| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08682222B2 |
Charging device having a shielding member
The present invention provides a charging device which can suppress the deterioration of a photosensitive member and the occurrence of an image deletion phenomenon on an electrophotographic image due to an electric discharge product having deposited on a charger shutter, even when having been used for a long period of time. The charging device has an image bearing member which bears an image thereon, a charging member which charges the image bearing member, and a shielding member which shields the charging member from the image bearing member, wherein the shielding member includes a specific material. |
| US08682219B2 |
Compact image forming apparatus having pivotally attached scanning unit
An image forming apparatus to be placed on a desktop includes a first body, a second body which is pivotally mounted above the first body, a light emitting unit disposed in the second body, an image forming unit disposed in the first body so as to form a C-shaped paper feeding path, a first power supply unit and a second power supply unit disposed on a bottom surface of the first body, a controlling board disposed on a first side wall of the first body, and a power transmission unit disposed on a second side wall of the first body. |
| US08682208B2 |
Cleaning device, image forming apparatus including same, and method for mounting same
A cleaning device including: multiple cleaning members arranged consecutively in a direction of movement of a cleaning target to remove adhered substances from the cleaning target; multiple casings to individually hold and at least partially enclose the multiple cleaning members, respectively, the casings and the cleaning members together constituting multiple sub-units; and a sub-unit holder to hold the multiple sub-units, from which the sub-units are individually removable. |
| US08682207B2 |
Image forming apparatus with a seamless belt and a tensile force applying mechanism for the seamless belt
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to transfer an image onto a transfer medium in an image transfer range, a seamless belt to move along a predetermined conveying direction, a pair of belt rollers to support the belt in a flattened condition, a tensile force applier to become in contact with the belt and apply tensile force to the belt in the image transfer range, a controller to apply the tensile force during an imaging period, in which operations including an image transfer operation are executed, and reduce or clear the tensile force being applied to the belt during a non-imaging period, which is other than the imaging period. |
| US08682206B2 |
Suspended particle collecting member and image forming apparatus including the same
A collecting member that collects suspended particles vaporized from wax includes a flow path and a space, where gas passes along the flow path. The space is connected to the flow path through an opening formed in the flow path. The space extends upstream with respect to a direction of travel of the gas that passes along the flow path. By virtue of this structure, dew condensation in a fixing unit is suppressed while efficiently collecting the suspended particles. |
| US08682204B2 |
Image forming apparatus having heat radiating unit
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that creates an image and a liquid cooling unit. The liquid cooling unit includes a heat receiving disposed in contact with a temperature rising portion, in the image forming unit, in which a temperature rises due to an image forming operation by the image forming unit, a heat radiating unit that radiates heat of a cooling liquid, a flow passage forming member that allows the cooling liquid to circulate between the heat receiving unit and the heat radiating unit, and a conveying unit that conveys the cooling liquid through the flow passage forming member. The heat radiating unit includes a radiator, and the radiator is disposed at a downstream side of the conveying unit in a cooling liquid flow direction and at an upstream side of the heat receiving unit in the cooling liquid flow direction. |
| US08682202B2 |
Image forming apparatus that includes operation control unit controlling a plurality of fans for discharging ozone and a fixing device
An image forming apparatus including: a photo conductor; a charging unit; a plurality of fans; an information acquiring unit acquiring at least any one of print process information, which is information on a print process, or apparatus information, which is information on the internal environment of the apparatus; a reference determining unit that determines whether the print process or the internal environment of the apparatus satisfies the reference by using the print process information or the apparatus information; and an operation control unit including a first control mode that operates and stops the fans and the fixing device when the reference determining unit determines that the reference is not satisfied, and a second control mode that is performed before the first control mode is performed and stops the fixing device while driving the fans, when the reference determining unit determines that the reference is satisfied. |
| US08682201B2 |
Image forming apparatus having first and second ground conducting routes
An image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus body, a cassette attaching section having a media supplying roller, a media cassette with a loading plate and a supporting section, a first ground conducting route and a second ground conducting route. The first ground conducting route conducts static electricity charged on the media when the media stacked in the media cassette is spaced away from the media supplying roller. A conducting portion of the first ground conducting route maintains the media cassette in an electrically disconnected state when the media passes through an opening in the cassette attaching section and reconfigures the media cassette from the electrically disconnected state to an electrically connected state before the media cassette reaches a first position. The second ground conducting route conducts static electricity charged on the media when the media cassette is in the first position. |
| US08682200B2 |
Process cartridge and image forming apparatus
A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the process cartridge includes a first unit provided with a photosensitive drum, and a second unit provided with a developer carrying member and connected with the first unit so as to be movable between a contact position in which the developer carrying member is contacted with the drum and a spacing position in which the developer carrying member is spaced from the drum. The second unit includes a first contact portion for contacting to a main assembly electrical contact and for receiving a first contact force therefrom, and a second contact portion for contacting to the main assembly electrical contact and for receiving a second contact force therefrom, to electrically connect with the main assembly electrical contact when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly and the second unit is positioned in the contact position. |
| US08682197B2 |
High voltage power supplying apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same
In a high voltage power supplying apparatus, a pulse generation unit generates a pulse signal with a predetermined frequency. A piezoelectric transformer outputs a voltage in accordance with the frequency of the pulse signal. A detection unit detects an output voltage of the piezoelectric transformer. A control unit controls the pulse generation unit to change the frequency of the pulse signal by a predetermined value towards a frequency corresponding to a target voltage until the output voltage becomes equal to the target voltage. A storage unit stores data indicating the frequency when the output voltage reaches the target voltage. The control unit controls the output voltage to be equal to the target voltage by variably controlling the frequency of the pulse signal by a value smaller than the predetermined frequency from the frequency corresponding to the data stored in the storage unit. |
| US08682196B2 |
Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus includes a plurality of drive units, a control unit, and an operation information input unit. The plurality of drive units drive based on electric power supplied. The control unit shifts the plurality of drive units to a power saving state or a normal state. The operation information input unit is sequentially input first operation information indicating a start of a process and second operation information indicating a process content. The control unit shifts the plurality of drive units to the normal state when the first operation information is input to the operation information input unit with the plurality of drive units being in the power saving state. The control unit shifts a particular drive unit to the power saving state based on the second operation information when the second operation information is input. |
| US08682194B2 |
Managing peripheral devices using display a screen
An information processing apparatus for displaying a peripheral device management screen to manage a peripheral device includes a storage unit, a management screen forming unit, an installation determination unit, a display determination unit, and a display control unit. The storage unit stores peripheral device management information that defines information to instruct execution of processing relating to the peripheral device from the peripheral device management screen. The management screen forming unit determines a configuration and a content of the peripheral device management screen based on the defined information. The installation determination unit determines whether to install the peripheral device management information. The display determination unit determines whether to automatically display the peripheral device management screen in response to the peripheral device management information being installed based on an installation determination result. The display control unit executes control to display the peripheral device management screen based on a display determination result. |
| US08682188B2 |
Image forming apparatus with developing units having different voltage levels
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a source, voltage generator to generate a source voltage to provide developing units with a power-supply voltage, a second voltage generator to generate a developing bias voltage applied to a developing roller and a supply bias voltage applied to a supply roller upon receiving the source voltage generated by the source voltage generator, and a switching unit to selectively provide the developing units with different voltage levels generated by the second voltage generator. The apparatus includes a Zener diode installed at a common end, so that a deviation of the developing voltage applied to the developing device affected by a deviation of Zener diode components can be reduced, resulting in an increased color image quality and a reduction in production costs. |
| US08682186B2 |
Image forming device comprising charging device having plural discharge portions
An image forming device has: an image forming body on which an image is formed in a state in which the image forming body is charged; a charging device having plural discharge portions, and charging the image forming body by discharging of plural discharge portions; and a control section that, when forming the image on the image forming body, operates the plural discharge portions, and when not forming the image on the image forming body, switches between a state of operating some of the plural discharge portions and decreasing output of or stopping the discharge portions other than the some discharge portions, and a state of operating some other of the plural discharge portions and decreasing output of or stopping the discharge portions other than the some other discharge portions. |
| US08682182B2 |
Blind carrier frequency offset detection for coherent receivers using quadrature amplitude modulation formats
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a blind carrier recovery system for blind detection and/or correction of carrier frequency offset between the signal laser source and local oscillator (i.e., carrier frequency recovery) for optical systems employing quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). Exemplary embodiments can be implemented using an improved fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based approach. Some embodiments can include a frequency sign detection technique that uses parallel, concurrently implemented FFTs having a modified FFT architecture. Some embodiments can include a frequency sign detection technique that uses time-domain slope detection based on constellation classification. |
| US08682181B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for high-sensitivity optical detection
An apparatus receives data encoded in a format where information bits for transmission are mapped into symbols each carrying a plurality of bits, some being encoded through a pulse position modulation (PPM) format and some being encoded through an additional modulation format on at least one PPM pulse. A receiver detects the signal through a dual-polarization coherent receiver front-end, recovering polarization components of the signal by decoding a first non-zero portion of a plurality of bits carried by a symbol based on slot position of at least one PPM pulse in the polarization components and a second non-zero portion of the plurality of bits carried by the symbol based on the additional modulation carried by at least one PPM pulse in the polarization components. Pilot-assisted single-carrier frequency-division equalization (PA-SC-FDE) may be used for reliable signal reception in the presence of severe PPM errors. |
| US08682177B2 |
Super high speed optical frequency sweeping technology
It is an object to provide an optical frequency control device or the like which can quickly carry out control over a wide frequency range. The object is achieved by an optical frequency control device or the like comprised of an optical SSB modulator (2), a bias voltage source (3) for applying a bias voltage to the optical SSB modulator (2), and a modulating signal source (4) for applying a modulating signal to the optical SSB modulator (2), wherein the modulating signal source (4) is provided with an arbitrary waveform generator (5) for generating an electrical signal with an arbitrary waveform, and an electrical signal multiplier (6) for multiplying a frequency of the electrical signal generated by the arbitrary waveform generator (5). |
| US08682173B1 |
Communication using modulated waves applied to an optical fiber
A particular method includes applying light pulses to an optical fiber and receiving backscattered light at a phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) device. The backscattered light includes portions of the applied light pulses that are backscattered by the optical fiber. The method also includes determining a difference between the backscattered light and a backscatter pattern associated with the optical fiber. The method also includes determining a communication signal encoded in the backscattered light based on the difference, where the communication signal is encoded in the backscattered light responsive to mechanical waves applied to the optical fiber at a location remote from the phase-sensitive OTDR device. |
| US08682166B2 |
Subcarrier multiplexing type optical communication method and passive optical network using the same
Disclosed is a subcarrier multiplexing type optical communication method including the steps of receiving a first optical signal composed of a plurality of subcarrier channels having different frequencies, creating a second optical signal having a wavelength different from a wavelength of a received signal; and detecting the subcarrier channels from a third optical signal obtained by subjecting the first optical signal to wavelength shift by means of the second optical signal. |
| US08682161B2 |
Optical data transmission system
An optical data transmission system for transmitting optical data in a flight vehicle, including a head end, optical splitter, N units of terminals that process optical data received from the optical splitter to display such as video, plural optical cables connected between the head end and the optical splitter and between the optical splitter and the terminals, and a seat group including N sets of passenger seats that transmit two-way optical data and are placed close to one another. The N units of terminals are placed in association with the respective N sets of seats. The optical splitter is placed in association with the seat group; sends optical data from the head end to the N units of terminals; and reversely unifies N-series optical data, different from one another, from the N units of terminals into one series and sends it to the head end. |
| US08682160B2 |
Path computation systems and methods in optical networks
A path computation method includes defining photonic constraints associated with a network, wherein the photonic constraints include wavelength capability constraints at each node in the network, wavelength availability constraints at each node in the network, and nodal connectivity constraints of each node in the network, and performing a constrained path computation in the network using Dijkstra's algorithm on a graph model of the network with the photonic constraints considered therein. An optical network includes a plurality of interconnected nodes each including wavelength capability constraints, wavelength availability constraints, and nodal connectivity constraints, and a path computation element associated with the plurality of interconnected photonic nodes, wherein the path computation element is configured to perform a constrained path computation through the plurality of interconnected nodes using Dijkstra's algorithm on a graph model with the photonic constraints considered therein. |
| US08682151B2 |
Optical unit with shake correcting function
Disclosed is an optical unit with a shake correction function which is capable of suppressing interference with swinging of a movable module due to the rigidity of a wiring material and a repelling force generated when the wiring material is deformed, even when the wiring material is extended from the movable module. The optical unit uses a flexible wiring board as the wiring material for electrically interconnecting the movable module and outside. In the flexible wiring board, the connecting portion of a movable-side connecting section and an extending unit is provided, in the optical axis direction, on a side where the swing center of the movable module is positioned with respect to the position of the center of supporting a spring member to the movable module. The swing center, the connecting portion, and a fixed-side connecting section are at the same position in the optical axis direction. |
| US08682150B2 |
Lens driving apparatus
A lens driving apparatus has a lens portion 21, a first driving portion 36 and 37 to cause a movement of a movable unit 20 including said lens portion 21 relatively to a fixed portion 10 along a vertical direction of a light axis of said lens portion 21, a second driving portion 23 and 26 to cause a movement of said lens portion relatively to said fixed portion 10 along said light axis, an image sensor 11 held on said fixed portion 10 to detect a light which comes through said lens portion 21, an inner casing 28a held on said fixed portion 10 to cover said movable unit 20 and said image sensor 11, and a planar flexible printed circuit 50 to which a shake detection sensor 58 detecting a shake of said fixed portion 10 is connected. The planar flexible printed circuit 50 is attached to contact with a sidewall surface of said inner casing 28a parallel to the light axis of said lens. |
| US08682148B2 |
Delta-sigma modulated video playback apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium
A moving image playback apparatus includes: a data playback section playing back delta-sigma modulated data generated by performing delta-sigma modulation on pixel values of consecutive frames for each pixel; a video-data playback section performing filtering processing on the delta-sigma modulated data played back by the data playback section using a filter for each pixel to play back video data; and a control section controlling the filtering processing. |
| US08682143B2 |
Moving image processing apparatus, moving image processing method, and program
Provided is a moving image processing apparatus including a cut transition detection unit configured to detect inter-cut transition from a moving image including a plurality of cuts; a cut pair specifying unit configured to specify cut pairs repeated as a series of different cuts based on a feature amount of each cut; and a cut structure image generation unit configured to generate a cut structure image including a representative image of each cut arranged in an order of the cut transition and indicating a boundary between the cut pairs. |
| US08682139B2 |
L-cut stream startup
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for starting playback of an audio portion of digital media content before a video portion of the digital media content is received. An advantage of the disclosed technique is that the perceived delay from the time when a user selects the digital media content to when playback of the digital media content begins is reduced. The audio may be faded-in and one or more still frames of video data may be displayed while the video stream is retrieved. Additionally, a license for DRM (Digital Rights Management) encryption of the title content may be retrieved before starting playback of the video stream, so that the digital media content that is retrieved is also protected. |
| US08682138B2 |
Electronic apparatus, content reproduction method, record medium, and server apparatus
An electronic apparatus is disclosed. A reproduction section allows first video content containing a plurality of types of data and first identification information to be reproduced. A transmission section transmits the first identification information to a server apparatus. A reception section receives a first application and first access control information from the server apparatus, the first application being associated with the first video content and being retrieved by the server apparatus based on the transmitted first identification information, the first access control information being generated by the server apparatus based on the first identification information and representing a condition in which the first application accesses the individual types of the data contained in the first video content. A control section executes the received first application based on the received first access control information when the first video content is reproduced. |
| US08682133B2 |
Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus reproduces still image data recorded on a recording medium and designates an aspect ratio of moving image data to be generated using the still image data. The image processing apparatus converts an aspect ratio of the reproduced still image data according to the designated aspect ratio and generates moving image data using the converted still image data to output the generated moving image data as still image movie data. The image processing apparatus records the still image movie data on the recording medium. |
| US08682131B2 |
Recording medium, method of creating file of the recording medium, and method and apparatus for reproducing the same
A recording medium, a method of creating a file of the recording medium, and a method and apparatus for reproducing the same are disclosed, wherein position change and transition of random playback points among title recorded within the recording medium can be easily performed, thereby providing an apparatus having more convenient title playback functions to the users. The method of creating a file of the recording medium includes forming a PlayList file including playback control information of a set of recorded data, forming an object file including an execute command of the PlayList file, and forming an index file including a set of Normal Title information designating a specific object within the object file, and a set of auxiliary Title information designating a random point of data being reproduced by the Normal Title information. |
| US08682127B2 |
Modular method of making single mode optical fibers
Described is a modular method of making an optical fiber comprising a core and a cladding configured to support and guide a fundamental transverse mode, the cladding including (i) an outer cladding having an index nout less than the index n1 of the core, (ii) an inner cladding having an index n2 |
| US08682119B2 |
High performance optical polarization diversity circuit
An optical device includes an input/output optical coupler, a waveguide and a waveguide fragment. The optical coupler is configured to separate a received optical signal into first and second signal components. The waveguide is connected to the optical coupler and configured to propagate the first signal component via a first propagation mode. The waveguide fragment is located adjacent to the first waveguide and is configured to couple light from the first waveguide that propagates therein by a different second propagation mode. |
| US08682116B2 |
Integrated circuit including non-planar structure and waveguide
One embodiment provides an integrated circuit including a first non-planar structure and a waveguide configured to provide electromagnetic waves to the first non-planar structure. The first non-planar structure provides a first signal in response to at least some of the electromagnetic waves. |
| US08682115B2 |
Optical sensor
An optical sensor for detecting a substance includes a first waveguide and a second waveguide optically coupled via a directional coupler to the first waveguide. The sensor has a functional surface in a region of the directional coupler for accumulating or storing the substance to be detected so that an intensity of a coupling arranged by the directional coupler between the first waveguide and the second waveguide can be changed by the accumulating or storing of this substance. The first waveguide extends in a freely floating manner over a coupling path covered by the directional coupler or rests on a swellable material. The first waveguide is guided in a vicinity of the coupling path so that a spacing between the first waveguide and the second waveguide can be changed there by a deformation or movement of the first waveguide or of a carrier of the first waveguide. |
| US08682114B2 |
Coherent detection for an integrated circuit having a multiplexer or a demultiplexer with a shared propagation region
An optical device may include a slab, a first waveguide extending from a first portion of the slab to supply multiple first optical signals to the first portion of the slab, multiple second waveguides coupled to a second portion and to a third portion of the slab. The optical device may include multiple third waveguides provided extending from a fourth portion of the slab to direct a corresponding one of the multiple first optical signals away from the slab, a fourth waveguide extending from the fourth portion of the slab to supply multiple second optical signals to the fourth portion of the slab, and multiple fifth waveguides extending from the first portion of the slab to direct a corresponding one of the multiple second optical signals away from the slab. The optical device may include circuits to receive the first optical signals, the second optical signals, and local oscillator signals. |
| US08682113B2 |
Electro-optic waveguide polarisation modulator and a method of modulation
An electro-optic waveguide polarization modulator includes cladding layers, and a waveguide core sandwiched between the cladding layers, wherein the waveguide core has a higher refractive index than the cladding layers. The modulator further includes primary electrodes arranged on the opposite side of one cladding layer to the core and a secondary electrode arranged on the opposite side of another cladding layer to the core. The electrodes are arranged to provide an electric field having field components in perpendicular directions within the waveguide core so as to modulate the refractive index such that electromagnetic radiation propagating through the core is converted from a first polarization state to a second polarization state. The modulator further includes a grading layer sandwiched between the cladding layers and the core, the grading layer having an effective refractive index intermediate between that of the waveguide core and the cladding layer. |
| US08682112B2 |
Storage apparatus and method for processing the same
To alleviate the situation in which image frames cannot be accumulated for a long period of time, a storage apparatus has a controller for decimating transferred data frames prior to performing a predetermined operation on the transferred data frames when the number of data frames stored in a temporary memory exceeds a predetermined number of frames. |
| US08682108B2 |
System and method for determining image placement on a canvas
A system and a method are disclosed that determine placement of a background image on a canvas and area for placement of foreground images. A system and method include receiving data indicative of an informative zone of a background image and computing an estimated foreground area on a canvas for each candidate placement of the background image on the canvas. The estimated foreground area is computed based on the data indicative of the informative zone and the number of images to be used as foreground images and does not include the informative zone. One of the candidate placements is determined as a selected background placement based on the computed values of estimated foreground area. A composite image can be generated from the background image positioned on the canvas according to the selected background placement and foreground images positioned outside of the informative zone. |
| US08682104B2 |
Image synthesizing apparatus, image synthesizing method, and image synthesizing program
An image synthesizing apparatus includes a subject region determination unit that determines a region of a nearby subject for each of taken images based on subject distance information of a plurality of points generated by distance measurement made during imaging and an image synthesizing unit that creates a synthetic image by cutting out an image from each of the taken images based on a position of the region of the nearby subject and combining the cut images of the taken images. |
| US08682098B2 |
Image data processing method and image processing apparatus
An image data processing method for creating a clear blur-compensated image; the method calculates the motion data between a reference image and a target image, calculates difference in pixel value between the reference image and the target image for every block matched by the motion data, calculates, based on the difference in pixel value, the blending ratio between the reference image and the target image for each block, and creates a synthesized image by synthesizing the reference image and the target image according to the motion data and the blending ratio. An image processing apparatus implementing the image data processing method noted above is also disclosed. |
| US08682097B2 |
Digital image enhancement with reference images
A digital image processing technique is for detecting and correcting visual imperfections using a reference image. A main image and one or more reference images having a temporal and/or spatial overlap and/or proximity with the original image are captured. Device information, image data and/or meta data are analyzed of the one or more reference images relating to a defect in the main image. The device corrects the defect based on the information, image data and/or meta-data to create an enhanced version of the main image. |
| US08682095B2 |
Method for recognizing markers using dynamic threshold and learning system based on augmented reality using marker recognition
A method for recognizing markers printed on a learning material, includes sampling an image of the learning material; grouping the sampled image of pixels into a first image group and a second image group based on a threshold; and calculating medians of the first image group and the second image group to update the threshold with a first average value of the calculated medians. Further, the method for recognizing markers printed on the learning material includes repeating the above until a difference between a previous threshold and an updated threshold is equal to or smaller than a reference value; binarizing an image captured by a camera based on the updated threshold; and detecting the markers based on the binary image. |
| US08682094B2 |
Adaptive subpixel-based downsampling and filtering using edge detection
Systems, methods, and apparatus for sampling images using edge detection are presented herein. A gradient component can calculate at least one gradient of a luminance of a block of pixels based on at least one direction; and select a minimum gradient of the at least one gradient of the luminance. Further, a direction component can determine a direction of the block based on a direction of the minimum gradient of the at least one gradient of the luminance. Moreover, a sampling component can alternately select subpixels of the block based on the direction of the block. In addition, a filter component can calculate at least one gradient of a color of a subpixel of the subpixels based on the at least one direction; determine a direction of the subpixel based on the at least one gradient of the color; and filter the subpixels based on the direction of the subpixel. |
| US08682090B2 |
Image decoding apparatus and method for handling intra-image predictive decoding with various color spaces and color signal resolutions
The present invention is directed to an image information decoding apparatus adapted for performing intra-image decoding based on resolution of color components and color space of an input image signal. An intra prediction unit serves to adaptively change block size in generating a prediction image based on a chroma format signal indicating whether resolution of color components is one of 4:2:0 format, 4:2:2 format, and 4:4:4 format, and a color space signal indicating whether color space is one of YCbCr, RGB, and XYZ. An inverse orthogonal transform unit and an inverse quantization unit serve to also change orthogonal transform technique and quantization technique in accordance with the chroma format signal and the color space signal. A decoding unit decodes the chroma format signal and the color space signal to generate a prediction image corresponding to the chroma format signal and the color space signal. |
| US08682089B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, program and semiconductor integrated circuit
An image processing apparatus includes a filter unit which filters image signals; a sampling unit which generates first digital image signals having a first resolution by sampling the filtered image signals at a predetermined sampling frequency; and a super-resolution unit which reconstructs a second digital image signal having a second resolution which is higher than the first resolution by performing super-resolution on the first digital image signals generated by the sampling unit, wherein the filter unit passes frequency components corresponding to or lower than the Nyquist frequency which is half the sampling frequency, and passes a part of frequency components within a range from the Nyquist frequency to the highest frequency which can be represented by the second resolution. |
| US08682084B2 |
Information processing device, method, and program
An information processing device includes: an extracting unit configured to extract a face from an image; a grouping unit configured to classify the image extracted by the extracting unit into a group; an adding unit configured to add to a group generated by the grouping unit a tag indicating relationship between persons within the group; a closeness calculating unit configured to calculate the closeness of the person of the face from distance between groups generated by the grouping unit; and a person correlation data generating unit configured to generate person correlation data including at least the tag and the closeness. |
| US08682078B2 |
Moving image processing apparatus, moving image processing method, and program
There is provided a moving image processing apparatus, including a similarity determination unit configured to determine a degree of similarity between a subsequent cut and first and second cut groups based on feature amounts generated from extraction images of the first cut group included in a moving image and feature amounts generated from extraction images of the second cut group included in the moving image, a cut grouping unit configured to group the subsequent cut into a similar cut group similar to the subsequent cut, which is one of the first and second cut groups, when the subsequent cut is similar to the first or second cut group, and group the subsequent cut into a third cut group when the subsequent cut is not similar to either of the first and second cut groups, a feature amount generation unit configured to compare extraction images extracted from the third cut group with the extraction images extracted from the first and second cut groups when the subsequent cut is not similar to either of the first and second cut groups, and generate feature amounts of the third cut group, and an image extraction unit configured to preferentially extract an image with a later time code of the moving image from images included in each cut group, thereby obtaining extraction images of each cut group. |
| US08682076B2 |
Signature generation for use in authentication and verification using a non-coherent radiation source
The present invention can provide an apparatus operable to determine a signature from an article arranged in a reading volume. The apparatus can comprise a generator operable to generate and sequentially direct a focussed noncoherent beam onto each of a plurality of different regions of the reading volume; a detector arrangement operable to collect a set comprising groups of data points from signals obtained when the beam scatters from the different regions of the reading volume, wherein different ones of the groups of data points relate to scatter from the respective different regions of the reading volume; and a data acquisition and processing module operable to determine a signature of the article from the set of groups of data points. |
| US08682073B2 |
Method of pupil segmentation
A method of pupil segmentation in a digital image of a vertebrate eye, said image being an intensity image composed of pixels having each a specific intensity value, the method comprising the steps of: deriving a texture image from the intensity image, said texture image being composed of pixels having each a specific contrast value; forming a combined image by point-wise combining the intensity image with the texture image, identifying a set of pixels in the combined image which fulfill a combined low-intensity and low-contrast criterion; and approximating a boundary of said set by a convex curve and taking said convex curve as a boundary of the pupil. |
| US08682070B2 |
Method to restore edges in rasterized images
Restoration of edges in rasterized, continuous tone images includes selection of a pair of neighboring pixels that exchange a restoration value to make a steeper transition from a low value on one side of a boundary between the two pixels to a high value at the other side thereof. Although any pair of neighboring pixels is selected, this operation is only performed when four pixels in a direction perpendicular to the boundary, of which the selected pair form the two center pixels, have a monotonely increasing value. The restoration value is based on a difference value of nearest neighboring pixels on the same side of the boundary. This avoids overshooting around edges in an image. The method is advantageous when resealing an image to a higher resolution which occurs when a low resolution image is embedded in a page that is to be printed with a high addressability printer system. |
| US08682069B2 |
Image signal processing apparatus, image signal processing method, and program
An image signal processing apparatus includes: a color-data generator that generates color data of a correction coordinate point by interpolating color data of pixels in the same color line above and below the correction coordinate point; a first luminance generator that generates first luminance data of the correction coordinate point by interpolating the luminance data of the pixels in the same color line above and below the correction coordinate point; a second luminance generator that generates second luminance data of the correction coordinate point by interpolating the luminance data of the pixels above and below the correction coordinate point; and a complementary-color-data generator that generates the complementary-color data of the correction coordinate point based on the generated color data, the first luminance data, and the second luminance data. |
| US08682060B2 |
Image processing method, apparatus, and computer program product
According to one embodiment, an image processing method includes calculating an activity value for a first block, the activity value indicating a higher degree of activity as pixel values vary in a greater degree in the first block, and calculating a first evaluation value that indicates higher evaluation as a difference between a pixel value of the first block and a pixel value of a second block is smaller. The method further includes calculating a second evaluation value that indicates higher evaluation as correlation between a relative spatial relationship of the pixel value of the first block and that of the pixel value of the second block is higher, and calculating a third evaluation value by weighting the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value to search for the second block that corresponds to the first block, a weight of the first evaluation value is larger as the activity value is larger. |
| US08682057B2 |
Optical imaging and analysis of a graphic symbol
Method, computer program product, and apparatus are provided for identifying a graphic symbol within an image obtained by optical scanning. An image intensity is measured for each of a plurality of columns of the image, wherein each column has a length that extends across the graphic symbol in a first direction, and wherein the plurality of columns collectively extend across the graphic symbol in a second direction. The graphic symbol is then identified by matching a profile of the image intensity to a predetermined image intensity profile associated with a given graphic symbol. Optionally, the image is a digital image and the image intensity for each column is the sum of the image intensity for each pixel in that individual column. An image intensity differential between adjacent columns may be calculated for matching with a predetermined differential profile or comparison with an electronic profile generated by a magnetic scan. |
| US08682055B2 |
Methods of scatter correction of x-ray projection data 2
A system and method for forming an adjusted estimate of scattered radiation in a radiographic projection of a target object, which incorporates scattered radiation from objects adjacent to the target object, such as a patient table. A piercing point equalization method is disclosed, and a refinement of analytical kernel methods which utilizes hybrid kernels is also disclosed. |
| US08682051B2 |
Smoothing of dynamic data sets
A data processing technique is provided. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a set of dynamic computed tomography image data from a computed tomography imaging system, registering the image data, applying a smoothing filter to at least a selection of the registered image data, and outputting the results. The smoothing filter may be, for example, a uniform filter, a triangular filter, a Gaussian filter, a median filter, a percentile filter, a Kuwahara filter, an anisotropic filter, or any combination thereof. Additional methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed. |
| US08682050B2 |
Feature-based registration of sectional images
The present invention relates to a method and a system for obtaining and analysing image pairs, obtained as sections of specimen. The invention facilitates registration of two corresponding images, one from each section of the specimen. The invention includes performing a registration process of the two images thereby obtaining a mathematical transformation rule and afterwards using said transformation rule for each image field identified in one image allowing that the corresponding image field in the other image may be identified as well. After the corresponding image pairs have been obtained using the method of the present invention, the sections can be assessed, such as by identifying the counting events for at least one type of object on the image fields within at least one corresponding image pair, optionally using automatic means. |
| US08682048B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, computer-readable recording device
In an image processing device that discriminates between a mucosal region and a non-mucosal region that are contained in an intraluminal image, the image processing device includes a residue candidate region detecting unit that detects a residue candidate region to be discriminated whether the candidate region is a mucosal region or not, on the basis of a feature data of each pixel that constitutes the intraluminal image, a structure edge region detecting unit that detects a structure edge contained in the intraluminal image, and an approximate structure edge line calculating unit and an overlap deciding unit that discriminate whether the residue candidate region is a mucosal region or not, based on a relative positional relationship between the structure edge and the residue candidate region. |
| US08682041B2 |
Rendering-based landmark localization from 3D range images
A computer implemented method comprising acquiring a three-dimensional (3D) range image containing one or more 3D landmarks; rendering the 3D range image into a rendered visible image containing intensity patterns related to the one or more 3D landmarks; and localizing at least one of the one or more 3D landmarks in the rendered visible image to provide at least one localized 3D landmark. is provided. Such methods, and related systems, and devices, are useful in biometric identification applications. |
| US08682039B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhancing face recognition abilities in a user
A method for enhancing face recognition abilities in a user. The method in one embodiment includes the steps of generating a first plurality of faces, each face differing from other faces in at least one aspect; displaying each of the faces to the user; and perceptually discriminating by the user, each of the displayed faces in response to the at least one aspect. In another aspect the invention relates to an apparatus for enhancing face recognition abilities in a user. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a system for generating a first plurality of faces, each face differing from other faces in at least one aspect; a display for displaying each of the faces to the user; and a device for recording the perceptually discriminating, by the user, each of the displayed faces in response to the at least one aspect. |
| US08682035B2 |
Method for imaging the surrounding of a vehicle
A method for imaging the surrounding of a vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of (i) taking a series of two dimensional images of the vehicle surrounding, (ii) taking a series of three dimensional images of the vehicle surrounding that including depth information, (iii) determining at least one object in an area of interest in one of the series of images and tracking the object in the area of interest, (iv) processing the others of the series of images to retrieve object information from said other series of images, (v) adjusting the objects to be tracked in the one series of images in accordance with the object information received from processing the other series of images. |
| US08682032B2 |
Event detection through pattern discovery
