| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08676241B2 |
Distributed antenna system, communication control method and base station apparatus
The selection range of antenna candidates effective for MIMO communication is widened in a base station to increase the throughput of MIMO communication. A terminal sends a sounding signal at given time intervals with the maximum transmission power or with an antenna selection transmission power threshold or larger. With this transmission, since the number of antenna candidates that receive the signal is increased at a base station in the distributed antenna system, the radio propagation channel state between the terminal and the base station apparatus is checked to select the combination of antennas having good orthogonality. Before the terminal sends the sounding signal, the terminal reserves beforehand the transmission timing of the sounding signal or performs carrier sensing to determine whether a surrounding terminal is sending a signal to avoid the collision/interference of packets of sounding signals between terminals. |
| US08676240B2 |
Timing of component carriers in multi-carrier wireless networks
Mechanisms for efficient transmission of large amount of download data from a base station to a user equipment in a multi-carrier that minimizes power consumption on the user equipment are described. When multiple component carriers are to be used to transmit the download data, the base station informs the user equipment. The base station transmits on the anchor carriers without wait after informing the user equipment and transmits on the non-anchor carriers after waiting a predetermined delay. The predetermined delay provides time to allow the user equipment to activate the receiving resources and be ready to receive the download data over the non-anchor carriers. In this manner, the user equipment can be in a power conservation mode and activate the receiver resources only when needed. |
| US08676235B2 |
Method and device for forwarding short messages in GSM/UMTS mobile radio networks
The invention relates to a method and a device for forwarding short messages from a transmitter (24) to a target number of a receiver (26) in GSM/UMTS mobile radio networks, wherein the target number of the receiver (26) is replaced by a forwarding call number before establishing routing information required for delivery of the short message in a service node (10) and delivery of the short message to the forwarding call number is carried out. |
| US08676233B2 |
Methods and apparatuses supporting multiple positioning protocol versions in wireless communication networks
Methods and apparatuses that support multiple positioning protocol versions within wireless communication networks are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a method includes determining, at a first device, a first set of versions of a positioning protocol supported by the first device. An indication signal is transmitted from the first device to a second device. The indication signal includes a set of position determination data messages (PDDMs). Each particular PPDM of the set of PDDMs has a corresponding particular version of the first set of versions. |
| US08676225B2 |
Wireless communication device, wireless communication method, information processing device, information processing method, and program
A wireless communication device includes a transmission portion, an information acquisition portion, a storage portion, a selection portion, and a transmission control portion. The transmission portion transmits information. The information acquisition portion acquires location information for the wireless communication device that includes a received signal strength of a signal that is transmitted from a base station in the vicinity. The storage portion stores, in association with specific location information, regulating information that regulates the transmission from the transmission portion of the information that corresponds to the location of the wireless communication device. The selection portion selects from the storage portion the regulating information associated with the location information acquired by the information acquisition portion. The transmission control portion controls, based on the regulating information that was selected by the selection portion, the transmission from the transmission portion of the information that corresponds to the location of the wireless communication device. |
| US08676219B2 |
Combined wired and wireless communications with field devices in a process control environment
A method of providing a wireless extension to a plant automation network connected to a plurality of wired devices, each wired device performing a process control function, includes connecting a plurality of wireless devices to the plant automation network, each of the plurality of wireless devices adapted to communicate with at least another one of the plurality of wireless devices via at least one respective wireless connection; and providing access to each of the plurality of wireless devices from a host disposed in the plant automation network, such that the host accesses the plurality of wired devices and the plurality of wireless devices using a common communication scheme. |
| US08676218B2 |
Coverage hole compensation in a cellular wireless network
A method for use in providing coverage for at least part of a coverage hole in a first cell or cell sector in a cellular wireless network, in which method a second cell or cell sector is selected, from a group of cells or cell sectors in the cellular wireless network which neighbor the first cell or cell sector, to adapt its coverage so as to cover at least part of the coverage hole in the first cell or cell sector, the method including carrying out an identification process using data relating to a cell or cell sector in the group to identify a cell or cell sector suitable for selection as the second cell or cell sector, the identification process being carried out on one or more cells or cell sectors in the group in turn. |
| US08676215B2 |
Method and apparatus for interference suppression in heterogenous networks
A method is provided a wireless system for providing an interference suppression zone in a portion of the macro cell coverage area bordering the small-cell coverage area for a small cell, but outside that small-cell coverage area. The transmission power of a UE located within the interference suppression zone is minimized to minimize the inter-cell interference to the small cells. The invention methodology further operates to enhance the redirection/redistribution methods of the art for UEs located in the interference suppression zone, further reducing macro to small cell interference. In further embodiments of the invention, methods are provided for determining the scope of an interference suppression zone and for determining proximity of an UE to the interference suppression zone. |
| US08676212B2 |
User equipment terminal and signal power measurement of neighboring cells
A user equipment terminal for measuring signal power in a neighbor cell includes a movement speed estimating unit configured to estimate a movement speed of the user equipment terminal or a fading frequency of a propagation; a measurement bandwidth determining unit configured to determine a measurement bandwidth according to the movement speed or the fading frequency of the propagation; and a measurement unit configured to measure signal power in the neighbor cell within the determined measurement bandwidth. |
| US08676202B2 |
Mobile terminal, network node, and packet transfer management node
A technique is disclosed, according to which a race condition between a PMIPv6 binding by a PBU message of PMIPv6 and a CMIPv6 binding by a BU message of CMIPv6 can be resolved. MN 200 has a plurality of radio communication interfaces, and a first interface is connected to MAG 220 of a home PMIPv6 domain 230, for instance. In case the connection of a second interface is changed from MAG 221 of a home PMIPv6 domain to AR 222 of a CMIPv6 domain 231, a BU message 262 is transmitted from the second interface to LMA/HA 250, and identification information of this BU message is notified to MAG from the first interface. By adding time information to this identification information and by transmitting it to LMA/HA, MAG can identify transmission time of the BU message (i.e. relative order with the other messages) from this time information. |
| US08676201B2 |
E-UTRAN and handover
The present invention relates to a method, a base station and an interface for handover in a wireless communication network. Handover is initiated when the signal quality falls below a predetermined value. Random access serves as an uplink procedure to enable the UE to make handover from a first base station (eNodeB) to a suitable second base station (eNodeB). In the present invention, random access parameters are exchanged between second and first base station before said first base station signals said random access parameters to said user equipment. |
| US08676200B2 |
Mobile communication system, base station device, mobile station device, and handover method
A mobile communication system includes: a mobile station device; a first base station device to which an accessible time is set; and a second base station device. If the mobile communication system detects that a time according to the accessible time elapses and if the mobile station device is in communication with the first base station device, the mobile communication system performs a handover to switch a communication connection between the mobile station device and the first base station device to a communication connection between the mobile station device and the second communication device. Accordingly, disconnection of a call is prevented from occurring if the communication device is in communication with the first base station device when the accessible time expires. |
| US08676192B2 |
High data rate aircraft to ground communication antenna system
A method for ground to air communication includes receiving a first pilot signal on a first wide beam from a first ground base station by a first antenna element covering a first range of azimuth angles from an aircraft. Data is received on a directed data beam from the first ground base station by the first antenna element. A second pilot signal is received on a second wide beam from a second ground base station by a second antenna element covering a second range of azimuth angles different than the first range of azimuth angles. A signal strength of the second pilot signal is compared with a signal strength of the first pilot signal. Data reception is switched from the first antenna element to the second antenna element if the signal strength of the second pilot signal is greater than the signal strength of the first pilot signal. |
| US08676190B2 |
Network apparatus and method for performing a handover in a network
According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention a network apparatus may be provided, which network apparatus may include a detecting device, a selecting device, a receiving device, a determining device and a sending device. The detecting device may be adapted to detect a condition for a handover. The selecting device may be adapted to select a first group, wherein the first group includes at least one first target apparatus member. The receiving device may be adapted to receive a second group, wherein the second group may include at least one second target apparatus member. The determining device may be adapted to determine a difference group of the first target apparatus members and the second target apparatus members. The selecting device may be adapted to select at least one target apparatus member of the difference group. The sending device may be adapted to send a preparation information to the at least one selected target apparatus member of the difference group. |
| US08676188B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for calibrating and verifying a wireless communication device
An apparatus for testing a wireless communication device includes a receiver, a capture module, and a control module. The receiver receives at least one test packet transmitted from the wireless communication device. The capture module captures at least a portion of the at least one test packet. The control module selectively controls the capture module to capture at least the portion based on a predetermined test flow. In one example, the at least one test packet is transmitted by the wireless communication device according to the predetermined test flow. In one example, control module selectively controls the capture module to capture at least the portion based on an expected calibration value associated with the at least one test packet. In one example, the control module selectively controls the capture module to capture at least the portion based on a predetermined value of interest. |
| US08676185B2 |
Method for optimising transmission resources by inter-cellular loop in a mobile cellular radio-communication network and corresponding local network and adaptors
A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting data exchanged by two terminals in a cellular radiocommunication network, each of the terminals being respectively associated with a base station of the cellular network. The method includes: identifying a shortened transmission path between the base stations, the shortened transmission path defining a direct transmission path for the data between the base stations without transiting via transcoding equipment present in the cellular radiocommunication network; and transmitting at least a portion of the data via the shortened transmission path, which is also called an intercellular loop-back operation. |
| US08676184B2 |
Method for remotely controlling a device by means of a fixed transceiver station, device, use of a fixed transceiver station and program
A method for remotely controlling a device by a fixed transceiver station in a radio cell of a cellular mobile telecommunications network, the cellular mobile telecommunications network being at least one of a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network or a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), includes: transmitting to the device on a control channel, by the fixed transceiver station, control information specific to the radio cell; wherein the control channel is a channel or a portion of a channel used to broadcast location information; wherein the control information comprises an identification part for specifying the device; and wherein the device is not required to have a registration with the network. |
| US08676183B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling de-subscription of a master device at a base station
A master device transmits a de-subscription command to a base station with which it is subscribed. The de-subscription command indicates the master device intends to de-subscribe itself, which requires resolution of a conflict handling process. Upon resolution of the conflict handling process, the base station de-subscribes the master device. |
| US08676174B2 |
Easy call for content
A method and apparatus for quickly and easily requesting content over a mobile device via a telephone network without requiring user entry of a number of pieces of information or having to forward through to certain request screens and/or browse for content. The method includes verifying a mobile device based on an incoming telephone call to a particular destination telephone number; retrieving by a content server the specific content associated with the particular destination telephone number in which contact has been initiated by the mobile device; and providing the specific content to the mobile device requesting the content. Specific content includes but is not limited to broadcast data, satellite transmitted data, and cable network data provided during a telephone call, so that a mobile device can receive everything from television shows to news broadcasts and educational shows, etc. so long it is within range of a telephone network. |
| US08676171B2 |
Short URL metadata merge application
This invention provides a method of merging metadata generated during an SMS interaction on a mobile device, with metadata gleaned from the User Agent and the resulting Internet Multimedia Content Session (internet/web, video, audio, image, email, etc.). |
| US08676167B2 |
Mobile station with voice call acknowledgement and missed call scheduling
A communication station has a circuit that receives an incoming voice call from a calling party, and an acknowledgement mechanism that produces an acknowledgement message sent to the calling party in response to the incoming call if a user of the communication station does not answer the call. In the examples, the communication station sends short message service (SMS) or multimedia message service (MMS) acknowledgement message to the calling party. Also, a scheduling mechanism may be provided for adding a calendar entry to a calendar implemented in the communication station so as to remind the user about the acknowledged incoming call. |
| US08676165B2 |
Method and apparatus for peer-to-peer instant messaging
The invention proposes a method of peer-to-peer instant messaging and the mobile terminal thereof, which could make the mobile terminal to establish and maintain a list of friend users and update the connection status of the friend users timely. The method of peer-to-peer instant messaging includes following steps: receiving the list of on-line users with capability of peer-to-peer instant messaging sent by the radio network (S260); comparing said list of particular users with said received list of on-line users (S270); updating, according to said comparison result, the connection status record of each user in said list of particular users (S280) so that the mobile terminal could establish a peer-to-peer instant messaging with at least one user mobile terminal in said list of particular users according to said updated connection status record. The present invention enables the user to establish peer-to-peer connection more effectively and to perform instant messaging while occupying less network resources. |
| US08676161B2 |
Enforcing time-out periods in payment-enabled mobile device
A mobile device includes a housing and an antenna mounted in or on the housing. The antenna is for transmitting and receiving transaction signals to and from a point of sale (POS) terminal. The device also includes at least one user interface element mounted on the housing and a transceiver mounted in the housing and coupled to the antenna. Still further, the device includes a secure element mounted in the housing. The secure element is coupled to the transceiver and stores a payment application program. The payment application program is for handling exchanging of the transaction signals with the POS terminal. A tick counter is operated within the secure element. The tick counter is for enforcing at least one time-out period with respect to transactions handled by the payment application program. |
| US08676157B2 |
Wireless network system
A wireless network system wherein just inputting information regarding new wireless network settings from one client system enables the wireless network settings in the wireless network wireless communication control system and all of the client systems to be synchronously changed. The wireless communication control system is provided with a setting change instruction unit transmitting setting change instructions to all of the client systems based on a setting change request of the wireless network from a single client system and a wireless communication control system side setting content update unit updating the wireless network setting content in the wireless communication control system in synchronization with the processing of the setting change instruction unit. Each of the client systems is provided with a setting change instruction reception unit receiving a setting change instruction from the setting change instruction unit and a client system side setting content update unit updating the wireless network setting content in the client system based on the setting change instruction received by the setting change instruction reception unit. |
| US08676153B2 |
Method for geo-targeting wireless emergency alerts
Geo-targeting may be used in combination with wireless alert capabilities to provide alerts to a more granulated geographical area. Disclosed herein is a system and method for performing geo-targeting for various alert areas such that emergency messages may be delivered to mobile and static devices of different types in a localized area. In an example embodiment, geo-targeting supports the delivery area for wireless emergency alerts by identifying the cell sites that are in a specified geographic area that have technology capable of delivering wireless emergency alerts. The components of the telecommunications system that support a wireless emergency alert system may be identified and mapped to any geographical area. The method and system of geo-target mapping may provide an efficient and more robust way of determining the telecommunication components to be employed for broadcasting emergency alerts. |
| US08676152B2 |
Alarm systems having multiple communication alternatives for contacting a monitoring service and methods of operating the same
An alarm system includes a mobile terminal and an alarm controller. The alarm controller is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal, to attempt a call to a monitoring service using a first communication technique responsive to detection of an alarm condition, and to attempt a call to the monitoring service using the mobile terminal if the call attempt using the first communication technique is unsuccessful. |
| US08676148B2 |
Differential amplifier circuit and wireless receiving apparatus
A differential amplifier circuit includes a source follower circuit to which is input one of the differential signals and a common source circuit that is connected in series with the source follower circuit and to which is input the other of the differential signals. |
| US08676147B1 |
Detection system, controller, and method of detecting a signal of interest
A detection system includes a receiver configured to generate a receiver signal representative of detected electromagnetic energy, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to generate a plurality of signal samples based on the receiver signal. The detection system also includes a detection module configured to identify a plurality of sample offsets for the signal samples, and execute a plurality of autocorrelation functions on the signal samples to provide an output of each of the autocorrelation functions, wherein each autocorrelation function is executed on at least a portion of the signal samples identified by a sample offset of the plurality of sample offsets. The detection module is also configured to compute a sum of the autocorrelation function outputs, normalize the sum of the autocorrelation function outputs, and determine whether a signal of interest is present within the electromagnetic energy based on the normalized sum. |
| US08676145B2 |
Mixer circuits for second order intercept point calibration
A balanced mixer circuit (300, 400, 500, 600, 700 and 800) in a baseband receiver (202) includes an oscillator circuit (212), a mixer (214 and 215), a digital-to-analog converter (258 and 259) and a digital signal processor (250). The mixer includes CMOS devices (301, 302, 303 and 304). In response to differential outputs from the mixer, the digital signal processor controls the digital-to-analog converter to output bias voltages for the gate of at least one of the CMOS devices of the mixer to compensate for imbalance in the differential output of the mixer that may be caused by mismatch among two or more CMOS devices of the mixer or caused by other reasons, in order to increase second order intercept point of the mixer. |
| US08676143B2 |
Multimode receiver with active blocker suppression
Various embodiments of a wireless multimode receiver having an off-chip duplex filter associated with a multimode band, and a blocker cancellation circuit disposed on a semiconductor chip are described in the present disclosure. |
| US08676142B2 |
Antenna diversity method with fallback and weighting
In a radio communication station having antennas an antenna diversity system and a gain controllable amplifier the gain of the gain controllable amplifier is set by using a first antenna, the signal levels of signals received at the antennas is measured, a group of antennas is determined having a signal level which exceeds the signal level of the first antenna by no more than a predetermined value, and out of said group of antennas the antenna with the highest signal level is selected out or the first antenna is selected out if said group is empty. |
| US08676137B2 |
Mobile wireless terminal, a method of measuring signal strength of a received signal, and a method of searching for a base station
A mobile wireless terminal includes a wireless receiving part configured to receive a wireless signal from a base station which belongs to a mobile communication system using a time-frequency conversion for baseband processing; a received signal processing part that includes a time-frequency converting circuit and is configured to process the wireless signal; a setting part configured to successively set central frequencies within regions, wherein a frequency band that the mobile communication system uses is divided into the regions having a predetermined bandwidth; and a received signal strength measuring part configured to measure signal strength of received signals over the regions of the frequency band that the mobile communication system uses based on time-frequency conversion results from the time-frequency converting circuit, the time-frequency conversion results being obtained for the respective regions using the respective central frequencies set by the setting part. |
| US08676135B2 |
In-vehicle mobile music purchase
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for improvements in vehicle entertainment systems. A user (vehicle passenger) may wish to buy a song (or other media item) that is currently playing on the vehicle digital radio. In one embodiment, the user may direct a purchase command directly to a music vendor, without going through a central server. In the example of purchasing digital music files, such vendors currently may include iTunes, Amazon.com, Rhapsody and others. The purchase command may be entered at the user's mobile phone user interface. In another embodiment, the purchase request may be entered to the vehicle control system without the use of a mobile phone. The requested media item is downloaded to the vehicle and or to a designated alternative destination which may be the user's home or office or mobile device. |
| US08676133B2 |
Reference signal design for LTE A
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate creating antenna ports to correspond to two or more groups of user equipment (UEs). The subject innovation can organize two or more groups of user equipment and signal to each of the two or more groups a respective antenna port. The subject innovation can further communicate mapping information, a reference signal, or delay related to a linear combination in order to identify antenna ports. Based on such communicated information, the reference signal can be decoded in order to identify each antenna port. |
| US08676131B2 |
Method and apparatus for allowing soft handoff of a CDMA reverse link utilizing an orthogonal channel structure
Method and apparatus for base stations and subscriber units allows soft handoff of a CDMA reverse link utilizing an orthogonal channel structure. Subscriber units transmit an orthogonally coded signal over a reverse link to the base stations. A given base station provides timing control of the timing offset of the reverse link signal. Based on at least one criterion, an alignment controller determines that the given base station should hand off timing control to another base station, and a soft handoff process ensues. In response to a command or message for soft handoff of the subscriber unit from the given base station to another base station, the subscriber unit makes a coarse timing adjustment to the timing of the coded signal. The subscriber unit may make fine timing adjustments based on feedback from the base station controlling timing. Multiple base stations may provide power control feedback to the subscriber unit. |
| US08676128B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing uplink signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimation in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for providing uplink signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimation in a wireless communication system. A first signal is received over a first channel and a second signal is received over a second channel, where the second signal is received at a higher signal power level than said first signal. A signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the second signal is measured, and the SNR of the first signal is determined based at least in part upon the measured SNR of the second signal. |
| US08676124B2 |
Scheduling based on effective target load with interference cancellation in a wireless communication system
Techniques for scheduling users for transmission on the uplink in a wireless communication system are described. A cell may perform interference cancellation for uplink transmissions and may observe lower effective noise and interference due to interference cancellation. The lower effective noise and interference may allow the cell to operate with a higher effective target load, which may support a higher overall throughput for the cell. In one design, an effective target load for a cell using interference cancellation may be determined, e.g., based on a target rise-over-thermal (RoT) for the cell and an interference cancellation efficiency factor. An available load for the cell may be determined based on the effective target load, which may be higher than a target load for the cell without interference cancellation. Users in the cell may then be scheduled for transmission on the uplink based on the available load. |
| US08676122B2 |
Secure satellite modem for personal digital assistant method and apparatus
A system for enabling communication utilizing a satellite communications network includes a mobile communication device and a satellite modem apparatus. A text message is generated at the mobile communication device and transmitted to the satellite modem apparatus using a short range wireless protocol. The satellite modem transmits the text message as a short burst data message to a satellite within the satellite communications system where it is routed to a receiver unit. The satellite modem apparatus does not include a processor. Instead, the mobile communication device includes a processor and program code for generating, transmitting, and receiving text messages, and for encrypting a text message, and/or compressing a text message to a size suitable for transmission via an L-band communications protocol from the satellite modem apparatus. |
| US08676121B1 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting message from short-range wireless device over a satellite network
A communications system including a SN Device including a satellite transmitter and a local wireless transceiver and a GUI Device, separate from the SN Device. The GUI Device includes a user interface and local wireless transceiver capable of establishing a wireless link with the SN Device. The GUI Device transmits command information to the SN Device and the SN Device transmits at least location data to a satellite network. |
| US08676120B2 |
Coupled short-range wireless mobile terminal and relay
A wireless communication system is provided. The wireless communication system includes a wireless relay and a mobile terminal. The wireless relay is coupled to a phone network. The mobile terminal is physically coupled to the wireless relay to make a voice communication with the phone network via the wireless relay. Further, the mobile terminal and the wireless relay exchange control data and voice data corresponding to the voice communication over a short-range wireless link based on one of a transparent mode and a translation mode. A signaling connection is established on an asynchronous connection-oriented logical (ACL) transport channel between the mobile terminal and the wireless relay for exchanging the control data, and a voice connection is established on a synchronous connection oriented (SCO) channel between the mobile terminal and the wireless relay for exchanging the voice data. |
| US08676119B2 |
Device pairing via intermediary device
A first device may include and/or involve at least one contact sensor, and logic to facilitate pairing between a second device and a third device as a result of contact between the contact sensor and at least one of the second and third devices. |
| US08676118B2 |
Location-aware multimodal communication system
A system and method for providing a multimodal list of transceiver devices to a remote terminal is disclosed. A positioning unit determines a location of a remote terminal. A processor identifies transceivers for communicating in at least a first communication mode and a second communication mode according to the location of the remote terminal. The processor retrieves information about the identified transceivers from a database and generates a multimodal list. The processor causes a transceiver to transmit the multimodal list of transceiver devices to the remote terminal using a communication mode of the remote terminal. |
| US08676115B2 |
Apparatus and methods for testing using modulation error ratio
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for testing or qualifying a repeater/transmitter in a multicarrier system by utilizing modulation error ratio (MER). In particular, a disclosed method includes determining an estimated effective modulation error ratio of an output of the repeater/transmitter. The estimated effective modulation error ratio is compared with a predetermined threshold, and the repeater/transmitter is qualified when the estimated effective modulation error ratio is greater than the predetermined threshold. Using an estimated modulation error ratio for repeater/transmitters, which can have non-flat modulation error ratios over a total number of subcarriers, affords an efficient method to test and qualify repeater/transmitters. |
| US08676114B2 |
Digital radio broadcast receiver, broadcasting methods and methods for tagging content of interest
A method for specifying content of interest using a digital radio broadcast receiver is described. A digital radio broadcast signal includes first audio content and first program data, wherein the first program data includes information identifying a first item, and includes second audio content and second program data, wherein the second program data includes information identifying a second item. A user command entered at a user interface during reception of audio content is registered, indicating a user's interest in either the first or second audio content. It is determined whether there is an ambiguity in the content of interest. If there is an ambiguity, a first data structure is stored for the first audio content, and a second data structure is stored for the second audio content. The first data structure includes the information identifying the first item, and the second data structure includes the information identifying the second item. |
| US08676111B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method for the same
An image forming apparatus is provided, which includes a fixing unit, a cooling roller disposed downstream relative to the fixing unit in a sheet feeding direction, an ejection roller disposed downstream relative to the cooling roller in the sheet feeding direction, a driving unit rotating the cooling roller and the ejection roller normally or reversely, and a controller including a determining unit determining whether a detected temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, the controller switching between a first mode to, after a sheet passes through the cooling roller, control the driving unit to reversely rotate the cooling roller and the ejection roller being rotating normally and a second mode to, in a state where the cooling roller is nipping the sheet, control the driving unit to reversely rotate the cooling roller and the ejection roller being rotating normally, based on the determination of the determining unit. |
| US08676108B2 |
Protecting agent supplying member, protective layer forming device, and image forming apparatus
To provide a protecting agent supplying member, containing a core, and a foam layer formed on a periphery of the core, wherein the protecting agent supplying member is in the shape of a roller, and wherein the foam layer has concavities regularly arranged in a surface thereof. |
| US08676107B2 |
Lubricant applying device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A lubricant applying device includes a solid lubricant, and a rotatable applying member scraping lubricant off the solid lubricant and applying the scraped lubricant onto an application subject. In the lubricant applying device, a pressing unit applies that applies an applying pressure of pressing the solid lubricant against the applying member and that varies the applying pressure in accordance with a rotation speed of the applying member. |
| US08676099B2 |
Developing apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A developing apparatus contains a developer for developing a latent image formed on an image carrier. The developing apparatus includes a developer carrier disposed opposite to the image carrier; a developer regulating member regulating an amount of the developer carried by the developer carrier; and a developer circulating unit transporting the developer in a circulating path. The developer circulating unit includes a rotatable first transport member supplying the developer to the developer carrier while transporting the developer in a horizontal direction, a shielding member preventing the developer separated from the developer carrier from flowing back toward the first transport member, and a rotatable second transport member collecting the developer separated from the developer carrier while transporting the developer in the horizontal direction. A distance between the second transport member and the developer carrier is greater than a distance between the first transport member and the developer carrier. |
| US08676097B2 |
Developing device, assembly, and image forming apparatus with a biasing member
A developing device includes a first developing member rotating such that a moving direction of a portion opposing the image carrier is opposite a moving direction of the image carrier. A second developing member is provided on a downstream side of the first developing member in a rotating direction of the image carrier rotating such that a moving direction of a portion opposing the image carrier is the same as the moving direction of the image carries. A distributing member is supported movably relative to a proximal portion where the first developing member is closest to the second developing member so as to distribute developer to the first and second developing members by contact with the developer, and a biasing member biases the distributing member upstream in the rotating direction of the first developing member. |
| US08676096B2 |
Powder container and image forming apparatus
A powder container includes a body and a pair of walls that block one end of the body and the other end. The powder container is mountable in an apparatus. The body has an opening in a location closer to the one end to supply the powder to the apparatus. The powder container includes a shutter, a guide portion and a boss. The shutter is situated in a closed location before the powder container is mounted in the apparatus and is moved to an opened location to open the opening when the powder container is mounted in the apparatus. The guide portion maintains the shutter on the body and guides the shutter. The boss is located between the shutter and an outer wall surface of the one of walls and next to the end of the shutter at the closed location in a movement direction of the shutter. |
| US08676092B2 |
Image-forming device having mechanism for separating developing rollers from photosensitive drums
An image-forming device includes image carrying members aligned in a first direction in a main casing, one of the image carrying members being for black color, and remaining ones of the image carrying members being for other colors; a developing members provided in one-to-one correspondence with the image carrying members, each of the developing members configured to contact a corresponding image carrying member, one of the developing members being for black color, and remaining ones of the developing members being for other colors r; and a first contact/separation member linearly movable in the first direction, the first contact/separation member being disposed on one side of the plurality of developing members. The first contact/separation member comprises an elongated shape in the first direction. The first contact/separation member comprises a separating surfaces configured to contact respective developing members to separate the developing member from the image carrying member. |
| US08676090B1 |
Rotational force transmitting part
An electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit includes (a) a cylinder having a photosensitive layer at an outer periphery thereof and (b) a drum flange provided at one end of the cylinder, with the drum flange including at least two projections provided inside of the drum flange and projected radially inwardly of the drum flange, and with a space diametrically between the two projections. Each of the two projections projects radially inwardly of the drum flange to a greater extent at a position farther from the cylinder than it does at a position closer to the cylinder. |
| US08676089B2 |
Composition for use in an apparatus for delivery of a functional material to an image forming member
The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to an image forming apparatus comprising a delivery member in contact with either the surface of an imaging member or in contact with the surface of the bias charge roller, wherein the delivery member is fabricated as a polymer matrix impregnated with functional materials, such that the functional material is transferred onto the imaging member or bias charge roller from the delivery member. Embodiments also pertain to an improved electrophotographic imaging member comprising a very thin outer layer on the imaging member surface, where the outer layer comprises functional materials, such as paraffin, that act as a lubricant and/or a barrier against moisture and/or surface contaminants. The improved imaging member exhibits improved xerographic performance, such as reduced torque, reduced friction, and deletions in high humidity conditions. |
| US08676079B2 |
Operating device, information processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus
An operating device includes a first support frame, a support shaft, an operating panel, a second support frame, and a spring. The first support frame is fixed to a front side of a main apparatus. The support shaft projects from the first support frame in a widthwise direction of the main apparatus. The second support frame is pivotally supported on the support shaft in such a manner as to be displaceable within a predetermined range in the widthwise direction while supporting the operating panel. The spring biases the second support frame in a first direction which the second support frame is pressed against the first support frame. The first support frame has a plurality of recesses on a circumference of a circle that is concentric with the support shaft. The second support frame has a first projection capable of being engaged into any one of the recesses. |
| US08676078B2 |
Fixing device, image forming apparatus incorporating same, and method for fixing toner image on recording medium
A fixing device includes a pressing rotary body pressed against a fixing rotary body to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed; a heater to heat the fixing rotary body, disposed opposite a circumferential surface of the fixing rotary body and upstream from the fixing nip a predetermined circumferential distance along the circumferential surface of the fixing rotary body in a direction of rotation of the fixing rotary body; a heater driver to turn on and off the heater; a timing calculator to calculate a reference time at which a trailing end portion of the recording medium in a conveyance direction of the recording medium reaches the fixing nip; and a heater driver controller to cause the heater driver to turn off the heater at a turn-off time earlier than the reference time. |
| US08676076B2 |
Heating controlling device, heating device, image forming device, program storage medium, and method
There is provided a heating controlling device having: a receiving section receiving heating instructions for plural heaters; and a controller that, when the receiving section receives a heating instruction to heat another heater while two or more heaters other than the heater for which the heating instruction is received are heating, stops heating of the heaters that are heating, after a first predetermined time period elapses from the control to stop heating, starts heating of the heater for which the heating instruction is received, and each time a number of second predetermined time periods elapses from the control to start heating, restarts heating, on the basis of predetermined priority rankings, of the heaters that were controlled to stop heating. |
| US08676075B2 |
Image forming apparatus for suppressing reverse transfer of images
An image forming apparatus includes: a conveying belt; a first photosensitive member; and a second photosensitive member; a first transfer member; a second transfer member; a first pushing member; a second pushing member; and a changing unit, wherein the first photosensitive member is disposed on the upstream side of the second photosensitive member in a conveying direction of the transfer receiving member, and the changing unit changes the pushing force of the second transfer member that is disposed on the downstream side of the first photosensitive member in a conveying direction of the transfer receiving member. |
| US08676074B2 |
Method for providing ratio modulated printing with discharge 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 first toner develops at the engine pixel location according to the first net development difference of potential. 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 second toner develops at the engine pixel locations. Wherein the range of first toner potentials is such that a determined range of ratios of first toner amounts and the determined second toner amount provide ratio modulated differences of potential. |
| US08676070B2 |
Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus hasa first and a second transfer member which transfer toner images onto a transfer body; anda control section, which measures a first density of a first toner image formed on the transfer body, measures a second density of a second toner image formed on the transfer body anddetermines a transfer current for the first and the second transfer member based on the first and the second density. |
| US08676067B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a photoconductor; a charger configured to charge the photoconductor, the charger including a discharge wire and a grid; a voltage applying circuit configured to generate charge voltage and apply the charge voltage to the discharge wire of the charger; a grid-current detector configured to detect a grid current passing through the grid; a controller configured to control the voltage applying circuit on the basis of a detection value detected by the grid-current detector so that the grid current is constant; an abnormal-discharge detector configured to detect an abnormal discharge occurring in the charger; and a suppression resistor configured to suppress abnormal discharge energy. The suppression resistor includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is connected to the grid. The second terminal is connected to at least one of the grid-current detector and the abnormal-discharge detector. |
| US08676065B2 |
Method for processing paper jam in image forming apparatus having at least one option cassette, and image forming apparatus that performs the method
An image forming apparatus including at least one option cassette, and a paper jam handling method performed in the image forming apparatus are provided. The paper jam handling method includes the operations of detecting whether paper jam occurs in the image forming apparatus, checking whether paper sheets exist on a transfer path of the image forming apparatus and on a transfer path of the option cassette, when the paper jam is detected, and leaving the paper sheet on the transfer path of the option cassette as it is and discharging the paper sheet caught on the transfer path of the image forming apparatus. Accordingly, paper damage or paper consumption may be prevented by not discharging a paper sheet caught on a transfer path of at least one option cassette during paper jam. |
