thereof is gradually extended toward the external electrode, and a manufacturing method thereof. |
| US08675340B2 |
Multilayer ceramic electronic component and method of manufacturing the same
There is provided a multilayer ceramic electronic component, including: a ceramic element having a plurality of dielectric layers laminated therein; and first and second internal electrodes formed within the ceramic element, wherein the first and second internal electrodes include 80 to 99.98 wt % of nickel (Ni), 0.01 to 10 wt % of copper (Cu), and 0.01 to 10 wt % of barium titanate (BaTiO3). |
| US08675338B2 |
Electrical feedthrough of a capacitor for medical implants and method for the production and use thereof
A feedthrough of an electrolyte or other capacitor, in particular for use in a medical-electronic implant, is provided having a terminal pin which has a section which can be soft soldered at least in the interior of the electrolyte capacitor, an aluminum flange enclosing the terminal pin, and a glass solder plug which hermetically seals the terminal pin in relation to the aluminum flange. |
| US08675336B2 |
Multiple concentric wound film capacitors
Multiple wound film capacitors include a hollow core formed by a first non-conducting tubular section, and a first capacitor winding wrapped around the first non-conducting tubular section. Also included are a second non-conducting tubular section wrapped around the first capacitor winding, and a second capacitor winding wrapped around the second non-conducting tubular section. The multiple wound film capacitors may also include a third non-conducting tubular section wrapped around the second capacitor winding, and a third capacitor winding wrapped around the third non-conducting tubular section. In addition, ends of the first and second non-conducting tubular sections extend beyond ends of the first and second capacitor windings. |
| US08675335B2 |
Fibre reinforced composite structures and method of manufacture
In the formation of a fiber reinforced composite material component produced by a resin transfer infusion process such as to have an electrically conductive surface layer for lightning strike protection wherein the component is to be drilled and countersunk to receive an electrically conductive fastener, a localized part of the electrically conductive mesh is deformed so as to be relocated in the countersunk recess thus to ensure electrical contact with the fastener when inserted and to eliminate any gap between the mesh and the fastener, thus determining the electrical conductive integrity of the mesh to avoid arcing in the event of lightning strike attachment. |
| US08675321B2 |
Start test electronic device and system and method of use thereof
The present invention is a method and system for monitoring the continuous flow of power delivered by multiple DC Direct current operated starter motors used to start engine driven electrical generators. The method and system comprise the closing of a starter battery system and an associated starter control switch, causing the starter battery system to discharge through a shunt whereby current is fed into a starter motor. The shunt is optionally provided as a precision resistor with a pre-calibrated voltage drop in millivolts DC proportional to a current passing through it. The shunt directs current to a meter relay, which is calibrated by establishing two set points, or desired trigger ranges, for the meter relay. If the current falls outside a range established by the two set points, then a meter relay alarm output is activated; and, if the current remains within the range, then the meter relay alarm output is not activated. The meter relay alarm output is, optionally, a dry contact which activates a signal device. |
| US08675316B2 |
Magnetoresistive sensor with sub-layering of pinned layers
Methods and apparatus provide magnetoresistance sensors. A tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor may include configurations that are arranged as a top TMR stack. One of two antiparallel layers of pinned layers within the TMR stack may be subdivided by a spacer layer. Tantalum may form the spacer layer that is inserted in a reference layer, which is one of the pinned layers and is located between a barrier layer and an antiparallel coupling layer that enables antiparallel coupling between the reference layer and a keeper layer of the pinned layers. The barrier layer deposited on a free layer of the TMR stacks separates the pinned layers from the free layer such that TMR effects are detectable with the sensors. |
| US08675312B2 |
Magnetic head suspension
Assuming that a length in the suspension longitudinal direction between a distal edge of a supporting part and a dimple is represented by “L”, plural load beam part welding points at which spot welding are made for fixing a load beam part fixed region of a flexure base plate to a plate-like main body portion of a load beam part include paired right and left main welding points that are arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a suspension longitudinal center line and that are disposed within a center region away from the distal edge of the supporting part by more than or equal to 0.4*L and less than or equal to 0.6*L. |
| US08675310B2 |
Embedded chip tape head
A tape drive system according to one embodiment includes a magnetic head. The magnetic head includes first and second beams each having a tape bearing surface, a face, a recess in the tape bearing surface thereof, the faces of the beams facing either towards each other or away from each other; a first chip being positioned in the recess of the first beam; and a second chip being positioned in the recess of the second beam, wherein each chip has circuitry selected from a group consisting of read elements, write elements, and combinations thereof, wherein a tape bearing surface of each chip is generally aligned with the tape bearing surface of the associated beam, and wherein an end of each chip is generally aligned with the face of the associated beam. The system also includes a drive mechanism and a controller. |
| US08675304B2 |
Disk drive spindle motor with hole volume and component density relationship
A motor includes a stationary portion and a rotating portion. The rotating portion includes a sleeve portion including one communicating hole arranged to extend completely there through from an upper surface to a lower surface thereof, and a cover portion including a hole portion. The axial extension range of the hole portion is arranged to overlap with the axial extension range of the communicating hole in a radial direction. A center of the hole portion is arranged on a plane including a central axis and a center of the communicating hole. The communicating hole and the hole portion are arranged on opposite sides of the central axis. The following inequality is satisfied: V2<(σ1/σ2)·V1, where σ1 is the density of the sleeve portion, V1 is the volume of the communicating hole, σ2 is the density of the cover portion, and V2 is the volume of the hole portion. |
| US08675302B2 |
Cartridge magazine for library system and library system with cartridge theft prevention mechanism
A library system which is provided with a cartridge magazine which stores a plurality of cartridges and enables cartridges to be taken out of and inserted into the library system, a key lock mechanism which prevents takeout of a cartridge by a key, and a key and a takeout lock mechanism of the cartridge magazine in the library system, wherein when a key locked cartridge magazine is loaded into the library system, a robot inside of the library system is used to operate the key to disengage the key lock of the cartridge magazine and lock takeout from the library system. |
| US08675300B2 |
Device and method of reading and writing data on magnetic recording medium in case of off-track occuring
According to one embodiment, there is provided an information recording device that records information on a magnetic disk using a magnetic head. The registering module registers position data of a temporary defective sector using a sector where an off-track has occurred as a temporary defective sector. The reading module reads data from a target track. The cancellation processing module performs inter-track interference component cancellation processing with respect to the data read by the reading module using data written to a track adjacent to the target track, in which when a sector adjacent to a processing target sector in a track width direction is a temporary defective sector registered in the registering module, inter-track interference component cancellation processing is performed using data written to a substitute sector corresponding to the registered temporary defective sector. |
| US08675298B2 |
Systems and methods for adaptive target search
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. For example, some embodiments of the present invention provide data processing circuits that include both a main data processing circuit and an adaptive setting determination circuit. The main data processing circuit receives a series of data samples and includes: an equalizer circuit and a data detector circuit. The equalizer circuit receives the series of data samples and provides an equalized output. The equalizer circuit is controlled at least in part by a coefficient. The data detector circuit receives the equalizer output and provides a main data output based at least in part on a target. The adaptive setting determination circuit receives the series of data samples and the main data output, and operates in parallel with the main data processing circuit to adaptively determine the coefficient and the target. |
| US08675296B2 |
Creating an identical copy of a tape cartridge
Embodiments of the invention relate to creating an identical copy of a data storage tape cartridge. In one aspect, data contents of a source tape cartridge are copied to a destination tape cartridge. The source tape being formatted by a file system and includes at least one file system metadata block. Data blocks are read from the source tape to a memory buffer. Whether the blocks read are file system metadata blocks and whether the metadata blocks include cartridge-specific and/or cartridge-dependent content is determined. The content is adapted to the destination cartridge, thereby creating consistent file system metadata on the destination tape. The buffered blocks are written to the destination tape, thereby creating a file system on the destination tape that is a physical copy of the file system and data contents on the source tape. |
| US08675287B2 |
Piezoelectric driving module for lens
A piezoelectric driving module for lens, which defines a photographic optical axis and includes a housing, a driven object (e.g., a lens module), a piezo member, and a rubbing element. The piezo member and the rubbing element are provided in the housing and located on two lateral sides of the driven object respectively. The piezo member drives the driven object by friction so that the driven object can be moved along the photographic optical axis until focused. Meanwhile, a predetermined frictional force is generated between the rubbing element and the driven object to reduce a gravity-induced speed difference between forward and backward movements of the driven object along the photographic optical axis. |
| US08675280B2 |
Wavelength optical filter structure and associated image sensor
The invention relates to an optical filter structure composed of at least two adjacent elementary optical filters, an elementary optical filter being centred on an optimum transmission frequency, characterised in that it comprises a stack of n metallic layers (m1-m3) and n−1 dielectric layers (d2-d3), each metallic layer alternating with a dielectric layer such that the central layer in the stack is a metallic layer (m2), each of the layers in the stack having a constant thickness except for the central metallic layer for which the varying thickness fixes the optimum transmission frequency of an elementary filter. |
| US08675278B2 |
High zoom-ratio zoom lens system
A high zoom-ratio zoom lens system includes a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side. Upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, at least the first through third lens groups move along the optical axis direction in a manner so that the distance between the first lens group and the second lens group increases, the distance between the second lens group and the third lens group decreases, and the distance between the third lens group and the fourth lens group increases, wherein the amount of movement of the first lens group during zooming is larger than that of the third lens group. |
| US08675275B2 |
Rare-earth-doped optical fiber having small numerical aperture
The present invention embraces an amplifying optical fiber having a central core adapted to convey and amplify an optical signal and a cladding that surrounds the central core to confine the optical signal conveyed in the central core. The central core is formed of a core matrix in which nanoparticles are present. The nanoparticles themselves include a nanoparticle matrix and rare-earth-dopant elements. The core matrix may also include one or more additional dopants (i.e., in addition to nanoparticles). The amplifying optical fiber possesses a small numerical aperture and is suitable for use in high-pump-power applications without a degraded gain shape. |
| US08675274B2 |
Dynamic motile medium
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a device for modulating light. The device comprises a plurality of nano-scale particles; a conformal structure defining a surface to which the nano-scale particles conform under influence of a displacement force; and a displacement mechanism to apply the displacement force to the nano-scale particles; wherein the nano-scale particles when they conform to the conformal structure change the optical characteristics of the conformal structure. |
| US08675273B2 |
Switchable transparent electrowetting display device
An electrowetting display device includes an electrowetting display panel and an illumination unit. The electrowetting display panel includes two or more different optical color-converting liquid layers and a plurality of light-shielding liquid layers. The two or more different optical color-converting liquid layers are able to convert the light source generated by the illumination unit into light beams having two or more different colors of desired grey scales. The light-shielding liquid layers can be driven to change the transmittance of display regions so as to implement switch between transparent display mode, non-transparent display mode and semi-transparent display mode. |
| US08675271B2 |
Surface-emitting laser element, surface-emitting laser array, optical scanner device, and image forming apparatus
A disclosed surface-emitting laser element includes an emission region configured to emit a laser beam and a high reflectance region including a first dielectric film having a first refractive index and a second dielectric film having a second refractive index differing from the first refractive index where the first dielectric film and the second dielectric film are stacked within the emission region to provide high reflectance. In the surface-emitting laser element, the high reflectance region is formed in a region including a central portion of the emission region and is configured to include shape anisotropy in two orthogonal directions in a plane in parallel with the emission region. |
| US08675270B2 |
Scanning micromirror
The present invention may relate to a scanning micromirror. The scanning micromirror can include a substrate having an open region; a micro plate provided in the open region; a first gimbal provided between the substrate and the mirror plate, and including a first curvature curved toward the mirror plate along an X-axis of the open region; a second gimbal including a second curvature formed along the first curvature of the first gimbal; a first elastic body configured to connect the substrate with the first curvature of the first gimbal; a second elastic body configured to connect the first gimbal with the second gimbal along a Y-axis of the open region; and a third elastic body configured to connect the second gimbal with the mirror plate along the Y-axis of the open region. |
| US08675267B2 |
Image reading apparatus, image forming apparatus and computer-readable medium
An image reading apparatus includes a conversion unit and a setting unit. The conversion unit converts first image information into second image information by using a predetermined color conversion factor group. The setting unit (i) obtains the second image information of a color sample of a plurality of colors converted by the conversion unit from the first image information, the first image information generated by reading the color sample, the color sample used to correct a color level difference according to a light source, (ii) selects a color conversion factor group corresponding to the obtained second image information of the color sample based on the correspondence relationship between a color conversion factor group and a color level of the second image information of the color sample, and (iii) sets the selected color conversion factor group instead of the predetermined color conversion factor group of the conversion unit. |
| US08675260B2 |
Image processing method and apparatus, and document management server, performing character recognition on a difference image
According to one embodiment, the image processing apparatus includes a printing control unit, an image reading unit, an extracting unit, a difference image extracting unit, and a determination unit. The printing control unit controls printing of a plurality of pages on one sheet of paper according to a print setting information which indicates a printing form, and printing of a code indicating the print setting information on the paper. The image reading unit read the paper. The extracting unit extracts the code from the read image. The difference image extracting unit extracts a difference image between the printed image and the read image. |
| US08675259B2 |
Double layer glossmark image through dynamic patterninks
A method for providing a double layer GlossMark™ image includes providing a first layer text string for generating a patternink. The method further includes providing a second layer text string through the patternink. The first layer text string is visible as gloss variation between first character and background fields and the second layer text string is visible as a color difference between second character and background fields. |
| US08675258B2 |
Image reader, image forming apparatus, and method of correcting image data
The ratio between first reference data which is acquired by scanning the surface of a white member in a state where the size of a gap is substantially equal to that when a document is scanned and second reference data which is acquired by scanning the surface of the white member in a state where the size of the gap is smaller than that when the document is scanned is calculated as a reference data ratio, and the reference data ratio is stored. In generating shading data for correcting image data of each document, the reference data ratio being stored is multiplied by third reference data which is acquired by scanning the surface of the white member in a state where the size of the gap is substantially equal to that when the document is scanned, thereby generating shading data. |
| US08675257B2 |
Automatic trapping method and system
An automatic trapping method and system is used for packaging printing. The method includes translating trapping objects into simple color blocks, scanning all of the blocks and attaining trapping boundaries, determining whether the color blocks on both sides of the trapping boundaries meet the trapping rule depending on the ink dots percentage and luminance, connecting trapping boundaries by analyzing regions, creating trapping zone and filling ink into the zone and reducing color. |
| US08675253B2 |
Color selection assisting method, image processing method, color selection assisting apparatus, image processing apparatus, and recording medium
A chart simulating image is displayed, which simulates the layout of color patches on a color chart. Color bars, which match the tendency of color changes depending on the layout of the color patches, also are displayed together with the chart simulating image. Mark images, which are indicative of a color presentation range according to the color patches in a color space represented by the gradation images, also are displayed together with the color bars. |
| US08675249B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method, and program-recorded storage medium for correcting saturation
A gradation-correcting curve to correct a gradation of an input image is generated. Gradation correction based on the gradation-correcting curve is made to a boundary pixel of a color-reproduction space at the same saturation as that of a target lattice point and at a hue of the target lattice point. An equal-saturation line is set by using the boundary pixel of the color-reproduction space after the gradation correction. A saturation-correction amount of the target lattice point is decided based on the gradation-correcting curve and the equal-saturation line. |
| US08675248B2 |
Control device, image forming device, image forming system, control method and computer readable medium
An image formation control device is provided with a control unit. The control unit controls generation of information for forming a transparent image on the basis of settings that include at least a superimposition region and a superimposition sequence, when plurality of images which include the transparent image and a colored image are superimposed and synthesized. |
| US08675240B2 |
Thermotransfer printer with single sheet intake means
The present invention concerns a thermotransfer printer for printing print media having RFID labels, comprising a thermotransfer printing unit, and a single sheet intake means. The invention is further characterised by an RFID reading unit for reading items of information from the RFID labels, wherein the RFID reading unit is so connected to the thermotransfer printing unit (70) that the thermotransfer printing unit (70) is controllable in dependence on the items of information read out of the respective RFID label. |
| US08675239B2 |
Method and device for correcting paper shrinkage during generation of a bitmap
In a method for printing a recording medium, an object type of image elements to be printed is determined for a corresponding print page using digital data. In generation of a bitmap for generation of a latent image for a first print process or a second print process, dependent on the object type image points are adapted in a direction of at least one main axis corresponding to an expected shrinkage. The recording medium is printed with a first toner image in a first print process. The first toner image is fixed on the recording medium in the fixing device where the recording medium shrinks along said at least one main axis. In the second print process, a second toner image is applied on the same recording medium in the direction of the main axis in a form compressed relative to that of the first print process. |
| US08675238B2 |
Image processing apparatus with interrupted data writing recovery capability
An image processing apparatus has an internal memory section installed within an apparatus housing, a communication section for performing data communications with an external memory medium detachably attached to the apparatus housing, and a data writing section for writing data to the external memory medium. When the data writing section detects that the external memory medium is detached from the apparatus housing during writing the data to the external memory medium, the data writing section writes target data that is in a process of writing to the external memory medium to the internal memory section. When the data writing section detects that the external memory medium is attached again to the apparatus housing, the data writing section reads out the target data from the internal memory section, and writes the target data to the external memory medium. |
| US08675237B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and computer readable medium for comparing two types of print data
An image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit, a first drawing unit, a second drawing unit, a comparing unit, and a notifying unit. The receiving unit receives image data to be printed. The first drawing unit creates print data by converting image data expressed in a first page description language into image data expressed in a second page description language in the case of checking whether or not output results obtained from different drawing schemes are different from each other. The second drawing unit creates print data directly from the image data expressed in the first page description language in the case of checking whether or not output results obtained from different drawing schemes are different from each other. The comparing unit compares, in units of pixels, two types of print data. The notifying unit performs notification of a comparison result generated by the comparing unit. |