Events are classified through string pattern recognition. Text labels are assigned to image primitives in a time-ordered set of training images and to related time-ordered transactions in an associated training transaction log in a combined time-ordered training string of text labels as a function of image types. Transactions are labeled in a training transaction log with a transaction label, a training primitive image of a start of a transaction with a start image text label, a training primitive of an entry of a transaction into the log with an entry image text label, and a training primitive of a conclusion of a transaction with an ending image text label. Positive subset string patterns are discovered representing true events from the combined time-ordered training string of text labels, and negative subset string patterns defined by removing single transaction primitive labels from the positive subset string patterns. |
| US08682023B2 |
Interactive display recognition devices and related methods and systems for implementation thereof
An interactive display recognition tool uses imaging devices to determine the location of a display and position an icon on the display via a computer. The tool comprises various input devices, which can be used to control the icon and interact with a computer driven multimedia platform. |
| US08682022B2 |
Loudspeaker
A loudspeaker including a bottom plate being formed from a material capable of transmitting a magnetic flux. The bottom plate has a bottom portion, a cylindrical inside portion that extends upwardly from the bottom portion, and a cylindrical outside portion that extends upwardly from the bottom portion and encircles the inside portion. A cylindrical magnet is positioned on the bottom portion. A top plate is formed from a magnetic flux-transmissive material and extends outwardly from the top of the magnet. The top plate is laterally spaced away from the outside portion so as to form an air gap between the top plate and the outside portion. A diaphragm has a bobbin portion that is positioned within the air gap and is capable of free movement in the air gap. The suspension portion of the diaphragm is positioned at the center of the magnet. The sound-producing portion of the diaphragm is affixed to the top of the bobbin portion and is affixed to the top of the suspension portion. A resilient spider extends between the suspension portion of the diaphragm and the magnet. A voice coil is wound around the bobbin portion within the air gap. |
| US08682021B2 |
Speaker unit and portable information terminal
A speaker unit adaptable to limited mounting space, allowing reduction in the lowest resonance frequency, and realizing higher sound pressure and smaller distortion is provided. A diaphragm includes a trunk portion 43 to which a coil 5 is attached, and an edge portion 42 surrounding an outer circumference 43a of trunk portion 43 in plan view. A reinforcement sheet is attached to the trunk portion. An outer circumference 42a of edge portion 42 includes first and second edge straight sections LE1 and LE2, and an edge curve section CE. Each of the first and second edge straight sections LE1 and LE2 extend in the major axis direction and minor axis direction of edge portion 42. An edge curve section CE joins the first and second edge straight sections LE1 and LE2 together. Each of trunk portion 43 of the diaphragm and reinforcement sheet is transparent to light having a wavelength in the visible light region. |
| US08682018B2 |
Microphone array with rear venting
Microphone arrays (MAs) are described that position and vent microphones so that performance of a noise suppression system coupled to the microphone array is enhanced. The MA includes at least two physical microphones to receive acoustic signals. The physical microphones make use of a common rear vent (actual or virtual) that samples a common pressure source. The MA includes a physical directional microphone configuration and a virtual directional microphone configuration. By making the input to the rear vents of the microphones (actual or virtual) as similar as possible, the real-world filter to be modeled becomes much simpler to model using an adaptive filter. |
| US08682017B2 |
Method and system for equal acoustics porting
A device (300) and method (600) for equal audio porting is provided. The device can include a first side with at least one first audio port (182) providing a data communication aspect, a second side with at least one second audio port (184) providing an audio communication aspect, and a transducer (110) positioned between the first side and the second side. The transducer projects sound out of the at least one first audio port and the at least one second audio port such that a quality of the sound through the at least one first audio port and the at least one second audio port are substantially the same. |
| US08682014B2 |
Audio device with a voice coil channel and a separately amplified telecoil channel
A portable audio device has a voice coil audio signal processor in which a desired audio content signal is combined with an anti-noise signal produced by an active noise cancellation block. A voice coil amplifier receives a volume setting and is coupled to an output of the voice coil audio signal processor. A speaker is coupled to an output of the voice coil amplifier. In addition, a telecoil audio signal processor also receives the desired audio content, and feeds a telecoil amplifier that receives a telecoil coupling strength setting, followed by a telecoil. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08682008B2 |
Speaker assembly
A speaker assembly includes a speaker housing with a closed top wall that is substantially planar and forms a support surface. A first midrange driver and a first tweeter are mirror images of a second midrange driver and a second tweeter. A first support bracket supports the first midrange driver and first tweeter along a first side of the closed top wall adjacent the first sidewall of the speaker housing. The first support bracket includes a planar support surface which is obliquely oriented relative to a plane in which the closed top wall lies. A second support bracket supports the second midrange driver and the second tweeter along a second side of the closed top wall adjacent the third sidewall of the speaker housing. The second support bracket includes a planar support surface which is obliquely oriented relative to the plane in which the closed top wall lies. |
| US08682006B1 |
Noise suppression based on null coherence
Noise suppression is performed based on null coherence between sub-band signals of a primary acoustic signal and a secondary acoustic signal. The null coherence of a signal refers to portions of the signal that have high coherence and can be nullified by a null processor. The nullified component corresponds to target sources, such as an individual speaking into a phone. The coherence values indicate the presence of a target source and are used to suppress noise in portions of a signal that are not dominated by a desired target source. The inter-microphone level difference may be used in combination with the null coherence to provide noise suppression. |
| US08681997B2 |
Adaptive beamforming for audio and data applications
A system and method for performing efficient directed sound and/or data to a user utilizing position information. Various aspects may, for example, comprise determining position associated with one or more recipients of audio signals, determining one or more audio signal parameters based, at least in part, on such determined position information, and generating audio signals based on such determined audio signal parameters. For example, direction, timing, phasing and/or magnitude of such audio signals may be adapted based on a dynamic recipient positional environment. |
| US08681996B2 |
Asymmetric key wrapping using a symmetric cipher
A method of asymmetric key wrapping in a system is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) transferring a shared key from a key storage to a cipher operation, wherein the cipher operation comprises a symmetric-key cipher utilizing a cipher key, (B) generating an encrypted key by encrypting a decrypted key with the cipher operation using the shared key as the cipher key in a wrap-encrypt mode and (C) presenting the encrypted key external to the system in the wrap-encrypt mode. |
| US08681991B2 |
System and method for providing user media
An identification system includes at least one user medium, which is equipped to store a derived key and authenticate itself using the same with respect to a write and/or read device. Furthermore, at least one key dispensing medium is present, which comprises a monolithic first integrated circuit having storage means and processor means, wherein the first integrated circuit is equipped to store a source key and derive therefrom the derived key and to pass it on for storage in the user medium, wherein the user medium is enabled neither directly nor by way of aids to read the source key from the key dispensing medium and/or the user medium is not enabled to calculate a derived key. |
| US08681986B2 |
Single-round password-based key exchange protocols
A method for initializing encrypted communications using a common reference string and a shared password, includes determining a secret key of a peer using a first message, a second message and the common reference string, wherein the first message and the second message each comprise a tuple of elements of a cyclic group G of prime order p, a blinding encryption of the shared password, and a hash projection key. |
| US08681984B2 |
Context-aware based RFID privacy control system and personal privacy protection method using the same
Disclosed are a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) personal privacy control system and a personal privacy protection method using the same which may dynamically process a privacy level according to peripheral circumstances of an RFID tagged object and an owner of the object, thereby securely protecting personal information associated with the RFID tag. The RFID privacy control server, the RFID privacy control server includes a context-aware information collecting unit to collect at least one context-aware information about a user; a privacy level adjusting unit to adjust a privacy level of the user based on the collected context-aware information; and a privacy control unit to determine, according to the adjusted privacy level, whether access of an RFID reader to RFID tag information is allowed, the RFID tag information corresponding to an RFID tag associated with the user. |
| US08681982B2 |
Method of establishing a quantum key for use between network nodes
A method of establishing a quantum key for use between a first network node (QNode1) and a second network node (QNode3) in a network for carrying out quantum cryptography includes a key agreement step carried out by a third node (QNode2) and the second node (QNode3) and a subsequent authentication step carried out by the first and second nodes directly. As the key agreement step does not involve QNode1, another key agreement step may be simultaneously performed by another pair of network nodes QNode4, QNode5 to agree a quantum key for use by network nodes QNode1 and QNode5. The invention allows respective quantum keys to be established between a network node and each of a set of other nodes more rapidly than is the case if each quantum key is established serially by key agreement and authentication steps. |
| US08681979B2 |
Conditional access system and method for prevention of replay attacks
In a conditional access system, a headend transmits content to one or more receivers in encrypted transport streams. The system provides a multi-layer security architecture, rendering the system resistant to key replay attacks; if one layer is circumvented, subsequent layers remain intact. A first layer prevents unencrypted keys from being recorded by shielding the unencrypted keys from users and encrypting the path from the receiver's conditional access module to the transport decryption module; a second layer prevents a key recorded on one receiver from being played back to the transport decryption module on a second receiver; a third layer prevents a user from decrypting transport streams without the encryption module by encrypting the stream a second time prior to being passed through any user-accessible memory or processor. Event tables are transmitted with the transport stream, either unencrypted for immediate use or encrypted, to prevent unauthorized use. |
| US08681978B2 |
Efficient and secure forensic marking in compressed domain
Methods, devices, and computer program products enable the embedding of forensic marks in a host content that is in compressed domain. These and other features are achieved by preprocessing of a host content to provide a plurality of host content versions with different embedded watermarks that are subsequently compressed. A host content may then be efficiently marked with forensic marks in response to a request for such content. The marking process is conducted in compressed domain, thus reducing the computational burden of decompressing and re-compressing the content, and avoiding further perceptual degradation of the host content. In addition, methods, devices and computer program products are disclosed that obstruct differential analysis of such forensically marked content. |
| US08681977B2 |
Enabling/disabling display data channel access to enable/ disable high-bandwidth digital content protection
A switcher device comprises a multiplexer coupled in-between at least one input and output cards. The multiplexer detects the presence of an event signal from an activated sink. In response to the detection of the event signal, a processor changes an address of an HDCP receiver from a first address to a second address for enabling the at least one source to authenticate with the input card and enabling the output card to authenticate with the at least one sink for security protocol encryption. In response to the non-detection of the event signal, the processor changes the address of an HDCP receiver from the second address to the first address for disabling the at least one source from initiating a first authentication with the input card, therefore the output card also does not attempt to initiate a second authentication with the at least one sink for security protocol encryption. |
| US08681972B2 |
Method of executing a cryptographic calculation
A cryptographic calculation is executed in an electronic component, according to a cryptographic algorithm including at least one application of a one-way function which is disabled upon an intrusion into the electronic component. The one-way function is based on a first affine operation corresponding to a first secret key. The one-way function is applied, by obtaining (11) first and second random values (r, r′), then, by obtaining a first result (13) by applying a second affine operation (σK1), which corresponds to a second secret key, to a first combination (12) of the first and second random values, and, by obtaining (14) thereafter a second result by applying a third affine operation (σK2) which corresponds to a third secret key to said first result. The combination of the third and second affine operations (σK1 o σK2) corresponds to the first affine operation; and a cryptographic operation is moreover applied (15) to one at least among said second result and a second combination of the first and second random values. |
| US08681970B2 |
Portable continuity object
A method for providing continuity over a series of transactions is provided, comprising the steps of (a) creating a Portable Continuity Object (PCO) as a defined digital package by an instance of PCO software executing on a computerized appliance also capable of communication transaction; (b) providing identity of a person, an address of a communication device and a continuity context in the PCO; (c) sharing the PCO in related transactions, with the PCO updated with information concerning individual transactions by digital equipment enhanced with an instance of PCO software; and (d) providing context continuity in succeeding transactions by accessing the PCO by one or both parties to a transaction. |
| US08681969B1 |
Facilitating scalable 2-way mobile AV communications
A bandwidth management system for multiple-service mobile networks for use with a plurality of instances of mobile communications devices. A plurality of communications silo each provide at least one communications service using a mobile network wherein at least one communications service from at least one communications silo involving the transport of real-time two-way video. Call/session state information from the communications silos and packet-level network transport measurement information responsive to packet-level network transport processes in the mobile network are used by a control system to create control messages transmitted to the communications silos for controlling call/session admission application QoS parameters responsive to traffic and network operation. |
| US08681968B2 |
Techniques for bypassing call screening in a call messaging system
A system, method, and computer-readable media for bypassing call screening in a call messaging system includes storing a call screening rule for a callee specifying one or more conditions under which the call screening rule applies to an incoming call to the callee and specifying one or more call screening actions to take when an incoming call to the callee is received under the one or more conditions. When an incoming call from the caller's device to the callee's device is received under the one or more conditions of the call screening rule, a determination is made whether a bypass condition exists, and if a bypass condition exists, the incoming call is connected to the callee's device without taking the one or more call screening actions. |
| US08681964B1 |
Performing automated event services to registered end users
A method and apparatus are disclosed of transmitting live event notification information to a user device. One example method may include retrieving event user preference information from an event user database based on prestored user preferences. The method may also include transmitting an initial event notification message to an end user communication device based on the event user preference information to notify the end user of an upcoming event and receiving a response message from the end user communication device indicating a current availability of the end user. The user device may receive notification information via more than one communication channel and respond in a number of different ways. |
| US08681959B2 |
Method and system for customized caller identification
A system and method for customized caller identification and call routing are disclosed. A disclosed method of providing customized caller identification information for a phone call includes associating a first phone number in a database with a plurality of user specified identifications, selecting one of the plurality of user specified identifications in response to the phone call placed from the first phone number to a second phone number as a function of the second phone number, and providing the selected one of the plurality of identifications to a device associated with the second telephone number. |
| US08681957B2 |
Extracting social relations from calling time data
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for generating a social network data structure, the method comprising: receiving a corpus comprising one or more communication indications for one or more customers, each communication indication indicating start time and end time of a communication of the customer; and generating a social network data structure indicating connections between customers based upon the start time and end time indications of communication indication comprised in the communication indications. |
| US08681954B1 |
Multi-device video communication session
A method of adding a computing device to a multi-device video communication session. A server receives recorded content from a plurality of multi-device video communication sessions and a search request from a computing device. The server identifies a first multi-device video communication session based on the search request. The first multi-device video communication session includes a weighted list of text elements. The server transmits information based on the weighted list of text elements to the computing device, receives a selection from the computing device corresponding to a first text element, and transmits at least a portion of the recorded content from the first multi-device video communication session to the computing device based on the first text element. The server receives an add request for the computing device to be added to the first multi-device video communication session and transmits the add request to the first multi-device video communication session. |
| US08681949B1 |
System, method, and computer program for automated non-sound operations by interactive voice response commands
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for automated non-sound operations by interactive voice response commands. In use, a command from an interactive voice response application is received. Additionally, a non-sound operation requested to be performed via the command is identified. Further, the identified non-sound operation is automatically performed. |
| US08681939B2 |
Device for detection and identification of carbon- and nitrogen-containing materials
A device for detection and identification of carbon- and nitrogen-containing materials is described. In particular, the device performs the detection and identification of carbon- and nitrogen-containing materials by photo-nuclear detection. The device may comprise a race-track microtron, a breaking target, and a water-filled Cherenkov radiation counter. |
| US08681929B2 |
Nuclear reactor fuel assembly
A fuel assembly for a nuclear reactor that employs dissimilar materials for the fuel assembly grid and the control rod guide thimbles. The guide thimbles are secured to the grid employing a through grid cell sleeve that is welded to the grid and spot weld rings that are secured over the sleeve and welded directly to the guide tube through windows in the sleeve. |
| US08681928B2 |
Pressurizer baffle plate and pressurized water reactor (PWR) employing same
A pressurized water reactor (PWR) includes a pressure vessel and a nuclear reactor core disposed in the pressure vessel. A baffle plate is disposed in the pressure vessel and separates the pressure vessel into an internal pressurizer volume disposed above the baffle plate and an operational PWR volume disposed below the baffle plate. The baffle plate comprises first and second spaced apart plates and includes a pressure transfer passage having a lower end in fluid communication with the operational PWR volume and an upper end in fluid communication with the internal pressurizer volume at a level below an operational pressurizer liquid level range. A vent pipe has a lower end in fluid communication with the operational PWR volume and an upper end in fluid communication with the internal pressurizer volume at a level above the operational pressurizer liquid level range. |
| US08681924B2 |
Single-plate neutron absorbing apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
A neutron absorbing insert for use in a fuel rack and method of manufacturing the same. In ones aspect, the invention is a neutron absorbing apparatus comprising: a plate structure having a first wall and a second wall that is non-coplanar to the first wall; the first and second walls being formed by a single panel of a metal matrix composite having neutron absorbing particulate reinforcement that is bent into the non-coplanar arrangement along a crease; and a plurality of spaced-apart holes formed into the single panel along the crease prior to bending. |
| US08681918B2 |
High jitter and frequency drift tolerant clock data recovery
In a method for recovery of a dock from a received digital data stream and an apparatus for recovering a clock from a received digital data stream, phase-shifted dock signals are generated from a receiver's dock. After selecting one of the phase-shifted clock signals, two other phase-shifted clock signals are determined. Depending on sample values taken at rising/falling edges of the three selected phase-shifted clock signals, counter values are increased and compared. The selection of phase-shifted clock signals and the steps of sampling the input digital data stream, comparing the values and increasing counter values, if required, are repeatedly performed until the comparison result of the counter values indicates that one of the latter determined phase-shifted clock signals strobes the received digital data stream in the center of a bit period. |
| US08681917B2 |
Synchronous transfer of streaming data in a distributed antenna system
Embodiments of the invention provide a method, distributed antenna system, and components that generate a jitter reduced clock signal from a serial encoded binary data stream transmitted over a communication medium. The method comprises receiving a modulated signal that includes the encoded binary data stream and extracting the encoded binary data stream. The method further comprises generating a recovered clock signal that is phase locked to the encoded binary data stream, generating an error signal based on a difference between a phase of the encoded binary data stream and the recovered clock signal, and integrating the error signal to generate a signal to control a voltage controlled oscillator. The method further comprises generating a stable recovered clock signal and producing at least one output clock by scaling the stable recovered clock signal frequency. |
| US08681913B2 |
Reception circuit
A reception circuit is provided which can detect the beginning of data regardless of a preamble or a unique word contained or not in a received signal and regardless of coding systems for received signals. The reception circuit includes a correlation operation portion that performs a correlation operation to generate a correlation signal while sliding one symbol of reference signal in relation to a received signal. The reference signal goes to a high level during a first half symbol period and goes to a low level during a second half symbol period. The reception circuit further includes: a delay portion that outputs a delay signal by delaying the received signal for a half symbol period in relation to the received signal; and a data beginning timing detection portion that detects a beginning peak timing for the correlation signal as a beginning timing of data contained in the delay signal. |
| US08681911B2 |
Identification signal analyzing apparatus and method for compensating for separation and attenuation of channel profile
Provided is an identification signal analyzing apparatus and method for compensating power of a channel profile occurring at a conventional identification signal analyzing apparatus by using a power compensation. The identification signal analyzing apparatus includes: an identification signal generator for generating an identification signal identical to a known identification signal inserted by a transmission device; a partial correlator for calculating a correlation value between a received signal including the known identification signal inserted by the transmission device and the identification signal generated by the identification signal generator through a partial correlation; a power compensator for compensating power of the correlation value calculated by the partial correlator; and a channel profile extractor for extracting a channel profile from the correlation value compensated by the power compensator. |
| US08681908B2 |
Low power, multi-chip diversity architecture
A multi-chip antenna diversity architecture includes a first receiver chip including a first tuner, and a first demodulator directly connected to the tuner. The first demodulator demodulates the first input signal received from the first tuner. A first power sequencer that controls the first receiver chip, and a first chip ID including a voltage source VSS that indicates the first receiver chip as a slave chip. A second receiver chip includes a second tuner, and a second demodulator directly connected to the second tuner. The second demodulator demodulates the second input signal received from the second tuner. A second diversity combiner directly connected to the second demodulator. A second chip ID includes a voltage source VDD that indicates the second receiver chip as a master chip. A Diversity State Machine (DSM) controls an operating state of the first receiver chip and the second receiver chip that are structurally identical. |
| US08681904B2 |
Receiver, reception method, program and reception system
Disclosed herein is a receiver including a determination block adapted to determine, as a gain used to adjust the power of a received signal received with a fixed bandwidth, a gain different from that used when other band is not contained in a band of the received signal if the band of the received signal contains a desired signal band and the other band. |
| US08681902B2 |
Method and apparatus for low complexity robust reconstruction of noisy signals
Embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for low complexity robust reconstruction of noisy signals. The method includes receiving, by a receiving unit, a set of noisy measurements. The method further includes obtaining, by a reconstruction unit, an estimate of the signal based on the set of noisy measurements and a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters includes a projection matrix that transforms the signal from a sparse domain to a compressed domain and postulated parameters. |
| US08681901B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting signal in a spatial multiplexing multiple input multiple output communication system
A Spatial Multiplexing Multiple Input Multiple Output (SM-MIMO) communication system, which generates Q and R matrices through QR decomposing a channel matrix in an array order corresponding to an order of transmission antennas of a signal transmission device, determines a detection order of transmission symbols included in a transmission symbol vector, QR decomposes a reception signal vector and generates the QR decomposed reception signal vector as a transformed reception signal vector, substitutes all of transmittable candidate symbols for a transmission symbol corresponding to a first detection order among the transmission symbols and sequentially removes interference in the transformed reception signal vector, detects candidate symbols of transmission symbols corresponding to a remaining detection order from the interference-removed transformed reception signal vector, combines the detected candidate symbols, detects candidate symbol vectors, and calculates Log-Likelihood Ratio values of bits included in the transmission symbols by using the detected vectors. |
| US08681898B2 |
Signal amplifying apparatus, wireless transmitting apparatus, and signal amplifying method
A signal amplifying apparatus, a wireless transmitting apparatus, and a signal amplifying method are provided. The signal amplifying apparatus modulates an envelope signal using a multi-bit quantizer, thereby increasing coding efficiency and tracking optimal supply voltage with respect to envelope variation due to the use of the multi-bit quantizer. |
| US08681896B1 |
Transmitter I/Q and carrier leak calibration
Joint transmit error (i.e., carrier leak and I/Q mismatch) calibration can be implemented in a transmitter unit in a wireless device. DC signals can be superposed onto digital complex tone signals to generate calibration signals for joint transmit error calibration. The calibration signals may also be phase shifted and/or pre-distorted with digital I/Q phase to yield distinct calibration measurements that can be used for joint transmit error calibration. Digital scaling can be applied at the transmitter unit in accordance with a transmitter gain setting to maintain a constant receiver gain setting. At a receiver unit of the wireless device, the DC signals can be separated from the digital complex tone signals for transmit error calibration. Such a joint transmit error calibration can minimize calibration time, reduce the number of computations required for transmit error calibration, improve the accuracy of the transmit error calibration, and improve performance of the wireless device. |
| US08681893B1 |
Generating pulses using a look-up table
This disclosure describes techniques for using a pulse look-up-table to replace FIR filters used to implement modulation schemes, such as the modulation schemes used by various wireless communication technologies. In some embodiments the pulse look-up-table is segmented and minimized so that the pulse look-up-table can be used with complex modulation schemes. |
| US08681888B1 |
Link adaptation for OFDM systems
A method includes determining one or more metrics indicative of at least one of (i) interference on a communication link, (ii) noise on the communication link, and (iii) performance of a receiver receiving packets via the communication link, selecting a modulation and coding scheme as a function of (i) the determined one or more metrics, and (ii) one or more Quality of Service requirements for the communication link, and correcting the selected modulation and coding scheme using a current value of a correction factor. The corrected modulation and coding scheme is to be used to generate one or more packets. The method also includes determining an error rate corresponding to packets previously transmitted over the communication link, and adjusting the correction factor based on the determined error rate. Adjusting the correction factor includes incrementing or decrementing the correction factor. |
| US08681882B2 |
Data transmitting circuit and data communication apparatus
Disclosed herein are a data transmission circuit and a data communication device that transmit data using an Alternating Current (AC)-coupled transmission line. The data transmission circuit includes a data transmission unit for transmitting data via a transmission line having a single AC-coupled line or a plurality of AC-coupled lines. When transmitting data, the data transmission unit transmits the data via the transmission line by sequentially setting a first electric potential corresponding to the data and a second electric potential different from the first electric potential. When transitioning from data transmission mode to an idle state, the data transmission unit sets an intermediate electric potential between the first electric potential and the second electric potential. |
| US08681879B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying video data
Provided are a method and apparatus for displaying video data without displaying delay in a video decoder which cannot judge the end of a picture. The method includes receiving video data including a picture formed of blocks; extracting an address of a current block in the received video data; and selectively displaying the picture based on the extracted address of the current block. |
| US08681878B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
A basic pattern generating unit 81 generates a film grain basic pattern 86 in which the histogram of random noise is substantially the same as the film grain basic pattern information 53. The film grain basic pattern 86 is of (64×64) pixels and an area of (16×16) pixels is cut out and supplied to a multiplier 84. Strength information 88 is generated based on film grain strength information 54 produced on the encoding side and an average value 87 of a pixel value in the area of (16×16) pixels of decoded image information 42. The strength of basic pattern 86 is adjusted by this strength information 88. Film grain image 89 whose strength is adjusted is added to the area of (16×16) pixels of the decoded image information 42 by an adder 85 by the unit of pixel. |
| US08681876B2 |
Targeted bit appropriations based on picture importance
In one embodiment, a method that provides plural representations of a single video signal that comprises a successive sequence of pictures, one or more of the plural representations including a respective sequence of latticed pictures, each latticed picture in the one or more plural representations originating from a corresponding respective picture of the video signal, the order of successive latticed pictures in the one or more of the plural representations of the video signal corresponding to the order of successive pictures in the video signal; processes the plural representations based on a predetermined encoding strategy, the predetermined encoding strategy targeting an appropriate respective amount of bits to each of a plurality of the processed latticed pictures, each of the plurality of the processed latticed pictures having a respective picture importance; and provides the plurality of processed latticed pictures in plural successive, non-overlapping, ordered segments in a single video stream. |
| US08681869B2 |
Distortion measuring method
A method for measuring distortion is provided. In one embodiment, the method for measuring distortion of a current block, used to estimate motion by estimating high-frequency and low-frequency components of the current block, comprises: calculating the sum of distortion values of the high-frequency component of the current block; calculating the sum of first distortion values of the low-frequency component of the current block; calculating a second distortion value of the low-frequency component of the current block; and adding the sum of the distortion values of the high-frequency component and the second distortion value of the low-frequency component of the current block. |
| US08681868B2 |
Coding system and method, encoding device and method, decoding device and method, recording device and method, and reproducing device and method
A transcoder for executing a re-coding process on an encoded stream generated based on an MPEG standard to generate a re-coded stream having a different GOP (Group of Pictures) structure or bit rate. A decoding device of a transcoder decodes a source encoded stream to generate decoded video data and extracts past coding parameters superposed in the encoded stream as history_stream( ). An encoding device receives the decoded video data and the past coding parameters and uses the past coding parameters to carry out an encoding process in a manner such that this process will not degrade image quality, thereby generating a re-coded stream. The encoding device superposes, as re_coding_stream_info( ), information indicating the selected past coding parameters. |
| US08681866B1 |
Method and apparatus for encoding video by downsampling frame resolution
The subject invention has both apparatus and method aspects. A first embodiment of the method aspect is for encoding a video signal having a plurality of frames, each frame having a plurality of blocks. The method includes identifying a first frame from the plurality of frames as an I-frame, the first frame having an original resolution. The method also includes determining a variance for the first frame using a processor. If the variance exceeds an intra threshold: (a) selecting a frame resolution for the first frame that is less than the original resolution, and (b) encoding the first frame using the selected frame resolution is performed. |
| US08681863B2 |
Method and apparatus for decoding/encoding a video signal with inter-view reference picture list construction
A method of decoding a video signal is disclosed. The present invention includes obtaining identification information indicating whether a coded picture of a current NAL unit is an inter-view picture group, obtaining interview reference information of the inter-view picture group, and constructing a reference picture list for inter-view prediction using the inter-view reference information according to the identification information, wherein the inter-view reference information includes view identification information of an inter-view reference picture. |
| US08681861B2 |
Multistandard hardware video encoder
Described herein are a number of approaches for implementing a multistandard video encoder. In several embodiments, a single encoder supports multiple video encoding standards via dedicated hardware datapaths, while using shared buffers to store a video data between processing stages. In one such embodiment, system for video encoding is described. The system includes a number of encoding stages, for performing tasks associated with encoded video data. The system also includes a number of encoding buffers, coupled to the encoding stages, for storing video data between encoding stages. The encoding stages are operable to encode the video data in accordance with a number of video encoding standards, and the encoding buffers are operable to store partially encoded video data, regardless of the video encoding standard selected. |
| US08681857B2 |
Macro-block quantization reactivity compensation
A macro-block (MB) quantization reactivity compensation method for a video encoder is provided. The method calculates a reference picture quantization value based on a calculated picture complexity. This predicted reference quantization is combined with the bits-used reactive MB reference quantization value to determine the final MB reference quantization value. This MB reference quantization value is also made adaptive to the VBV buffer fullness, as well as to the predicted change of the current picture complexity. A video encoder and an article of manufacture that comprises computer readable program code for execution of the method are also provided. |
| US08681856B2 |
Scalable video providing and reproducing system and methods thereof
Disclosed hereinafter is a scalable video providing system and method. The scalable video providing system of the present invention includes a terminal apparatus for, in the case in which a full SVC video, having a higher scalability than that of a base layer SVC video previously stored in the terminal apparatus, is to be displayed, transmitting a request query to request a enhancement layer svc bit stream, which is further required, to the outside based on the base layer SVC video; and a content providing server for, when the request query is received, searching for required pertinent content based on the request query and providing the enhancement layer svc bit stream, corresponding to the remaining scalable video other than the base layer SVC video of the searched content, to the terminal apparatus. |
| US08681852B2 |
Communication device capable of channel estimation and method thereof
Communication methods and communication devices are disclosed. The communication method, performed by a communication device, including: receiving a time-domain OFDM symbol; converting the time-domain OFDM symbol to a frequency-domain OFDM symbol containing a plurality of pilot sub-carrier received signals; extracting the plurality of pilot sub-carrier received signals from the frequency-domain OFDM symbol; estimating a plurality of first frequency-domain channel average responses (CARs) of pilot sub-carriers according to the plurality of pilot sub-carrier received signals and a plurality of pilot sub-carrier transmitted signals; determining a pilot sub-carrier number parameter for a sub-carrier block according to a statistical information of channel delay; splitting all sub-carriers into a plurality of sub-carrier blocks according to the pilot sub-carrier number parameter; and estimating second frequency-domain CARs of all sub-carriers by performing weighting average and interpolation based on the first frequency-domain CARs of the pilot sub-carriers in all sub-carrier blocks. |
| US08681850B2 |
Signal processing apparatus, signal processing method and program
A signal processing apparatus includes a signal processing unit configured to carry out signal processing on a single-carrier signal and a multi-carrier signal by making use of a plurality of common filters shared by the single-carrier signal and the multi-carrier signal. |
| US08681844B2 |
Method and apparatus for an adaptive filter architecture
A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for identifying a spectral region in a radio frequency spectrum, determining a signal strength of the spectral region, determining a correlation factor by correlating the signal strength of the spectral region, detecting according to the correlation factor interference in the spectral region, generating coefficient data to substantially suppress the interference in the spectral region, configuring a filter according to the coefficient data to substantially suppress the interference in the spectral region and produce a digital filtered signal, and transmitting the digital filtered signal to a base station. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08681843B2 |
Method and arrangement in a DSL vectoring system
Method and arrangement in a Vectoring Control Entity, VCE, for handling disorderly events in a Digital Subscriber Line, DSL, system. The method involves a number of actions, to be performed when a disorderly event occurs on a line min a vectored group of DSL lines, and the transmission on line m is continued. The method comprises obtaining (104) error samples from Customer Premises Equipments, CPEs, connected to other lines in the vectored group of DSL lines. The method further comprises—calculating an estimate of the channel coefficients changed due to the disorderly event, based on the error samples, thus providing a partial channel estimate. Further, the method comprises—modifying (110) a downstream precoder, at least partly based on the partial channel estimate, such that retraining of the other lines in the vectored group due to the disorderly event is avoided. The arrangement is adapted to enable the performance of the above described method. |
| US08681842B2 |
Transforming I/Q impairments through a linear system
Systems and methods for measuring transmitter and/or receiver I/Q impairments are disclosed, including iterative methods for measuring transmitter I/Q impairments using shared local oscillators, iterative methods for measuring transmitter I/Q impairments using intentionally-offset local oscillators, and methods for measuring receiver I/Q impairments. Also disclosed are methods for computing I/Q impairments from a sampled complex signal, methods for computing DC properties of a signal path between the transmitter and receiver, and methods for transforming I/Q impairments through a linear system. |
| US08681840B2 |
Transceivers having loopback switches and methods of calibrating carrier leakage thereof
A transceiver includes a transmitter circuit, a receiver circuit, and the loopback switch. The transmitter circuit performs a digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) operation on a calibration code without a transmission digital signal in a calibration mode to generate a calibration signal. The transmitter circuit up-converts the calibration signal and generates a transmission signal. The receiver circuit down-converts the transmission signal in the calibration mode and generates a receiving digital signal. The loopback switch electrically connects an output terminal of the transmitter circuit and an input terminal of the receiver circuit in the calibration mode. Thus, the transceiver may stably reduce a carrier leakage irrespective of processes, voltages, and temperatures. |
| US08681836B2 |
Repeater using baseband data
A repeater receives an input signal containing mobile/handheld (M/H) data received in an M/H frame equivalent in size to 20 VSB data frames. Each VSB frame contains an odd VSB field and an even VSB field, and each of the VSB fields includes one field sync segment and 312 data segments. The M/H frame includes main data and M/H data, and the M/H data has more robust coding than the main data. The received input signal is demodulated to produce an MPEG transport steam. Frame registration is used to find data and field syncs in the MPEG transport steam. The trellis encoder is reset prior to M/H training data in to the mobile data stream. The data is VSB modulated, the field syncs are added to the modulated data to reconstruct the M/H frame, and the M/H frame upconverted to an RF output signal, which is retransmitted. |
| US08681832B2 |
System and method for high accuracy gas inject in a two chamber gas discharge laser system
Systems and methods for automatically performing a high accuracy gas inject in a laser chamber of a two chamber gas discharge laser such as an excimer laser are disclosed. A mathematical model relates the amount of halogen gas in the laser chamber after an inject to the amount of halogen gas present prior to the inject, the amount of halogen gas injected, and the consumption rate of halogen gas in the chamber. A fixed amount of halogen gas is added to the chamber in an initial number of injects to allow transients to settle out, after which the amount of halogen gas to be injected is that calculated to result in a desired amount of halogen gas after the inject according to the model. Measurements are taken after injects to update the actual amount of halogen gas present and the consumption rate of the halogen gas. |
| US08681829B2 |
Compression mount for semiconductor devices, and method