| US08676063B2 |
Quantum correlated photon pair generating device and method
A quantum correlated photon pair generating device includes a nonlinear optical medium that generates quantum correlated photon pairs from excitation light by spontaneous parametric fluorescence and generates auxiliary idler light from the excitation light and auxiliary signal light by stimulated parametric conversion. The excitation light and auxiliary signal light are generated separately, combined, and input simultaneously to the nonlinear optical medium. An optical demultiplexer separates the auxiliary signal light and the auxiliary idler light output from the nonlinear optical medium. The intensities of the output auxiliary signal light and auxiliary idler light are detected, and the intensity or wavelength of the excitation light or the temperature of the nonlinear optical medium is controlled to maintain the ratio of the detected intensities at a preset value. The rate at which the quantum correlated photon pairs are generated is thereby held steady. |
| US08676062B2 |
Optical transmission apparatus and method
In an optical transmission apparatus, a light-emitting laser varies its output wavelength when applied with a wavelength control signal for switching wavelengths. A wavelength controller outputs the wavelength control signal, and a filter unit subjects the wavelength control signal to a filtering process to remove high-frequency noise superimposed on the wavelength control signal. The filter unit stops the filtering process during the wavelength control and executes the filtering process during the operation. |
| US08676056B2 |
Subcarrier multiplex system
A subcarrier system generates a phase comparison signal in a transmitter and transmits the phase comparison signal together with an optical subcarrier multiplex signal in the same transmission channel of an optical network. A receiver measures a phase distortion between a phase reference signal and the received phase comparison signal for each modulation section of the received subcarrier symbols, calculating at least one correction value and correcting time jitters or phase impairments of all parallel received or regained subcarrier symbols as a function of the phase distortion of the received phase comparison signal. Time jitter/phase jitter can be compensated without high hardware expenses. |
| US08676054B2 |
Optical transmission receiver and method for the same
There is provided an optical transmission receiver includes an optical switch configured to switch between optical transmission channels, the optical transmission channels being gradually switched from one to the other, an optical amplifier configured to amplify a light propagating in the other of the optical transmission channels which is in a state subsequent to switching, and a switching speed controller configured to control a switching speed of the optical switch based on a level of the light amplified by the optical amplifier. |
| US08676050B2 |
Autofocus calibration for long lenses
A method for calibrating a focus point for a camera lens may include capturing a reflection of a focus point measuring device that is affixed to the camera. The method may include evaluating a captured image of the reflection to measure a calibration amount for a focus point, and adjusting a focus point of a lens of the camera by the calibration amount. The focus point measuring device may include a substantially planar target surface defining a plane, and a ruled target surface inclined at substantially 45° to the substantially planar target and extending through the plane thereof, marked to indicate respective distances in front of and behind the plane. The device may further include a fixture for holding the substantially planar target surface and the ruled target surface in a defined orientation to the camera, enabling performance of the method. |
| US08676049B2 |
Imaging control unit, imaging apparatus, and imaging control method
An imaging control unit includes: a detecting unit that detects a focused-status of a focus detecting range set to an image data of each frame; a setting unit that sets, at a position of a distinctive-region including a distinctive points of an object detected from an processed image data, a focus detecting range of an image data of a subsequent frame; and a control unit that performs, when the focus detecting range is not in focused-status, a focal length control to change a focal length of a imaging lens so that the focus detecting range is in focused-status. When a displacement amount from the focus detecting range set to the imaged image data to the distinctive-region detected in the processed image data based on the imaged image data is large, the control unit aborts performing the focal length control even when the focus detecting range is not in focused-status. |
| US08676047B2 |
Image capture apparatus and method of controlling the same
An image capture apparatus comprises an inclination detection unit which detects an inclination of the image capture apparatus, a display unit which displays the inclination of the image capture apparatus, and a predetermined reference orientation set for the image capture apparatus, a still state determination unit which determines that the image capture apparatus is in a still state, if a variation of the inclination falls within a predetermined range, and a reference orientation setting unit which sets the reference orientation of the image capture apparatus, wherein the reference orientation setting unit does not set the reference orientation if the still state determination unit determines that the image capture apparatus is not in the still state. |
| US08676045B1 |
Studio arrangement
Disclosed are various embodiments of a studio arrangement and a method of capturing images and/or video. One embodiment of the disclosure includes a front light source aimed at a background, an image capture position located between the background and the front light source, an elevated platform positioned between the image capture position and the background, and at least one rear light source positioned between the elevated platform and the background. A subject can be photographed and/or filmed on the elevated platform to achieve a desired effect of a substantially seamless background where a rear edge of the elevated platform is imperceptible to an image capture device positioned at the image capture position. |
| US08676044B2 |
Dynamic sauna
Systems and methods are provided for controlling infrared radiation (IR) sources of a sauna including tuning IR wavelength-ranges and radiated power-levels of IR sources, and directing IR to locations on a user's body. In one illustrative embodiment, a sauna may be provided having adjustable heat sources to emit IR at any wavelength resulting in a desirable radiation treatment for the sauna user. In another illustrative embodiment, a method is provided for tuning IR sources in a sauna. |
| US08676043B2 |
Video data processing system, video server, gateway server, and video data management method
A system includes a reading unit reading first management information including a first item specifying video data and the video data from a storage medium, a storage unit recording second management information including the first item obtained from the first management information and the video data transferred from the reading unit, a memory storing third management information including the first item and a second item specifying a transfer or no transfer of the video data, and a controller transferring the first management information to the memory from the reading unit, updating the second item of the third management information in response to the transfer of the video data, and controlling the transfer of the video data in the video content which is designated by a read request from one of the reading unit and the storage unit to the outside based on the second item of the third management information. |
| US08676042B2 |
Method and apparatus for seeking a frame in multimedia contents
A multimedia content frame seeking method and apparatus is provided. The multimedia content frame seeking method may include setting a candidate position for a target frame, the target frame corresponding to a target time, according to an average bitrate of an average bitrate calculation section that is set with respect to frames in the multimedia content, adjusting the candidate position by progressively decreasing a size of the average bitrate calculation section based on the candidate position, and determining the target frame to be a frame having a start time that differs from the target time by a difference within a predetermined allowable range of error, wherein the target frame is determined from among frames of which starting points are closest to candidate positions. |
| US08676039B2 |
Recording apparatus, control method thereof, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
There is provided an information processing apparatus which generates, for an image reproducing apparatus, an application program that is executable by the image reproducing apparatus, the image reproducing apparatus operating under a basic program that is capable of executing an application program recorded in a first area of a recording medium but that is incapable of reproducing image data that is recorded in a second area of the recording medium, and the information processing apparatus comprising: a program generation unit which generates a reproducing program for the image reproducing apparatus to reproduce the image data recorded in the second area of the recording medium, as an application program executable by the image reproducing apparatus; and a recording unit which records the reproducing program generated by the program generation unit into the first area of the recording medium. |
| US08676031B1 |
Locality-based video playback to enable locally relevant product placement advertising
A system and method are disclosed for providing a digital medium, such as a Digital Video Disc (DVD), enabling playback of different versions of a media presentation depending on the locality of the viewer, where each version includes embedded advertisements for a corresponding locality. In one embodiment, a DVD stores a media presentation such as, for example, a movie, an episode of a television program, or the like. Depending on the location of the viewer, the DVD provides a version of the media presentation having embedded advertisements relevant to the locality of the viewer. |
| US08676029B2 |
Recording medium, method and apparatus for recording and/or reproducing digital data streams
A method and apparatus for recording digital data streams on a recording medium, are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method includes recording a received digital data stream of data packet units by grouping the data packet units into an object; and creating and recording a managing information for the object, the managing information including entry point map information associated with an entry point of the digital data stream and indication information indicating whether or not the entry point map information associated with the entry point exists, wherein the management information is recorded in an area separate from the data packet units on the recording medium. |
| US08676014B2 |
Optical fiber and method of manufacturing optical fiber
An optical fiber having excellent strength that can be manufactured at low cost, as well as a method for making such optical fiber, is provided. An optical fiber 1 is a silica-based optical fiber comprising a core 11, an optical cladding 12 surrounding the core 11, and a jacketing region 13 surrounding the optical cladding 12 and having a uniform composition throughout from the internal circumference to the outer circumference. A compressive strained layer having a residual compressive stress is provided at the outermost circumference of the jacketing region 13. |
| US08676012B2 |
Fiber optic cable for very-short-distance networks
A fiber optic cable includes a polymeric jacket defining an outer periphery and a cavity interior thereto, an optical fiber positioned within the cavity, and first and second longitudinal strength elements fully embedded in the jacket on opposite sides of the cavity from one another, where the strength elements define a bend axis of the cable passing there through that is orthogonal to the length of the cable, and the bend axis and the length of the cavity define a preferential plane for bending. The cable resists bending about a third axis that is orthogonal to the length of the cable and the bend axis, where the third axis and the length of the cable define a non-preferential plane for bending. The difference in flexural rigidity between the preferential and non-preferential planes limits formation of spontaneous knots in a coil of the cable while providing flexibility for ease of handling. |
| US08676011B1 |
Water blocked fiber optic cable
A cable can inhibit water that may inadvertently enter the cable from flowing lengthwise within the cable. The cable can include an outer jacket and at least one optical fiber disposed within the outer jacket. Water blocking barriers can be disposed at different longitudinal locations along the cable, and each water blocking barrier can provide a seal. Each barrier can include a polymer or a cured material and at least one derivative of at least one initiator that induces a reaction with the polymer or the cured material. The at least one initiator can include at least one of a photoinitiator or a thermal initiator. |
| US08676010B2 |
Electrical cable with optical fiber
An electrical cable includes a cable jacket extending a length and having an internal passageway that extends along the length of the cable jacket. Twisted pairs of insulated electrical conductors extend within the internal passageway along the length of the cable jacket. Each twisted pair includes two insulated conductors twisted together in a helical manner. At least two optical fibers extend within the internal passageway along the length of the cable jacket. The optical fibers are independently held within the internal passageway of the cable jacket relative to each other. |
| US08676005B2 |
Light guide for light source device and method for manufacturing the same
A light guide for a light source device includes a core layer which is formed from a transparent resin and has a refractive index n1 and cladding layers which are provided on both surfaces thereof and have a refractive index n2 which is lower than the refractive index n1 of the core layer. A light reflecting layer which scatters and reflects light is provided in the front surface of one cladding layer, the front surface of the other cladding layer is set as a light emitting face, and a recess is provided which reaches from at least one of either of the front surface of the one cladding layer or the front surface of the other cladding layer to the core layer passing through the cladding layer. |
| US08676002B2 |
Method of producing a photonic device and corresponding photonic device
Method of producing a photonic device including at least one light source and at least one photodetector on a structure including a waveguide layer, this method comprising the following steps: a) growing successively on a substrate (10), a photodetection structure (11) and a light source structure (12), the photodetection structure and the light source structure being made of a stack of layers, the light source layers being stacked on top of the photodetector layers and both structures sharing one of these layers. b) bonding the structure obtained by step a) to the said waveguide structure (2), the light source structure being in contact with the said waveguide structure (2), c) removing the substrate (10) from the structure obtained by step b), d) etching the structure (3) obtained by step c) to define the at least one photodetector (4), e) etching the structure obtained by step d) to define the at least one light source (5), f) forming electrodes (44, 43; 54, 53) on the least one photodetector (4) and on the least one light source (5). |
| US08676000B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing interpolation based on transform and inverse transform
Provided are a method and apparatus for interpolating an image. The method includes: selecting a first filter, from among a plurality of different filters, for interpolating between pixel values of integer pixel units, according to an interpolation location; and generating at least one pixel value of at least one fractional pixel unit by interpolating between the pixel values of the integer pixel units by using the selected first filter. |
| US08675997B2 |
Feature based image registration
Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to feature based image registration. Feature based image registration determines correspondence between image features such as points, lines, and contours to align or register a reference or first image and a target or second image. The examples disclosed herein may be used in mobile devices such as cell phones, personal digital assistants, personal computers, cameras, and video recorders. |
| US08675995B2 |
Precisely locating features on geospatial imagery
Methods for locating a feature on geospatial imagery and systems for performing those methods are disclosed. An accuracy level of each of a plurality of geospatial vector datasets available in a database can be determined. Each of the plurality of geospatial vector datasets corresponds to the same spatial region as the geospatial imagery. The geospatial vector dataset having the highest accuracy level may be selected. When the selected geospatial vector dataset and the geospatial imagery are misaligned, the selected geospatial vector dataset is aligned to the geospatial imagery. The location of the feature on the geospatial imagery is then determined based on the selected geospatial vector dataset and outputted via a display device. |
| US08675987B2 |
Systems and methods for determination of a camera imperfection for an image
Methods and systems for creating an image filter is described. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a first plurality of images captured by an at least one camera with a same setting as a first camera. The method further includes creating an averaged image from the plurality of captured images, wherein the averaged image comprises a measurement value of intensity for each pixel in the averaged image. The method also includes determining an image imperfection in the averaged image. The method further includes creating the image filter to reduce the image imperfection. |
| US08675983B2 |
Method to determine a pixon map in iterative image reconstruction and spectral analysis
A method for iterative reconstruction of an object containing noise using the pixon method determines the pixon map from a variable that is used to update the object in the iteration. The updating variable is based on an optimized merit function, and smoothes the updating variable during each iteration. The updating variable depends on the reconstruction method, but is typically a gradient of a merit function or a multiplicative update factor. The updated object can optionally also be further smoothed at the end of the iteration, using the pixon map determined during the iteration. |
| US08675979B2 |
Transcoder, method of transcoding, and digital recorder
A transcoder reduces the processing amount when a coded stream to which at least intra prediction is applied is transcoded into a coded stream to which intra prediction and inter prediction are applied. The transcoder converts a first coded stream to at least part of which intra prediction is applied, into a second coded stream to which intra prediction and inter prediction are applied. The transcoder includes a decoding unit that decodes the first coded stream to generate decoded image data; a prediction mode obtaining unit that obtains a prediction mode of intra prediction applied in decoding; and a coding unit that codes the decoded image data by applying the intra prediction or inter prediction to generate the second coded stream. A control unit controls causes the coding unit to use the prediction mode obtained by the prediction mode obtaining unit when the coding unit applies intra prediction. |
| US08675977B2 |
Recording medium having recorded thereon coded information using plus and/or minus rounding of images
Computer-readable medium with an image decoding program performing: storing a reference image of a previously decoded image; receiving coded information including motion vector and rounding method information specifying a rounding method used in synthesizing a prediction image of a currently decoded image; and synthesizing prediction image by performing motion compensation using the motion vector information and reference image; wherein synthesizing a prediction image uses a positive and negative rounding method for interpolating pixel intensity values; wherein the interpolation of pixel intensity values uses a rounding method specified by the rounding method information; wherein interpolation is via the rounding method specified by rounding method information included in the encoded bitstream when the current frame is a P frame; wherein the rounding method information is not in the encoded bitstream when the current frame is an I frame; and wherein the rounding method information specifies one of a plurality of values. |
| US08675974B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
A classification result is stored in advance. At the time of identification, classification is performed at a high speed based on the stored classification result. In pre-classification, classification is performed divisionally in two stages. In the first classification, a plurality of representative vectors are generated from the classification result using a fast executable method. In the second classification, the created representative vectors are classified, and the result is stored in a lookup table. When an identification target image is input, the classification result can be reflected at a high speed by using the lookup table. |
| US08675969B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting page boundaries
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for detecting page boundaries which are capable of accurately detecting complete page boundaries and dealing with many kinds of complex conditions. The method comprises: an edge image detecting step for detecting an edge image from the book document image; a horizontal page boundary detecting step for detecting top page boundaries and bottom page boundaries on the edge image; a binding center line detecting step for detecting the binding center line by searching an intersection point of the left page and the right page on the top page boundaries and the bottom page boundaries; a page width determining step for determining the page width of the book document image; and a vertical page boundary determining step for determining the left page boundary and the right page boundary by using the top page boundaries, the bottom page boundaries, the binding center line and the page width. |
| US08675965B2 |
Method and system for analyzing an image generated by at least one camera
A method for analyzing an image of a real object, particularly a printed media object, generated by at least one camera comprises the following steps: generating at least a first image by the camera capturing at least one real object, defining a first search domain comprising multiple data sets of the real object, each of the data sets being indicative of a respective portion of the real object, and analyzing at least one characteristic property of the first image of the camera with respect to the first search domain, in order to determine whether the at least one characteristic property corresponds to information of at least a particular one of the data sets of the first search domain. If it is determined that the at least one characteristic property corresponds to information of at least a particular one of the data sets, a second search domain comprising only the particular one of the data sets is defined and the second search domain is used for analyzing the first image and/or at least a second image generated by the camera. |
| US08675957B2 |
Image quality assessment to merchandise an item
Image-based features may be significantly correlated with click-through rates of images that depict a product, which may provide a more formal basis for the informal notion that good quality images will result in better click-through rates, as compared to poor quality images. Accordingly, an image assessment machine is configured to analyze image-based features to improve click-through rates for shopping search applications (e.g., a product search engine). Moreover, the image assessment machine may rank search results based on image quality factors and may notify sellers about low quality images. This may have the effect of improving the brand value for an online shopping website and accordingly have a positive long-term impact on the online shopping website. |
| US08675951B2 |
Method and system for generating a 3D model
A method for generating a three dimensional (3D) model of an object is depicted in a two dimensional (2D) image is disclosed, The 2D image includes associated 3D information. The method includes an operator determining a geometric primitive corresponding to shape characteristics of the object and then the generation of the 3D model based on the determined geometric primitive, the 2D image, and the associated 3D information. |
| US08675948B2 |
Mask inspection apparatus and mask inspection method
A mask inspection apparatus includes irradiation means for irradiating a sample with an electron beam, electron detection means for detecting a quantity of electrons generated from the sample having a pattern formed thereon by the irradiation with the electron beam, image processing means for generating image data of the pattern on the basis of the quantity of the electrons, and control means for creating a line profile and a differential profile of the pattern formed on the sample on the basis of the quantity of the electrons detected by the electron detection means. The control means detects a rising edge and a falling edge of the pattern on the basis of the differential profile, and then generates mask data of a multi-level structure on the basis of data of the edges and the image data created by the image processing means. |
| US08675941B2 |
Method for visualization of airway anatomical changes
A method (100) that evaluates the contours of patient airways and visualizes anatomical changes to the airways. |
| US08675931B2 |
Medical image segmentation
A segmentation method comprises clustering spatial, intensity and volumetric shape index to automatically segment a medical lesion. The algorithm has the following steps: (1) calculating volumetric shape index (SI) for each voxel in the image; (2) combining the SI features with the intensity range and the spatial position (x, y, z) to form a 5-dimensional feature vector set; (3) grouping the 5-dimensional feature vector set into clusters; (4) employing a modified expectation-maximization algorithm (EM) considering not only spatial but also shape features on an intensity mode map from the clustering algorithm to merge the neighbouring regions or modes. The joint spatial-intensity-shape feature provides rich information for the segmentation of the anatomic structures of interest, such as lesions or tumours. |
| US08675929B2 |
Method and apparatus for synchronizing corresponding landmarks among a plurality of images
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for synchronized viewing of a plurality of images of an object. Corresponding landmarks of an object are synchronized between a first image set and a second image set. In an embodiment, the landmarks are folds of a human colon and the first image set and second images sets are computerized tomography scans, at least one image set being a prone scan of a portion of anatomy and at least one image set being a supine scan of a portion of the anatomy. An indicator for at least a first location in a first image set is displayed. The location of a second location in a second image set of an object is determined, wherein the second location corresponds to the first location of the object. The second location in the second image set is displayed. |
| US08675927B2 |
Method and apparatus for information processing
According to one of embodiments, taking in facial image data for a user, extracting feature points of the face of the user from the facial image data and then coding the feature points, and registering the facial image data on a destination management table so that the facial image data is associated with a special identifier and/or the coded feature points. In particular, the face of the sender is incorporated into a video mail, so that the exchange of addresses (faces) is facilitated and the reliability of the e-mail itself can be enhanced. Further, a face can be automatically registered on an address book at a receiving end. In this case, a similar face can be updated by the latest face. |
| US08675926B2 |
Distinguishing live faces from flat surfaces
Multiple images including a face presented by a user are accessed. One or more determinations are made based on the multiple images, such as a determination of whether the face included in the multiple images is a 3-dimensional structure or a flat surface and/or a determination of whether motion is present in one or more face components (e.g., eyes or mouth). If it is determined that the face included in the multiple images is a 3-dimensional structure or that that motion is present in the one or more face components, then an indication is provided that the user can be authenticated. However, if it is determined that the face included in the multiple images is a flat surface or that motion is not present in the one or more face components, then an indication is provided that the user cannot be authenticated. |
| US08675923B2 |
Providing feedback about an image of a financial document
A technique for providing feedback about an image of a financial document to a user is described. During this feedback technique, the user provides the image of a financial document, such as W-2 form. For example, the user may take a picture of or may scan the financial document. This image may be analyzed using predefined information in a set of financial documents (such as different types of income-tax documents), and a quality metric for the image may be determined using the analysis. Moreover, the feedback, which is based on the determined quality metric, may be provided to the user. For example, the user may be instructed to retake the image, and the instructions may include an image of the desired orientation and content. In this way, the user may be advised as to how to improve the quality metric in the revised image. |
| US08675920B2 |
Fall detection and reporting technology
Fall detection and reporting technology, in which output from at least one sensor configured to sense, in a room of a building, activity associated with a patient falling is monitored and a determination is made to capture one or more images of the room based on the monitoring. An image of the room is captured with a camera positioned to include the patient within a field of view of the camera and the captured image of the room is analyzed to detect a state of the patient at a time of capturing the image. A potential fall event for the patient is determined based on the detected state of the patient and a message indicating the potential fall event for the patient is sent based on the determination of the potential fall event for the patient. Techniques are also described for fall detection and reporting using an on-body sensing device. |
| US08675919B2 |
Method for quantifying the number of free fibers emanating from a surface
The present disclosure provides a method for counting the number of fibers emanating from the surface of a web substrate. |
| US08675915B2 |
System for tracking user manipulations within an environment
Systems, methods and for analyzing game control input data are disclosed. A machine-readable medium having embodied thereon instructions for analyzing game control input data is also disclosed. |
| US08675913B2 |
Gesture recognition method and interactive system using the same
A gesture recognition method for an interactive system includes the steps of: capturing image windows with an image sensor; obtaining information of object images associated with at least one pointer in the image windows; calculating a position coordinate of the pointer relative to the interactive system according to the position of the object images in the image windows when a single pointer is identified according to the information of object images; and performing gesture recognition according to a relation between the object images in the image window when a plurality of pointers are identified according to the information of object images. The present invention further provides an interactive system. |
| US08675909B2 |
Traffic signal connected digital electronic display and method of controlling the same
A digital electronic display connected to a traffic signal and a method of controlling the digital electronic display are provided. The digital electronic display includes a communication unit configured to receive content including content segments and metadata, a display screen, and a processor. The processor is configured to monitor the traffic signal to determine when, and the duration during which, a red light and a green light of the traffic signal is illuminated, present a content segment on the display screen corresponding to the red light based on the metadata and substantially for the entire duration when the red light is illuminated, and control the display screen to operate in a low-power state substantially for the entire duration when the green light is illuminated. |
| US08675907B2 |
Vehicle audio system having door mounted speaker support
A vehicle audio system comprises a loud-speaker, a door assembly including a rigid inner panel and an outer panel joined to the inner panel along a front edge, a rear edge, and a bottom edge. A speaker support defined by a highly rigid panel is configured to receive and support the loud speaker in a speaker mounting opening. The speaker support comprises three sides having mounting points located at each corner such that the speaker support and loud speaker supported thereby, contacts the door assembly at a rigid front edge portion, a rigid bottom edge portion and a front corner defined by the intersection of the two. |
| US08675899B2 |
Front surround system and method for processing signal using speaker array
A front surround sound reproduction system which improves the performance of beam steering by using a speaker array arranged geometrically on two or more planes or on one curved surface, and a signal reproducing method of the system. The audio reproduction apparatus to reproduce a multi-channel audio signal by using a plurality of speakers includes a signal distribution unit to duplicate a multi-channel audio signal and to distribute the duplicated signals as one or more groups of multi-channel signals corresponding to one or more speaker array groups, a steering processing unit to form sound beams with steering angles predetermined in relation to each speaker array group, from the groups of multi-channel signals distributed by the signal distribution unit, and a speaker array unit having one or more speaker array groups to reproduce the sound beams of each group formed by the steering processing unit, in the speaker array group. |
| US08675897B2 |
Ear-muff type headset for two-way communication
It is an object of the invention to provide a headset for performing simultaneous two-way communication or alternate two-way communication, which has excellent sound insulating properties such that external noise is not possibly mixed even when used under high noise conditions. A pair of bowl-shaped housings 1 each having an annular pad 2 attached to the rim of an opening portion are connected together through a headband 3, an acoustic speaker 5 supported by a buffer material 4 is arranged in at least one of the housings 1, and a bone conduction microphone 6 supported by the buffer material 4 such that the distal end is brought into abutment against the ear or the portion around the ear when a user wears the headset is arranged in at least one of the housings 1. |
| US08675895B2 |
Microphone assembly with integrated self-test circuitry
The present invention relates to a condenser microphone assembly comprising an electro-acoustic transducer element comprising a diaphragm and a back plate, signal processing circuitry operatively connected to the transducer element so as to process signals generated by the transducer element, and a mode-setting circuitry for selectively setting the condenser microphone assembly in a test mode or an operational mode. The electro-acoustic sensitivity of the condenser microphone assembly, when operated in the test mode, is at least 40 dB lower than the corresponding electro-acoustic sensitivity of the assembly when operated in the operational mode. The present invention further relates to a method for determining a performance parameter of a signal processing circuitry mounted inside a housing of an assembled condenser microphone assembly. |
| US08675891B2 |
Power supply unit with noise reduction capability
Embodiments of the present invention provide a power supply unit capable of achieving noise reduction while maintaining efficiency under the light load state. A FET driver controls switching elements in either one of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) mode, an intermittent mode having a lower operating frequency than that in the PWM mode, and a noise-free mode having a higher operating frequency than an audible frequency range. The FET driver operates first in the intermittent mode under the light load state. A microphone collects noise generated from the surroundings of a power supply unit. When the level of an audio signal collected by the microphone exceeds a predetermined level, the FET driver transitions from the intermittent mode to the noise-free mode. In accordance with such an embodiment, the FET driver operates in the noise-free mode only when noise is actually generated. |
| US08675888B2 |
Car audio
Provided is a car audio, in which a holding unit where a portable media device is held is inserted in an insertion space formed through the font of a car audio body and the holding unit is drawn out by opening and closing the insertion space with a front panel unit. Therefore, it is possible to hold and use a portable media device in a vehicle and the holding unit is stored in the insertion space when the portable media device is not used. |
| US08675887B2 |
Wireless illuminative speaker system and wireless illuminative speaker thereof
A wireless illuminative speaker system, comprising a wireless transmitter comprising a transmitter body, a wireless transmit module, a main board printed board circuit assembly (PCBA), and a support, and at least one wireless illuminative receiving speaker comprising a speaker body, an illuminating part, a speaker part, and a wireless receiving module. The wireless transmitter operates to obtain audio data from an external electronic device and to transmit the audio data in the form of wireless audio digital signals, the wireless transmit module is disposed in the transmitter body, the main board PCBA operates to control the wireless transmit module, the support operates to mount an audio playing device thereon, the wireless illuminative receiving speaker operates to receive the wireless audio digital signals from the wireless transmitter and to plays the received wireless audio digital signals after digital-to-analog conversion, and the illuminating part is disposed in the speaker body. |
| US08675886B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a splitter in a notification system
The present invention relates to an apparatus and concomitant method for providing a splitter in a notification system. More specifically, the present invention provides a splitter, e.g., between an audio power booster and at least one notification appliance in a supervised emergency voice evacuation system. |
| US08675885B2 |
Adjusting noise reduction in headphones
A headset includes first and second earcups each having a front opening adapted to be adjacent to a respective ear of a user and including an electroacoustic transducer, a headband coupled to each of the earcups, and an active noise reduction circuit coupled to the electroacoustic transducers. The headband is configurable between at least two configurations that each press the earcups against the head of the user with different amounts of force. The active noise reduction circuit is configured to determine which of the at least two configurations the headband may be configured in, to provide a different amount of noise reduction when the headband may be configured in each of the different amounts of force, and to automatically transition between the different amounts of noise reduction in response to a change in the configuration of the headband between the at least two configurations. |
| US08675881B2 |
Estimation of synthetic audio prototypes
An approach to forming output signals both permits flexible and temporally and/or frequency local processing of input signals while limiting or mitigating artifacts in such output signals. Generally, the approach involves first synthesizing prototype signals for the output signals, or equivalently characterizing such prototypes, for example, according to their statistical characteristics, and then forming the output signals as estimates of the prototype signals, for example, as weighted combinations of the input signals. |
| US08675877B2 |
Sharing a secret via linear interpolation
A method and system distributes shares of a secret among cooperating entities using linear interpolation. In one embodiment, a linear equation is formed using the secret and random elements. The linear equation represents a K-dimensional secret hyperplane, where K is the number of shares to reconstruct the secret. Shares of the secrets are created, with each share containing a point on the secret hyperplane. The shares are then distributed to cooperating entities for secret sharing. |
| US08675874B2 |
Apparatus for performing data compression processing using algebraic torus
A compressing unit compresses an element on an algebraic torus into affine representation according to a compression map. A determining unit determines whether a target element on the algebraic torus to be compressed is an exceptional point representing an element on the algebraic torus that cannot be compressed by the compression map. The compressing unit generates, when it is determined that the target element is the exceptional point, a processing result including exceptional information indicating that the target element is the exceptional point, and generates, when it is determined that the target element is not the exceptional point, a processing result including affine representation obtained by compressing the target element according to the compression map. |
| US08675872B2 |
Secure content distribution apparatus, systems, and methods
Various embodiments facilitate program content access management. One embodiment is a system with a secure content provider communicatively coupled to a first system and a second system, operable to stream encrypted content over the first system, and operable to communicate access control information over the second system; and a receiving device coupled to the first system and the second system, operable to receive the encrypted program content from the first system, operable to receive the access control information over the second system such that the encrypted program content is decrypted based on the access control information to generate program content, and operable to communicate the program content to a presentation device. |
| US08675871B2 |
Protecting a control vector in an optional block of a standard key block
A computer program product is provided and includes a tangible storage medium readable by a processing circuit and on which instructions are stored for execution by the processing circuit for validating parameters passed to a parameter database, computing a length required for control vector CV data, preparing an optional block in accordance with a result of the computation, converting the CV to a format for a standardized key block while copying the converted CV into the optional block and updating optional block data in the standardized key block. |
| US08675870B2 |
Encryption apparatus
There is provided an encryption apparatus including an idle data inserting unit that takes input of a frame including a fixed-length header and a variable-length payload and an encrypting unit that receives an output of the idle data inserting unit. If the length of a block to be processed, included in the payload, is less than a predetermined value, the idle data inserting unit appends idle data following the block and transmits the frame including the block padded with the idle data to the encrypting unit. |
| US08675867B2 |
Key generation algorithm using secret polynomial over finite ring and transformation
Provided is an information processing apparatus for realizing an electronic signature system of the MPKC signature method capable of safety certification with respect to chosen-message attack. An information processing apparatus including a first inverse transformation unit that transforms an element y of a finite ring Kn containing elements constituted of n numbers into an element y′ of the finite ring Kn by an inverse transformation T−1 of a first secret polynomial T, an element computation unit that considers the element y′ of the finite ring Kn obtained here as an element Y of an n-order extension A of a finite ring K and computes an element Xε{Z|f(Z)=Y} of an inverse image of mapping f: A→A represented by a predetermined multivariable polynomial by using the element Y, an element selection unit that selects one element X of the inverse image with a probability p proportional to a number of elements α of the inverse image and outputs an exception value with a probability (1-p), and a second inverse transformation unit that considers the element X selected here as an element x′ of the finite ring Kn and transforms the element x′ of the finite ring Kn into an element x of the finite ring Kn by an inverse transformation S−1 of a second secret polynomial S is provided. |
| US08675864B2 |
Apparatus for encrypting data
An apparatus for encrypting data is provided. The apparatus is capable of symmetrically encrypting data and then encrypting the symmetrically encrypted data with the aid of a bit string. The bit string has a maximum entropy. Encryption of the symmetrically encrypted data is designed such that a section of the bit string is used for encryption and successive encryption operations are carried out with varying sections of the bit string while the bit string remains unchanged. |
| US08675855B2 |
Call authorizatin for pay-per-call services
A VoIP-enabled communications system includes IVR authentication for web initiated telephone calls. A web-based user initiates a telephone call by providing his telephone number and one or more target telephone numbers. In some embodiments, the target telephone number is identified by clicking on a call hyperlink. The system calls the user's telephone number and plays an IVR recording that asks the user to accept or reject the proposed connection to the target telephone number. If the user rejects, then he may be subject to being added to a Do Not Call list. If the user accepts, then the target number is called, and the connection bridged. Alternatively, if the user accepts, then the target number is called, and an IVR recording played. If the target also accepts, then the system bridges the telephone numbers and connects the call. Additional features may also be provided through the IVR recordings, for example, adding or removing numbers from the Do Not Call list. |
| US08675854B2 |
Multi-modal communications with conferencing and clients
A system and method for merging multi-modal communications are disclosed. The multi-modal communications can be synchronous, asynchronous and semi-synchronous. By way of a non-limiting example, at least two devices operating with varied modalities can be connected to a conferencing appliance. The conferencing appliance can integrate the differing modalities from the at least two devices by executing at least one of turn taking, conference identification, participant identification, ordering of interjections, modulation of meaning, expectation of shared awareness, floor domination and combination thereof. |
| US08675853B1 |
System, method, and computer-readable medium for diagnosing a conference call