| US08675229B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a fluid transport device
An image forming apparatus includes a transport device that transports fluid inside a body of an image forming apparatus; a counting unit that counts a cumulative number of image forming operations; and a transport control unit that controls a start and a stop of operation of the transport device so as to keep the transport device stopped when an image forming operation is started, and to start the transport device when the cumulative number of image forming operations has become larger than or equal to a preset number. |
| US08675225B2 |
Image forming apparatus for handling missing page
An image forming apparatus includes an image reading portion for reading an image of an original to generate image data; a printing portion for printing the image on a medium according to the image data; a missing page determining portion for determining whether a missing page of the original occurs according to the image data generated with the image reading portion; and a discharge position control portion for discharging the medium corresponding to the missing page of the original to a specific discharge position different from that of other medium. |
| US08675224B2 |
Mutualistic engine controller communicating with printer non-volatile memory
A printing device includes at least one printing engine that has actuators and sensors. At least one engine controller is operatively connected to the printing engine, the engine controller uses software to control operations of the printing engine. At least one non-volatile memory is operatively connected to the engine controller. The non-volatile memory stores values used by the engine controller to control operations of the printing engine. Further, at least one adapter card is operatively connected to the non-volatile memory and to the actuators and sensors. The adapter card stores data and receives sensor feedback from the sensors. The adapter card uses the data and the sensor feedback to control the actuators by bypassing the engine controller when communicating with the actuators. The adapter card provides adapter card feedback to the non-volatile memory. |
| US08675223B2 |
Image forming device, image forming system and computer readable medium for installing related software to another device
An image forming device includes a storage unit that stores a program to use the device itself as image data of a virtual recording medium; and a controller including: a detecting unit that detects connection of another device using the device itself; a transmitting unit that transmits, if the connection is detected by the detecting unit, discriminates an information of the device itself to another device using the device itself; a receiving unit that receives a response information based on the discriminating information; and wherein another device using the device itself is available to access the image data of the virtual recording medium on the basis of the response information. |
| US08675219B2 |
High bandwidth image processing with run time library function offload via task distribution to special purpose engines
The present invention provides a high bandwidth image processing system, which generally includes an image processing unit having a set of servers that each have a universal operating system for receiving image data corresponding to a set of images, generating commands for processing the image data, and sending the images and the commands to an image processing unit (also having a universal operating system(s)) of the high bandwidth image processing system. Upon receipt, the image processing unit will recognize and interpret the commands, assign and/or schedule tasks for processing the image data to a set of (e.g., special) processing engines based on the commands, and return results and/or processed image data to the image interface unit. |
| US08675213B2 |
Image forming apparatus including enhanced image display control device
An image forming apparatus includes a document reader, a storage for storing image data, an image output unit and a control unit. The control unit includes: a function setup controller for setting up the image output conditions of output images; a display image generator generating a display image based on image data, a display panel and a control-unit side controller having a function of displaying the display image based on the image data, in preview representation on the display panel. The function setup controller includes an image data sheaf forming function, a section break setup function, an image output condition storing function and an image output executing function. |
| US08675212B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and recording medium
Disclosed is an image processing apparatus, comprising: a control section including a plurality of operation units; and a nonvolatile storage section to store a program to execute analysis processing and rendering processing by a control of the control section, the analysis processing analyzing page description language format data to generate intermediate language format data by the band, and the rendering processing generating rendering data based on the generated intermediate language format data, wherein the control section assigns the operation units the analysis and rendering processing to be executed, based on the stored program, wherein at least one of the operation units is capable of executing the analysis and rendering processing, and wherein when the operation unit is executing one of the analysis and rendering processing, and when an event which suspends the processing being executed occurs, the operation unit executes the other processing. |
| US08675206B2 |
Measurement method for measuring shape of test surface, measurement apparatus, and method for manufacturing optical element
Provided is a measurement method or apparatus that can reduce the time for measuring the shape of an entire test surface. Each of a plurality of measurement ranges is set so that one measurement range overlaps a portion of at least another measurement range to form an overlap region, each measurement range being a portion of the test surface. Then, the shape of the test surface is measured at a first resolution in a first measurement range among the plurality of measurement ranges, and is measured at a second resolution in a second measurement range. Pieces of data of the shapes of the test surface in the plurality of measurement ranges are stitched together using the resulting measurement data to calculate the shape of the test surface. |
| US08675201B2 |
Coherent anti-Stokes Raman holography
Apparatus and methods of four wave mixing (FWM) holography are described, including illuminating a sample with a first beam, a second beam, and a third beam, and combining the generated FWM signal with a reference beam at a imaging device to obtain holographic image data. In some examples, the first and second beams may be provided by a single pump-probe beam. The third beam may be a Stokes beam or an anti-Stokes beam. A representative example is coherent anti-Stokes Raman holography (CARS holography), which includes illuminating a sample with a pump/probe beam and a Stokes beam to obtain a CARS signal from the sample; and combining the CARS signal with a reference beam to obtain a CARS hologram. |
| US08675200B2 |
Hydrogen detecting surface plasmon resonator, surface plasmon resonance optical hydrogen detector and method for optically detecting hydrogen using surface plasmon resonance
Light from light source means (a wavelength-variable laser) is applied to a surface of a hydrogen absorbing thin metal film of a hydrogen detecting surface plasmon resonator including a surface plasmon resonance enhancement structure formed by providing in the thin film an array of periodic holes having a shape that is not 90-degree rotational symmetric in the plane of the film surface, and transmitted light is detected with light detecting means (a photometer). Hydrogen is detected on the basis of a change in light transmission frequency characteristic caused by hydrogen absorption in the hydrogen detecting surface plasmon resonator. Optical hydrogen detection that is highly safe and unaffected by variations in the amount of light from the light source and stray light can be achieved. |
| US08675198B2 |
Annular optical device
An annular optical device (100) includes an annular meso-optic (1) including an annulus (11) centered about an axis of revolution (A) and a secondary optical structure (2) substantially coaxial within the annulus (11). The secondary optical structure (2) and the annular meso-optic (1) are separated by a media (12) including a media refractive index that is lower than the refractive index of the secondary optical structure. The secondary optical structure (2) holds a specimen to be radiated by impinging electromagnetic radiation. Scattered radiation from the secondary optical structure (2) and within the annulus (11) of the annular meso-optic (1) is allowed into the annular meso-optic (1) if an angle of incidence of the scattered radiation exceeds a predetermined incidence threshold. The annular meso-optic (1) re-directs the scattered radiation to comprise re-directed radiation that is substantially parallel to the axis of revolution (A). |
| US08675195B2 |
Device for determining particle sizes
A device and process for determining sizes of particles of a particle stream. A first optical measuring system with a first dot matrix sensor and a lighting device, which transilluminates the measuring volume are provided. The first dot matrix sensor and the lighting device form a transmitted-light arrangement. The computing device determines projection areas of particles within the transilluminated measuring volume from the image data of the first dot matrix sensor. The optical measuring arrangement includes a second optical measuring system with a second dot matrix sensor for detecting the diffraction pattern of the particles. The computing device determines a size distribution of the particles in the measuring volume based on the projection areas and the diffraction pattern. The computing device forms the size distribution from particle sizes determined on the basis of the projection areas and from particle sizes determined on the basis of the diffraction pattern. |
| US08675193B2 |
Near-field material processing system
Methods and systems for real time feedback and control of near-field material processing are disclosed, including generating electromagnetic radiation from a USP laser coupled to a central processing unit; coupling the electromagnetic radiation to an acousto-optic modulator; coupling the electromagnetic radiation to a beam delivery system; coupling the electromagnetic radiation to a beam delivery fiber; using the electromagnetic radiation to generate a plasma on a target mounted to an adjustable stage coupled to the central processing unit; coupling the electromagnetic radiation from the plasma to a plasma spectrum collection system; coupling the electromagnetic radiation to a spectrum analysis unit; coupling the electromagnetic radiation to a detector; and coupling the detector to the central processing unit; wherein the central processing unit uses the output from the detector as feedback in making adjustments to the USP laser and the adjustable stage. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08675192B2 |
Method and device for high speed quantitative measurement of biomolecular targets on or in biological analysis medium
The present invention relates to a device and method for the high speed quantitative measurement of biomolecular targets on the surface or in the body of a planar medium for biological analysis. The method, according to the invention, includes the following, steps: a) at least two laser beams (F″) are focused and overlaid on each measuring point of said medium by the simultaneous intersection of these beams to extract a contained hot plasma (P), including a measured chemical element present in the targets and another chemical element exogenous to the targets and present in a known quantity on this medium; b) luminous emission rays for each plasma, corresponding to the quantified element and exogenous element, are detected and analyzed for each measuring point while measuring the brightness of these rays; then c) the concentration in each measuring point of the quantified element is determined through prior calibration of the rays of the qualified element to determine a correlation between the brightness of the rays, specific to said element, and the concentrations of the latter in mixtures of the quantified element and exogenous element in known proportions. |
| US08675185B2 |
Determination of haemolysis of a blood sample using gradient analysis
A determination of the haemolysis of a blood sample is provided by a measuring light source, a detector and an evaluation device. The light source irradiates the blood sample after a haemolysis operation on the blood sample has been started. The detector device detects light values at several measuring points of time. The evaluation device receives the detected light values and forms a time-dependent course of light values. The evaluation device also determines, at least section-wise, a gradient for an assigned measuring curve from the time-dependent course of light values, as a comparative measure of the light values at the different measuring points of time. The evaluation device further determines when the gradient is different from zero, and indicates a conclusion of the haemolysis when the gradient, after a measuring period of time in which the gradient is different from zero, falls to a minimum going down to zero. |
| US08675176B2 |
Parameter control in a lithographic apparatus using polarization
A lithographic apparatus includes an illuminator configured to provide a projection beam of radiation and a polarization controller configured to control an intensity of a preferred state of polarization of the projection beam. The lithographic apparatus further includes a support configured to hold a patterning device. The patterning device configured to pattern the projection beam according to a desired pattern. The apparatus also includes a substrate table configured to hold a substrate, and a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate to form a patterned image on the substrate. |
| US08675173B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed in which one or more liquid diverters are positioned in a space surrounded by a liquid confinement structure. A function of the liquid diverter(s) is to hinder the formation of one or more recirculation zones of immersion liquid which may lead to variations in refractive index of the immersion liquid in the space and thereby imaging errors. |
| US08675171B2 |
Movable body drive system and movable body drive method, pattern formation apparatus and method, exposure apparatus and method, device manufacturing method, and decision-making method
A drive unit drives a wafer table in a Y-axis direction based on a measurement value of an encoder that measures position information of the wafer table in the Y-axis direction and based on known correction information in accordance with position information of the wafer table in a non-measurement direction (e.g. Z, θz and θx directions) that is measured by an interferometer at the time of the measurement by the encoder. That is, the wafer table (a movable body) is driven in the Y-axis direction based on the measurement value of the encoder that has been corrected by correction information for correcting a measurement error of the encoder that is caused by a relative displacement of a head and a scale in the non-measurement direction. Accordingly, the movable body can be driven with high accuracy in a desired direction while measuring the position by the encoder, without being affected by the relative motion between the head and the scale in directions other than a direction to be measured (measurement direction). |
| US08675168B2 |
Gas gauge compatible with vacuum environments
A gas gauge (100) is provided for use in a vacuum environment having a measurement gas flow channel (105). The gas gauge comprises a measurement nozzle (110) in the measurement gas flow channel (105). The measurement nozzle (110) is configured to operate at a sonically choked flow condition of a volumetric flow being sourced from a gas supply (120) coupled to the measurement gas flow channel (105). The gas gauge (100) further comprises a pressure sensor (127) operatively coupled to the measurement gas flow channel (105) downstream from the sonically choked flow condition of the volumetric flow to measure a differential pressure of the volumetric flow for providing an indication of a gap (130) between a distal end of the measurement nozzle (135) and a target surface (140) proximal thereto. |
| US08675162B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel
Provided is a liquid crystal display panel which allows high quality display by suppressing a disturbance of liquid crystal molecule alignment caused by formation of liquid crystal alignment control protrusions. The liquid crystal display panel of the present invention is a liquid crystal display panel including a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates, one of the pair of the substrates including a colored layer, a light-shielding layer, and walled liquid crystal alignment control protrusions projecting toward the other substrate, the liquid crystal alignment control protrusions including a main protrusion and a secondary protrusion lower than the main protrusion, the secondary protrusion being provided on the colored layer along a borderline between the colored layer and the light-shielding layer, and the total of the height of the secondary protrusion and that of the colored layer being substantially the same as the height of the light-shielding layer. |
| US08675158B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal display device which has a wide viewing angle and less color-shift depending on an angle at which a display screen is seen and can display an image favorably recognized both outdoors in sunlight and dark indoors (or outdoors at night). The liquid crystal display device includes a first portion where display is performed by transmission of light and a second portion where display is performed by reflection of light. Further, a liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystal molecule which rotates parallel to an electrode plane when a potential difference is generated between two electrodes of a liquid crystal element provided below the liquid crystal layer. |
| US08675157B2 |
Thin-film transistor display panel and liquid crystal display including the same
Provided are a thin-film transistor (TFT) display panel in which grayscale inversion at sides of the TFT display panel is controlled to improve color at sides thereof due to the shifting of chromaticity coordinates, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) including the TFT display panel. The TFT display panel includes a first pixel electrode corresponding to a first pixel, a second pixel electrode corresponding to a second pixel, and a third pixel electrode corresponding to a third pixel, wherein each of the first through third pixel electrodes includes a first subpixel electrode and a second subpixel electrode which receive different data voltages from the data lines, and saw-toothed fine patterns are formed on oblique edges of the first subpixel electrode of the first pixel electrode. |
| US08675155B2 |
Liquid crystal display device comprising a first polarizing plate with a cut portion formed directly below a driving chip wherein the cut portion is covered by a bottom surface of a first substrate
A liquid crystal display device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes: a panel having a first substrate and a second substrate with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween, and a first polarizing plate and a second polarizing plate, respectively, attached on the exterior surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate. The device may further include a driving chip installed in a boundary of the first substrate at the opposite surface of the first substrate onto which the first polarizing plate is attached, wherein the first polarizing plate covers the boundary of the first substrate and has a cut portion corresponding to the first substrate in which the driving chip is installed. |
| US08675150B2 |
Lighting device for liquid crystal screen
A lighting device for liquid crystal display provides as output a polarized extended light flux. It comprises a light source 100 comprising a layer with high albedo A on the light emission surface SD(A), on which are stacked a quarter-wave plate 101 and a reflecting polarizer 103. This results in a light transmission gain of the order of 1+A, which makes it possible to produce displays with high luminance and low electrical consumption.Application to flat-screen displays. |
| US08675149B2 |
Backlight unit and display apparatus comprising the same
A backlight unit is provided that comprises a first layer, a plurality of light sources on the first layer, a reflection layer on the first layer, the reflection layer surrounding the plurality of light sources, a second layer on the reflection layer and the plurality of light sources, and a third layer on the second layer, the third layer comprising a plurality of light shielding patterns arranged to correspond to the light sources, respectively, and a light transmitting region surrounding the plurality of light shielding patterns, wherein the light transmitting region includes first regions adjacent to the light sources and second regions away from the light sources, and wherein the first regions are smaller in area than the second regions. A display apparatus comprising the backlight unit is provided as well. |
| US08675148B2 |
Gradient refractive index liquid crystal optical apparatus and image display apparatus
A gradient index liquid crystal optical apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a first substrate having a first face; a second substrate having a second face opposed to the first face of the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate; a plurality of first electrodes provided on the first face of the first substrate, and arranged along a first direction; a plurality of second electrodes provided on the first face of the first substrate to correspond to the first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes being arranged along the first direction; a plurality of third electrodes provided on the first face of the first substrate and arranged along the first direction; and a fourth electrode provided on the second face of the second substrate. |
| US08675147B2 |
Protection panel provided with touch input function for display window of electronic device, and manufacturing method therefor
A protection panel provided with a touch input function for a display window of an electronic device includes: a protection panel main body having an opening punched out, and a glass plate fitted in the opening, a lower electrode sheet having a lower transparent electrode, and a lower circuit, the lower electrode sheet being attached to an upper surface of the protection panel main body, an upper electrode sheet having an upper transparent electrode, and an upper circuit, the upper electrode sheet being bonded to the lower electrode sheet at peripheral edges thereof, and a decorative sheet having a decorative layer provided on at least one surface of a transparent resin film so as to hide the lower circuit and the upper circuit and form the transparent window portion, the decorative sheet being attached to an upper surface of the upper electrode sheet. |
| US08675146B2 |
Display structure having a transmittance-controllable layer
A display structure includes a liquid crystal module, and a light guide layer arranged on a surface of the liquid crystal module, first light-emitting devices arranged at an edge of one end portion of the light guide layer, and a transmittance-controllable layer arranged on a surface of the light guide layer opposing the liquid crystal module. The light-emitting devices are configured to emit light into the light guide layer, and thus the light emitted by the light-emitting devices is transmitted within the light guide layer. The transmittance-controllable layer may have light transmittance characteristics which change depending on an external stimulus applied thereto. |