A mount for semiconductor laser devices comprises thermally conductive anode and cathode blocks on either side of a semiconductor laser device such as a laser diode. Interposed between at least the anode block and the anode of the semiconductor laser device is a sheet of conformable material with high thermal conductivity such as pyrolytic highly-oriented graphite. In some embodiments, a second sheet of such thermally conductive conformable material is interposed between the cathode of the semiconductor laser device and the cathode block. The semiconductor laser device can be either a single laser diode or a diode bar having a plurality of emitters. A thermally conductive, but electrically insulating, spacer of essentially the same thickness as the laser diode or bar surrounds the diode or bar to prevent mechanical damage while still permitting the conformable material to be maintained in a compressed state. |
| US08681818B2 |
Frame generating apparatus, optical transmission system, frame generating method, and optical transmission method
A frame generating apparatus includes an optical-transport-network frame generator configured to generate an optical transport network frame from a client signal; and a frame decomposer configured to perform serial-parallel conversion on the optical transport network frame to generate a plurality of virtual lanes, where the optical-transport-network frame generator arranges frame synchronization bytes and virtual lane identifiers in an overhead area and/or a fixed stuff part so that a frame synchronization byte and a virtual lane identifier are arranged in each virtual lane. |
| US08681817B2 |
Generating and implementing a signal protocol and interface for higher data rates
A data Interface for transferring digital data between a host and a client over a communication path using packet structures linked together to form a communication protocol for communicating a pre-selected set of digital control and presentation data. The signal protocol is used by link controllers configured to generate, transmit, and receive packets forming the communications protocol, and to form digital data into one or more types of data packets, with at least one residing in the host device and being coupled to the client through the communications path. The interface provides a cost-effective, low power, bi-directional, high-speed data transfer mechanism over a short-range “serial” type data link, which lends itself to implementation with miniature connectors and thin flexible cables which are especially useful in connecting display elements such as wearable micro-displays to portable computers and wireless communication devices. |
| US08681814B2 |
Wireless communication systems
A multi-hop wireless communication system, in which packets of data are transmitted over a connection between a base station (MR-BS) and a subscriber station (SS) via at least one relay station (RS), the packets of data being transmitted in accordance with one of a plurality of service classes each having a respective quality-of-service (QoS), and available bandwidth in the system being shared among a plurality of such connections in accordance with their service classes. To decrease the latency of bandwidth allocation in the system, and to support its scheduler algorithm, the RS has to know the QoS demands and the bandwidth allocating requirements of each connection. |
| US08681812B2 |
Method and device for analyzing transaction propagation in a multiprotocol network of a system on chip
A method for following up a transaction in a network comprising at least one node and at least two data transmission links connected to the node and managed in accordance with at least one data transmission protocol, the method comprising picking up transactions during their transmission by links of the network, converting the transactions picked up into a same format, memorizing converted transactions, so as to be able to identify a link where each memorized transaction has been picked up, and comparing a converted transaction and to be correlated with memorized transactions, the transaction to be correlated being correlated with a memorized transaction if the comparison reveals a correspondence between the transactions to be correlated and memorized. |
| US08681809B2 |
Dynamic enabling and disabling of CLTD operation via HS SCCH orders
Apparatus and methods of wireless communication include configuring a closed loop transmit diversity (CLTD) operation between a User Equipment (UE) and an access node, detecting a condition of an uplink from the UE to the access node, and disabling CLTD operation by the UE based upon the condition. Optionally, the apparatus and methods may further include detecting that the condition of the uplink has ended, and in response enabling the CLTD operation. |
| US08681806B2 |
Method for communicating in a network and radio stations associated
The present invention relates to a method for communicating in a network comprising a primary station and at least one secondary station, said secondary station comprising a buffer containing data packets to be transmitted to the primary station, the method comprising the step of the secondary station transmitting an indication of the buffer status to the primary station, said indication comprising information about history of said buffer. |
| US08681804B2 |
Method and apparatus for persistent communications, interoperability and situational awareness in the aftermath of a disaster
A system for providing situational awareness outside a temporary incident area network includes a prioritized connection module for connecting a mesh network at the incident area to one of a plurality of available communications channels, with the selection based not only on the availability of a communications channel but also on the associated expense, speed, reliability or bandwidth, so that high bandwidth traffic such as video and pictures can be reliably sent from the incident area to a location outside of the incident area. In one embodiment switching to a satellite phone network bypasses problems with terrestrial networks such as cell phone networks and landlines which may be down. |
| US08681801B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining available bandwidth for wireless communication
In one embodiment, the method includes determining if a next interval of a bandwidth is available if an interval of the bandwidth preceding the next interval was determined to be available such that the next interval is larger than the preceding interval. |
| US08681794B2 |
System and method for efficient matching of regular expression patterns across multiple packets
A system and method for efficient matching regular expression patterns across multiple packets. A deep packet inspection system can be embodied in a switch ASIC using a flow tracker and a signature matching engine. The flow tracker can be positioned in an ingress portion of the switch ASIC at a location where packets in a bi-direction flow can be observed and recorded. The flow tracker generates a signature match request that is forwarded to a signature matching engine in an auxiliary pipeline. The signature matching engine is enabled to perform cross-packet signature matching using signature matching state machines and reports the signature matching results to the flow tracker using a response packet that is sent to the ingress pipeline. |
| US08681791B2 |
Outbound transmission of packet based on routing search key constructed from packet destination address and outbound interface
A method is described that involves associating an outbound packet with a first network interface and constructing a search key from an identifier of the first network interface and the outbound packet's destination address. The method further entails submitting the search key to a routing function where the routing function identifies the outbound packet's next hop address. The method also involves transmitting the outbound packet to a node identified by the next hop address from the first network interface. |
| US08681788B2 |
Accelerating NDMP based virtual tape library operations
For backing up of data from a source to a destination, a virtual tape library (VTL) appliance intercepts a message for backing up the data. In response to the intercepted message, the VTL appliance sends a command to initiate the backing up of the data. A network attached storage (NAS) server, which is the source of the data and is coupled to the VTL appliance by a network, receives the command. An agent located in the NAS server is triggered in response to the command to directly transfer the data from the source to the destination. The agent informs the VTL appliance upon completion of the transfer of the data. |
| US08681785B2 |
Communication apparatus and path setting control method
A communication apparatus operable to set a path based on path setting information used to set a communication path over a communication network formed by a plurality of the communication apparatuses, the communication apparatus including a first storage medium operable to store first path setting information formatted with a first format, a second storage medium operable to store second path setting information formatted with a second format, and a controller operable to control to convert control information of the communication apparatus in which the first path setting information stored in the first storage medium is set, to the second path setting information formatted with the second format. |
| US08681783B2 |
Prevention of call spoofing in a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network
Call spoofing in a Voice over Internet Protocol (IP) system may be detected and/or prevented. A device may receive a call request to initiate a VoIP call. The device may analyze marker information in the call request to determine whether the call request is valid. The device may also analyze the call request, based on call pattern information of a quantity of other calls, to determine whether the call request is suspicious; and complete the call based on the determination of whether the call request is valid and the determination of whether the call request is suspicious. |
| US08681781B2 |
Method and system for securely authorizing VoIP interconnections between anonymous peers of VoIP networks
A peering authority or settlement clearinghouse can be used to control access, collect session accounting information, and provide financial settlement of interconnect or session fees among anonymous Internet Protocol (IP) peers or networks. The addition of peering policy criteria, such as price and quality of service, to peer to peer route discovery mechanisms enable a trusted intermediary, such as the settlement clearinghouse, to authorize acceptable interconnection or peering sessions between anonymous IP peers. Any financial settlement transactions which result from the peering sessions may be subsequently executed by the settlement clearinghouse. |
| US08681780B2 |
Establishing electronically authenticated internet voice connections
An electronically authenticated internet voice connection can be initiated on an institution's website. Authentication of the customer's identity can be determined based upon already established credentials, such as a username and password. Upon verifying the identity of the customer, the institution's web server can generate and transmit a unique identifier to the customer's browser. The unique identifier can be an encrypted identifier used to authenticate the customer when establishing a subsequent voice connection. |
| US08681778B2 |
Systems and methods to manage privilege to speak
Methods and apparatuses to prioritize requests for speaking privilege in a communication session. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving from an audience one or more bids for privilege to speak in a communication session; selecting one or more speakers from the audience based at least in part on the one or more bids; receiving voice communications from the one or more speakers; and transmitting the voice communications to the audience in the communication session. |
| US08681777B2 |
Method for sharing resources over a network
In a client/server network, each of a plurality of IP devices has access to a network capability, such as an analog line, when connected to a central server. At least one of the IP devices is in direct communication with a second analog line and grants other IP devices access to the second analog line when the other IP devices lose their connection to the central server. |
| US08681773B2 |
Method for routing data between at least one guided vehicle and a ground network
A method for routing data between at least one guided vehicle and a ground network, wherein said vehicle moves on a track between at least a first and a second communication terminal arranged on the ground along the track. The terminals are capable of exchanging data streams between a ground network and at least one routing module onboard the vehicle. A transmission quality measurement for a first signal between the first terminal and the routing module is carried out periodically, a transmission quality measurement for a second signal between the second terminal and the routing module is carried out periodically, a measurement of the available data flow rate for the first signal between the ground network and the routing module is carried out periodically, a measurement of the available data flow rate for the second signal between the ground network and the routing module is carried out periodically, a routing path for at least a portion of the data between the ground network and the routing module is also periodically determined via at least one of the communication terminals if it has a measured signal quality higher than a predetermined threshold and a data flow rate higher than a predetermined threshold. |
| US08681770B2 |
Method and apparatus for mobile flow record generation and analysis
A method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for generating a mobile flow record for a mobile flow of a mobile node are provided. A method includes receiving information associated with signaling traffic of the mobile node, receiving information associated with bearer traffic of the mobile node, and generating the mobile flow record by correlating the information associated with signaling traffic of the mobile node and the information associated with bearer traffic of the mobile node. The mobile flow record includes IP layer information associated with the mobile flow and wireless layer information associated with the mobile flow. |
| US08681767B2 |
Receiver having integrated spectral analysis capability
A method of managing traffic in a communications channel includes the steps of receiving a subscriber ID corresponding to a subscriber, performing a spectral analysis on a signal received from the subscriber within a time interval identified by the subscriber ID, and adjusting transmission characteristics of the subscriber based on the spectral analysis. |
| US08681756B2 |
Anchor gateway, communication method and non-transitory machine-readable medium thereof
An anchor gateway, a communication method and a tangible machine-readable medium are provided. The anchor gateway is for use in a WiMAX network comprising an authentication gateway and a serving base station (BS). After a mobile station (MS) enters the WiMAX network, the anchor gateway will request the authentication gateway and the serving BS according to an identification of the MS to respectively provide authentication key context and medium access control context. Thereby, the network latency, which is made by the MS in handover, will be reduced effectively. |
| US08681755B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating data frame in wireless personal area network
Provided is a method of generating a data frame used in a wireless personal area network (WPAN). The method of generating a data frame used in a wireless personal area network (WPAN), the method including: generating a plurality of sub frames by using one or more MAC service data units (MSDUs); and generating sub headers including information about each sub frame; generating a PHY service data unit (PSDU) by using the plurality of sub frames, the sub headers, and a MAC header, wherein each sub frame includes a frame check sequence (FCS) field for detecting an error of a corresponding sub frame. |
| US08681749B2 |
Control resource mapping for a wireless communication system
Techniques for sending control information in a wireless communication system are described. A control segment may include L≧1 tiles, and each tile may include a number of transmission units. A number of control resources may be defined and mapped to the transmission units for the control segment. For symmetric mapping, multiple sets of S≧1 control resources may be formed, and each batch of L consecutive sets of S control resources may be mapped to S transmission units at the same location in the L tiles. For localized mapping, S>1, and each set of S control resources may be mapped to a cluster of S adjacent transmission units in one tile. For distributed mapping, S=1, and each control resource may be mapped to one transmission unit in one tile. For diversity, each control resource may be mapped to multiple (e.g., three) transmission units in at least one tile. |
| US08681746B2 |
Radio communications apparatus, radio communications method, and radio communications system for reducing overhead of a transmit frame
A radio communications apparatus is disclosed which includes a generator which generates a transmit frame; and a transmitter which transmits the transmit frame via multiple transmit antennas. In the radio communications apparatus, the transmit frame includes a predetermined number of resource elements having a predetermined frequency bandwidth and a predetermined symbol period, and the generator generates the transmit frame such that the number of transmit antennas which are identifiable from a location of the resource element taken up by a pilot signal in a certain transmit frame is less than the number of transmit antennas which are identifiable from the location of the resource element taken up by the pilot signal in a retransmission transmit frame of the certain transmit frame. |
| US08681742B2 |
MAC and TCP coordination approach for performance improvement in IEEE 802.16e mobile broadband access systems
A mobile device includes a communications protocol stack including a MAC layer and TCP layer separated by an IP layer. A cross-layer coordination module parallel to the communications protocol stack is coupled to both the MAC layer and TCP layer. The MAC layer generates a message sent to the cross-layer coordination module indicating that the mobile device is about to engage in a communications handover from a first base station to a second base station. The cross-layer coordination module passes handover information to the TCP layer so as to inform the TCP layer of the communications handover. If the mobile device is operating as a TCP sender, the TCP layer freezes its connection and state during the communications handover. If the mobile device is operating as a TCP receiver, the TCP layer sends a TCP ACK message to a TCP sender having an advertised window size set to a zero value so as to cause the TCP sender to freeze a connection and state during communications handover. |
| US08681739B1 |
Method and apparatus for supporting multiple connections over different types of access in 3GPP systems
A method and apparatus for routing packets from a home agent to a user equipment through a first access network and a second access network. The method includes sending a first binding update message from the user equipment over the first access network to create a first binding cache entry at the home agent. The user equipment uses a home address assigned to the user equipment as a source IP address of the first binding update message. The method further includes sending a second binding update message from the user equipment over the second access network to create a second binding cache entry at the home agent. The user equipment receives packets from the home agent through the first access network and the second access network based on the first binding cache entry and the second binding cache entry. |
| US08681738B2 |
Handoff preparation method in radio communication system
In a wireless communication system, signals within a connection on a wireless interface are transmitted exclusively in a packet-switched manner between a user station and an access device located on the network. The user station signals a need to measure signals to the access device, the access device sends measurement signaling to the user station, and the user station measures signals of at least one additional access device located on the network at a second frequency range while receiving data packets within the connection at a first frequency range based on the received measurement signaling, the second frequency range being disjunct from the first frequency range. |
| US08681736B2 |
Time-to-trigger handling methods and apparatus
Time-to-trigger (TtT) time periods are usually fixed. A better TtT parameter is adapted based on the signal quality that a receiver perceives from its surrounding area. For example, the lower the value of a first signal quality at the same time that the value of a second signal quality is greater than a trigger threshold, the shorter the TtT parameter becomes. |
| US08681730B2 |
Method and system for using sign based synchronization sequences in a correlation process to reduce correlation complexity in an OFDM system
A mobile device receives a signal, from a base station, comprising a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS). The received PSS and SSS are used to acquire cell-specific parameters so as to ensure communicates between the mobile device and the base station. The mobile device correlates the received signal in time domain using signs of each of a plurality of correlation reference sequences (reference PSSs). The mobile device generates sign based correlation reference PSSs using signs of the corresponding reference PSSs, which are generated based on a variety of Zadoff-Chu sequences. The received PSS is detected based on the correlation. No multiplication operations are used in the correlation process. Symbol timing is identified according to the detected PSS. The mobile device uses the identified symbol timing to baseband process the received signal. The received signal is an OFDM signal received over a 3GPP LTE/E-UTRA air interface. |
| US08681729B2 |
Resource reservation for users in a mobile communication system
The invention relates to a method and scheduling apparatus for reserving radio resources in radio resource block units in a mobile communication system for a plurality of users. Further, another aspect of the invention is the indication of a radio resource reservation in radio resource block units in a mobile communication system to one of a plurality of mobile terminals. To provide a new mechanism allowing an efficient utilization of radio resources the invention proposes a resource reservation mechanism that reserves radio resources for a plurality of users in resource block units. Thereby, individual resource blocks are reserved for the individual users for a reservation period that comprises a plurality of time slots (or sub-frames). Further, the resource block reservations for the users overlap at least partially among the users, i.e. individual ones of the resource blocks are reserved for plural users. |
| US08681728B2 |
Apparatus and method of preventing component carrier failure propagation
Disclosed is a mobile communications system employing a plentitude of component carriers and carrier aggregation between a user equipment (UE) and a base station. When failure of any downlink component carrier (DL CC) or uplink component carrier (UL CC) has been detected, the UE transmits UL control signal (e.g., UL HARQ ACK/NACK) to the base station, by re-selecting a CC for UL transmission (e.g., activation of a control channel of a UL CC relating to the DL CC). This may prevent DL CC failure from influencing on a UL CC. |
| US08681727B2 |
Flexible radio channel sounding
A method includes determining a base sequence, cyclic shift, and UE-specific portion of a frequency comb, applying the cyclic shift to the base sequence to create a shifted sequence, and selecting a portion of the shifted sequence as a user equipment-specific SRS. The selected portion of the shifted sequence corresponds to the portion of the frequency comb. A second method includes assigning a cyclic shift and a UE-specific portion of a frequency comb to a UE, where the cyclic shift is for use by the UE to apply the cyclic shift to the determined base sequence to create a shifted sequence. The portion of the frequency comb is for the UE to select a portion of the shifted sequence for SRS. The method includes transmitting indications of the base sequence, the cyclic shift, and the portion of the frequency comb. Auxiliary DMRS may be provided using SRS resources. |
| US08681721B2 |
Method for link adaptation with a signal quality margin based on the bandwidth
Method and arrangement in a base station for selecting a transmission parameter. The selected transmission parameter is used when sending a signal over a radio channel to a user equipment in a wireless communication network. The radio channel is allocated bandwidth for signalling. The method comprises the step of obtaining an estimation of the signal quality of the radio channel. Also, the allocation to the radio channel. Further yet, the method may comprise the step of calculating a signal quality margin, which signal quality margin is based on the bandwidth size. Still further, the method comprises the step of selecting the transmission parameter based on the estimated signal quality of the radio channel and the calculated signal quality margin. |
| US08681714B2 |
Apparatus and method for improving hybrid automatic repeat request combining gain in a broadband wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for improving a HARQ combining gain in a broadband wireless communication system are provided. The apparatus includes a seed information generator and a subcarrier allocator. The seed information generator randomly generates a seed value for changing a channel of a subcarrier and an interference pattern in a frame unit when a HARQ combining gain is not generated because an interference pattern is the same during a retransmission period. The subcarrier allocator allocates a subcarrier using the generated seed value. |
| US08681710B2 |
Method and system for delivering multicast/broadcast services in a half frequency division duplex wireless communication system
A method and system for delivering MBS in an H-FDD wireless communication system minimizes MBS bandwidth allocation and maintains appropriate balance between two H-FDD mobile device groups. Generally speaking, this is achieved by allocating a downlink bandwidth section for one group of mobile devices (e.g. Group 2) to MBS and allowing a subgroup of mobile devices (e.g. Group 1A) in the other group (e.g. Group 1) that subscribes to MBS to participate in the former group (e.g. Group 2) as required to identify and decode MBS data. |
| US08681706B2 |
Transmission method and device in long term evolution time division duplex system
A transmission method in a Long Term Evolution time division duplex system can carry out reconfiguration for half-frame structures. According to the coverage range requirements of the system, it performs flexible configuration of the number of special time slot areas and the downlink pilot time slots, guard intervals or uplink pilot time slots included therein, and so can support different coverage ranges. A base station and user terminal using above method in the Long Term Evolution time division duplex system. |
| US08681700B2 |
System and method for executed function management and program for mobile terminal
An executed function management system of a mobile terminal, includes a mobile phone terminal configured to store an execution history when an execution history target function, whose execution history should be stored, as one of functions is executed; and a server unit configured to acquire said execution history from the mobile phone terminal to store for every the mobile phone terminal. The mobile phone terminal notifies the execution history to the server unit at said preset timing or when a notice of said execution history is requested from said server unit. |
| US08681693B2 |
Dynamic networking spectrum reuse transceiver
Systems and methods are disclosed for the operation of a network of cognitive radios in a dynamic network topology. The systems and methods make use cross-layer communications to input parameters required by network services into a reasoning engine, which in turns processes the parameter the parameter information and reports linguistic results to the network services. The cross-layer communications are leveraged to shift network service functionality to the MAC or PHY Layers. Route discovery functionality is shifted from routing services down to the MAC or PHY Layers. The route discovery functionality is implemented by a process to elect a relay node based on the number of available channels that each of the source node neighbors has available to communicate with other neighbors. |
| US08681691B2 |
Base station initiated proximity service discovery and connection establishment
The normal roles of wireless stations and wireless access points in initiating the establishment of wireless connections may be reversed without the need for changes in the network interfaces for either the station or access point device. This capability may be used to allow wireless devices acting as access points, but on which service clients operate, to initiate the establishment of a connection with a station, on which a wireless service provider operates. Discovery of services between wireless devices can be provided prior to establishing a connection between the devices. A service client device providing access point functionality may broadcast an invitation for service advertisements and then receive service advertisements from relevant service providers acting as wireless stations. An information element may be included as part of periodically broadcast administrative messages to wirelessly convey an invitation for service advertisements. In response to a service advertisement, the access point may send to the wireless station an invitation to connect, prompting the wireless station to begin to establish a connection according to a wireless communication protocol. |
| US08681689B2 |
Adjusting a single-input and multiple-output (SIMO) channel quality indicator (CQI)
A method for adjusting a received channel quality indicator is described. A channel quality indicator is received from a wireless communication device. A first transmission time interval for which the channel quality indicator was generated is determined. The received channel quality indicator is adjusted using an outer loop margin. The outer loop margin is dependent on a transmission mode of the first transmission time interval. |
| US08681687B2 |
Method and system for channel estimation processing for interference suppression
Aspects of a method and system for channel estimation for interference suppression are provided. In this regard, one or more circuits and/or processors of a mobile communication device may generate and/or receive a first set of channel estimates and a second set of channel estimates. The one or more circuits and/or processors may modify the second set of channel estimates based on a comparison of a measure of correlation between the first set of channel estimates and the second set of channel estimates with a threshold. The first set of channel estimates and/or the modified second set of channel estimates may be utilized for cancelling interference in received signals. The first set of channel estimates may be associated with a first transmit antenna of a base transceiver station and the second set of channel estimates may be associated with a second transmit antenna of the base transceiver station. |
| US08681684B2 |
Method and system for frequency relaying
A method of transmitting data across an electronic data communication system comprising a plurality of terminals that can send and receive data in the form of electromagnetic waves to and from at least one of the terminals, which method comprises the steps of: (a) identifying at least one control terminal, at least one target terminal and at least two relaying terminals from the plurality of terminals; and (b) using the control terminal to instruct the at least two relaying terminals to receive and relay data intended for the at least one target terminal, so that the at least one target terminal can receive data directly from at least one terminal and from the at least two relaying terminals, thereby increasing capacity of the system. |
| US08681676B2 |
System and method for providing simultaneous connectivity between devices in an industrial control and automation or other system
A system, apparatuses, and methods support simultaneous connectivity between devices in an industrial control and automation or other system. For example, a data publisher can publish or provide data to multiple data subscribers. This can be done using a multicast group associated with the multiple data subscribers. The data publisher transmits a data message using a network address associated with the multicast group. Each data subscriber associated with the multicast group receives a copy of the data message. As a particular example, the data publisher could represent a wireless sensor or wireless actuator in the industrial control and automation or other system. Also, the data subscribers could represent multiple controllers or actuators in the industrial control and automation or other system. In this way, the multicasting functionality allows for simpler connectivity or interaction between devices in the industrial control and automation or other system. |
| US08681675B2 |
Communication method of a terminal and an access point for multi-user transmission opportunity (TXOP) power saving
Provided is a terminal and an access point in an active mode for multi-user transmission opportunity (TXOP) power saving that may decrease power consumption by changing an operation state of the terminal from an awake state to a sleep state if there is no stream of data to be transmitted during a TXOP duration. |
| US08681672B2 |
Method for transitioning radio resource control state of user equipment to idle state, system therefor, and the same user equipment
In a WCDMA mobile communication system, when the amount of packet traffic transmitted to or received from a UE decreases during a predetermined time in a CELL_DCH state in which a WCDMA packet data connection has been established, the UE transitions to a CELL_FACH state by a radio network controller (RNC). Thereafter, it is determined if there is no transmitted or received packet traffic during a certain time in the CELL_FACH state (which is an RRC state in which an RRC connection has been connected, and the dedicated physical channel has been released). When it is determined that there is no transmitted or received packet traffic during the certain time, the UE requests a network to release the RRC connection by utilizing a Signaling Connection Release Indication (SCRI) message. The invention enables a UE to check a packet transmission or reception flow, and to directly transmit the SCRI message to the network. |
| US08681670B2 |
Apparatus and method for multiplexing data of a layer into data transmission unit of another layer
A communication apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires a size of free space provided in each of a plurality of data transmission units of a first layer; and an allocation unit that allocates to each of a plurality of pieces of data of a second layer a contiguous sequence of free space from among the free space whose size is acquired by the acquisition unit, the contiguous sequence of free space being equal in size to each piece of data and provided in one of the data transmission units among the plurality of data transmission units. The apparatus also includes a multiplexing unit that multiplexes the plurality of pieces of data of the second layer into the plurality of data transmission units of the first layer according to the allocation of the free space by the allocation unit. |
| US08681666B2 |
Partial discarding of cyclic prefix for efficient TDD or half-duplex FDD operation
Techniques for performing partial cyclic prefix discarding are described. A user equipment (UE) may reduce the amount of cyclic prefix to discard for the last OFDM symbol prior to a switch from data reception to data transmission. This may allow the UE to complete data reception earlier and to switch to data transmission in a timely manner. In one design, the UE may receive a first OFDM symbol and discard a first amount of cyclic prefix for the first OFDM symbol. The UE may then receive a second OFDM symbol and discard a second amount of cyclic prefix for the second OFDM symbol. The second amount of cyclic prefix to discard may be determined based on the amount of time needed to switch from data reception to data transmission, which may be dependent on the amount of time advance between transmit timing and receive timing at the UE. |
| US08681665B2 |
Transceiver filter and tuning
A radio transceiver including a transmitter and a receiver. A filter coupled to an output of the transmitter, the filter has one or more inductors and one or more capacitors, where the filter is tuned by varying one or more capacitance values of the one or more capacitors in the filter to tune the filter. The one or more capacitors are Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) ceramic integrated capacitors that are each tuned by application of a bias voltage thereto. A filter tuner circuit is configured to apply the bias voltage to the one or more capacitors, where the bias voltage is initially established as a stored initial value, and where the bias voltage is refined by a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller configured to optimize a power within the transceiver. This abstract is not to be considered limiting since various implementations may incorporate more, fewer or different elements. |
| US08681660B2 |
Enabling coexistence between FDD and TDD wireless networks
Systems and methods for detecting and mitigating interference between from a wireless time division duplex (TDD) communications device and a wireless frequency division duplex (FDD) communications device includes processing quality-indicator reports received from the FDD device to determine if the FDD device has experienced interference from the TDD device. Such interference may be mitigated by adjusting a downlink configuration of the FDD base station in communication with the FDD device. To detect and mitigate interference from an FDD device to a TDD device, it is determined if a monitored value of an operational parameter of the FDD device is within a fixed range of a maximum value of the operational parameter, and if so, a specific time interval or frequency of the FDD device is assigned for communication purposes. Similar interference detection and mitigation techniques may also be used for interference scenarios between two TDD systems including TDD devices. |
| US08681658B2 |
System and method to provision an MPLS/VPN network
Systems and methods of automatically determining a set of route targets is provided. The method includes receiving network topology data specifying configuration of a network. The method also includes automatically converting the network topology data into route targets to be assigned to virtual routing and forwarding elements. The route targets are grouped into sets and duplicate sets of route targets are removed. The method further includes generating a data record including information related to the set of route targets. |
| US08681656B2 |
Configuring a wireless mesh network of communication devices with packet message transmission, and routing packet message transmission in such a network
A general wireless mesh network of communication devices with packet message transmission, especially for telemetry and automation, includes at least a single control communication device and a set of slave communication devices. The control communication device searches in the network and assigns a virtual routing number to each slave communication device. The virtual routing number reflects a distance of the slave communication device from the control communication device, expressed by the number of routings, and is stored in the slave communication device. The slave communication device, for further routing of packets in the mesh network, uses time slots assigned according to the difference between said virtual routing number and the virtual routing number of the sender of a received packet. Packet routing is based on successive flooding of the virtual routing structure and time division multiplexing. |
| US08681652B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for determining and maintaining quality of service parameters on a multi-hop network
Disclosure of the present embodiments relate to a method, an apparatus, and a system for determining and maintaining quality of service parameters on a multi-hop network. The method for determining QoS parameters on a multi-hop network includes: in a data transmission process in a transmission path from a user equipment to an evolved NodeB, acquiring statistics of QoS parameters of a relay link in the transmission path; and determining, according to the statistics of the QoS parameters of the relay link and in combination with QoS parameters that need to be maintained in the transmission path and radio interface topology information in the transmission path, QoS parameters that need to be acquired by an access link and the relay link in the transmission path. |
| US08681651B2 |
Reference signal reception and channel state information determination for multiple nodes in a wireless communication network
Techniques for receiving reference signals from multiple nodes and determining channel state information (CSI) for the nodes are disclosed. A user equipment (UE) may determine and report CSI for the multiple nodes to support data transmission to the UE. The nodes may transmit reference signals based on different configurations. The configuration for each node may indicate when, where, and how the node transmits its reference signal. The UE may determine CSI for different nodes and/or different combinations of nodes based on the reference signals transmitted by these nodes as well as an indication of which subframes to use to determine each CSI reported by the UE. The UE may report different CSIs for different subframes and may receive data transmission sent by a single node or a combination of nodes based on the reported CSIs. |
| US08681649B2 |
System and method for adaptive optimization of resource utilization for redundancy elimination
An example method may include calculating a parameter for traffic propagating in a network between a sender and a receiver, where the traffic comprises encoding information and decoding information; determining whether the parameter meets a predetermined value; classifying the traffic as uni-directional if the parameter meets the predetermined value; and classifying the traffic as bi-directional if the parameter does not meet the predetermined value. |
| US08681648B2 |
Mobility policy updates for mobile devices
A packet data network gateway device may receive packet network data at a packet data network gateway device; filter the received packet network data to extract information associated with one or more messages in the packet network data; analyze the extracted information; and dynamically determine one or more of policy updates, rules, or thresholds based on the analyzing of the information and information associated with one or more of subscribers, location, existing policies, network operating condition and load. |
| US08681643B2 |
System and method of determining data latency over a network
A system and method of determining data latency in a network is provided. A first data sample of application level data (e.g., financial data) is provided from a data stream received at a first network point. A second data sample of application level data (e.g., financial data) is also provided from a data stream received at a second network point, where the data streams in the first and second network points include common data and the first and second data samples include common data. A correlation between common data in the first and second data samples is determined and a time difference between the correlated common data in the first and second data samples is then calculated. |
| US08681641B1 |
Loop mitigation mechanism for ethernet networks
A technique is provided for mitigating loops in Ethernet networks. A first port in an Ethernet device receives an Ethernet frame. The frame includes a source identifier, a destination identifier, and a Virtual Local Area Network Identifier (VLAN ID). According to various embodiments, the VLAN ID (VID) has the encoding of both a community group as well as a source bridge ID. A VID database is accessed using the destination identifier and the VID to determine whether the first port has ingress enabled. A filtering database is accessed to determine an egress port for forwarding the Ethernet frame. |
| US08681640B2 |
Systems and methods for extracting media from network traffic having unknown protocols
Methods and systems for analyzing network traffic. An analysis system receives network traffic, which complies with a certain protocol. The received network traffic carries a data item, which may be of value to an analyst. In order to access the data item in question, the analysis system automatically identifies the media type of the data item, by processing the network traffic irrespective of the protocol. The analysis system identifies the media type irrespective of the protocol in order to avoid the computational complexity involved in decoding the protocol. |
| US08681638B2 |
Wireless communication system
A method of operating a communication system comprises exchanging initial communications between a wireless communication device and a communication network over a wireless connection between the wireless communication device and a network access system and over a network connection between the wireless device and the communication network. The method further comprises, in response to a loss of the network connection due to a deterioration of the wireless connection, determining if a partial network entry process is possible to regain the connection, and if the partial network entry process is possible to regain the network connection, performing the partial network entry process. The method further comprises, in response to an improvement of the wireless connection and upon regaining the network connection, exchanging new communications between the wireless communication device and the communication network over the wireless connection and the network connection. |
| US08681637B2 |
Methods for establishing a traffic connection and an associated monitoring connection
A method for establishing a traffic connection (5) and an associated monitoring connection (6) in a network (1) e.g. of MPLS type, comprises: sending a first connection establishment message from an ingress node (A) of the traffic connection along a path, wherein the connection establishment message comprises a monitoring connection request designating a first and a second node of the connection path, intercepting the first connection establishment message at the designated first node (B), sending a second connection establishment message from the designated first node for establishing the monitoring connection between the designated first and second nodes (B, D), resuming and completing the establishment of the traffic connection, wherein the traffic connection is encapsulated into the monitoring connection between the designated first and a second nodes of the connection path. |
| US08681636B2 |
Monitoring apparatus, method, and computer product
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium stores therein a monitoring program that causes a computer monitoring data transmission from a transmission source device to a transmission destination device to execute a process that includes detecting data transmitted in a sequence that differs from a specified sequence; determining whether the sequence that differs is permissible by a specified constraint, if data transmitted at the sequence that differs is detected at the detecting; and outputting a determination result obtained at the determining. |
| US08681635B2 |
Computer-implemented systems and methods for planning a route