A system, method, and computer readable medium that facilitate diagnosing a conference call are provided. A tap is deployed at the ingress side and the egress side of one or more processing systems that handle each leg of a conference. When a conference is disrupted by noise, loss, or the like, an operator may initiate a command to systemically record each leg of the conference for a predetermined period of time. Each leg may then be analyzed to determine if it is the source of the disruption. |
| US08675843B2 |
Charging data record generating node
1. A Charging Data Record, CDR, generating node (110) for a cellular access system (100), the CDR generating node (110) being characterized in that it is arranged to generate CDRs for Internet Protocol version 6, IPv6, traffic in the CDR format for IPv4 traffic instead of in the CDR format for Iv6 traffic, the Charging Data Record generating node being arranged to generate IPv4 CDRs for IPv6 traffic instead of IPv6 CDRs by means of changing the Information Element “pdpType” or the Information Element “pdpPDNType” from F157H to F121H, and by means of changing the Information Element “served PDPaddress” or the Information Element “served PDPPDN Address” from an IPv6 format to an IPv4 format |
| US08675836B2 |
System for establishing publicly accessible telephone numbers and methods thereof
This application relates to providing an end user control of temporary numbers established and linked to a trusted phone number using traditional forwarding mechanisms. Temporary phone numbers can be created and assigned to individuals to provide them with a unique point of contact. The temporary numbers are then linked to the individual's private number. The temporary numbers can be shared with individuals and organizations with whom the individual has an interest in communicating with. However, these numbers will often find their way into the hands of third parties with whom the individual has no interest in talking with. When the user simply no longer feels that the numbers are being properly used, the user can remove the temporary numbers linked with their private number so no further calls can be made and routed to their private number. The temporary numbers can be used to uniquely identify the calling party. |
| US08675835B2 |
Interactive property communication system
Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for interactive property communication. In various embodiments, an interactive property communication system includes two or more property communication nodes (PCNs) each adapted for coupling to an electrical service. PCNs include a radio transceiver for communications with a broker service adapted for controlling communications with one or more PCNs. |
| US08675834B2 |
System and apparatus for managing calls
A system and apparatus for managing calls to voice mail is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a voicemail system having a controller element that receives a call redirected away from a targeted communication device without providing the targeted communication device notice of the call responsive to a voicemail redirection request supplied by signaling information associated with the call. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08675832B2 |
System and method for unified messaging in inter/intranet telephony
A network telephony system is provided which enables unified messaging services. The system generally includes at least one user agent operatively coupled to a data network and a signalling server operatively coupled to the data network. The user agents are telephony endpoints, such as standalone Internet telephony appliances or personal computers with appropriate telephony software. A messaging server is provided which is operatively coupled to the data network and is responsive to the signaling server. The system also includes a media server which is operatively coupled to the network and includes computer data storage media for storing message files. The media server is responsive to the messaging server and, on occurrence of a message condition, is directly accessible to a calling party to store a message file for subsequent retrieval by a called party. |
| US08675824B1 |
Systems and methods for secure recording in a customer center environment
Systems and methods for secure recording in a customer center environment are provided. The system receives data related to a communication at a media distribution device. A key is provided by a key server to the media distribution device to encrypt the received data. In addition, an identifier may be associated with the received data. The key and the identifier are stored in a database associated with the key server. The encrypted data is recorded the a recorder, where it is accessible to authorized users within the customer center. Upon request, the key is provided to the authorized user to decrypt the encrypted data for play back. The customer center environment may include a user interface for viewing customer contacts. The contact may be organized into folders and annotations associated with the customer contacts may be received. |
| US08675816B2 |
X-ray spectrometer
The invention relates to X-ray spectral analysis and can be used for control of radiation spectra of X-ray generators as well as for analysis of elemental chemical composition and atomic structure of the specimens by measuring their absorption spectra. The X-ray spectrometer comprises at least one dispersing prism element, means of translation of the dispersing element relative to an X-ray beam, a refracted radiation detector and measuring tools for angle positioning of the dispersing element and the refracted radiation detector. The main distinction of the claimed spectrometer is that it contains an additional radiation detector, means to install it downstream the radiation reflected from the refracting surface of the dispersing element and measuring tools for its angle position in relation to the primary X-ray beam. The dispersing element is made of diamond, or beryllium, lithium hydride or boron carbide. The claimed spectrometer scheme provides a multiple increase of spectral measurements accuracy within the energy range up to 100 keV and possibility of pulse spectra calibration. |
| US08675810B2 |
Programmable low power multi-modulus divider with 50/50 duty cycle
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a modular high performance low power divider with 50/50 duty cycle output. The modularity offers custom dividers to be quickly developed while maintaining minimum power usage. A multi-modulus divider (MMD) receives an input signal and outputs an MMD output signal. The MMD includes a chain of modulus divider stages in such a way as to generate any divide value from 1 to 2(n+1)−1 (n is the number of cascaded elements) while maintaining a 50/50 duty cycle output. Power can be dramatically reduced as the frequency of each subsequent element is halved. The modular nature allows rapid development of any dividers simply by adding more elements to the chain. |
| US08675809B2 |
Nuclear fuel cladding having an exterior comprising burnable poison in contact with aqueous reactor coolant
An article made by applying a burnable poison onto the cladding of a nuclear fuel rod, which involves providing a nuclear fuel rod and at least one application device, rotating the nuclear fuel rod, optionally removing one or more oxides and/or surface deposits on the outer surface of the nuclear fuel rod by spraying an abrasive material onto the nuclear fuel rod via the application device while adjusting the position of the application device in relation to the nuclear fuel rod, and applying burnable poison particles onto the outer surface of the nuclear fuel rod by spraying the burnable poison onto the nuclear fuel rod via the application device while adjusting the position of the application device in relation to the nuclear fuel rod, where the burnable poison particles are applied at a velocity sufficient to cause adhesion to the outer surface of the cladding. |
| US08675801B2 |
Clock generating circuit, transceiver and related method
A clock generating circuit includes: a phase detector for detecting a phase difference between an input clock and a reference clock to generate a control signal corresponding to the phase difference; a controllable oscillator for generating a plurality of output clocks according to the control signal, wherein the plurality of output clocks correspond to an oscillating frequency and correspond to a plurality of different phases respectively; a phase selector for selecting an output clock as a feedback clock from the plurality of output clocks according to a phase select signal; a feedback circuit for generating the input clock according to the feedback clock; and a phase difference comparator for comparing the plurality of phases corresponding to the plurality of output clocks respectively with a data phase of a data signal to generate a compared result, and generating the phase select signal according to the compared result. |
| US08675800B2 |
Synchronizing circuit, synchronizing method, and receiving system
Disclosed herein is a synchronizing circuit including: a first PLL circuit; a second PLL circuit; a first output circuit; a second output circuit; a first detection circuit; a second detection circuit; a control circuit; and a holding section. |
| US08675794B1 |
Efficient estimation of feedback for modulation and coding scheme (MCS) selection
A method includes receiving reference signals in a mobile communication terminal, which is designed to receive data-carrying signals that are transmitted from a base station using one of multiple predefined Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCSs). One or more pre-calculated mappings between Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and error rate for one or more of the MCSs are held in the communication terminal. The pre-calculated mappings are adjusted according to one or more transmission parameters of the data-carrying signals. Measures indicative of respective actual spectral efficiencies that are achievable by the MCSs are estimated based on the adjusted mappings using the received reference signals. A preferred MCS is selected based on the estimated measures, and feedback that is indicative of the preferred MCS is sent to the base station. |
| US08675787B2 |
Circuit for detecting a predetermined symbol in a digital data stream and associated method
A circuit for detecting a predetermined symbol of a digital data stream includes a frequency shifter, a correlator, a filter and a decision unit. The frequency shifter performs inverse-frequency shifting upon a first data to generate a first frequency-shifted data. The correlator calculates correlation upon the first frequency-shifted data and a second data to generate a correlated data. The filter, coupled to the correlator, filters and the correlated data to generate a filtered correlated data according to a time-domain windowing length. The decision unit, coupled to the filter, determines the predetermined symbol from the digital data stream according to the filtered correlated data. |
| US08675783B1 |
Low complexity distance metrics for maximum likelihood receivers
Systems and methods are provided for determining a data value for a bit of interest in a received data signal. A closest 0-bit symbol candidate is selected from a plurality of 0-bit symbol candidates using a symbol selection distance approximation. A closest 1-bit symbol candidate is selected from a plurality of 1-bit symbol candidates using the symbol selection distance approximation. A 0-bit distance between the received data signal and the selected 0-bit symbol candidate is determined, and a 1-bit distance between the received data signal and the selected 1-bit symbol candidate is determined. A log likelihood ratio is calculated for the bit of interest using the determined 0-bit distance and the determined 1-bit distance. |
| US08675774B2 |
Constellation rearrangement for transmit diversity schemes
A method of transmitting data in a wireless communication system from a transmitter to a receiver, including the steps of modulating data at the transmitter using a first signal constellation pattern to obtain a first data symbol. The first data symbol is transmitted to the receiver using a first diversity branch. Further, the data is modulated at the transmitter using a second signal constellation pattern to obtain a second data symbol. Then, the second data symbol is transmitted to the receiver over a second diversity path. Finally, the received first and second data symbols are diversity combined at the receiver. A transmitter and a receiver are embodied to carry out the method above. |
| US08675766B2 |
Wireless communication system using pilot subcarrier allocation
A method of transmitting pilot signals by a transmitter in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme includes allocating pilot subcarrier locations within a resource block including OFDM symbols in a time domain and subcarriers in a frequency domain based on variables of ‘18k’, ‘9mi’ and ‘floor (ns/2)’, wherein ‘k’ indicates a subchannel index, ‘ns’ indicates a symbol index, ‘mi’ corresponds to ‘(ns+i)mod 2’, ‘i’ indicates an antenna index, wherein ‘floor (n)’ denotes a greatest integer that is not greater than ‘n’; and transmitting the pilot signals to a receiver based on the allocated pilot subcarrier locations. |
| US08675764B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating a precoding matrix codebook group
A method and an apparatus for generating a precoding matrix codebook group are provided by the present invention. The method includes: a step for generating a channel matrix set; a step for generating a performance parameter matrix; and a step for generating a precoding matrix codebook group: based on the generated performance parameter matrix, according to contribution of every precoding matrix to the performance parameter of the communication system, ranking the precoding matrices in precoding matrix universal set, so as to achieve an ordered precoding matrix universal set as the precoding matrix codebook group. A method for assigning a precoding matrix for a multi-antenna communication system, a method for transmitting data for a multi-antenna communication system, a base station and a mobile station thereof are provided by the present invention. |
| US08675761B2 |
Allocating antennas for cyclic delay diversity transmission
Methods and apparatus of allocating antennas for cyclic delay diversity (CDD) transmission are disclosed. One method includes estimating a transmission channel of a transceiver having a plurality of antennas. A subset of a plurality of transceiver antennas is selected based on the estimated transmission channel. A single transceiver antenna of the subset is identified based on a channel quality of a transmission path of the single transceiver antenna. Cyclic delay diversity (CDD) signals are transmitted from the subset of the plurality of antennas, wherein a minimally delayed CDD signal is transmitted from the identified single transceiver antenna of the subset of the plurality of transceiver antennas. |
| US08675757B2 |
Digital television transmitting/receiving system and method of processing digital broadcast data in digital television transmitting/receiving system
A digital television (DTV) transmitting/receiving system and a method of processing digital broadcast data in the DTV transmitting/receiving system are disclosed. The DTV transmitting system includes a randomizer for randomizing enhanced data, an encoder for encoding each bit of the randomized enhanced data at a coding rate of ½ in order to output data symbols, a symbol to byte converter for converting the data symbols to data bytes, a deinterleaver for deinterleaving the data bytes, a Reed-Solomon (RS) encoder for RS-coding enhanced data packets including the deinterleaved data bytes to add RS parity data, a data interleaver for interleaving data of the RS-coded enhanced data packets, a trellis encoder for trellis coding the interleaved data at a coding rate of ⅔, and a transmitting unit for transmitting a digital broadcast signal including the trellis-encoded data. |
| US08675755B1 |
Method and apparatus for jointly decoding independently encoded signals
A received signal includes a plurality of user signals, the plurality of user signals including at least a first user signal and a second user signal. The first user signal corresponds to first user data that has been modulated independently of second user data corresponding to the second user signal. At least one of the first user signal or the second user signal is encoded with a finite state machine encoder independently of the other of the first user signal and the second user signal. The received signal is demodulated, wherein demodulating the received signal includes calculating distances between (i) each transmit symbol in the received signal and (ii) expected symbol values, wherein each expected symbol value corresponds to user data for multiple users including the first user and the second user. User data in the received signal including the first user data and the second user data is decoded based on the calculated distances. |
| US08675753B2 |
Symbol synchronization for communication
A communication system and method is disclosed that performs symbol boundary synchronization by generating a symbol alignment estimate from a partial signal correlation; and then refining the symbol alignment estimate via a carrier phase calculation. To generate the symbol alignment estimate, two methods are disclosed. After an estimate is determined, an embodiment provides for refining the symbol alignment estimate via a carrier phase calculation by determining a carrier phase of two adjacent carriers, determining a phase error as directly proportional to an offset from the start of a symbol, determining a phase difference contribution due to a communication channel and device hardware, and counter-rotating the determined carrier phase by an angle of a constellation point at a transmitter. |
| US08675749B2 |
Channel estimation in OFDM transmission system and method
A system and method is provided for estimating the channel in OFDM transmission with inter-carrier interference (ICI). A channel in a data subcarrier in a subchannel shared between pilot subcarriers and data subcarriers can be estimated by performing interpolation based on estimated channels in pilot subcarriers in the same OFDM symbol as the subcarrier, such as through spline interpolation. A second estimate of the channel in the subcarrier can be produced by averaging an estimate of the channel in a subcarrier in the subchannel in a previous OFDM symbol and an estimate of the channel in a subcarrier in the subchannel in a succeeding OFDM symbol. A third estimate of the channel in the subcarrier can be produced through a linear combination of the first estimate and the second estimate. The channel in data subcarriers can be estimated through a weighted sum of the channel in nearest subcarriers. |
| US08675748B2 |
Systems and methods for intra communication system information transfer
Systems and methods which provide for reduced intra communication system information transfer by providing a compressed representation of a portion of intra communication system information are shown. An embodiment operates to provide intra communication system transfer of uncompressed received information while providing intra communication system transfer of a compressed representation of information ancillary to the received information. According to embodiments, ancillary information, such as CSI, associated with other transferred information is transferred with reduced data throughput requirements through application of compression techniques with respect to the transferred ancillary information. Embodiments additionally or alternatively reduce the intra communication system information transferred by reducing the received information transferred. |
| US08675746B2 |
Distance estimation
A method, comprising: periodically enabling reception of a signal at a receiver, every first time; transforming the received signal in order to determine data in the received signal; comparing the determined data with reference data; and using the difference between the determined data and the reference data to estimate a correction to a multiple of the first time in order to determine a distance between the receiver and an origin of the signal. |
| US08675744B1 |
Channel tracking in an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing system
A receiver determines phase and frequency information from data signals that carry information from a transmitter to a receiver, instead of or in addition to, information from control signals. In a specific embodiment, the information is obtained from data signals modulated as a binary phase-shift keying (“BPSK”) waveform by demodulation. Other phase-shift keyings might be used instead. Encoded information might be recovered in received OFDM packets by receiving OFDM subcarriers modulated with the two low data rates supported by IEEE 802.11 standard(s) wherein the subcarriers encoding the packet are modulated using binary phase shift keying and the encoding information is at a zero phase or a π (pi) phase offset on each of the subcarriers. Determining the carrier frequency might be done by calculating the square of each of subcarrier signal and/or determining the phase offset of the subcarriers even with information modulated onto the subcarriers. |
| US08675741B2 |
Method for improving image quality and display apparatus
A method of improving image quality and the display apparatus thereof are provided. The method includes generating a plurality of sub-frame images using a frame image depending on whether the frame image is a moving image or a still image and displaying the plurality of sub-frame images sequentially for a frame time interval of the frame image. By generating the plurality of sub-frame image which have different pixel values each other and displaying the plurality of sub-frame image sequentially, the sticking phenomenon may be prevented and a life time of the display apparatus may be extended. |
| US08675733B2 |
Polymorphic codec system and method
An input module obtains a media signal to be communicated to a destination system, after which an identification module identifies a plurality of segments within the media signal. A codec includes a selection module that automatically selects different compression methods to respectively compress at least two of the segments. The compression methods are automatically selected to produce a highest compression quality for the respective segments according to a set of criteria without exceeding a target data rate. A compression module within the codec then compresses the segments using the automatically-selected compression methods, after which an output module delivers the compressed segments to the destination system with an indication of which compression method was used to compress each segment. |
| US08675731B2 |
Encoder and method
An encoder is operable to encode input data to generate corresponding encoded output data. The encoder includes data processing hardware. The encoder compresses content associated with blocks or packets, so that the encoded output data is smaller in size than the input data. |
| US08675726B2 |
Method and encoder for constrained soft-decision quantization in data compression
A method of encoding a video using constrained soft-decision quantization. The soft-decision quantization includes first performing hard-decision quantization to obtain hard quantized coefficients and, then, obtaining a soft quantized coefficient using a rate-distortion calculation over a search range of quantization levels for a transform domain coefficient, wherein the search range of quantization levels for that transform domain coefficient is constrained within a number of quantization levels of a corresponding hard quantized coefficient. The search range may be based upon a fixed threshold, the coefficient position, the hard quantized coefficient magnitude, a threshold value less accumulated distortion, or other factors, including combinations of these factors. The accumulated distortion may be measured by an L1 norm. |
| US08675717B1 |
Rate selection in a communication system
In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for adapting data rate. The method includes receiving a data transmission at a data rate, identifying a first quantity of packets that were not adequately received, and using the first quantity to increase a packet loss level. A second quantity of improper bits in those packets that were adequately received at the data rate are identified, and the second quantity is used to increase a bit error level. As a result of having determined that the first value does not satisfy a first criterion for reducing the rate of the data transmission and that the second value does satisfy a second criterion for increasing the rate of the data transmission, an instruction is sent for causing the sending device to increase the rate of the data transmission. |
| US08675711B1 |
System and methods for dynamic spread spectrum usage
A transmitter transmits a signal to a receiver using spread spectrum signals. The transmitter generates a respective signal. The transmitter separates the respective signal into multiple predefined portions, wherein each predefined portion is below a noise floor. The transmitter transmits at least a plurality of the predefined portions of the respective signal at discrete bandwidth intervals in accordance with a spread spectrum signal splitting technique. The discrete bandwidth intervals are portions of spectrum that are available for transmission. The receiver receives at least a plurality of the multiple predefined portions of the respective signal at the discrete bandwidth intervals. The receiver reconstructs the respective signal using at least a plurality of the predefined portions in accordance with the spread spectrum signal splitting technique. |
| US08675706B2 |
Optical illuminator
Illuminator module comprising VCSEL arrays with planar electrical contacts, readily adaptable for surface mounting, is provided. Monolithic VCSEL arrays are configured in array patterns on two and three-dimensional surfaces. Illuminator modules are easily expandable by increasing the array size or by modularly arranging more arrays with or without a transparent substrate. Different shapes of illuminator modules may be configured by tiling array modules monolithically on a common substrate, or by tiling small modules. The surface mountable illuminator modules are easily assembled on a thermally conductive surface that may be air or liquid cooled for efficient heat dissipation. Array modules may be integrated with other electronic circuits such as current drivers, sensors, controllers, processors, etc. on a common platform, for example, a single or multiple layer printed circuit boards (PCB) to assemble illumination systems for different applications including a gesture recognition apparatus and a battery operated portable illuminator devices. |
| US08675702B2 |
Laser module
A laser module LM is provided with a quantum cascade laser 1, a tubular member 5, and an infrared detector 7. The tubular member 5 has a pair of opening ends 5a, 5b and is arranged so that one opening end 5a is opposed to a face 1b opposed to an emitting end face 1a of the quantum cascade laser 1. The infrared detector 7 is arranged so as to be opposed to the other opening end 5b of the tubular member 5. Light emitted from the face (rear end face) 1b opposed to the emitting end face (front end face) 1a of the quantum cascade laser 1 is guided inside the tubular member 5 to enter the infrared detector 7, and then is detected. |
| US08675701B2 |
Opto-isolator including a vertical cavity surface emitting laser
The present invention relates to opto-isolators. Opto-isolators are disclosed that include a transmitter package and a vertical VCSEL disposed within the transmitter package. The opto-isolators further include a receiver package and a photodetector disposed within the receiver package. The photodetector is optically coupled to the VCSEL and configured to receive an output optical signal generated by the VCSEL. The opto-isolators further include an alignment package configured to receive the transmitter package and the receiver package. In another embodiment, opto-isolators include a VCSEL and a photodetector optically coupled to the VCSEL and configured to receive an output optical signal generated by the VCSEL. The opto-isolators further include a package enclosing both the VCSEL and the photodetector. |
| US08675690B2 |
Low latency and self-adjusting frame synchronization algorithm for data streaming applications
A method for synchronizing frames when a frame synchronization pattern is lost is provided. The method includes forcing a frame state machine to an operate mode following an initial synchronization, searching for the frame synchronization pattern on a bit level while running the frame state machine in the operate mode, and correcting for synchronization on the bit level while running the frame state machine in the operate mode when synchronization is lost. The initial synchronization includes a search mode. |
| US08675687B2 |
Cross-scope synchronization of data item knowledge and corresponding metadata
The subject disclosure relates to cross scope synchronization among different sets of nodes that synchronize the same data item(s) according to different synchronization scopes. In one aspect, create and update versions are defined for a scope in which a data item was created and updated, respectively, and create and update versions are defined for a local node shared for different groups of nodes synchronizing according to the different synchronization scopes (e.g., a server node). |
| US08675686B2 |
Techniques for time transfer via signal encoding
Techniques for time transfer via signal encoding are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for time transfer via signal encoding comprising generating a time service ordered-set for inclusion in a physical coding sublayer frame of a physical layer device, generating time service data for inclusion in the physical coding sublayer frame of the physical layer device, and transmitting the physical coding sublayer frame. |
| US08675685B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting data
A semiconductor device comprising interface logic for transmitting data bursts across an interface. The interface logic is arranged to transmit bursts of data across the interface such that the start of a burst of data is substantially aligned with a symbol interval (SI) boundary. The interface logic is further arranged to apply an offset to the SI boundary at the start of the burst of data. |
| US08675683B2 |
Implementing end-to-end credit management for enhanced large packet reassembly
A method and circuit for implementing end-to-end credit management for enhanced large packet reassembly in an interconnect system, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. A transport layer provides buffering and credit control for a super packet received from a source device. A source transport layer sends an End-to-End (ETE) credit request message to a destination transport layer for an outstanding super packet transmission to a destination device. The destination transport layer grants credit to allow at least one source to send a super packet to the destination. The source transport layer fragments the super packet into multiple packets and sends all packets of the super packet only responsive to the credit request being granted by the destination transport layer that is needed to send all packets of the super packet. |
| US08675680B2 |
Jurisdiction based parameter setting for wireless transceivers
Low cost semiconductor manufacturing techniques have provided consumers with a wide range of electronic devices supporting communications according to multiple standards. These electronic devices will be deployed within many operational jurisdictions, particularly with roaming features, such as Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America and North America. However, operational compliance requirements can vary substantially with these different jurisdictions. Current electronic devices are designed, manufactured, calibrated and operated according to a specification providing compliance with broad range of operational jurisdictions despite the performance limitations this applies in many of the operational jurisdictions. Accordingly, there is provided a method of dynamically configuring the electronic device based upon a geographically based determination of the operational jurisdiction from global navigation systems data received by the electronic device. Based upon the determined operational jurisdiction, the operational parameters of a device's communication interfaces are adjusted for improving performance and efficiency of the device within these jurisdictions. |
| US08675674B2 |
Systems and methods for queue level SSL card mapping to multi-core packet engine
The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for distributed operation of a plurality of cryptographic cards in a multi-core system. In various embodiments, a plurality of cryptographic cards providing encryption/decryption resources are assigned to a plurality of packet processing engines in operation on a multi-core processing system. One or more cryptographic cards can be configured with a plurality of hardware or software queues. The plurality of queues can be assigned to plural packet processing engines so that the plural packet processing engines share cryptographic services of a cryptographic card having multiple queues. In some embodiments, all cryptographic cards are configured with multiple queues which are assigned to the plurality of packet processing engines configured for encryption operation. |
| US08675673B2 |
Forwarding cells of partitioned data through a three-stage Clos-network packet switch with memory at each stage
Examples are disclosed for forwarding cells of partitioned data through a three-stage memory-memory-memory (MMM) input-queued Clos-network (IQC) packet switch. In some examples, each module of the three-stage MMM IQC packet switch includes a virtual queue and a manager that are configured in cooperation with one another to forward a cell from among cells of partitioned data through at least a portion of the switch. The cells of partitioned data may have been partitioned and stored at an input port for the switch and have a destination of an output port for the switch. |
| US08675668B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for sharing content
Methods, systems, and products share content between a device and a media delivery device. The media delivery device includes a content sharing application stored in memory and a processor communicating with the memory. The processor sends a presence update message to indicate the media delivery device is active and available to receive content. The processor receives an invite, and the invite requests a session between the media delivery device and the device. The processor sends an accept message to accept the invitation. The processor receives the content and receives a message that terminates the session. |
| US08675661B1 |
Allocating IP version fields to increase address space
Computer systems, computer-readable media, and computerized methods for assigning network identifiers in a network are provided. A dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server is employed to allocate various fractional IP addresses that include a common IPv4 address paired with a value of an IP version field within a data packet, wherein the value is selected from a plurality of available values. In order to differentiate between fractional IP addresses that share a common IPv4 address, a particular value of the IP version field is selected by the DHCP server and assigned to a client device when that particular value is not currently or previously assigned to another client device. Upon assignment to the client device, a fractional IP address that includes the common IPv4 address together with the particular value of the IP version field uniquely identifies the client device as a destination of a data packet within the network. |
| US08675658B2 |
Using multiple IGMP queriers in a layer 2 network
Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for extending an IGMP broadcast domain (multicast domain) across a transport network without implementing IGMP snooping within the core of the transport network, yet while providing efficient transport within the core of the transport network. Techniques include dividing a single IGMP interface into multiple IGMP domains or sub-domains. A separate Querier is then elected for each IGMP domain using the single IGMP interface. Edge nodes of the transport network can be configured as the multiple IGMP Queriers, and then re-distribute sender information via a separate routing protocol. Requests can then be sent using the transport network control messaging or routing protocol instead of IGMP snoop messages to advertise multicast data streams in between the multiple IGMP domains (across the transport network). Traffic can then delivered efficiently between isolated access networks of a single Service Layer 2 Network. |
| US08675657B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method
A wireless communication apparatus transmits a packet that includes a destination address, a source address, and a frame body over a wireless network. The wireless communication apparatus computes a first calculation value for use in detecting packet falsification based on a destination address, a source address, and a frame body by using a predetermined computation method, and stores the first calculation value that is associated with the destination address. When a second packet is to be transmitted to a same destination address that is the same as the destination address stored in the storage unit, the wireless communication apparatus computes a second calculation value using the first calculation value stored in the storage unit and the frame body contained in the second packet by using the predetermined computation method. |
| US08675654B2 |
System and method for providing smart grid communications and management
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a request for a service that involves phasor measurement unit (PMU) data; identifying a service device in a network to perform the service; and multicasting one or more results of the service to a group of subscribers identified by a multicast group address. In more particular embodiments, particular PMU data is redirected to the service device via a service insertion architecture (SIA) protocol. In addition, the service can include replicating packets and masking a subset of traffic for forwarding to a first hop router of the network. In certain example instances, metadata is used in order to apply the service to certain traffic propagating in the network. |
| US08675651B2 |
Coexistence mechanism for non-compatible powerline communication devices
A powerline network may comprise powerline communication (PLC) devices of a first class of PLC devices that are incompatible with PLC devices of a second class of PLC devices. This can result in interference between communications of the first and the second classes of PLC devices. A dual mode PLC device that is compatible with the first and the second classes of PLC devices can be implemented for coexistence with both classes of PLC devices. The dual mode PLC device can determine whether the powerline network comprises a combination of PLC devices of the first and the second classes of PLC devices. One of a plurality of packet headers that is compatible with both the classes of PLC devices can be selected for transmission in response to determining that the powerline network comprises a combination of PLC devices of the first and the second classes of PLC devices. |
| US08675650B2 |
Stateful network address translation protocol implemented over a data network
A technique is disclosed for synchronizing NAT information stored on different network devices that have been configured to implement a network address translation protocol. Each of the network devices includes a respective NAT data structure configured to store NAT information. The NAT information includes at least one NAT entry relating to a network node engaged in a communication session with at least one other network node. At least one NAT entry in a first NAT data structure is modified. The first NAT data structure is associated with a first NAT network device. A first NAT transaction message is generated which includes information relating to the modifications performed on the first NAT data structure. The first NAT transaction message is transmitted to at least one other NAT network device to thereby cause that device to modify its respective NAT data structure using information from the first NAT transaction message. In this way, synchronization of NAT information stored on each of the network devices may be achieved. |
| US08675644B2 |
Enhanced virtual switch
A system and method for providing network connectivity to a host, involving creating a virtual switch on the host, specifying at least one data link attribute of the virtual switch, creating a plurality of virtual network interface cards (VNICs) on the host, associating each of the plurality of VNICs with the virtual switch, and assigning the at least one data link attribute of the virtual switch to each of the plurality of VNICs, where the virtual switch is connected to a physical network interface card (NIC) associated with the host, where each of the plurality of VNICs is associated with a different one of a plurality of execution environments, where the plurality of execution environments is located on the host, and where the plurality of VNICs is located on the host. |
| US08675638B2 |
Method and apparatus for enabling dual tone multi-frequency signal processing in the core voice over internet protocol network
The invention provides a method and apparatus for enabling DTMF signal processing in the core VoIP network. More specifically, the present invention enables a VoIP network to recognize and respond to special DTMF signals entered by a user and initiate the appropriate service logic response to satisfy the user's service request. |
| US08675636B2 |
Node in a wireless system and method for time and frequency synchronizing nodes in a wireless system
A node in a wireless system using transmit/receive slots for a communication among the nodes in the wireless system comprises a reception block configured to receive from a transmitting node in the wireless system a synchronization signal, and to derive from the synchronization signal a time offset and a frequency offset between the clock generators in the node and in the transmitting node. Further, a slot synchronization block is provided including the clock generator which is updated based on the derived time offset and the derived frequency offset. Further, a transmission block is provided for transmitting data. The slot synchronization block sets a slot start of a slot based on the derived time offset and sets a slot of a subsequent slot based on the derived frequency offset. |
| US08675635B2 |
Master terminal synchronization for mesh satellite communications
Methods, systems, and devices are described for synchronization in mesh satellite communications. The arrival time of the gateway signal may be used to set a start of receive frame time for a terminal. A received control signal from the gateway may then be used to set a start of transmit frame time for the user terminal. The distance between the satellite and the gateway may change. Ephemeris data, various collections of terminal measurements, or terminal sync bursts may be used to modify start of transmit frame or start of receive frame settings for the terminal or gateway. |
| US08675633B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus capable of avoiding collisions
A wireless communication apparatus includes: a communication module configured to wirelessly communicate with first and second counterpart communication apparatuses through a wireless channel during a period in which the wireless channel is allowed to be exclusively used, wherein the communication module multiplexes first and second data frames and transmits the first and second data frames to the first and second counterpart communication apparatuses, wherein the communication module completes receiving first and second receipt confirmation frames being respectively sent from the first and second counterpart communication apparatuses at first and second receipt completion timings, the second receipt completion timing being in synchronization with the first receipt completion timing, and wherein the communication module transmits a next first data frame and a next second data frame after elapse of a given time from the first receipt completion timing and the second receipt completion timing. |
| US08675629B2 |
Timing adjustment for extending the wireless range of a vehicle telematics unit
A system and method of extending the range of a vehicle telematics unit includes determining that a vehicle telematics unit is outside of a geographic range beyond which time division multiple access (TDMA) transmissions sent from the vehicle telematics unit to a base station arrive at the base station after a time slot allocated to the vehicle telematics unit in a time frame has passed; calculating a time delay that causes the TDMA transmissions to arrive at the base station in the allocated time slot of a subsequent time frame; and sending TDMA transmissions from the vehicle telematics unit at a time determined using the time delay. |
| US08675624B2 |
Radiation imaging system, method for radiation imaging system, and computer-readable storage medium
A radiation imaging system comprises: a radiation imaging apparatus; an entry apparatus which is associated with a radiation generator; wherein the entry apparatus is configured, in response to a request received from the radiation imaging apparatus via a close proximity wireless communication connection, to send information to the radiation imaging apparatus via the close proximity wireless communication connection for connecting the radiation imaging apparatus to a wireless LAN; wherein the close proximity wireless communication connection has a communication range shorter than that of a wireless LAN; and a control unit for controlling the radiation generator and the radiation imaging apparatus, which has connected to the wireless LAN based on the information which has been sent from the entry apparatus via the close proximity wireless communication connection. |
| US08675622B2 |
Self-configurable wireless local area network node
In a wireless local area network including an access controller (AC) and an access points (AP), the AC transmits a functionality inquiry to the AP. Upon receiving the inquiry, the AP transmits a query response including the functional capabilities of the AP. The AC then generates a map of the functional capabilities present in the network based on the inquiry response. Conflicting or redundant functional capabilities are identified and are disabled, enabled, or reconfigured by instructions from the AC. The AC may selectively enable and/or disable functional capabilities at nodes in the network to provide a more balanced load on the network, and to provide for load sharing by allocating functionalities between and among network nodes having common functional capabilities to satisfy a variety of situations encountered in the network. |
| US08675611B2 |
Transmission mode selection based on radio link quality and radio load on the air interface
It is described a method for selecting a transmission mode for a radio data transfer between a user equipment and a base station of a telecommunication network. The method includes (a) determining the quality of a radio link, which extends between the user equipment and the base station, (b) determining the radio load within the telecommunication network, and (c) selecting a transmission mode based on the quality of the radio link and on the radio load. It is further described a control device for selecting a transmission mode for a radio data transfer between a user equipment and a base station and a computer program for controlling the described transmission mode selection method. |
| US08675609B2 |
Mobile communication method, mobility management node, serving gateway apparatus, packet data network gateway apparatus, policy controller, and packet switch
A mobile communication system according to the present invention includes the steps of: causing an UE to switch a radio access network in a connection destination from E-UTRAN to UTRAN/GERAN; causing an MME to receive “Delete Bearer Request” to a voice communication packet bearer from an S-GW; and causing the MME to transmit to the S-GW a “Delete Bearer Response” to the “Delete Bearer Request”, without giving an instruction to the UE#1 or the E-UTRAN to release the voice communication packet bearer, if a core bearer disconnection flag is set in the received “Delete Bearer Request”. |
| US08675606B2 |
Cross-frequency network load balancing