| US08675144B2 |
Television and electronic apparatus
According to at least one embodiment, an electronic apparatus, such as a television, includes a housing, battery cells in the housing, and a supporting portion between the battery cells. The supporting portion is thicker than one of the battery cells. The electronic apparatus can also include case including a base and a cover. |
| US08675140B2 |
Playback apparatus for playing back hierarchically-encoded video image data, method for controlling the playback apparatus, and storage medium
Hierarchically-encoded video image data and audio data associated with a predetermined encoded layer of the hierarchically-encoded video image data are received, and the audio-associated encoded layer with which the audio data is associated is specified from among a plurality of encoded layers of the hierarchically-encoded video image data. Then, the ratio of the field of view of a decoded video image of an encoded layer to be played back to the field of view of a decoded video image of the audio-associated encoded layer is calculated. A prestored audio correction amount is multiplied by the calculated ratio, and the resulting new audio correction amount is used to correct the audio data. |
| US08675137B2 |
Apparatus and method for adaptive filtering
An apparatus and a method for adaptive filtering includes an antenna that receives analog video broadcast signal data; an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the antenna and converting the received analog video broadcast signal data to digital video signal data; a frame buffer memory storing the digital video signal data; an instruction memory storing adaptive filtering instructions; and an adaptive filter coupled to the memory and the analog-to-digital converter, wherein the adaptive filter: reads the adaptive filter instructions from the memory; executes the adaptive filter instructions; averages an input pixel with a corresponding pixel stored in the frame buffer memory; calculates a forgetting factor for each pixel in the plurality of pixel values stored in the frame buffer memory; and filters noise from each pixel of the plurality of pixel values stored in the frame buffer memory based on the forgetting factor. |
| US08675136B2 |
Image display apparatus and detection method
An image display apparatus is provided which includes an image display unit for displaying a still image or a moving image, an imaging unit for capturing an image in a direction in which the image display unit is displaying the still image or the moving image, a detecting unit for detecting a light emitting unit of a remote controlling device included in the image captured by the imaging unit, and detecting a movement amount of the light emitting unit within the captured image, the remote controlling device controlled by a user, and a control unit for controlling a movement amount of a pointer displayed on the image display unit, depending on the movement amount of the light emitting unit detected by the detecting unit. |
| US08675130B2 |
Electronic adapter unit for selectively modifying audio or video data for use with an output device
A standalone or integrated electronic unit for selectively modifying audio or video data for use with an output device. The electronic unit has one or more audio or video inputs and one or more audio or video outputs for outputting the modified audio or video source material. The unit may include sensors, selectors, and/or logic for selecting from among a plurality of modification profiles and applies the selected profile to the audio or video source material before conveying it to the output device. The modification profile may be used to adapt an audio or video source for a specific type of audio or video playback or output device. For audio, the modification profile may be used to modify audio quality by altering the transfer function, and for video, the modification profile may be used to modify video quality by altering the visual characteristics of the video source signal. |
| US08675129B2 |
Television system and control method thereof
There is disclosed a method of controlling a television system which can connect to a printing apparatus, and has a display unit. Display/non-display of the status information is set (S13, S14). Status information of the printing apparatus is received from the printing apparatus (S101). The control is made to display the status information on the display unit when the display of the status information is set, and not to display the status information on the display unit when the non-display of the status information is set (S102, S103). |
| US08675128B2 |
Image processing method and system with repetitive pattern detection
An image processing engine, comprising: a frame rate conversion entity configured to: (a) generate output pictures from input pictures, the output pictures comprising a set of first output pictures and a plurality of sets of second output pictures, each set of second output pictures being associated with one of the first output pictures, each of the first output pictures being derived from a respective one of the input pictures; and (b) control generation of the set of second output pictures associated with a particular first output picture based upon repetitive pattern presence detection within a related picture that is either (i) the particular first output picture or (ii) the input picture from which the particular first output picture was derived. |
| US08675124B2 |
Electronic flash, electronic camera and light emitting head
R, G and B LEDs are used as a light source of an electronic flash. Electric energy is supplied to a capacitor to the LEDs. A system controller controls light emitting amounts of the LEDs so that a color temperature of the electronic flash light becomes a color temperature that has been manually set with a color temperature setting switch or a color temperature of a light source determined by color temperature sensors. |
| US08675123B2 |
Light amount adjustment device operable at high speed and with high resolution, and optical apparatus having the same
An optical apparatus having a light amount adjustment device capable of realizing a high-speed operation and a high-resolution operation. The light amount adjustment device includes a second motor that has a rotor provided with magnetized poles whose number is two times the number of magnetized poles provided in a rotor of a first motor, so that the second motor has a resolution two times higher than that of the first motor. A control unit of the optical apparatus controls the drives of the first and second motors independently of each other. In a high-speed drive mode, the first and second motors are driven simultaneously or only the first motor is driven. In a low-speed drive mode, only the second motor is driven. |
| US08675120B2 |
Manual focusing mechanism of imaging apparatus and imaging apparatus
A manual focusing mechanism, of an imaging apparatus provided with a lens system that includes a focusing lens group, which changes an image plane position by linearly moving the focusing lens group in an optical axis direction thereof via a manual operation of a focusing operational member includes a click-stop mechanism which holds the focusing operational member at one of a plurality of click-stop positions with respect to a support member. An amount of movement of the image plane position in the optical axis direction per one click-stop position of the focusing operational member via the click-stop mechanism is determined to be within a range of the depth of focus of the lens system of the imaging apparatus. An imaging apparatus having such a manual focusing mechanism is also disclosed. |
| US08675116B2 |
Image sensor and focus detection apparatus
A focus detection apparatus includes an image forming optical system, an image sensing unit which photoelectrically converts the object image, and a focus detection unit which detects the focus state of the imaging optical system from a pixel signal from the image sensing unit. The focus detection unit includes a first focus detection pixel which divides the exit pupil of the image forming optical system in the first direction and receives a light beam, and a second focus detection pixel which divides the exit pupil of the image forming optical system in the second direction different from the first direction, and receives a light beam. The first and second focus detection pixels are periodically arranged near the lattice points of a 2-dimensional lattice formed from first lattice lines set in a predetermined unit area of the image sensing unit, and second lattice lines crossing the first lattice lines. |
| US08675115B1 |
Forward interpolation approach for constructing a second version of an image from a first version of the image
A forward interpolation approach is disclosed for enabling a second version of an image to be constructed from a first version of the image. According to one implementation of the forward interpolation approach, pixels from the first version of the image are processed one row at a time. As the pixels in a row of pixels in the first version of the image are processed, they may cause pixel values on different rows of the second version of the image to be determined. Since the pixel values of the second version of the image are stored in output line buffers, this means that, at any particular point in time, there may be multiple partially filled output line buffers. It has been observed that the forward interpolation approach enables significant benefits (such as reduced storage requirements and reduced internal bandwidth and processing) to be achieved over a backward interpolation approach. |
| US08675110B2 |
Imaging apparatus, method of controlling imaging apparatus, and program for continuous image capturing
An apparatus includes: an element that receives subject light from a subject to generate image data; a section that generates a recording image to be recorded on a recording medium from the image data when a first mode is set; a section that generates a second display image, which allows display of a live-view image, from the image data when a second mode is set, and that generates a first display image, which allows display of an image identical to the recording image, from the image data when the first mode is set; a section that sequentially displays the first display image or the second display image; a section that detects a specific state of the apparatus that obstructs recording of an imaging object onto the recording image; and a section that controls switching between the first mode and the second mode on the basis of the detection results. |
| US08675108B2 |
Physical quantity detecting device and imaging apparatus
A physical quality detecting device including: a detecting unit that detects a physical quantity supplied from the outside with photo-converting pixels which are two-dimensionally arranged, each of which has a selecting transistor for outputting a signal from the detecting unit to a signal line. In the physical quality detecting device, the selecting transistor is a depletion-type transistor. The signal line is selectively coupled to a reference voltage. |
| US08675105B2 |
Learning of image processing pipeline for digital imaging devices
A learning technique is provided that learns how to process images by exploiting the spatial and spectral correlations inherent in image data to process and enhance images. Using a training set of input and desired output images, regression coefficients are learned that are optimal for a predefined estimation function that estimates the values at a pixel of the desired output image using a collection of similarly located pixels in the input image. Application of the learned regression coefficients is fast, robust to noise, adapts to the particulars of a dataset, and generalizes to a large variety of applications. The invention enables the use of image sensors with novel color filter array designs that offer expanded capabilities beyond existing sensors and take advantage of typical high pixel counts. |
| US08675095B2 |
Image data processing system for transfering image data between devices
An image data processing system transfers image data, stored in an image file and corresponding to independent images, from a first device to a second device. The first device includes data output, image file generation, and transfer processing units. The second device includes a specification data generation unit. The data output unit outputs combined miniaturized image data. The combined miniaturized image data shows combined miniaturized images. The miniaturized images correspond to the independent images. Each miniaturized image has a smaller data volume than the independent image. The specification data generation unit generates transfer subject specification data from the combined miniaturized image data. The transfer subject specification data specifies data corresponding to a transfer subject independent image. The image file generation unit generates a transfer image file storing the transfer subject image data. The transfer processing unit transfers the transfer image file to the second device. |
| US08675094B2 |
Imaging apparatus that preferentially suppresses occurrence of flicker in a through-the-lens image and method and computer program for controlling the imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging section that captures an image of a subject; a detection section that detects flicker of a through-the-lens image as a moving image of the subject which is obtained by image capturing of the imaging section; and a control section that, when the detection section detects the flicker, controls an aperture, a shutter speed, and a gain on the basis of through-the-lens image control values as control values for controlling the aperture, the shutter speed, and the gain so as to preferentially suppress occurrence of flicker in the through-the-lens image. |
| US08675092B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and recording medium
An image processing method generates first developed image data by correcting first image data with use of a white balance correction value corresponding to flash light, generates second developed image data by correcting the first image data with use of a second white balance correction value corresponding to external light, calculates a combining ratio of each block based on a flash component and an external light component of each of blocks into which the first image data is divided, and combines the first developed image data and the second developed image data according to the calculated combining ratio. |
| US08675091B2 |
Image data processing with multiple cameras
Pictures can be taken with multiple (e.g., two) cameras, and the statistics associated with any of those pictures can be used to correct (e.g., color balance) any of the other pictures. Generally speaking, first image data captured by a first camera is accessed (e.g., retrieved from memory). Similarly, second image data captured by a second camera is accessed. The first image data and second image data are acquired at or about the same time using the first and second cameras together (e.g., at the same location, so that each camera is subject to the same light source). The first image data can then be processed (e.g., color balanced) using information that is derived using the second image data. |
| US08675086B1 |
Architecture for video, fast still and high quality still picture processing
An apparatus having a first circuit is disclosed. The first circuit may (i) receive an input signal from an electro-optical sensor and (ii) generate a compressed signal. The first circuit generally includes re-sampler circuits configured to process the input signal to generate output samples. Each output sample may be a linear combination of at least two input samples. Video processing may include at least two tasks among (a) generating a video signal by converting the input signal for an external video monitor, (b) generating a video signal by converting the input signal for a preview screen and (c) generating a video signal by resolution reduction of the input signal before compression. At least two re-sampler circuits may perform different tasks. Still processing generally includes a noise reduction of an input image of the input signal using at least one of the at least two re-sampler circuits. |
| US08675085B2 |
Camera that combines images of different scene depths
A camera system capturing two parts of a same scene each at a different focus so that objects at different distances from the camera can be captured in focus. The camera system splits the image into two paths using a splitter and focuses the image of each path separately. The focus for each path can be manual or by autofocus. The parts of the images of the two paths can be combined by abutting them at a boundary or in a zone essentially located between the two parts. The image parts in the zone can be combined by blending using a linear function or a non linear function such as a frequency based function. |
| US08675084B2 |
Systems and methods for remote camera control
A camera capable of capturing still images and video and included in a portable media device can be controlled remotely using an accessory. The accessory can register with the PMD to automatically receive notifications whenever there is a change in the camera state. The camera states can include mode, operation status, and configuration settings. The accessory can send instructions to a camera application that interfaces with the camera to control the camera. The accessory can remotely activate the camera, change camera mode, and send instructions to operate the camera. The accessory and the PMD can concurrently control the camera. The PMD can send the captured still images and recorded video to the accessory for preview and receive instructions from the accessory on disposition of the still images and the video. |
| US08675083B2 |
Proximity wireless communication apparatus including fixed housing and movable housing rotated endlessly
One array antenna including three induction coils is formed on an application integrated circuit of a fixed housing. Eight array antennas, each of which is arranged in a manner similar to that of the array antennas of the application integrated circuit, are formed at intervals of 45 degrees around a rotation axis on an imaging process integrated circuit of a movable housing. A controller selects one of the eight array antennas of the imaging process integrated circuit so that a magnitude of a difference between a rotation angle of a movable housing and a rotation angle of the movable housing becomes equal to or smaller than 22.5 degrees based on the rotation angle of the movable housing, and controls a stepping motor so that a selected array antenna opposes to the array antenna on the application integrated circuit. |
| US08675081B2 |
Real time video stabilization
The present invention provides a method and a system for video stabilization in real time. The method comprises the steps of: estimating an optical flow from an previous image, Ii, to a current image, Ii+1; determining an Euclidean transformation, Fi, from the previous image, Ii to the current image, Ii+1, wherein the Euclidean transformation, Fi, comprises a product of rotation, Ri, and scaling, si, and translation, Ti; and transforming the current image, Ii+1, by applying the inverse of the Euclidean transformation, Fi, to the current image, Ii+1, in order to obtain stabilization. The transformation of the current image, Ii+1, is restricted by using Euclidean matrices Ai and Bi, wherein: Ai is used to store absolute frame transformation relative world frame coordinates, Ao is the identity matrix and Ai+1 is equal to AiFi−1 for i≧0 and Bi is used to store visualization window coordinate transformation. |
| US08675078B1 |
Test technique for set-top boxes
A test system (200) for testing for missing or shorted parts within a tuner circuit includes a signal generator (202) for applying a harmonic-containing baseband time varying RF test signal to the tuner circuit. The tuner circuit is tuned to a harmonic of test signal. A detector 208 coupled to the baseband IF output of the tuner circuit detects the voltage generated in response to the applied RF test signal. A voltage measurement device (210) measures voltage detected by detector to provide an indication of the gain. Significant changes in the gain indicate missing part(s) or short circuits. |
| US08675077B2 |
Alignment metrology and resolution measurement system for imaging arrays
An alignment metrology and resolution measurement system concurrently determines the alignment of an imaging array in six degrees of freedom relative to an external reference frame, and further determines the resolution of the imaging array. To achieve this, an image of at least three mask patterns is projected on the imaging array. First and second positions of the imaging array relative to first and second coordinate axis of the reference frame is obtained using pixel positions of the images along the first and second axis. A first rotational position of the imaging array about a third coordinate axis is obtained using pixel positions of the images along the first and second axes. The third position and the second and third rotational positions of the imaging array about the first and second coordinate axis are determined using feature widths of focus images of the patterns and distances between the mask patterns. |
| US08675076B2 |
System for embedded video test pattern generation
In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a video processing circuit can include a synchronization generator to generate a clock signal from an input video stream; and a test pattern generator coupled to receive the clock signal provided by the synchronization generator and to generate a test pattern over a number of cycles. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a video processing system may include an video input capture circuit; a video input processing circuit including a synchronization generator and a test pattern generator; a video scaling circuit; a video merging circuit to recombine the video signals provided by the video scaling circuit into one video signal; and a video output circuit including a cyclical redundancy check circuit. |
| US08675071B1 |
Video monitoring and alarm verification technology
Video monitoring and alarm verification technology, in which a first connection is established between a first device and a camera located in a monitored property associated with a user of the first device and image data captured by the camera is received over the first connection and at the first device. A determination is made to establish a second connection with a second device that enables sharing of the received image data with the second device and, in response to the determination, the second connection is established between the first device and the second device. The received image data is shared with the second device over the second connection and the second device is restricted from directly accessing image data captured by the camera located in the monitored property. |
| US08675069B2 |
Vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus
A vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus includes: a plurality of imaging units which capture an external region of a present-vehicle and output images; a display unit which is installed in an interior of the present-vehicle; an image combined unit which combines the images output from the imaging units and outputs a combined image; and a display control unit which displays the combined image output from the image combined unit on the display unit, wherein at least one of the imaging units is installed at a retractable side mirror of the present-vehicle, and the image combined unit extracts extracted images of an extraction range determined for respective images output from the imaging units, combines the extracted images to generate the combined image, and changes the extraction range and a boundary position between the extracted images constituting the combined image depending on extension and retraction of the side mirror. |
| US08675068B2 |
Systems and methods of capturing large area images in detail including cascaded cameras and/or calibration features
Systems and methods are disclosed relating to acquisition of images regarding large area objects or large areas. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of obtaining or capturing, via a first system that includes one or more first image capturing devices, overview images, wherein the overview images depict first areas, as well as obtaining or capturing, via a second system that includes a plurality of image capturing devices, detail images characterized as being related to each other along an image axis. Moreover, the detail images may depict second areas that are subsets of the first areas, they may be arranged in strips parallel to the image axis, and they may have a higher resolution than corresponding portions of the first images. |