Systems and methods are disclosed for determining shortest route(s) or path(s) to one or more destination nodes from one or more origin nodes. In accordance with one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided that includes identifying a plurality of origin nodes associated with a route based on a threshold distance from at least one destination node, the origin nodes being options for a departure from the route to the at least one destination node. Further, the method may include calculating, using a processor, a cost associated with travelling from each of the origin nodes to at least one common intermediate node between the route and the at least one destination node, and determining a path to the at least one destination node based on the origin node having the lowest calculated cost. |
| US08681634B2 |
Systems and methods for determining protection paths in a multi-domain network
Systems and methods for determining multiple paths in a multi-domain network are provided. In some embodiments, a method for determining multiple paths in a network is provided. The method may include determining a first path between a source node and a destination node and determining a second path disjoint from the first path. In some embodiments, to determine the second path includes determining which ingress nodes are available in a domain that includes the destination node, where the available ingress nodes are not part of the first path, and implementing a disjoint path algorithm for each of the available ingress nodes. To determine the first path includes implementing forward path calculations. |
| US08681632B2 |
Carrier ethernet service bandwidth allocation systems and methods
Exemplary carrier Ethernet service bandwidth allocation systems and methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes a carrier Ethernet service system 1) receiving an Ethernet layer operation, administration, and management (“OAM”) protocol based message provided by a customer premises device to a network interface device over a user network interface (“UNI”), the Ethernet layer OAM protocol based message including a request to adjust an amount of bandwidth allocated to a carrier Ethernet service provided by the Ethernet service system to the customer premises device, and 2) adjusting, in response to the request, the amount of bandwidth allocated to the carrier Ethernet service. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08681627B2 |
Prioritizing multiple channel state information (CSI) reporting with carrier aggregation
A method for reporting uplink control information (UCI) on a user equipment (UE) is described. Multiple channel state information (CSI) reports are generated for multiple component carriers (CCs) that are scheduled to be transmitted in a subframe. A method of prioritization for the CSI reports is selected. A highest priority CSI report of the multiple CSI reports is determined using the selected method of prioritization. The highest priority CSI report is transmitted. |
| US08681626B1 |
Translation of congestion notification indicators in a base station system
A base station system comprises a processing system, an IP communication interface, and a wireless communication interface. The processing system is configured to direct the IP communication interface to establish communication connectivity over a communication link to a service node on a communication network, register with the service node over the communication link and the communication network, and establish a tunnel with the service node, direct the wireless communication interface to exchange user communications with a plurality of wireless communication devices in a wireless protocol, direct the IP communication interface to exchange the user communications with the service node over the tunnel and receive an IP layer three congestion notification indicator over the tunnel, process the IP layer three congestion notification indicator to generate a layer two congestion notification indicator in the wireless protocol, and direct the wireless communication interface to transfer the layer two congestion notification indicator in the wireless protocol to at least one wireless communication device. |
| US08681625B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling rate of voice service in a mobile communication system supporting voice service via packet network
A method for controlling a rate of a voice service in a mobile communication system supporting the voice service via a packet network. The method includes the steps of receiving a control message at a terminal from a radio network controller (RNC); if the control message indicates control of a downlink rate, determining a downlink rate according to the control message; setting a Change Mode Request (CMR) field of an uplink Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) packet according to the downlink rate, and transmitting the uplink VoIP packet from the terminal to the RNC; if the received control message indicates control of an uplink rate, determining an uplink rate according to the control message; and generating an uplink VoIP packet including uplink voice data generated according to the determined uplink rate and frame type (FT) information indicating the determined uplink rate, and transmitting the uplink VoIP packet from the terminal to the RNC. |
| US08681624B2 |
Aggregated resource reservation for data flows
A network node for reserving resources for data flows in a communication network. The node detects a request for resource reservation for a new data flow and computes an admission test count based on descriptors of the new data flow and reservation counts, which represent reservation functions of descriptors of previously admitted data flows and which specify resources of the admitted data flows. The new data flow is admitted if the admission test count is smaller than a maximum allowable count. The reservation counts are then updated based on the descriptors of the new data flow. A plurality of admission formulas may thus be used to maintain aggregated reservation counts for data flows, the number of counts being independent from the number of flows. |
| US08681619B2 |
Dynamic modulation selection
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for transmitting data. In one aspect, a method obtains a baseline data rate for transmissions from a node that are received over a channel of a power line communications system and a set of available modulation techniques for the node. The set of available modulation techniques can include at least two modulation techniques with which the node is configured to encode data that are transmitted over the channel. Using the set of available modulation techniques, a modulation technique that is capable of providing at least the baseline data rate with at least a threshold confidence for the node is selected. In turn, data is provided to the node specifying the selected modulation technique. |
| US08681616B2 |
Scheduling under congestion with traffic load-based scaling
Apparatus and techniques for scheduling packets to reduce congestion in a packet data network are described. In one embodiment of the invention, packets are received through each of a plurality of channels and are stored in a respective queue for each channel. The status of each queue is monitored as empty or not empty. When an empty queue becomes not empty, then bandwidth allocation value is added for the respective channel to a port load value. When a not empty queue becomes empty, then the bandwidth allocation for the respective channel is subtracted from the port load value. The traffic rate through the port is then scaled based upon the port load value. |
| US08681614B1 |
Quality of service for inbound network traffic flows
An edge network device controls the quality-of-service of incoming network traffic flows by limiting the bandwidth of incoming network traffic flows. To ensure that incoming network traffic classes quickly converge to the desired bandwidth allocations, the maximum bandwidth allocation to each network traffic class is dynamically varied based on current overall usage. The maximum bandwidth allocated to each traffic class at any given moment is the sum of its minimum guaranteed bandwidth and a portion of the available excess bandwidth. Each traffic class' portion of the excess bandwidth is proportional to the ratio between its minimum guaranteed bandwidth and the sum of all traffic classes' minimum guaranteed bandwidths. Phantom network packets equivalent to the difference between each traffic class' allocated and actual bandwidth may be added to its scheduling queue to implement this dynamic variation. Phantom packets occupy transmission slots during packet scheduling and are discarded when selected for transmission. |
| US08681613B2 |
Method for establishing and terminating service flow via relay nodes using tunnel mechanism
A mechanism and protocol are provided in a digital communication system having a plurality of nodes in a shared media domain in order to establish a tunneled service flow between an originating node and a hidden endpoint node via at least one relay node by using a tunnel mechanism to enforce the service flow requirement for Quality Of Service required parameters wherein a domain master determines service flow via relay nodes between the originating node and the hidden endpoint node, calculates needed bandwidth resources and reserves the needed bandwidth resources in order to later allocate them to support the service flows required by Quality of Service parameters embodying the tunneled service flow. Procedures are also provided for termination of a tunneled service flow by an application entity or by the originating node or by the domain master. |
| US08681612B2 |
Methods and devices to implement a reduced contention period to facilitate channel access for access terminals operating in a wireless communication environment
Methods and apparatuses are provided for implementing a reduced contention period to facilitate channel access for access terminals. An access point may send a frame to a plurality of access terminals specifying a time period during which at least some of the access terminals are to stop transmitting on a shared transmission channel. The access terminals may receive the transmission and may stop transmitting on the shared transmission channel for the specified time period. |
| US08681604B2 |
Address refresh method and system
A method and a system for refreshing addresses are disclosed. Said method includes: when state switching between a link fault and a fault recovery occurs in a link, a node where a port related to this link is situated refreshing an address forwarding list, and configuring a flag PF for suspending an operation of refreshing an address forwarding list on other ports of this node, and sending protocol message with address refreshing information to other nodes; and when ports of other nodes receive said protocol message, refreshing the address forwarding list only when identifier information included in this protocol message is inconsistent with identifier information stored in this port and this port is not configured with said PF flag. Said method and system judge whether to refresh the address forwarding list according to said PF flag, and determine whether to refresh the address forwarding list according to the judgment result. |
| US08681602B2 |
Terminal device and retransmission control method
Provided are a terminal device and a retransmission control method that make it possible to minimize increases in overhead in an uplink control channel (PUCCH), even if channel selection is used as the method to transmit response signals during carrier-aggregation communication using a plurality of downlink unit bands. On the basis of the generation status of uplink data and error-detection results obtained by a CRC unit, a control unit in the provided terminal uses response signal transmission rules to control the transmission of response signals or uplink control signals that indicate the generation of uplink data. If an uplink control signal and a response signal are generated simultaneously within the same transmission time unit, the control unit changes the resources allocated to the response signal and/or the phase point of the response signal in accordance with the number and position of ACKs within the error-detection result pattern. |
| US08681601B1 |
Connectivity fault management and redundant trunk group integration
A network element may include a connectivity fault manager, associated with a particular interface, to detect a connectivity fault associated with the particular interface, associated with a link between the particular interface and a remote interface, or associated with the remote interface. The network element may further include a redundant trunk group daemon, associated with the particular interface, to deactivate the particular interface and activate a backup interface in response to receiving notification of a link down event associated with the particular interface; where the connectivity fault manager is to activate the redundant trunk group daemon in response to detecting the connectivity fault; and where the redundant trunk group daemon is to deactivate the particular interface and activate a backup interface in response to being activated by the connectivity fault manager. |
| US08681600B2 |
Optical network terminal battery back-up control
A system and method for permitting a customer of a telecommunication company, for whom fiber to the premises (FTTP) has been installed, to continue to use the telephone during utility company power failure, by powering both the optical network terminal (ONT) and the customer's telephone(s). The battery backup unit (BBU) maintains telephone usage for a predetermined period of time after power failure, e.g., two hours, consistent with duration of most utility company power outages. This permits non-interrupted telephone service for most outages and, after that period of time, if utility company power has not been restored, the BBU provides power in order to provide telephone service only on demand by the customer, for up to approximately two more cumulative hours of usage. At the end of each usage on demand, the BBU powers the telephone for approximately five more minutes to permit return phone calls, if any, after which telephone service is shut off until any next usage on demand. |
| US08681598B2 |
Multi-user MIMO receiver and method for receiving data units over a wideband channel
A multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) receiver includes circuitry to receive a MIMO transmission through a plurality of antennas over a channel comprising two or more 20 MHz portions of bandwidth. The MIMO transmission comprises a plurality of streams, each transmitted over a corresponding spatial channel and configured for reception by multiple user stations. The MIMO receiver also includes circuitry to simultaneously accumulate signal information within at least two or more of the 20 MHz portions of bandwidth. Each 20 MHz portion comprises a plurality of OFDM subcarriers. The MIMO receiver also includes circuitry to demodulate at least one of the steams using receive beamforming techniques. In this way, multi-user protocol data units can be received. |
| US08681596B2 |
Seek-scan probe (SSP) memory with sharp probe tips formed at CMOS-compatible temperatures
Embodiments of a process comprising forming one or more micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) probe on a conductive metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) wafer, wherein each MEMS probe comprises a cantilever beam with a fixed end and a free end and wherein the CMOS wafer has circuitry thereon; forming an unsharpened tip at or near the free end of each cantilever beam; depositing a silicide-forming material over the tip; annealing the wafer to sharpen the tip; and exposing the sharpened tip. Embodiments of an apparatus comprising a conductive metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) wafer including circuitry therein; one or more micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) probes integrally formed on the CMOS wafer, wherein each MEMS probe comprises a cantilever beam with a fixed end and a free end and a sharpened tip at or near the free end, the sharpened tip formed by a process comprising forming an unsharpened tip at or near the free end of each cantilever beam, depositing a silicide-forming material over the unsharpened tip, annealing the wafer to sharpen the unsharpened tip, and exposing the sharpened tip. |
| US08681591B2 |
Semiconductor device, write strategy generating method, and write strategy generating program
A semiconductor device mounted in an optical disk apparatus controls writing and reading of data in and from an optical disk. The device performs first processing for adjusting a write strategy in such a manner that based on error information corresponding to a shift in the phase of a reproduction signal with respect to a channel clock signal for data reproduction, which is generated based on the reproduction signal read from the optical disk, the value of the error information related to a plurality of recording marks to be evaluated becomes minimum as a whole. The device also performs second processing for adjusting a write strategy in such a manner that the value of the error information related to a desired recording mark becomes small. |
| US08681590B2 |
Apparatus for increasing data rates in a magnetic head
In accordance with certain embodiments, a magnetic head has a coil, which has a lead coil turn positioned between a yoke and an air-bearing surface. In certain embodiments, a magnetic head has a coil, which has a lead coil turn minimally spaced from a main write pole. |
| US08681588B2 |
Memory seismic device and method
Disclosed is a device for monitoring seismic events, the device including a self-contained structure adapted for being disposed within a wellbore and independently monitoring and recording seismic events, a seismic sensor, a memory device in communication with the seismic sensor for receiving seismic data from the seismic sensor in response to the seismic events, a power source to allow for independent operation of the device, and a processor for processing the data. Also disclosed is a method for using the device. |
| US08681583B2 |
Method for calculating spatial and temporal distribution of the Gutenberg-Richter parameter for induced subsurface seismic events and its application to evaluation of subsurface formations
A method for evaluating fractures induced in subsurface formations includes determining hypocenters and origin times of induced seismic events from seismic signals detected by seismic sensors deployed above a volume of the subsurface formations to be evaluated and recording the detected signals for a selected time. A modified Gutenberg-Richter exponent is determined for each induced seismic event having at least a selected number of other induced seismic events within a selected radial distance thereof. A spatial distribution of the modified Gutenberg-Richter exponents is used to determine at least one property of the induced fractures. |
| US08681582B2 |
Method for sonic indication of formation porosity and lithology
A method for estimating formation porosity and lithology on a real time basis during a logging while drilling operation using measured values of formation attenuation attributes for compression and/or shear. |
| US08681580B2 |
Multi-vessel coil shooting acquisition
Methods for efficiently acquiring full-azimuth towed streamer survey data are described. The methods use multiple vessels to perform coil shooting. |
| US08681578B2 |
Semiconductor device that performs refresh operation
To include a refresh control circuit that generates a refresh execution signal in response to a refresh command supplied from outside, and a refresh address counter that performs a counting operation in response to activation of the refresh execution signal. The refresh control circuit generates the refresh execution signal 2n times in response to one supply of the refresh command, where n is an integer equal to or larger than 0 and equal to or less than k. The value of n is variable based on a refresh-mode specifying signal supplied from outside in synchronization with the refresh command. With this configuration, for example, a frequency of generation of the refresh execution signal in response to one supply of the refresh command can be changed dynamically, flexible control can be performed by a controller. |
| US08681576B2 |
Pre-charge and equalization devices
A circuit comprises a set of pre-charge and equalization devices, a control signal line, and a word line. The set of pre-charge and equalization devices is configured to pre-charge and equalize a pair of data lines. The control signal line is configured to control the pre-charge and equalization devices. The word line is configured to electrically couple a memory cell to a data line of the pair of data lines. A first voltage value provided to the control signal line is from a first voltage source different from a second voltage source that generates a second voltage value for the word line. |
| US08681572B2 |
Row address decoding block for non-volatile memories and methods for decoding pre-decoded address information
Decoding blocks, memories, and methods for decoding pre-decoded address information are disclosed. One such decoding block includes a first latch and voltage shift circuit configured to receive first pre-decoded address information at first voltage levels and further configured to latch the first pre-decoded address information and shift the voltage levels of the same to second voltage levels. An address decoder includes a second latch and voltage shift circuit configured to receive second pre-decoded address information at the first voltage levels and latch and shift the voltage levels of the same to the second voltage levels. The address decoder is further configured to select control gates of the memory cells of the memory based at least in part on the first and second pre-decoded address information. |
| US08681564B2 |
Systems and methods for generating soft information in NAND flash
Systems and methods are provided to generate soft information related to the threshold voltage of a memory cell. A range of threshold voltages for the memory cell is divided into subregions of threshold voltage values herein referred to as bins. An output of the memory cell in response to an applied reference signal is measured. The applied reference signal includes a voltage value and position information. A single bin is identified based on the position information of the reference signal. The identified bin is split into more than one bin based on the output of the memory cell and the voltage value of the reference signal. The newly split bins and all the other bins that were not split are assigned new bin indices. |
| US08681562B2 |
Memories and methods of programming memories
Apparatus and methods for adjusting programming for upper pages of memories are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a threshold voltage distribution upper limit is determined after a single programming pulse for lower page programming, and upper page programming start voltages are adjusted based on the determined upper limit of the threshold voltage distribution. |
| US08681561B2 |
Apparatuses and methods including memory write operation
Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods having memory cells and access lines coupled to the memory cells. In one such apparatus, the access lines include a first access line and a second access line. The first access line can be adjacent to the second access line. The memory cells include a memory cell associated with the second access line. A module can be configured to apply a voltage to the first access line during an operation of accessing the memory cell associated with the second access line, and to place the second access line in a floating state during at least a portion of a time interval within the operation. Other embodiments including additional apparatus and methods are described. |
| US08681560B2 |
Circuit for the optimization of the programming of a flash memory
A memory device includes a plurality of memory cells and programming circuitry configured to select a group of memory cells, receive a first data word and program memory cells of the selected group based on the data word. The memory device includes a program circuit configured to receive at least one second data word, and, for each second data word, send a program current in parallel to discriminated memory cells based on the corresponding second data word during a corresponding program phase. The memory device further includes an optimization circuit configured to generate the at least one second data word from the first data word. The number of discriminated memory cells of the second data word is maximized compatibly with a maximum predetermined limit of the total program current provided by the program circuit. |
| US08681559B2 |
Word line voltage boost system and method for non-volatile memory devices and memory devices and processor-based system using same
The voltage of a selected word line is increased beyond the voltage to which a respective string driver transistor is capable of driving the word line by capacitively coupling a voltage to the selected word line from adjacent word lines. The voltage is capacitively coupled to the selected word line by increasing the voltages of the adjacent word lines after a programming voltage has been applied to a string driver transistor for the selected word line and after a string driver voltage has been applied to the gates of all of the string driver transistors in an array. |
| US08681556B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor memory device
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device according to an embodiment includes: a p-type semiconductor substrate; a p-type first p well which is formed in the semiconductor substrate and in which a bit line connecting transistor configured to connect a bit line of a memory cell and a sense amplifier unit is formed; and an n-type first N well which surrounds the first P well and which is configured to electrically isolate the first P well from the semiconductor substrate. |
| US08681554B2 |
Semiconductor storage device comprising electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory
A semiconductor storage apparatus stores management information comprising, for each block of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, information denoting at least one of a recent programming time, which is a time at which data is recently programmed to a block, and a recent erase time, which is a time at which an erase process is recently carried out with respect to a block. The semiconductor storage apparatus (b1) controls a timing at which data is programmed to a block based on at least one of the recent programming time and the recent erase time of this block, and/or (b2) controls a timing at which an erase process is carried out with respect to a block based on the recent programming time of this block. |
| US08681550B2 |
Error recovery for flash memory
A set of data associated with a page in flash storage is received. Error correction decoding is performed on the set of data; if event error correction decoding fails, it is determined whether the page is a most significant bit (MSB) page or a least significant bit (LSB) page. If it is determined the page is a MSB page, one or more MSB read thresholds are adjusted and the is re-read page using the adjusted MSB read threshold(s). If it is determined the page is a LSB page, one or more LSB read thresholds are adjusted and the page is re-read using the adjusted LSB read threshold(s). |
| US08681548B2 |
Column redundancy circuitry for non-volatile memory
In a non-volatile memory circuit, techniques are presented so that bad columns can be ignored and/or replaced during memory data input and output operations. A column redundant circuit for this purpose reduces circuit size and improves performance. User data is grouped in an interleaved manner so that data belonging to consecutive logical address will be distributed into different physical locations. For example, all column data can be physically grouped into, say, 5 divisions and user data can be written into or accessed from one division after another consecutively. Each division has its own clock control. The column redundancy block can generate bad column locations' information and send it to control logic to switch the user clock to a different division clock, thereby skipping bad columns. By controlling the clocks for different columns, the user can directly access good columns without touching bad columns. |
| US08681542B2 |
Magnetic memory devices and methods of operating the same
A magnetic memory device includes: a free layer for storing information; and a reference layer disposed on a first surface of the free layer. The reference layer includes at least two magnetic domains and a magnetic domain wall between the at least two magnetic domains. The reference layer extends past both ends of the free layer. The magnetic memory device further includes a switching element connected to a second surface of the free layer. Another magnetic memory device includes: a first reference layer having a first magnetic domain wall; a second reference layer having a second magnetic domain wall; and a memory structure between the first and second reference layers. The memory structure includes: a first free layer adjacent to the first reference layer; a second free layer adjacent to the second reference layer; and a switching element between the first and second free layers. |
| US08681538B2 |
Semiconductor storage device
A semiconductor storage device according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of bit lines, a plurality of word lines, and a plurality of memory cells each including a storage element and a switching element which are connected in series between adjacently paired ones of the bit lines. Gates of the switching elements of the memory cells connected between one of the adjacently paired ones of the bit lines are respectively connected to different ones of the word lines. A plurality of the storage elements and a plurality of the switching elements of the adjacent memory cells are alternately connected in series. |
| US08681537B2 |
Nonvolatile memory apparatus having magnetoresistive memory elements and method for driving the same
A semiconductor memory apparatus includes a source line, a first bit line disposed over the source line, a second bit line disposed under the source line, a first memory cell between the source line and the first bit line, and a second memory cell between the source line and the second bit line. |
| US08681536B2 |
Magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) on planarized electrode
A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) with direct contact is manufactured having lower resistances, improved yield, and simpler fabrication. The lower resistances improve both read and write processes in the MTJ. The MTJ layers are deposited on a bottom electrode aligned with the bottom metal. An etch stop layer may be deposited adjacent to the bottom metal to prevent overetch of an insulator surrounding the bottom metal. The bottom electrode is planarized before deposition of the MTJ layers to provide a substantially flat surface. Additionally, an underlayer may be deposited on the bottom electrode before the MTJ layers to promote desired characteristics of the MTJ. |
| US08681531B2 |
Memory cells, methods of forming memory cells, and methods of programming memory cells
Some embodiments include methods in which a memory cell is formed to have programmable material between first and second access lines, with the programmable material having two compositionally different regions. A concentration of ions and/or ion-vacancies may be altered in at least one of the regions to change a memory state of the memory cell and to simultaneously form a pn diode. Some embodiments include memory cells having programmable material with two compositionally different regions, and having ions and/or ion-vacancies diffusible into at least one of the regions. The memory cell has a memory state in which the first and second regions are of opposite conductivity type relative to one another. |
| US08681527B2 |
Semiconductor device
To provide a semiconductor device capable of reducing the line width of a fuse.In the semiconductor device, a dummy fuse is provided adjacent to a fuse, each wiring width of the fuse and the dummy fuse is set to the minimum line width, and the interval between the fuse and the dummy fuse is set to the minimum interval. Consequently, the exposure condition of the fuse and the dummy fuse is optimized by OPC, and therefore, it is possible to form the fuse with the minimum line width. |
| US08681519B2 |
Variable input voltage PFC circuits, systems and power supplies with phase shifted power rails
A method of generating an output voltage from a variable input voltage with a power factor correction (PFC) system is disclosed. The PFC system includes a first power rail and a second power rail connected in parallel between an input for receiving the input voltage and an output for outputting the output voltage. The method includes operating one or both of the first power rail and the second power rail to generate the output based, at least in part, on whether the input voltage exceeds a threshold voltage. Power supplies and PFC systems suitable for performing the method are also disclosed. |
| US08681515B2 |
Energy generation system and anti islanding protecting method thereof
An energy generation system includes an inverter for converting a DC voltage into an AC voltage, a three-phase/two-phase transformer for transforming an output of the inverter into a three-phase/two-phase stationary coordinate system, a phase locked loop for calculating the phase and frequency of an output voltage of the inverter, a phase shifter for generating a current phase reference value, a current reference coordinate transformer for transforming the current phase reference value and the current amplitude reference value into a two-phase stationary coordinate system, a current phase calculator for outputting a current phase calculation value, a current phase calculator for outputting a current amplitude calculation value, a current adjuster for generating a current adjustment signal, an output three-phase transformer for transforming the current adjustment signal into a current adjustment signal in a three-phase stationary coordinate system, and a PWM controller for outputting a PWM control signal. |
| US08681514B2 |
Controller for secondary side control of a switch, power converter, and related synchronous rectification control method
A controller, power converter, and a related method for secondary side control of a switch are disclosed herein. An embodiment of the present invention includes a controller. The controller comprises a drain to source voltage (VDS voltage) input configured to receive the VDS voltage of a transistor, a gate drive output configured to output a gate drive voltage to a gate of the transistor, and control logic configured to initiate a minimum on time signal independent of triggering the gate drive voltage to activate the transistor. A related method comprises comparing a VDS voltage of a transistor to a plurality of voltage threshold levels, driving a gate of the transistor when the VDS voltage crosses a predetermined voltage threshold, and asserting a minimum on time signal when the VDS voltage crosses another predetermined voltage threshold independent of driving the gate of the transistor. |
| US08681510B2 |
Circuit board
A circuit board includes a first circuit area, a first processing unit and a conductive pattern. The first circuit area includes a plurality of first electrically contacts. The first processing unit, which includes a ball grid array (BGA) substrate, is disposed on the first circuit area and is electrically connected to the first electrically contacts. The BGA substrate has a plurality of solder balls and a bypass circuit. The conductive pattern is electrically connected to the first electrically contacts. |
| US08681509B2 |
Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board has a first solder land, a second solder land, and a signal line pattern. The first solder land is configured to be soldered with an electronic part. The second solder land is configured to accumulate solder, the second solder land being disposed on a downstream side of the first solder land as viewed in a direction in which the printed circuit is carried. The signal line pattern includes an exposed part that is not covered with a resist, the exposed part being disposed between the solder land and the solder bridge prevention land. |
| US08681508B2 |
Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a housing having a first connector; a Plug In Unit (PIU) having a second connecter, coupled to the first connector, and inserted into the housing; a first guide mechanism (1st GM) provided on the housing and/or the PIU; a second guide mechanism (2nd GM) provided on another housing and/or the PIU and guides insertion of the PIU in cooperation with the 1st GM so that the first connector is coupled to the second connector. The 1st GM, for example, includes a guide cylinder, and the 2nd GM, for example, includes a pin inserted into the guide cylinder; a fixed cylinder surrounding the pin; and a movable member, which has a hole that passes through the fixed cylinder, and the movable member is held by the fixed cylinder to be movable in the axial direction. The guide cylinder pushes the movable member when the pin is inserted. |
| US08681506B2 |
Motor control device and vehicle steering system
A motor control device comprising a control board for controlling driving of an electric motor, the control board including a multilayer circuit board having inner layers and outer layers, a ground pattern disposed around an output shaft of the electric motor formed on one of the inner layers, and a severed portion formed on a part of the ground pattern, so as to sever through the ground pattern in a radial direction of the output shaft. The construction reduces noise from the motor control device. |
| US08681502B2 |
Shell structure and electronic device having the same
A shell structure suitable for an electronic device is provided. The electronic device has a heat generating element. The shell structure includes a core layer, a first material layer, and a second material layer. The core layer includes a thermal insulating area and a thermal conducting area. The core layer has first and second surfaces opposite to each other. The first material layer is configured on the first surface. The second material layer is configured on the second surface. The thermal insulating area is aligned to the heat generating element, and the shell structure covers the heat generating element, such that heat generated by the heat generating element is transferred to the first material layer through the second material layer and the heat conducting area to perform heat dissipation, and a position of the first material layer aligned to the heat generating element is prevented from generating a heat point. |
| US08681501B2 |
Heat dissipation unit for a wireless network device
According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises a heat dissipation unit, such as a heat sink, that encases wireless logic in order to completely surround such logic. When adapted as a wireless network device, a casing further encases the heat dissipation unit. The casing includes a plurality of slots that are aligned with heat-radiating elements positioned around the periphery of the heat dissipation unit to allow for cooling by convection. |
| US08681497B2 |
Board coolant jacket jig system and method of separating board coolant jacket
A board coolant jacket jig system includes a main frame that includes a board installation stand on which a board is installed, and a coolant jacket separation unit that is coupled to the main frame and selectively coupled to the coolant jacket coupled to the board, to separate the coolant jacket. |
| US08681496B2 |
Cooling apparatuses, electronic device assemblies, and cooling assemblies using magnetic shape memory members
Cooling apparatuses, electronic device assemblies, and cooling assemblies having a magnetic shape memory member are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cooling apparatus includes a first compliant member, a magnetic shape memory member, a magnetic field generating device, a second compliant member and a fan member. A first end of the magnetic shape memory member is coupled to the first compliant member. The magnetic field generating device is positioned proximate the magnetic shape memory member, and generates a magnetic field toward the magnetic shape memory member to cause the magnetic shape memory member to expand along a linear translation axis. Expansion of the magnetic shape memory member causes an actuated portion of the second compliant member to translate about an axis. The fan member is coupled to the actuated portion of the compliant member such that translation of the actuated portion translates the fan member. |
| US08681486B2 |
Apparatus and method for additional screen in a portable computing and communication device
A portable computing and communication device has a main display screen and an additional display screen attached to the backside of the device body, wherein the backside stores and hides the additional display screen when not in use. The additional screen slides out with the help of a slide mechanism on one side from the device body to provide an additional display screen for use with the device. The additional screen has hinge mechanism that enables the additional screen to be oriented at multiple angles relative to the main screen, when slid out from the backside of the device, enabling a book orientation, a laptop orientation or a large screen orientation to be formed between the main screen and the additional screen. |
| US08681485B2 |
Enclosure of anodized multi-layer metallic shell with molded plastic scaffolding and method of manufacture
A device enclosure includes a clad metal shell having a plurality of mounting structures attached thereto. Methods for manufacturing the device enclosure are also disclosed. In a particular method, the mounting structures are formed on a surface of the clad metal shell by nano molding technology. Alternatively, the mounting structures are formed by molding before being attached to the clad metal shell by an adhesive. |
| US08681482B2 |
Apparatus for enclosing a switching assembly in an automatic transfer switch
This disclosure describes examples of an apparatus to enclose components of a switching assembly of an automatic transfer switch. In one embodiment, the apparatus, or arc chamber cover, has a housing made of material with optical properties that permit observation of the interior of the housing. A mounting assembly couples to the housing. The mounting assembly secures the apparatus to the automatic transfer switch. In one example, the mounting assembly comprises feet comprising a material with mechanical properties that can withstand pressure and other forces inside of the interior chamber. The apparatus also includes one or more baffles to control the flow of gasses and control electric arcs within the switching assembly. |
| US08681474B2 |
Electrical circuit arrangement with concentrated elements in multi-layer substrates
An electrical circuit arrangement provides a substrate and at least two conductive surfaces. The substrate comprises at least one layer disposed between the conductive surfaces. The conductive surfaces form a capacitor and overlap in part and form an overlapping area. In the event of a displacement of the conductive surfaces relative to one another, the resulting overlapping area is largely constant up to a threshold value of the displacement. |
| US08681469B2 |
Circuit protection device for use in medium and high voltage environments
A circuit protection device includes a circuit conductor, at least one wire coil having at least one winding sized to receive the circuit conductor therein, and a ground shield configured to shield the winding from an electrostatic field generated by a common mode voltage between the circuit conductor and the winding. |
| US08681468B2 |
Method of controlling solenoid valve
A method of solenoid valve control includes measuring voltage across the solenoid valve and current through the solenoid valve, and using the results to aid in controlling the solenoid valve. For instance, one or both of the measured values may be used to determine when actual engagement of the solenoid valve occurs. An initial lower voltage and lower current can be used, and then as conditions change, the changes in condition can be accounted for by increasing voltage and current to maintain the desired response time of the solenoid valve. By measuring and controlling voltage and current less of a margin can be used, both in setting voltage/current levels and in selecting the time over which a pull voltage/current is utilized. This reduces the wasted energy in the system, as well as reducing the temperature rise in the solenoid valve. |
| US08681466B2 |
Magnetic core coupling in a current transformer with integrated magnetic actuator
A system comprising a magnetic actuator, a current transformer and operational electronics in a dual-coil circuit breaker. The system includes an inline, but non concentric, implementation of the primary and secondary coils to maintain a narrow width suitable for retrofitting in standard industrial rack mounted enclosures. The system further comprises an I-shaped lamination stack that is designed to abut on the ends of an upper and lower plate of the current transformer. The I-shaped lamination stack significantly increases the overlap between the lamination and the upper and lower plates, which results in lower magnetic reluctance and improves magnetic coupling. |
| US08681465B2 |
Amplification relay device of electromagnetic wave and a radio electric power conversion apparatus using the device
Provided is an amplifying repeater to intensify and amplify a magnetic field of electromagnetic waves. Also provided is a wireless power conversion charging device using the magnetic field of electromagnetic waves, which is located between an electromagnetic wave generating source transmitter and a receiving coil or attached to a transmitter and a receiving coil. Accordingly, charging power for various electronic devices can be provided and power can be wirelessly supplied to various loads. |
| US08681463B2 |
Circuit breaker panel
In at least some embodiments, a system includes a plurality of circuit breakers and trip control logic external to and coupled to the circuit breakers. The trip control logic enables a plurality of different tripping options to be selected for each of the circuit breakers. |
| US08681462B2 |
Circuit testing closer apparatus and method with in-rush current awareness
A circuit testing closer is capable of closing a power distribution circuit and interrupting the resulting current at the next current zero. Upon detecting a fault, the circuit testing closer is operable to open contacts to isolate the fault. Next, the circuit testing closer tests the faulted line to determine whether the fault has cleared. The circuit testing closer may generate a first test signal having a first polarity and a second test signal having a second polarity opposite the first polarity. Generation of the second test signal may be limited to occur when the first test signal indicates a fault. |
| US08681460B2 |
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device that protects a power amplifier from ESD. The ESD protection device includes a filter circuit connected to an antenna line of a wireless communication apparatus and that passes an ESD component having a predetermined frequency or less, a detection circuit that converts an output of the filter circuit into an analog DC output, a level determination circuit that detects that the analog DC output of the detection circuit is a predetermined threshold value or more, and a control interrupt circuit that controls a state of the power amplifier in accordance with an output of the level determination circuit. |
| US08681458B2 |
Method of forming an ESD detector and structure therefor
In one embodiment, and electro-static discharge detector is formed with a plurality of channels and is configured to detect a positive electro-static discharge and a negative electro-static discharge. |
| US08681456B1 |
Co-located gimbal-based dual stage actuation disk drive suspensions
Various embodiments concern a suspension having a DSA structure on a gimbaled flexure. The suspension comprises a loadbeam and flexure attached thereto. The flexure comprises a pair of spring arms, a tongue located between the spring arms and structurally supported by the pair of spring arms, and a pair of struts. The struts are positioned respectively between the pair of spring arms and the tongue. The longitudinal axes of the struts are offset with respect to each other. The suspension further comprises a slider and a motor mounted on the flexure. The motor has a longitudinal axis that is parallel with the axes of the struts and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the loadbeam. Electrical activation of the motor bends the pair of struts to move the slider. |