A base station that supports different sectors and co-located different frequencies across the different sectors in a CDMA network having an Access Terminal includes a processing unit which determines a load imbalance on a connection in a first sector at a first frequency. The base station includes a network interface unit through which the processing unit offloads traffic from the connection in the first sector at the first frequency to a first or second sector at a second frequency. A method for sending traffic with a base station that supports different sectors and co-located different frequencies across the different sectors in a CDMA network having an Access Terminal including the steps of determining with a processing unit a load imbalance on a connection in a first sector at a first frequency. There is the step of offloading with the processing unit through network interface unit traffic from the connection in the first sector at the first frequency to a first or second sector at a second frequency. |
| US08675602B2 |
Methods for an uplink power control mechanism
A method for an uplink power control mechanism is presented. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an allocation information element (IE) in conjunction with a ranging process. The method includes processing the allocation information element to determine power control parameters including a first parameter about offset control and a second parameter about noise and interference level. The method also includes calculating the power value for each channel based at least in part on two or more power control parameters. |
| US08675595B2 |
Method for operating a communication system, coordination node in a communication system and communication system
A coordination node in a communication system, a communication system and methods for operating the communication system which allows data transmission with a guaranteed latency even when there are a relatively large number of network nodes, wherein a plurality of network nodes in the communication system are combined to form a group. The network nodes in the group are allocated a respective common address, and at least one guaranteed timeslot within a transmission frame is made available to the network nodes in the group solely for use for the data transmission by assigning it to the common address. |
| US08675590B2 |
Personal area network with automatic attachment and detachment
A network (100) includes a hub device (110) and at least one unattached peripheral device (120). The unattached peripheral device (120) transmits an attach request to the hub device (110) with a selected address, receives a new address from the hub device to identify the unattached peripheral device (120), and communicates with the hub device (110) using the new address. |
| US08675586B2 |
Systems and methods for channel tracking in OFDMA
Methods and systems for operating a base station communicating with one or more user terminals in an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system where the one or more user terminals are configured to insert pilots in up stream bursts every nth symbol on each subcarrier, where n is an integer, are provided. The method includes identifying a needed amount of up stream bandwidth to be allocated to a user terminal; determining the subcarriers and the number of symbols per subcarrier to be allocated to meet the identified need in a burst; allocating, for the user terminal, a set of subcarriers and a number of symbols for each member of the set of subcarriers, wherein sufficient symbols per subcarrier per burst are allocated to allow user terminal to send two or more pilots per subcarrier per burst; and transmitting a message to the user terminal, the message identifying the allocated subcarriers and the number of symbols allocated for each subcarrier. |
| US08675584B2 |
Method of configuring radio connection in multi-carrier system
A method of configuring a radio connection by a mobile station (MS) in a multi-carrier system includes receiving carrier aggregation information on a plurality of aggregated carriers from a base station (BS), performing a radio connection to the BS by using at least one first carrier among the plurality of aggregated carriers, and reestablishing a radio connection to the BS by using a second carrier when an error occurs in the radio connection. |
| US08675582B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for setting up radio bearer
The present invention relates to the field of wireless communications technologies and discloses a method, an apparatus, and a system for setting up a Radio Bearer (RB) in order to enable end-to-end RB setup from a User Equipment (UE) to an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a relay network system. The method includes: receiving a first RB setup message sent by an eNB; performing RB setup preprocessing according to the first RB setup message; generating a second RB setup message according to a result of the RB setup preprocessing; and sending the second RB setup message to a UE, notifying the UE to set up an RB on an access link. The present invention is mainly applicable to the relay network system. |
| US08675580B2 |
Method and apparatus for facilitating packet scheduling for a hybrid communication network
Methods, apparatus and computer program products facilitate scheduling in a hybrid communication network with mobile devices of the first type such as device-to-device (D2D) mobile terminals and second type of mobile terminals such as cellular terminals. A scheduling activity factor is calculated based at least in part on a total number of both mobile devices of the first type and second type of mobile terminals, which is sent to at least one first type of mobile terminal. After signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) information is received from the at least one first type of mobile terminal after transmission of the scheduling activity factor, the first type of mobile terminal may be scheduled separately from second type of mobile terminals, based at least in part on the SINR information which is utilized to establish a predefined or determined threshold. |
| US08675577B2 |
Signaling techniques for a multimedia-aware radio and network adaptation
An approach to enhance quality of experience (QoE) in a wireless multimedia communication system is disclosed. A signaling mechanism is provided to make application-layer parameters of a multimedia application to be accessible in one or more network interfaces including an air interface, an access network interface, and a core network interface. Also, the application-layer parameters may be included in quality of service (QoS) class definitions to make the application-layer parameters accessible at the one or more network interfaces. The signaling mechanism and inclusion of application-layer parameters into the QoS class definitions is to enable the QoE-aware link adaptation, resource allocation, joint source channel coding based cross-layer optimizations. |
| US08675574B2 |
OFDMA communication system and communication method
There is provided an OFDMA communication system capable of suppressing the communication resource reduction and reducing the processing load on a base station. The system includes a downlink frame generation unit (14) that generates a downlink frame for a downlink period for performing communication to at least one terminal (20) of a plurality of terminals from the base station (10), an uplink frame generation unit (24) that generates an uplink frame for an uplink period for performing communication to the base station (10) from at least one terminal (20) of the plurality of terminals, and a channel allocation unit that allocates, for one terminal of the plurality of terminals, one or more subchannels available in the one terminal, wherein the channel allocation unit notifies information of the allocated one or more available subchannels to the one terminal only by the downlink frame. |
| US08675571B2 |
Apparatus, methods and computer program products providing a common signaling entry for a modular control channel structure
The exemplary embodiments of the invention provide information (e.g., a common control signaling entry) for a control channel. The information may include signaling information about the overall control channel structure in a given sub-frame and/or other common information to assist UEs in decoding the channel (e.g., definitions related to the overall arrangement and parameterization of the channel structure). The information may provide non-UE-specific, common signaling information for the UEs served in the cell. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method includes: providing at least one control channel allocated over at least one set of subcarrier resources, wherein the at least one control channel extends over a number n of multicarrier symbols; and transmitting information via a portion of the sub-carrier resources, wherein the transmitted information is indicative of at least one property of the at least one control channel. |
| US08675565B2 |
Device and method for monitoring the control channel in a multicarrier system
The present invention relates to a method and device for monitoring the control channel in a multiple carrier system. A terminal determines an extended search space comprising a plurality of sub-search spaces, and each of the plurality of sub-search spaces corresponds to at least one of a plurality of scheduled component carriers. The terminal monitors a downlink control channel for the scheduled component carrier corresponding to each of the plurality of sub-search spaces. At least one of the plurality of sub-search spaces is a shared sub-search space corresponding to at least two of the plurality of scheduled component carriers. |
| US08675563B2 |
Method and apparatus for interference control in a multi-cell communication system
Methods and apparatus disclosed maximize the capacity of serving cells and minimize inter-cell interferences due to power emission from serving cells in a multi-carrier, multi-cell communication system. The control methods and apparatus take into account various factors such as cell configuration, frequency reuse, geometry and path-loss information, transmission priority, subchannel configuration, feedback from other cells, or any combination thereof, and produce signals that control the transmission power levels and the modulation and coding of transmitted signals. |
| US08675562B2 |
System, method, and computer-readable medium for mobile terminated call processing by a femtocell system
A system, method, and computer readable medium for processing a call setup in a network system are provided. A femtocell system receives a call origination for a call to be terminated with a user equipment serviced by the femtocell system from a core network, transmits a page message to the user equipment, performs a service connection with the user equipment, creates a connection for the core network, and completes the call setup with the user equipment. |
| US08675560B2 |
UE receiver reference signal processing that utilizes resource partitioning information
Communication in a dominant interference scenario may be supported by performing inter-cell interference coordination (ICIC). According to certain aspects of ICIC, resource coordination/partitioning may be performed to allocate resources to a serving Node B located near the vicinity of a strong interfering Node B. The interfering Node B may avoid transmitting on the allocated/protected resources, but transmissions from the interfering Node B on resources not allocated to the serving Node B (i.e., unprotected) may cause significant interference on cell-specific reference signal (CRS) tones of the serving Node B. Therefore, if the CRS tones of the unallocated/unprotected resources are used, performance degradation may result to various operations of the serving Node B. Therefore, certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for a UE receiver in utilizing resource partitioning information (RPI) for performing CRS processing in a heterogeneous network (HetNet). |
| US08675559B2 |
Public access point
The invention instantiates a Personal VLAN bridge, using IEEE Std. 802.11 elements. The result is a bridge, referred to as a public access point, that is better suited for implementing public wireless data networks than the IEEE Std. 802.11 architecture. The invention also provides a location-update protocol for updating the forwarding tables of bridges that connect public access points together. The invention further provides a method for more controlled bridging, which is referred to as fine bridging. |
| US08675558B2 |
CQI definition for transmission mode 9 in LTE-advanced
An evolved Node B (eNB) in a 3GPP LTE-based network receives Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS) from a User Equipment (UE) that is configured with Precoder Matrix Indicator (PMI) disabled. A channel is estimated between the eNB and the UE for link adaptation in Transmission Mode 9 (TM9) based on CSI-RS by the UE and SRS by the eNB. CQI is calculated at UE such that if a number of CSI-RS antenna ports equals one, TM9 transmission from the eNB to the UE uses a predetermined single antenna port. If the number of CSI-RS antenna ports equals two, TM9 transmission from the eNB to the UE uses transmit diversity. If the number of CSI-RS antenna ports does not equal one or two, TM9 transmission from the eNB to the UE uses spatial multiplexing based on a rank-1 precoder that is determined from a wideband channel covariance matrix R. |
| US08675548B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing packet service in mobile communication system
Provided is an apparatus and method for providing a packet service in a mobile communication system. An RNC broadcasts an SIB signal including Always-On availability information. Upon receipt of an RRC connection request message for requesting an Always-On mode, the RNC maintains a preservation state in communication with a core network. A UE detects the Always-On availability information in the SIB signal received from the RNC to determine whether the Always-On mode is available. If the Always-On mode is available, the UE generates the RRC connection request message to transmit the generated RRC connection request message to the RNC. |
| US08675543B2 |
Route limiting in border gateway protocol over satellite networks
Routes stored by routers in a network that uses the border gateway protocol may be limited to a default route. A device may set, a first route in a routing table, advertised using BGP by a first predetermined network, to be a default route for the device. The device may block forwarding of second routes, advertised using BGP, when the second routes do not correspond to the default route. |
| US08675542B2 |
Method of operating relay station in wireless communication system
A method of operating a relay station in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes operating in a first mode comprising a first sub-mode and a second sub-mode, in the first sub-mode a first downlink and a first uplink between a base station and the relay station being simultaneously activated, in the second sub-mode a second downlink and a second uplink between the relay station and a mobile station being simultaneously activated, and operating in a second mode comprising a third sub-mode and a fourth sub-mode, in the third sub-mode the first downlink and the second uplink being simultaneously activated, in the fourth sub-mode the first uplink and the second downlink being simultaneously activated. |
| US08675541B2 |
TDMA controller for a wireless communication system and method of operating same
A wireless device includes a base counter configured to generate counter signals synchronized with timing of a base station. A generation module is configured to generate a timing control signal in response to the counter signals. A transceiver is configured to, based on the timing control signal, (i) transmit data on a time division multiple access channel, and (ii) transmit the data in a first time slot without transmitting data in a second time slot. The first time slot is allocated by the base station for the wireless device. The second time slot is allocated by the base station for a second station. The wireless device is separate from the second station. The second time slot is subsequent to and abuts the first time slot. |
| US08675540B2 |
Resource allocation method, resource indication method and mobile station using the same
A resource allocation method and a resource indication method for E-MBS system, and a mobile station using the same are proposed. The resource units of a first service flow are allocated following the end of the E-MBS MAP of the E-MBS region, along with the increasing of frequency domain index. When the edge of the E-MBS region in frequency domain is reached, the resource units of mth service flow are continued to be allocated from top frequency domain index in next time domain index, where m is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The resource units of m+1th service flow are allocated following the mth service flow, and such procedures are repeated until all service flows are allocated required resource units. The resource indication method indicates a specific service flow by absolute location in the E-MBS region formed based upon the resource allocation method. |
| US08675539B1 |
Management-packet communication of GPS satellite positions
Methods are disclosed for management-packet communication using management frames between various combinations of stations and access points to share application data, for example, a GPS ephemeris and/or its position data for at least one GPS satellite. The management-packet communications may push the application data, or operate in a pull mode based upon availability and requests. The methods may use infrastructure messaging and/or ad hoc or peer to peer messaging schemes. The apparatus supporting these methods include embodiments of integrated circuits, processors, program systems, installation packages, computer readable memories and servers. |
| US08675538B2 |
Wireless one-to-one communication using multicast
Techniques are generally described for receiving a multicast signal at a plurality of receivers and using the received multicast signals to recover an one-to-one communication for a recipient. Other embodiments may be disclosed and claimed. |
| US08675535B2 |
Reducing power consumption in a mobile communication device in response to motion detection
A method and apparatus to selectively enable and disable one or more modules in a mobile communication device based on a variation in received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values to reduce power consumption while the mobile device is relatively stationary. |
| US08675529B2 |
Power efficient tunneled direct link setup apparatus, systems and methods
Apparatus, systems, and methods disclosed herein operate to provide wireless communication between personal mobile communication (PMC) devices. An emulated wireless access point (AP) at a first PMC device (PMC1) establishes a first tunneled direct link setup (TDLS) session between a first station module (STA1) incorporated into the PMC1 and a second station module (STA2) incorporated into a second PMC device (PMC2). Following establishment of the TDLS session, the wireless AP is allowed to sleep; and most infrastructure management duties are handled by the STA1 during the session. PMC device battery charge may be conserved as a result. The emulated wireless AP may also establish a second TDLS link to a third station module (STA3) incorporated into a third PMC device (PMC3). The STA1 may then bridge data traffic flow between the STA2 and the STA3. Such bridging operation may enable communication between two PMC devices otherwise unable to decode data received from the other. |
| US08675528B2 |
Configuring uplink control information (UCI) reporting
A method for reporting uplink control information (UCI) by a user equipment (UE) is described. Downlink channels are measured to obtain channel state information (CSI). Radio resource control (RRC) signaling is received from an eNode B. It is determined whether simultaneous physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission is enabled. One or more CSI reports are transmitted on the PUSCH according to the RRC signaling. |
| US08675525B2 |
Media conference recording based on termination events
A media conference device is provided. The media conference device includes a processor and a memory coupled with the processor. The memory stores instructions that are executable by the processor. The instructions are executable to detect a termination event and transmit a termination event message that indicates that the termination event was detected and requests that a media conference be recorded. |
| US08675520B2 |
Uplink communication in a wireless communication network
The invention provides a method of operating a first base station (100) as a reception station for a wireless uplink communication connection with a wireless appliance (102), wherein the method comprises: controlling the wireless uplink communication with the wireless appliance, receiving a signal (127) from the wireless appliance, receiving a rest signal (126) from at least one second base station (104), and analyzing the rest signal from the at least one second base station for detecting a signal (129) from the wireless appliance that is above a threshold. |
| US08675517B2 |
Filtering of map topology based on network discovery characteristics
Embodiments of the present application enable a user to map a network topology and to then dynamically filter the map display by hiding or showing nodes based on discovery characteristics, such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) status, Active Directory (AD) Domain Controllers (DC) status, group membership status, etc. to allow customization of maps views. In particular, a topology mapping is formed by collecting topology data of a network and storing this topology data. Filtering criteria are received from a user, and the stored topology data is filtered using this received filtering criteria. The filtered topology data is then displayed to the user. |
| US08675514B2 |
Detecting degradation of wireless network performance
A system and method for monitoring wireless network performance that provides a real-time detection and identification of problem areas within a wireless carrier's network. The method involves receiving and attempting to fulfill requests for vehicle services data sent via the wireless carrier system between vehicles and a call center or other remote facility. The success or failure of these attempts are recorded and associated with the geographic region in which the vehicle was located during the attempt, and this information for a multitude of vehicles is then analyzed in conjunction with other inputs and stored data to determine whether a particular geographic region is experiencing a wireless service outage or other degradation in performance. |
| US08675513B1 |
Method and system for using multi-channel communication links
A mobile station and a radio access network (RAN) use a single-channel forward link and a single-channel reverse link for a communication session. If the quality of the communication session degrades, the single-channel forward link is replaced with a multi-channel forward link and/or the single-channel reverse link is replaced with a multi-channel reverse link. The multi-channel forward link may include a first forward link channel and a second forward link channel, each with a higher coding gain than that of the single-channel forward link, to provide an aggregate data rate that is substantially the same as that of the single-channel forward link. The multi-channel reverse link may include a first reverse link channel and a second reverse link channel, each with a higher coding gain than that of the single-channel reverse link, to provide an aggregate data rate that is substantially the same as that of the single-channel reverse link. |
| US08675510B2 |
Scheduler and scheduling method for transmitting data in MIMO based wireless LAN system
A scheduler and scheduling method that may select a data transmission time interval and a data transmitting station are included in a multi-user Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) communication system. An access point may include a receiver to receive channel measurement signals from stations using a plurality of receive antennas; a channel estimation unit to generate channel state matrices with respect to wireless channels formed from the stations to the receive antennas using the channel measurement signals; and a scheduler to select at least one transmitting station from the stations by considering the channel state matrices and a number of the receive antennas. The receiver may receive a data stream from the selected transmitting stations. Stations receive identifiers corresponding to transmitting stations and/or transmitting antennas to identify stations or antennas for transmitting data streams to the access point. |
| US08675508B2 |
Methods for transmitting data in a mobile system and radio stations therefor
The present invention relates to a method for transmitting a plurality of data streams from a primary station to a secondary station on a plurality of transmission beams, said method comprising: at the secondary station measuring the channel quality corresponding to each transmission beam, and signalling at a first rate to the primary station in a first indicator a CQI report representative of the quality of the beams, and signalling at a second rate, greater than the first rate, in a second indicator a number of data streams that can be transmitted on the transmission beams; at the primary station transmitting the data streams on the basis of the first and second indicators. |
| US08675503B2 |
Communication terminal and communication network system
Embodiments of the invention enable a large number of wireless communication networks to be efficiently used while the size of a device operated by a user is reduced and power is saved by providing a communication terminal whose connection with different wireless communication networks can be dynamically reconfigured. A communication terminal whose connection with a plurality of wireless communication networks can be dynamically reconfigured is provided with a data communication aggregation device, a communication application executing device, and a local communication path therebetween. The data communication aggregation device interfaces with the plurality of wireless communication networks and communicates with the communication application executing device through the local communication path. The communication application executing device executes an application for communicating with an outside communication network. |
| US08675498B2 |
System and method to provide aggregated alarm indication signals
In an example embodiment, a method and system to provide aggregated alarm indication signals is provided. In example embodiments, an affected intermediate node detects a signal failure. A list of affected networks is determined, and a single aggregated alarm indication signal (AIS) message is generated per MEG level. The aggregated AIS message is then multicast to affected nodes. Instead of sending one AIS message per affected network, a single aggregated AIS message from the affected intermediate node may be generated and sent regardless of the number of affected networks. |
| US08675492B2 |
Method and arrangement for load balancing in a telecommunications system
The present invention relates to a method and a base station (14, 700) for load balancing in Semi-Persistent Scheduling, SPS transmission. The method can comprise to activate downlink or uplink SPS transmission for a User Equipment (12, step 204), and to obtain information about transmission load comprising SPS transmission or HARQ ACK/NACK responses to SPS transmissions, on a Physical Shared or Control Channel (steps 206; 402; 406; 502, 504, 508, 510). Based on the obtained information it is determined for which subframe within a duration of T subframes, the transmission load comprising SPS transmission or HARQ ACK/NACK response to SPS transmissions, on a Physical Shared Channel or on a Physical Control Channel is the lowest within the duration of T subframes (steps 208; 404; 408; 506, 512, 514). SPS transmission is then scheduled to be valid in the determined subframe having the lowest SPS transmission load on the Physical Shared Channel or to be valid in a subframe causing the HARQ ACK/NACK responses to the SPS transmissions to be transmitted in the subframe having the lowest of HARQ ACK/NACK responses to the SPS transmissions, within the duration of T subframes (step 210). This load balancing provides a number of advantages comprising less postponed scheduling, less unused subframes and less collisions on said channels. |
| US08675490B2 |
Communication bandwidth control device and communication bandwidth control method
The present invention can prevent a fuzzy image, which is caused due to insufficient bandwidth when the bandwidth necessary for transmitting a content cannot be secured, to be displayed on a display device. When a relay apparatus (100) receives, from a DNS server, a DNS response packet regarding a domain name of a server which transmits a content, a condition judging section (210) in the relay apparatus (100) judges whether a required bandwidth for the content corresponding to the domain name can be secured in a communication path connecting to another relay apparatus (100). If the condition judging section (210) judges that the required bandwidth cannot be secured, a DNS modifying section (250) in the relay apparatus (100) rewrites a reply IP address included in the DNS response packet to an IP address of the relay apparatus (100). |
| US08675487B2 |
System and method for generating and updating PCC rules based on service requests
Various exemplary embodiments relate to method of generating PCC rules for managing packet traffic across a network. The method may include: receiving a request message for PCC rules from a requesting network component, authorizing the first requested bandwidth for a first traffic mapping; authorizing a third bandwidth for at least a second traffic mapping wherein the third authorized bandwidth is less than or equal to a second requested bandwidth minus the first requested bandwidth; generating a first PCC rule comprising: a service flow corresponding to the first traffic mapping and the first authorized bandwidth; and generating a second PCC rule comprising: a service flow corresponding to the second traffic mapping and the third authorized bandwidth. Various exemplary embodiments relate to a Policy and Control Rules Node (PCRN) for generating PCC rules. The PCRN may include an interface, service flow extractor, policy engine, rule generator, rules storage and rules manager. |
| US08675486B2 |
Method and system for efficient flow control in a spot beam satellite system
An approach for providing flow control in a radio communication system is disclosed. A request from a non-satellite system specific side of a transport interface is made to a system specific side of the transport interface for a flow control allocation that specifies an amount of data to be stored in a queue of the system specific side of the transport interface. The system specific side supports a signaling function that is based on a transmission characteristic of the radio communication system. The flow control allocation is generated based upon availability of the queue, wherein the destination address is a link layer address of the satellite communication system. This arrangement has particular applicability to a satellite network (e.g., Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) network) that provides data communication services. |
| US08675483B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing reflections and frequency dependent dispersions in redundant links
A network device includes a group of high speed redundant transmission lines and a switch. The switch is configured to select one of the high speed redundant transmission lines. The switch causes reflections and frequency dependent dispersions in the selected high speed redundant transmission line. The network device further includes a transmitting device that is configured to adjust signals transmitted over the selected high speed redundant transmission line so as to reduce the reflections and frequency dependent dispersions. |
| US08675480B2 |
Communications system providing enhanced channel switching features based upon modulation fidelity and related methods
A wireless communications system includes a base station, and a communications device configured to communicate with the base station via different wireless communications channels using a modulation standard wherein a received modulation differs from a transmitted modulation (e.g., due to environmental conditions) as measured by a modulation fidelity value. The base station and the communications device are configured to cooperate to determine respective modulation fidelity values associated with a current channel and an alternate channel based upon an estimated modulation fidelity calculated from the received modulation, and to selectively switch between the current channel and the alternate channel based upon the determined modulation fidelity values. |
| US08675478B2 |
Network based switchover to original content after ad-insertion device failure
In one embodiment, a network device joins a first multicast tree to receive post-ad-inserted video content. The network device also joins a second multicast tree to receive the pre-ad-inserted video content. The content from the first multicast tree is forwarded by the network device to the receiver(s). The network device determines if it does not receive the content on the first multicast tree due to any failure, in which case, it delivers the content from the second multicast tree to the receiver(s). This enables the receiver to receive the original (pre-ad-inserted) content during the failure in first multicast tree. When the failure is resolved, the network device can go back to sending the content from the first multicast tree to the receiver(s). |
| US08675477B2 |
Address refreshing method and device of ethernet ring network
The present invention provides an address refreshing method and device of the Ethernet ring network, and the method comprises: when a current node state of each node in the Ethernet ring network is a protection state, if a failure of a first link in the Ethernet ring network disappears, transmitting a No Request (NR) protocol message indicating that the link failure disappears through node(s) connected with the first link; a node in the Ethernet ring network which receives the NR protocol message switching the node state of the node into a pending state; and when the current node state of each node in the Ethernet ring network is the pending state, if a link failure appears in the Ethernet ring network, transmitting a link failure notification (SF) protocol message through node(s) connected with the failed link; a node in the Ethernet ring network which receives the SF protocol message switching the node state of the node into the protection state, and refreshing an address forwarding table according to address refreshing information carried in the SF protocol message. |
| US08675475B2 |
Techniques for recovery of wireless services following power failures
Techniques for managing a wireless network when disruptive events occur are provided. In one aspect, a method for managing a heterogeneous wireless network having at least two classes of nodes is provided. The method includes the following steps. One or more network signaling activities are observed. If the network signaling activities exhibit a behavior that is associated with a power failure affecting at least one of the classes of nodes, network resources for transmission and processing of network signaling associated with one or more other of the classes of nodes are adjusted to accommodate the behavior. |
| US08675473B2 |
Fault routing of an emergency communication
Aspects of the disclosure relate to routing of an emergency communication under fault conditions. Routing can be implemented in a packet-switching (PS) network that provides voice service. For a network node of the PS network, availability to route the emergency communication through a specific emergency service routing number (ESRN) can be determined and, in response to the network node being unavailable, administrative data associated with the ESRN can be accessed. In addition, an identifier associated with the administrative data can be updated (e.g., created or modified) with data indicative of the device that originated the emergency communication. The administrative data and the resulting identifier can be delivered to a second network node that can route the emergency communication to an emergency service network. |
| US08675467B2 |
Information storage medium, reproducing method, and recording method
A machine readable information storage medium, a reproducing method and apparatus which reproduces data from the storage medium, and a recording method and apparatus for recording data on the storage medium. The information storage medium includes a control area which stores within a data structure information usable by the recording or reproducing apparatus to record or reproduce the data on or from the storage medium. The information stored within the data structure includes a version corresponding to a specification, a revision number of recording speed, and an extended part version field. |
| US08675466B2 |
Optical disc with pre-recorded and recordable regions and methods of forming the disc
An optical disc having a region with pre-recorded data and a recordable region, a method of fabricating the disc, a stamper for forming a disc master, and a recording device for use with the disc are disclosed. Data recorded in the recordable region may be used for activation of the disc, providing unique identification or enhancing program content on the disc. |
| US08675461B1 |
Adjusting a defect threshold
Devices, methods, and other embodiments associated with adjusting a defect threshold are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes defect detection logic and threshold adjustment logic. The defect detection logic determines, by using a defect threshold, if a read channel has read data from a defective portion of an optical disc. The threshold adjustment logic adjusts the defect threshold based, at least in part, on a gain value of a gain loop associated with the read channel. |
| US08675460B2 |
Optical disc device
Provided is an optical disc device including: an objective lens; a plurality of light-receiving elements each for outputting an output signal corresponding to a light amount of reflected light from the optical disc medium; a plurality of amplifiers each for amplifying the output signal from a corresponding one of the light-receiving elements; and a signal output circuit for outputting a focus error signal based on amplified signals from the amplifiers. The optical disc device executes focus servo control of controlling, based on the focus error signal, a position of the objective lens so as to keep constant a distance between the objective lens and a signal surface; moves the objective lens to a position at which accuracy of reading information from the optical disc medium becomes high; and thereafter adjusts a gain of each amplifier so that levels of the amplified signals become close to each other. |
| US08675459B2 |
Optical disk apparatus
The amplitude deviation of a tracking error signal in an optical disk apparatus is reliably corrected by processing signals at low costs. A servo signal generator generates a tracking error signal and a lens error signal from a photodetected signal. A lens error deviation signal memory circuit stores the lens error signal generated at the servo signal generator, and reproduces the one-turn deviation of the lens error signal. A tracking error signal corrector learns an amplitude correcting value for the tracking error signal from the tracking error signal detected in reproducing the one-turn deviation of the lens error signal, and stores the amplitude correcting value in a correcting signal generator. |
| US08675456B2 |
Method of writing data with binary anisotropy media
A method of writing binary data comprising (i) heating a magnetic microstructure from an initial temperature to an above-ambient temperature that is not less than a transition temperature for the magnetic microstructure, which causes a phase transition interlayer of the magnetic microstructure to transition from an antiferromagnetic phase to a ferromagnetic phase; and (ii) reversing an orientation of magnetization of a magnetic storage layer of the magnetic microstructure with a magnetic field while the phase transition interlayer is in the ferromagnetic phase. |
| US08675453B2 |
Backlash-compensating mechanism for a timepiece movement
A backlash-compensating mechanism includes a cam, an actuating member bearing against the cam and a wheel coaxial to the cam and intended to be driven by a gear train of the movement. The cam and the wheel are connected to each other such that one revolution of the wheel includes a sequence of a first phase in which the wheel drives the cam whilst the co-operation between the cam and the actuating member cocks the latter, a second phase in which the actuating member uncocks and causes the cam to effect an instantaneous jump, and a third phase in which the cam is immobilized and the wheel continues to advance until it catches up with the cam to once again drive it during the first phase of the following revolution. This mechanism includes a resilient element acting between the cam and the wheel and applying a return torque to the wheel during the third phase to compensate the backlash in the gear train. |
| US08675448B1 |
Adaptive ping control method for track-holding in multi-static active sonar networks
A method includes identifying a ping forecast time window given a current set of target tracks to hold, discretizing the ping forecast time window with more than one potential ping time, calculating, given more than one ping source and ping waveform, a ping control metric for each combination of potential ping time, ping source, and ping waveform, and creating a ping command using the maximum calculated ping control metric. The ping command includes a specific ping source from the more than one ping source, a specific ping waveform from the more than one ping waveform, and a specific ping time from the more than one potential ping time. The ping control metric may be a user-defined metric that is a function of predicted signal-to-noise ratios and predicted target tracks, and may contain aspect dependent target strength and target position and velocity data for a particular potential ping time. |
| US08675442B2 |
Energy efficient memory with reconfigurable decoding
A sacrificial memory bank is added to a block of regular banks in a memory to reduce dynamic power consumption of the memory. The sacrificial bank is accessed by a set of bit lines that is substantially shorter than corresponding bit lines extending through all of the regular memory banks. Memory read and write operations, which are addressed to one of the regular banks, are deliberately redirected to the sacrificial bank having the short bit lines. Tracking circuitry identifies the regular bank that was addressed for each location in the sacrificial bank. Data is moved from the sacrificial bank to a regular bank only when a new write operation does not match the bank of the previous write operation. Dynamic power is reduced because locality of reference causes access to the sacrificial bank without having to access a regular bank for most memory read and write operations. |
| US08675435B2 |
Asymmetric sense amplifier design
A circuit includes a first inverter including a first PMOS transistor and a first NMOS transistor, and a second inverter including a second PMOS transistor and a second NMOS transistor. A first node is connected to gates of the first PMOS transistor and the first NMOS transistor and drains of the second PMOS transistor and the second NMOS transistor. A second node is connected to gates of the second PMOS transistor and the second NMOS transistor and drains of the first PMOS transistor and the first NMOS transistor. The circuit further includes a first capacitor having a first capacitance connected to the first node; and a second capacitor having a second capacitance connected to the second node. The second capacitance is greater than the first capacitance. |
| US08675425B2 |
Single-strobe operation of memory devices
An arrangement of memory devices and a controller is based on an interface with a reduced pin count relative to a known memory device and controller arrangement. Facilitating the reduced pin count interface the reduction of multiple strobe signal to a single strobe signal. In addition, a packet header transmitted on the data bus followed by a payload, includes an encoded indication of the type of the payload. Aspects of the present application relate to providing a traditional memory device with external logic devices, where the logic devices handle the single strobe and the packet header, thereby permitting single strobe operation. |
| US08675424B2 |
Separate read/write column select control
Systems and methods are described herein that reduce the read latency of a cache by separating read and write column select signals that cause the cache to initiate certain read and write operations, respectively. |
| US08675423B2 |
Apparatuses and methods including supply current in memory
Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods having first conductive lines, second conductive lines, a memory array including memory cells, each of the memory cells coupled between one of the first conductive lines and one of the second conductive lines. At least one of such apparatuses and methods can include a module configured to cause a first current from a first current source and a second current from a second current source to flow through a selected memory cell among the memory cells during an operation of storing information in the selected memory cell. Other embodiments including additional apparatuses and methods are described. |
| US08675418B2 |
Memory write assist
A memory includes a memory cell, two word lines coupled to the memory cell, two bit lines coupled to the memory cell, and a write assist cell. The write assist cell is configured to transfer data of one bit line in a write operation to the other bit line in a read operation when one word line is used for the write operation, the other word line is used for the read operation, and the two word lines are asserted simultaneously. |
| US08675413B2 |
Reference current sources
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed, including an electronic device that includes a first data location, a quantizing circuit, and a reference current source, all coupled to an electrical conductor. The reference current source may include a current mirror with a side coupled to the electrical conductor and a second data location coupled to another side of the current mirror. |
| US08675407B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory cell data holding transistors provided in each block; a row decoder including transfer transistors, a voltage controller and a block selector in each block, the transfer transistors electrically connected to respective of the memory cell transistors, the voltage controller connected to gates of the respective transfer transistors and transferring a desired voltage to the gates of the respective transfer transistors, the block selector electrically connected to gates of the respective transfer transistors and configured to select blocks. A voltage generator generates the voltage to be supplied to the transfer transistors; and a controller controls the row decoder and the voltage generator circuit. When data is written, the gates of the respective transfer transistors are connected to the voltage controller in each non-selected block, and the gates of the respective transfer transistors are disconnected from the voltage controller in each selected block. |
| US08675405B1 |
Method to reduce program disturbs in non-volatile memory cells
A non-volatile memory and methods of operating the same to reduce disturbs is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes coupling a first positive high voltage to a first global wordline in a first row of an array of memory cells, and coupling a second negative high voltage (VNEG) to a first bitline in a first column of the array to apply a bias to a non-volatile memory transistor in a selected memory cell to program the selected memory cell. A margin voltage having a magnitude less than VNEG is coupled to a second global wordline in a second row of the array, and an inhibit voltage coupled to a second bitline in a second column of the array to reduce a bias applied to a non-volatile memory transistor in an unselected memory cell to reduce program disturb of data programmed in the unselected memory cell due to programming. |
| US08675403B2 |
Gated diode memory cells