| US08675066B2 |
Image surveillance and reporting technology
Image surveillance and reporting technology, in which an event that is indicative of potential physical activity within an area corresponding to a location of a camera unit is detected. In response to detection of the event, the camera unit is controlled to capture one or more images of the area corresponding to the location of the camera unit. The one or more images captured by the camera unit are analyzed to determine whether the one or more images include image data that is indicative of relevant physical activity within the area corresponding to the location of the camera unit. The one or more images are handled based on the determination of whether the one or more images include image data that is indicative of relevant physical activity within the area corresponding to the location of the camera unit. |
| US08675062B2 |
Shape measuring device, observation device, and image processing method
A shape measuring device comprises a high speed image processor for extracting one target image and at least one reference image other than the target image from among the plurality of images, and for causing a digital operator to act on the target image and the reference image to calculate local degrees of focusing for each extracted pair of the target image and the reference image on a pixel by pixel basis for the target image; and a control computer for finding the surface height of the measurement object on the basis of the maximum relative movement position of each pixel from among a plurality of the local degrees of focusing calculated on a pixel by pixel basis. |
| US08675061B2 |
Digital video projection display system
A biocular display system is provided for use with a transmissive micro-LCD display and a biocular lens, where the biocular system includes a relay lens that can transfer a digital image from the transmissive micro-LCD display to a micro-resolution screen surface where a micro-diffusion surface is applied to a single planar transparent substrate that has a smooth surface on a side opposite the micro-diffusion surface, and the micro-diffusion surface has at least some surface features that can diffuse the light passing therethrough at greater than a 60-degree diffusion angle. |
| US08675058B2 |
Electronic endoscope apparatus
An electronic endoscope apparatus includes a connection unit for selectively connecting a plurality of machine types of electronic endoscopes which use different color information obtainment methods and a plurality of replacement tables which are provided for the plurality of machine types of electronic endoscopes respectively, and each of which stores a correspondence between values representing colors which can be obtained by each of the electronic endoscopes by photographing an observation object and values representing the true colors of the observation object. The electronic endoscope apparatus distinguishes the machine type of the electronic endoscope and replaces the values of obtained colors by using the replacement table for the distinguished machine type. Further, the electronic endoscope apparatus stores setting information for each purpose of examination, and further performs image processing, based on selected setting information, on the image of which the values of the colors have been replaced. |
| US08675057B2 |
Obtaining consumer electronic device state information
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to obtain an image of a consumer electronic device, the image comprising at least one visual indication of a first operating state of the consumer electronic device, and to transmit one or more commands to the consumer electronic device to change to a second operating state different from the first operating state, responsive to determining the first operating state by extracting information associated with the at least one visual indication from the image. The commands may be determined by accessing a database having control instructions associated with the consumer electronic device. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08675053B2 |
Video processing apparatus and video processing method for scaling three-dimensional data
There are provided a video processing apparatus and a video processing method. The video processing apparatus includes: a plurality of signal delay parts which sequentially store left-eye pixel information and right-eye pixel information that are alternately supplied; an interpolation unit which interpolates the right-eye pixel information and separately interpolates the left-eye pixel information; and an image generating unit which generates a left-eye image and a right-eye image based on the interpolated left-eye pixel information and the interpolated right-eye pixel information, respectively. |
| US08675050B2 |
Data structure, recording apparatus and method, playback apparatus and method, and program
A recording apparatus includes a recording controller configured to record picture data of a 3D picture and viewing environment information indicating an environment intended as a viewing environment for the 3D picture on a recording medium. |
| US08675047B2 |
Detection device of planar area and stereo camera system
A detection device of a planar area is provided. The detection device includes an image obtaining section for obtaining a left image and a right image; a planar area aligning section for setting given regions of interest to the obtained left image and the right image, and through use of a geometric transform function that matches the region of interest of the right image with the region of interest of the left image, performing geometric transform to generate a geometric transform image; and a planar area detecting section for detecting a planar area based on the geometric transform image and the region of interest of the right image. The planar area aligning section sets the planar area detected by the planar area detecting section as a given region of interest. |
| US08675044B2 |
Method for playing images according to a data comparison result and image playback system thereof
An image playback method includes starting an image display module, detecting glasses data in a predetermined range, comparing the detected glasses data with a set of data to generate a first comparison result, and the image display module playing a 3D image or a 2D image according to the first comparison result. |
| US08675038B2 |
Two-way video conferencing system
A video conferencing device that includes a camera and display system captures video of local participants and displays incoming video feeds from remote locations. For example, incoming video feeds of the remote participants may be displayed on an outward-facing circular screen mounted on a central pedestal. One or more cameras are also mounted on the pedestal in order to capture video of the local participants. The incoming video feed can be arranged or organized in various ways on the display based in part on the quantity of incoming feeds and/or the needs of the conference-room participants. |
| US08675035B2 |
Image forming apparatus and optical scanning unit
An optical scanning unit may include a light source unit configured to emit a light beam, an optical housing configured to receive and support the light source unit, an optical device configured to deflect the light beam and to focus the light beam on a light receiving member, and a fixing member configured to fix the light source unit to the optical housing by applying pressure to the light source unit, wherein the pressure is applied in a direction, which is substantially perpendicular to an optical axis direction of the light source unit. |
| US08675032B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: an image bearing member configured to bear a toner image; a plurality of electrode portions; a control unit configured to control a voltage applied to the electrode unit based on image information; and a toner bearing member configured to bear toner and form a toner image on the image bearing member according to the voltage applied to the electrode portion, in which α>1.22 is satisfied and rx″/ry″ is defined as α, where Dy indicates a thickness of the image bearing member, Dx indicates a distance between the electrode portions adjacent to each other, rx″ indicates a resistance component of the image bearing member in a direction parallel to Dx and ry″ indicates a resistance component of the image bearing member in a direction parallel to Dy in a rectangular solid body including Dx and Dy in a side. |
| US08675031B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device according to the present invention comprises a pixel including a plurality of sub pixels. The plurality of sub pixels include a red sub pixel (R), a green sub pixel (G), a blue sub pixel (B), a yellow sub pixel (Ye) and a cyan sub pixel (C). The aperture area size of one of the cyan sub pixel (C) and the blue sub pixel (B) is larger than the aperture area size of any of the other of the cyan (C) and blue (B) sub pixels, the green sub pixel (G) and the yellow sub pixel (Ye); and the aperture area size of the red sub pixel (R) is larger than the aperture area size of any of the other of the cyan (C) and blue (B) sub pixels, the green sub pixel (G), and the yellow sub pixel (Ye). |
| US08675023B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a display
According to embodiments described in the specification, a method and apparatus for controlling a display are provided. The method comprises providing a first interface on the display, the first interface comprising a representation of a first application at a default zoom level; receiving a command to launch a second application; and, responsive to receiving the launch command, providing an updated interface on the display, the updated interface comprising updated representations of the first application and the second application; wherein the updated representation of the first application is inactive and occupies a first portion of the area of the display, and the updated representation of the second application is active and occupies a second portion of the display area, the second portion being larger than the first portion. |
| US08675020B2 |
Image display devices and methods of displaying image
Provided are an image display method and an image display device. The method includes: reading first layer data; reading partial data of second layer data; and blending the read first layer data and the read partial data of the second layer data and displaying the blended data. The image display device includes: a processing unit generating first and second layer data and storing the generated first and second layer data in a storage unit; and a display unit reading the first layer data and partial data of the second layer data from the storage unit, blending the read first layer data and the read partial data of the second layer data, and displaying the blended data. |
| US08675018B2 |
Electromechanical surface of rotational elements for motion compensation of a moving object
Mechanical surface of rotational elements for motion compensation of a locomotive object. A single layer of rotational elements formed as a mechanical surface on which a human can stand and/or move, and which automatically compensates for diverse human locomotion such as translation in two dimensions and rotation. The surface can be used to actively sense and compensate for varying speeds of human motion while in locomotion on the surface. The layer allows a user to move freely within a confined area and to be maintained within the confined area via motion compensation. Thus, the surface is particularly suited for immersion visualization environments where user motion on the surface is translated into user navigation through a virtual environment such as for computer games and simulation without necessitating constraints on immersive scene projection or participant motion. |
| US08675013B1 |
Rendering spherical space primitives in a cartesian coordinate system
Embodiments render polygonal data in a geographical information systems according to a viewing perspective of a geographical information systems user. The user may define a viewing perspective. A bounding box may be determined that includes the area being viewed in the viewing perspective. A spherical coordinate to Cartesian coordinate matrix may be determined to approximately convert spherical coordinates of the polygonal data to Cartesian coordinates to be rendered by a graphics processor. The graphics processor may then render the polygonal data and bias detail towards the viewing perspective of the user. |
| US08675012B2 |
Selective display of OCR'ed text and corresponding images from publications on a client device
Text is extracted from a source image of a publication using an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) process. A document is generated containing text segments of the extracted text. The document includes a control module that responds to user interactions with the displayed document. Responsive to a user selection of a displayed text segment, a corresponding image segment from the source image containing the text is retrieved and rendered in place of the selected text segment. The user can select again to toggle the display back to the text segment. Each text segment can be tagged with a garbage score indicating its quality. If the garbage score of a text segment exceeds a threshold value, the corresponding image segment can be automatically displayed instead. |
| US08675010B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing metadata for sensory effect, computer readable record medium on which metadata for sensory effect is recorded, method and apparatus for representating sensory effect
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for providing metadata for a sensory effect, a computer-readable recording medium on which metadata for a sensory effect are recorded, and a method and apparatus for reproducing a sensory effect. A method for providing metadata for a sensory effect includes generating Sensory Effect Metadata (SEM) including sensory effect information on contents using binary representation syntax; and analyzing the SEM and transmitting the SEM to a sensory reproduction apparatus engine unit that generates control information on a sensory reproduction apparatus. In the method, the sensory effect information includes color correction effect information on the contents. |
| US08675006B2 |
Apparatus and method for communicating between a central processing unit and a graphics processing unit
A shared memory is provided accessible by a central processing unit and a graphics processing unit. A bus is provided via which the central processing unit, graphics processing unit and shared memory communicate. A first mechanism controls the graphics processing unit and the central processing unit routes control signals via the bus. An interface is provided between the central processing unit and the graphics processing unit, and an additional mechanism controls the graphics processing unit and the central processing unit provides control signals over the interface. This enables the GPU to continue to be used to handle large batches of graphics processing operations loosely coupled with the operations performed by the CPU, and it is also possible to employ the GPU to perform processing operations on behalf of the CPU in situations where those operations are tightly coupled with the operations performed by the CPU. |
| US08675002B1 |
Efficient approach for a unified command buffer
A method for providing two or more processors access to a single command buffer is provided. The method includes receiving instructions in the command buffer from a central processor, at least one of the instructions being designated for a particular one of the two or more processors. The method also includes sending the at least one instruction to only the particular processor. |
| US08674999B2 |
Circuit
An embodiment of a circuit comprises an output buffer, a data interface which is at least in a position to transmit data, the data interface being coupled to an output of the output buffer, a command/address interface coupled to an input of the output buffer, a memory core coupled to the input of the output buffer, and a controller circuit configured to cause data stored within the output buffer to be output to the data interface, further configured to cause data stored within the memory core to be output to the input of the output buffer, so that the data is stored within the output buffer, and further configured to cause provision of data received at the command/address interface to the input of the output buffer, so that the data is stored within the output buffer. |
| US08674996B2 |
Script control for lip animation in a scene generated by a computer rendering engine
A system for controlling a rendering engine by using specialized commands. The commands are used to generate a production, such as a television show, at an end-user's computer that executes the rendering engine. In one embodiment, the commands are sent over a network, such as the Internet, to achieve broadcasts of video programs at very high compression and efficiency. Commands for setting and moving camera viewpoints, animating characters, and defining or controlling scenes and sounds are described. At a fine level of control math models and coordinate systems can be used make specifications. At a coarse level of control the command language approaches the text format traditionally used in television or movie scripts. Simple names for objects within a scene are used to identify items, directions and paths. Commands are further simplified by having the rendering engine use defaults when specifications are left out. For example, when a camera direction is not specified, the system assumes that the viewpoint is to be the current action area. The system provides a hierarchy of detail levels. Movement commands can be defaulted or specified. Synchronized speech can be specified as digital audio or as text which is used to synthesize the speech. |
| US08674995B1 |
Folding avoidance in skeletal stroke application
Folding avoidance in skeletal stroke application is provided. In some embodiments, folding avoidance in skeletal stroke application includes identifying a destination path for a source artwork and a plurality of ribs extending perpendicularly from the destination path, in which the source artwork is mapped onto the destination path; determining a contiguous region along the destination path including a subset of ribs; in which each of the subset of ribs in the contiguous region crosses another rib in the contiguous region that is not necessarily an adjacent rib; and adjusting each of the subset of ribs in the contiguous region so that each of the ribs no longer crosses another rib in the contiguous region to provide a modified subset of ribs. Accordingly, the source artwork can then be adapted to fit along the destination path using the adjusted ribs. |
| US08674991B2 |
Layout method and system in a display area for disconnected dynamic networks
A layout method in a display area for multiple graph components in a dynamic network. The multiple graph components are sorted according to their importance into a first subset S1 and a second subset S2 according to the order of their importance. The first subset S1 is divided into an upper subset Cp including only the most important graph component and a lower subset Cm. The display area is divided into display portions S1′ and S2′ proportionally according to the importance values of the first subset S1 and the second subset S2. Display portion S1′ is divided into display portions Cp′ and Cm′ proportionally according to the importance values of the upper subset Cp and the lower subset Cm. The first division and the second division and the corresponding division of the display area are executed iteratively until the aspect ratio of display portion Cp′ is close to 1. |
| US08674990B1 |
Methods and systems for fractional level of detail assignment
Methods and systems for fractional level of detail assignment are described herein. A method embodiment for fractional level of detail (LOD) assignment includes obtaining a set of features and image data at a range of LOD values, assigning one or more fractional LOD values to the obtained features and providing the features and the image data at the fractional LOD values. The embodiment also includes hashing an identifier associated with each feature and computing a hash cutoff value by mapping the range of LOD levels onto a range of integers. A system embodiment includes a LOD assigner to assign fractional LOD values to features in image data and to provide the features and the image data at the fractional LOD values. The system embodiment further includes a retrieval engine to return features with a range of LOD values that include the fractional LOD values to the LOD assigner. |
| US08674986B2 |
Method and system for scattered spherical harmonic approximation
A scattered spherical harmonic (SH) approximation method is proposed for pre-computation of SH coefficients at sampling vertices of an object to be rendered. The approach sparsely populates the object with a plurality of SH sampling vertices and uses the least squares approximation to calculate the SH coefficients at any (other) arbitrary point of the object by extrapolating from the computed SH coefficients at the SH sampling vertices. |
| US08674985B2 |
Method, medium, and system rendering 3D graphic data to enhance image quality of transparent objects
A method, medium, and system rendering 3-dimensional (3D) graphic data. The method of rendering 3D graphic data may include grouping objects from among transparent objects included in graphic data, which overlap each other in a 3D space, and rendering the group and remaining objects excluding the grouped objects, in an order determined according to the distance between the group and a viewpoint and the distance between the remaining objects and the viewpoint. In particular, in the rendering of the group, the objects included in the group may be rendered in an order determined according to the distance between each unit element of each object belonging to the group and the viewpoint. By using such a method, medium, and system, rendering picture quality of a transparent object may be improved by avoiding rendering errors. |
| US08674984B2 |
Method for generating a hex-dominant mesh of a geometrically complex basin
A method for generating a mesh of a subterranean medium comprising at least one sedimentary layer crossed by at least one fault. The at least one layer is delimited vertically by two geological horizons discretized by two triangulated three-dimensional surfaces. For each horizon, a three-dimensional gridded surface is constructed by means of isometric unfolding accounting for the presence of the fault. Next, the mesh of the subterranean medium is generated by generating cells by creating links between the three-dimensional gridded surfaces. To do this, nodes of the first gridded surface that are situated on one side of the fault which differs from the side of a node of the second gridded surface having the same coordinates i, j are detected. Each non-detected node is joined with a node of the second gridded surface having the same coordinates i, j, and each detected node is joined with the fault by considering a direction of a neighboring node. Finally, the cells having at least two vertices in common are regularized. |
| US08674980B2 |
Three-dimensional image interactive system and position-bias compensation method of the same
A position-bias compensation method, applied to a three-dimensional image interactive system, includes steps of: displaying a three-dimensional image and setting a trigger position in a preset interactive coordinate system according to a default position of a user; obtaining a position-bias of a user's position from the default position; and resetting the trigger position according to the position-bias. |
| US08674979B2 |
Driver circuit, display device including the driver circuit, and electronic device including the display device
One object is, when a thin film transistor whose channel is formed using an amorphous semiconductor is used for a driver circuit formed using only n-channel transistors or p-channel transistors, to provide a driver circuit in which the threshold voltage is compensated in accordance with the degree of change in the threshold voltage. In the driver circuit which includes a unipolar transistor including a first gate and a second gate which are disposed above and below a semiconductor layer with insulating layers provided therebetween, a first signal for controlling switching of the transistor is inputted to the first gate, a second signal for controlling a threshold voltage of the transistor is inputted to the second gate, and the second signal is controlled in accordance with a value of current consumption including a current which flows between a source and a drain of the transistor. |