| US08681454B2 |
Patterned medium and method of manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a patterned medium includes depositing a magnetic recording layer and applying an ultraviolet curable resin on both surfaces of a medium substrate, pressing a first resin stamper and a second resin stamper each including patterns of recesses and protrusions, corresponding to a patterned medium, against both surfaces of the medium substrate in such a manner that a direction from a center of the medium substrate toward a center of the first resin stamper is off-oriented from a direction from the center of the medium substrate toward a center of the second resin stamper to imprint the patterns of recesses and protrusions on the ultraviolet curable resin, and irradiating the ultraviolet curable resin with an ultraviolet ray through each of the first and second resin stampers to cure the ultraviolet curable resin. |
| US08681452B2 |
Library device
Provided is a library device configured to comprise a magazine capable of containing a plurality of cartridges and a housing capable of containing the magazine in a two-tier manner, wherein: the housing is provided, in its inside, with an accessor comprising a picker unit for holding the cartridge and a base unit for moving the picker unit in the direction of insertion and drawing of the magazine and in the direction of tier arrangement; the magazine has a step member with a step formed therein; the housing has a locking member comprising a stopper part, which is disposed in a rotatable manner and positioned to abut the step, and a releasing part, and the housing has also a biasing member for biasing the stopper part in the direction of the step member; and, in accordance with movement of the picker and base units in the direction of drawing the magazine and movement of said picker unit in the direction of magazine-tier arrangement, unlocking of the upper-tier magazine, that of the lower-tier magazine or that of both of the magazines contained respectively in the upper and lower tiers is performed. |
| US08681446B2 |
Methods and devices including multiple resistive heating elements
In certain embodiments, a head includes a writer portion having coils positioned near a writer, a reader portion separate from the writer portion and a single-layer heating circuit positioned near the writer portion. The heating circuit includes at least two resistive elements.In certain embodiments, a slider includes a single layer heating circuit including at least two heating element resistors. |
| US08681445B1 |
Disk drive detecting head touchdown by computing anti-correlation in sensor signal
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, a dynamic fly height (DFH) actuator operable to control a fly height of the head over the disk, and a touchdown (TD) sensor operable to generate a TD signal. A periodic control signal is applied to the DFH actuator to generate a periodic response in the TD signal comprising at least one cycle, wherein the cycle comprises a first half cycle and a second half cycle. An anti-correlation is computed between the first half cycle and the second half cycle of the TD signal, and the head contacting the disk is detected in response to the anti-correlation. |
| US08681442B2 |
Disk drive comprising extended range head proximity sensor
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, and a fly height transducer operable to generate a fly height signal for the head. The disk drive further comprises control circuitry comprising a current sensor operable to detect a current flowing through the fly height transducer. The current sensor comprises a differential amplifier operable to amplify the current flowing through the fly height transducer over a first range using a first gain, and amplify the current flowing through the fly height transducer over a second range using a second gain less than the first gain, wherein at least part of the second range is different than the first range. |
| US08681435B2 |
Macro lens system and pickup device including the same
A macro lens system and a pickup device that includes the macro lens system include, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens group having a positive refractive power, a second lens group having a negative refractive power, a third lens group having a positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having a positive refractive power, and a fifth lens group having a negative refractive power, wherein, during focusing, the first lens group, the third lens group, and the fifth lens group are fixed, and the second lens group and the fourth lens group are moved. |
| US08681433B2 |
Variable magnification optical system and imaging apparatus
A variable magnification optical system includes a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a stop, a positive third lens group and a positive fourth lens group, which are in this order from an object side. The first lens group, the stop and the third lens group are fixed, but the second lens group and the fourth lens group move in an optical axis direction during magnification change. The fourth lens group has a focusing function. The third lens group includes at least an aspherical surface, and consists of, in the following order from the object side, a positive lens and a cemented lens of a positive lens and a double-concave lens cemented together. The variable magnification optical system satisfies a predetermined formula. |
| US08681432B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus equipped with zoom lens
A zoom lens includes, a first lens unit having positive refractive power, a second lens unit having negative refractive power, a third lens unit having positive refractive power, and a fourth lens unit having positive refractive power. All of the lens units are moved during zooming from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end. An aperture stop is arranged on the image side of the third lens unit. A distance T23 from a lens surface closest to the image side in the second lens unit to a lens surface closest to the object side in the third lens unit when the zoom lens is at the telephoto end, a focal length fT of the entire zoom lens at the telephoto end, and focal lengths f1, f2, and f3 of the first, second, and third lens units, respectively, are set based on predetermined mathematical conditions. |
| US08681429B2 |
Metamaterial for converging electromagnetic waves
The present disclosure relates to a metamaterial for converging electromagnetic waves, which comprises a plurality of metamaterial sheet layers stacked integrally in an x direction. Each of the metamaterial sheet layers comprises a plurality of metamaterial units. Each of the metamaterial units has an identical substrate unit and a man-made microstructure attached on the substrate unit. The metamaterial units of each row have a same refractive index. Refractive indices of the metamaterial units of each column satisfy particular relationships. The man-made microstructure is a non-90° rotationally symmetrical structure, and an extraordinary optical axis of a refractive index ellipsoid thereof is non-perpendicular to and unparallel to the y direction. The thickness of the metamaterial can be considerably decreased while the function of converging electromagnetic waves is achieved in the present disclosure. This is favorable for making the metamaterial product miniaturized and lightweight. |
| US08681428B1 |
High refractive index, polarization insensitive nano-rod based plasmonic metamaterials for lenses
An optical material is described. The optical material includes at least one layer of a metamaterial. Each layer of metamaterial includes a matrix material and a plurality of nano-particles. The plurality of nano-particles are geometrically arranged in an array within the matrix material such that the layer of metamaterial has a high positive refractive index based on a cooperative plasmon effect at a predetermined electro-magnetic radiation (EMR) wavelength relative to the refractive index of the matrix material without the nano-particles. |
| US08681426B2 |
Steerable near-to-eye display and steerable near-to-eye display system
A steerable near-to-eye display is provided and may include, but is not limited to, a first curved support arm configured to rotate about a first axis, a second curved support arm configured to rotate about a second axis, and an ocular assembly coupled to at least one of the first curved support arm and the second curved support arm, the ocular assembly configured to display an image and configured to substantially maintain a position where the first curved support arm crosses the second curved support arm. |
| US08681424B2 |
Diffractive optical element containing grating surface and grating wall surface, and optical system having the same
A diffractive optical element has higher diffraction efficiency of diffracted light of a designed order in a visible wavelength range. The diffractive optical element includes a diffraction grating part provided on a lens surface of an optical system and constituted by laminating first and second diffraction gratings made of two different materials. Each of the first and second diffraction gratings includes a grating surface and a grating wall surface. The grating surfaces of the first and second diffraction gratings are in contact with each other. The diffraction grating part has the designed order of at least +2nd order and has a grating height of at least 6 μm. |
| US08681416B2 |
Passive multiplexing extension for electronic paper displays
A single-segment drive scheme for an electronic paper display (EPD) is replaced by a multiplexed drive scheme that reduces the number of driver pins to the number of display segments per digit or alphanumeric character plus one input/output (I/O) line per digit or alphanumeric character. In accordance with the invention, a passive digit selection mechanism enables a multiplex display drive scheme when the EPD material used typically has a stable threshold combined with a small hysteresis. Typically, display operation is better the smaller the hysteresis and the more stable the threshold of the EPD material that is used. |
| US08681414B2 |
Electrophoretic display device and method for manufacturing the same
An electrophoretic display device includes a lower substrate having a plurality of pixel electrodes formed on the lower substrate and having partition walls formed on the lower substrate surrounding the pixel electrodes, the pixel electrodes and partition walls defining a plurality of sub-pixels; an upper substrate bonded with the lower substrate, the upper substrate having a common electrode formed thereon with an encapsulation layer formed on an area of the common electrode corresponding to the plurality of the sub-pixels; an electrophoretic dispersion liquid comprising a plurality of charged particles colored to display predetermined colors, the electrophoretic dispersion liquid injected into the plurality of the sub-pixels defined by the pixel electrodes and the partition walls; and an interlayer formed between the encapsulation layer and the electrophoretic dispersion liquid. |
| US08681411B2 |
Polariton mode optical switch with composite structure
Devices, methods, and techniques for frequency-dependent optical switching are provided. In one embodiment, a device includes a substrate, a first optical-field confining structure located on the substrate, a second optical-field confining structure located on the substrate, and a composite structure located between the first and second optical-field confining structures. The second optical-field confining structure may be spaced apart from the first optical-field confining structure. The composite structure may include an embedding structure with a surface to receive photons and multiple quantum structures located in the embedding structure. |
| US08681410B2 |
Optical scanner, image forming apparatus and image display apparatus
There is provided an optical scanner, and an image forming apparatus and an image display apparatus which have the optical scanner. The optical scanner includes a mirror portion having a base plate portion, and a reflective portion which is adhered to a surface of the base plate portion; and a torsion beam portion which is connected to the mirror portion, made of a same material as the base plate portion and integrally formed with the base plate portion, and which is configured to be torsionally vibrated. The reflective portion includes a reinforcement portion and a reflective surface. The reinforcement portion is made of material having a density lower than that of the base plate portion and a Young's modulus greater than that of the base plate portion. The reflective surface is formed on a surface of the reinforcement portion and is configured to reflect the incident light. |
| US08681409B2 |
Nonvolatile nano-electromechanical system device
A nonvolatile nano-electromechanical system device is provided and includes a cantilever structure, including a beam having an initial shape, which is supported at one end thereof by a supporting base and a beam deflector, including a phase change material (PCM), disposed on a portion of the beam in a non-slip condition with a material of the beam, the PCM taking one of an amorphous phase or a crystalline phase and deflecting the beam from the initial shape when taking the crystalline phase. |
| US08681406B2 |
Scanning optical apparatus
A scanning optical apparatus includes a light source, a deflecting element for deflecting a beam of light emitted from the light source, an optical device for causing the beam of light emitted from the light source to be imaged into a linear shape long in the main scanning direction on the deflecting surface of the deflecting element. The optical device is comprised of a first optical element and a second optical element, and a third optical element for causing the beam of light deflected by the deflecting element to be imaged into a spot-like shape on a surface to be scanned. The third optical element includes a single lens, the opposite lens surfaces of which both include a toric surface of an aspherical surface shape in the main scanning plane, the curvatures of the opposite lens surfaces in the sub scanning plane being continuously varied from the on-axis toward the off-axis in the effective portion of the lens. |
| US08681403B1 |
Articles and methods to provide color consistency of printed products
A color reference guide is provided for ensuring consistency among color-printed products. The guide can include a plurality of calibration pages and each calibration page can include a calibration bar and a color logo. The calibration bar can be the same on each calibration page and the color logo can be different on each calibration page. A method of providing consistency among color-printed products is also provided and involves comparing a printed logo to a corresponding color logo in the color reference guide. The color reference guide can be used in a variety of printing processes, for example, in a CMYK four-color printing process or in a G7 color printing process. The color reference guide and method are also useful in calibrating a color printer. |
| US08681398B2 |
Image sensor unit and image reader
A protruding locking pawl is provided at an end of a light guide which corresponds to a first light input surface. A recessed locking portion is formed in a frame so that the locking pawl can be locked in the locking portion. A light blocking member is slidably loosely inserted into a position where the light blocking member covers a longitudinal end of the light guide which corresponds to a second light input surface. Even if expansion and contraction occurs in the longitudinal direction of the light guide, the design dimensions of a first gap A and a second gap B can be maintained; the first gap A is formed between the first light input surface and a first light source, and the second gap B formed between the second light input surface and a second light source. Therefore, possible leakage current can be prevented. |
| US08681394B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a housing body, and an outer wall member. The housing body can displace and rotate to a housing body fully closed angle position, a housing body fully open angle position, and a housing body non-access angle position. The outer wall member is disposed between the apparatus main body and the housing body, and connected to the apparatus main body to displace and rotate in response to the displacement and rotation of the housing body, and positioned at an outer wall fully closed angle position, an outer wall fully open angle position, and an outer wall non-access angle position that has an angular position enabling exposure of exchangeable components inside the apparatus main body but not enabling exchange by a user. |
| US08681387B2 |
Guilloche mark generation
A method and system for creating guilloché base pattern with two-dimensional periodicity in a plurality of replicate patterns is shown wherein the creating can be assessed in real-time for pattern acceptability by a user. A base pattern is set on an imaging device in vector space relative to a set of predetermined pattern nodes. The base pattern is modulated via a user interface by adjusting positions of the pattern known for selectively controlling curve shapes of the pattern. A guilloché mark is illustrated by display on the imaging device of the adjusted base pattern and a compilation of associated replicate patterns for user assessment of the mark. |
| US08681384B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and image processing program
For image processing for printing an original, first and second ground patterns are generated. The first ground pattern can be recognized with naked eyes in the original but cannot be recognized with naked eyes in a reproduction of the original obtained by an image forming apparatus, while the second ground pattern has a latent image which cannot be recognized in the original but can be recognized in the reproduction of the original. The first ground pattern and the second ground pattern are synthesized, and print data to be printed by the image forming apparatus is created. The print data has an image of the original, and the synthesized first and second ground patterns. |
| US08681381B1 |
Pixel stacking avoidance error diffusion halftone
A method and system for generating a halftone image from an input image is disclosed. Visible artifacts caused by the correlation of one or more colors or color planes are avoided because the halftone image analysis for one color affects the halftone image analysis for subsequent colors. A printer controller analyzes at least a part of the input image to dynamically set a sequence of the plurality of colors. Halftone image analysis is carried out in the sequence of the plurality of colors to generate the halftone image. |
| US08681379B2 |
Image processing apparatus, system, and method
A image processing apparatus includes a transformation unit that reproduces a color tone of a first output data of an original image data output from a first image output apparatus by using a second output data of the original image data output from a second image output apparatus, an estimating unit that estimates first and second geometric transformation parameters, an associating unit that generates first and second color component value association data, and a determining unit that generates a color tone transformation parameter based on a combination of pixel values in which a pixel value of the first image output data is substantially equivalent to a pixel value of the second image output data. |
| US08681376B2 |
Production of test prints
In order to improve a method for producing test prints such that the same results in reproducible test prints in a narrow deviation spectrum at high accuracy with the highest possible print flexibility, the invention provides a method for the production of test prints (proofs) of print data intended for printing on an industrial printing machine on a digital printer, wherein the print data is converted from a color space for any given industrial printing machine into digital proof print data in a color space for any given digital printer, as a function of a given state based on conversion tables, wherein the given state comprises parameters, such as paper type, ink, printing mode, and wherein conversion data is determined and considered during the printing process for a calibration file for the printer based on data compatible with the color space, by means of printing a test image, measuring the same, and comparing the same to a typical printer target image, wherein parameters dependent on a measuring device utilized during the measuring of the test image are considered during the determination of the correction data. |
| US08681375B2 |
Color selecting method, image processing method, image processing apparatus, and computer-readable recording medium storing program for printing a color chart having a plurality of color patches
Image data used for printing a designated color adjusting color chart having color patches with a printing machine are generated, color values and positions of the color patches being associated with each other. A patch selection image simulating the positions of the color patches on the color chart is displayed. Coordinates corresponding to the position of a color that has been selected as a color that is closest to the designated color from the color patches of the color chart, are indicated on the displayed patch selection image. Color values of the color that is closest to the designated color are calculated based on the color values and positions that are associated with each other and the indicated coordinates. |
| US08681374B2 |
Image forming apparatus and auto color registration method thereof
An image forming apparatus and an auto color registration method thereof. The automatic color registration method of the image forming apparatus, the method includes transferring a plurality of first patterns synchronized with a phase of an image receptor, detecting the transferred first patterns, and performing an automatic color registration (ACR) by controlling a driving speed of the image receptor based on the detected first pattern. With this, the apparatus and method controls a driving speed of an image receptor by using a pattern synchronized with a phase of the image receptor and improves accuracy of the ACR. |
| US08681371B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus including a formation unit for forming patch images for calibration of an output image, a detection unit disposed on a paper conveyance path and configured to detect the fixed patch images formed on paper by the formation unit, and a correction unit for performing the calibration using the patch images detected by the detection unit is provided. When the formation unit forms the patch images, the formation unit arranges the images on both sides of a medium. On the front surface of the medium, a low-density patch image is formed, and on the back surface of the medium, a high-density patch image is formed. Alternatively, a media on which the patch image is formed is discharged once, and a user turns the medium upside down and feeds the medium again such that the first and second patch image formation positions differ from each other. |
| US08681370B2 |
Bit selection from print image in memory of handheld image translation device
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for selecting bits from a defined print image in memory of a handheld imaging translation device are described herein. The bits may be selected by determining a location of a print nozzle, mapping the location to a memory location, and selecting a bit from the memory location. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08681362B2 |
Position detecting apparatus, position detecting method, and image forming apparatus
According to one embodiment, a position detecting apparatus including a display device includes three receiving units provided on the rear surface side of the display device and configured to receive a radio signal from a device provided on the front surface side of the display device, an intensity detecting device configured to detect the intensity of the radio signal from the device received by the receiving units, and a control unit configured to calculate the position of the device from the intensity of the radio signal received by the receiving units and display, on the display device, a guide screen for aligning the device with specific one receiving unit. |
| US08681360B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and computer program product
An image forming apparatus includes a storage unit that stores therein print data and first converted data obtained by reflecting a first print condition in the print data and converting the print data into a printable form; an input receiving unit that receives an input of a reprint instruction to reprint the first converted data; an acquiring unit that acquires a second print condition for reprinting the first converted data; a determining unit that determines whether the first converted data is printable in the second print condition by comparing the acquired second print condition against the first print condition; a converting unit that converts, when it is determined that the first converted data is unprintable in the second print condition, the print data into second converted data by reflecting the second print condition in the print data; a print control unit prints out the second converted data. |
| US08681356B2 |
Information processing apparatus
Disclosed is the information processing apparatus, which makes it possible to easily conduct a setting change operation for a plurality of setting items after the concerned setting operation has been completed. The information processing apparatus includes: an operating section to establish a set of setting values corresponding to a plurality of setting items, therefrom; a storage section to store the set of setting values established from the operating section, therein; a display section; and a controlling section to control the display section. When receiving a request for changing the set of setting values established in advance through the operating section, the controlling section controls the display section so as to display at least one candidate of change contents onto the display section, based on differential components between the set of setting values established in advance and another set of setting values stored in the storage section. |
| US08681354B2 |
Information processing apparatus for setting a printing attribute to a hot folder
According to an information processing method of generating print data to be processed by a printing apparatus, when data is stored in a storage area, the data is transmitted to the printing apparatus by applying a printing attribute corresponding to the storage area. The printing attribute corresponding to the storage area is set, and status information representing the status of the printing apparatus is obtained. The printing attribute is changed to adapt the printing attribute to the obtained status information. |
| US08681353B2 |
Method and apparatus of processing wireless printing based on wireless LAN
A wireless printing system and method based on IEEE 802.11 are provided. A method of requesting a print job, includes: scanning a printer that functions as an AP in a wireless LAN; obtaining an address of the printer from the scanned result; and requesting a predetermined print job by having the obtained address as a destination. The method enables to locate a printer that functions as an Access Point (AP) while stations associate with a Basic Service Set (BSS) in a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) based on IEEE 802.11. |
| US08681350B2 |
Systems and methods for enterprise sharing of a printing device
Systems and methods for sharing a printing device in an enterprise read information from a tag, wherein the information includes a printing device identifier and a refresh token, the printing device identifier is associated with a printing device, and the refresh token was issued to the printing device by a printing service; retrieve a printing service user identifier from a computer-readable medium; send the refresh token to the printing service; receive an access token from the printing service; send the access token, the printing device identifier, and the printing service user identifier to the printing service; receive an invitation associated with the printing service user identifier to access the printing device via the printing service; and send an acceptance of invitation associated with the printing service user identifier and a credential associated with the printing service user identifier to the printing service. |
| US08681347B2 |
Image forming apparatus and processing method thereof
A determination is performed as to whether a media setting contained in settings information of an input print job is a standard media setting for which a standard medium is to be used or a custom media setting for which a custom medium different from the standard medium is to be used. Then, in a case where the media setting is determined to be a custom media setting, the media setting is converted to a setting of a medium that can be printed by another image forming apparatus, and the converted media setting is stored. |
| US08681341B2 |
Shape measuring method and shape measuring apparatus
A shape measuring method includes guiding light emitted from a light source to an object to be measured and a reference surface, combining light reflected from the object to be measured with light reflected from the reference surface, and taking a distribution image of an interference light intensity corresponding to each measurement position of the object to be measured, while changing an optical path length difference between a first optical path length and a second optical path length over a whole scanning zone, sequentially storing distribution images of the interference light intensity in the whole scanning zone, and obtaining an interference light intensity string at each measurement position based on the stored distribution images of the interference light intensity, and obtaining a position in an optical axis direction at each measurement position of the object to be measured from a peak position of the interference light intensity string. |
| US08681340B2 |
Microvolume analysis system
An analyzer comprising a source of electromagnetic radiation, a detector for said radiation and a drophead comprising a surface which is adapted to receive a drop of liquid to be tested, the drophead being positioned in use relative to the source and detector to illuminate a drop received thereon and to cause an interaction in the path of the electromagnetic radiation between the source and detector, characterized in that said surface of said drophead is dimensioned to constrain the drop to adopt a shape which is dominated more by surface tension forces than by gravitational forces. |
| US08681339B2 |
Optical sensor having a non-negligible source coherence length
An optical sensor, a method of configuring an optical sensor, and a method of using an optical sensor are provided. The optical sensor includes an optical loop having a length and a laser source optically coupled to the loop. The laser source has a coherence length. Light from the source is transmitted to the loop as a first signal and a second signal counterpropagating along the loop. The optical paths of the first signal and the second signal are substantially reciprocal with one another and the first signal and the second signal are combined together after counterpropagating through the loop to generate a third signal. A ratio of the coherence length to the length of the loop is greater than 1. |
| US08681338B2 |
Detection device and detection method for intermolecular interaction
In order to improve the detection accuracy of a reflection spectrum, a detection device for intermolecular interaction is provided with a detector (10) which has a ligand (16), a white light source (20) which emits white light, a spectroscope (30) which detects the spectral intensity of received light, a light transmission unit (40) which has a first light transmission path (41) for transmitting the white light from the white light source to the detector, a second light transmission path (42) for transmitting reflected light of the white light from the detector to the spectroscope, and a third light transmission path (43) for transmitting the white light from the white light source to the spectroscope, a switching unit (80) which performs switching between a reflected light receiving state in which the transmission of the reflected light of the white light in the detector to the spectroscope via the first and second light transmission paths is enabled and a white light receiving state in which the transmission of the white light from the white light source to the detector via the third light transmission path is enabled, and a control unit (50) which controls the switching unit and the spectroscope to perform control for detecting the spectral intensities in the white light receiving state and the reflected light receiving state, respectively. |
| US08681335B2 |
Fluid stream imaging apparatus
A fluid stream imaging apparatus having either optics for manipulating the aspect ratio or sensing elements configured for manipulating the aspect ratio of an image of the fluid stream. This application may also relate to a system for acquiring images of a portion of a fluid stream at high speeds for image processing to measure and predict droplet delays for individual forming particles. |
| US08681334B2 |
Measurement method
A method for quantifying the soil dispersion capacity of a cleaning product or component thereof where the method comprises the following steps: a) making a solution comprising the cleaning product or component thereof; b) adding the soil to the cleaning product or component thereof solution to form a mixture; and c) measuring the light blocked by the mixture. |
| US08681333B2 |
Characterizing optical antenna near field transducers
An apparatus and associated method for characterizing a near field transducer (NFT) is provided that has computer instructions stored in memory and executable to perform computational logic that, in response to a selected electromagnetic radiation excitation of resonant collective oscillations on a surface of the NFT, compares a magnitude of a depolarization field associated with the excited resonant collective oscillations to a predetermined threshold to characterize the NFT in terms of demonstrated radiant efficiency performance. |
| US08681327B2 |
Fault detection method and fault detection apparatus for VCSEL
Proposed is a technique for detecting a damaged VCSEL in a short time and at low cost. It shows the light emission spectrum of a multi-mode VCSEL before an ESD damage, and the light emission spectrum which shows several peaks corresponding to the structure of the active layer (MQW) and the upper and lower reflectors (DBR) is obtained. On the other hand, when the VCSEL which has an ESD damage has a damage in the active layer, the light emission spectrum which shows fewer peaks than the original number of peaks is obtained. Accordingly, the light spectrum analyzer analyzes the light emission spectrum, and it is determined that ESD damage has occurred when the number of peaks is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number, e.g., two peaks. |
| US08681325B2 |
Verification apparatus and method for verifying diffractive and/or reflective security features of security documents
A verification apparatus for security documents having at least one diffractive and/or reflective security feature, includes a support device having a support surface or plane for receiving the security documents, an optical capturing device, an illuminating device for illuminating the security document, and an evaluation device which evaluates information detected by the capturing device to perform a verification of the at least one security feature. A screen is disposed between the support surface or plane and the capturing device. Light diffracted or reflected by the at least one security feature can be imaged on the screen for detection by the capturing device. The screen can be controlled with regard to at least one optical property, particularly the opacity thereof. A verification method, wherein the opacity of the screen is varied, is also provided. |
| US08681322B2 |
Distance measurement using incoherent optical reflectometry
A method for estimating a distance includes: generating an optical signal having a wavelength that is within a wavelength range, the optical signal modulated via a modulation signal having a modulation frequency; transmitting the modulated optical signal from a light source into the optical fiber, the optical fiber in contact with a moveable strain inducing element located at the position along the optical fiber, the optical fiber including a plurality of sensing locations configured to reflect light within the wavelength range when under strain from the strain inducing element and transmit light within the wavelength range when not under strain from the strain inducing element; receiving a reflected signal including light reflected from at least one of the sensing locations; demodulating the reflected signal with a reference signal to generate reflected signal data; and determining the distance to the position along the optical fiber based on the reflected signal data. |
| US08681320B2 |
Gimbal instrument having a prealigned and replaceable optics bench
A method includes providing: an optics assembly including a housing, a beam splitter, and a position detector; and an alignment fixture; placing the assembly on the fixture which makes contact with the assembly on the first region; projecting the third beam of light onto a first surface; rotating the assembly about the sixth axis on the fixture; sensing a change in a position of the third beam of light in response to rotation of the assembly about the sixth axis; adjusting the first path to align the third beam of light to the sixth axis; attaching the assembly to a dimensional measurement device; directing the third beam of light to a retroreflector target; reflecting a portion of the third beam from the target as a fourth beam of light; and sending a third portion of the fourth beam from the beam splitter to the position detector. |
| US08681317B2 |
Tracking method and measuring system having a laser tracker
A target equipped with a reflector can be tracked in a measuring system including a laser tracker. The reflector is tracked by means of a tracking unit in a normal tracking mode and by means of a surveying device in an extraordinary tracking mode. A capturing unit having a detection range lying between the detection ranges of the tracking unit and of the surveying device is also present. If the target cannot be detected by the tracking unit but can be detected by the capturing unit, the orientation of the tracking unit is controlled according to a measurement by the capturing unit. If the target can then be detected by the tracking unit, a transition to the normal tracking mode is initiated. If the target can be detected only by the surveying device, the orientation of the tracking unit is controlled according to a measurement of the surveying device. |
| US08681310B2 |
Mechanical fixture of pellicle to lithographic photomask
A pellicle frame is mechanically attached to a reticle, without use of an adhesive. An embodiment includes mechanically attaching a pellicle frame to a front surface of a reticle, removing the pellicle frame from the reticle, cleaning the reticle, and mechanically reattaching the pellicle frame to the reticle. Embodiments further include using a clamp to mechanically attach the pellicle frame to the reticle. Embodiments further include forming the pellicle frame with a flange having an opening in the center, and forming the clamp with two portions, one portion with a protrusion that fittingly engages the opening in the flange and with a second opening, and the second portion with a segment that extends behind the reticle and with a second protrusion that fittingly engages the second opening. |
| US08681305B2 |
Liquid crystal display device comprising a common line pattern formed correspond to the conductive seal pattern, a transparent electrode pattern overlapping the common line pattern with an insulating layer interposed there between, the transparent electrode pattern having a width equal to or less than that of the common line pattern
A liquid crystal display device and a method for manufacturing the same, are discussed. The liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates each having an active area and a non-active area, gate lines and data lines formed on the active area of the first substrate to define a plurality of pixel areas, thin film transistors formed at intersections of the gate and data lines, pixel electrodes, a common electrode formed over the second substrate, a conductive seal pattern between the first and second substrates, a common line pattern formed on the first substrate to correspond to the conductive seal pattern, and a transparent electrode pattern overlapping the common line pattern with an insulating layer interposed therebetween, the transparent electrode pattern having a width equal to or less than that of the common line pattern. |
| US08681304B2 |
Liquid crystal display device with a lateral pattern portion formed on a side of the data line for improving a rubbing defect
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display device comprising a lower substrate, an upper substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the substrates and aligned in a predetermined rubbing direction, in which pixel regions are respectively defined by gate lines and data lines formed to intersect each other on the lower substrate, and a switching device is arranged in an intersecting portion of the gate line and the data line, the liquid crystal display device comprising: a lateral pattern portion formed on at least one side of the data line and formed zigzagging along an extending direction of the data line. With this, it is possible to effectively improve and prevent the rubbing defect that occurs in the stepped region of the data line during the rubbing process for alignment of liquid crystal. |
| US08681301B2 |
Liquid crystal on silicon display panel and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal on silicon display panel and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The method includes the following steps. First, a semiconductor substrate having a pixel region with at least one first top metal pattern and a first anti-reflection coating structure substantially disposed thereon and a circuit region with is at least one second top metal pattern and a second anti-reflection coating structure substantially disposed thereon is provided. Moreover, the circuit region surrounds the pixel region. Next, the first anti-reflection coating structure is removed. Afterward, a dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate and covering the first top metal pattern. Then, a passivation layer is formed on the dielectric layer. After that, a portion of the passivation layer and a portion of the second anti-reflection coating structure thereunder are removed to form an opening exposing a portion of the second top metal pattern. |
| US08681299B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel
Provided is a liquid crystal display panel which allows high quality display by suppressing a disturbance of liquid crystal molecule alignment caused by formation of liquid crystal alignment control protrusions. The liquid crystal display panel of the present invention is a liquid crystal display panel including a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates, one of the pair of the substrates including a colored layer, a light-shielding layer, and walled liquid crystal alignment control protrusions projecting toward the other substrate, the liquid crystal alignment control protrusions including a main protrusion and a secondary protrusion lower than the main protrusion, and the secondary protrusion not being provided along a borderline between the colored layer and the light-shielding layer. |
| US08681291B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus that includes a light amount adjustment section includes a lens provided corresponding to a light receiving region of a photo-sensor element. The light amount adjustment section varies the focus position of the lens with respect to the light receiving region of the photo-sensor element to adjust the amount of light to be introduced to the light receiving region. |
| US08681289B2 |
Lighting device and liquid crystal display apparatus comprising the same
According to one embodiment, a lighting device includes a radiation surface, at least one light source provided to face the radiation surface, and an optical control member provided between the radiation surface and the light source and includes optical characteristics of transmission, diffraction, diffusion, and reflection, which vary for regions in the optical control member, a distribution of each of the optical characteristics being determined by positions relative to the at least one light source. The optical control member is formed in a sheet shape which is controlled by at least one of a reflective film having a reflection factor distribution, and a reflective film having a numerical aperture distribution, and lenses. |
| US08681286B2 |
Liquid crystal display and backplane of back light module thereof
The present invention discloses a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a backplane of a back light module thereof. The LCD comprises a back cover, one or more circuit boards and a backplane of a back light module. One or more circuit board attaching devices for attaching the circuit boards are arranged on the interior sidewall of the back cover and void spaces for avoiding the circuit boards are arranged at the corresponding position of the backplane. As the circuit boards installed prior to this invention on the backplane is now installed on the back cover instead, the backplane of the back light module of the LCD is not provided with the bumps for attaching the circuit boards any more; the structure of the backplane and the manufacturing process of the backplane are simpler. Furthermore, as the back cover is insulated, the bumps are not arranged, and the circuit boards can be attached by simple circuit board attaching devices, significantly simplifying the process. |
| US08681283B2 |
Method and resulting capacitor structure for liquid crystal on silicon display devices
A liquid crystal on silicon display device (LCOS) has a semiconductor substrate comprising a surface region and a gate dielectric layer overlying the surface region. The device also has a word line formed overlying the gate dielectric layer and a first source/drain region coupled to the word line. The device has a bottom electrode structure formed overlying an interlayer dielectric. A capacitor dielectric is formed overlying the bottom electrode. A top electrode structure is formed overlying the capacitor dielectric to form a capacitor structure including the bottom electrode structure, the capacitor dielectric, and the top electrode structure. The device has a mirror surface formed overlying the top electrode structure to form a pixel electrode structure and a liquid crystal material provided overlying the mirror surface. In an embodiment, the LCOS described above is in an integrated circuit chip that also includes a DRAM device. |
| US08681279B2 |
Optical sensor, semiconductor device, and liquid crystal panel
With an improved light use efficiency, the light detection sensitivity of a thin film diode is increased even if the semiconductor layer of the thin film diode has a small thickness. On one side of a substrate (101), a thin film diode (130) including a first semiconductor layer (131) that has at least an n-type region (131n) and a p-type region (131p) is provided. A light-shielding layer (160) is disposed between the substrate and the first semiconductor layer. The surface of the light-shielding layer facing the first semiconductor layer has depressions and protrusions formed thereon. The surface of the first semiconductor layer facing the light-shielding layer is flatter than the surface of the light-shielding layer on which the depressions and protrusions are formed. The light that falls on the light-shielding layer is diffusely reflected and enters the first semiconductor layer. As a result, more light enters the first semiconductor layer at larger incident angles, and the light, therefore, travels longer distances inside the first semiconductor layer. Consequently, more light is absorbed by the first semiconductor layer, and the light detection sensitivity improves accordingly. |
| US08681273B1 |
Self configuring distribution amplifier for digital video signals