A gated diode memory cell is provided, including one or more transistors, such as field effect transistors (“FETs”), and a gated diode in signal communication with the FETs such that the gate of the gated diode is in signal communication with the source of a first FET, wherein the gate of the gated diode forms one terminal of the storage cell and the source of the gated diode forms another terminal of the storage cell, the drain of the first FET being in signal communication with a bitline (“BL”) and the gate of the first FET being in signal communication with a write wordline (“WLw”), and the source of the gated diode being in signal communication with a read wordline (“WLr”). |
| US08675401B2 |
Spin-transfer torque memory self-reference read method
A spin-transfer torque memory apparatus and self-reference read schemes are described. One method of self-reference reading a spin-transfer torque memory unit includes applying a first read current through a magnetic tunnel junction data cell and forming a first bit line read voltage. Then applying a low resistance state polarized write current through the magnetic tunnel junction data cell, forming a low second resistance state magnetic tunnel junction data cell. A second read current is applied through the low second resistance state magnetic tunnel junction data cell to forming a second bit line read voltage. The method also includes comparing the first bit line read voltage with the second bit line read voltage to determine whether the first resistance state of the magnetic tunnel junction data cell was a high resistance state or low resistance state. |
| US08675392B2 |
Methods of reading and using memory cells
Some embodiments include methods of reading memory cells. The memory cells have a write operation that occurs only if a voltage of sufficient absolute value is applied for a sufficient duration of time; and the reading is conducted with a pulse that is of too short of a time duration to be sufficient for the write operation. In some embodiments, the pulse utilized for the reading may have an absolute value of voltage that is greater than or equal to the voltage utilized for the write operation. In some embodiments, the memory cells may comprise non-ohmic devices; such as memristors and diodes. |
| US08675389B2 |
Memory element with a reactive metal layer
A memory cell including conductive oxide electrodes is disclosed. The memory cell includes a memory element operative to store data as a plurality of resistive states. The memory element includes a layer of a conductive metal oxide (CMO) (e.g., a perovskite) in contact with an electrode that may comprise one or more layers of material. At least one of those layers of material can be a conductive oxide (e.g., a perovskite such as LaSrCoO3—LSCoO or LaNiO3—LNO) that is in contact with the CMO. The conductive oxide layer can be selected as a seed layer operative to provide a good lattice match with and/or a lower crystallization temperature for the CMO. The conductive oxide layer may also be in contact with a metal layer (e.g., Pt). The memory cell additionally exhibits non-linear IV characteristics, which can be favorable in certain arrays, such as non-volatile two-terminal cross-point memory arrays. |
| US08675387B2 |
Variable resistance nonvolatile memory device and programming method for same
A variable resistance nonvolatile memory device includes a plurality of memory cells in each of which a variable resistance element and a current steering element having two terminals are connected in series. Additionally, a current limit circuit limits a first current flowing in a direction for changing the memory cells to a low resistance state, and a boost circuit increases, when one of the memory cells changes to the low resistance state, the first current in a first period before the memory cell changes to the low resistance state. |
| US08675386B2 |
Memory device having resistance unit
A memory device includes a memory unit including a plurality of first conductive lines and a plurality of second conductive lines that cross the first conductive lines, and a driving unit module coupled with the plurality of the first conductive lines through respective ones of a plurality of contacts and coupled with and the plurality of the second conductive lines through respective ones of the plurality of contacts, wherein as the first conductive lines become farther from the driving unit module along a direction that the second conductive lines extend, the respective contacts of the first conductive lines have lower resistance values. |
| US08675385B2 |
Semiconductor device having memory unit, method of writing to or reading from memory unit, and semiconductor device manufacturing method
A first semiconductor device is formed over a substrate and includes a first insulation film, a first electrode, and a first diffusion layer. A second semiconductor device is formed over a substrate and includes a second insulation film, a second electrode, and a second diffusion layer. The second electrode is coupled to the first electrode. A control transistor allows one of a source and a drain to be coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode, allows the other one of the source and the drain to be coupled to a bit line, and allows a gate electrode to be coupled to a word line. A first potential control line is coupled to the first diffusion layer and controls a potential of the first diffusion layer. A second potential control line is coupled to the second diffusion layer and controls a potential of the second diffusion layer. |
| US08675384B2 |
Circuit for concurrent read operation and method therefor
A non-volatile memory device includes an array of memory units, each having resistive memory cells and a local word line. Each memory cell has a first and a second end, the second ends are coupled to the local word line of the corresponding memory unit. Bit lines are provided, each coupled to the first end of each resistive memory cell. A plurality of select transistors is provided, each associated with one memory unit and having a drain terminal coupled to the local word line of the associated memory unit. First and second global word lines are provided, each coupled to a control terminal of at least one select transistor. First and second source lines are provided, each coupled to a source terminal of at least one select transistor. The memory device is configured to concurrently read out all resistive memory cells in one selected memory unit in a read operation. |
| US08675382B2 |
Programmable LSI
A low-power programmable LSI that can perform configuration (dynamic configuration) at high speed and can quickly start is provided. The programmable LSI includes a plurality of logic elements and a memory element for storing configuration data to be input to the plurality of logic elements. The plurality of logic elements each include a configuration memory. Each of the plurality of logic elements performs different arithmetic processing and changes an electrical connection between the logic elements in accordance with the configuration data stored in the configuration memory. The memory element is formed using a storage element including a transistor whose channel is formed in an oxide semiconductor layer and a node set in a floating state when the transistor is turned off. |
| US08675381B2 |
Transistor having an adjustable gate resistance and semiconductor device comprising the same
A memory device comprises an array of memory cells each capable of storing multiple bits of data. The memory cells are arranged in memory strings that are connected to a common source line. Each memory cell includes a programmable transistor connected in series with a resistance. The transistor includes a gate dielectric that is switchable between a plurality of different resistance values. The threshold voltage of the transistor changes according to the resistance value of the gate dielectric. Memory states of the memory cells can thus be associated with respective resistance values of the dielectric layer of the transistor. |
| US08675372B2 |
Electrooptic substrate, electrooptic device, and electronic apparatus
In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, an electrooptic device includes first and second mounting terminals arranged on a terminal portion to be aligned in a direction intersecting with a side of the electrooptic substrate. A first flexible substrate is connected to the first mounting terminal. A second flexible substrate is connected to the second mounting terminal and arranged to be superimposed on the first flexible substrate. A resin member covers the first flexible substrate, the second flexible substrate and the electrooptic substrate. |
| US08675371B2 |
Distributed computing
On a typical motherboard the processor and memory are separated by a printed circuit data bus that traverses the motherboard. Throughput, or data transfer rate, on the data bus is much lower than the rate at which a modern processor can operate. The difference between the data bus throughput and the processor speed significantly limits the effective processing speed of the computer when the processor is required to process large amounts of data stored in the memory. The processor is forced to wait for data to be transferred to or from the memory, leaving the processor under-utilized. The delays are compounded in a distributed computing system including a number of computers operating in parallel. The present disclosure describes systems, method and apparatus that alleviate delays so that memory access bottlenecks are not compounded within distributed computing systems. |
| US08675366B2 |
Cascade data storage device
The present invention is to provide a cascade data storage device comprising at least an integrated circuit module and a connecting structure wherein the integrated circuit module has a substrate, at least an electronic device, a package body and a USB metal contact and the connecting structure has at least a male connector and at least a female connector; the connecting structure is installed on a lateral edge of the package body and allows the male connector to couple with the female connector and then the integrated circuit modules freely connected, which are stacked high enough and keep the USB metal contact electrically contact with a USB port of a computer. |
| US08675365B2 |
System and method for managing cooling airflow for a multiprocessor information handling system
Cooling airflow through an information handling system is redirected at positions of a motherboard having an unpopulated processing component towards positions of the motherboard having processing component. For example, a shroud shaped as a nozzle couples to a heat sink connector of the motherboard to cover an unpopulated CPU socket. The shroud has a nozzle-shaped channel with an inlet accepting cooling airflow and an outlet exhausting the cooling airflow towards a processing component. For instance, the inlet is proximate a cooling fan and the outlet directs the airflow from the cooling fan towards a heat sink associated with RAM populated on the motherboard. |
| US08675362B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device of the present application includes a case, leg that has a hollow stem portion, and leg fixing part. Leg fixing part is a part that is formed in one face of case and that has a hole into which leg is inserted and that includes case thread ridge portion formed on an inside face of the hole. Leg has first screw structure portion and second screw structure portion formed on a circumferential face of the stem portion thereof, first screw structure portion is formed of a plurality of turns of continuous thread ridge that can be screwed into case thread ridge portion, second screw structure portion is formed of one or more turns of thread ridge at the same screw pitch as first screw structure portion and screwed into case thread ridge portion before first screw structure portion is screwed when leg is inserted into the hole. |
| US08675359B2 |
Protective cover structure
A protective cover structure includes a main body with an accepting space to form a frame structure. A lid engages with the main body at the bottom of the frame through corresponding buckling elements. A groove is respectively disposed on the peripheries of upper and lower surfaces of the main body, where the groove of the lower surface is used for coupling and securing a decorative bottom plate, and the groove of the upper surface couples with an annular decorative body. In use, a user first removes the lid from the main body, inserts an electronic device, and then tightly covers the lid onto the main body, thereby securely receiving the electronic device in the main body to protect the electronic device, and providing decorative effects through the configurations of the decorative bottom plate and decorative body. |
| US08675357B2 |
Data center aisle containment system utilizing a movable sash that is integral to the computer rack cabinet
An embodiment includes a transparent sash mounted integral to the perforated doors on racks which hold computer servers typically installed in data centers. The racks are arrayed in rows forming cold aisles and hot aisles. Cooled air introduced into the cold aisle flows through the racks and cools the servers, and subsequently is removed from the hot aisle. Embodiment sashes slide vertically and extend above the tops of the racks and form a sealing relationship with the data center ceiling and adjacent sashes, thereby preventing wasteful mixing and recirculation of cooled and heated air over the tops of the racks. Embodiments are raised and lowered manually or automatically. The controls for the movement of the sashes are tied to the building automation and fire alarm systems and the sashes are lowered automatically upon activation of the data center fire suppression system, thereby complying with code requirements and avoiding interference with the fire sprinkler and suppression systems. |
| US08675354B2 |
Multi-media memo board
A memo board, including: a front housing including a first opening; a display module disposed behind a front side of the front housing, a front panel of the display module being exposed through the first opening of the front housing; a circuit board disposed behind the front side of the front housing, the circuit board including a memory and a controller; a back housing configured to receive the circuit board, the display module and the front housing through an opening at a front side of the back housing, the back housing including a mounting connector at a back side of the back housing; and a screen disposed at the front side of the front housing, the front panel of the display module being viewable through the screen, the screen being secured to and removed from the front housing by first and second fasteners. |
| US08675353B1 |
Screen protector applicator
A screen protector applicator includes a cradle having a bottom surface, a plurality of upstanding peripheral walls and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. The interior chamber is dimensioned and configured to tightly conform to the periphery of both an adhesive screen protector and a corresponding portable electronic device, such as a wireless phone. The protector includes an earpiece slit adjacent a top edge and a control button aperture proximal a lower edge that respectively align with a protrusion and a mound on the bottom surface of the cradle. To apply the screen protector, a user positions the protector within the cradle such that the protrusion is seated in the slit and the mound is received within the aperture. The electronic device is superimposed, face-down, on the anchored protector to adhesively bond the device thereto. |
| US08675352B2 |
Flexible mounting system storage modality
A method for a portable device, the method including a) decoupling a first flexible element from a support body coupled to the portable device, the first flexible element and one or more additional flexible elements, when coupled to the support body, cooperatively supporting the support body and the portable device above a work surface; b) coupling the first flexible element to one additional flexible element of the one or more additional flexible elements; c) flexing the first flexible element and at least one of the one or more additional flexible elements into a carrying component, the carrying component including a generally arcuate path, the arcuate path including a deflection of the elements of at least about 90 degrees; d) coupling the carrying component to the portable device. |
| US08675350B2 |
Gas insulated switchgear
A gas insulated switchgear includes: a center conductor that is arranged to extend horizontally in a tank; a cylindrical member that is arranged in the tank to surround a center conductor, and formed by curving a metal plate-like member into a cylindrical shape and then joining circumferentially opposed both ends of the plate-like member by welding to form a welding portion, the welding portion being located on a lower side of the cylindrical member; and a current transformer for instruments, through which the cylindrical member is inserted, the current transformer being supported by the cylindrical member, and being arranged to surround the center conductor. The welding portion includes a metal spacer sandwiched between the circumferentially opposed both ends of the plate-like member, and the spacer and the ends are welded to each other. |
| US08675348B2 |
Capacitor electrolyte
A capacitor for an implantable medical device is presented. The capacitor includes an anode, a cathode, a separator therebetween, and an electrolyte over the anode, cathode, and separator. The electrolyte includes ingredients comprising acetic acid, ammonium acetate, phosphoric acid, and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether. The capacitor has an operating voltage ninety percent or greater of its formation voltage. |
| US08675344B2 |
Nanostructured dielectric materials for high energy density multi layer ceramic capacitors
A high energy density multilayer ceramic capacitor, having at least two electrode layers and at least one substantially dense polycrystalline dielectric layer positioned therebetween. The at polycrystalline dielectric layer has an average grain size of less than about 300 nanometers, a particle size distribution of between about 150 nanometers and about 3 micrometers, and a maximum porosity of about 1 percent. The dielectric layer is selected from the group including TiO2, BaTiO3, Al2O3, ZrO2, lead zirconium titanate, and combinations thereof and has a breakdown strength of at least about 1100 kV per centimeter. |
| US08675343B2 |
Conductive paste for external electrode, multilayered ceramic electronic component using the same and fabrication method thereof
There are provided a conductive paste for an external electrode, a multilayered ceramic electronic component using the same, and a fabrication method thereof. The conductive paste for external electrode includes: a conductive metal; and a conductive amorphous metal including a (Cu, Ni)-bZr-c(Al, Sn) that satisfies conditions of a+b+c=100, 20≦a≦60, 20≦b≦60, and 2≦c≦25. A degradation of connectivity between external electrodes and internal electrodes and defective plating due to a glass detachment may be solved. |
| US08675337B2 |
Variable capacitor and filter circuit with bias voltage
A variable capacitor includes a metal oxide film having a perovskite structure, first and second electrode films having the metal oxide film placed therebetween and to be coupled to an external voltage source, and a bias voltage source configured to provide a bias voltage that is applied in series or parallel to a capacitance of a capacitor including the metal oxide film and the first and second electrode films, wherein the bias voltage applied by the bias voltage source to the capacitance is adapted to maximize a voltage dependency of a relative permittivity of the metal oxide film. |
| US08675334B2 |
Method for operating a tank device especially of a motor vehicle
In a method for operating a tank device of a motor vehicle having a tank and a valve which is adjustable by a driver stage connected to an energy supply, the valve is closed in response to an ascertained fault. Based on the fault, two output signals are formed for closing the valve: one of the output signals represents a relay signal and interrupts the energy supply to the driver stage. |
| US08675333B2 |
Protective device
A protective device including a substrate, a conductive section and a first auxiliary medium is provided. The conductive section is supported by the substrate, wherein the conductive section comprises a metal element electrically connected between first and second electrodes. The metal element serves as a sacrificial structure having a melting point lower than that of the first and second electrodes. The first auxiliary medium is disposed between the metal element and the substrate, wherein the first auxiliary medium has a melting point lower than that of the metal element. The first auxiliary medium facilitates breaking of the metal element upon melting. |
| US08675330B2 |
Safety switching device for setting a safety-related device to a safe state
A safety switching device, with which a safety-related device, can be set into a safe state. The safety switching device has a microprocessor or microcontroller, which can set an electric drive to be protected into a safe state both if an emergency circuit breaker, protective door switch, and/or two-hand switch is activated and also if there is faulty operation of the safety-related device or electric drive. For this purpose, the microprocessor is implemented such that it can determine from at least one analog signal to be measured whether a predetermined parameter lies outside a predetermined operating range. In addition, the microprocessor can be a component of a safety device which is constructed for multiple-channel control of a safety-related electric drive. In this way, the safety switching device can respond to several safety functions independent of each other in order to set an electric drive into a safe state. |
| US08675327B2 |
Fast impedance protection technique immune to dynamic errors of capacitive voltage transformers
The present invention relates to methods for providing impedance protection differentiating between in-zone and out-of-zone faults based on instantaneous, digitally derived operating and polarizing distance comparator signals. The method uses a pair of fast orthogonal filters to derive D and Q components of the input voltages and currents. Two sets of operating and polarizing signals are derived for better speed of response under varying fault moment with respect to the peaks and zero crossings of power signals. Three stages of comparison between the operating and polarizing impedance terms are used. These comparator stages use half a cycle averaging windows, and three-quarters-of-a-cycle windows. The first stage of comparison is based on energy comparator responding to both magnitude and phase information in the signals. Stages 2 and 3 are of phase comparison type, responding mostly at the phase information and neglecting the magnitude information for better immunity to noise and signal distortions. |
| US08675320B2 |
Overcurrent detection circuit and overcurrent detection method
An overcurrent detection circuit for a DC-to-DC power converter is disclosed. The overcurrent detection circuit includes a dynamic reference unit for outputting a dynamic reference signal, a load current measurement unit for measuring a load current of the DC-to-DC power converter to output a measurement signal, and a first comparator including a positive input terminal coupled to the load current measurement unit, a negative input terminal coupled to the dynamic reference unit and an output terminal coupled to an overcurrent protection device for outputting an overcurrent protection signal to activate the overcurrent protection device when the measurement signal is greater than the dynamic reference signal. |
| US08675319B2 |
Data reader with heusler alloy reference lamination
In some embodiments, a current perpendicular to the plane giant magneto-resistance (CPP GMR) read sensor may include a reference layer and/or a free layer that includes a plurality of sub-layers. For example, at least one of the reference layer or free layer may include a first ferromagnetic sub-layer, a second ferromagnetic sub-layer, and a Heusler alloy layer located between the first ferromagnetic sub-layer and the second ferromagnetic sub-layer. In some embodiments, a CPP GMR read sensor may include a current closed path (CCP) spacer layer between the reference layer and the free layer. The CCP spacer layer may include Ag and Al2O3. In further embodiments, a CPP GMR read sensor may include a Heusler alloy free layer, a Heusler alloy reference layer, and a CCP spacer layer. |
| US08675318B1 |
Method and system for providing a read transducer having a reduced shield-to-shield spacing
A method and system for providing a read magnetic transducer having an air-bearing surface (ABS) is described. The magnetic read transducer includes a first shield, a read sensor stack, an antiferromagnetic (AFM) tab, and a second shield. The read sensor stack includes a pinned layer, a spacer layer, and a free layer. The spacer layer is nonmagnetic and between the pinned layer and the free layer. A portion of the read sensor stack is at the ABS. The AFM tab is recessed from the ABS and adjacent to a portion of the pinned layer. The read sensor resides between the first shield and the second shield. |
| US08675317B2 |
Current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) read sensor with dual seed and cap layers
A current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) or giant magnetoresistance (GMR) read sensor with dual seed and cap layers for high-resolution magnetic recording is provided by the invention. The dual seed layers comprise a lower seed layer preferably formed of a nonmagnetic Pt film and an upper seed layer preferably formed of a nonmagnetic Ru film. The lower seed layer separates the upper seed layer from a buffer layer preferably formed of a ferromagnetic Co—Hf film, in order to minimize moment losses at its lower interface and thus define a sharp lower bound of a read gap. In addition, the lower seed layer facilitates the CPP read sensor to exhibit high pinning properties, while the upper seed layer facilitates the CPP read sensor to exhibit robust thermal properties. |
| US08675315B2 |
Magnetic sensor with anisotropic liner
An apparatus and associated method are generally directed to a magnetic sensor constructed with an anisotropic liner capable of screening magnetic flux. Various embodiments can have a data read element positioned on an air bearing surface adjacent a magnetic shield which is at least partially lined with an in-plane anisotropy layer. |
| US08675314B1 |
Co-located gimbal-based dual stage actuation disk drive suspensions with offset motors
Various embodiments concern a dual stage actuation suspension that comprises a loadbeam having a load point projection. The suspension further comprises a gimbal assembly having a point of contact that is in contact with the load point projection such that the gimbal assembly can gimbal about the load point projection. The gimbal assembly is cantilevered from the loadbeam and has an axis of rotation aligned with the load point projection and the point of contact. The suspension further comprises a pair of motors mounted on the gimbal assembly and positioned proximal of the point of contact. The pair of motors is mounted between a tongue and a pair of spring arms to rotate the tongue about the point of contact and the load point projection. The loadbeam further comprises a void into which the pair of motors extends. |
| US08675313B2 |
Suspension board with circuit
A suspension board with circuit includes a mounting portion for mounting thereon a slider, a supporting portion for supporting one end portion of the mounting portion, a facing portion facing the mounting portion to be spaced apart therefrom, and a driving portion provided between the mounting portion and the facing portion. The driving portion includes a heater; and an expansive portion which is thermally expanded by heat generated from the heater. |
| US08675311B2 |
Interleaved conductor structure with wrap around traces
An interleaved conductor structure for electrically connecting the read/write electronics to a read/write head in a hard disk drive is provided. The interleaved conductor structure may allow for an increased characteristic-impedance range, greater interference shielding and a reduction of signal loss that is contributed by a lossy conductive substrate. The electrical traces may have different widths, be offset, or even wrap around each other at the via connections. |
| US08675303B2 |
Method to handle portable cassettes removeably disposed in a data storage library comprising a pass-through accessor
A method is provided to handle portable cassettes removeably disposed in a data storage library, wherein the method supplies a data storage library comprising a plurality of storage slots, and a plurality of portable cassettes removeably disposed a designated storage slot in a first alignment order, and a pass-through accessor comprising a moveable fixturing apparatus to store portable cassettes, wherein the pass-through accessor is moveably disposed in the data storage library. The method positions the pass-through accessor adjacent an open end of a designated storage slot, and sequentially removes and attaches to the fixturing apparatus a plurality of portable cassettes from the designated storage slot. The method then transports the plurality of portable cassettes to a designated location within the data storage library. |
| US08675301B2 |
Tape cleaner drive arrangement for a tape library
A tape cartridge library that is equipped with a cleaning device is described. The tape cartridge library essentially includes a plurality of tape cartridges each possessing recording tape media. A plurality of tape drives that read and write data to and from each of the tape cartridges. A tape cleaning drive incapable of transferring data to and from the recording tape media which is independent of the tape drives, the tape cleaning drive disposed entirely within the tape cartridge library. The tape cleaning drive automatically receives one of the tape cartridges and cleans its respective recording tape medium when a predetermined reason for cleaning the tape cartridge is justified. |
| US08675299B2 |
Head radial positioning over contact-start-stop zone during spin-up/spin-down of disk
A read/write head is moved across a contact-start-stop (CSS) zone on a data storage disk during the spin-up and/or spin-down of the disk. Moving the head during spin-up and/or spin-down may reduce the concentration of wear along a surface of the CSS zone. |
| US08675293B2 |
SOI lens structure for medical probe
An optical probe for emitting and/or receiving light within a body comprises an optical fiber that transmits and/or receives an optical signal, a silicon optical bench including a fiber groove running longitudinally that holds an optical fiber termination of the optical fiber and a reflecting surface that optically couples an endface of the optical fiber termination to a lateral side of the optical bench. The fiber groove is fabricated using silicon anisotropic etching techniques. Some examples use a housing around the optical bench that is fabricated using LIGA or other electroforming technology. A method for a forming lens structure is also described that comprises forming a refractive lens in a first layer of a composite wafer material, such as SOI (silicon on insulator) wafers and forming an optical port through a backside of the composite wafer material along an optical axis of the refractive lens. The refractive lens is preferably formed using grey-scale lithography and dry etching the first layer. |
| US08675290B2 |
Monocular three-dimensional imaging
A three-dimensional imaging system uses a single primary optical lens along with various configurations of apertures, refocusing facilities, and the like to obtain three offset optical channels each of which can be separately captured with an optical sensor. |
| US08675289B2 |
Image capturing optical lens system
An image capturing optical lens system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element and a fifth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The second lens element has negative refractive power. The third lens element with positive refractive power has a convex image-side surface. The fourth lens element with refractive power has a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface. The fifth lens element with refractive power is made of plastic material, and has a concave image-side surface, wherein the fifth lens element has at least one inflection point formed on at least one of the surfaces thereof. The surfaces of the third lens element, fourth lens element and fifth lens element are aspheric. |
| US08675285B2 |
Changer for optical elements
A changer includes an axis of rotation for at least one optical element for at least one optical path comprising an optical axis. The changer inserts the optical element into the optical path by a rotary motion or removes it from the optical path. The optical path is one of at least two spatially connected optical paths and the axis of rotation of the changer is located between two parallel lines. The parallel lines run in a plane through the interfaces of the optical axes of the optical paths with one plane, which intersects the optical axes under the same angles and is perpendicular to the plane, which is spanned by the optical axes. The parallel lines are perpendicular to the connecting line between the two interfaces of the optical axes of the optical paths with the one plane, which intersects the optical axes under the same angles. |
| US08675276B2 |
Catadioptric imaging system for broad band microscopy
A system and method for inspection is disclosed. The design includes an objective employed for use with light energy having a wavelength in various ranges, including approximately 266 to 1000 nm, 157 nm through infrared, and other ranges. The objective includes a focusing lens group having at least one focusing lens configured to receive light, a field lens oriented to receive focused light energy from said focusing lens group and provide intermediate light energy, and a Mangin mirror arrangement positioned to receive the intermediate light energy from the field lens and form controlled light energy. Each focusing lens has a reduced diameter, such as a diameter of less than approximately 100 mm, and a maximum corrected field size of approximately 0.15 mm. An immersion substance, such as oil, water, or silicone gel, may be employed prior to passing controlled light energy to the specimen inspected. |
| US08675269B2 |
Optical lift apparatuses and methods thereof
A method for optical lift includes receiving illumination in a first direction on at least one of two different surface profiles of one or more cambered refractive objects. The one or more cambered refractive objects are rotated to a position of stable rotational equilibrium in response to the received illumination. The one or more cambered refractive objects are moved in a second direction non-parallel direction from the first direction. |
| US08675268B2 |
EIT-based photonic logic gate
An electromagnetically induced transparent (EIT)-based photonic logic gate. The electromagnetically induced transparent (EIT)-based photonic logic gate is a photonic crystal (PC) and electromagnetically induced transparent (EIT)-based stacked layer which is constituted by a photonic crystal (PCs) layers and an electromagnetically induced transparent material layers. For the photonic crystal (PCs) and electromagnetically induced transparent (EIT)-based stacked layer, a probe field is an input signal which is emitted from the photonic crystal layer and a control field is a control signal which is emitted from the electromagnetically induced transparent material layers. The probe field is an input signal which is emitted from the electromagnetically induced transparent material layers. By varying the detune frequency of probe field and Rabi frequency of control field, the band gap structure can be adjusted. Henceforth, the tunable optical electromagnetically induced transparent (EIT)-based photonic logic gate can be achieved. |
| US08675266B2 |
Document imaging systems including platen underside cleaning and component cleaning
Disclosed are document imaging systems and methods which provide cleaning and cooling of various components associated with an image scanning system. According to one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, provided is a document imaging system including a flexible, accordion style, duct which draws air through a vacuum slot between a light source and optical sensor associated with the scanning system. The resulting air flow provides cleaning of the imaging platen and provides cooling/cleaning of the light source and optical sensor. |
| US08675265B2 |
Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus, including: a placement portion on which an original is to be placed; an openable and closable pressure portion which presses, the original, which is placed on the placement portion, against the placement portion; a reading unit which moves in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to a main scanning direction to read image information of the original, which is pressed against the placement portion by the openable and closable pressure portion, and a step portion, which is provided in a pressure surface of the openable and closable pressure portion which presses the original against the placement stand, and in a state in which the openable and closable pressure portion is closed, forms a space portion extending in the sub-scanning direction so as to communicate to at least one end in the sub-scanning direction. |
| US08675264B2 |
Document conveying device for use in a scanner or the like
The document conveying device (2) for use in a scanner (1) or the like comprises a conveyor belt (3) arranged to convey a document (4) between an outer surface (5) of the conveyor belt and a flat surface (6). The conveyor belt (3) has an inner surface (9) supported by a first and a second roller (10, 11). Each of the first and second rollers (10, 11) is supported at three or more positions along its length in order to at least partially counteract forces from the conveyor belt (3) tending to deflect said roller. |
| US08675263B2 |
Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus to read an image formed on a document sheet is provided. The image reading apparatus includes a sheet conveyer and an image reader, which is controlled by a controller and reads the image formed on the document sheet. The sheet conveyer includes movable parts, which are movably supported by a first supporting member. The image reader is supported by a second supporting member, which is detachably attached to the first supporting member. A cable with a connector connects the controller and the image reader with each other via the connector. The second supporting member is tied to the first supporting member by the cable when the cable connects the controller and the image reader via the connector. The second supporting member is releasable from the first supporting member when the connector is decoupled. |
| US08675262B2 |
Image reading device and image forming apparatus including the same
A position adjustment mechanism (90) includes a rack (91) fixed onto an upper surface of a second hinge member (87), a worm gear 93 that meshes with the rack (91), a handle (95) that rotates the worm gear (93), and a lever (97) that presses the second hinge member (87) against the first hinge member (85) to fix the second hinge member (87) to the first hinge member (85). The lever (97) is operated to release the pressure on the second hinge member (87) so that the handle (95) is operated, to thereby adjust a tilt of the document conveying device (27) with respect to the image reading portion (6) without using a tool and the like. After the adjustment, the lever (97) is operated to press the second hinge member (87), to thereby position the document conveying device (27) precisely at a position after the adjustment. |
| US08675261B2 |
Security elements and methods of manufacture
Methods of manufacturing a security element for a security document include: a first portion of the security document, the first portion of the security document having at least one aperture therethrough, the or each aperture being defined by an internal surface of the first portion of the document; and either printing through the first portion of the security document such that ink is deposited onto at least a part of the internal surface of the at least one aperture, or printing through the first portion of the security document onto a second portion of the security document provided behind the first portion of the security document, such that ink is deposited onto at least a part of the second portion of the security document aligned with the at least one aperture. |
| US08675256B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium
The cluster of a background is specified among a plurality of clusters classified by clustering processing, and a label area whose size is less than a first threshold value is combined with adjoining another label area which is not the cluster of the background among label areas to which the same label number is given by labeling processing. Then, whether the label area is combined with the adjoining another label area based on characteristic quantity obtained from the label area is determined, and combining, vector data is generated based on the label area after combining the label area when determined as the label area being combined. |
| US08675254B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method and program for same, and printing system
An image processing device includes: a storage part configured to store a correlation between a pre-deformation color and a post-deformation color that reflects a color variation accompanying a deformation of a medium, with respect to a degree of deformation of the medium; an acquisition part configured to acquire degree-of-deformation information and color information for each region of a deformed object; and a determination part configured to determine a color of the image based on the degree-of-deformation information, the color information, and the correlation, so that the post-deformation color of each region of the deformed object approximates the color information. |
| US08675252B2 |
Multicolor electronic devices and processes of forming the same by printing
There is provided a method of forming a regular array of rows of subpixels on a workpiece. The subpixels have c different colors, where a colors are formed by printing. The subpixel pitch is s. The method includes (a) providing a printing head having a sets of z adjacent nozzles arranged in a row, wherein the spacing between adjacent nozzles within the same set is p1=cs and the spacing between adjacent nozzles in different sets is p2=(c+1)s, the printing head being at a first position relative to the workpiece; (b) providing a different printing inks, one for each of the a colors; (c) supplying each of the printing inks to the nozzles such that each of the nozzles within a set receive the same color and a different color is supplied to each set of nozzles; (d) printing a first set of az rows of subpixels with the printing head; (e) moving the workpiece laterally relative to the printing head by a distance d, where d=cz(s); (f) printing a second set of az rows of subpixels with the printing head; and (g) repeating steps (e) and (f) n−2 times for a total of n sets of az rows of subpixels. In the process, a, c, n, and z are independently integers greater than 1. |
| US08675251B2 |
Multilevel printing process and device using a raster bitmap and assignment method for multilevel screens
A process for printing substrates includes assigning image dots of printer-ready copy to pixels of a multilevel map and assigning values to the pixels depending on the tonal value of the image dot for assigning n+1 different values, where n>1. Artifacts are prevented in multilevel printing processes by assigning threshold values of any threshold value matrix to the pixels of the multilevel map on which the printing is based with respect to their positions relative to the printing substrate, calculating tonal values of the image dot, fixing the values of the pixels depending on the threshold value and the tonal value of the assigned image dot, and printing the multilevel map on a printing substrate in a multilevel printing process, with different values representing different amounts of ink of a printed pixel. A screen assignment device assigns a value to a pixel of a multilevel map generated by an RIP. |
| US08675242B2 |
Image forming system, data processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, recording medium and display method
When an image formation instruction for created document data is received, image data for a preview image corresponding to the document data is generated, the preview image based on the image data is displayed on a display, and an image is formed using data for image formation based on the image data for the preview image. |
| US08675241B2 |
Method for printing oversized image data
A method implemented in a printer controller for printing oversized image data is described. During printing, a process is executed to determine whether the data to be printed have a page data size that exceeds the maximum printable area for the specified recording medium. The page data size of a given page is the total extent (width and height) of the data objects on the page. If the page data size exceeds the maximum printable area, the process determines whether the portions of the image that exceeds the maximum printable area are background data. If they are, a portion of the background data that exceeds the maximum printable area are cut off, and the document is printed without reducing the size of the non-background data. The method can also be implemented on a print driver. |
| US08675235B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus includes a storage section which stores printing jobs to be printed on a recording paper sheet; a transport section which transports the recording paper sheet; a printing section which performs the printing on the recording paper sheet transported by the transport section based on one of the printing jobs stored in the storage section; an occurrence rate judging section which calculates an occurrence rate of a jam of the recording paper sheet in the transport section during the printing based on each of the printing jobs stored in the storage section, and which compares a first occurrence rate which is the occurrence rate of a first printing job stored first in the storage section with a second occurrence rate which is the occurrence rate of a second printing job stored second in the storage section; and a control section which controls the printing section. |
| US08675234B2 |
Printing system, print service apparatus, service providing apparatus, control method and computer-readable medium
A print service apparatus includes: a reception unit configured to receive, via a Web browser together with a print job designated from a window, window information of the window, user information, and message information of a message which is contained in the window and provided by a microblogging function; an addition unit configured to add, as a user using the microblogging function, a comment on the message corresponding to the message information to the window; a monitoring unit configured to monitor whether another user has added a comment on the message corresponding to the message information; a determination unit configured to determine whether the added comment is a comment by the user; and a decision unit configured to decide processing for the print job based on a content of the added comment when the determination unit determines that the added comment is a comment by the user. |
| US08675232B2 |
Information processing system, information processing method, information processing apparatus and recording medium
When a new application is filed in a workflow system, designation of image data to be attached to data included in the application is accepted. Then, when the image data to be attached to the data is insufficient, a scan ticket to be used when generating the image data to be attached to the data is generated. It is designated in the scan ticket to which data the generated image data is to be attached, and then the generated image data is actually attached to the data by a server apparatus according to such information. |
| US08675228B2 |
Information processing system, information processing apparatus, and computer readable medium
According to an aspect of the invention, an information processing system includes a control device, an information processing apparatus, a control target device. The information processing apparatus is connected to the control device. The control target device is connected to the information processing apparatus. The control device includes a first unit that receives a first request and transmits a first result of a first processing about the first request to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes a second unit that accepts the first request, transmits the first request to the control device, and receives the first result from the control device, and a third unit that determines whether the received first result includes an instruction to request the control target device to perform a processing, and when it is determined that the first result includes the instruction, requests the control target device to perform the processing. |