| US08674972B2 |
Semiconductor device
The semiconductor device includes a plurality of photosensors arranged in matrix. The photosensors each include a photoelectric conversion element and an amplifier circuit. A backlight is turned on, an object to be detected is irradiated with light, and the photosensor in a p-th row performs the reset operation and the storage operation. After that, the backlight is turned off, and the photosensor in a (p+1)th row performs the reset operation and the storage operation. Then, the photosensors in all the rows sequentially perform the selection operation. A difference between output signals obtained from the photosensors in adjacent rows is obtained. Using the difference, a captured image of the object is generated and a region where the object exists is detected. The amplifier circuit includes a transistor for holding stored electric charge, in which a channel is formed in an oxide semiconductor layer. |
| US08674970B2 |
Scan driver and flat panel display using the same
A flat panel display (FPD) includes: a timing controller configured to supply a mode control signal and a scan control signal; a plurality of pixels coupled to a plurality of scan lines and a plurality of data lines; a data driver for supplying a plurality of data signals to the data lines, and a scan driver coupled to the scan lines and including a plurality of scan integrated circuits (ICs), each of the scan ICs being configured to supply a plurality of scan signals to corresponding ones of the scan lines, wherein the timing controller is configured to select of the scan ICs in accordance with the mode control signal and wherein the timing controller is further configured to control a corresponding scan signal of the scan signals to be supplied to one of the scan lines coupled to the scan IC selected in accordance with the scan control signal. |
| US08674968B2 |
Touch sensing method and associated circuit
A touch sensing method and associated circuit are provided. In one aspect, a touch control circuit includes a first current source, a second current source, a plurality of switches, a hysteresis comparator, a frequency divider and a flip-flop. The switches are couple to a plurality of external contact points. The hysteresis comparator is coupled to a first reference comparison voltage and a second reference comparison voltage. Each of the external contact points is selectively coupled to an input terminal of the hysteresis comparator through the switches. The first current source and the second current source are coupled to the input terminal of the hysteresis comparator to generate a sensing voltage. The hysteresis comparator compares the sensing voltage with the first reference comparison voltage and the second reference comparison voltage to generate a hysteresis comparison output to control the first current source or the second current source. |
| US08674961B2 |
Haptic interface for touch screen in mobile device or other device
A method includes identifying a position of a user's touch on a touch screen, a velocity of the user's touch across the touch screen, and a pressure of the user's touch on the touch screen. The method also includes generating at least one drive signal for driving one or more actuators associated with the touch screen and outputting the at least one drive signal. The at least one drive signal is configured to cause the one or more actuators to generate a desired haptic texture on the touch screen. The at least one drive signal is based on the position, the velocity, and the pressure. For example, a waveform of the at least one drive signal could be based on the position. Also, groups of pulses in the at least one drive signal could have a frequency and waveform based on the velocity or an amplitude based on the pressure. |
| US08674953B2 |
Method of fabricating touch panel
A method of fabricating touch panel includes the following steps. A base is provided. A first transparent conductive layer is formed on the base. A first screen printing process is performed to form a first patterned sacrificial layer on the first transparent conductive layer, and the first patterned sacrificial layer is used to pattern the first transparent conductive layer to form a patterned sensing pad layer. A second screen printing process is carried out to form a patterned insulating layer. A second transparent conductive layer is formed on the base. A third screen printing process is performed to form a second patterned sacrificial layer, and the second patterned sacrificial layer is used to pattern the second transparent conductive layer to form a patterned bridge line layer. |
| US08674946B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling timing of status change of electronics apparatus based on user's finger location and input speed
A method and apparatus adjusts a timing of state change of an electronics apparatus having an input device by measuring user's input speed for the input device and a distance of user's finger from the input device. The method includes the steps of measuring a current interval CI between recent two input operations in a series of input operations conducted through the input device, calculating an average interval AI of the series of input operations, calculating a reference interval RI determined from the equation: RI=K×AI, where K denotes a proportional coefficient, determining whether a current interval CI is equal to or less than the reference interval, and suspending an occurrence of the second system state change until a first system state has been responded in case when the current interval CI is equal to or less than the reference interval RI. |
| US08674942B2 |
Mixing console with touch panels for managing user-defined keys
On a sub-display 14c, a plurality of first user-defined keys 53, bank switch keys 51 and an edit key 52 which are software keys are displayed. Immediately below the sub-display 14c, second user-defined keys 50a to 50d which are hardware keys arranged as if the arrangement of the first user-defined keys 53 were extended are provided. The sub-display 14c also displays user-definition name areas 54 for displaying respective names of user-definitions assigned to the second user-defined keys 50a to 50d. By a manipulation of one of the user-defined keys, a function assigned to the manipulated user-defined key is executed. By a manipulation of the edit key 52, a setup screen on which the display size and the like of the first user-defined key are specified is displayed on a separate main display 14a, 14b. |
| US08674941B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing haptics for pressure sensitive keyboards
Systems and methods are employed for implementing haptics for pressure sensitive keyboards, such as the type of keyboards having keys that produce alternating digital open/short signals that emulate actuation of conventional “momentary on” digital keys. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to provide haptics for both touch typing and variable pressure sensitive operation of a pressure sensitive keyboard. Users of a variable pressure keyboard may be provided with a variable pressure haptics effect, e.g., to enable the user to intuitively understand from the haptics vibration produced by the key how much pressure they are applying to a given key at any given time. Vibration characteristics (e.g., vibration rate, vibration waveform pattern, etc.) of a given pressed key may be varied in real time in coordination with, or in response to, corresponding changes in user pressure applied to the same given key. |
| US08674936B2 |
Operation input device and method, program, and electronic apparatus
An operation input device includes: angular velocity detecting means for detecting an angular velocity; relative velocity detecting means for contactlessly detecting a relative velocity to a target object; distance detecting means for detecting a distance to the target object; and computing means for computing an amount of movement based on the angular velocity, the relative velocity, and the distance. |
| US08674934B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of controlling the same
The present invention relates to a mobile terminal including at least two display areas and a method of controlling the same. The mobile terminal of the present invention includes at least two display areas. A user can input a control command to the mobile terminal by moving the mobile terminal or manipulating user manipulating portions included in the mobile terminal. A controller controls a display area corresponding to an input type of the control signal, from among the display areas displayed in the mobile terminal. A user can control the mobile terminal including the at least two display areas easily and simply. |
| US08674932B2 |
Image controller
A controller or converter structured for allowing hand inputs to be converted or translated into outputs, the controller structured with members moveable relative to a base or housing to actuate a plurality of sensors for defining output signal(s). In some embodiments a tactile feedback motor is mounted as a component of the controller for providing vibration to be felt by a hand. In some embodiments the sensors are proportional or variable output sensors. A preferred controller communicates wirelessly with a host device. |
| US08674931B2 |
Method for updating display image of electrophoretic display panel and electrophoretic display apparatus using the same
A method for updating display image of an electrophoretic display panel and an electrophoretic display apparatus using the same are provided. In the aforementioned method, the gate lines of the electrophoretic display panel are divided into a first group and a second group. The display data related to pixels coupled to the gate lines of the first group need not to be updated. Furthermore, the display data related to at least one of the pixels coupled to the gate lines of the second group need to be updated. The first type gate pulses are provided to the gate lines of the first group respectively, and second type gate pulses are provided to the gate lines of the second group respectively. The second type gate pulse has a predetermined pulse width. The pulse width of the first type gate pulse is shorter than the predetermined pulse width. |
| US08674929B2 |
Optical assembly, backlight unit including the same, and display apparatus including the backlight unit
Provided are a backlight unit and a display apparatus including the same. The backlight unit includes a bottom cover, a substrate, light sources, light guide panels, at least one reflective member, and an optical sheet. The substrate is in the bottom cover. The light sources are on the substrate to emit light at an orientation angle from a first direction. The light guide panels include a light incident part having a light incident surface to which light is incident in the first direction from the light sources, and a light emitting part that emits the incident light in a second direction crossing the first direction and has a side connected to the light incident part. The reflective member includes a reflective region overlapping the light guide panel and an extension region that does not overlap the light guide panel. The optical sheet is above the light guide panel. |
| US08674928B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method of updating software
The present disclosure relates to a liquid crystal display device including a timing controller and a method for updating the software of the timing controller. The present disclosure suggests liquid crystal display device comprising timing controller including a processor configured to execute software for modulating digital video data to be supplied to the data driving circuit and selecting the backlight dimming data, and a timing control signal generator configured to generate timing control signals to control operating timings of the data driving circuit and the gate driving circuit. |
| US08674927B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method of driving the same
Provided are a liquid crystal display (Lcd) and a method of driving the same. The LCD includes a timing controller which receives a first image signal corresponding to a first frame frequency and outputs a second image signal corresponding to a second frame frequency; a liquid crystal panel which receives the second image signal and displays an image using the second frame frequency; and a plurality of light-emitting blocks which provide light to the liquid crystal panel, wherein the light-emitting blocks are divided into a plurality of light-emitting groups, each group including at least one of the light-emitting blocks, and, in a first operation mode, a frame, which corresponds to the second frame frequency, includes an off section in which at least one of the light-emitting groups is turned off. |
| US08674917B2 |
Method and system for adjusting gray-scale level of liquid crystal display device
A method and system for adjusting a gray-scale level of an LCD device. The method includes: checking a default gray-scale value A; comparing default brightness value YA with a target brightness value YX; inputting a trial gray-scale value B; and outputting a target gray-scale value X. The method employs a preselected Similarity of Triangles technique. The system employs a image-capturing unit determining screen brightness and a control unit using a preselected Similarity of Triangles technique to adjust the gray-scale level of a connected display device, reducing a single-screen-capture gray-scale level adjustment interval to about 1.8 to 2.1 seconds. |
| US08674914B2 |
Display device and method of driving the same
Switching TFTs are controlled to a conducting state and a switching TFT to a non-conducting state, to provide a potential according to a threshold voltage to a gate terminal of a driving TFT. Then, in at least one embodiment, with the TFT maintaining the conducting state, a potential of a data line Sj is changed from a reference potential Vpc to a data potential Vdata to place the TFT in a conducting state. At this time, a current Ia flows and thus the gate terminal potential of the TFT rises. The higher the mobility of the TFT, the larger the amount of change in gate terminal potential and the smaller the current flowing through an organic EL element upon light emission. By this, a current that is not affected by variations in the threshold voltage of the TFT nor by variations in the mobility of the TFT flows through the organic EL element. Thus, in a current-driven type display device, variations in both the threshold voltage and mobility of a drive element are compensated for. |
| US08674913B2 |
LED transceiver front end circuitry and related methods
LED transceiver front end circuitry and related methods are disclosed that use an LED or LEDs to transmit light in a transmit state and to receive incident light in a receive state while helping to reduce effects of power supply noise and ripple and device leakage currents on incident light measurements in applications where such conditions exist. In the disclosed embodiments and implementations, a controlled voltage is applied across an LED or LEDs or a reference voltage is applied to an LED chain or LED to help reduce the effects of power supply noise and ripple and device leakage currents on incident light measurements during a receive state of operation. Further, with respect to the LED chain, one or more resistors are coupled in parallel to the LEDs in the LED chain. |
| US08674912B2 |
Image display device
An image display device includes: a first power supply line; a second power supply line; a plurality of pixel circuit; a driving circuit for supplying a data signal and a scanning signal; and a switch unit. Each pixel circuit includes: a driving transistor between the first power supply line and the second power supply line; a light emitting element controlled by the driving transistor; and a storage capacitor for storing the data signal and controlling the driving transistor. The driving circuit causes the storage capacitor to store the data signal and controls an intensity of light emission based on the data signal. The switch unit is provided at one of one end of the first power supply line and one end of the second power supply line to control whether or not to allow a current to flow from the first power supply line to the second power supply line. |
| US08674909B2 |
Light-emitting device
There is provided an EL light-emitting device with less uneven brightness. When a drain current of a plurality of current controlling TFTs is Id, a mobility is μ, a gate capacitance per unit area is Co, a maximum gate voltage is Vgs(max), a channel width is W, a channel length is L, an average value of a threshold voltage is Vth, a deviation from the average value of the threshold voltage is ΔVth, and a difference in emission brightness of a plurality of EL elements is within a range of ±n %, a semiconductor display device is characterized in that A = 2 Id μ * C 0 A ( Vgs ( ma x ) - Vth ) 2 ≦ W L ≦ ( 1 + n 100 - 1 ) 2 * A Δ Vth 2 Δ Vth ≦ ( 1 + n 100 - 1 ) * A * L / W . |
| US08674908B2 |
Display device
A display device with high-definition, in which display unevenness due to a voltage drop in a wiring or display unevenness due to a variation in characteristics of TFTs are suppressed. The display device of the invention comprises a first wiring for transmitting a video signal and a second wiring for supplying a current to a light emitting element. The first wiring and the second wiring extend parallel to each other, and are formed so as to overlap with each other at least partly with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. |
| US08674905B2 |
Scan driver, light emitting display using the same, and driving method thereof
A light emitting display including: a plurality of scan lines adapted to transmit scan signals; a plurality of data lines adapted to transmit a data signal; a plurality of emission control lines adapted to transmit an emission control signal; and a plurality of pixels adapted to emit light in response to the scan signal, the data signal and the emission control signal. At least two pixels receiving the scan signals through different scan lines are connected to one emission control line. With this configuration, a scan driver and a light emitting display including the same have a decreased number of wiring lines provided in a pixel portion, thereby enhancing an aperture ratio, decreasing the number of emission control signals, decreasing the number of components and wiring lines needed for the scan driver, simplifying a fabrication process, and reducing the power consumption of the light emitting display. |
| US08674904B2 |
Color display device with a non-rectangle display
A color display device includes a display area where a non-rectangular display range is determined. Pixels of which a display color is set to a mixed color formed by adjusting brightness of sub-pixels having a plurality of different single-colors are arranged within the display area. In addition, parts of the pixels subjected to non-coloring drive and display are arranged so as to extend to the contour of the display area. |
| US08674902B2 |
Method for generating signal to display three-dimensional (3D) image and image display apparatus using the same
A method for generating a signal to display a three-dimensional (3D) image, and an image display apparatus using the same are disclosed. The method includes receiving a first synchronization signal, generating a second synchronization signal, and generating an output signal. Therefore, a user may satisfactorily view a 3D image regardless of whether the synchronization signal received from a display device reports errors or whether there is an obstruction between the display device and shutter glasses. |
| US08674901B2 |
System and method for authenticating a display panel in an information handling system
A method includes determining if a display connection is in an information handling system, reading configuration information from a display, determining whether the configuration information identifies the display as an internal device, and training a data link. A memory includes code to perform a method of determining if a display connection is in an information handling system, reading configuration information from a display, determining if the configuration information identifies the display as an internal device, and training a data link. An information handling system includes a memory with code, a display, and a graphics processor that executes the code. The code operates to determine if a display connection is in the information handling system, read configuration information from the display, determine if the configuration information identifies the display as an internal device, and train a data link. |
| US08674896B2 |
Dipole antenna
A dipole antenna includes a substrate, a first conductive slice and a second conductive slice. The substrate has a first surface, a second surface and a first conductive hole. The second surface is disposed opposite to the first surface, and the first conductive hole passes through the first surface to the second surface. The first conductive slice is disposed on the first surface and has a feeding point. The second conductive slice is disposed on the second surface and has a ground point. The first conductive slice and the second conductive slice are disposed interlacedly and electrically connected to each other via the first conductive hole. The total length of the first conductive slice, the second conductive slice and the first conductive hole has to match the operating frequency of the dipole antenna. |
| US08674895B2 |
Multiband antenna
A multiband antenna is provided having a longitudinal ground plane and several linear arrays of radiating elements mounted on the ground plane. A first set of first radiating elements may be disposed lengthwise along a center of the ground plane. The first radiating elements may be dimensioned to operate in a first frequency band, such a frequency range of about 790-960 MHz. A second set of second radiating elements may also be disposed lengthwise along the center of the ground plane. The second radiating elements may be dimensioned to operate in a second frequency band, such as a frequency range of about 1710-2170 MHz. A third set of third radiating elements is disposed lengthwise on the ground plane on a first side of the first and second sets of radiating elements. The third radiating elements may be dimensioned to operate at a third frequency band, such as about 2.5-2.7 GHz and/or 3.4-3.8 GHz. The fourth set of fourth radiating elements is disposed lengthwise on the ground plane on a second side of the first and second sets of radiating elements. The fourth radiating elements are dimensioned to operate in the same frequency band as the third radiating elements. |
| US08674892B2 |
Accurate millimeter-wave antennas and related structures
A method for accurately guiding millimeter-waves includes the following steps: Filtering millimeter-waves by applying the millimeter-waves at a first shape aperture of a filter waveguide, resulting in filtered millimeter-waves exiting a second shape aperture of the filter waveguide. Transporting the filtered millimeter-waves over a distance of between 9 centimeters and 25 centimeters, by applying the filtered millimeter-waves to an extruded waveguide having a length of between 9 centimeters and 25, and having a cavity featuring a cross-section that is accurate to within +/−0.05 millimeters throughout the length of the extruded waveguide, resulting in transported millimeter-waves. And producing, on a reflector, an illumination pattern that is accurate to a degree that allows conforming to a first level of radiation pattern accuracy, by applying the transported millimeter-waves at a focal point of the reflector. |
| US08674877B1 |
Distribution of positioning satellite information
A wireless communication device transmits a position assistance request. A system database receives and processes the position assistance request to determine a time of the request and a location of the wireless communication device and processes the time and the location to determine if the system database stores positioning satellite information for the time and the location. The system database transfers the positioning satellite information to the wireless communication device if the positioning satellite information is for the time and the location. The system database transfers the position assistance request to a position determining entity if the system database does not store the positioning satellite information for the time and the location. |
| US08674874B2 |
Method and device for calibrating an array antenna