A self configuring distribution amplifier for digital video signals comprises a number of signal processing circuits disposed on a bus along a signal propagation direction. Each signal processing circuit has an input and an output, as well as an input detection circuit controlling three different switches. The positions of the switches determines whether a signal from a particular input is present on a particular output and on the bus. This allows the self configuring distribution amplifier to distribute digital video signals from a number of inputs to a number of outputs in desired combinations. |
| US08681272B2 |
Digital broadcast receiver
A digital broadcast receiver includes: a plurality of broadcast receiving units that receive program images and broadcast information; an image selecting/combining unit that selectively combines program images as a main-screen and a sub-screen; a plurality of monitors that display program images; a control unit that includes an idle-state detecting unit for detecting the broadcast receiving unit of idle-state, an idle-state establishing unit for controlling the broadcast receiving unit to halt receiving broadcast waves and controlling the image selecting/combining unit to output the program image received by other broadcast receiving unit to a monitor as a main-screen when an instruction of receiving broadcast information is accepted and when there is no broadcast receiving unit of idle-state, and a broadcast information acquisition instructing unit that control the broadcast receiving unit of idle-state to acquire the broadcast information when the instruction of receiving broadcast information is accepted. |
| US08681270B2 |
Motion adaptive deinterlacer and methods for use therewith
A device for use in conjunction with a video processing device includes a deinterlacer that selectively interpolates a plurality of pictures into a plurality of selectively deinterlaced pictures, based on deinterlace motion data. A motion detector generates the deinterlace motion data for a picture of the plurality of pictures. The deinterlace motion data is generated based on instantaneous deinterlace motion data generated by comparing an amount of motion for individual pixels of the picture of the plurality of pictures to a motion detection threshold, and also based on historic motion data that considers motion for at least three adjacent pictures of the plurality of pictures having the same odd/even polarity. |
| US08681265B2 |
Imaging device, external flash detection method, program, and integrated circuit
When capturing images of a subject with an imaging device that uses a CMOS image sensor, a white band-shaped artifact appears in the imaging signal due to the influence of a rolling shutter operation performed when an external flash has been emitted. Manipulating or removing images in which such an artifact appears requires specifying the frames in which the artifact appears. A line averaging unit (11) calculates the average luminance level of each line in the imaging signal, the average luminance levels are temporarily stored by a storage unit (12), and thereafter a frame difference calculation unit (13) calculates the difference between the line average luminance levels and the line average luminance levels of the next frame. These frame difference values are compared with a reference value, and it is determined that the influence of an external flash is present if a portion of interest with high values is continuous for one frame period. |
| US08681263B2 |
Imager capturing an image with a rolling shutter using flicker detection
An imager is provided having an image-capturing sensor, a focusing detector, and a flicker detector. The image-capturing sensor captures a subject image with a rolling shutter and outputs image data. The focusing detector determines whether a subject image is in focus of the image-capturing sensor using the output image data. The flicker detector detects a flicker in the output image data. The focusing detector uses horizontal data without vertical data from the image data so as to determine whether a subject image is in focus, when the flicker detector detects a flicker. |
| US08681262B2 |
Image pickup apparatus having auto focusing function using fractal dimension and an auto focusing method
An image pickup apparatus having auto focusing function using fractal dimension and an auto focusing method of an image pickup apparatus are disclosed, the apparatus characterized by comprising: a pickup unit; a fractal controller generating a fractal dimension value indicating chrominance information change per pixel of a pickup image of the pickup unit to determine whether the auto focusing has been adjusted; and an auto focusing adjustor adjusting a focus of the pickup unit in response to an auto focus adjustment signal from the fractal controller. |
| US08681261B2 |
Image-capturing apparatus having image sensor utilizing focus detection pixel pairs
In an image sensor having a plurality of pixels which photoelectrically convert a subject image, a plurality of pairs of focus detection pixels including first focus detection pixels (SHA) and second focus detection pixels (SHB) are arranged while being distributed. The first focus detection pixel (SHA) and the second focus detection pixel (SHB) of each pair of focus detection pixels are arranged at a distance shorter than the pitch of the pairs of focus detection pixels. This reduces focus detection errors generated when the pixels included in the pairs of focus detection pixels receive light fluxes from different portions of the subject. |
| US08681259B2 |
Solid state image sensor
A solid state image sensor has a plurality of ranging pixels on the imaging area thereof and each of the ranging pixels has a photoelectric conversion section and an optical waveguide arranged at the light-receiving side of the photoelectric conversion section. The optical waveguide has at least two optical waveguides including a first optical waveguide arranged at the light-receiving side and a second optical waveguide arranged at the side of the photoelectric conversion section in the direction of propagation of light. The core region of the first optical waveguide shows a refractive index lower than the refractive index of the core region of the second optical waveguide and is designed so as to show a high light-receiving sensitivity relative to light entering at a specific angle. |
| US08681257B2 |
Image processing apparatus, control method, and storage medium for editing layout positions of image data
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus including a unit that obtains a plurality of image data, a unit that designates an image group as an editing target in the plurality of image data, a unit that determines a main object in each image data of the image group, a unit that obtains, from the image data, information to determine a depth-direction relative positional relationship between the main object and an image capturing apparatus, the information containing information of the main object, a unit that determines, based on the information, the depth-direction relative positional relationship between the image capturing apparatus and the main object in each image data of the image group, and a unit that determines, based on the positional relationship, a layout order and image sizes or an image overlay order of the image data of the image group on a layout plane. |
| US08681252B2 |
Photoelectric conversion apparatus and image pickup system
In an auto-focusing (AF) sensor, it has been difficult to realize high-speed auto focusing and high-accuracy, auto focusing without increasing the scale of a circuit. In the present invention, a common buffer unit is provided for a plurality of memory cell units that are provided in each unit pixel. |
| US08681250B2 |
Electronic device with two image sensors
An electronic device for producing an image of an object is disclosed. The electronic device may include a black-and-white camera having a first sensor area configured to receive luma data pertaining to the object. The first sensor area may correspond to a first pixel array, the luma data associated with the first pixel array. The electronic device may also include a color camera having a second sensor area configured to receive chroma data pertaining to the object. The second sensor area may correspond to a second pixel array. The chroma data may be associated with the second pixel array. The electronic device may also include first logic configured to correlate pixels in the first pixel array with locations on the second sensor area. |
| US08681248B1 |
Smart trigger logic for focal plane arrays
An electronic device includes a memory configured to receive data representing light intensity values from pixels in a focal plane array and a processor that analyzes the received data to determine which light values correspond to triggered pixels, where the triggered pixels are those pixels that meet a predefined set of criteria, and determines, for each triggered pixel, a set of neighbor pixels for which light intensity values are to be stored. The electronic device also includes a buffer that temporarily stores light intensity values for at least one previously processed row of pixels, so that when a triggered pixel is identified in a current row, light intensity values for the neighbor pixels in the previously processed row and for the triggered pixel are persistently stored, as well as a data transmitter that transmits the persistently stored light intensity values for the triggered and neighbor pixels to a data receiver. |
| US08681240B1 |
Device, network, server, and methods for providing digital images and associated processing information
A software routine detects a user selection of an icon on a touch screen of a portable digital image capturing device to communicate a digital image over a wireless network to a destination, and detects a selection of the digital image. The software routine further filters the digital image, identifies a user, and communicates the filtered digital image over the wireless network to the destination. |
| US08681239B2 |
Image capturing device, image capturing method, program, and integrated circuit
A camcorder (100), which is an example of image capturing devices, includes the following units. An imaging unit (110) captures moving pictures. An attribute information generation unit (120) generates attribute information indicating features of the moving pictures captured by the imaging unit (110). An evaluation unit (130) applies the attribute information generated by the attribute information generation unit (120) to a predetermined criterion, so as to calculate an evaluation value of the moving pictures for each predetermined time width. A still picture extraction unit (140) extracts a still picture from moving pictures in a predetermined time width, when the evaluation value calculated by the evaluation unit (130) for the predetermined time width exceeds an evaluation threshold value. A threshold value change unit (150) changes the evaluation threshold value based on at least one of person information and a composition change amount which are included in the attribute information. The person information is used for specifying a person captured in the moving pictures, and the composition change amount is an amount of change in image compositions between the moving pictures. |
| US08681232B2 |
Visual content-aware automatic camera adjustment
Visual content in images captured from a scene by a camera in each of a plurality of different pose settings are analyzed to determine predicted occurrences of a transaction associated with the visual content in each pose, which are compared with actual transaction occurrence data to generate performance values for each pose as a function difference between the predicted and actual transactions. Optimized poses are chosen having the best performance value, wherein a camera controller may place the camera in the optimum pose for use in monitoring the scene and generating the primitives of interest associated with the transactions. |
| US08681228B2 |
System and method for displaying an image indicating a positional relation between partially overlapping images
A device includes a display monitor configured to display on a screen of the display monitor at least one of a current image and a preceding image taken by an optical unit, a storage unit configured to store the preceding image, and a control unit configured to display a part of the preceding image on the screen when the current image is displayed on the screen, the displayed part of the preceding image indicating a positional relationship between the current image and the preceding image. The current image is taken when the displayed part of the preceding image substantially overlaps a corresponding portion of the current image such that the current image and the preceding image can be processed to form a panoramic image. |
| US08681223B2 |
Video motion detection, analysis and threat detection device and method
A method and apparatus including a camera collecting video images of a secured area, extracting objects; for each extracted object determining an object size, correcting the object size, for each extracted object determining, an object size, an object aspect ratio, an object speed and object motion path track, comparing the distance corrected object size with a statistical bell curve tuned to nominal human size, comparing aspect ratio to a statistical bell curve tuned to nominal aspect ratio of human proportions, comparing object speed to a statistical bell curve tuned to nominal travel speed of a typical human and comparing object motion path track against ramp function of absolute distance traveled over time, determining a respective threat probability for each of the extracted object signatures based upon the corrected object size, summing the respective threat probabilities and generating an motion alert upon detecting the summed threat probabilities exceeding a threshold value. |
| US08681222B2 |
Adaptation for clear path detection with additional classifiers
A method and system for vehicular clear path detection using adaptive machine learning techniques including additional classifiers. Digital camera images are segmented into patches, from which characteristic features are extracted representing attributes such as color and texture. The patch features are analyzed by a Support Vector Machine (SVM) or other machine learning classifier, which has been previously trained to recognize clear path image regions. For image regions or patches which result in a low confidence value, an additional classifier can be used, where the additional classifier is adaptively trained using real world test samples which were previously classified with high confidence as clear path roadway. Output from the original, offline trained classifier and the additional, adaptively-updated classifier are then used to make a joint decision about clear path existence in subsequent image patches. |
| US08681221B2 |
Vehicular image processing device and vehicular image processing program
A vehicular image processing device is provided with a kernel setting unit which sets a plurality of smoothing kernels which have a width supposed to be between the width of the lane mark and that of the road to the image acquired from a photographing unit, a smoothing unit which smoothes the acquired image by filtering using the set smoothing kernels, a variation degree calculating unit which calculates the variation degree of the pixel value of each pixel in the acquired image with respect to the smoothed image, and a pixel value replacing unit which replaces the pixel value of a pixel which is of the acquired image and has the variation degree not greater than a predefined value with a specific value. |
| US08681220B2 |
Camera unit and sensing device
A camera unit includes an image sensor, a circuit board in which a signal processor circuit to process an output signal of the image sensor is formed, a cable including a signal conductor element and a ground conductor element and connected at one end to the circuit board, and a shielding component formed to enclose the circuit board therewith. The ground conductor element is connected to both a ground terminal of the circuit board and the shielding component in a vicinity of the end of the cable. |
| US08681214B2 |
Method and apparatus for image processing and on-vehicle camera apparatus
An image processing apparatus that includes an edge-enhancement filter that enhances sharpness of an image is provided. The edge-enhancement filter includes distance calculators that calculate values of a distance between a target pixel and an optical center of a captured image in two or more axial directions, edge detection filters that detect edge amounts in two directions, multipliers that multiplies each of the edge amounts detected by the edge detection filters by one of the distance values of a corresponding one of the axial directions, a first adder that adds outputs of the multipliers together, and a second adder that adds a pixel value of the target pixel and an output of the first adder. A coring unit can be interposed between the first adder and the second adder if necessary. |
| US08681212B2 |
Method for recomposing large format media
The present invention relates to a process for shooting an entire scene on a single large format film camera and recomposing the filmed scene into a video stream suitable for transfer to conventional formats. |
| US08681211B2 |
High speed optical inspection system with adaptive focusing
An optical inspection system for inspecting a substrate is provided. The system includes an array of cameras configured to acquire a plurality of sets of images as the substrate and the array undergo relative motion with respect to each other. At least one focus actuator is operably coupled to each camera of the array of cameras to cause displacement of at least a portion of each camera that affects focus. A substrate range calculator is configured to receive at least portions of images from the array and to calculate range between the array of cameras and the substrate. A controller is coupled to the array of cameras and to the range calculator. The controller is configured to provide a control signal to each of the at least one focus actuator to adaptively focus each camera of the array during the relative motion. |
| US08681209B2 |
Device and system for in-vivo imaging
The present invention provides a system and method for obtaining in vivo images. The system contains an imaging system and a transmitter for transmitting signals from a camera to a receiving system located outside a patient. |
| US08681208B2 |
Image processing device and program
An image processing device includes a special light image acquisition section that acquires an image including an object image that includes information in a specific wavelength band as a special light image, an attention area detection section that detects an attention area based on a feature quantity of each pixel of the special light image, a disappearance determination section that determines whether or not the attention area has disappeared from a display target area based on a detection result for the attention area, the display target area being an area displayed on an output section, a guide information generation section that generates guide information about the attention area that has disappeared based on a determination result of the disappearance determination section, and an output control section that controls output of information including the guide information generated by the guide information generation section. |
| US08681206B2 |
3D image capture device and symmetric prism array for the same
The present invention discloses a 3D image capture device and a symmetric prism array for the same. The symmetric prism array comprises a plurality of right triangle prisms, wherein the longer legs of the right triangle prisms are arranged along an identical line on the incident plane, and wherein the right triangle prisms are left-right symmetric with respect to a central symmetry line, and wherein the normals of the hypotenuses of the right triangle prisms diverge from the central symmetry line. The symmetric prism array that captures light from two different directions is arranged in front of the lens of the 3D image capture device, whereby the 3D image capture device can capture images from two different directions simultaneously. After the image processing by the 3D image capture device, 3D images are presented. |
| US08681205B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling a three dimensional (3D) compatible viewing device
An interface unit is described that comprises a buffer for storing captured video data generated by a three dimensional (3D) device intended for a 3D monitor. The interface unit further comprises a synchronization signal extractor configured to extract vertical synchronization (vsync) signals from the video data and a control signal unit configured to derive control signals for a viewing device based on the stored vsync signals. The interface unit transmits the control signals to the viewing device. |
| US08681204B2 |
System and method for providing a perception of a continuous surface in a telepresence system
A method for preventing movement in a telepresence system, includes a plurality of cameras. Each camera has a respective field of vision for viewing one or more users. The fields of vision each have lateral boundaries. The system also includes a plurality of restrictive elements. Each restrictive element is positioned along a respective lateral boundary of a field of vision of the fields of vision of the plurality of cameras such that viewed users each positioned within a field of vision of the plurality of cameras are restricted by the plurality of restrictive elements from moving outside of the field of vision in which each viewed user is positioned. |
| US08681199B2 |
Method of providing video-call service using general voice-call terminal and private branch exchange for performing the method
In a method of providing video-call service using a general voice-call terminal and a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) for performing the method, the following steps or functions are performed: exchanging, at a PBX, video media information with a video-support adaptor for providing video-call service to a voice-call terminal; and exchanging, at the PBX, moving picture media information to be used by the voice-call terminal and the video-support adaptor with a counterpart video-call terminal so as to establish a session between the video-support adaptor and the counterpart video-call terminal. The PBX includes a call processor and a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) agent. It is possible to provide video-call service between a conventional terminal not having a video screen and various videophone apparatuses by interworking the conventional terminal with SIP-based video software or hardware. |
| US08681196B2 |
Scanning exposure device and image-forming apparatus
A scanning exposure device includes: a reflecting member that reflects a light irradiated by an irradiating unit; a housing that has a bottom, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and an aperture opening in a direction of a light reflected by the reflecting member; a cover that covers the aperture, forms a passing portion that allows the light reflected by the reflecting member to pass through, and provides a first fixed position at which the housing is fixed on the first sidewall and a second fixed position, paired with the first fixed position, at which the housing is fixed on the second sidewall, wherein the first fixed position and the second fixed position are arranged such that the main scanning direction passes between them. |
| US08681193B2 |
Stereoscopic display and driving method thereof
A driving method for stereoscopic display is provided, and the method comprises: obtaining a distance between a viewer and the stereoscopic display; obtaining an offset amount for sub-pixels of different colors displaying the same image point for the different eyes based on the above distance; obtaining a transformed transmission sequence of 2D image sub-pixel signals based on the offset amount, in which the sub-pixels of different colors for displaying the same image point for the different eyes are offset by the offset amount on the stereoscopic display; and outputting the 2D image sub-pixel signals according to the transformed transmission sequence so as to display sub-images of different colors for the different eyes. |
| US08681190B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes: a light source section; a liquid crystal display panel including pixels each configured of sub-pixels of three colors red (R), green (G) and blue (B) and a sub-pixel of a color (Z) with higher luminance than the three colors; and a display control section including an output signal generation section performing a display drive on the sub-pixels of R, G, B and Z with use of the output picture signals. A chromaticity point of the emission light from the light source section is set to a position deviated from a white chromaticity point. In the case where the input picture signals are picture signals indicating white (W), the output signal generation section performs a chromaticity point adjustment to adjust, to the white chromaticity point, a chromaticity point of display light emitted from the liquid crystal display panel based on the emission light. |
| US08681188B2 |
Display device, display method and computer program
There is provided a display device including a display unit configured to include a liquid crystal panel, which displays an image by changing an orientation state of a liquid crystal, and a backlight, whose light emission state is independently controllable with respect to each of multiple regions within a screen, and to line-sequentially display in an image display region a first image based on a first image signal and a second image based on a second image signal, by alternately displaying the first image and the second image by one frame or two or more consecutive frames and sequentially switching the first image and the second image at a predetermined time interval, and a backlight control unit configured to control the light emission state of the backlight for each region in accordance with signal levels of the first image signal and the second image signal. |
| US08681182B2 |
Alternate viewpoint rendering
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for alternate viewpoint rendering. A first image and a set of pixel-shift values for the pixels in the first image are received. A portion of a second image is generated, the second image comprising a different viewpoint than a viewpoint of the first image. A first pixel from the set of pixels is selected based on the different viewpoint. A first destination pixel is identified for the first pixel in the second image based on a pixel-shift value from the set of pixel-shift values associated with the first pixel. A value of the first destination pixel is determined based on at least one of (a) a previously considered pixel from the set of pixels of the first image that is horizontally adjacent to the first pixel or (b) the pixel-shift value associated with the first pixel. |
| US08681180B2 |
Post-render graphics scaling
An apparatus, method, and computer program product for scaling a rendered surface. The apparatus includes a graphics processor configured to render a surface at a source resolution, wherein a scaling parameter is associated with the surface, the scaling parameter defining the source resolution and a destination resolution. The apparatus further includes a display processor configured to scale the rendered surface to the destination resolution. Preferably, the scaling parameters are EGL surface attributes. |
| US08681172B2 |
Assigning color values to pixels based on object structure
Systems and methods are provided for assigning color values to pixels based on object structure. For example, when rendering a writing system symbol on an electronic display, a non-color characteristic of the symbol can be measured and the measurement can be used to select a color value for a pixel associated with the symbol. Legibility of open and closed line-based graphical objects can be increased by inferring spatial depth and distance through application of a color assignment model. |
| US08681170B2 |
Apparatus and method for multi-streaming for more than three pixel component values
A method and apparatus provides pixel information for one or more displays by producing for output on a single link, packet based pixel component multi-stream information on two or more streams. A first stream may include a portion of per-pixel component values, such as RGB pixel component values, whereas the second stream of the multi-stream may include a remaining portion of the per-pixel component values, such as a corresponding alpha value. Hence, multi-streams are employed to communicate, for example, an extended pixel component format for output to one or more displays. The multi-streams are synchronized to provide the pixel component values at a proper time for the receiving display or plurality of displays. |
| US08681169B2 |
Sparse texture systems and methods
Systems and methods for texture processing are presented. In one embodiment a texture method includes creating a sparse texture residency translation map; performing a probe process utilizing the sparse texture residency translation map information to return a finest LOD that contains the texels for a texture lookup operation; and performing the texture lookup operation utilizing the finest LOD. In one exemplary implementation, the finest LOD is utilized as a minimum LOD clamp during the texture lookup operation. A finest LOD number indicates a minimum resident LOD and a sparse texture residency translation map includes one finest LOD number per tile of a sparse texture. The sparse texture residency translation can indicate a minimum resident LOD. |
| US08681157B2 |
Information processing apparatus, program, and information processing method
An information processing apparatus including a storage section storing a plurality of content data and characteristics data of the plurality of content data, and a creation section for creating a moving image having movement according to the characteristics data of each of the plurality of content data and for creating a list screen of the plurality of content data including the moving image for each of the plurality of content data. |
| US08681156B2 |
Systems and methods for interactive vectorization
Embodiments facilitate the production of a B-spline curve that approximates a set of N-dimensional (position, pressures, tilt, etc.) discrete input samples recorded by a digital input device. Iterative noise filtering and B-spline subdivision processes are performed within a dynamic window of recent samples. A vector representation is produced at interactive rates after each new sample is captured, thus producing results that are comparable to what the same artist would expect if drawing on paper. |
| US08681154B1 |
Adaptive rendering of indistinct objects
Rendering of objects techniques can include a method, a system, and a graphics device. The method can include receiving data for one or more objects. The data for each object can include a fidelity code, wherein the fidelity code indicates object fidelity level. The method further can include computing pixels touched by each received object based on a pixel grid associated with the fidelity code of the object. The method further can include providing pixel data for objects having fidelity code indicating a lower fidelity object. |
| US08681153B2 |
Map display method used to enhance the display of a building by showing several levels of this building
This method is used to enhance the display of a building (SC) showing several levels (T, F1, F2, F3) of this building, without hiding a portion of the map. It consists of: displaying (SPA6′) a first level (T) of this building in the position of this building in the original image, with an enlargement ratio of 100%, displaying (SPP6a′) the other levels (F1, F2, F3) of this building, juxtaposing them with the first level (T), with an enlargement ratio of 100%; and displaying (SPP6b′), in juxtaposition with the display (SPP6a′) of the different levels (F1, F2, F3) of this building, a surface (SPP6b′) representing a so-called peripheral portion (SPP6) located, in the original image, on the periphery of this building, this peripheral portion (SPP6) being displayed (SPP6′) applying: to all elements of this peripheral portion (SPP6), enlargement ratios greater than or equal to a pre-determined minimum value, and at least to some elements, respective enlargement ratios with values lower than 100%, chosen such that the combination of the display surface (SPP6b′) of the peripheral portion and the display surface (SPP6a′) of all the levels (T, F1, F2, F3) occupies, in the new image of the map, a surface (SPA6′+SPP6′) equal to that of the combination of the display surface (SPA6) of the building (SC) and the display surface (SPP6) of the peripheral portion in the original image of the map. |
| US08681149B2 |
3D layering of map metadata
Techniques and tools are described for rendering views of a map in which map metadata elements are layered in 3D space through which a viewer navigates. Layering of metadata elements such as text labels in 3D space facilitates parallax and smooth motion effects for zoom-in, zoom-out and scrolling operations during map navigation. A computing device can determine a viewer position that is associated with a view altitude in 3D space, then render for display a map view based upon the viewer position and metadata elements layered at different metadata altitudes in 3D space. For example, the computing device places text labels in 3D space above features associated with the respective labels, at the metadata altitudes indicated for the respective labels. The computing device creates a map view from points of the placed labels and points of a surface layer of the map that are visible from the viewer position. |
| US08681147B1 |
Fractured texture coordinates
In various embodiments, an interactive multi-mesh garment modeling system may allow a user to employ solid modeling techniques to create one or more representations of garment objects whose motions are typically determined by computer simulations. Accordingly, in one aspect, the interactive multi-mesh garment modeling system may automatically generate one or more meshes that satisfy the requirements for computer simulations from a source mesh modeled by a user using solid modeling techniques. For each polygon associated with a UV mapping of one of these meshes, gradients of U and V for the polygon can be determined with respect to a 3D representation of an object that are substantially orthogonal and of uniform magnitude and that approximate the original gradients of U and V for the polygon. In another aspect, each polygon in a plurality of polygons of a 2D parameterization of an object can be reshaped based on individually corresponding polygons in a 3D representation of the object. |
| US08681145B2 |
Attribute transfer between computer models including identifying isomorphic regions in polygonal meshes
A method for automatically transferring attributes between computer-generated models. The method includes storing in memory first and second models represented by polygonal meshes and storing a set of attributes for the first model. A processor operates or runs a compressed graph generator to process the first and second models to generate first and second compressed graphs that are compressed versions of the models. The method includes comparing topological connectivity of the first and second compressed graphs. When the connectivity is similar, the method includes transferring at least a portion of the attributes from the first model to the second model. The compressed graphs may be motorcycle graphs, skeleton graphs, or other forms of compressed graphs. The method includes determining a pair of vertices in the first compressed graph that match vertices in the second compressed graph for use as starting locations in comparing topological connectivity of the compressed graphs. |
| US08681140B2 |
Display device and electronic apparatus having the same
A thin display device having a plurality of panels and an electronic apparatus using such a display device are provided at low cost. The display device of the invention has a plurality of display units. A controller IC for controlling a signal supplied to the display units is provided in common for the display units, thereby controlling which of the display units to be supplied with a signal. Similarly, a power supply IC is provided in common for the display units to control which of the display units to be supplied with a voltage. |
| US08681138B2 |
Method and device for measuring light conditions in an automobile for determining a control signal
In a method for determining a control signal as a function of measured ambient light conditions for subsequent processing by at least one electrical component, in particular in order to control an imaging unit of an image output apparatus, the present light conditions are detected by means of a plurality of light sensors, measuring signals are output as a function of the intensity of the light conditions recorded by the light sensors, and the measuring signals of the individual light sensors are then combined into at least one control signal in accordance with at least one predefined ratio. The control signal is adjusted with consideration of the orientation of at least one of the light sensors and is then output. |
| US08681134B2 |
Display device
A TFT element for ambient light detection and a TFT element for temperature detection are connected in series. In a first period, a first switch element is off, and a second switch element is at a hi side, so that a threshold voltage of the TFT element for temperature detection is detected. In a second period, a first switch element is on, and a second switch element is at a low side, so that temperature is detected. In a third period, a first switch element is on, and a second switch element is at a hi side, so that ambient light is detected. An input voltage and a control voltage to each of the TFT elements are set by a voltage controller provided in a drive circuit based on the threshold voltage. |
| US08681132B2 |
Scanning display apparatus
A scanning display apparatus includes a display operable to receive driver signals and generate corresponding visual information for presentation on the display, to sense radiation received at the display and generating corresponding sensing signals corresponding to a region proximate to the display. The apparatus also includes computer hardware coupled to the display for generating driver signals for the display and for receiving the sensing signals from the display. The computer hardware is operable to provide an interactive user interface at the display. |
| US08681131B2 |
Method and apparatus for an electronic device assembly
An apparatus comprises an assembly adapted to rotatably couple a first housing and a second housing, the assembly adapted to rotate the first housing and the second housing with respect to each other between a closed configuration and at least one open configuration, the assembly comprising an inner ring coupled with the first housing and an outer ring coupled with the second housing, the inner ring slidably coupled with the outer ring in a circumferential direction, the outer ring movable through a first opening in the first housing, the inner ring movable through a second opening in the second housing when the first housing and the second housing rotate with respect to each other. |
| US08681129B2 |
Associating auxiliary data with digital ink
A method of associating auxiliary data with a digital ink stream comprises capturing a sequence of samples representing a digital ink stream and modifying the sample information, or inserting a plurality of new samples into the sample sequence, the modified or new samples representing auxiliary data. New samples are inserted in between existing samples and are essentially imperceptible to a person viewing the digital ink image, while an authorised recipient can extract the auxiliary data. |
| US08681128B2 |
Acoustic touch apparatus
An improved acoustic touch apparatus that has a logo or application icon applied on the back surface of a propagating substrate which can be viewed through the substrate and an acoustic element situated adjacent the logo or application icon that can compensate for phase velocity shifts of surface acoustic waves in propagating over the logo or application icon. |
| US08681127B2 |
Touch discrimination
In some implementations, a touch point on a surface of a touchscreen device may be determined. An image of a region of space above the surface and surrounding the touch point may be determined. The image may include a brightness gradient that captures a brightness of objects above the surface. A binary image that includes one or more binary blobs may be created based on a brightness of portions of the image. A determination may be made as to which of the one more binary blobs are connected to each other to form portions of a particular user. A determination may be made that the particular user generated the touch point. |
| US08681124B2 |
Method and system for recognition of user gesture interaction with passive surface video displays
A system recognizes user-object gesture interactions with the surface of a monitor display, with hover space defined spaced-apart from the display surface, or in virtual scroll regions defined on the periphery of the monitor display. The system recognizes user-object interactions, e.g., gestures, and can affect what is displayed commensurately. The system includes at least a first time-of-flight (TOF) system and at least one of a second TOF, a two-dimensional camera, and a mirror, each TOF system processing at least one of z-depth data and A-brightness data. User-object interactions, e.g., touching(s) of the display surface, location(s) in a hover region, or location(s) in a virtual scroll region, are recognized passively in that the user-object need not have capacitance, resistance, exert force, or deform during gesture interaction. The system may be attached retroactively to the monitor, which may be a large (>22 cm) monitor, or a small cell phone sized monitor. |
| US08681122B2 |
Capacitive sensing with programmable logic for touch sense arrays
A touch sense controller configured to be coupled to a touch sense array is disclosed. The touch sense controller includes programmable logic that includes programmable logic elements configured to manage measurement of capacitance associated with the touch sense array. |
| US08681118B2 |
Touch panel and a method of locating a touch point of the same
The present disclosure is directed to a touch panel and a method of locating a touch point. An insulating layer is disposed between a first insulating substrate and a second insulating substrate. A first conductive film with anisotropic impedance is disposed between the first insulating substrate and the insulating layer, and a second conductive film with anisotropic impedance is disposed between the insulating layer and the second insulating substrate. Multiple first pads are disposed on a peripheral region of the first conductive film along a first direction, and multiple second pads are disposed on a peripheral region of the second conductive film along a second direction. The first conductive film has least impedance along the second direction, and the second conductive film has least impedance along the first direction. |
| US08681112B2 |
Apparatus and method for touch screen user interface for electronic devices part IC
A user interface in handheld devices has a touch screen for generating control signals for control of an electronic device, with a continuous touch movement detection on the touch area from a single touch from a begin sub-area to an end sub-area via a middle sub-area, in the touch control logic of the touch screen. The continuous touch movement detection in the logic memory creates substantially an arc touch movement from the begin sub-area to the end sub-area. The arc touch movement in the touch control logic of the touch screen is used to generate a control command signal for the electronic device. The touch movement detections, clockwise or anticlockwise, convex or concave are used to generate different control signals for the device and thus provide a large number of navigation control functions. |
| US08681110B2 |
Sensing circuit for use with capacitive touch panel
A sensing circuit of a capacitive touch panel includes an operation amplifier, a first switch, a second switch, first and second feedback capacitors, a third switch, a fourth switch, a fifth switch and a sixth switch. The operation amplifier includes a positive input terminal, a negative input terminal and an output terminal. A reference voltage is inputted into the positive input terminal. The first switch is connected between a receiving electrode and the negative input terminal. The second switch is connected between the negative input terminal and the output terminal. The third switch is connected to the negative input terminal and the first feedback capacitor. The fourth switch is connected to the first feedback capacitor and the output terminal. The fifth switch is connected to the negative input terminal and the second feedback capacitor. The sixth switch is connected to the second feedback capacitor and the output terminal. |
| US08681108B2 |
Input apparatus
An input apparatus 10 has a display unit 11 for displaying a screen composed of a plurality of layers including a first layer for displaying an input area and a second layer for displaying an input area, wherein the second layer is different from that of the first layer, a touch panel 12 arranged in association with the display unit 11 and for detecting an input to an input area, a determination unit 17 for determining an input mode to the touch panel 12, a detection unit 16 for detecting an input to a superimposed area of input areas displayed on the first and second layers and a processing unit 19 for processing, when the input is determined as an input of a first input mode, the input as an input to the input area displayed on the first layer and when the input is determined as an input of a second input mode, the input as an input to the input area displayed on the second layer. |
| US08681106B2 |
Devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for accessibility using a touch-sensitive surface
An accessibility method is performed by an electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface. The method includes: mapping at least a first portion of the display to the touch-sensitive surface; concurrently displaying a plurality of user interface containers on the display; detecting a user interface container selection event that selects a first user interface container in the plurality of user interface containers; and, in response to detecting the user interface container selection event: ceasing to map the first portion of the display to the touch-sensitive surface, and proportionally mapping the first user interface container to be substantially coextensive with the touch-sensitive surface. |
| US08681097B2 |
Reproducing device, setting changing method, and setting changing device
A reproducing device that can reproduce data and operates on a battery includes displaying means, attitude detecting means for detecting an attitude of the reproducing device, determining means for determining whether the reproducing device satisfies a predetermined condition, and controlling means for changing a setting of the reproducing device on a basis of a result of detection of the attitude detecting means when the determining means determines that the reproducing device satisfies the predetermined condition. |
| US08681095B2 |
Operation input unit and manipulator system
Unintended motion of a displayed object is prevented by rapidly detecting a state in which an operator becomes unable to operate an operating unit. Provided is an operation input unit including a display; a head-mounted unit; an operating unit to which an operating signal for a displayed object displayed on the display is input; a relative-position detecting section that detects the relative position between the head-mounted unit and the operating unit; and a control unit that controls the displayed object by switching between a first control mode in which the motion of the displayed object is controlled in accordance with an operating signal input to the operating unit and a second control mode in which the motion of the displayed object is controlled by limiting an operating signal input to the operating unit on the basis of the relative position detected by the relative-position detecting section. |
| US08681093B2 |
Motion compensation for screens