| US08675227B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a service provider for using an external server, and a corresponding information processing system, control method and computer-readable medium
A system comprises a plurality of image forming apparatuses, wherein a first image forming apparatus includes: a correspondence determination unit that determines which function in the first image forming apparatus the service provider of the first image forming apparatus corresponds to; a provider determination unit that determines a second image forming apparatus in the plurality of image forming apparatuses that includes the same service provider as the service provider of the first image forming apparatus; a license verification unit that verifies whether license information is assigned to the service provider of the second image forming apparatus determined by the provider determination unit; and an assignment unit that assigns, to the second image forming apparatus to which the license information is not assigned, license information of the service provider from the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus and server relation information that is information for accessing a server. |
| US08675226B2 |
Control point, image forming apparatus, and method of controlling printing
A control point includes a communication interface to search for one or more image forming apparatuses using digital living network alliance (DLNA), a user interface unit through which at least one piece of content is selected for printing using a user interface of the control point, and through which an image forming apparatus is selected from among the searched image forming apparatuses to perform printing, a DLNA stack unit to set a connection policy regarding connection to the selected image forming apparatus, and to selectively control the DLNA connection status to the selected image forming apparatus according to the connection policy, and a controller to control the communication interface to transmit print data corresponding to the selected content-for-printing and the connection policy to the selected image forming apparatus. |
| US08675221B1 |
System and method for processing and distribution of unsructured documents
A computer-implemented system and method for processing and distribution of unstructured documents are disclosed. The apparatus and method in an example embodiment includes receiving an unstructured document; obtaining information from the document; storing portions of the information obtained from the document in a data set corresponding to the document; using a portion of the information obtained from the document to obtain an identifier of an enterprise record corresponding to the document; recording a specified behavior category for the document; and using the data set and the specified behavior category to dispatch the document to a recipient or an enterprise. |
| US08675220B2 |
Internet fax message searching and fax content delivery using keyword detection
A system for providing an internet fax service has an engine to process a raw fax document, received for a user of the internet fax service, using digital character recognition to produce recognized text or an associated formatted text document. A conversion engine may convert the raw fax to native file format being one of a) word processor format, b) spreadsheet format, c) slide presentation format, or d) another format that can be read on a user interface. An internet server is to make the native file format document available to the user over an internet. A fax content processing unit is to perform keyword scanning of the recognized text, and then allows the user to search for stored faxes by keyword. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08675218B2 |
System for monitoring and displaying printer status
A data processor includes a communication unit, a customized data acquiring unit, a storing unit, a status data acquiring unit, and a display unit. The communication unit performs data communication with an electrical equipment. The customized data acquiring unit acquires customized data. The storing unit stores fixed data and the customized data acquired by the customized data acquiring unit. The customized data is correlated with the fixed data. The status data acquiring unit acquires status data from the electrical equipment via the communication unit. The display unit displays the fixed data and the customized data. The fixed data and the customized data are in association with the status data acquired by the status data acquiring unit. |
| US08675217B2 |
Data processing apparatus having a printer driver for changing an output destination
An application mounted in a data processing apparatus creates a document and issues a print request of the document. A printer driver receives the print request and creates print data by setting a format of the document as a specific format of model dependency, and changes a default output destination of the print data into a changed output destination. A spooler receives the print data and sends the print data to one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses designated by the changed output destination through a network interface. |
| US08675214B2 |
Device management device and recording medium
In a device management device, a storage unit stores device information pieces of devices on a network, an acquisition unit acquires a device information piece of one of the devices via the network, and a detection unit compares the device information piece with each of the device information pieces stored in the storage unit, and detects at least one of installation, movement, addition, change, and disposal events with respect to the one of the devices. A transforming unit transforms both identification information of the one of the devices and device information items corresponding to the detected event into data that enables an asset management device to manage the data. A transmission unit transmits the data to the asset management device via the network. |
| US08675210B2 |
Level sensor, lithographic apparatus, and substrate surface positioning method
A level sensor for measuring a position of a surface of a substrate includes a projection unit including an emitter for emitting a radiation beam towards the substrate and a projection grating including a measurement grating and an aperture, such that the radiation beam incident on the projection grating is divided into a measurement radiation beam and a capture radiation beam. The level sensor further includes a detection unit including a first and second measurement detector, a first and second capture detector, a detection grating, and a first and second optical unit. The detection grating includes a ruled grating with multiple rules, which direct radiation towards the first and second measurement detector via the first and second optical unit, and a capture element directing radiation towards the first and second capture detector via the first and second optical unit. |
| US08675209B2 |
Optical displacement meter
Provided is an optical displacement meter capable of accurately detecting a displacement of an object. A light-projecting part selectively irradiates a workpiece with first and second light whose polarization directions are different from each other. Reflected light from the workpiece is incident on a light-receiving element through a light-receiving lens. A waveform creating part creates first and second waveform data showing light-receiving amount distributions of the first and second light obtained by the light-receiving element. A waveform processing part calculates a ratio between mutually corresponding peaks in the first and second waveform data, and selects one peak from each of the first and second waveform data based on the calculated ratios, to detect a position of the peak. |
| US08675205B2 |
Optical coherence tomography using spectrally controlled interferometry
The time delay (and therefore the OPD) between object and reference beams in an interferometer is manipulated by changing the spectral properties of the source. The spectral distribution is tuned to produce a modulation peak at a value of OPD equal to the optical distance between the object and reference arms of a Fizeau interferometer, thereby enabling the use of its common-axis configuration to carry out white-light measurements free of coherence noise. Unwanted interferences from other reflections in the optical path are also removed by illuminating the object with appropriate spectral characteristics. OPD scanning is implemented without mechanical means by altering the source spectrum over time so as to shift the peak location by a predetermined scanning step between acquisition frames. The invention and its advantages are applicable to optical coherence tomography as well as conventional white light interferometry. |
| US08675202B2 |
Interferometric sensing apparatus including adjustable reference arm and associated methods
A sensing apparatus includes an excitation source configured to induce waves in a target, and an optical waveguide interferometer configured to sense the induced waves in the target. The optical waveguide interferometer includes a plurality of optical couplers and interconnecting optical fibers arranged to define a reference arm, a measurement arm, and a probe segment coupled to the reference arm and the measurement arm and having a probe segment end to be positioned adjacent the target. An optical path length adjustor is coupled to the reference arm. A controller cooperates with the path length adjustor and is configured to adjust an optical path length of the reference arm to maintain a constant relationship with respect to an optical path length of the measurement arm. |
| US08675188B2 |
Method and system for determining one or more optical characteristics of structure of a semiconductor wafer
Determination of one or more optical characteristics of a structure of a semiconductor wafer includes measuring one or more optical signals from one or more structures of a sample, determining a background optical field associated with a reference structure having a selected set of nominal characteristics based on the one or more structures, determining a correction optical field suitable for at least partially correcting the background field, wherein a difference between the measured one or more optical signals and a signal associated with a sum of the correction optical field and the background optical field is below a selected tolerance level, and extracting one or more characteristics associated with the one or more structures utilizing the correction optical field. |
| US08675187B2 |
Photometer and analyzing system provided with photometer
In an analysis system for detecting amounts of components contained in samples, many samples can be measured simultaneously in the whole of the system by use of compact inexpensive photometers. An LED with low heat generation and a long life span is used as a light source. Compactness is achieved by bended optical axis instead of a straight one. Components for bending an optical axis and components for condensing light to ensure an amount of light are in common use to reduce the number of components. Compactness, reduction of the number of components, and integration achieve easy optical axis alignment and precise measurement. |
| US08675184B2 |
Direct detection Doppler LIDAR method and direction detection Doppler LIDAR device
The invention relates to a method for Doppler light detection and ranging (LIDAR) measurement of speeds. A laser beam is directed at the medium to be measured, and radiation which is then emitted by the medium is measured by a detector. In order to allow better control of the dynamic range of a direct reception Doppler LIDAR apparatus, a multiplicity of laser pulses can be transmitted per measurement, and a multiplicity of laser pulses can be received by the detector per measurement. A direct reception Doppler LIDAR apparatus can be suitable for carrying out the method. |
| US08675182B2 |
Method and system to reduce stray light reflection error in time-of-flight sensor arrays
Haze-type phase shift error due to stray light reflections in a phase-type TOF system is reduced by providing a windowed opaque coating on the sensor array surface, the windows permitting optical energy to reach light sensitive regions of the pixels, and by reducing optical path stray reflection. Further haze-type error reduction is obtained by acquiring values for a plurality (but not necessarily all) of pixel sensors in the TOF system pixel sensor array. Next, a correction term for the value (differential or other) acquired for each pixel in the plurality of pixel sensors is computed and stored. Modeling response may be made dependent upon pixel (row,column) location within the sensor array. During actual TOF system runtime operation, detection data for each pixel, or pixel groups (super pixels) is corrected using the stored data. Good optical system design accounts for correction, enabling a simple correction model. |
| US08675180B2 |
Maskless exposure apparatus and method of alignment for overlay in maskless exposure
Example embodiments are directed to a maskless exposure device and an alignment method. The alignment method performs an overlay of each layer of a plurality of layers on a substrate using a virtual mask in a maskless exposure technique. The maskless exposure device and the alignment method use a virtual mask instead of a physical mask used in a conventional mask exposure, a virtual target mark instead of an alignment mark used in the conventional mask exposure, and perform an overlay per layer, such that the deposition exposure can be achieved in the maskless exposure. |
| US08675178B2 |
Microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
A microlithographic projection exposure apparatus and method are provided. In some embodiments, a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes a light source to generate pulsed light, an illumination device, a projection objective, and at least one photoelastic modulator between the pulsed light source and the illumination device. The illumination device is configured to illuminate an object plane of the projection objective. The projection object projects an image of an object in the object plane of the projection objective to the image plane of the projection objective. |
| US08675177B2 |
Exposure method and apparatus, and method for fabricating device with light amount distribution having light larger in first and second pairs of areas
An exposure method and apparatus simultaneously transfer patterns with various pitches with high resolution. On the pupil surface of an illumination system, at least first and second pairs of areas are set. The distribution of intensity of light over the pupil surface is set so that the intensities of light of the second pair of areas is smaller than that of the first pair of areas. |
| US08675175B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithography apparatus includes a projection system configured to project a radiation beam onto a substrate, a detector configured to inspect the substrate, and a substrate table configured to support the substrate and move the substrate relative to the projection system and the detector. The detector is arranged to inspect a portion of the substrate while the substrate is moved and before the portion is exposed to the radiation beam. |
| US08675167B2 |
Polymer dispersed display panels including quantum dots and display apparatuses including the same
A polymer dispersed display apparatus includes a polymer layer, and a plurality of liquid crystal drops dispersed in the polymer layer. Quantum dots emitting a plurality of colors of light are mixed in the liquid crystal drops. Therefore, the polymer dispersed display apparatus displays colors without the need for a color filter. Thus, the polymer dispersed display apparatus need not include a polarization plate and a color filter, so that a light usage efficiency of the polymer dispersed display apparatus increases. |
| US08675161B2 |
Liquid crystal display device, method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display device and electronic apparatus
A substrate of a liquid crystal display device includes a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode adjacent to the first pixel electrode in a first direction, a third pixel electrode adjacent to the first pixel electrode in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a first alignment film provided in a first gap between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode to align the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer along the second direction, a second alignment film provided in a second gap between the first pixel electrode and the third pixel electrode to align the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer along the first direction, and a third alignment film provided in the first gap and the second gap while covering the pixel electrodes to align the liquid crystal molecules along a normal of the substrate. |
| US08675160B2 |
Display device
A display device is provided. The display device includes a liquid crystal display panel, a cover lens, a first optical film and a first polarized film. The liquid crystal display panel is vertical alignment mode. The cover lens is disposed on a light exit surface of the liquid crystal display panel. The first optical film having a ¼ wavelength retardation effect is disposed between the liquid crystal display panel and the cover lens. A gap layer is formed between the first optical film and the liquid crystal display panel. The first polarized film is disposed between the first optical film and the cover lens. |
| US08675143B2 |
Television set
This television set includes a front housing, a first board mounted on the front housing, having a first connecting portion, a rear housing, and a second board mounted on the rear housing, having a second connecting portion connected to the first connecting portion, while the rear housing includes an exposing portion for exposing at least the first connecting portion in a state of being mounted to the front housing. |
| US08675142B2 |
Television apparatus and electronic device
According to one embodiment, a television apparatus includes a main body, a housing, an exothermic component, and a heat transfer mechanism. The main body has a display screen, and is used in a first orientation where one side of the display screen is positioned on the upper side and in a second orientation where another side is positioned on the upper side. The housing at least partially constitutes the outline of the main body. The exothermic component is housed in the housing. The heat transfer mechanism includes a heat receiving portion that receives heat from the exothermic component, a heat releasing portion that releases heat, and a heat transferring portion that houses a medium to transfer heat from the heat receiving portion to the heat releasing portion. In both the first orientation and the second orientation, the heat receiving portion is located lower than the heat releasing portion. |
| US08675141B2 |
Closed loop feedback for electronic beam alignment
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a closed loop feedback system for electronic beam alignment in a scanned beam display comprises a light source to emit one or more light beams, a controller to provide a control signal to drive the light source, a scanning platform to receive the one or more light beams and scan the light beams in a scanning pattern to project an image, and an alignment detector to provide a feedback signal indicative of beam position information of the light beams in the far field to the controller. An optic may be disposed in the beam path to magnify and/or to transform beam position information into the far field for the one or more alignment detectors. The controller adjusts the control signal in response to the feedback signal received from the alignment detector to maintain alignment of the light beams in a far field. |
| US08675135B2 |
Display apparatus and display control method
A rendering control unit determines movie and graphic display modes with reference to a rendering processing command, and acquires maximum speed information indicating the maximum value of a read/write speed allowed for a memory. The rendering control unit decides a speed to be distributed to a read/write speed of the movie data and a speed to be distributed to a read/write speed of the graphic data with respect to the memory, of a maximum speed indicated by the maximum speed information, based on the determination result. The rendering control unit controls a read/write access of an image with respect to the memory based on the rendering processing command, in accordance with the decided speeds. |
| US08675132B2 |
System and method for the detection of de-interlacing of scaled video
A system, apparatus, and method are provided for a video detector that computes a measure of how much a given video content resembles one of a de-interlaced video content or a progressive video content. More particularly, the present invention determines the position of original and interpolated lines and the scaling factor of an input content whenever that content was scaled after de-interlacing. |
| US08675131B2 |
Signal processing device and TV with the signal processing device
A signal source which is detachably and electrically connected with a TV is disclosed. The TV has a video output unit and an audio output unit. Driven by the TV, the signal source exchanges a media signal with the TV. The signal source includes an audio input interface which receives an audio signal from an external audio input unit, and a media storage unit which is used for storing the media signal. |
| US08675126B2 |
Photographing apparatus and method of removing foreign substance
Provided are a photographing apparatus and a method of removing foreign substances. The photographing apparatus includes an imaging device for converting a captured image into an electrical signal; a vibration member mounted at an imaging plane side of the imaging device; a vibration-applying unit for vibrating the vibration member; and a vibration control unit inputting at least two different control signals such that input times of the at least two control signals are overlapped. |
| US08675121B2 |
Camera and camera system
A camera comprising at least a second focus detection unit out of a first focus detection unit which includes a first pupil-dividing unit for guiding light beams having passed through different pupil regions of a photographing lens and detects a focus of the photographing lens by using light beams guided by the first pupil-dividing unit, and the second focus detection unit which includes a second pupil-dividing unit different from the first pupil-dividing unit and detects the focus of the photographing lens on an image plane different from an image plane by the first focus detection unit by using light beams guided by the second pupil-dividing unit, wherein focus detection of the photographing lens by the second focus detection unit is performed using a correction value for focus detection that is stored in advance in the photographing lens in correspondence with the first focus detection unit. |
| US08675119B2 |
Adaptive imaging using digital light processing
A system (100) for the adaptive imaging of a scene includes a digital light processing apparatus (150) adapted for controllably reflecting an image of the scene in at least a first direction to thereby reflect an intensity modulated image of the scene along at least the first direction, an image detector (140) for detecting the intensity modulated image of the scene and generating corresponding image data, and an image data processor (154) for processing the image data into control data and providing the control data to the digital light processing (150) apparatus for control thereof. |
| US08675118B2 |
Image sensor
An image sensor includes an objective lens arranged on an optical axis; a substrate including a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices; and a micro lens layer including a plurality of micro lenses corresponding to each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion devices, respectively, wherein the plurality of micro lenses includes a central micro lens corresponding to a central portion of the objective lens, and an edge micro lens corresponding to an edge portion of the objective lens, and the plurality of micro lenses are configured such that focal lengths of the micro lenses increase from the central micro lens toward the edge micro lens. |
| US08675114B2 |
Image pickup apparatus
An image pickup apparatus capable of switching between image pickup modes is provided. An image pickup apparatus includes; an image pickup lens; an image pickup device receiving light from the image pickup lens to obtain image pickup data; an image processing section for performing image processing on the image pickup data obtained from the image pickup device; a microlens array section including a plurality of microlenses, and arranged between the image pickup lens and the image pickup device; and a driving section changing a relative distance between the microlens array section and the image pickup device. |
| US08675112B2 |
Imaging device providing capture location guidance
An image capture device, comprising an image sensor, an image display, a data processing system; a storage memory and a program memory storing instructions configured to cause the data processing system to provide guidance for capturing images at a plurality of locations, by displaying guidance information for capturing a first digital image at a first location, using the image sensor to capture a first digital image, storing the first digital image in the storage memory, using the data processing system to analyze the pixel data of the first digital image and determining based on such analysis a second possible image capture location, wherein the second possible image capture location is selected from a plurality of different possible locations, displaying guidance information for a capturing a second scene at the second location, using the image sensor to capture a second digital image; and storing the second digital image in the storage memory. |
| US08675109B2 |
Terminal and method of controlling the same
A terminal and method of controlling the same are disclosed, by which a user's convenience for photography using a terminal can be further enhanced. The terminal includes a camera, a display, a user input having a camera shutter key for photography, and a controller controlling at least one of more menu icons displayed in a standby mode to be displayed by being overlapped with a preview image obtained for the photography by the camera. A see-through image seen through a transparent display can become a camera preview image. |
| US08675107B2 |
Photoelectric conversion apparatus, control method thereof, imaging apparatus, and imaging system
Each pixel has a photoelectric conversion unit configured to convert light into electrical charges and to store the electrical charges, an amplifying unit configured to amplify a signal based on the electrical charges stored in the photoelectric conversion unit and to output the signal to an output line, and a reset unit configured to reset a input part of the amplifying unit. A clip unit, which is configured to limit an electric voltage of the output line, includes an amplifying circuitry for amplifying a signal based on the electric voltage of the output line and an MOS transistor for limiting the electric voltage of the output line based on the difference in electric potential between the gate and source. The clip unit controls the electric potential of the gate of the MOS transistor by the amplifying circuitry. |
| US08675103B2 |
Image sensor
An image sensor for electronic cameras includes a plurality of light sensitive pixels arranged in rows and columns for generating exposure proportional signals, wherein the pixels of a respective column are coupled to at least one respective column read-out circuit via at least one respective column line, and wherein the respective column read-out circuit includes at least two column amplifiers which are connected in parallel, and includes a control device for controlling a read-out process of an image, wherein the read-out process for the respective pixel includes at least one read-out cycle. The gain factor of at least one of the two column amplifiers of the respective column read-out circuit is adjustable. |
| US08675098B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, and program
An image processing device includes: a determination unit determining whether each character included as a subject in a captured image is an unnoted non-main character; and a controller controlling an image-related process which is a process related to an image on the basis of a status of the character determined as a non-main character. |
| US08675096B2 |
Image capturing device for setting one or more setting values for an imaging mechanism based on acquired sound data that includes information reflecting an imaging environment
An imaging device of the present invention comprises: an imaging mechanism; a sound acquisition unit operable to acquire sound data that includes information reflecting an imaging environment; and a setting unit operable to, based on the sound data acquired by the sound acquisition unit, select and set one or more setting values for controlling the imaging mechanism. |
| US08675093B2 |
Image capturing apparatus and image processing method
An image capturing apparatus performs RGB three-band image capturing. Additional band pixels BG and OG having a spectral sensitivity peak wavelength between the B and G bands and between the R and G bands, respectively, are disposed on an image sensor consisting of RGB pixels. A feature quantity in the spectral characteristics of light incident on the sensor is obtained based on pixel values in the additional bands and pixel values in the RGB bands detected by the image sensor, and is applied to image processing of a captured object image. In order to maintain the image capturing resolution, in the image sensor, the number of additional band pixels is smaller than the number of R pixels, the number of G pixels, and the number of B pixels. |
| US08675089B2 |
Apparatus and method for assisting composition of photographic image
A photographing apparatus includes an auxiliary line display unit displaying auxiliary lines including at least one of at least one vertical line movable in a horizontal direction within a screen and at least one horizontal line movable in a vertical direction within the screen, an edge extracting unit extracting an edge of an object image from image data obtained by photographing an object, a straight line detecting unit detecting at least one straight line portion from the extracted edge, a target extracting unit extracting a target straight line portion from the detected at least one straight line portion, according to at least one of an inclination and a length of the detected at least one straight line portion, and a distance calculating unit calculating a distance between the extracted target straight line portion and at least one of the vertical line and the horizontal line. |
| US08675087B2 |
Image pickup apparatus and control method for correcting data output from pixels of an image pickup element
An image pickup apparatus that performs accurate correction processing for a pixel that outputs a non-reproducible high-level signal having a continuity with respect to an adjacent pixel is provided. The image pickup apparatus extracts data corresponding to a pixel of an image pickup element that generates an output value equal to or more than a predetermined value, and determines, within a predetermined area of a captured image, whether a predetermined number or more of pixels that generate an output value having the predetermined level are continuously adjacent to one another in the same direction, irrespective of the color received by the pixel. Then, if it is determined that the predetermined number or more of pixels are continuously adjacent to one another in the same direction, the pixels are indicated as targets and the outputs of the target pixels are corrected. |
| US08675074B2 |
Custom video composites for surveillance applications
A video surveillance system includes a plurality of video sources, where each video source is arranged to monitor and acquire video surveillance data within a field of view (FOV), a video manager connected to each of the plurality of video sources to control the video sources and to process video surveillance data acquired therefrom and a user interface connected to the video manager that allows an end-user to observe the FOVs from each of the plurality of video sources, and identify a region of interest (ROI) within particular FOVs to dynamically render a composite FOV comprising the ROIs from the particular FOVs. Where a video source includes enhanced abilities, such as a mega-pixel camera or video source, the enhanced video source may forward, instead of video data for the entire FOV, only that video dated from the selected ROI to realize reduced network traffic for more optimal video surveillance applications. |
| US08675067B2 |
Immersive remote conferencing
The subject disclosure is directed towards an immersive conference, in which participants in separate locations are brought together into a common virtual environment (scene), such that they appear to each other to be in a common space, with geometry, appearance, and real-time natural interaction (e.g., gestures) preserved. In one aspect, depth data and video data are processed to place remote participants in the common scene from the first person point of view of a local participant. Sound data may be spatially controlled, and parallax computed to provide a realistic experience. The scene may be augmented with various data, videos and other effects/animations. |
| US08675065B2 |
Video monitoring system
A video monitoring system, comprises a camera, and a monitor apparatus, to which video data from the camera is transmitted, wherein the camera comprises a video obtaining unit for obtaining a signal from an image pickup device, a camera image recognizer unit for executing video processing upon an input video obtained from the video obtaining unit, an encoding unit for executing an encoding process upon basis of a result of the processing within the camera image recognizer unit, thereby producing the video data, and wherein the monitor apparatus comprises a decoding unit for decoding the video data, and an image recognizer unit for selecting a decoding means of the decoding unit, upon basis of the result of processing of the camera image recognizer unit. |
| US08675063B2 |
Device, system, and method of reduced-power imaging
Devices, systems and methods of reduced-power imaging. For example, a device includes: an imager able to acquire one or more images; a triggering sensor able to sense a triggering event; and a receiver able to receive signals, wherein while the device is in a disarm mode the receiver is operational and the imager and the triggering sensor are not operational. |
| US08675056B2 |
Stereographic glasses
Stereographic glasses includes reception-stop timing control means that is so arranged as to: (i) cause a wireless-signal receiving section to stop receiving signals, after a cycle detection section detects a cycle of synchronous signals and a liquid crystal shutter control data memory section stores liquid crystal shutter control data therein signals; (ii) cause a liquid crystal shutter control signal timing generation section to generate timings for controlling opening and closing of liquid crystal shutters, based on cycle signals generated by a cycle signal generation section and the liquid crystal shutter control data stored in the liquid crystal shutter control data memory section; and (iii) cause a liquid crystal shutter control section to open and close the liquid crystal shutters, at the timings thus generated. |
| US08675055B2 |
Signal processor, signal processing method, display device and program product
A signal processor includes: a phase matching section adapted to bring two image signals supplied from two cameras into phase, one image signal being a left image signal and the other image signal being a right image signal; a phase adjustment section adapted to change the horizontal phase of the left and/or right image signal based on a phase displacement so as to move both or either of the left and right images horizontally by a predetermined distance and output the image signals with changed parallax between the left and right images; and a read section adapted to output the left and/or right image signal in which, of those areas displayed three-dimensionally and other areas where only the left or right image is displayed two-dimensionally, the image in the two-dimensionally displayed areas has been replaced by an image different from that in the three-dimensionally displayed areas. |
| US08675049B2 |
Navigation model to render centered objects using images
A 3D model of an object is rendered using centered images of the object. An algorithm executed locally or in a distributed manner calculates camera positions for the images and determines a virtual camera path based on the camera positions. The application adjusts the images to fit the plane of the virtual camera path and fills in the gaps between the images using transition renderings. To improve user experience, the application also calculates resting positions for navigation stop points using a spring system. Upon constructing the 3D model, the application can transmit the 3D model to a variety of user devices including the network connected device having a camera module that captured the images. |
| US08675046B2 |
Endoscope apparatus and control method thereof
A narrow-band observation image and a spectral estimation image are automatically switched based on the type of a subject. In an endoscopic image obtained by a scope, judgment is made as to whether the endoscopic image was obtained by close-up imaging or by distant-view imaging. When it is judged that the endoscopic image was obtained by distant-view imaging, white light is output from a light source unit and a spectral estimation image is output. When it is judged that the endoscopic image was obtained by close-up imaging, narrow-band light is output from the light source unit and a narrow-band observation image that has been obtained when the narrow-band light was output is output. |
| US08675045B2 |
Method of simulating blur in digitally processed images
In an image processing method, a first two-dimensional image (I(x, y)) of a three-dimensional scene is obtained. Each pixel location of a first image is associated with a respective distance parameter (z(x, y)) representing a distance of a viewer's eye to an object of the scene appearing at this pixel location in the first image. A respective spreading parameter (Φd(x, y)) is determined for each pixel location as a function of the distance parameter associated with this pixel location, of a dioptric power (Pcorr) of a portion of a correction lens simulated as placed along a ray extending between the viewer's eye and the object of the scene appearing at said pixel location in the first image, and of a simulated maximum accommodation power (Pacc) of the viewer's eye. A second, blurred two-dimensional image (I′(x, y)) is generated from the first image using a local convolution kernel varying across the image. This kernel can be made sparse, i.e. with a number of non-zero points much smaller than the number of points of a blur region whose dimension is given by the spreading parameter. |
| US08675043B2 |
Image recording system providing a panoramic view
The invention relates to an image detection system for a panoramic view comprising linearly disposed optical channels with a microlens and a detector which is situated in the focal plane thereof. The camera unit is thereby mounted on a rotating or rotating-oscillating rotational shaft, as a result of which a panoramic view of the image detection system is made possible. Image detection systems of this type are used in medical technology, on vehicles, for inspection of hole-like recesses and also for 360° image detection in rooms. |
| US08675040B2 |
Method and device for adjusting depth perception, terminal including function for adjusting depth perception and method for operating the terminal
A method and a device for adjusting depth perception, a terminal including a function for adjusting depth perception and a method for operating the terminal are provided. The method for adjusting depth perception includes: obtaining color and depth videos of a user; detecting a user's position based on the obtained depth video of the user; calculating a range of maximum and minimum depths in a 3-dimensional (3D) video according to the detected user's position; and adjusting a left and right stereo video generating interval of the 3D video to be rendered so as to satisfy the calculated range of the maximum and minimum depths. Therefore, during a 3D or multi-view video call, the 3D video having a three-dimensional effect optimized according to the user's position may be provided. |
| US08675039B2 |
Method of transferring communication streams
A method of transferring communication streams, including establishing a first stream via a first communication path between a first terminal and a second terminal, opening a second communication path between the second terminal and the first terminal, sending to the first terminal, via the second communication path, a request to establish a communication stream between the first terminal and a third terminal via a third communication path, and comparing respective capabilities of the first terminal and the third terminal to determine whether it is possible to establish a communication stream between the first terminal and the third terminal, and in the affirmative, interrupting the first stream and establishing a communication stream, between the first terminal and the third terminal. |
| US08675037B2 |
Two-way communication system, communication terminal device and image mute control method
A two-way communication system in which a plurality of communication terminal devices are mutually connected via a network, wherein the communication terminal devices include: a camera; and a terminal main unit; and wherein the camera includes an imaging unit configured to image a subject to output image data; and wherein the terminal main unit includes a remote control signal reception unit configured to receive a remote control signal, a communication unit configured to transmit image data to another communication terminal device, and a mute control unit configured to selectively switch the image data transmitted from the communication unit to image data output from the imaging unit or mute image data, based on a remote control signal for mute control received at the remote control signal reception unit. |
| US08675036B2 |
Deflection scanner
An optical scanning apparatus has first and second light sources, a deflection scanning device, and first and second scanning optical systems that guide the first and second laser beams deflected for scanning by the deflection scanning device. The first and second scanning optical systems include scanning lenses and a polarization beam splitter arranged in a downstream side of an optical path of the scanning lens, the first scanning optical system including a half-wave plate arranged in the downstream side of the optical path of the scanning lens and in an upstream side of an optical path of the polarization beam splitter, the first laser beam and the second laser beam having different phases by 180 degrees from each other before being incident on the first and second scanning optical systems. |
| US08675033B2 |
Recording apparatus
An ink jet printer includes an openable/closable scanner unit which is provided in an upper portion of a recording unit configured to execute recording on a sheet. A shaft is formed on a main frame which constitutes a base of the recording unit. The scanner unit is enabled to tilt in relation to the recording unit when the bearing provided to the scanner unit engages the shaft. A restricting portion is provided at a location opposing the outer periphery of the bearing. The restricting portion restricts the deformation of the bearing in a direction of expansion of an opening of the bearing within the range of tilt of the scanner unit. |
| US08675029B2 |
Compensation for display device flicker
Systems and methods are provided for use in correcting flicker of a display (e.g., an LCD display). For example, correction may employ the insertion of at least one transition data frame between display data frames for use in displaying a transition image by pixel elements of the display such that a user perceives display of a constant average luminance by the pixel elements. |
| US08675028B2 |
Display system and device with sustainable power generation
A display system and device includes energy generating elements operable to generate and store energy sufficient power the display device. The display device or devices are formed on flexible and preferable translucent sheaths to allow for mounting of the devices on virtually any surface. A control device is connected to several devices to provide instructions to operate light emitting elements in the devices to provide a desired image. |
| US08675025B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing control over a device display based on device orientation
An apparatus for enabling provision of control over a device display based on device orientation may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least receiving an indication of data associated with a first potential display view, receiving orientation information indicative of an orientation angle of a device including a display, and enabling provision of a display view at the display that includes a variable portion the first potential display view based on the orientation angle. A corresponding method and computer program product are also provided. |
| US08675021B2 |
Coordination and combination of video sequences with spatial and temporal normalization
Given two video sequences, a composite video sequence can be generated (15) which includes visual elements from each of the given sequences, suitably synchronized (11) and represented in a chosen focal plane. A composite video sequence can be made also by similarly combining a video sequence with an audio sequence. In the composite video sequence, contestants, action figures or objects can be shown against a common background (12) even if the given video sequences differ as to background, with the common background taken from one or the other of the given sequences, for example. Alternatively, a different suitable background can be used, e.g. as derived from the given video sequences, as obtained from another video sequence or image, or as otherwise synthesized. |
| US08675019B1 |
View navigation guidance system for hand held devices with display
System and method for view navigation guidance system for a physical display that is smaller than the virtual display it needs to display. Guidance map placed in a heads-up display layer within a small user defined area of the physical display provides an instantaneous indication of the current position of the screen view with minimal obstruction of the contents information. Color selection for the guidance map is automatically determined based on the background color in the main display layer beneath the map. The guidance map area on a touch screen display may include tapping controls, and the position of the guidance map can be dynamically altered by the user during the view navigation to control the navigation parameters. |
| US08675015B2 |
Method and graphical interface for embedding animated content into a computer application
A method of displaying a computer application comprising a plurality of objects within an initially transparent application window comprises creating an animated content window below the application window for each animated content object of the computer application and directing the player responsible for playing the animated content object to draw the animated content directly therein. The objects of the computer application are examined and a clipping mask for each animated content object corresponding generally to the animated content window created therefor is defined. Starting from bottom to top, an object from the list is selected. If the selected object is not an animated content object, the object is drawn within the application window except in areas corresponding to the clipping masks. If the selected object is an animated content object, the clipping mask defined for animated content object is removed, thereby to allow selected objects in the list above the animated content object to be drawn thereover. |
| US08675014B1 |
Efficiently detecting graphics objects near a selected point