A method for calibrating an array antenna having a plurality of branches includes generating a test signal using a pseudo-random sequence assigned to one of the plurality of branches for each of the plurality of branches; adding the test signals to a useful signal of the antenna so as to form a summed signal emitted via the array antenna; receiving the summed signal with a receiver antenna; correlating the received summed signal with a replica of the pseudo-random sequence so as to produce a correlation result; estimating a characteristic of one of the plurality of branches by processing the correlation result; and calibrating the antenna based on the estimated characteristic. |
| US08674873B2 |
Signal processing apparatus, radar apparatus, object detection system, signal processing method, and computer-readable medium
A signal processing apparatus performs an object detection process of detecting object data with respect to peak signals which indicate a difference in frequency between a transmitted signal of which the frequency is changed in a predetermined period and a received signal which is obtained by receiving a reflected wave that corresponds to a transmitted wave which is based on the transmitted signal and is reflected from an object, by deriving the peak signals in a first period where the frequency of the transmitted signal ascends and in a second period where the frequency of the transmitted signal descends and by pairing the peak signals in the first period and the second period. A continuity determination section determines a continuity between the object data and past object data detected prior to the object data. A moving objection data detection section detects newly detected moving object data that has no continuity with the past object data among the object data as a result of continuity determination by the continuity determination section. A position relationship detection section detects a position relationship between the moving object data and other object data. A data determination section re-pairs the moving object data if one object data among the other object data has a predetermined position relationship with the moving object data. |
| US08674871B2 |
Method and system for aiding environmental characterization by ultra-wideband radiofrequency signals
The invention relates to environmental characterization on the basis of an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) radiofrequency communication network. Pulses are emitted and the waveform received is compared with predicted waveforms corresponding to well determined interactions between the wave and its environment. The comparison is done by searching for maximum temporal correlation. The interactions can be notably reflections of the wave on walls or obstacles. The deformations are very dependent on the nature of the materials and directions in which the pulses are emitted and received. If predicted waveforms are stored for various pairs of direction of emission and of reception, it is possible through these correlation operations to find where a wall which gave rise to a reflection is situated. |
| US08674870B2 |
Methods and apparatus for active reflection
An electromagnetic reflector includes an antenna that receives an incoming signal and that transmits an outgoing signal. A three-port device, such as a circulator, has a first port electromagnetically coupled to the antenna. An RF circuit has an input that is electromagnetically coupled to the second port of the three-port device and an output that is electromagnetically coupled to the third port of the three-port device. The RF circuit changes at least one of a gain and a phase of the incoming signal to generate a desired outgoing signal that passes through the three-port device to the antenna. |
| US08674859B2 |
Methods for arithmetic coding and decoding and corresponding devices
A method for arithmetic coding of symbols in a stream is described. The method comprises the following steps: coding a current symbol with a current probability model, and updating the current probability model according to the coding of the current symbol. selecting the current probability model in a set of at least two probability models according to a coding cost criterion, and coding an identifier of the selected probability model. |
| US08674854B2 |
Traffic control apparatus and method using navigation route information of vehicle for each navigational situation
Disclosed herein is a traffic control apparatus and method. The traffic control apparatus includes a navigation route database (DB) for storing navigation routes of a vehicle for respective navigational situations. A vehicle situation information collection unit collects current navigational situation information of the vehicle. A preferred route extraction unit extracts a preferred navigation route of the vehicle corresponding to the collected current navigational situation information from the navigation route DB. A predicted route estimation unit estimates a predicted navigation route of the vehicle based on the extracted preferred navigation route with reference to a traveling state of the vehicle. |
| US08674853B2 |
System and method for automatic distress at sea
The embodiments herein provide a system and a method for automatic distress alerting at sea. The method comprises detecting a distress situation by the sensors, sending a distress signal to the processor device, initiating an alarm for a pre-defined time, confirming the detected distress situation by a responsible officer, sending a distress alert package generated by the processor device through a main transmitter device to several satellites and to the terrestrial stations, informing nearest maritime search and rescue coordination centers after receiving the distress alert package and sending one or more rescue teams to a location based on a data provided in the distress alert package. If the alarm is detected to be false by the responsible officer then the distress alert is removed and alarm is activated if the responsible officer neither confirms nor denies the distress situation. |
| US08674852B2 |
Method and system for displaying symbologies on an aircraft
The display system (1) comprises means (5, 11A, 14) to take into account a recorded symbology, in the event of a malfunction in the emission of a symbology, to perform a display of symbology. |
| US08674850B2 |
Selective weather notification
Methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media provide for selective weather notifications to be made to the crew of an aircraft according to the level of relevance of the weather information to a selected phase of flight of the aircraft. According to embodiments described herein, weather information is received and parsed into weather components. The weather components and corresponding thresholds are used with the selected phase of flight to determine a relevance code for the weather information according to a set of relevance rules. The relevance rules provide a level of relevance of the weather information to the phase of flight and trigger a type of notification according to that level of relevance. |
| US08674846B2 |
Method and onboard-unit for radio communication in road toll system
A method and onboard unit for radio communication between a radio beacon and an onboard unit with a transceiver as part of a road toll system, wherein the radio beacon has a limited radio coverage area and the onboard unit has two operating modes, i.e. a first energy-consuming working mode and a second energy-saving resting mode, and can be changed from the resting mode to the working mode by a signal received from the radio beacon. The method comprises: receiving a signal in the onboard unit and as a result, changing the onboard unit to the working mode, if this was previously in the resting mode, within a prompt time; transmitting a response signal, which contains at least one information message concerning the operating mode of the onboard unit before receipt of the signal, from the onboard unit to the radio beacon; and on the basis of the received operating mode information selecting by means of the radio beacon whether the remaining part of the radio communication is to be conducted with the onboard unit for a longer or shorter duration. |
| US08674844B2 |
Detecting plasma chamber malfunction
Malfunction of a component within an RF-powered plasma chamber is detected by observing an operating condition of the plasma chamber and detecting when the operating condition deviates from a previously observed range bounded by lower and upper limits. The lower and upper limits are determined by observing the minimum and maximum values of that operating condition during the processing of workpieces throughout one or more plasma chamber cleaning cycles immediately preceding the most recent cleaning of the plasma chamber. |
| US08674837B2 |
Multi-display bedside monitoring system
The present specification discloses systems and methods for patient monitoring using a multitude of display regions, at least two of which have the capability to simultaneously display real time patient waveforms and vital statistics as well as provide display for local and remote software applications. In one example, a primary display shows real time patient waveforms and vital statistics while a customizable secondary display shows trends, cumulative data, laboratory and radiology reports, protocols, and similar clinical information. Additionally, the secondary display can launch local and remote applications such as entertainment software, Internet and email programs, patient education software, and video conferencing applications. The dual display allows caregivers to simultaneously view real time patient vitals and aggregated data or therapy protocols, thereby increasing hospital personnel efficiency and improving treatment, while not compromising the display of critical alarms or other data. |
| US08674834B2 |
Container seal with radio frequency identification tag, and method of making same
A container closure assembly includes a closure, an inner seal, and a radio frequency identification tag. The inner seal comprises a sealable film laminated to a metallic foil, and includes a first surface for sealing engagement with a container sealing surface, and a second, opposed surface for non-scaling engagement with a backing liner, a facing liner, or a glued-in closure liner. The radio frequency identification tag includes a microprocessor electrically coupleable with an antenna for receiving, storing, and transmitting digitized information. The inner seal minimizes migration of fluids between a container interior volume and an exterior of a container when the inner seal is sealingly engaged with a container sealing surface. The radio frequency identification tag is includable in the closure assembly without the closure assembly electromagnetically interfering with the receiving, storing, or transmitting of the digitized information. |
| US08674833B2 |
Universal camera sensor having movable mount for retaining power connector
A sensor is provided for displaying an item of merchandise on a display stand. The sensor includes a bottom portion having a recess formed therein and a top portion movably disposed on the bottom portion and adapted for attaching the item of merchandise to the sensor. A power connector is configured to be received within the recess formed in the bottom portion and retained therein when the top portion is aligned with and secured to the bottom portion such that the power connector cannot be removed from the sensor. The sensor may further include an optional anti-rotation bracket for preventing an unauthorized person from rotating the merchandise relative to the sensor and thereby detaching the item of merchandise from the sensor. The display stand may include a base and a cam sleeve rotatably disposed within the base so that the item of merchandise may be positioned in different desired display orientations on the display stand without removing and reorienting the base on a support surface or without reorienting the merchandise on the sensor. |
| US08674832B1 |
Wireless bolt lock remote
A wireless bolt lock remote is disclosed. The wireless bolt lock remote includes a control circuit adapted for use with a bolt lock system and configured to detect a locked state and an unlocked state of a bolt lock, and upon detection of a change in state to wirelessly transfer a status to identity the detected state to an alarm system. The control circuit is wirelessly coupled to the alarm system for wireless communication. The wireless bolt lock remote includes a power source to supply power to the control circuit. Associated systems and methods for remote wireless security for bolt locks also are disclosed. |
| US08674831B1 |
Security systems with adaptive subsystems networked through barrier modules and armored building modules
Security systems may include sensing, networked communications, stealth, alarms, and countermeasures, any or all of which may adapt to threats. These systems may also include armor and barriers of concrete and/or steel. They can adapt to severity of threats, weather, and/or other situational aspects. They can anticipate at least some threats in order to obtain early warning and react more quickly to those threats. They can adapt by altering their configurations, including alterations in communication networking structures and methods, and changes in data-storage and processing duties at processing nodes. Defensive and/or offensive countermeasures can be employed to deter, confuse, trap, and/or disable terrorists. The systems are capable of self-maintenance, self-healing, and self-restoration as threats subside. The systems can include subsystems capable of autonomous operation. At least some of the systems and/or their subsystems are capable of allocating power among subsystems, and of regulating bandwidth utilizations. |
| US08674830B2 |
Manhole security cover
A manhole security cover includes a manhole cover body comprising a non-metallic RF signal transmissive material. The manhole cover body is seatable on a manhole frame to cover a manhole opening. In the seated position, the first side is accessible from outside the manhole, the second side is disposed within the manhole, and the peripheral edge portion engages a manhole cover support surface on the manhole frame. A manhole cover tamper sensor is responsive to a predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. A transmitter is operatively connected to the manhole cover tamper sensor and configured to generate a radio frequency manhole cover tamper signal when the manhole cover tamper sensor detects the predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. An antenna is operatively coupled to the transmitter to radiate radio frequency energy through the manhole cover body to a receiver located outside of said manhole. |
| US08674827B2 |
Container monitoring system
A detection system for an enclosed container includes many nanosensors for detecting materials harmful to human beings within an enclosed container and transmitting a signal representing a condition thereof. The nanosensors are carried on a carrier material, such as a corrugated sheet. At least one detection device detects a condition of the nanosensors and outputs a signal responsive thereto, which can be received by a monitoring system external to the container. Containers which have harmful materials within them can be inspected or stopped before entering the country. |
| US08674825B2 |
Pharma-informatics system
Compositions, systems and methods that allow for the detection of the actual physical delivery of a pharmaceutical agent to a body are provided. Embodiments of the compositions include an identifier and an active agent. The invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including but not limited to, monitoring of therapeutic regimen compliance, tracking the history of pharmaceutical agents, etc. |
| US08674823B1 |
Power management system
A system comprises a power provider and a plurality of power consumers. The power provider has a plurality of power outlets. The power consumers are coupled with the power outlets via corresponding power cables. The power provider and power consumers may communicate via the power cables using powerline communication as the power provider provides operational power to the power consumers. Powerline communication may be provided using radio frequency integrated circuits in the power provider and in the power consumers. The power provider may provide power event notifications to the power consumers through the power cords. The power provider may also provide equipment identification of the power consumers through the power cords. The power provider may also monitor and regulate power consumption by the power consumers. An adapter may be used to retrofit a conventional computer system to provide powerline communication between a computer and a power supply. |
| US08674817B1 |
Electronic sound level control in audible signaling devices
In further development of U.S. Pat. No. 6,310,540 B1, an audible signal device including a microprocessor or microcontroller and a sounder element, or a microprocessor or microcontroller in conjunction with electronic circuitry such as discrete components, inductors, or IC's with a sounder element where the resulting sound pressure level is controlled by changing the drive signal's frequency, size, shape, and/or duty cycle. |
| US08674816B2 |
Remote device control and energy monitoring by analyzing data and applying rules including geographic location
Techniques are described for providing remote device (e.g., thermostat, lighting, appliance, etc.) control and/or energy monitoring. A system monitors sensor data captured by one or more sensors that sense attributes relevant to user presence at one or more monitored properties and status of one or more energy consuming devices associated with the one or more monitored properties. The system analyzes the monitored sensor data and the monitored device status with respect to a set of one or more rules and performs an operation related to controlling the one or more energy consuming devices based on the analysis of the monitored sensor data and the monitored device status with respect to the set of one or more rules. |
| US08674814B2 |
State-based remote control system
A state-based remote control system for providing efficient and simple operation of a plurality of electronic devices as a coordinated system based upon an overall task. The state-based remote control system includes a housing, a keypad in communication with an electronic system contained within the housing, and a communication device in communication with the electronic system for communicating with external electronic devices. The electronic system monitors the buttons selected by a user to determine the state of all external electronic devices that are to be controlled. When the user selects a task (e.g. watch television), the electronic system automatically determines the actions required to achieve the desired task based upon the current state of the external electronic devices. After the task has been fulfilled, the electronic system updates the data to reflect the modified state of the external electronic devices. |
| US08674813B2 |
Method and apparatus for communication between a remote device and an operator
Sensors can be positioned on or near a remotely controlled device to monitor the status and/or internal conditions of the device and transmit the status information through a data link to a control station, where the information can be provided to a user or operator via sensory stimulation signals. Such sensory stimulation signals can include auditory stimulation signals that can convey the information to the user while allowing the user to maintain visual attention on the remote device. The sensor information can be transmitted as digital information from the remote station to a control station, where it is converted to sensory stimulation signals, such as sounds, which can include tones, alarms, speech, other audible sounds, or combinations thereof. An operator controlling the remote device can, upon receiving the sensory stimulation signals, provide input signals for controlling the remote device. |
| US08674807B2 |
Method, system and devices for data acquisition
The present invention relates generally to acquisition of data from RFID devices (132-136), such as sensor data. Prior art systems of active RFID devices have a problem of high average power consumption, and therefore, the energy source of the RFID devices needs to be replaced or charged frequently. The present invention provides a new solution wherein the RFID device has a power saving mode in which the receiver of the RFID device has a decreased ability to receive/detect RF signals. The RFID device may include a timer which is functional during the power saving mode, and the receiver of the RFID device will turn into active mode at a point of time based on the time value of the timer. Signal strength of an RF channel is indicated with a receiver, and transmission of data is dependent on the indication of the signal strength. |
| US08674801B2 |
Induction component
An element for forming an induction component contains a coil body with a core and two radially projecting flanges, which are formed on the respective axial ends of the core and of which the one flange is designed to be attached to a printed circuit board and is larger than the other flange. On its outer side, the coil body is surrounded by a shielding ring, which sits on the larger of the two flanges. To this end, the shielding ring has an inwardly directed step on the lower end corner, the one limb of which step forms an abutment surface to be placed on the inner side of the flange. The other limb forms an abutment surface to be placed against the outer edge of the flange. The step preferably runs over the entire circumference of the shielding ring. As a result, an air gap formed between the upper flange and the inner side of the shielding ring is fixed in terms of its dimensions and position. |
| US08674799B2 |
Transformer assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging system
A transformer assembly includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface, and a second spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface; the first and second spiral wound inductive coils forming a double spiral arrangement on the first surface such that the first coil is inductively coupled to the second coil. An RF coil including the transformer assembly and a method of fabricating the transformer assembly are also described. |
| US08674798B2 |
Low profile inductors for high density circuit boards
An inductor includes a core formed of a magnetic material and a foil winding wound at least partially around or through at least a portion of the core. A first end of the winding extends away from the core to form an extended output tongue configured and arranged to supplement or serve as a substitute for a printed circuit board foil trace. A second end of the winding fauns a solder tab. At least a portion of the extended output tongue and the solder tab are formed at a same height relative to a bottom surface of the core. Another inductor includes a core formed of a magnetic material, a winding wound at least partially around or through at least a portion of the core, and a ground return conductor attached to the core. The core does not form a magnetic path loop around the ground return conductor. |
| US08674797B2 |
Magnetic field generator
There is provided a magnetic field generator in which separation and dislocation of permanent magnets from their permanent magnet groups is prevented easily and reliably for a long period of time without sacrificing productivity. A magnetic field generator 10 includes a permanent magnet group 14a which is provided on a plate yoke 12a; a pole piece 16a which is provided in a first main surface of the permanent magnet group 14a, leaving an exposed region 18b thereon; a frame-like member 34 which is provided on the plate yoke 12a to surround the permanent magnet group 14a; and a flange-shaped member 36 which is provided in the pole piece 16a to cover the exposed region 18b. Presser bolts 44 are threaded into the frame-like member 34 and press an outer circumferential surface 18a of the permanent magnet group 14a directly or via insertion members 42. Presser bolts 48 are threaded into the flange-shaped member 36, and press the exposed region 18b of the permanent magnet group 14a directly or via insertion members 46. A plate yoke 12b has the same configuration. |
| US08674789B2 |
Serially connected first and second coupled resonator filters configured to provide at least one feedback capacitor