A method for compensating for motion on screens is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes varying the display of a screen on a device using motion data. In this embodiment, a display adjustment amount also may be determined using screen properties and motion limits. In another embodiment, the method includes varying the location of an input region on a touch screen using touch data. In yet another embodiment, the method includes scaling selectable images and apportioning the display using motion data. Various additional methods, machine-readable media, and systems for motion compensation of a screen are also provided. |
| US08681092B2 |
Input device
An input device including an operation portion to be operated by an external force, a signal generating portion that generates a signal according to a movement of the operation portion, and a tactile sense stimulus mechanism that applies a tactile sense stimulus to an object that applies the external force is provided. The tactile sense stimulus mechanism includes magnetic field generating portions, and a tactile sense stimulus member that is secured to a magnetic field generating portion. |
| US08681091B2 |
Bistable display device
A bistable display device comprises a substrate, a display film, a display circuit, an electromagnetic sensing layer, a shielding layer and a protection layer. The substrate has an upper surface and a lower surface. The display film is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate. The display circuit is formed on the upper surface of the substrate. The electromagnetic sensing layer is formed on the lower surface of the substrate. The shielding layer is disposed under the electromagnetic sensing layer. The protecting layer is disposed under the shielding layer. |
| US08681090B2 |
Electrophoretic display panel
An electrophoretic display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a partition wall, first electrodes, a second electrode, a dispersant, positively-charged particles, negatively-charged particles, weakly-charged particles, switching thin film transistors, scanning lines, and signal lines. Pixel spaces are surrounded by the partition wall, the first substrate and the second substrate. Two of the first electrodes are formed on the first substrate in each pixel. The second electrode facing the first electrodes is formed on the second substrate. The dispersant with the positively-charged particles, the negatively-charged particles, and weakly-charged particles is contained in the pixel spaces. The switching thin film transistors are connected to the first electrode, and the signal line. The scanning lines supply scanning signals to gate electrodes of the switching thin film transistors. The signal lines input a data signal to the switching thin film transistors. |
| US08681087B2 |
Image display device and image display method
An image display device which performs area-active drive suppresses occurrence of flickering that is caused when displaying dynamic images due to the emission luminance of each area being determined on the basis of a maximum or mean value of pixel luminances within that area.An emission luminance calculation section (151) divides an input image (31) into a plurality of areas, and obtains luminances upon emission of LEDs (first emission luminances) (32) in the areas. A maximum luminance position eccentricity coefficient calculation section (152) obtains maximum luminance position eccentricity coefficients (33) indicating maximum luminance positions in the areas. An emission luminance correction section (153) corrects the first emission luminances (32) on the basis of the maximum luminance position eccentricity coefficients (33) and contribution ratios (34) stored in an LED filter (156). At this time, luminances of areas positioned in the same direction as the maximum luminance positions are set to be relatively high, and luminances of areas positioned in the opposite direction to the maximum luminance positions are set to be relatively low. |
| US08681078B2 |
Display unit, method of driving the same, and electronics device
A display unit with which the internal structure is able to be simplified, a method of driving the same, and an electronics device are provided. The display unit includes a video signal processing circuit, a signal line drive circuit, a power source line drive circuit and a scanning line drive circuit. The power source line drive circuit concurrently applies a control pulse to the all power source lines, and concurrently controls light emission and light extinction of the all light emitting devices. The scanning line drive circuit applies a first selection pulse to the all scanning lines during time period when the fixed voltage is applied, and subsequently and sequentially applies a second selection pulse to the plurality of scanning lines during time period when the erasing pulse is applied. |
| US08681077B2 |
Semiconductor device, and display device, driving method and electronic apparatus thereof
When light emitting elements have the same luminance, luminosity obtained from one pixel can be higher as area of a light emitting region in the pixel (also called an aperture ration) is increased. The aperture ratio of a pixel is low if the number of transistors and wires constituting the pixel is large. Thus, the invention is to decrease the number of transistors and wires constituting a pixel to increase the aperture ratio. Instead of a power supply line to which a certain potential is set, a potential supply line which controls a potential by a signal is provided; supplying an applied voltage to a light emitting element can be controlled by a signal of the potential supply line without providing a switch. |
| US08681070B2 |
Co-axial quadrifilar antenna
Antennas that include an inner set of four helical antenna elements and a co-axially arranged outer set of four helical antenna elements. The helical winding directions of the two sets of elements may have the same handedness or opposite handedness. Certain embodiments provide for switch handedness of circularly polarized radiation of the antennas and certain embodiments provide for shifting the directivity of the antenna pattern in polar angle. Systems in which the antennas are used and methods of use are also taught. |
| US08681067B2 |
Antenna apparatus having device carrier with magnetodielectric material
An antenna apparatus having a device carrier made of a magneto-dielectric material is provided. The antenna apparatus includes a device carrier having a magnetic carrier made of a magneto-dielectric material, and an antenna device connectable to a power source through a feeding point of one end portion and extended from the feeding point to pass through a surface of the magnetic carrier and operable in a resonant frequency band when power is supplied through the feeding point. Therefore, by forming at least a portion of the device carrier with a magnetic carrier, an operating performance of the antenna apparatus can be improved. |
| US08681066B2 |
Monolithic microwave antenna feed and method of manufacture
A microwave antenna feed arrangement provided with a unitary body with a feed bore between a launch end and a back end of the body. A plurality of coaxial annular grooves are located on the launch end of the body. An OMT bore in the body extends from a side of the body to the feed bore. The body may be further configured with an end cap to close the back end of the feed bore or a feed elbow for dual polarization operation. The body may be manufactured for example, by machining or metal injection molding. |
| US08681064B2 |
Resistive frequency selective surface circuit for reducing coupling and electromagnetic interference in radar antenna arrays
An antenna system for reducing unwanted coupling and electromagnetic interference, the antenna system including a transmit module configured to send a signal, a receive module configured to receive the signal, a radome, and a resistive frequency selective surface circuit configured to reduce a coupled portion of the signal, the resistive frequency selective surface circuit disposed in a path of the coupled portion of the signal. |
| US08681062B2 |
Antenna, wireless communication apparatus and method of configuring antenna
The present invention enables to restrain the enlargement of the wireless communication apparatus and prevent the manufacturing processes from increasing and to increase the frequency bands which can be used by the wireless communication.An antenna 1 includes a first ground pattern 3, a second ground pattern 4, a hinge conductor member 5 and a current control circuit 6. The first ground pattern 3 is formed on a first printed wiring board 7. The hinge conductor member 5 is arranged on a hinge Z which connects indirectly the first printed wiring board 7 and a second printed wiring board 8 each other. The current control circuit 6 is arranged on the first printed wiring board 7. The current control circuit 6 has a function to flow the electric current of a first frequency band and attenuate the electric current of a second frequency band. An electric current of the first frequency band flows from a feeding source 10 to the second ground pattern 4 and flows into the first ground pattern 3 through the hinge conductor member 5 and the current control circuit 6. A part, on which the electric current of the first frequency band flows, functions as an antenna which communicate the signal of the first frequency band. An electric current of the second frequency band flows from the feeding source 10 to the second ground pattern 4 and flows until reaching the current control circuit 6 through the hinge conductor member 5. A part, on which the electric current of the second frequency band flows, functions as an antenna which communicate the signal of the second frequency band. |
| US08681060B2 |
Multiband antenna and electronic device
Disclosed is a multiband antenna, comprising: an antenna element section which is fed from a feeding point; and a ground element section which is connected to a ground of the feeding point; wherein the antenna element section includes: a pole element which includes the feeding point, and has a length at which the pole element resonates at a first frequency; an L-shaped folded-back element which is connected to an end of the pole element, and resonates at a second frequency together with the pole element; and an L-shaped added element which is connected to the pole element; wherein a length from the feeding point to an end of the added element is a length at which the added element resonates at the first frequency. |
| US08681059B2 |
Antenna configuration
Antenna apparatuses and methods used in wireless communication devices are disclosed. The antenna includes a first portion configured to be coupled to a communication device. The antenna also includes a second portion configured to be coupled to the first portion. The first portion and second portion are coupled by overlapping the first portion and second portion so as to produce an omnidirectional radiation pattern and a vertical radiation pattern. |
| US08681058B2 |
Antenna module
An antenna module for an electronic device includes a shielding metal sheet for isolation of electromagnetic interference, and an antenna placed on the shielding metal sheet for radio signal reception and transmission, wherein the shielding metal sheet includes a first ground point working as a ground point of the antenna module and the antenna includes a first feeding point working as a feeding point of the antenna module. |
| US08681057B2 |
Mobile terminal and method for fabricating antenna of mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a body having a user input unit for receiving a control command; an antenna unit mounted on the body to transmit and receive a radio signal; and a circuit board connected to the antenna unit to process the radio signal, wherein the antenna unit includes: a base film made of a light-transmissive material; a first conductive oxide film formed on one surface of the base film; a metal conductive part laminated on the first conductive oxide film and forming an antenna pattern corresponding to the radio signal; and a second conductive oxide film configured to cover the metal conductive part. |
| US08681055B2 |
Coupling structure for antenna device
A coupling structure for an antenna device including a housing, which retains an antenna element for transmitting or receiving a communication signal, and a wire harness, which extends out of the housing. The coupling structure includes a coupling member that couples the wire harness to a conductor when coupling the housing to a coupling location. |
| US08681054B2 |
PIFA/monopole hybrid antenna and mobile communications device having the same
A PIFA/monopole hybrid antenna includes a high-frequency radiator, a low-frequency radiator, a connecting part, a feed part, and a ground part. The high-frequency radiator includes a first radiating part and a second radiating part extended substantially perpendicular to the first radiating part. The low-frequency radiator includes a third radiating part extended substantially parallel to the first radiating part, and a fourth radiating part extended substantially perpendicular to the third radiating part. The connecting part is connected between the high-frequency radiator, the low-frequency radiator, the connecting part, the feed part, and the ground part. |
| US08681052B2 |
Low profile wideband antenna
The specification discloses a low-profile, ultra wideband, inverted f antenna having increased bandwidth. The antenna includes a ground plane, a planar antenna element spaced from the ground plane, a first tubular element electrically connected to and extending from the ground plane toward the antenna element, and a second tubular element electrically connected to and extending from the antenna element toward the ground plane. The tubular elements physically interfit but are electrically separated. The antenna is compatible with LTE, GPS and satellite radio communications to provide a compact antenna suitable for use in automotive and other applications. |
| US08681049B2 |
Built-in FM transmitting antenna applied to a mobile device
A built-in FM transmitting antenna applied to a mobile device, includes a substrate unit, a first antenna unit, a conducting unit and a second antenna unit. The substrate unit has a circuit substrate, at least one grounding layer disposed on the circuit substrate, and a plurality of conducting pads disposed on the circuit substrate. The first antenna unit is disposed above the substrate unit and substantially parallel to the substrate unit. The conducting unit is electrically connected between the substrate unit and the first antenna unit. The second antenna unit is directly disposed on the edge of the top surface of the circuit substrate. The second antenna unit has two ends electrically connected between two of the conducting pads, respectively. The two ends of the second antenna unit are electrically connected to an FM chip module and the conducting unit through the two of the conducting pads, respectively. |
| US08681047B2 |
System and method to form coherent wavefronts for arbitrarily distributed phased arrays
A system and method for providing coherent sources for phased arrays are provided. One method includes providing a plurality of transceivers configured to transmit signals and defining an array of nodes. The method also includes providing a plurality of beacons at different frequencies to one of aim or focus phase coherent energy generated by the transmitted signals from the plurality of transceivers, wherein the phase coherent energy is transmitted at a direction and a frequency determined with phase conjugation and independent of the location of the plurality of beacons. |
| US08681045B2 |
Hybrid satellite positioning receiver
A hybrid satellite positioning receiver architecture is provided with a first receive path and a second receive path. The first receive path downconverts received satellite positioning signals of a first type to an intermediate frequency range, and the second receive path downconverts received satellite positioning signals of a second type to the same intermediate frequency range. |
| US08681044B2 |
Culled satellite ephemeris information for quick, accurate assisted locating satellite location determination for cell site antennas
Locating satellites (e.g., GPS) are culled into a preferred group having a longest dwell time based on a time passing through an ellipsoid arc path through a cone of space, and communicated to mobile devices within a particular region (e.g., serviced by a particular base station). The culled locating satellites may select those visible, or more preferably those locating satellites currently within a cone of space above the relevant base station are selected for communication by a mobile device within the service area of the base station. The inverted cone of space may be defined for each antenna structure for any given base station, and each has 360 degrees of coverage, or less than 360 degrees of coverage, with relevant locating satellites. Thus, cell sites may be specifically used as reference points for culling the ephemeris information used to expedite Assisted GPS location determinations. |
| US08681040B1 |
System and method for aiding pilots in resolving flight ID confusion
The present invention is a method for aiding pilots in resolving flight identifier (flight ID) confusion. The method includes receiving a first flight ID in a processing system. The method further includes comparing the first flight ID to a second flight ID. The method further includes providing an alert when the compared first flight ID and second flight ID are at least substantially similar. The first flight ID is associated with a first aircraft, the second flight ID is associated with a second aircraft, the first aircraft and second aircraft being located in substantially proximal airspace. |
| US08681039B2 |
Devices, methods, and systems for occupancy detection
Devices, methods, and systems for occupancy detection are described herein. One or more device embodiments include a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to determine an interference temperature associated with a number of radio equipped devices located in an area at a point in time, determine a radio tomographic map associated with the area at the point in time, and determine whether the area is occupied at the point in time based on the determined interference temperature and the determined radio tomographic map. |
| US08681038B1 |
Radar data processing
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for radar data processing. In some examples, the method includes determining a plurality of substantially equally spaced frequency intervals within radar data based on an interval size; transforming parts of the radar data within each of the plurality of substantially equally spaced frequency intervals; determining a magnitude of each of the transformed parts of the radar data; and summing the magnitude for each of the transformed parts of the radar data to form adaptive radar data. The adaptive radar data can have a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the radar data. |
| US08681037B2 |
Performance model for synthetic aperture radar automatic target recognition and method thereof
A target correlation matrix is generated for multiple two-class combinations of target types each having a target correlation and a synthetic aperture radar observation space. A target probability density of a target radar cross-section signature and a background probability density of a background radar cross-section signature are utilized. The observation space of each of the two-class combinations is partitioned into a target partition and at least one background partition in accordance with the target correlation. A conditional log likelihood is calculated using at least one random number for each of the partitions in accordance with the target probability density and the background probability density, and summed according to the two-class combinations. A maximum log likelihood is calculated from the summed conditional log likelihoods given that one target type of the multiple two-class combinations is assumed to be true. An automatic target recognition performance prediction based on the maximum log likelihood is generated. |
| US08681027B2 |
Digital receiver and optical communication system that uses same
A digital receiver includes: an analog-to-digital (AD) converter (102) for setting discrimination levels in accordance with a discrimination level control signal and converting an analog input signal into a digital signal based on the set discrimination levels; a discrimination level adjusting circuit (104) for generating the discrimination level control signal and outputting the discrimination level control signal to the AD converter; a signal quality monitoring portion (108) for generating a transfer function correction control signal, which is information about a transfer function of the AD converter; and a transfer function correcting circuit (106) for performing signal processing on the digital signal so as to cancel a gap between the transfer function of the AD converter and an initial transfer function based on the transfer function correction control signal. |
| US08681021B1 |
System, apparatus, and method for generating a lateral meteorological profile on an aircraft display unit
Present novel and non-trivial system, apparatus, and method for generating a lateral meteorological profile are disclosed. The system is comprised of a source for providing hazard data and a lateral profile generator (“LPG”), where the source could be comprised of an aircraft weather system and/or a datalink system through which hazard weather data is received. The apparatus is comprised of the LPG configured to perform the method comprised of receiving hazard data, determining profile location data, and generating profile image data. The hazard data represents location information of each hazard located outside the aircraft, the profile location data is representative of a plurality of locations of maximum vertical sector height within a vertical sector, and the profile image data is representative of a lateral meteorological profile comprised of a plurality of points, each point corresponding to one location of the maximum vertical sector height. |
| US08681019B2 |
Method for automatic delay of standby message to maximize time for response to electronic text message
A method for electronic communications comprises transmitting an electronic text message from a sender to a receiver, starting a sender timer when the text message is transmitted that monitors an initial time period to accept a response message from the receiver, and starting a receiver timer when the text message is received that monitors an initial time period to respond. If a STANDBY message is selected after the text message is received, an automatic timing delay is initiated to send the STANDBY message. The STANDBY message is transmitted when the automatic timing delay has reached a predetermined timing threshold. The receiver timer is restarted when the STANDBY message is transmitted to give the receiver an additional time period to respond. The sender timer is restarted when the STANDBY message is received to give the sender an additional time period to accept a response message from the receiver. |
| US08681017B2 |
Visible light communication apparatus for vehicle, system and method for vehicular communication inside tunnel using visible light communication
A visible light communication apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The visible light communication apparatus for the vehicle includes a vehicle optical receiver for receiving a visible light signal including a tunnel light node ID, a front passing vehicle node ID, and tunnel environment data, from a tunnel light and converting the visible light signal to an electric signal; and a vehicular visible light emitting diode unit arranged to face the optical receiver for converting vehicle speed and location information calculated by counting tunnel light node IDs received over a certain time, to a visible light signal and sending the visible light signal to the tunnel light. Using the vehicular visible light communication apparatus and the tunnel light having the visible light communication function, an efficient vehicular communication system can be built in the tunnel. |
| US08681013B2 |
Management apparatus for managing a content display change time on a display apparatus and content information to be transmitted to a terminal
A management apparatus for managing a content display change time on a display apparatus and content information to be transmitted to a terminal determines the content information to be transmitted to the terminal on the basis of a reception time of a content information request command transmitted from the terminal and the content display change time on the display apparatus. |
| US08681011B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting fires
The present smoke detection system uses a single sensor to quickly detect both fast flaming fires and smoldering fires while further reducing nuisance and false alarms. In the present detector, the sensor is preferably an ionization sensor. Specifically, a first algorithm is used to detect flaming fires and second algorithm is used to detect smoldering fires. An alarm is sounded when either algorithm generates an alarm condition. In each embodiment, the first algorithm generates an alarm condition when a sensor output signal exceeds a first threshold. The alarm condition is generated for the second algorithm when the sensor output signal: (1) exceeds a second threshold for T time.; (2) rate of change exceeds a predetermined rate of change threshold; (3) change between time Tn and time Tn-1 exceeds a predetermined change threshold; or (4) sensor signal exceeds an historic standard deviation of the signal multiplied by a predetermined constant. |
| US08681008B2 |
Personal care implement having a display
A personal care implement or toothbrush includes a sensor for detecting a position of the toothbrush and orientation display for providing content to a user. The display may be configured to present content in a mirror-image format. The personal care implement may be configured to operate in one or more modes of operation. One or more components may be included for setting variables associated with the modes of operation, for changing an orientation of the displayed content between a mirror-image format and forward-facing format, and for changing the particular mode of operation. |
| US08681007B2 |
Managing a potential choking condition with a monitoring system
A method, system or computer usable program product for managing a potential choking condition with a monitoring system including monitoring by the monitoring system by detecting relative positions of a set of emitters disposed along an object, wherein a choking condition is indicated by the set of emitters being on close proximity to a neck portion of a body and arranged in a potentially choking configuration, and responsive to the determination of the choking condition, the monitoring system performing an action. |
| US08681004B2 |
Deactivation of a security feature
A method to deactivate a security measure includes applying a first covert optically active security marker to a product or document; completing a transaction for the product or document; and applying a second optically active security marker to the product or document which indicates completion of the transaction. |
| US08680999B2 |
Loss prevention system
A loss prevention system comprises a protected article and a receiver. The protected article and the receiver are located in the same room. The loss prevention system can help to prevent loss or theft of the protected article. The protected article comprises a transmitter that emits an infrared signal. The infrared signal has a carrier frequency that is modulated to encode a digital signature. The receiver detects infrared signals. The receiver performs an alarm action if the receiver does not detect within a rolling time window an infrared signal having the carrier frequency that is modulated to encode the digital signature. |
| US08680997B2 |
Taut wire fence system
An apparatus and method of detecting a change in tension of a taut wire fence system, where the system includes a connector including a main body member having a first attachment portion at one end of the member and a second attachment portion at the opposite end of the member and a sensor located on the main body between and aligned with the first and second attachment portions, the method including the steps of attaching a first wire of the fence to the first attachment portion and attaching the second attachment portion of the connector either to an end support mount for the fence, or to a second wire of the fence system such that the connector is held independently of direct contact with any fence support, and such that the first wire, the sensor on the main body of the connector and the second attachment portion respectively, are aligned. |
| US08680995B2 |
Access control system based upon behavioral patterns
A method and apparatus for detecting behavioral changes in a security system is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a secured area having a plurality of security zones where access to each is controlled by an access controller, detecting entrances to at least some of the plurality of security zones by an authorized person through respective access controllers of the plurality of zones over a predetermined previous time period, forming a probability model of entry into each of the plurality of security zones from the detected entrances over the previous time period, detecting access requests for the authorized user from the access controllers during a current time period, and generating a security alert upon determining that an access request of the current access requests exceeds a probability threshold value associated with the probability model. |
| US08680991B2 |
Personal emergency response appliance
A personal emergency system includes a motion sensor wearable by a human being to sense motion of the human being; a processor; wireless communications circuitry; computer code to match the acceleration signature with at least one of a plurality of stored acceleration signatures, wherein each stored acceleration signatures corresponds with one or more types of motion; and computer code to identify the type of motion of the object based on the matching of the acceleration signature. An optional positioning system can be included where the location of the user is determined based on times of arrival of signals. |
| US08680990B1 |
System and method for associating items of a set
A system for facilitating the location of a first item of a set of items, as well as a wireless communication device and a related method of operation, are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the system includes a first wireless device associated with the first item of the set, the first wireless device including an output device and a receiver, and a second wireless device associated with a second item of the set, the second wireless device including an input device and a transmitter. The second wireless device in response to an input signal transmits a wireless signal to the first wireless device, which in response provides a first output signal that is either sufficiently visible or sufficiently audible so as to facilitate the location of the first item of the set. In some embodiments, the wireless devices are aftermarket devices capable of being attached to the items. |
| US08680978B2 |
Method for displaying a warning message in a vehicle
A method for displaying a warning message in a first vehicle, includes transmitting from a second vehicle a warning and position data relating to a position of the second vehicle to the first vehicle, wherein if, after reception of the warning and of the position data by the first vehicle, it is concluded on the basis of the received position data that the second vehicle can be seen by a driver of the first vehicle in a region of a head-up display of the first vehicle, the warning message is displayed in such a way that the second vehicle is characterized visually for the driver of the first vehicle in the head-up display of the first vehicle. |
| US08680975B2 |
Haptic actuator systems and methods thereof
A haptic actuator system and a method of making the same include an ultrasonically vibrating motor body. A shaft is coupled to the vibrating motor body, the shaft arranged to rotate in at least one direction in response to the vibrating motor body. At least one unbalanced mass is coupled to and is moveable with the shaft to generate human-detectable vibrations in response to a motion of the shaft. |
| US08680970B2 |
RFID systems using distributed exciter network
RFID systems are disclosed that include at least one RFID receiver system and a distributed exciter architecture. Exciters can be connected via wired and/or wireless connections to the RFID receiver system, which can control activation of the exciters to detect the presence of RFID tags within interrogation spaces defined by the exciter topology. One embodiment includes an RFID receiver system configured to detect information from RFID tags within a receive coverage area, and a plurality of exciters defining a plurality of interrogation spaces within the receive coverage area of the receiver system. The receiver system is configured to transmit a control signal that identifies one of the exciters and includes information indicative of an RFID tag interrogation signal, the exciters are configured to receive the control signal, and the exciter identified in the control signal is configured to illuminate an interrogation space with the RFID tag interrogation signal. |
| US08680969B2 |
Method of confirming that a control device complies with a predefined protocol standard
A control device, such as a digital ballast controller, is adapted to be coupled to an electronic ballast, such as a DALI ballast, via a communication link, and is operable to determine whether the ballast is operating within the specifications of a predefined protocol standard, e.g., the DALI standard. For example, the control device may measure the bit times of a digital message received from the ballast and to determine if the bit times fall within the limits set by the standard. The control device may also determine the minimum delay time required between two digital messages received by the ballast and determine if the minimum delay time falls within the limit set by the standard. The control device may adapt its normal operation (e.g., how digital messages are received and transmitted) or may provide feedback (e.g., by flashing a lamp) in response to determining that the ballast is operating outside of the specifications of the standard. |
| US08680962B2 |
Transformer incorporated in electronic circuits
A vibration-suppressed transformer is fixed to a base plate and includes a magnetic lower core, two or more magnetic upper cores, primary and secondary coils. The lower core is on the base plate. The upper cores are arranged face to face over the lower core. The coils are arranged between the lower and upper cores. Each upper core contacts the lower core, on an outer side of the coils, with a first gap being provided between the upper and lower cores, on an inner side of the coils. The upper cores are extended towards each other from the outer to the inner side of the coils, with a second gap being provided therebetween. The second gap is provided therein with a non-magnetic pressing member to press the lower core against the base plate, on an inner side of the coils. |
| US08680960B2 |
Multi-layer-multi-turn structure for high efficiency inductors
A multi-layer, multi-turn structure for an inductor having a plurality of conductor layers separated by layers of insulator is described. The inductor further comprises a connector electrically connected between the conductor layers. The structure of the inductor may comprise a cavity therewithin. The structure of the inductor constructed such that electrical resistance is reduced therewithin, thus increasing the efficiency of the inductor. The inductor is particularly useful at operating within the radio frequency range and greater. |
| US08680956B2 |
Electromagnet device and switch device using electromagnet device
In a switch device in which the main circuit contact sections of the switch device, an insulating rod, a driving rod, a contact pressure spring, an open spring, and an electromagnet are all coaxially arranged, a problem exists in that the axial dimension of the switch device becomes large. The present invention has been made to solve the aforementioned problem. An object is to obtain an electromagnet device and a switch device using the electromagnet device, in which shortening the axial dimension of the switch device is achieved by arranging the main circuit contact sections of the switch device, the insulating rod, the driving rod, the contact pressure spring, the open spring, and a part of the electromagnet in the same axial range. Particularly, the open spring and the electromagnet are arranged in the same axial region. |
| US08680949B2 |
Network filter for a converter for connection of the converter to a 3-phase supply network
A network filter for connecting a converter to a 3-phase supply network includes in each phase a toroidal inductor which is connected in series with a commutation inductor at a respective first connection point, and a capacitor circuit having at least four capacitances, wherein first terminals of a first, a second and a third capacitance is connected in one-to-one correspondence to a respective one of the first connection points. Second terminals of the first, second and third capacitance are connected at a common second connection point, with a fourth capacitance being connected between ground and the common second connection point. The windings of the toroidal inductors can be formed of the connecting lines which connect the corresponding first terminals to the three phases of the supply network. |
| US08680948B2 |
Band elimination filter providing attenuation within wide range of frequencies
In a band elimination filter, a plurality of capacitors are connected in parallel between first and second terminals of an electromagnetic noise source which generates voltage fluctuations in a connecting lead connected to the first terminal, with the capacitors being connected to the connecting lead at respectively corresponding branch points. For each capacitor, the total series inductance of a first circuit path is made less than that of a second circuit path, where the first circuit path extends from the corresponding branch point to the second terminal via the capacitor, and the second circuit path extends from that branch point to the first terminal of the electromagnetic noise source. A resistor is connected in series with at least one of the capacitors, for damping parallel resonance caused by inductance components of an adjacent pair of capacitors. |
| US08680946B1 |
Tunable transversal structures
A programmable transversal structure that may serve as a filter, or more generally, a transversal network. A pair of time delay elements are implemented using one or more grating control propagation path structures, multilayer waveguides with configurable gaps, or variable impedance meander lines. Electro active actuators responsive to bandwidth, center frequency, and stop band attenuation control inputs control the delay of such elements. Impedance elements are distributed between the time delay elements to provide the desired transversal response. |
| US08680938B2 |
Apparatus and method for equalization
Apparatus and methods for equalization are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for equalizing an input voltage includes a first capacitor and a first resistor having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to receive the input voltage. The apparatus further includes a second resistor having a first end electrically connected to the second end of the first resistor at an output node. The apparatus further includes an inverting voltage buffer for substantially inverting the input voltage to generate an inverted input voltage. The apparatus further includes a transconductance buffer for receiving the inverted input voltage and for generating a current from a first end of the first capacitor to the output node having a magnitude equal to about the magnitude of the input voltage signal divided by the impedance of the first capacitor. |
| US08680935B2 |
High frequency coaxial balun and transformer
An RF circuit includes a balun circuit comprised of a coaxial cable having a desired characteristic impedance and having a first port coupled to a first port of said RF circuit and a second port and a transformer circuit having a first port coupled to the second port of the balun. The transformer circuit is comprised of a pair of coaxial cables, each having a desired characteristic impedance and each having a ferrite coupled thereto. The interconnects between center conductors and outer conductors in the transformer are made symmetrical such that a resonance with a frequency determined by the inductance and capacitance of the coaxial cables does not occur, preventing any nulls in an insertion loss characteristic of the RF circuit. The ferrite is selected to act as a circuit element having an impedance characteristic which is higher than the impedance characteristic of the coaxial cable. |
| US08680928B2 |
Power amplifier including variable capacitor circuit
A power amplifier includes first and second amplification stages. The first amplification stage is configured to amplify a radio frequency (RF) input signal. The second amplification stage includes at least one transistor configured to amplify an output of the first amplification stage, the second amplification stage being configured to have a capacitance between a gate of the at least one transistor and a first power supply voltage. The capacitance automatically varies with amplitude of the output of the first amplification stage. |
| US08680927B2 |
System and method for effectively implementing a front end for a transimpedance amplifier
An apparatus for implementing a front end circuit for a transimpedance amplifier includes a front end core that receives an input signal from a photo diode. The front end core responsively generates a balanced output signal to downstream devices. A power supply provides a supply voltage to the front end circuit. In accordance with the present invention, a current source is located between the supply voltage the front end core to thereby isolate the front end core from disturbances on the power supply. This biasing arrangement advantageously provides an improved power supply rejection ratio for the front end circuit. |
| US08680925B2 |
Amplifier arrangement and method for operating an amplifier arrangement
An amplifier arrangement comprising an amplifier (AMP) with a terminal (SPL) for a supply signal (VSPL) and a bias circuit (BIAS) for providing the supply signal (VSPL) at the terminal (SPL). The bias circuit holds an operating point (OP) of the amplifier (AMP) constant by means of the supply signal (VSPL). The bias circuit (BIAS) comprises a reference circuit (REF) for providing a reference signal (VREF) and a correction device (COR) by means of which the supply signal (VSPL) is regulated based on the reference signal (VREF) and a correction signal (Vfeed), the correction signal (Vfeed) being dependent on the operating point (OP) of the amplifier (AMP). A method for operating an amplifier arrangement is also described. |
| US08680924B2 |
Differential power amplifiers with push-pull power amplifiers and even-harmonic cancellation
A differential power amplifier is provided and includes a first pair of transistors. A first transistor is inductively coupled to a voltage source and is connected to a node at a ground reference potential. A second transistor is inductively coupled to the node and is connected to the voltage source. Gates of the transistors are configured to receive an AC signal with a fundamental frequency. Drain of the first and second transistors are respectively first and second output nodes. The output nodes provide a first differential output. A capacitor is connected between the output nodes and provides a pathway for cancellation of even harmonic signals of the fundamental frequency. A second pair of transistors provides a second differential output. A first inductor is connected between the output nodes. A second inductor is connected between output nodes of the second pair of transistors. A combiner is inductively coupled to the inductors. |
| US08680919B2 |
Impedance adjustments in amplifiers
A circuit that includes an amplifier circuit with an input impedance due to an input resistance and an input capacitance of the amplifier circuit. The input impedance of the amplifier circuit may vary with frequency. The amplifier circuit may include an amplifier and a feedback circuit configured to provide feedback to the amplifier and to maintain the input impedance at a specified value at a selected frequency by increasing the input resistance of the amplifier circuit at the selected frequency. |
| US08680917B2 |
Analog circuit and display device and electronic device
The invention provides an analog circuit that decreases an effect of variation of a transistor. By flowing a bias current in a compensation operation, a voltage between the gate and source of the transistor to be compensated is held in a capacitor. In a normal operation, the voltage stored in the compensation operation is added to a signal voltage. As the capacitor holds the voltage according to the characteristics of the transistor to be compensated, the effect of variation can be decreased by adding the voltage stored in the capacitor to the signal voltage. Further, an analog circuit which decreases the effect of variation can be provided by applying the aforementioned basis to a differential circuit, an operational amplifier and the like. |
| US08680915B1 |
Techniques to reduce memory effect or inter-symbol interference (ISI) in circuits using op-amp sharing
An amplifier system and method that eliminates memory effects due to amplifier sharing. The amplifier has a plurality of input stages. An input to be amplified is applied to one of the input stages of the amplifier, while the other input stages are turned off and reset. The inputs of the unused input stages are thus reset and equalized while the other input stage is turned on to receive the input to be amplified. An explicit reset phase is not needed. |
| US08680914B2 |
Controlled current source and method for sourcing a current
A controlled current source comprises a signal input to receive a control input bus signal (D0, . . . , D[n−1]), a mapping unit (MU) with an input coupled to the signal input and an output to provide an internal control bus signal (d0, . . . , dn, Hc), a reference generator (RG) with an input coupled to the output of the mapping unit (MU) and with a low reference output to provide a low reference potential (Vgl) and with a high reference output to provide a high reference potential (Vgh), a current generating unit (CG) with a first input coupled to the output of the mapping unit (MU), a second input coupled to the output of the reference generator (RG) and an output to provide an output current (Iout) controlled by the control input bus signal (D0, . . . , D[n−1]) and the low and high reference potentials (Vgh, Vgl). Furthermore, a method for sourcing a current is provided. |
| US08680913B1 |
Configurable clock network for programmable logic device
In a programmable logic device having high-speed serial interface channels, a clock distribution network for providing one or more high-speed clocks to dynamic phase alignment circuitry of those high-speed serial interfaces includes at least one bus that is segmentable (e.g. using tristatable buffers). This allows the bus to be divided into different portions that can be connected to different clock sources when the high-speed serial interfaces are running at different speeds. In one embodiment, the segmenting elements (e.g., the aforementioned buffers) are located between selected channels (e.g., every fourth channel), limiting the size of the different segments. In another embodiment, segmenting elements are located between each channel, allowing complete user freedom in selecting the sizes of the segments. Thus, instead of providing a bus for every clock source, multiple clocks can be made available to different channels by segmenting a single bus. |
| US08680908B2 |
On-chip coarse delay calibration
Process, voltage and temperature corners of an on-chip device under calibration are obtained by comparing the outputs of different on-chip components such as active on-chip components and passive-on chip components in response to an input. A first on-chip delay line including a number of active devices, which generate an array of outputs D[ ]) at different stages of the delay. A second on-chip delay line generates a single output (CLK). A DFF array samples the array of outputs (D[ ]) with the single output clock CLK. The different delay variations in different process and temperature corners cause different outputs from the DFF array. The different outputs from the DFF array provide information about the process and temperature corner that can be for rapid calibration of the on-chip device under calibration within one cycle of the CLK. |