A computer-implemented method for efficiently detecting graphics objects near a selected point in an application is disclosed. The method implements a two-stage selection technique. In a first stage, a set of one or more graphics objects that are considered equally good candidates for selection is determined, and in a second stage one of the graphics objects from the set is ultimately selected based on certain other selection criteria. In the first stage, the application determines if a selected pixel overlaps with any graphics objects. If the selected pixel does not overlap with any graphics objects, then the application determines whether one of a set of cursor footprints overlap with any graphics objects. If multiple graphics objects overlap the selected pixel, or the minimum sized cursor footprint, then, in a second stage, one of the multiple graphics objects is selected based on certain other selection criteria. |
| US08675011B2 |
Displaying items in an application window
A method of displaying a series of items in an application window on a display device, the method comprising the steps of rendering a subset of the series of items in the application window, calculating the vertical size of each rendered item, calculating the vertical size of the minimal rendered item, calculating the difference of the application window height minus the vertical size of the element containing all rendered items, determining candidate items for addition to the subset if the difference is positive, or determining candidate items for removal from the subset if the difference is negative, iterating through the candidate items, rendering a new subset of the series of items in the application window by adding or removing the iterated candidate items, and repeating steps of the process until the maximum number of items that can be displayed is displayed. |
| US08675008B2 |
Calculation device, movement detection device, and electronic instrument
The calculation device (36) according to the present invention receives a plurality of reflected light intensity information for indicating the intensity of each reflected light which reaches a single light receiver via a reflecting object, the reflected light having been emitted in sequence from a plurality of light emitters (31 through 33) provided in mutually different positions, computes a phase difference of an intensity variation which occurs among the reflected light, and determines a movement of the reflecting object on the basis of the calculation result. |
| US08674997B2 |
Systems and methods for resource planning using animation
A system and method of presenting resource information for an entity includes receiving input data associated with the resource information of the entity, generating, by a computer, an animated representation of the resource information along one or more determined timelines employing a plurality of graphical characters based on the input data and displaying the animated representation. The creation of one simple animated visual language may reduce the mass confusion typically associated with the relation of resources including financial and other concepts, saving time and money and better educating those seeking recommendations and advice regarding resource planning, including financial planning. |
| US08674994B2 |
Presentation of dependencies in Gantt charts
Various arrangements for adjusting display of a dependency on a Gantt chart are presented. A first indication may be received that indicates an end-user is permitted to control display of the dependency. The Gantt chart may be displayed with the dependency. A second indication may be received that indicates to hide the dependency. The Gantt chart may be displayed with the dependency hidden. |
| US08674993B1 |
Graph database system and method for facilitating financial and corporate relationship analysis
In accordance with the present disclosure, a system and method for providing an analytical and visual depiction of relationship data is presented. The method includes providing a plurality of graph objects corresponding to relationship data. Each of the graph objects may be categorized. At least some of the graph objects may then be displayed in a visual form that represents a network structure. The visual form may be determined, at least in part, according to the categorization of each of the graph objects. |
| US08674989B1 |
System and method for rendering photorealistic images of clothing and apparel
Embodiments described herein enable a user to select a set of clothing or apparel. The selected set of clothing or apparel is rendered to appear as being worn, by rendering one or more regions of the selected set to appear pinched or shaded. |
| US08674977B2 |
Driving method of organic electroluminescence emission part
A driving method of a display device having a driving transistor and a display element, one source/drain region of the driving transistor connected to a power supply part, the other source/drain region connected to an anode electrode provided in the display element, the method includes the steps of: setting a potential of the anode electrode by applying a predetermined intermediate voltage to the anode electrode so that a potential difference between the anode electrode of the display element and a cathode electrode at the other end of the display element does not exceed a threshold voltage of the display element; and then holding the driving transistor in OFF-state while a drive voltage is applied from the power supply part to one source/drain region of the driving transistor. |
| US08674974B2 |
Power supply device, panel driving device and power supply control method for display device
The present invention relates to a display device. There is disclosed a power supply unit and of a display device and a method thereof that can reduce frequency interference by electro-magnetic interference (EMI).A power supply unit of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for supplying power to a signal processor and a lamp of the display device includes: an AC input section receiving and supplying AC power; a converter section converting the AC power into DC power and supplying power to the signal processor; an inverter section converting the DC power into the AC power and supplying power to the lamp; and a mi-com having main ICs and feedback circuits of the converter section, the inverter section, and the signal processor, wherein a DC filter for converting noise frequencies generated by operating the circuits into signals of a pulse type is provided in the converter section and the inverter section and the mi-com differently sets control signals outputted from the converter section and the inverter section by using an analysis result of the pulse signals outputted from the DC filter portion. |
| US08674971B2 |
Display device and electronic apparatus including display device
A display device includes an active matrix circuit for display, a plurality of bus lines which are connected to the active matrix circuit and which are used to transmit driving signals, driving circuits which supply the driving signals to the plurality of bus lines, the plurality of bus lines and the driving circuits being arranged on a substrate, and optical sensors arranged on the substrate. The optical sensors are arranged in a plurality of sub regions separated using the plurality of bus lines. The plurality of sub regions are arranged between the active matrix circuit and each of the driving circuits. |
| US08674967B2 |
Position indicator
A position indicator for use with a digitizer is provided. The position indicator generates a response to an alternating field received from the digitizer. The position indicator includes a core formed of a composition including a soft magnetic metal powder mixed with a resin binder, and at least one coil provided around the core configured to generate the response to the alternating field based on the alternating field received from the digitizer. |
| US08674966B2 |
ASIC controller for light-based touch screen
A controller including a chip package coupled with a light-based touch screen, emitter driver circuitry inside the chip package for selectively activating photoemitters that are outside of the chip package, detector driver circuitry inside the chip package for selectively activating photo detectors that are outside of the chip package, detector signal processing circuitry for generating detection signals representing amounts of light detected on the photo detectors, signal conducting pins for connecting the photoemitters to the emitter driver circuitry, signal conducting pins for connecting the photo detectors to the detector driver circuitry and to the detector signal processing circuitry, controller circuitry inside the chip package for controlling the emitter driver circuitry and the detector driver circuitry, and at least one input/output pin for outputting the detection signals to a host processor, for the host processor to identify one or more locations on the touch screen that are being touched. |
| US08674965B2 |
Single camera display device detection
Various embodiments related to determining a distance of an object from a surface of an interactive display device are disclosed herein. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method comprising, directing infrared (IR) light to the object above the surface which is reflected by the object back to the interactive display device, and refracting IR light reflected from the object into two rays travelling in different directions based on a polarization state of the reflected IR light. The method further comprises switching a polarization state of an LCD device to allow one of the two refracted rays to pass through the LCD device, and receiving, at a detector, the one of the two refracted ray that passes through the LCD device. Further, the method comprises estimating a distance of the object from the surface based on triangulation. |
| US08674964B2 |
Organic light emitting diode touch display
An OLED display is proposed. The OLED display includes a gate driver for generating a scanning signal, a source driver for generating a data signal, and a plurality of cells arranged in an array. Each cell includes a first transistor for delivering the data signal when receiving the scanning signal, a second transistor for generating a driving current based on a voltage difference between a first supply voltage signal and the data signal, a storage capacitor coupled between the first transistor and an output end of the driving circuit, for storing the data signal, an organic light emitting diode for generating light based on the driving current, an infrared emitting layer for producing infrared ray, and an infrared sensitive layer for sensing the infrared ray reflected by an object. |
| US08674963B2 |
Waveguide configurations for optical touch systems
Waveguide structures and optical elements for use in an optical touch input device are disclosed. The disclosed waveguide structures and optical elements allow for reduced bezel width and simplified assembly of optical touch input devices, and relaxed component tolerances. |
| US08674962B2 |
Touch coordinate calculation method for touch panel
A method for calculating a touch coordinate on a touch panel is provided, the touch panel having a plurality of points, said method comprising: determining a group of candidate points when a touch occurs on the touch panel, each candidate point having one sensing value; assigning weights to the sensing values of the respective candidate points to obtain weighted sensing values; and calculating a coordinate by utilizing the weighted sensing values and positions of the respective candidate points. By using said method, the calculation result of the touch coordinate will be more stable. |
| US08674959B2 |
Dynamic bezel for a mobile device
An article, device and method may detect a touch of a human hand on an interactive area of a user interface display of a mobile device. A non-interactive area may be displayed on the user interface display in at least a location of the touch of the human hand. |
| US08674958B1 |
Method and apparatus for accurate coordinate calculation of objects in touch applications
Systems and methods and techniques are disclosed for determining the position and size of an object touching a touch-sensitive display. One embodiment may comprise a set of reference templates—where each reference template is a model and/or data associated with a reference object of a given size. The reference templates may be determined on a priori basis—possibly created during a training phase for the touch display system. The training phase may be performed by stepping an object across a touch display and noting its actuation signal—while the modeling step may be performed by calculating actuation signals based on a model of objects of a given size. With an actual object, its position and size may be determined, calculated and/or estimated by solving a set of inverse finger response functions—e.g., as a set of over-determined linear equations. |
| US08674956B2 |
In-cell touch sensor touch area enhancing algorithm
A touch detection method includes: scanning the row electrodes or the column electrodes in sequence to obtain touch data of the touch sensor; labeling a plurality of coordinates as a touch image according to the touch data; mirror copying the touch data of the touch image corresponding to at least one column electrode and at least one row electrode which are adjacent to an edge of the pixel active area in the x-direction and the y-direction, respectively, to at least one corresponding location which is outside of the touch sensor active area with respect to the edge of the pixel active area; calculating a location (xave, yave) of the central point of the touch image by a weighted average; and outputting the location (xave, yave) of the central point of the touch image. |
| US08674954B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing an organic light emitting diode display includes forming an organic layer on a support, forming a touch sensor on the organic layer, the touch sensor including a touch electrode pattern and a polarizing layer, separating the touch sensor from the support by removing the organic layer, and attaching the touch sensor to an organic light emitting diode display panel. |
| US08674951B2 |
Contoured thumb touch sensor apparatus
Embodiments of an apparatus, system and method are described for implementing a contoured thumb touch sensor. An apparatus may comprise, for example, an input device configured on a side of an apparatus, the input device having a concave shape in a direction from a top of the apparatus to a bottom of the apparatus, the input device comprising a touch-sensitive surface operative to detect movement input. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08674950B2 |
Dual-sensing-mode touch-sensor device
A touch-sensor device is described. The touch sensor-device includes a panel having an array of capacitive sensors arranged to function, in a first direction, as a projected capacitance slider. The array of capacitive sensors is further arranged to function, in a second direction, as a set of independent surface capacitance sensors. A controller is coupled with the panel by an electrical component. |
| US08674949B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus
A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a display panel configured to have a plurality of scanning lines for which liquid crystal display elements each containing an optical input device and a display pixel are arranged, respectively, a backlight configured to be arranged facing the display panel to illuminate the display panel, and a control part configured to control writing into the display pixel and reading of a detection signal of the optical input device, wherein the control part displays an external light detection image substantially shielding light from the backlight on the display pixels throughout a first period of a frame period, and displays a display image on the display pixels throughout a second period of the frame period. |
| US08674948B2 |
Methods of interfacing with multi-point input devices and multi-point input systems employing interfacing techniques
Methods and systems for interfacing with multi-point input devices employ various techniques for controlling displayed images, including 2D and 3D image translation, scale/zoom, rotation control and globe axis tilt control. Various techniques employ three or more simultaneous inputs, changes in characteristics of those inputs, and pressure sensing, among other things. |
| US08674944B2 |
Method and handheld electronic device for improved calendar user interface navigation
A method, handheld electronic device and computer program product for inputting calendar information using a graphical user interface (GUI) of a calendar application are provided. The GUI is displayed on a display screen of the handheld electronic device which comprises a navigational input device for receiving navigational input in a first and a second direction. The method comprises: displaying a calendar event user interface screen on the display screen of the handheld electronic device, the calendar event user interface screen comprising a primary field having at least two subfields; invoking an edit mode of the primary field in response to predetermined user selection input; redisplaying the calendar event user interface screen to provide a visual indication that the edit mode is currently invoked for the primary field; changing the logical value of a selected subfield in response to navigational input in the first direction and redisplaying the changed value of the selected subfield in the calendar event user interface screen; and selecting an adjacent subfield in response to navigational input in the second direction and redisplaying the adjacent subfield to provide a visual indication that the adjacent subfield is the selected subfield in the calendar event user interface screen. |
| US08674943B2 |
Multi-touch hand position offset computation
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device. |
| US08674940B2 |
Custom grip assembly and method of using the same
A custom grip assembly that includes an attachment member for connection to a joystick assembly. The attachment assembly is made from deformable material that when originally gripped by a user deforms to the custom shape of the user's grip. The deformable material then remains in that shape and hardens to present a permanent grip assembly for the user. |
| US08674937B2 |
Storage medium having stored thereon program for adjusting pointing device, and pointing device
A pointing device includes a controller for pointing a position on a display surface by imaging an imaging objective such as two markers positioned with a predetermined interval therebetween in a vicinity of the display surface of a monitor. With the pointing device, a width of the display surface and the interval between the markers are obtained to determine an appropriate distance between the controller and the monitor. Further, a current distance between the controller and the monitor (markers) is calculated. Relation between the current distance and the appropriate distance is notified by such as image display or sound output. For example, an image indicating the appropriate distance and an adjustment image varying in size in conjunction with the current distance are displayed on the monitor. |
| US08674925B2 |
Display apparatus and backlight scanning method thereof
A display apparatus and a backlight scanning method thereof are provided. The display apparatus having a backlight illuminator includes a parameter generator for generating parameters indicative of motion features of a video signal; and a backlight driver for driving the backlight illuminator by generating a scanning signal which has a plurality of scanning pulses during a frame period and is adjusted according to the parameters generated at the parameter generator. The display apparatus and the backlight scanning method thereof drive the backlight by generating the scanning signal which has the plurality of the scanning pulses during the frame period and is adjusted according to the motion features of the video signal to be displayed, to thereby effectively mitigate the motion blur and the flicker. |
| US08674924B2 |
Display device comprising normal/multiplied speed drive switching circuit and data driver and operating method thereof
A display device is provided with: a display panel; a driver driving the display panel; and a controller adapted to perform multiplied-speed drive processing on original image data externally supplied thereto. The driver is adapted to drive the display panel by multiplied speed driving. When the driver performs the multiplied-speed driving, the controller generates multiplied-speed drive image data by performing the multiplied-speed drive processing on the original image data, generates compressed image data by compressing the multiplied-speed drive image data, and transfers the compressed image data to the driver. In this case, the driver decompresses the compressed image data to thereby reproduce the multiplied-speed drive image data, and drives the display panel in response to the reproduced multiplied-speed drive image data. When the driver does not perform the multiplied-speed driving, on the other hand, the controller transfers the original image data to the driver, and the driver drives the display panel in response to the original image data received from the controller. |
| US08674922B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method of driving the same
A liquid crystal display includes a timing controller and a liquid crystal panel. The timing controller sequentially receives first through third primitive image signals and sequentially outputs first through third corrected image signals. The liquid crystal panel displays an image based on the first through third corrected image signals. The timing controller generates a first converted image signal having a first gray level based on the first primitive image signal and stores the first converted image signal. The second primitive image signal has a second gray level and the timing controller generates a second converted image signal having a third gray level higher than the second gray level when the second gray level is lower than the first gray level. The timing controller generates the third corrected image signal using the second converted image signal and the third primitive image signal. |
| US08674920B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method for driving the same
A method for driving a liquid crystal display (LCD) includes receiving image data of each display unit of the LCD in every display period to determine gray levels of the display units, controlling a gate driver of the LCD to scan each of the display units at least twice every display period, controlling a source driver of the LCD to generate a switch signal, controlling the source driver to determine the gray levels of one row of the display units when the switch signal is at a first voltage level, and controlling the source driver to drive one row of the display units to a predetermined gray level status when the switch signal is at a second voltage level. |
| US08674919B2 |
Liquid crystal display with first and second sub-picture elements including two storage capacitors
Each picture element includes first and second sub-picture elements, each of which includes a liquid crystal capacitor and at least one storage capacitor. After a display voltage representing a certain grayscale level has been applied to the respective sub-picture element electrodes of the first and second sub-picture elements, a voltage difference ΔVα is produced between voltages to be applied to the respective liquid crystal capacitors of the first and second sub-picture elements by way of their associated storage capacitor(s). By setting the voltage difference ΔVα value of the blue and/or cyan picture element(s) to be smaller than that of the other color picture elements, shift toward the yellow range at an oblique viewing angle can be minimized. |
| US08674916B2 |
Driving method for reducing image sticking
A driving method with reducing image sticking effect is disclosed. The driving method includes applying a voltage on the data lines for trapping impurities crossing the data lines and lowering the degree of the image sticking effect, and applying different asymmetric waveforms to different data lines for trapping impurities crossing the data lines and lowering the degree of the image sticking effect. |
| US08674907B2 |
Pixel circuits of flat panel display devices
Disclosed is a pixel capable of finely controlling the amount of current and increasing the voltage range of a data signal. A pixel includes an organic light emitting diode, a first transistor, a storage capacitor, a load and an amplifier. The first transistor is coupled between a scan line and a data line, and supplies a data signal supplied to the data line to a first node when a scan signal is supplied to the scan line. The storage capacitor is coupled between the first node and a first power source, and charges a voltage corresponding to the data signal. The load is coupled between the organic light emitting diode and the first power source. The amplifier controls a voltage applied to the load corresponding to the voltage charged in the storage capacitor. |
| US08674906B2 |
Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device operates for an initializing period, a scan period and an emission period divided from one frame period. The organic light emitting display device includes: a data driver for supplying data signals to output lines; a connecting unit for selectively coupling a data line of data lines to a corresponding one of the output lines or an initial power supply, and being positioned between the output lines and the data lines; a second power driver for applying second power having a low level and a high level to pixels positioned at crossing regions of scan lines and the data lines; and a first control line commonly coupled to the pixels, in which each of the pixels includes an organic light emitting diode, and an anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode is supplied with a voltage of the initial power supply for the initializing period. |
| US08674903B2 |
Illuminator, projection display device, and method for driving the same
The invention provides a projection display device capable of appropriate light control depending on the kind of the image, the ambient brightness and so on, a method for driving the same, and an illuminator used in the same. The light flux of illumination can be adjusted on the basis of image information. The allowable light control range (dimming control) can be optimally set depending on the information (usage information) on the kind of viewed content, the brightness of viewing environment, the gain of a screen and the like. |
| US08674899B2 |
Radome incorporating partition wall for enhancing isolation between transmitted and received radar waves of radar apparatus
A radome covers an antenna substrate of a millimeter-band radar apparatus, with a partition wall formed integrally in the radome separating the internal space of the radome into a first internal space, located in correspondence with a transmitting antenna section, and a second internal space, located in correspondence with a receiving antenna section. Increased isolation between transmission and reception is achieved thereby, by reducing the amount of transmitted radar waves which directly reach the receiving antenna section. |
| US08674898B2 |
Bandpass filter, radio communication module and radio communication device using the bandpass filter
Provided is a bandpass filter which can cope with a wide band and has a large degree of freedom in designing a pass band. Provided also are a radio communication module and a radio communication device using the bandpass filter. The bandpass filter includes a first, a second, and a third resonator (10, 20, 30). The first and the third resonator (10, 30) have a resonance frequency f1 while the second resonator (20) has a resonance frequency f2 which is different from f1. If fe is the even-number mode resonance frequency of a resonance system formed by the first and the third resonator (10, 30) and fo is the odd-number mode resonance frequency, f2 is lower or higher than both of fe and fo. The bandpass filter has a pass band including fe, fo, and f2. |
| US08674897B2 |
Antenna assemblies including antenna elements with dielectric for forming closed bow tie shapes
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of bow tie antennas and antenna assemblies that include the same. In an exemplary embodiment, a bow tie antenna includes a pair of antenna elements. Each antenna element includes spaced apart end portions defining an open portion such that the antenna element has an open shape. The open shape is closed by dielectric material disposed between the spaced apart end portions and extending across a gap separating the spaced apart end portions, whereby the dielectric material and pair of antenna elements cooperatively define a closed bow tie shape for the bow tie antenna. |
| US08674893B2 |
Antenna feed assembly
An antenna feed assembly is provided which includes at least two elongate feed chains lying adjacent one another. Each feed chain is adapted to transmit or receive electromagnetic radiation between itself and the antenna along a longitudinal feed axis thereof via a transmit/receive element. The feed chains are held in fixed lateral relationship to one another by first and second mountings spaced apart axially of the feed chains. The transmit/receive elements extend axially from the first mounting towards the antenna and the second mounting is positioned on a side of the first mounting remote from the antenna. The first mounting has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion in the lateral direction than the second mounting whereby translational movement of each transmit/receive element in the lateral direction owing to temperature change of the assembly will be reduced. |
| US08674891B2 |
Tunable metamaterial antenna structures
Apparatus and techniques that provide tuning elements in antenna devices to tune frequencies of the antenna devices, including composite right and left handed (CRLH) metamaterial (MTM) antenna devices. Examples of the tuning elements for CRLH MTM antenna devices include feed line tuning elements, cell patch tuning elements, meandered stub tuning elements, via line tuning elements, and via pad tuning elements tuning elements that formed near corresponding antenna elements such as the feed line, cell patch, meander stub, via line and via pad, respectively. |
| US08674890B2 |
Wideband and multiband external antenna for portable transmitters
A communication device is presented that has an antenna structure with a relatively short length and covers multiple resonances including the UHF and the GPS bands. The antenna structure has a conductive base to which a whip antenna is connected through a helical radiating element. A cylindrical sheath capacitively connected to the helical element provides distributed impedance matching for the antenna structure. A monopole or another helical element provides higher resonance than that of the whip antenna or connected helical element. If the higher resonance is provided by a monopole, the monopole is disposed radially adjacent to the helical element and is capacitively connected with the helical element through an opening in the sheath. If the higher resonance is provided by a helical element, the helical element is capacitively or galvanically connected to the end of the whip antenna. |
| US08674889B2 |
Tunable antenna arrangement
An antenna arrangement including an antenna; a first variable impedance circuit connected between ground and a first point of the antenna; and a second variable impedance circuit connected between ground and a second point of the antenna and a connection from a third point of the antenna to ground wherein; the first point of the antenna and the second point of the antenna are separated along the length of the antenna and the impedance of the first variable impedance circuit and the second variable impedance circuit control the resonant frequency of the antenna arrangement. |
| US08674888B2 |
Integrated circuit with power supply line antenna structure and methods for use therewith
An integrated circuit includes a plurality of circuits including a plurality of millimeter wave interfaces for communicating data between the plurality of circuits via millimeter wave RF signaling. A power supply line supplies at least one power supply signal to the plurality of circuits. The power supply line includes a plurality of antenna elements to facilitate the communicating of first data between the plurality of circuits via the millimeter wave RF signaling. |
| US08674885B2 |
Systems for interfacing waveguide antenna feeds with printed circuit boards
A millimeter-wave communication system includes (i) an antenna comprising a reflector and a feed, the feed comprising a first waveguide, (ii) a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) comprising a modem, a processor, and a radio receiver coupled with a probe, the PCB is mechanically fixed to one end of the feed, such that the PCB is mechanically held by the feed, and the probe is located in a position allowing reception of millimeter-waves exiting the first waveguide towards the PCB, (iii) an Ethernet connector, (iv) at least one flexible cable operative to carry Ethernet signals between the first PCB and the Ethernet connector, and (v) a box housing the PCB and the Ethernet connector. The Ethernet connector and the feed are mechanically fixed to the box, and the only mechanical connection between the PCB and the box is via the feed. |
| US08674884B2 |
Dual-band circularly polarized antenna
A dual-band circularly polarized antenna is disclosed, which includes a ground metal plate, a dielectric substrate, a first microstrip radiation portion and a second microstrip radiation portion. The dielectric substrate is formed on the ground metal plate. The first microstrip radiation portion is formed on the dielectric substrate and has at least one pair of symmetric truncated corners. The second microstrip radiation portion is formed on the dielectric substrate and includes a plurality of radiation units. Each of the plurality of radiation units is extended from the first microstrip radiation portion along a first direction. |
| US08674883B2 |
Antenna using through-silicon via
An antenna includes a substrate and a top plate disposed over the substrate. At least one feed line is connected to the top plate, and each feed line comprises a first through-silicon via (TSV) structure passing through the substrate. At least one ground line is connected to the top plate, and each ground line comprises a second TSV structure passing through the substrate. The top plate is electrically conductive, and the at least one feed line is arranged to carry a radio frequency signal. The at least one ground line is arranged to be coupled to a ground. |
| US08674882B2 |
Antenna, complex antenna and radio-frequency transceiver system
An antenna for receiving and transmitting radio signals includes a ground metal plate, a first patch plate, a second patch plate, a first feed-in wire electrically connected to the first patch plate for transmitting radio signals, a second feed-in wire electrically connected to the second patch plate for transmitting radio signals, and an insulation fixing unit for fixing the ground metal plate, the first patch plate and the second patch plate, to ensure that the ground metal plate, the first patch plate and the second patch plate do not electrically contact to each other. |
| US08674878B2 |
Smart antenna system
The present invention discloses a smart antenna system for a portable device. The smart antenna system includes a plurality of directional antennas, disposed at a plurality of positions of the portable device, having a plurality of directional radiation patterns corresponding to a plurality of areas; wherein all of the plurality of directional radiation patterns substantially form an omni directional radiation pattern. |
| US08674875B2 |
Scanners
The invention provides a security scanner that produces a radar profile of a clothed person or another object such as a bag carried by a person at a distance and does not require close proximity of the person or object to the scanner itself. The scanner includes a millimeter wave antenna system optimised for short-range active imaging and arranged to provide rapid high-resolution images of an object or person of interest and processing means for resolving the images so as to detect the presence of predetermined objects. The processing means preferably includes means for comparing contrasts in reflectivity in the scanned images with predetermined expected values from skin and light clothing. The processing means may also include means for detecting predetermined behavioral or physical traits such as the effect on gait on carried weighty objects or stiff structures strapped to the person from the images of a scanned object or person. The scanner may be incorporated within a turnstile access arrangement. |
| US08674872B2 |
Method for increasing the time for illumination of targets by a secondary surveillance radar
A secondary surveillance radar with rotating antenna, configured for transmitting interrogations in S or IFF mode and processing the responses to these interrogations. The radar includes an antenna having a lobe with three channels, a Sum channel, a Difference channel and a Control channel, whose transmission means are configured for transmitting interrogation messages over the Sum and Difference channels and whose reception and processing means are configured so as to carry out, aside from conventional detections by the Sum channel, detections by the Difference channel of the responses from the aircraft having been subjected to interrogation by this same channel. The radar also includes means for Space-Time Management configured for generating interrogation messages and determining whether a given message is to be transmitted by the Sum channel, by the Difference channel or by the two channels simultaneously and controlling its transmission by the corresponding transmission channel. |
| US08674869B2 |
A/D conversion circuit
Each of cascade-connected one-bit A/D converters includes first and second amplifier circuits receiving first and second input signals, a third amplifier circuit that outputs an interpolation value of outputs of the first and second amplifier circuits, a comparator that outputs a binary signal having value determined by a polarity of an output of the third amplifier circuit, and a selector that selects two of three outputs of the first to third amplifier circuits, based on a value of the comparator. The selector is set such that direct-current transfer characteristics of two outputs of the selector are folded and symmetrical relative to the midpoint of the first and second input signals. |
| US08674868B2 |
Signal conversion
An approach to signal conversion adapts the signal conversion process, for example, by adapting or configuring signal conversion circuitry, according to inferred characteristics (e.g., probability distribution of value) of a signal being converted. As an example, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) may be adapted so that its accuracy varies across the range of possible input signal values in such a way that on average the digital signal provides a higher accuracy than had the accuracy remained fixed. In another example, models (and corresponding inference circuitry) of both an input signal process and of a quantization process are used to improve signal conversion accuracy. |
| US08674867B1 |
Capacitive radio-frequency digital-to-analog converter with a switched load
The present disclosure relates to a device and method to increase the dynamic bit range of a radio-frequency digital-to-analog converter. A load of the Cap-RF-DAC typically consists of a transformer, which has a transfer ratio N:M derived by the number of windings of the primary and secondary coil, respectively. The load resistance can be varied by using switchable inductors on one or both sides of the transformer to vary an inductance of one of more sides of the switchable transformer, varying the transfer ratio of a transformer resulting in a switchable trans-impedance gain of the transformer. Switchable capacitor may also be configured in parallel to the switchable transformer to keep the load impedance constant while switching the switchable transformer. |
| US08674864B2 |
Integrator and oversampling A/D converter having the same
A high order integrator is configured using an operational amplifier, a first filter connected between an input terminal of the integrator and an inverted input terminal of the operational amplifier, and a second filter connected between the inverted input terminal and output terminal of the operational amplifier. The first filter includes n serially-connected first resistance elements, n−1 first capacitance elements each connected between each interconnecting node of the first resistance elements and the ground, and n−1 second resistance elements each connected between each interconnecting node of the first resistance elements and the ground. The second filter includes n serially-connected second capacitance elements, n−1 third resistance elements each connected between each interconnecting node of the second capacitance elements and the ground, and n−1 third capacitance elements each connected between each interconnecting node of the second capacitance elements and the ground. |
| US08674862B1 |
Systems and methods for digital calibration of successive-approximation-register analog-to-digital converter
Systems and methods of calibrating a successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter (ADC) are disclosed. A plurality of capacitor stages, a first capacitor array, and a first capacitor stage are coupled in parallel. A capacitance of the first capacitor stage is compared to a sum of capacitances of the plurality of capacitor stages and of the first capacitor array. In response to the comparing, the capacitance of the first capacitor stage is increased by increasing the capacitance of a second capacitor array if the capacitance of the first capacitor stage is less than the sum of the capacitances of the plurality of capacitor stages and of the first capacitor array. |
| US08674861B2 |
Analog-to-digital converter
An embodied ADC includes a sampling unit sampling differential input signal to output differential sampled signal which has first and second sampled signals. The ADC includes a reference signal generator generating first and second reference signals and a preamplifier amplifying the differential sampled signal to output a differential amplification signal having first and second amplified outputs. The preamplifier has a first differential amplifier amplifying the first sampled signal using the first reference signal and a second differential amplifier amplifying the second sampled signal using the second reference signal. The ADC includes a comparator comparing the first and second amplified outputs and a correction controller controlling common-mode voltage levels of the first and second reference signals or common-mode voltage levels of the first and second sampled signals in accordance with the operations of the first and second differential amplifiers. |
| US08674855B2 |
Identification of text
A method for determining whether portions of text have been copied during electronic copying, photocopying, or scanning of a document. The method comprises generating a target code from a target passage of the text, determining whether a sample passage of text includes the target code, and, upon successful determination, initiating an action if the sample passage of text includes the target code. A method of generating a code representative of a passage of text uses a spacing between respective occurrences of one or more key symbol strings within the text. By comparing the known code of a target text passage with the code generated from a sample text passage, it is easy to determine whether the target text has been used within the sample. The method may be integrated within a copying device. |
| US08674849B2 |
Information display terminal
An information display terminal allows a user to grasp rapidly and surely the direction to a destination, and can guide the user to the destination without placing a burden on the user. The information display terminal is provided at a passage, and its display screen displays a route guidance screen that guides a route to the destination. The route guidance screen displays a pseudo-action image that shows the walking motion, and a destination display information image indicating a destination name such as “Subway Ticket Gate”. The action image shows the motion of walking toward the destination, but the display position does not change. The destination display information image is displayed in front of the action image in the advancing direction. |
| US08674848B2 |
Queue control system
A queue control system for guiding persons waiting for service by a plurality of service desks, such as check-in desks at an airport, the system comprising computer control means for controlling the system, wherein system further comprises: stripe-like or band-like lighting means arranged for each desk (Desk 1-Desk 3) provided with point-like light sources, like LEDs, coupled to a circuit board, the circuit board being adapted to provide variable lighting operations, wherein each lighting means have at least a stripe-like or band-like part (101-103) arranged in the direction of the queue; and wherein the control computer means are adapted to variably control the lighting of the stripe-like or band-like lighting means in order to guide the persons in the queues and/or entering and/or leaving the queues. |
| US08674847B2 |
Wireless monitor voice indication parking indicator
A wireless monitor voice indication parking indicator includes a transmitting part and a receiving part. The transmitting part includes a camera, an ultrasonic transmitting circuit, an ultrasonic receiving circuit, a power circuit, a voice indication circuit, a video superimposed circuit, a wireless transmitting circuit and a Single-chip Microcomputer (SCM) processor. The receiving part includes a power circuit, a wireless receiving circuit, an audio separation circuit, a control magnification output circuit, an alarm and a monitor. The power circuit supplies necessary stable voltage. |
| US08674845B2 |
Systems and methods for locating and controlling powered vehicles using a received strength indication signal
A system for controlling movement of a personal mobility vehicle near a restricted region is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a detector that is configured to be disposed on the personal mobility vehicle and that is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal transmitted to the restricted region. The system also includes a control unit configured to communicate with the detector. The control unit is further configured to determine proximity of the detector to the restricted region using information related to the signal received by the detector. The control unit is also configured to provide a command to inhibit movement of the personal mobility vehicle in response to the determined proximity of the vehicle to the restricted region. |
| US08674842B2 |
Responsive units
An electronic communication unit such as a mobile phone comprises a processor for operating said unit; and an ambient air quality monitoring sensor; characterized in that said processor is configured to operate said unit in a first mode of operation during which a) monitoring of said air quality occurs and a level of air quality is assessed against pre-determined levels; and b) ordinary communication routines are activated provided an acceptable category of pre-determined levels is identified; and in a second mode of operation during which a) monitoring of said air quality occurs and a level of air quality is assessed against pre-determined levels; and b) an alarm routine is launched interrupting the ordinary communication routines once a level of ambient air quality is assessed to warrant the user's attention. |
| US08674841B2 |
Sleep system
A stimulation execution portion of a sleep system applies a stimulus (S112) determined based on the difference between the present sleep depth of a target person (S111), which has been measured by a stimulation effect calculation portion (S105) and a target sleep depth for the target person. |
| US08674840B2 |
Sanitization compliance monitoring system
A sanitization compliance monitoring system comprises care giver badges, patient bed beacons associated with patient beds, dispenser beacons associated with sanitization dispensers, and a central unit for wirelessly communicating with the badges. |
| US08674836B2 |
Security system including abnormality determination of activities of a monitored person and electronic photo frame