In one aspect of the invention, an acoustic device has a first coupled resonator filter (CRF) and a second CRF electrically coupled to one another in series. Each CRF has an input port, an output port, a bottom film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR), an acoustic decoupler formed on the bottom FBAR, and a top FBAR formed on the acoustic decoupler. Each FBAR has a bottom electrode, a piezoelectric layer formed on the bottom electrode, and a top electrode formed on the piezoelectric layer. The decoupling layer capacitance arising between the two electrodes enclosing the acoustic decoupler in a CRF is configured to achieve targeted filter response. A compensating capacitance is introduced to improve the amplitude and phase imbalance performance of an unbalanced to balanced CRF by eliminating the existence of asymmetric port-to-ground or feedback capacitance at the balanced output port produced by the decoupling layer capacitance. |
| US08674787B2 |
Plural phase shifter assembly having wiper PCBs movable by a pivot arm/throw arm assembly
An improved phase shifter assembly is provided. The phase shifter assembly may comprise first and second sub-assemblies with certain common actuating elements. In one example, a first phase shifter sub-assembly is provided, the first phase shifter sub-assembly including a first phase shifter carrier, a first phase shifter printed circuit board mounted on the first phase shifter carrier, a first wiper printed circuit board coupled to an input of the first phase shifter printed circuit board and having at least a first end coupled to transmission lines on the first phase shifter printed circuit board, and at least one wiper support mechanically coupling the first wiper printed circuit board to the first phase shifter printed circuit board. A second phase shifter is similarly provided. Common actuating elements may include a pivot arm and a throw arm. The pivot arm may be rotatably mounted in the phase shifter assembly and be configured to engage a wiper support of at least one of the first and second phase shifter sub-assemblies. The throw arm may be mounted such that when the throw arm is moved linearly, the pivot arm rotates around a pivot. |
| US08674785B2 |
Hydrocarbon resource processing device including a hybrid coupler and related methods
A device for processing a hydrocarbon resource may include a radio frequency (RF) source, a first RF conductor, a second RF conductor, and a hybrid coupler assembly coupled to the RF source and the first and second RF conductors. The first and second RF conductors may each having distal ends configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therebetween and apply RF power from the RF source to the hydrocarbon resource. |
| US08674784B2 |
Microwave pulse compressor using switched oversized waveguide resonator
A microwave pulse compressor has an elongated, cross-sectionally oversized waveguide resonator for decreasing the attenuation of the resonator, thereby increasing the resonator's QO The increased Q of the resonator guide results in more stored energy and greater output pulse power. The pulse compressor is symmetrically constructed to suppress high order modes that can be generated in oversized waveguides. |
| US08674781B2 |
Printed circuit board comprised of an insulating layer having buried microstrip lines and conductors with widths that narrow into the insulation layer
A printed circuit board having a micro strip line, a printed circuit board having a strip line and a method of manufacturing thereof are disclosed. The printed circuit board having a micro strip line in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a first insulation layer, a signal line buried in one surface of the first insulation layer, a plurality of conductors penetrating through the first insulation layer and being disposed on both sides of the signal line in parallel with the signal line, and a ground layer formed to be electrically connected to the conductor on the other surface of the first insulation layer. |
| US08674777B1 |
Jitter compensated numerically controlled oscillator
A method for compensating NCO jitter by changing a step value used to increment an accumulator in the NCO to make up for inaccuracies, or jitters. In one approach, a remainder in the accumulator may be monitored and a compensated clock close to the current edge of an ideal clock may be generated. In another approach, a compensated clock close to the next edge of the ideal clock may be generated after the current edge of the ideal clock is missed. The step value may be stored in a memory, which may be a register. A jitter compensator may include a comparator for monitoring the remainder in the accumulator or a detector for detecting whether an ideal clock has been missed. The jitter compensator may also change the step value to a step value for a faster clock to compensate jitter. |
| US08674770B2 |
Transimpedance amplifier and light receiving circuit
A transimpedance amplifier includes a first MOS transistor, a current mirror circuit, a second MOS transistor, a load and a first feed back resistor. The first MOS transistor has a gate terminal to which a photodiode is connected. An output current of the first MOS transistor is input to the current mirror. The second MOS transistor has a gate terminal to which a voltage of an output terminal of the current mirror circuit is input. A source of the second MOS transistor is grounded. A polarity of the second MOS transistor is same as a polarity of the first MOS transistor. A first feedback resistor is connected between the gate terminal of the first MOS transistor and a drain terminal of the second MOS transistor. The second MOS transistor outputs a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the output terminal from the drain terminal. |
| US08674763B2 |
Multi-autonomous electronic amplifier
An electronic amplifier includes a configurable integrated circuit device structured to synthesize at least a first signal and a second signal, scale the first signal to create a scaled first signal and scale the second signal to create a scaled second signal, create a discrete time composite signal which comprises a summation of at least the scaled first signal and the scaled second signal, create a discrete time pulse width modulated signal based on the discrete time composite signal, and generate a number of control signals based on the discrete time pulse width modulated signal. The electronic amplifier also includes a power switching stage receiving the number of control signals from the configurable integrated circuit device, wherein the number of control signals are configured to control the power switching stage, and a low pass filter coupled to an output of the power switching stage. |
| US08674755B2 |
Differential source follower having 6dB gain with applications to WiGig baseband filters
A differential amplifier comprising a first upper device and a first lower device series coupled between two power supplies and a second upper device and a second lower device series coupled between the two power supplies. A first DC voltage enables the first upper device and the second upper device and a second DC voltage regulates current flow in the first lower device and the second lower device. An AC signal component is coupled to the first upper device and the second lower device while the AC signal complement is coupled to the first lower device and the second upper device. Separate RC networks couple the AC signals to their respective device. A first and second output signal forms between the upper device and the lower device, respectively. All the devices are same channel type. |
| US08674754B2 |
Loop filter and phase-locked loop
A loop filter includes an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal for a selection signal. At least one low pass filter is disposed between that input terminal and that output terminal. The loop filter is adapted to select a configuration out of a first configuration and at least one second configuration in response to the selection signal. In the first configuration, the loop filter comprises a non-integrating transfer characteristic in operation. In the second configuration, the loop filter comprises an integrating signal transfer characteristic in operation. |
| US08674753B2 |
Systems and methods for cancelling phase-locked loop supply noise
One embodiment of an apparatus for cancelling supply noise includes an input circuit operable to receive an input from a charge pump and a drive circuit connected to an output of the input circuit. The drive circuit is operable to provide an output matching the input to the input circuit when a voltage source powering the input circuit and the drive circuit is stable, and to introduce a contrary voltage change on the buffered output when the voltage source is noisy, with the contrary voltage change being contrary to a voltage change on the voltage source due to noise. |
| US08674747B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a variable resistor that sets a resistance value as a first resistance value in an emphasis mode, and as a second resistance value smaller than the first resistance value in a de-emphasis mode, a first driver that sets an output impedance as a third resistance value in the emphasis mode, and as a fourth resistance value larger than the third resistance value in the de-emphasis mode, a second driver that sets the output impedance as a fifth resistance value in the emphasis mode, and as a sixth resistance value larger than the fifth resistance value in the de-emphasis mode, and a controller that controls conductive states of the first and second drivers according to an input signal, and switches the output impedances of the first and second drivers and the resistance value of the variable resistor between the emphasis mode and the de-emphasis mode. |
| US08674744B2 |
Electronic device and method for providing a digital signal at a level shifter output
An electronic device comprising a level shifter and a method. The level shifter includes an input adapted to receive an input signal switching between a low input voltage level and a high input voltage level and a first switch and a second switch coupled in series between a low output voltage supply and a high output voltage supply. An output is coupled to an interconnection node between the first and the second switch and is adapted to be coupled to a load. The first and second switches are controlled by the input signal. The level shifter further includes a third switch which is coupled between the interconnection node and an auxiliary voltage supply which has a voltage level between the low output voltage level and the high output voltage level. |
| US08674738B2 |
Semiconductor device
An object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a latch circuit includes a level shifter and a buffer in which transistors each including a channel region formed in an oxide semiconductor film are connected in series. Thus, data can be held in the latch circuit even when power is not supplied. |
| US08674737B1 |
Clock feathered slew rate control system
A slew rate control circuit configured to control a slew rate of driver circuit comprises a clock delay module that receives a half-rate clock signal and that includes a plurality of delay cells configured to generate a plurality of respective delayed clock signals each having a different time delay from one another. A driver module includes a plurality of multiplexers in electrical communication with a respective data cell to receive a corresponding delayed clock signal. The multiplexers are configured to output a respective full-rate data stream in response to the delayed clock signal. The slew driver module further includes an output stage circuit in electrical communication with each multiplexer to combine each full-rate data stream and to generate a final step-wise driving signal that controls the slew rate. |
| US08674735B2 |
Phase adjusting apparatus and camera
A phase adjusting apparatus includes a comparison code generating section, a calculating section, and a delay section. The comparison code generating section individually generates a first comparison code having a phase of a head code advanced and a second comparison code having the phase of the head code delayed, the head code being included in serial transfer data. The calculating section acquires a direction of adjustment of a phase of the serial transfer data using a comparison result of the head code and the first comparison code and a comparison result of the head code and the second comparison code. The delay section adjusts a delay amount of the serial transfer data based on the direction of adjustment of the phase. |
| US08674733B2 |
Phase control circuit
A phase control circuit includes a first duty cycle correction circuit configured to correct a duty cycle of a clock signal; a delay locked loop configured to perform delay locking of an output signal of the first duty cycle correction circuit; and a second duty cycle correction circuit configured to correct a duty cycle of an output signal of the delay locked loop, wherein the first duty cycle correction circuit and the second duty cycle correction circuit are selectively activated depending upon an operating condition. |
| US08674730B2 |
Frequency divider arrangement and method for providing a quadrature output signal
A frequency divider arrangement for providing a quadrature output signal with a quadrature output signal frequency, includes a signal source for providing a base signal with a base signal frequency at the output side. Further, the frequency divider arrangement includes a first integer number quadrature divider with a first divider ratio for receiving the base signal on the input side and for providing a first quadrature signal with a first quadrature signal frequency according to the first divider ratio of the first integer number quadrature divider. |
| US08674728B2 |
Power module in which protection for switching element varies in dependence on active operation of the switching element
A power module includes: a drive circuit for driving an IGBT of a semiconductor element; a protection circuit for performing operation for protection of the IGBT if the collector current of the IGBT has reached a trip level; and a control power source voltage detection circuit for detecting a control power source voltage to be supplied to the drive circuit. The protection circuit changes a sense resistor from a resistor to a series circuit with resistors and if the control power source voltage drops to a level lower than a predetermined value, thereby lowering the trip level. |
| US08674727B2 |
Circuit and method for driving a transistor component based on a load condition
A circuit arrangement includes a transistor component with a gate terminal, a control terminal, and a load path between a source and a drain terminal. A drive circuit is connected to the control terminal and configured to determine a load condition of the transistor component, to provide a drive potential to the control terminal, and to adjust the drive potential dependent on the load condition. |
| US08674725B2 |
Transmitter circuit
A transmitter circuit in which a driver circuit includes MOS transistors for bias voltage application, in which a driving current flows, cascode-connected to MOS transistors for differential signal input controlled by a voltage value of transmitted data signals, controlled by a voltage value of a bias voltage, and driver circuits include MOS transistors for bias voltage application, in which a driving current flows, cascode-connected to MOS transistors for differential signal input that is controlled by a voltage value of signals obtained by the transmitted data signals, connected to a load portion, and controlled by a voltage value of a bias voltage. |
| US08674723B2 |
User registers implemented with routing circuits in a configurable IC
Some embodiments of the invention provide a configurable integrated circuit (“IC”). The configurable IC includes a set of configurable logic circuits for configurably performing a set of functions. The configurable IC also includes a set of configurable routing circuits for routing signals to and from the configurable circuits. During several operational cycles of the configurable IC, a set of data registers are defined by the configurable routing circuits. These data registers may be used wherever a flip-flop can be used. |
| US08674722B2 |
Semiconductor programmable device
An ePLX unit includes a logic unit having an SRAM and a MUX, and a switch unit having an SRAM and a TG for establishing wiring connection in the logic unit. When a composite module is set in the first mode, an Add/Flag control unit uses the SRAMs as a data field and a flag field, respectively, to autonomously control the read address of each of the data field and the flag field in accordance with a control flag stored in the flag field. Furthermore, when the composite module is set in the second mode, the Add/Flag control unit writes configuration information into each of the SRAMs to reconfigure a logic circuit. Consequently, the granularity of the circuit configuration can be rendered variable, which allows improvement in flexibility when configuring a function. |
| US08674721B2 |
Controllable storage elements for an IC
An integrated circuit (‘IC’) that includes a configurable routing fabric with controllable storage elements is described. The routing fabric provides a communication pathway that routes signals to and from source and destination components. The routing fabric may provide the ability to selectively store the signals passing through the routing fabric within the storage elements of the routing fabric. In this manner, a source or destination component may continually perform operations (e.g., computational or routing) irrespective of whether a previous signal from or to such a component is stored within the routing fabric. The source and destination components include configurable logic circuits, configurable interconnect circuits, and various other circuits that receive or a distribute signals throughout the IC. |
| US08674715B2 |
Test apparatus having a probe core with a twist lock mechanism
A probe core includes a frame, a wire guide connected to the frame, a probe tile, and a plurality of probe wires supported by the wire guide and probe tile. Each probe wire includes an end configured to probe a device, such as a semiconductor wafer. Each probe wire includes a signal transmitting portion and a guard portion. The probe core further includes a lock mechanism supported by the frame. The lock mechanism is configured to allow the probe core to be connected and disconnected to another test equipment or component, such as a circuit board. As one example, the probe core is configured to connect and disconnect from the test equipment or component in a rotatable lock and unlock operation or twist lock/unlock operation, where the frame is rotated relative to remainder of the core to lock/unlock the probe core. |
| US08674714B2 |
System and method for probing work pieces
A system and method of probing work pieces is described. A first and second arm each having a pivot point and a guide end are pivotally coupled together at the respective pivot points. A probe tip holder is coupled to at least one of the first arm or the second arm. A guide means guides movement of the guide ends of the pivotally coupled arms, such that movement of the guide end of the first arm and the second arm move the probe tip holder in a plane parallel to the work piece surface. |
| US08674710B2 |
Capacitive occupant detection apparatus
A capacitive occupant detection apparatus comprising a sensor unit and a control unit is disclosed. The sensor unit includes a detection electrode and a periphery guard electrode. The control unit includes: a signal application circuit for applying an oscillation signal to the detection electrode; an operational amplifier for applying to the guard electrode a signal having the same phase and potential as the oscillation signal applied to the detection electrode; and a control circuit for receiving current and voltage values supplied to the detection and for determining a mounting state on a seat based on the inputted current and voltage values (including phase information). The periphery guard electrode is located to surround the detection electrode when viewed from an upper side of the detection electrode. |
| US08674701B2 |
Airborne electromagnetic transmitter coil system
A tow assembly for an airborne electromagnetic surveying system including a semi-rigid transmitter coil frame supporting a transmitter coil, the transmitter coil frame being formed from a plurality of serially connected frame sections forming a loop, the transmitter coil frame having articulating joints at a plurality of locations about a circumference thereof enabling the transmitter coil frame to at least partially bend at the articulating joints; and a suspension assembly for towing the transmitter coil frame behind an aircraft, the suspension assembly comprising a plurality of ropes and attached to the circumference of the transmitter coil frame at spaced apart locations. |
| US08674693B2 |
Method and apparatus for correcting B1-inhomogeneities in nuclear magnetic resonance imaging
A method of performing nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of a body (B), comprising: immerging said body in a static magnetic field B0 for aligning nuclear spins along a magnetization axis; exposing it to a transverse radio-frequency pulsed field Bi for flipping said nuclear spins by a predetermined angle; and detecting a signal emitted by flipped nuclear spins; the method being characterized in that it comprises the preliminary steps of: (i) determining a statistical distribution of the amplitude of said radio-frequency pulsed field within a volume of said body; and (ii) computing a set of optimal parameters of a composite radio-frequency pulsed field for jointly minimizing the dispersion of the spin flip angles distribution within said volume of the body, due to B1 and possibly B0 inhomogeneities, and the errors between the actual spin flip angles and their predetermined target value, wherein said radio-frequency pulsed field consists of a train of elementary pulses having a constant frequency and amplitude, and a continuous phase, and said parameters comprise: the number of said elementary pulses, as well as the duration, amplitude, frequency and relative initial phase of each of them. |
| US08674689B1 |
Optically transduced MEMS magnetometer
MEMS magnetometers with optically transduced resonator displacement are described herein. Improved sensitivity, crosstalk reduction, and extended dynamic range may be achieved with devices including a deflectable resonator suspended from the support, a first grating extending from the support and disposed over the resonator, a pair of drive electrodes to drive an alternating current through the resonator, and a second grating in the resonator overlapping the first grating to form a multi-layer grating having apertures that vary dimensionally in response to deflection occurring as the resonator mechanically resonates in a plane parallel to the first grating in the presence of a magnetic field as a function of the Lorentz force resulting from the alternating current. A plurality of such multi-layer gratings may be disposed across a length of the resonator to provide greater dynamic range and/or accommodate fabrication tolerances. |
| US08674686B2 |
Angular position sensor for a rotating shaft
The angular position sensor is for assembly on a rotating shaft rotationally guided in a support structure, and includes an annular member having an inner surface socketed on the rotating shaft without relative rotation therebetween, and a housing in which a permanent magnet is inserted. A support is provided having a through hole through which the rotating shaft and the annular member extend, the through hole having an inner surface opposite and close to the annular member with a radial allowance, a cavity housing a sensor device capable of detecting variations in the magnetic field caused by the permanent magnet upon rotating with respect to the support together with the annular member, and an anchoring configuration by which the support is secured to a fixed structure. |
| US08674685B2 |
Magnetic flux oil level sensor for use in aircraft lubrication systems
A magnetic flux position sensor includes a primary coil, a secondary coil, and a magnetic flux conductor. The primary coil generates a magnetic flux and the secondary coil senses magnetic flux. The primary and secondary coils are substantially concentric and spaced apart by an annular passage. The annular passage has first and second ends, and the magnetic flux conductor is slidable from the first end to the second end of the annular passage. The magnetic flux transferred from the primary coil to the secondary coil varies as a function of position of the magnetic flux conductor. |
| US08674679B2 |
Power saving during a connection detection
Power saving for hot plug detect (HPD) is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a method includes detecting, at a source device that is connectable to a sink device, a connection of the source device to the sink device via a connector. The source device includes a DC voltage source and the connection is detected without consuming power from the DC voltage source. |
| US08674672B1 |
Replica node feedback circuit for regulated power supply
A power supply includes a source signal generating circuit, an output stage, and a feedback stage. The power supply further includes a replica stage configured to replicate a response of the output stage to the source signal, and an output regulator coupling the replica stage to the output stage, configured to adjust a feedback signal to the source signal generating circuit by shunting the feedback stage when a loaded output stage response does not match a response of the replica stage to the source signal. |
| US08674667B2 |
Post regulation control circuit
A post regulation control circuit aims to monitor ancillary output power generated from a power supply. The power supply includes at least one primary output circuit to provide a primary output power. A post regulation circuit obtains the primary output power and regulate to an ancillary output power. The monitor circuit sets an abnormal level and obtains a detection power from the post regulation circuit to compare with the abnormal level. Determining whether to output a driving pulse wave according to the detection power is over the abnormal level or not, or stop outputting the driving pulse wave. |
| US08674666B2 |
Device for balancing a transmission network
A compensator for balancing an ac voltage network with a load connected between two phases. The compensator includes a voltage-source converter and a balancing device. The balancing device includes an inductance connected between phases before the load. |
| US08674664B2 |
Charge controller
There is provided a charge controller capable of charging a capacitor while suppressing the progress of deterioration of the capacitor without unnecessary charge/discharge of the capacitor.The charge controller includes a voltage sensor 133 that detects the voltage of a capacitor 101, a current sensor 135 that detects the charge/discharge current of the capacitor 101, a battery ECU 123 that estimates the SOC of the capacitor 101 based on the detected voltage, and a management ECU 117. The management ECU 117 calculates the charge/discharge amount from the start of charging of the capacitor 101 by integrating the charge/discharge currents detected by the current sensor 135 and controls the charging of the capacitor 101 based on the estimated SOC and the calculated charge/discharge amount. The management ECU 117 updates and sets the estimated SOC to an actual use upper limit SOC based on the state characteristics of the capacitor 101. |
| US08674662B2 |
User selectable charging modes for dynamically charging batteries for an information handling system
The disclosure provides a method for charging a battery in an information handling system. The method includes prompting a user to select from a plurality of charging modes for the battery, wherein the charging modes comprise a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode. The method further includes charging the battery in the first mode when the first mode is selected, wherein a charge voltage and a charge current are constant In the first mode, and charging the battery dynamically when the second mode or the third mode is selected, wherein the charge current changes dynamically based on a battery temperature. |
| US08674661B2 |
Voltage switching circuit, secondary battery protection circuit, and battery pack
A voltage switching circuit for a secondary battery protection circuit in a battery pack having a negative power supply terminal and a current-detection resistor. The secondary battery protection circuit has a charger negative power supply terminal and a detection circuit. The voltage switching circuit has a first input terminal to which a voltage obtained by converting a current flowing through the current detection resistor is supplied, a second input terminal to which voltages at the negative power supply terminal and at the charger negative power supply terminal are supplied, an output terminal, and a selection terminal. The voltage switching circuit causes an output voltage to switch between the voltages from the first input terminal and the second input terminal according to selection at the selection terminal when an excess current is detected and when the battery pack returns to a chargeable-dischargeable state from a charge-discharge inhibit state. |
| US08674660B2 |
Electric tool battery
In an electric tool battery, even in a case where poor connection or the like is generated in the wiring between one voltage monitoring element and the cells, it is possible to monitor the voltages of the cells by another voltage monitoring element, so that it is possible to achieve an improvement in terms of the reliability of the electric tool battery against overcharge etc. The electric tool battery includes a plurality of cells connected in series and a plurality of voltage monitoring elements capable of doubly monitoring of the voltages of the individual cells at the time of charging and discharging, and a lead plate electrically connecting an electrode of the cell and an electrode of the cell has voltage signal extraction portions respectively corresponding to the voltage monitoring elements with the voltage signal extraction portions and the voltage monitoring elements being respectively connected to each other by different conductors. |
| US08674659B2 |
Charge control device and vehicle equipped with the same
A charge control device (40A, 40B, 50) is provided that controls charging and discharging of a storage battery (10) in which a plurality of storage blocks (12A to 12N), each including a plurality of cells (11), are connected in series. The charge control device includes voltage sensors (40A, 40B) that detect voltage values of the storage blocks (12A, 12B), respectively, wherein a charge and discharge process is performed in which a charge mode, in which the storage battery is charged, and a discharge mode, in which the storage battery is discharged, are alternately selected, and in which one of the charge mode and the discharge mode is switched to the other mode based on the amount of difference between the voltage values detected by the voltage sensors (40A, 40B). |
| US08674656B2 |
Carrying case and syringe system with same
A carrying case, which accommodates a pharmaceutical injection device for administering a pharmaceutical to a living body, comprises a case unit configured to accommodate the pharmaceutical injection device therein and a temperature regulation unit configured to regulate a temperature within the case unit. The temperature regulation unit includes: a cooling execution section configured to execute a cooling operation; a cooling fan configured to supply a cool air into the case unit; and a cooling control section configured to control the cooling execution section. |
| US08674654B2 |
In-vehicle battery monitor
An apparatus and a method of monitoring a battery in an automotive vehicle are provided. An output is provided which can be a relative output as a function of minimum and maximum parameters of the battery. |
| US08674651B2 |
System and methods for improving power handling of an electronic device
There is provided an electronic device that includes a heatsink and a set of IGBTs coupled to the heatsink and configured to deliver power to a field exciter and a battery. The electronic device also includes a temperature sensor disposed in the heatsink and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a temperature reading from the temperature sensor and, based on the temperature reading, determine a junction temperature for at least one of the IGBTs of the set of IGBTs. The controller is also configured to de-rate an output power provided by each of the IGBTs based, at least in part, on the junction temperature. |
| US08674647B2 |
Drive device for alternating current motor and electric motor vehicle
Provided is a drive device for an alternating current motor which performs vector control on sensorless driving of the alternating current motor in an extremely low speed region without applying a harmonic voltage intentionally while maintaining an ideal PWM waveform. A current and a current change rate of the alternating current motor are detected, and a magnetic flux position inside of the alternating current motor is estimated and calculated in consideration of an output voltage of an inverter which causes this current change. The current change rate is generated on the basis of a pulse waveform of the inverter, and hence the magnetic flux position inside of the alternating current motor can be estimated and calculated without applying a harmonic wave intentionally. |
| US08674641B2 |
System and method for regulating motor rotation speed
The present invention relates to a system and method controlling motor rotation speed and provides a cooling system and method configured to control a temperature associated with an integrated circuit. The cooling system includes a brushless motor, a temperature monitoring input, a clock input, and a motor controller. The motor controller is configured to control the rotational speed of the motor using at least a speed control method by comparing the environmental temperature signal to a predetermined threshold: if the environmental temperature signal is less than the predetermined threshold T1 or higher than T2, controlling the rotational speed of the motor uses the speed control method and only one of the environmental temperature signal and the clock signal; and if the environmental temperature signal is greater than the predetermined threshold T1 and less than T2, controlling the rotational speed of the motor uses the speed control method and both of the environmental temperature signal and the clock signal. |
| US08674637B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle includes a power storage device, a motor generator, a converter for stepping up an output voltage from the power storage device, an inverter for driving the motor generator, and an ECU. The inverter includes switching elements. The switching elements have a characteristic that the withstand voltage of the switching elements decreases as the temperature of the inverter decreases. The ECU sets the stepped-up voltage, based on a temperature characteristic of the power storage device and a temperature characteristic of the inverter, so that the stepped-up voltage is increased within a range in which the stepped-up voltage does not exceed the withstand voltage. In this way, at low temperatures, deterioration of the power performance can be suppressed while the switching elements are protected. |
| US08674636B2 |
Power conversion device
A power conversion device for a vehicle includes: a power module that includes a switching device and, upon operation of the switching device, converts DC power into AC power to be supplied to an electric machine for driving a vehicle; a capacitor module that includes a smoothing capacitor element, an input-side power source terminal for receiving DC power, and an output-side power source terminal for supplying DC power to the power module; and a noise removal capacitor for removing noise, wherein: the noise removal capacitor is built in the capacitor module, and the noise removal capacitor is electrically connected to the input-side power source terminal in a position where a distance between a connection position of the noise removal capacitor and the input-side power source terminal is less than a distance between a connection position of the noise removal capacitor and the output-side power source terminal of the capacitor module. |
| US08674631B2 |
Power conversion apparatus and method of controlling capacitor voltage of power conversion apparatus
A power conversion apparatus includes: a line breaker that is connected in series to a direct-current power supply; a first capacitor that is connected in parallel to the direct-current power supply through the line breaker; a discharge circuit that includes a resistor and a first switching circuit connected in series and is connected in parallel to the first capacitor; a power converter for driving a synchronous machine; a second capacitor that is connected in parallel to a direct-current side of the power converter; a second switching circuit that is connected in series between the first capacitor and the second capacitor; and a control circuit for controlling the discharge circuit. The control circuit controls the discharge circuit on the basis of the voltage of the first capacitor and the voltage of the second capacitor. |
| US08674625B2 |
Synchronous light adjustment method and the device for performing the same
A synchronous light adjustment method and the device for performing the same are proposed. Each of plurality of lamps is installed with a light sensor and a control unit. By actuating a single power switch, the control unit will control the illumination of a respective one of the LED lamps independently and automatically based on the environmental illumination detected by a light sensor. Further, by switching the power switch manually to match predetermined operations, the control units will adjust the illuminations and color temperatures of the LED lamps synchronously and gradually. The device is convenient in installation and usage. |
| US08674624B2 |
DC-DC converter and light emitting diode driving device including the same
A direct current to direct current converter includes: an input terminal; an output terminal having voltage higher than the input terminal; a coupled inductor boost cell including a coupled inductor connected to the input terminal, a switch connected to the coupled inductor, and an output diode connected to the output terminal; and a clamp and energy transfer cell including a clamp diode connected to the coupled inductor, a clamp capacitor connected to the clamp diode, and an energy transfer diode connected to the output diode. |
| US08674614B2 |
Converter device
A converter for feeding a load via an inductor with a current having a controlled intensity between a maximum level and a minimum level may include: a switch switchable on and off to permit or prevent, respectively, feeding of current towards said inductor; first and second current sensors sensitive to the current flowing through said switch when said switch is on or off, respectively; comparator circuitry to identify if the current intensity detected by said first current sensor and said second current sensor reaches said maximum level and said minimum level, respectively, by generating respective logical signals; and drive circuitry for said switch sensitive to said logical signals and configured to turn off said switch when the current intensity detected by said first sensor reaches said maximum level and turning on said switch when the current intensity detected by said second current sensor reaches said minimum level. |
| US08674608B2 |
Configurable environmental condition sensing luminaire, system and associated methods
A luminaire with a light source, controller, and sensors to emit light into an environment is described. The controller may include a processor and memory to analyze data relating to conditions in the environment and to control the light source emitting light. The sensors may be in communication with the controller to detect conditions in the environment and generate data relating to same. The data may be receivable by the controller. Rules affect operation of the luminaire, which may be manipulated using an interface. The luminaire may communicate with devices connected through a network. Light and an auxiliary signal may be emitted substantially simultaneously to provide spatial awareness. |
| US08674607B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus and processing gas supply structure thereof
There is provided a plasma processing apparatus for generating inductively coupled plasma in a processing chamber and performing a process on a substrate accommodated in the processing chamber. The plasma processing apparatus includes an upper cover installed to cover a top opening of the processing chamber and having a dielectric window; a high frequency coil installed above the dielectric window at an outer side of the processing chamber; a gas supply mechanism supported by the upper cover and installed under the dielectric window. Here, the gas supply mechanism includes a layered body including plates having through holes. Further, the gas supply mechanism is configured to supply a processing gas into the processing chamber in a horizontal direction via groove-shaped gas channels installed between the plates or between the plate and the dielectric window, and end portions of the groove-shaped gas channels are opened to edges of the through holes. |
| US08674604B2 |
Activation module for a gas discharge lamp
A driving module for a gas discharge lamp, in particular for headlights in vehicles, comprises a suitable lamp socket, a carrier for electrical components, and an ignition transformer, wherein the component part carrier is populated at least with electrical components of an ignition unit and moreover is designed for accommodating further electrical components that are required for a self-sustaining operation of the driving module. In addition, the lamp socket is made of a high temperature resistant plastic material and has an integrated high-voltage conducting track. |
| US08674602B2 |
Plasma-generating structures and display devices
Some embodiments include methods of forming plasma-generating microstructures. Aluminum may be anodized to form an aluminum oxide body having a plurality of openings extending therethrough. Conductive liners may be formed within the openings, and circuitry may be formed to control current flow through the conductive liners. The conductive liners form a plurality of hollow cathodes, and the current flow is configured to generate and maintain plasmas within the hollow cathodes. The plasmas within various hollow cathodes, or sets of hollow cathodes, may be independently controlled. Such independently controlled plasmas may be utilized to create a pattern in a display, or on a substrate. In some embodiments, the plasmas may be utilized for plasma-assisted etching and/or plasma-assisted deposition. Some embodiments include constructions and assemblies containing multiple plasma-generating structures. |
| US08674601B2 |
Flat panel display apparatus having sealing member partially overlapping outermost pixels and method of manufacturing the same
A flat panel display apparatus includes: a first substrate, a second substrate opposite the first substrate and including a display region in which a plurality of pixels are formed, and a sealing member between the first substrate and the second substrate; the sealing member bonds the first substrate and the second substrate to each other. The sealing member overlaps at least a part of outermost pixels of the display region. |
| US08674595B2 |
Vehicular lamp including planar light source
Provided is a vehicular lamp including a planar light source. The planar light source made of a flexible band-type light-emitting material is provided within a lamp chamber formed between a housing and a transparent cover. The band-type light-emitting material of the planar light source is bent along a longitudinal direction such that a first light-emitting surface faces the rear side of the vehicle and a second light-emitting surface faces the lateral side of the vehicle. In particular, the first and second light-emitting surfaces are alternately formed in parallel in the planar light source, and the angle formed between the first and second light-emitting surfaces is set to be obtuse such that light from one light-emitting surface is not incident to other light-emitting surface. An organic EL formed by sealing an organic light-emitting layer using a flexile transparent resin is used as the band-type light-emitting material. |
| US08674588B2 |
Electric power generation device, electric power generation method, and electric power generation device manufacturing method
An electric power generation device equipped with an apparatus which vibrates and generates heat includes a thermoelectric power generation module and a piezoelectric power generation module which are formed integrally. The thermoelectric power generation module has a first surface combining thermally and mechanically with the apparatus's outer surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and generates electric power from temperature differences between the first surface and the second surface caused by the apparatus's generating heat. The piezoelectric power generation module has a fixed end combining mechanically with the apparatus's outer surface and a movable end opposite to the fixed end, and generates electric power from displacement of the movable end to the fixed end caused by the apparatus's vibrating. |
| US08674582B2 |
Vibration power generator, vibration power generating device and communication device having vibration power generating device mounted thereon
A vibration power generating device includes a first substrate and a second substrate, a first electrode formed on the first substrate, a fixed structural body, elastic structural bodies which connect the first substrate and the fixed structural body with each other, and a second electrode formed on the second substrate. Since the overlapping area of the electrodes is increased by arranging rectangular or square conductor parts of the first electrode and rectangular or square conductor parts of the second electrode in a checkerboard pattern, a generation region where power is generated by vibration is increased. |
| US08674578B2 |
Stator, bus bar unit and motor
A stator includes a core and a coil group. The core includes a ring portion, and a teeth portion preferably including twelve teeth portions projecting from an inside of the ring portion toward a center thereof. The coil group preferably includes twelve coils arranged in each of the teeth portions. The core is defined by coupling twelve cores which respectively include a teeth portion. The coil group preferably includes six coil pairs each including two coils joined to each other by a single conductive line. When the core is divided into a phase region and a neutral region equally along the axial direction, a first group of coils in each of the six coil pairs are arranged in the phase region, and the other coils are arranged in the neutral region. |
| US08674577B2 |
Stator for electric rotating machine
A stator for an electric rotating machine includes a hollow cylindrical stator core and a multi-phase stator coil comprised of a plurality of electric wires mounted on the stator core. The stator coil includes a plurality of phase windings each of which is formed of at least two electric wires. One of the two electric wires has an end portion led out from the radially inner periphery of one slot of the stator core while the other electric wire has an end portion led out from the radially outer periphery of another slot of the stator core. The end portions of the two electric wires are joined together to form a joint therebetween. The joint is positioned axially outward of a coil end part of the stator coil, which protrudes from an axial end face of the stator core, without radially protruding from the coil end part. |
| US08674574B2 |
Rotor assembly with cooling mechanism
A rotor assembly with a cooling mechanism having first and second channels is provided. The rotor assembly includes a shaft having a hollow portion and a rotor core having at least one rotor stack positioned at least partially around the shaft. The rotor core has a first end and a second end. The rotor stack forms an interior cavity which is only partially filled with a permanent magnet so as to define a gap in the rotor stack. The first channel is configured to direct fluid flow in a generally radial direction from the hollow portion of the shaft. The second channel is at least partially defined by the gap in the interior cavity of the rotor stack and is configured to direct the fluid flow from the first channel to at least one of the first and second ends of the rotor core. |
| US08674572B2 |
Adjusting drive for an adjustable part of a piece of furniture
The adjusting drive for an adjustable part of a piece of furniture such as a hospital bed or nursing bed includes a housing, and a gear transmission arranged in the housing. The drive includes a rotatable drive element, a driven element, and a motor having a drive shaft for rotationally driving said drive element. The adjusting drive is further provided with a displacement sensor for detecting the position of said driven element. The drive element is arranged between two substantially opposite gears which are mechanically contacted by the drive element. The first gears is coupled to the driven element, and the second gear is coupled to said displacement sensor. |