This security system includes an activity detection portion detecting an activity of a monitored person in a house, a first communication portion acquiring a detection result (information about the activity) and an abnormality determination portion determining whether or not an abnormality is happening to the monitored person on the basis of the detection result and an activity history of the monitored person in the house and determining the extent of the abnormality of the monitored person. |
| US08674835B2 |
Identification band
Updateable, customizable identification bands. The identification band may include a band having an opening therein and at least one transparent surface. An information tag is insertable into the opening and is visible through the at least one transparent surface. The information tag is updateable, customizable or replaceable. The identification band may include accessible digital data storage as well. The identification band may also include a clasp. The clasp may include a male part and a female part, the female part having a cave-like opening that enables the information tag to be inserted into the opening in the band. The male part desirably secures the “cave-like” opening such that a water tight seal is formed. |
| US08674829B2 |
Proximity sensor network
A system, device and method for a proximity sensor network are disclosed. The proximity detection device includes a short range wireless receiver, a wireless network transceiver; and a controller connected to the receiver and transceiver. The device receives a short-range radio signal from a user's mobile communications device, and locates the user and takes various actions based on the identity of the user. |
| US08674826B2 |
Location detection system for a device
A location detection system includes a device that is mobile for positioning at a location and has a unique device ID. The device also has circuitry for controlling one or more functions of the device and includes a network interface. A location transmitting device is provided that is spaced from the device for communicating a unique location identifier corresponding to the location of the device to the device. The circuitry is operable to send device data, the unique device ID, and the unique location identifier from the device by way of the network interface. |
| US08674824B1 |
Sonar sensor array and method of operating same
A sonar sensor array is provided that has reduced power consumption, data bandwidth and data storage requirements. The sensor array may be configured to a sleep mode, low-resolution mode and high-resolution mode. In the sleep mode, all sonar sensors are configured in the sleep mode and no acoustic signals are detected. In the low-resolution mode, a limited number of sonar sensors are powered and acoustic signals received by the sonar sensors are processed with reduced bandwidth and reduced dynamic range, and then stored on a data storage device. In the high-resolution mode, the acoustic signals detected by the sonar sensors are processed with full signal bandwidth and full dynamic range and then stored on the data storage device. |
| US08674822B2 |
Low-cost high-fidelity asset tracking in data center facilities
In one embodiment, an activation unit may render a passive radio frequency identification tag visible to a tracking infrastructure. A radio frequency identification reader may read at close range a passive radio frequency identification tag 304 attached to a server 302. A controller may create an active radio frequency signal for the server 302. A radio antenna may transmit the active radio frequency signal to a position infrastructure node 160. |
| US08674821B2 |
Tire pressure monitoring apparatus
A tire pressure monitoring apparatus includes a plurality of transceivers, a receiver and a warning device. Each transceiver is mounted on a respective wheel having a tire in a vehicle. The receiver is mounted on a body of the vehicle. The warning device receives a warning signal transmitted from the receiver. Each transceiver includes a sensing unit, a first control unit and a transmitting unit. The receiver includes a receiving unit and a second control unit. Each transceiver or the receiver includes a determination unit, which determines whether the tire pressure increases while the vehicle is parked. When the determination unit determines that the tire pressure is increased while the vehicle is parked, the second control unit calculates the selected threshold value, and stores the selected threshold value. |
| US08674820B2 |
Display device for a vehicle for displaying information relating to the operation of the vehicle and method for displaying this information
A display device for a vehicle for the display of information relating to the operation of the vehicle includes a display, at least one round instrument which is readable to a viewer in the area of the display, and a control device which controls the reading on the display and of the round instrument. The display device can be controlled by the control device such that the display device has a first display mode in which the at least one round instrument is displayed to the viewer and the display has a display area within the round instrument and a display area outside the round instrument, and the display device has a second display mode in which the at least one round instrument is not displayed to the viewer, the information which can be displayed by the round instrument is represented by a digital reading of the display, and the information displayed by the display in the first display mode within the round instrument is displayed in another display area of the display. |
| US08674819B2 |
Vehicular obstacle notification apparatus
In a vehicular obstacle notification apparatus, a notification priority is determined from two of (i) a collision possibility between an obstacle and a subject vehicle and (ii) a region priority specific to an obstacle, instead of only from the collision possibility. Even if the collision possibility is high, the notification priority may become low when the region priority is low. In contrast, even if the collision possibility is low, the notification priority may become high when the region priority is high. Thus, the warning or warning notification to the driver with respect to obstacles can be executed effectively in an order of the necessity of urging the driver to take precautions, in comparison with the case where the notification priority is determined only based on the collision possibility. |
| US08674818B2 |
In-vehicle monitoring system
An in-vehicle monitoring system is configured to determine the presence of an object when the number of continuous generations of an object detection signal obtained in connection with a transmission signal reaches a threshold. The in-vehicle monitoring system comprises an adjustment unit configured to decrease the threshold if the distance obtained from a transmission signal and an object detection signal decreases. |
| US08674810B2 |
Wearable RFID system
Apparatus and methods are provided for automatically interrogating a tagged object using radio frequency identification (RFID) when the object is moved. In one embodiment, a worker is outfitted with a wearable RFID system including an RF antenna, an RFID reader, and a holder to hold the antenna and reader during operation. The system is worn by the worker while the worker moves objects from one place to another. When the worker moves an object with an attached RFID tag, the antenna automatically begins scanning for signals from the object's RFID tag. When a RF signal is received by the antenna, the RFID reader collects the signal and transmits it to a host system which processes the signal to obtain information related to the object to which the RFID tag is attached. |
| US08674806B1 |
End to end emergency response
A system can be for use with a number of reference tags disposed at respective reference locations in a coverage area. The reference tags can be configured to form a wireless mesh network. A system can include a first tag configured to communicate with the reference tags. The first tag can operate in a sleep mode and includes a motion sensor. The first tag is woken out of the sleep mode on a first periodic basis to communicate with the reference tags. The first tag is woken out of the sleep mode at a second periodic basis in response to motion signal from the motion sensor. The second periodic basis is more frequent than the first periodic basis. The system can also include a positioning system configured to receive data related to the communication between the first tag and the reference tags. The positioning system can be configured to process the data to determine a location of the first tag. |
| US08674803B2 |
Moderately hazardous environment fuse
A fuse for a moderately hazardous environment comprising: (i) a fuse element; (ii) first and second terminals connected to the fuse element; and (iii) a metal enclosure placed around the fuse element, the enclosure configured to protect the environment from an opening of the fuse element, and wherein the first and second terminals extend from the metal enclosure. |
| US08674796B2 |
Relay
A relay includes: a plurality of fixed terminals arranged to have fixed contacts; and a movable contact member arranged to have a plurality of movable contacts that are correspondingly opposed to the respective fixed contacts. The relay further includes: a driving structure operated to move the movable contact member such that the respective movable contacts come into contact with the corresponding fixed contacts; a plurality of first vessels provided corresponding to the respective fixed terminals and arranged to have insulating property; a second vessel joined with the plurality of first vessels; and an air-tight space formed by the plurality of fixed terminals, the plurality of first vessels and the second vessel to allow the movable contact member and the respective fixed contacts to be placed therein. |
| US08674792B2 |
Tunable metamaterials
A metamaterial comprises a support medium, such as a planar dielectric substrate and a plurality of resonant circuits supported thereby. At least one resonant circuit is a tunable resonant circuit including a conducting pattern and a tunable material, so that an electromagnetic parameter (such as resonance frequency) may be adjusted using an electrical control signal applied to the tunable material. |
| US08674788B2 |
Phase shifter having an accelerometer disposed on a movable circuit board
A physical angle of a portion of a variable element, such as a phase shifter, is used to determine a desired antenna beam attribute, such as beam downtilt. In one example, a variable element includes a stationary circuit board and a rotatable circuit board. The stationary circuit board has at least one transmission line having a first output and a second output. The rotatable circuit board includes an input and a coupling section, the coupling section located to capacitively couple an input signal to the at least one transmission line between the first output and the second output, and the accelerometer being oriented such that it provides a signal indicative of a physical angle of the rotatable circuit board with respect to vertical. |
| US08674782B2 |
RF impedance detection using two point voltage sampling
An adaptive impedance matching module having an adjustable impedance matching network with an input for receiving an RF power source and an output to be connected to an antenna, and first and second voltage measurement device configured to sense a voltage at respective first and second nodes on the impedance matching network. A network adjuster circuit is provided to switch the impedance matching network between a first state where first and second voltages are sensed on the respective first and second nodes and a second state where third and fourth voltages are sensed on the respective first and second nodes. Processing circuitry is provided which determines the matched load impedance based upon the first, second, third and fourth sensed voltages and including matching adjustment circuitry configured to adjust the matching impedance in the event the matched load impedance differs from a target load impedance by more that a predetermined amount. |
| US08674780B2 |
Oscillator with frequency adjustment
An oscillator includes a nominal frequency output unit, a frequency adjustment amount output unit, a gain output unit, a multiplier, and an adder. The nominal frequency output unit is configured to output a first digital value corresponding to the nominal frequency. The frequency adjustment amount output unit is configured to output a second digital value corresponding to a rate of frequency in order to set a frequency adjustment amount with respect to the nominal frequency using the rate of frequency. The gain output unit is configured to output a third digital value corresponding to a gain to be multiplied by the second digital value. The multiplier is configured to multiply the second digital value by the third digital value, thus outputting a fourth digital value. The adder adds the first digital value and the fourth digital value to output the added result as a setting signal of frequency. |
| US08674779B2 |
Reference current generator circuit
One aspect of the present invention includes a reference current generator circuit. The circuit includes a bias circuit configured to generate a reference current along a first current path and a second current along a second current path. The reference current and the second current can be proportional. The circuit also includes a first pair of transistors connected in series and configured to conduct the reference current in the first current path. The circuit further includes a second pair of transistors connected in series and configured to conduct the second current in the second current path. The second pair of transistors can be coupled to the first pair of transistors to provide a collective resistance value of the second pair of transistors that is proportional to temperature. |
| US08674776B2 |
Oscillator circuit, oscillator, electronic apparatus, and activation method oscillator circuit
An oscillator circuit includes a resonator (SAW resonator), an amplifier circuit, and a switching element (NMOS switch). The amplifier circuit has a feedback path from one end to the other end of the resonator, a first inductance element (elongated coil) provided in the feedback path, and a variable capacitance element (variable capacitance diode) provided in the feedback path in series with the first inductance element. The switching element is provided in parallel to a circuit part including the first inductance element and the variable capacitance element. |
| US08674775B2 |
Out-of-plane resonator
A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device includes a resonator anchored to a substrate. The resonator includes a first strain gradient statically deflecting a released portion of the resonator in an out-of-plane direction with respect to the substrate. The resonator includes a first electrode anchored to the substrate. The first electrode includes a second strain gradient of a released portion of the first electrode. The first electrode is configured to electrostatically drive the resonator in a first mode that varies a relative amount of displacement between the resonator and the first electrode. The resonator may include a resonator anchor anchored to the substrate. The first electrode may include an electrode anchor anchored to the substrate in close proximity to the resonator anchor. The electrode anchor may be positioned relative to the resonator anchor to substantially decouple dynamic displacements of the resonator relative to the electrode from changes to the substrate. |
| US08674773B2 |
Phase interpolator with voltage-controlled oscillator injection-lock
In one embodiment, one or more circuits convert an n-bit control code of a phase interpolator to a coupling control signal of k-bit wide. The one or more circuits couple one or more output signals of the phase interpolator to a reference clock of the phase interpolator based on the coupling control signal. |
| US08674772B2 |
Oscillating signal generator utilized in phase-locked loop and method for controlling the oscillating signal generator
An oscillating signal generator utilized in a phase-locked loop (PLL) includes: an oscillating circuit arranged to generate an oscillating signal according to at least a first control signal; and a control circuit, arranged to adjust the first control signal according to a temperature; and the first control signal is tuned between a first boundary and a second boundary, and when the temperature is closer to a first temperature boundary than a second temperature boundary, and the control circuit is arranged to make the first control signal to be closer to the first boundary than the second boundary such that the oscillating circuit outputs the oscillating signal of a predetermined frequency in a locked mode of the PLL. |
| US08674769B2 |
Power amplifier protection circuit, communication device, and method
Embodiments of the present application disclose a power amplifier protection circuit, communication device, and method, to protect a power amplifier when an abnormal signal, such as a burr or a pulse, occurs in a circuit. The method according to an embodiment of the present application comprises: detecting and comparing, by an input detection circuit, an abnormal signal in an input signal, outputting a protection control signal, and after processing performed by a delay circuit, controlling a power amplifier to be in an off state in a pulse width of the delayed protection control signal, so that the abnormal signal passes through the power amplifier when the power amplifier is in the off state, thereby preventing the power amplifier from burning, and achieving the effect of protecting the power amplifier. |
| US08674768B2 |
Signaling system with low-power automatic gain control
An integrated circuit receiver includes a first channel comprising an amplifier responsive to a first gain control value in a first mode to receive an input signal and generate a first amplified signal having a transition rate. Detection circuitry in the first channel detects transitions in the first amplified signal in accordance with a detected transition rate. The detected transition rate is based on the first gain control value. Gain control logic adjusts the first gain control value based on a desired detected transition rate. The gain control logic generates a second gain control value for use during a second mode. The second gain control value being based on the first gain control value. |
| US08674759B2 |
Power management system for dual travelling wave tube amplifier
A power management system, notably for a dual travelling wave tube amplifier, includes: two travelling wave tubes, each comprising one Anode Zero electrode, and an electronic power conditioner, the power management system being implemented in said electronic power conditioner and including power management means associated with each travelling wave tube, configured for setting the Anode Zero electrode voltage to a determined minimum value when a sleep mode is activated, the power management means maintaining the travelling wave tube operating power at a value below its nominal working range. A sleep mode can advantageously be combined with an RF-Mute mode. |
| US08674758B2 |
Method and apparatus for improved high order modulation
Methods, systems and software are provided for high order signal modulation based on improved signal constellation and bit labeling designs for enhanced performance characteristics, including decreased power consumption. According to the improved signal constellation and bit labeling designs for enhanced performance characteristics, designs for 8-ary, 16-ary, 32-ary and 64-ary signal constellations are provided. According to an 8-ary constellation, improved bit labeling and bit coordinates are provided for a 1+7APSK signal constellation. According to a 16-ary constellation, improved bit labeling and bit coordinates are provided for a 6+10APSK signal constellation. According to three 32-ary constellations, improved bit labeling and bit coordinates are provided for a 16+16APSK signal constellation and two 4+12+16APSK signal constellations. According to two 64-ary constellations, improved bit labeling and bit coordinates are provided for an 8+16+20+20APSK signal constellation and a 12+16+16+20APSK signal constellation. |
| US08674757B2 |
Switching system and method for control thereof
The invention provides a switching system. The switching system comprises an H bridge, a current router, and a control circuit. The H bridge comprises a first switch and a second switch coupled to a first output node and a third switch and a fourth switch coupled to a second output node, wherein a load is coupled between the first output node and the second output node. The current router comprises a first shunt switch and a second shunt switch coupled between the first output node and the second output node. The control circuit generates a first control signal to control the first switch and the fourth switch, generates a second control signal to control the second switch and the third switch, generates a third control signal to control the first shunt switch, and generates a fourth control signal to control the second shunt switch. |
| US08674756B2 |
Power cut-off technique for semiconductor device
Disclosed here is a semiconductor integrated circuit device configured to suppress a voltage drop over the route for transmitting voltages from a power cut-off switch to a power cut-off region without lowering the degree of freedom in routing signal wires in that region. The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a semiconductor chip in which the power cut-off switch and power cut-off region are provided. A reduction in the number of wiring channels in the power-cut off region is avoided by locating the power cut-off switch outside the power cut-off region. Over the substrate, a substrate-side feed line is formed to transmit a power-supply voltage from the semiconductor chip to outside thereof via the power cut-off switch, before introducing the voltage again into the chip to feed the power cut-off region, thus suppressing the voltage drop between the power cut-off switch and the power cut-off region. |
| US08674751B2 |
Reference generation in an integrated circuit device
A method for generating a reference voltage in an integrated circuit device that is powered by a low voltage power includes generating a coarse first reference voltage using a coarse reference generator, routing the coarse first reference voltage to a boost regulator as an input reference voltage by a hand-off switch circuit, the boost regulator generating an initial-state stepped-up supply based on the first reference voltage, and generating at least two outputs of a second, more accurate, reference voltage from the stepped-up supply voltage using a fine-resolution reference generator. The second reference can be then looped back to the boost regulator, thus, generating a more accurate steady-state stepped-up supply voltage. |
| US08674750B2 |
Charge pump, a method for controlling the same, and a display driving system comprising the charge pump
Disclosed is a charge pump and a method of controlling the charge pump. The charge pump including a charge pumping unit to boost a first voltage in response to a clock signal, the first voltage being boosted to a second voltage having a voltage level higher than the first voltage by a middle voltage, the middle voltage being generated in response to a first control signal, the first control signal being enabled during a time period in which the clock signal and a second control signal are disabled. The charge pumping unit boosts the second voltage to a third voltage, the third voltage being a voltage level higher than an input voltage by the first voltage, the input voltage being generated in response to the second control signal. The charge pump includes a first transfer unit to output the third voltage in response to the second control signal. |
| US08674749B2 |
Fast start charge pump for voltage regulators
A digital multilevel memory system includes a charge pump and a voltage regulator for generating regulated high voltages for various memory operations. The charge pump may include a plurality of boost circuits to boost the output of the charge pump during a fast start up. Afterwards, the boost circuits are disabled to allow the charge pump to generate high voltages without boosting. The boost circuits may be successively enabled to boost the voltage. The boost circuits may be loadless. The voltage regulator may operate in an open loop and may include a resistive divider as a reference voltage for regulating the high voltage from the charge pump. The charge pump may include spread spectrum pump clocking to reduce electromagnetic inference for capacitor or inductor on-chip charge pumping. |
| US08674746B1 |
Electronic circuits with variable attenuators and methods of their operation
Variable attenuators and methods of their operation are provided. A variable attenuator includes first and second variable resistance circuits and multiple additional resistors. The first variable resistance circuit has a plurality of current paths coupled in parallel between input and output terminals. A first current path includes two first resistors coupled in series between the input and output terminals, and a switch, which has a channel coupled across one of the two first resistors. The multiple additional resistors include second and third resistors. The second resistor is coupled between the input terminal and an intermediate node. The third resistor is coupled between the output terminal and the intermediate node. The second variable resistance circuit is coupled between the intermediate node and a voltage reference terminal. The level of attenuation provided by the attenuator is controlled by a switch control circuit based on a digital input. |
| US08674745B2 |
Level conversion circuit and semiconductor integrated circuit device employing the level conversion circuit
In a level conversion circuit mounted in an integrated circuit device using a plurality of high- and low-voltage power supplies, the input to the differential inputs are provided. In a level-down circuit, MOS transistors that are not supplied with 3.3 V between the gate and drain and between the gate and source use a thin oxide layer. In a level-up circuit, a logic operation function is provided. |
| US08674743B1 |
Asymmetric correction circuit with negative resistance
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an amplifier configured to receive an asymmetric signal. A first resistance is coupled between an input node and an output node of the amplifier. A second resistance is coupled to the input node of the amplifier. A first switch is configured to be controlled during a first interval to couple the second resistance to a positive resistance to increase a gain of the amplifier to correct the asymmetric signal. The gain is a function of the first resistance and a combination of the second resistance and the positive resistance. A second switch is configured to be controlled during a second interval to couple the second resistance to a negative resistance to decrease the gain of the amplifier to correct the asymmetric signal. The gain is a function of the first resistance and a combination of the second resistance and the negative resistance. |
| US08674742B2 |
Driver circuit for preventing overshoot and undershoot due to parasitic capacitance
A second driver is provided in addition to a first driver outputting an output signal in accordance with a voltage of an input signal. When the output signal changes from a first voltage level to a second voltage level in accordance with a voltage change of the input signal, a control part controls the second driver to assist the signal change during a period from a change start time until the output signal exceeds a third voltage level. The control part controls the second driver to suppress the signal change during a period from the time when the output signal exceeds the third voltage level until it reaches the second voltage level. |
| US08674736B2 |
Clock synchronization circuit
A method of synchronizing clock signals may include generating a replicated delay associated with a delay of a clock signal path. The clock signal path may be associated with communication of a slave clock signal by a master block of a circuit to a slave block of the circuit. The method may further include selecting the slave clock signal from one of multiple clock signals based on the replicated delay. Each of the multiple clock signals may have a same frequency and a different phase. |
| US08674732B1 |
Edge density detection
An edge density detector is disclosed. This edge density detector is to receive a reference frequency signal and a feedback frequency signal. This edge density detector includes a first pulse generator, a second pulse generator, and a charge pump. The first pulse generator is coupled to receive the reference frequency signal and is configured to generate a first pulse signal. The second pulse generator is coupled to receive the feedback frequency signal and is configured to generate a second pulse signal. The charge pump is coupled to receive the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal to provide a control voltage signal. The control voltage signal is a phase independent with respect to the reference frequency signal and the feedback frequency signal. |
| US08674724B2 |
Field programmable gate array utilizing two-terminal non-volatile memory
Providing for a field programmable gate array (FPGA) utilizing resistive random access memory (RRAM) technology is described herein. By way of example, the FPGA can comprise a switching block interconnect having parallel signal input lines crossed by perpendicular signal output lines. RRAM memory cells can be formed at respective intersections of the signal input lines and signal output lines. The RRAM memory cell can include a voltage divider comprising multiple programmable resistive elements arranged electrically in series across a VCC and VSS of the FPGA. A common node of the voltage divider drives a gate of a pass gate transistor configured to activate or deactivate the intersection. The disclosed RRAM memory can provide high transistor density, high logic utilization, fast programming speed, radiation immunity, fast power up and significant benefits for FPGA technology. |
| US08674718B2 |
Built off testing apparatus
A built off testing apparatus coupled between a semiconductor device and an external testing apparatus to test a semiconductor device. The built off testing apparatus can include a frequency multiplying unit to generate a test clock frequency by multiplying the frequency of a clock input by the external testing apparatus according to the operation speed of the semiconductor device, an instruction decoding unit to generate test information by decoding test signals input by the external testing apparatus according to the test clock frequency, and a test execution unit to test the semiconductor device according to the test information, and can determine whether the semiconductor device is failed or not based on test data output by the semiconductor device, and can transmit resulting data to the external testing apparatus. |
| US08674713B2 |
Zero ampere level current data correction for a power device under test
An apparatus and method corrects for zero ampere level current fluctuations in a current signal. First and second acquisition circuitry generate respective current and voltage data samples of the current signal. Current fluctuation data samples representative of zero ampere level deviations of the current signal are extracted corresponding to Off-periods of the current signal. The current fluctuation data samples of the Off-periods are interpolated to generate current fluctuation data samples representative of zero ampere level deviations of the On-periods of the current signal. The Off-period and On-period current fluctuation data samples are subtracted from the current data samples of the current signal to generate corrected zero ampere level current data samples. |
| US08674712B2 |
Apparatus for driving placing table
Disclosed is an apparatus for driving a placing table that contributes to saving a space and reducing the weight of an inspecting apparatus. The apparatus for driving a placing table according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a horizontal driving mechanism that horizontally moves a placing table in an inspecting chamber, a base that supports horizontal driving mechanism, a placing table lifting mechanism (for example, air bearing) that lifts placing table from support, using compressed air in inspecting chamber, a connecting mechanism that connects horizontal driving mechanism with placing table, and a case that accommodates the horizontal driving mechanism and the base. |
| US08674708B2 |
Sensor device for determining the deviation of a head support position from a target position
A sensor device for determining the deviation of the position of a head support of a motor vehicle seat from a target position is provided that includes a capacitative proximity sensor that can be integrated in a head support, having two transmitting electrodes disposed at a vertical distance from each other and a common receiving electrode. The sensor device further includes a control unit that can be set up for actuating the transmitting electrodes for transmitting an alternating electric field, determining a dimension for the vertical and horizontal deviation of the head support position from a target position relative to the position of a head of a vehicle occupant from received electrical signals captured by the receiving electrode and information about the capacitance formed between each of the transmitting electrodes and the receiving electrode determining the dimension for the vertical deviation of the head support position using a difference between the received signals associated with the two transmitting electrodes or parameters derived therefrom, and determining the dimension for the horizontal deviation of the head support position using the sum of the received signals associated with the two transmitting electrodes or parameters derived therefrom. |
| US08674706B2 |
Methods and systems for the rapid detection of concealed objects
The present invention provides for an improved scanning process having microwave arrays comprised of microwave transmitters in radiographic alignment with microwave receivers. The microwave array emits controllably directed microwave radiation toward an object under inspection. The object under inspection absorbs radiation in a manner dependent upon its metal content. The microwave radiation absorption can be used to generate a measurement of metal content. The measurement, in turn, can be used to calculate at least a portion of the volume and shape of the object under inspection. The measurement can be compared to a plurality of predefined threats. The microwave screening system is used in combination with other screening technologies, such as NQR-based screening, X-ray transmission based screening, X-ray scattered based screening, or Computed Tomography based screening. |
| US08674705B2 |
Device for the contact-less detection of the degree of dryness of a coat of varnish, and method for the same
A device and method for the contactless and therefore non-destructive measurement of a degree of dryness of a coat of paint applied to a substrate. The device comprises at least one transmitter for electromagnetic radiation, at least one receiver for determining the absorption of the electromagnetic radiation radiated into the coat of paint, and a measuring means. In the measuring means, the raw measured values measured by the receiver are processed and the degree of dryness, calculated therefrom, of the coat of paint is displayed. Either microwave radiation or infrared radiation in the near infrared range is used as measuring radiation, at least one time-dependent measurement of the absorption at a constant wavelength being made in both cases. In addition, the invention relates to a method for determining the degree of dryness of a coat of paint by means of the device. |
| US08674703B2 |
Car battery system
The car battery system of the present invention is provided with a battery block 2 that retains a plurality of battery cells 1 in a stacked configuration and has a terminal plane 2A, which is coincident with terminal surfaces 1A established by positive and negative battery cell 1 electrode terminals 13; and with a battery state detection circuit 30 that connects with the electrode terminals 13 of each battery cell 1. The battery system is provided with a circuit board 7 with surface-mounted electronic components 40 that implement the battery state detection circuit 30. The circuit board 7 is a single-sided board with electronic components 40 mounted on only one side, and the circuit board 7 is attached to the battery block 2 opposite the terminal plane 2A with the side having no electronic components 40 facing the battery block 2. The positive and negative electrode terminals 13 of each battery cell 1 are connected with the circuit board 7 for connection to the battery state detection circuit 30. |
| US08674700B2 |
Locating arrangement and method using boring tool and cable locating signals
An arrangement and an associated method are described in which a boring tool is moved through the ground within a given region along a path in which region a cable is buried. The boring tool and the cable transmit a boring tool locating signal and a cable locating signal, respectively. Intensities of the boring tool locating signal and the cable locating signal are measured along with a pitch orientation of the boring tool. Using the measured intensities and established pitch orientation, a positional relationship is determined to relative scale including at least the boring tool and the cable in the region. The positional relationship is displayed to scale in one view. The positional relationship may be determined and displayed including the forward locate point in scaled relation to the boring tool and the cable. Cable depth determination techniques are described including a two-point ground depth determination method. |
| US08674698B2 |
Transmit/receive switch for a miniaturized NMR device
A single-pole, double-throw, transmit/receive switch for switching a NMR coil between a transmit mode and a receive mode comprises two diode bridge switches on opposites sides of a node the is common with the two diode bridges and the NMR coil. One of the two diode bridges is positioned between the coil and a preamplifier for signals received from the coil, and the other diode bridge is positioned between the coil and a RF signal transmitter for connecting and disconnecting transmitted signals to and from the coil. The NMR coil is connected to the switches through a resonant impedance matching network. |
| US08674694B2 |
Coil system and method for post-exposure dosimetry using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy
An apparatus and method for triaging patients according to radiation exposure operates by measuring electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of fingernails, toenails, and/or teeth. A coil structure allows in vivo measurement of tooth enamel or fingernail keratin with reduced coupling to underlying tissue. |
| US08674692B2 |
Gradient coil sub-assemblies
An MRIS gradient coil sub-assembly comprising a first coil layer comprising a first conducting coil portion, a second coil layer comprising a second conductive coil portion electrically connected with the first conductive coil portion so that the first and second conductive coil portions act together as one winding, and a B-stage material consolidation layer sandwiched between the first and second coil layers. |
| US08674690B2 |
Feedback control circuit for a hall effect device
A feedback control circuit comprises an adjustable element, a main signal path and a feedback control loop. The adjustable element is configured to offset a signal in accordance with an offset control signal and output an offset signal. The main signal path comprises a first comparator to process the offset signal to output a main signal. The feedback control loop comprises a second comparator to process the offset signal to output a tracking signal, a first signal evaluator to evaluate the tracking signal and a first controller to output the offset control signal based on the evaluated tracking signal. The feedback control loop further comprises a second signal evaluator to detect a difference between a signal property of the main signal and the tracking signal and a second controller to control one of the comparators or the adjustable element such that the difference is reduced. |
| US08674688B2 |
Measurement of small wavelength difference in coherent light using faraday effect
An apparatus is provided for determining a target wavelength λ of a target photon beam. The apparatus includes a photon emitter, a pre-selection polarizer, a prism composed of a Faraday medium, a post-selection polarizer, a detector and an analyzer. The photon emitter projects a monochromatic light beam at the target wavelength λ substantially parallel to a magnetic field having strength B. The target wavelength is offset from established wavelength λ′ as λ=λ′+Δλ by wavelength difference of Δλ<<λ. The Faraday prism has Verdet value V. After passing through the pre-selection polarizer, the light beam passes through the prism and is incident to an interface surface at incidence angle θ0 to the normal of the surface and exits into a secondary medium as first and second circularly polarized light beams separated by target separation angle δ and having average refraction angle θ. The secondary medium has an index of refraction of n0. After passing the post-selection polarizer, the detector measures target pointer rotation angle Aw based on the target separation angle δ. The analyzer determines the target wavelength λ by calculating offset pointer rotation angle ΔAw=Aw−A′w from calibrated pointer rotation angle A′w based on established separation angle δ′ that corresponds to the established wavelength λ′, and by estimating the wavelength difference based on Δ λ ≈ - 2 ɛπ n 0 Δ A w cos θ ′ VB sin θ 0 , in which ε is an amplification factor. A method is provided incorporating operations described for the apparatus. |
| US08674682B2 |
Monitoring system and current transformers for partial discharge detection
A high frequency current transformer (HFCT) sensor for detecting partial discharges produced by a component is disclosed. The HFCT sensor includes at least one electrically conductive pattern formed on a substrate, where the substrate comprises multiple segmented regions connected by intermediate regions for folding along multiple fold lines between the segmented regions to form the HFCT sensor. A system for monitoring at least one component of an aircraft wiring system is also disclosed. The monitoring system includes at least one of the HFCT sensors for detecting partial discharges produced by the aircraft wiring system component. The monitoring system further includes a data acquisition system configured to monitoring signals from the HFCT sensor(s). |
| US08674680B2 |
Method and device for fast measurement of frequency response with scalable short chirp signals
A method and device are provided for fast impedance measurement of a biological object having dynamically varying in time parameters, wherein a titlet shaped pulse is introduced into the object and a voltage response signal is measured and analyzed by a processing unit for estimating the impedance of the object. The titlet pulse has a start frequency substantially in one end of the frequency range of interest and a stop frequency substantially in the other end of the frequency range of interest and a duration of the titlet pulse is one cycle or less. |
| US08674678B2 |
Device, system and method for locating a pipe
A device, system and method of locating a target pipe in a pipe system utilizes an electric signal transmitter and an electrical signal detector. A pipe locator signal conductor comprises a spool and a flexible insulated electrical conductor wound around the spool. The exposed end of the conductor is fixed near an entry point in the pipe system, and the spool is fed into the pipe system such that the conductor pays off of the spool and extends at least partially through the target pipe. The signal transmitter is coupled to the exposed end of the conductor, transmitting a signal through the conductor and allowing the pipe to be located by the signal detector. |
| US08674677B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit, switching power supply, and control system
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a current mirror having a predetermined input-output ratio and including a first transistor configured to receive an input current and a second transistor configured to output an output current, and an output transistor configured to generate a reference voltage according to the output current of the current mirror. The value of the output current is greater than the value of the input current, and the total area of one or more collector regions of the first transistor is substantially the same as the total area of one or more collector regions of the second transistor. |
| US08674676B2 |
Power-supply control apparatus and power-supply control method
A power-supply control apparatus uses a margin setting unit to set the value of a margin that is added to a request voltage value VID1 of an electronic device, which dynamically changes the operation voltage. A margin adding unit calculates a control voltage value VID2 by adding the margin to the request voltage value VID1 and outputs the control voltage value VID2 to a power-supply apparatus. Therefore, the power-supply apparatus can supply a margin-included voltage value that is changed in accordance with a change in the operation voltage of the electronic device. Accordingly, it is possible to check the electronic device, which dynamically changes its operation voltage, by using a margin that is properly set. |
| US08674674B1 |
Power converter with adaptive voltage positioning controller
A power converter has a controller that uses as input a voltage output of the converter and provides a signal for controlling the duty cycle without the need for current sensing. In one embodiment, the output characteristic of the converter is similar to the output characteristic provided by conventional adaptive voltage positioning (AVP) controllers, but by eliminating the need to sense current, the converter's cost, complexity, and power consumption can be reduced. |
| US08674671B2 |
Constant-voltage power supply circuit
A constant-voltage power supply circuit includes a first transistor connected between a power supply terminal and an output terminal. The constant-voltage power supply circuit includes a voltage divider circuit including a first resistor having a first end connected to the output terminal and a second resistor having a first end connected to a second end of the first resistor and a second end connected to ground. The constant-voltage power supply circuit includes an output voltage control amplifier that compares the divided voltage and a reference voltage and controls a voltage of a control terminal of the first transistor. The constant-voltage power supply circuit includes a current-limiting characteristic control circuit that controls the voltage of the control terminal of the first transistor according to the divided voltage and an output current. |
| US08674670B2 |
DC/DC converter with depletion-mode III-nitride switches
Disclosed is a buck converter for converting a high voltage at the input of the buck converter to a low voltage at the output of the buck converter. The buck converter includes a control circuitry configured to control a duty cycle of a control switch, the control switch being interposed between the input and the output of the buck converter. A synchronous switch is interposed between the output and ground. The control switch and the synchronous switch comprise depletion-mode III-nitride transistors. In one embodiment, at least one of the control switch and the synchronous switches comprises a depletion-mode GaN HEMT. The buck converter further includes protection circuitry configured to disable current conduction through the control switch while the control circuitry is not powered up. |
| US08674669B2 |
Switching regulator with a single inductor in a multiple output power supply configuration
Single inductor based switching regulators are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a switching regulator can include: (i) output switches coupled to a common inductor node and to a corresponding output supply node, where each output supply node has a voltage converted from an input voltage received at an input supply node; (ii) an inductor coupled to the common inductor node and to first and second input switches, where the first input switch is coupled to ground, and the second input switch is coupled to the input supply node, the first and second switches controlling charge through the inductor; and (iii) a control circuit receiving feedback signals indicating output voltages on the output supply nodes, the control circuit controlling the output switches for regulation of the output voltages in response to the feedback signals. |