| US08680907B2 |
Delay circuit having reduced duty cycle distortion
A delay circuit having reduced duty cycle distortion is provided. The delay circuit includes a plurality of delay elements connected together in a series configuration. Each of the delay elements has a prescribed delay associated therewith. The delay circuit further includes a controller connected to respective outputs of the delay elements. The controller is configured such that signal paths between the respective outputs of the delay elements and an output of the controller have delays that are substantially the same relative to one another. Each of the signal paths has a tri-statable switching element associated therewith. |
| US08680905B1 |
Digital PVT compensation for delay chain
A circuit includes a delay locked loop (DLL), a calibration circuit and an output delay chain controlled by the calibration circuit. The DLL comprises a plurality of series-coupled first delay elements each of which has substantially the same first delay. The calibration circuit comprises a plurality of series-coupled second delay elements, each of which has substantially the same second delay that is less than the first delay, a first delay element, and a circuit for determining the minimum number of second delay elements that are needed to produce the first delay. The output delay chain comprises a plurality of series-coupled second delay elements, an input for receiving the input signal, and a circuit for selectively tapping the output delay chain at a plurality of taps in the output delay chain so as to produce in the input signal different delays of integral multiples of the second delay. |
| US08680904B1 |
Semiconductor device including delay locked loop circuit and method
A semiconductor device includes a delay locked loop unit configured to compare a phase of an internal clock with a phase of a feedback clock to delay the internal clock by a delay amount corresponding to a comparison result, and to output a delay locked clock, a delay replica modeling unit configured to output the feedback clock by reflecting a transfer delay amount of the internal clock used in an internal circuit into the delay locked clock, and to adjust the transfer delay amount in response to a delay replica adjustment signal, and a delay replica adjustment signal generation unit configured to compare the phase of the feedback clock with a phase of the delay locked clock, and to set a value of the delay replica adjustment signal in response to a comparison result. |
| US08680902B1 |
Programmable power supervisor
A programmable power-on reset circuit in accordance with one embodiment of the invention can include a programmable voltage divider. The programmable power-on reset circuit can also include a comparator that is coupled to the programmable voltage divider and that is coupled to receive a reference voltage. Additionally, the programmable power-on reset circuit can include a non-volatile memory that is coupled to the programmable voltage divider, wherein the non-volatile memory can be coupled to receive programming for controlling an output of the programmable voltage divider. |
| US08680897B2 |
Switching element control apparatus
A switching element control apparatus capable of controlling a switching element that is driven by controlling a voltage on its control terminal properly in response to characteristic information of the switching element. The apparatus includes a constant current circuit that applies a constant current to the control terminal, a voltage-limiting circuit that limits the voltage on the control terminal so as not to exceed a limiting voltage, and a control circuit that controls the constant current circuit to apply the constant current to the control terminal when having received a drive signal for turning on the switching element, and controls the voltage-limiting circuit to limit the voltage on the control terminal for a voltage-limiting time period. The control circuit includes a memory storing the characteristic information and variably sets at least one of the limiting voltage, the voltage-limiting time period, and the constant current in response to the characteristic information. |
| US08680894B1 |
Precision driver circuits for micro-electro-mechanical system
There is disclosed a driver circuits and method for driving a micro-electro-mechanical system. A driver circuit may include a converter to convert a digital input value into a pulse-width modulated signal with precise amplitude. A low pass filter may extract an average DC component of the pulse-width modulated signal. An amplifier may amplify the average DC component to provide an output voltage to drive the MEMS. |
| US08680893B2 |
Circuits and techniques for load current control
A connection device for connecting a load to a power supply, comprising at least first and second current control devices arranged in parallel between the power supply and the load, and a controller arranged to switch the current control devices on in sequence for temporally overlapping on periods. |
| US08680883B2 |
Time dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) test structure of semiconductor device and method of performing TDDB test using the same
A time dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) test structure of a semiconductor device includes: a first test cell having a first test pattern in which a dielectric layer is formed between two electrodes; a second test cell spaced apart from the first test cell and having a second test pattern in which a dielectric layer is formed between two electrodes; and a barrier region configured to prevent electrical interference from occurring between the first test cell and the second test cell during a TDDB test. |
| US08680881B2 |
Test method and interposer used therefor
An interposer to be mounted with an integrated circuit to be a test object is provided with a switch and a probe to detect an electric current corresponding to individual terminals of the integrated circuit. A test pattern signal is then inputted to the integrated circuit through a test substrate as a switch that is connected to a power supply terminal of the integrated circuit and that is turned off. If the integrated circuit normally operates and the current values of all the terminals of the integrated circuit are within a tolerance, the power supply terminal connected to the turned-off switch is identified as a terminal that may be removed. |
| US08680880B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing integrated circuit
An embodiment of a method for testing an integrated circuit comprises a first step for determining at least one of a group selected from whether or not the chuck top receiving the integrated circuit exists near a probe card which transmits and receives electrical signals to and from the integrated circuit, whether or not the integrated circuit is under testing, and whether or not the probe card has a given temperature, and a second step for adjusting power for heating to be supplied to a heating element provided in the probe card according to the determination result in the first step. |
| US08680878B2 |
Electric current measuring device with improved installability
In a current measuring device for measuring an electric current flowing through between a terminal of a battery and a wire, a resistance member has a length and first and second ends in a direction of the length. The first end is to be secured electrically to the terminal of the battery. The second end is to be secured electrically to the wire. The resistance member constitutes a current flow path between the terminal of the battery and the wire. The resistance member has a turned portion through which the current flow path extends. The current measuring device includes a circuit board in which a current measuring circuit is installed. The current measuring circuit measures an electric current flowing through the resistance member based on a potential difference between two different points defined on the resistance member. |
| US08680877B2 |
Touch sensing apparatus and method for detecting approach
A touch sensing apparatus includes an approach sensing electrode unit including a plurality of first approach sensing electrode arrays disposed on a substrate and a plurality of second approach sensing arrays disposed adjacent to the first approach sensing electrode arrays, a voltage supply unit to supply a voltage to any of the first approach sensing electrode arrays and the second approach sensing electrode arrays, a signal generation unit to generate an approach sensing signal by detecting a variation of capacitance generated between the first approach sensing electrode arrays and the second approach sensing electrode arrays, the variation of capacitance occurring in a 3-dimensional (3D) approach sensing region, and an information generation unit to generate contact information corresponding to the approach sensing signal generated by the signal generation unit. |
| US08680868B2 |
Spectroscopic battery-cell impedance measurement arrangement
A battery cell measurement system comprising a signal generator coupled to a pulse density modulation circuit generating a control signal which drives a switch connected between a first terminal of a battery cell and a first terminal of a bleeding impedance, a second terminal of the bleeding impedance being coupled to a second battery cell terminal. The first terminal is coupled to a first terminal of a second switch. The second terminal is coupled to a first terminal of a third switch. A second terminal of the second switch and second terminal of the third switch are coupled and are further coupled to a low-pass filter. A signal generated by the low-pass filter is inputted into an analog to digital converter, which provides a signal representative of either a signal across the bleeding impedance, or a signal between the battery cell terminals. |
| US08680864B2 |
Flux plane locating in an underground drilling system
A portable locator and method for establishing the location of the cable line in a region which includes at least one generally straight electrically conductive cable line extending across the region from which cable line a locating signal includes a first arrangement for measuring a local flux intensity of the locating signal at a first above ground point within the region with the portable locator in a particular orientation at the first above ground point. A second arrangement uses the local flux intensity to establish a cable line angular orientation which limits the possible directions to the cable line relative to the particular orientation of the portable locator at the above ground point. A third arrangement uses the measured local flux intensity to establish an actual direction of the cable line that is selected from the possible directions based on certain characteristics of the locating signal. |
| US08680859B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes z segments which divide a ky-kz plane. The z segments includes data located therein. The ky-kz plane is divided into z center-in regions and z center-out regions by a plurality of lines extending radially from a center of the ky-kz plane. The z center-in regions have data located therein in accordance with first trajectories which proceed toward the center of the ky-kz plane. The z center-out regions have data located therein in accordance with second trajectories which proceed in a direction spaced away from the center of the ky-kz plane. Each of the z segments has one center-in region of the z center-in regions and one center-out region of the z center-out regions. Each of the z segments is defined in which after data have been located in said one center-in region in accordance with the first trajectory, data are located in said one center-out region in accordance with the second trajectory. At least one of the z segments is defined in which an angle of said one center-in region at the center of the ky-kz plane is wider than an angle of said one center-out region at the center of the ky-kz plane. |
| US08680852B2 |
Method and apparatus for phase sensitive detection of eddy current measurements
A method of detecting defects using eddy currents is disclosed. The method comprises: exciting eddy currents in a test material using an eddy current probe driven by a drive signal; detecting induced eddy currents in the test material; converting the detected signal into integer values using an analog to digital converter; and adding or subtracting the generated integer values to or from each of two accumulators, or taking no action, so that one accumulator produces a value proportional to one component of the detected signal and the other produces a value proportional to another component of the detected signal and using these values to detect the presence of a defect. |
| US08680850B2 |
Magnetic field angular sensor and sensing method
A magnetoresistive angular sensing method is disclosed. In a first mode, a first dc external magnetic field in a predetermined direction is applied to an angular sensor arrangement in which the external magnetic field dominates over a magnetic field generated by an input device an angular position of which is to be sensed. In a second mode, a second external magnetic field is applied to the angular sensor. Outputs of the angular sensor arrangement in the two modes are processed to determine an angular orientation of the input device with offset voltage compensation. |
| US08680849B2 |
Spring loaded gear driven resolver
A resolver apparatus can include a resolver driven gear, a resolver stator, a resolver rotor coupled to the resolver stator and a resolver rotor drive shaft coupled to the resolver rotor, wherein the resolver rotor drive shaft is spring loaded to the resolver driven gear. |
| US08680841B2 |
Reference voltage generation circuitary for semiconductor apparatus and method for checking a reference voltage
A semiconductor apparatus includes a comparison voltage generation unit configured to generate a plurality of different comparison voltages, a reference voltage generation unit configured to receive a generation code from an external system, select one of the plurality of the different comparison voltages according to the generation code, and generate a reference voltage, and a reference voltage determination unit configured to receive the generation code and an expected reference voltage from the external system, check whether a level of the expected reference voltage is in a target range, and output a check result to the external system. |
| US08680837B2 |
Driver for driving power switch element
A driver for driving a driving element includes: a signal source, for providing a square signal; a first modulation circuit, for providing on-pulses and off-pulses according to edges of the square signal; a transformer for coupling output signals of the first modulation circuit to a secondary winding of the transformer to form coupled signals; a second modulation circuit for providing first operating pulses according to coupled on-pulses of the coupled signals, and providing second operating pulses according to coupled off-pulses of the coupled signals; a switch device for turning off the switch device according to the first operating pulses and turning on the switch device according to the second operating pulses, and when the switch device is turned off, coupled on-pulses charge an equivalent capacitor of the driving element to a first driving potential to turn on the driving element, and when the switch device is turned off, the equivalent capacitor discharges to a second driving potential to turn off the driving element, and the width of the on-pulses is less than 1000 ns. |
| US08680836B2 |
Regulating current output from a buck converter without external current sensing
A step-down (buck) switching regulator regulates output current without sensing a current external to a converter integrated circuit. The regulator generates a set current that is indicative of a predetermined current level to which the output current is regulated. The regulator generates a sense current whose magnitude is proportional to an inductor current flowing through a power switch during an on time. During a first time period, the sense current is less than the set current. During a second time period, the sense current is greater than the set current. The output current of the regulator is maintained at the predetermined current level such that the first time period is equal to the second time period when the output current equals the predetermined current level. The set current is compared to the sense current in circuitry inside a bootstrap power generator whose voltage fluctuates with the voltage across the inductor. |
| US08680835B2 |
Buck DC-to-DC converter having a novel output protection mechanism
A buck DC-to-DC converter having a novel output protection mechanism, comprising: a buck converter circuit, having a line input end, a DC output end, a first feedback end, and a second feedback end; a voltage divider, having an input terminal and an output terminal, the input terminal being coupled to the DC output end of the buck converter circuit, and the output terminal coupled to the first feedback end of the buck converter circuit for providing a first feedback voltage; and an output current sensing resistor, having one end coupled to the DC output end of the buck converter circuit, and another end coupled to the second feedback end of the buck converter circuit for providing a second feedback voltage; wherein the buck converter circuit uses the first feedback voltage and the second feedback voltage to generate a protection signal. |
| US08680832B2 |
Control circuit of step-down DC-DC converter, control circuit of step-up DC-DC converter and step-up/step-down DC-DC converter
A DC-DC converter or the like capable of generating a stable output voltage is provided. A control circuit 11 of a current mode step-down DC-DC converter 1 includes a slope compensation circuit SC and an offset circuit IF1. The slope compensation circuit SC adds an increase gradient m2 due to slope compensation to an increase gradient of a coil current waveform Vsense in a range wherein an ON period Ton of a switch SW1 exceeds ½ of an operating cycle T. An offset circuit IF1 applies an offset voltage Voffset which becomes smaller depending on the ON period Ton in excess of ½ of an operating cycle T, to a coil current waveform Vsense. |
| US08680828B2 |
Voltage regulator
There is provided a voltage regulator capable of achieving a fast transient response upon activation without allowing an abnormal consumption current to flow. The voltage regulator of the present invention includes: a booster circuit for detecting output current from an output transistor and outputting a boost signal to a first differential amplifier circuit; a sensing transistor for sensing the output current; a first transistor for making an adjustment to enable the output current to be copied accurately; and a second differential amplifier circuit in which the output terminal is connected to the gate of the first transistor, the inverting input terminal is connected to the drain of the sensing transistor, and the non-inverting input terminal is connected to the output terminal. |
| US08680823B2 |
Power supply apparatus and power supply system with plural power supply apparatuses
A power supply apparatus includes a front-stage power circuit, a bus capacitor, a standby power circuit, a standby power circuit, an auxiliary switching circuit and a controlling unit. The auxiliary switching circuit is electrically connected between the bus capacitor and the standby power circuit. The controlling unit is electrically connected with the auxiliary switching circuit and the front-stage power circuit for controlling operations of the front-stage power circuit and the auxiliary switching circuit. When the input voltage is normal but the front-stage power circuit is disabled, the auxiliary switching circuit is turned off under control of the controlling unit, so that electric energy of the input voltage is transmitted to an input terminal of the standby power circuit through the protecting circuit. |
| US08680822B2 |
Power factor control systems and methods
A boost converter comprises an inductance that receives an input signal. A switch controls current supplied by the inductance to a load. A power factor control module comprises a mode control module that selects an operating mode of the boost converter and a switch control module that switches the switch at a frequency. The frequency is equal to a first frequency when the mode control module selects a continuous mode and equal to a second frequency when the mode control module selects a discontinuous mode. The first frequency is greater than the second frequency. |
| US08680819B2 |
Field winding type rotary electric machine
A field winding type rotary electric machine includes a motor generator; a field current detection unit; a field current control unit which controls a field current; a field current limiting determination section which calculates a field current integration value and determines whether or not the field current integration value reaches a predetermined field current integration threshold value; and a field current limiting command section which, when it is determined that the field current integration value reaches the predetermined field current integration threshold value, outputs a command which sets the field current to be lower than or equal to a predetermined field current limiting value to the field current control unit during a predetermined limiting time, and outputs a command which changes the predetermined limiting time depending on the field current. Accordingly, a temperature rise of the machine is suppressed and limiting of the field current can be released as needed. |
| US08680817B2 |
Battery heating circuits and methods using resonance components in series based on current limiting and voltage inversion with bi-directionality
According to some embodiments of the present invention, a battery heating circuit includes a switch unit, a switching control module, a damping component, an energy storage circuit, and an energy superposition unit, wherein: the energy storage circuit is connected with the battery and includes a current storage component and a charge storage component; the damping component, the switch unit, the current storage component, and the charge storage component are connected in series; the switching control module is connected with the switch unit, and configured to control ON/OFF of the switch unit, so as to control the energy flowing between the battery and the energy storage circuit. |
| US08680815B2 |
Method and apparatus for assessing battery state of health
A method for monitoring a lithium-ion battery cell includes monitoring a battery cell voltage and a corresponding charge capacity of the battery cell during an electric power event which may include either an electric power charge event or an electric power discharge event. A measured charge-capacity-derivative is determined by differentiating the charge capacity in relation to the corresponding battery cell voltage during the electric power event. The measured charge-capacity-derivative is compared with a preferred anode charge-capacity-derivative of an anode charge curve (for electric power discharge events) or an anode discharge curve (for electric power charge events), and with a preferred cathode charge-capacity-derivative of a cathode charge curve (for electric power charge events) or a cathode discharge charge curve (for electric power discharge events). A first state of health parameter of the battery cell corresponding to the comparison of the measured charge-capacity-derivative with the preferred anode charge-capacity-derivative of the anode curve is determined. And, a second state of health parameter of the battery cell corresponding to the comparison of the measured charge-capacity-derivative with the preferred cathode charge-capacity-derivative of the cathode curve is determined. |
| US08680813B2 |
Detecting and responding to unexpected electric vehicle charging disconnections
An electrical vehicle charging station establishes a charging session with an electric vehicle which includes energizing a power receptacle in the charging station and receiving a charging cord at the power receptacle. While the charging session is established and responsive to detecting that a charging connection between the electric vehicle and the electric vehicle charging station has been unexpectedly disconnected, the power receptacle is de-energized to prevent electricity from flowing through the charging cord. |
| US08680810B1 |
Microscale autonomous sensor and communications module
Various technologies pertaining to a microscale autonomous sensor and communications module are described herein. Such a module includes a sensor that generates a sensor signal that is indicative of an environmental parameter. An integrated circuit receives the sensor signal and generates an output signal based at least in part upon the sensor signal. An optical emitter receives the output signal and generates an optical signal as a function of the output signal. An energy storage device is configured to provide power to at least the integrated circuit and the optical emitter, and wherein the module has a relatively small diameter and thickness. |
| US08680809B2 |
Battery charger
A battery charger includes a rotatable top cover for exposing electrical connectors for physically coupling and electrically communicating with a battery or other device and providing electrical energy for charging a battery or device. |
| US08680801B2 |
Rotating electrical machine system
A rotating electrical machine system includes a stator that has stator windings of a plurality of phases, and that generates a stator magnetomotive force in accordance with stator current of different phases, which is supplied to the stator windings of the plurality of phases; a rotor on which rotor windings are wound such that rotor current is generated in accordance with the stator magnetomotive force generated by the stator and a magnetic pole is formed by the rotor current; and a control unit that controls an output torque from the rotor, by controlling the stator current. In a case where a predetermined torque is output from the rotor, the control unit applies a pulse to the stator current so as to increase the stator current and reduce the rotor current, when a temperature of the rotor is high as compared with when the temperature of the rotor is low. |
| US08680798B2 |
Motor control device and electric power steering device
A motor control device for driving a brushless motor includes a current detecting unit which detects respective phase currents which flow into the brushless motor; a control calculation unit which calculates instruction values showing respective phase voltages to be applied to the brushless motor, and outputs the instruction values as phase voltage instruction values; a phase resistance calculation unit which calculates respective phase resistance values based on detection values of the respective phase currents detected by the current detecting unit, and the instruction values of the respective phase voltages applied to the brushless motor at the time of the detection of the detection values; a correction unit which corrects the phase voltage instruction values according to the respective phase resistance values calculated by the phase resistance calculation unit; and a driving unit which drives the brushless motor based on the phase voltage instruction values after correction by the correction unit. |
| US08680794B2 |
Load drive system, motor drive system, and vehicle control system
A small-sized load drive system which, even with three three-phase inverters, significantly reduces noise regardless of control duty ratio. The load drive system includes three-phase inverters, and first, second, and third control units. The inverters are connected to loads, respectively. The first control unit generates sawtooth wave voltage and controls the inverter according to the sawtooth wave voltage. The second control unit generates inverse sawtooth wave voltage and controls the inverter according to the inverse sawtooth wave voltage. The third control unit generates triangular wave voltage which has ramps respectively equal to the sawtooth/inverse sawtooth wave voltage and either has a same phase or is out of phase by half a period relative to the sawtooth/inverse sawtooth wave voltage, and also controls the inverter according to the triangular wave voltage. |
| US08680791B2 |
Organic EL panel
Provided is an organic EL panel which is passively driven and is capable of preventing variations in wiring resistance of electrode wirings without restricting the degree of freedom for wiring design and improving evenness in brightness of an organic EL element. The organic EL panel is formed of a light-emitting display unit (2) having a plurality of first electrode lines (2a) formed on a support substrate (1), an organic light-emitting layer (2d) formed on the first electrode lines (2a), and a plurality of second electrode lines (2e) formed so as to intersect the first electrode lines (2a). The organic EL panel has a plurality of electrode wirings (4) which is formed by being routed on the support substrate (1) so as to be connected with the second electrode lines (2e) or the first electrode lines (2a), and the electrode wirings (4) each have parts (4a, 4c) each of which is formed of one wiring and/or apart (4b) in which a plurality of wirings are connected in parallel with each other. The numbers of wirings provided in parallel are set to be different in an area where the wirings are formed in the same direction so that the difference in the wiring resistance between the electrode wirings becomes 5Ω or less. |
| US08680790B2 |
Electrical connector for connecting a light emitting diode (LED) to a driver
An electrical connector is provided for connecting a light emitting diode (LED) to a driver. The electrical connector includes a housing, a driver input contact held by the housing and configured to be electrically connected to a power output of the driver, and an LED output contact held by the housing and configured to be electrically connected to a power input of the LED. An electrical path is defined between the driver input contact and the LED output contact for supplying electrical power from the driver to the power input of the LED. The electrical connector includes a temperature monitor and control (TMC) module operatively connected to a temperature sensor for receiving a temperature associated with the LED. The TMC module is configured to control the flow of electrical power from the driver input contact to the LED output contact based on the temperature received from the temperature sensor. |
| US08680787B2 |
Load control device for a light-emitting diode light source
An LED driver for controlling the intensity of an LED light source includes a power converter circuit for generating a DC bus voltage, an LED drive circuit for receiving the bus voltage and controlling a load current through, and thus the intensity of, the LED light source, and a controller operatively coupled to the power converter circuit and the LED drive circuit. The LED drive circuit comprises a controllable-impedance circuit coupled in series with the LED light source. The controller adjusts the magnitude of the bus voltage to a target bus voltage and generates a drive signal for controlling the controllable-impedance circuit. To adjust the intensity of the LED light source, the controller controls the magnitudes of both the load current and the regulator voltage. The controller controls the magnitude of the regulator voltage by simultaneously maintaining the magnitude of the drive signal constant and adjusting the target bus voltage. |
| US08680786B2 |
Method and apparatus for common use of power supply and display apparatus using the same
An apparatus and a method for common use of a power supply and a display apparatus using the same are provided. The display apparatus includes a display panel, a backlight unit which provides backlight to the display panel, and a power supply unit for common use which comprises an adjusting circuit unit comprising a plurality of resistances, and provides a current of a magnitude corresponding to a combination state of the plurality of resistances to the backlight unit. Accordingly, the power supply apparatus for common use adjusts an output current easily and is commonly used for diverse display apparatuses, and thus a manufacturing process is efficiently improved. |
| US08680785B2 |
Variable master current mirror
A variable master current mirror circuit may be used to balance the currents through parallel Light Emitting Diode (LED) strings in an illumination module when the LED string with the largest forward voltage changes due to events, such as a short failure of an LED. The variable master current mirror circuit includes a switching circuit that is coupled to the parallel LED strings and a current mirror circuit that is coupled to the parallel LED strings and the switching circuit. The switching circuit switchably connects the LED string with the largest forward voltage to the current mirror circuit as a master LED string. The current mirror circuit maintains equal currents through the LED strings with reference to the current through the master LED string. |
| US08680784B2 |
Dimmable offline LED driver
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for controlling the amplitude of a current from a diode bridge into an EMI filter and LED array. Due to the manner in which certain dimmers (i.e., leading edge dimmers) operate, there is a delay on its output in transmitting a voltage when the voltage crosses zero. |
| US08680777B2 |
Versatile zero-voltage switch resonant inverter for industrial dielectric barrier discharge generator applications
A power system for a dielectric barrier discharge system, such as used for generating ozone, can include a full bridge inverter stage and parallel resonant tank outputting a signal for powering a dielectric barrier discharge cell stack. The inverter stage is controlled using a combination of pulse width modulation (PWM) and frequency modulation (FM) to enable soft switching through all load conditions—from full load to light load. A current control loop error amplifier compensator can provide a duty cycle adjustment signal to a phase shift PWM controller chip that generates the switching signals for the inverter stage. A feedback signal is also used to adjust a clock frequency time constant of the PWM controller chip to provide the FM. In one embodiment, the feedback signal is an output of an inverting amplifier connected at an output of the current control loop error amplifier compensator. |
| US08680776B1 |
Lighting device including a fast start circuit for regulating power supply to a PFC controller
A lighting device such as an electronic ballast or LED driver includes a power factor correction (PFC) controller responsive to input power supply signals to generate control signals, a PFC boost converter responsive to said control signals to generate a boosted output voltage, and a fast start circuit with a power supply source and an energy storage device, a magnitude of the input power supply signal corresponding to energy stored in the energy storage device. During a first mode, the fast start circuit responds to a rectified mains input to enable the power supply source and charge the energy storage device. During a second mode, the fast start circuit responds to a magnitude of the power supply signal to disable the power supply source and discharge the energy storage device. The boost converter during the second operating mode maintains controller operation while the power supply source is disabled. |
| US08680775B2 |
Lighting driver circuit and light fixture
A lighting fixture that suppresses blinking and flickering phenomena even when operating at very low luminance levels includes: a light source including at least one solid state light-emitting element; and a lighting driver circuit controlling the light source in accordance with a control signal. The lighting driver circuit includes an isolating flyback circuit and a control circuit. The isolating flyback circuit switches power from a DC power source and smooths the output. The control circuit controls switching operation performed by a switching element of the isolating flyback circuit via PWM signal. The control circuit provides a frequency component in accordance with the control signal to a reference signal outputted by a reference signal generator. In accordance with results of detection of the reference signal and a current flowing through the light source, the control circuit provides a stop period during which a driver controller driving the switching element is stopped. |
| US08680771B2 |
Controller customization system with phase cut angle communication customization data encoding
A controller is configured to generate one or more power control signals for a lamp to supply power to the lamp from a supply voltage. The controller is further configured to receive customization data encoded in the supply voltage. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the controller receives the customization data via one or more power terminals of the lamp. Phase cut angles in the supply voltage provided to the controller encode the customization data, and each phase cut angle encodes N symbols of data. N is an integer greater than or equal to one (1). In at least one embodiment, the customization data alters the controller from one state to another state in accordance with data represented by phase cuts in the supply voltage that encode the customization data. Examples of customization data include calibration data and configuration data. |
| US08680768B2 |
Light emitting diode lighting circuit of saddle-ride-type vehicle
A method and apparatus for controlling lighting in a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a control unit configured to turn on a lamp comprising a light emitting diode. The apparatus also includes a manipulation switch which is turned on and off based upon manipulation by a rider. The control unit includes an input port receiving power from a power source based upon actuation of the manipulation switch, and an input circuit configured to determine a leak state of the manipulation switch based on an input voltage to the input port. A control part is configured to control lighting of the lamp based on a result of the determination. An erroneous lighting prevention resistance is connected between the manipulation switch and input circuit on one end, and ground on the other end. An intermittent power source switch is configured to be cyclically turned on or off by the control part, and is provided between the manipulation switch and the power source. |
| US08680765B2 |
Display device and method for manufacturing the same
A display device having a base substrate provided with light-emitting devices and terminal electrodes connected thereto; a sealing substrate disposed to face the base substrate; a first resin material between the base substrate and the sealing substrate so as to surround a first region in which the light-emitting devices are provided; and a second resin material between the base substrate and the sealing substrate and is filled in the first region surrounded by the first resin material so as to seal the light-emitting devices. |
| US08680763B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device and method of fabrication
An organic electroluminescent device comprises an anode; a cathode; a first electroluminescent layer between the anode and the cathode comprising an electron transporting material; and a second electroluminescent layer between the first electroluminescent layer and the anode. The second electroluminescent layer comprises a hole transporting material and an electroluminescent electron trapping material. The first electroluminescent layer may comprises a polymer having an electron transporting material and an electroluminescent material, and may include an optionally electroluminescent hole-transporting material. The electron transporting material and one or both of the hole transporting material of the first electroluminescent layer and the electroluminescent material of the first electroluminescent layer are part of the same molecule or polymer. Preferably, the electron transporting material comprises a plurality of adjacent arylene repeat units. |
| US08680762B2 |
Device and method for lighting
It is presented a method for producing a lighting device (1) comprising an Organic Light Emitting (abbreviated OLED) device (1) and a transparent image (I), the OLED device (2) comprising a first portion (P1) with reduced light output capacity. A portion of the transparent image, having a first tone (T1), is at least partially overlapping the first portion (P1) of the OLED device (2). It is also presented a lighting device (1). |
| US08680759B2 |
Light emitting module and illumination apparatus
A light emitting module has a flat light emitting panel including a transparent substrate and a light emitting part formed on the substrate. The flat light panel includes: electrode pads which are formed on the substrate outward of the light emitting part and are electrically connected to the light emitting part; and a transparent or light reflective sealing member which is provided to cover the electrode pad. |
| US08680757B2 |
Spark plug and method for the production thereof
A method for producing a spark plug which contains an inner conductor, an insulator surrounding the inner conductor, a spark plug body surrounding the insulator, and two electrodes forming an ignition gap. The first electrode is a center electrode connected to the inner conductor in an electrically conducting manner and the second electrode is a ground electrode connected to the spark plug body in an electrically conducting manner. An iridium component which contains more than 95 percent by weight of iridium is welded onto one of the electrodes. An iridium component that is punched out of an iridium sheet and has a thickness that is less in size than its diameter is also employed. |
| US08680752B2 |
Piezoelectric micromechanical energy harvesters
The present invention comprises systems, apparatuses, and methods for harvesting ambient mechanical energy at a lower frequency and transforming the harvested energy into electrical energy at a higher frequency. Transforming the energy from relatively lower input frequency energy to relatively higher output frequency energy can help realize greater efficiencies found at higher frequencies. Because the input plane of the ambient mechanical energy is not always predictable, some embodiments of the present invention comprise both in-plane and out-of-plane energy harvesters that produce an electrical output in multiple planes. |
| US08680750B2 |
Piezoelectric power generator for feeding emergency power
A piezoelectric power generator for feeding emergency power, includes a frame; a fixing unit comprising a left fixing body coupled to an upper left side of the frame and a right fixing body coupled to an upper right part of the frame; a first piezoelectric body bonded to a right side of the left fixing body; a second piezoelectric body bonded to a left side of the right fixing body; and a vibration unit bonded between the first piezoelectric body and the second piezoelectric body and vibrating vertically. |
| US08680749B2 |
Piezoelectric multilayer-stacked hybrid actuation/transduction system
A novel full piezoelectric multilayer stacked hybrid actuation/transduction system. The system demonstrates significantly-enhanced electromechanical performance by utilizing the cooperative contributions of the electromechanical responses of multilayer stacked negative and positive strain components. Both experimental and theoretical studies indicate that for this system, the displacement is over three times that of a same-sized conventional flextensional actuator/transducer. The system consists of at least 2 layers which include electromechanically active components. The layers are arranged such that when electric power is applied, one layer contracts in a transverse direction while the second layer expands in a transverse direction which is perpendicular to the transverse direction of the first layer. An alternate embodiment includes a third layer. In this embodiment, the outer two layers contract in parallel transverse directions while the middle layer expands in a transverse direction which is perpendicular to the transverse direction of the outer layers. |
| US08680747B2 |
Output adjustment circuit, ultrasonic transducer device component, and ultrasonic transducer device
An ultrasonic transducer device component changes a transducer with another one having the same frequency or a different frequency without adjustment inside a generator main body or a change of the generator main body. The ultrasonic transducer device component includes a connection unit for use in applying ultrasonic transducer to cleaning fluid for cleaning objects, and for connection with a generator main body that generates an ultrasonic vibration signal; and a transducer connected to a connection unit. The connection unit includes an output transformer for adjusting an output of the ultrasonic vibration signal; a coil capacitor electrically connected to the output transformer; and a current detector electrically connected to the coil capacitor. |
| US08680746B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator and electronic device
Provided is a small-size thin piezoelectric actuator which can be mounted on a mobile electronic device and operate with a low power consumption also provided is an electronic device which uses the piezoelectric actuator to provide a function to give a contact feeling of a three dimensional movement to a users hand palm. The piezoelectric actuator (1) includes: a piezoelectric ceramic oscillator having a piezoelectric ceramic thin plate (5) bonded to at least one surface of a shim member (6); at least one holder (7) for holding the shim member (6); and a sheet-shaped elastic body (2). Vibration generated by the piezoelectric ceramic oscillator is transmitted via the holder (7) and the sheet-shaped elastic body (2) to a case (3) of the electronic device. |
| US08680743B2 |
Surface acoustic wave device, electronic apparatus, and sensor apparatus
A SAW device 11 has an IDT which is provided on the principal surface of a quartz crystal substrate 12 having Euler angles (−1.5°≦φ≦1.5°, 117°≦θ≦142°, 42.79°≦|ψ|≦49.57°) and excites a SAW in a stopband upper end mode, and a pair of reflectors which are arranged on both sides of the IDT. Inter-electrode-finger grooves are recessed between the electrode fingers of the IDT, and inter-conductor-strip grooves are recessed between the conductor strips of the reflectors. The wavelength λ of the SAW and the depth G of the inter-electrode-finger grooves satisfy 0.01λ≦G. An IDT line occupancy η and the depth G of the inter-electrode-finger grooves satisfy a predetermined relational expression. The IDT line occupancy η and a reflector line occupancy ηr satisfy the relationship η<ηr. Therefore, an excellent frequency-temperature characteristic and a high Q value in an operation temperature range are realized simultaneously. |
| US08680740B2 |
Stator with intermediate teeth
A stator for an electrical machine, the stator including a plurality of stator teeth distributed in a non-uniform pattern with a short and long tooth spans along a circumference of the stator, wherein each stator slot between two stator teeth distanced by a long tooth span including an intermediate tooth for carrying a magnetic flux. |
| US08680739B2 |
Rotary electrical machine
When a conventional technology is employed, it is difficult to manufacture a magnet row because magnets are disposed so that N-poles face each other while S-poles face each other. Further, magnetic reluctance is increased because a generated magnetic flux obliquely crosses an air gap in which the magnets are disposed. Furthermore, the conventional technology is at a disadvantage in that magnetic flux interference occurs between neighboring magnetic poles. The present invention has been made to address the above problems and provide a rotary electrical machine capable of generating high torque at low speed. The rotary electrical machine includes a rotor disc and an armature. The rotor disc is configured so that plural rectangular magnets whose longitudinal direction crosses the direction of rotor disc rotation are disposed on the rotor disc, and that the polarities of neighboring magnets differ from each other. The armature is configured so that plural armature cores are disposed to sandwich the magnets, which are mounted on the rotor disc and provided with a particular magnetic pole, and that a winding is commonly wound between the armature cores. |
| US08680733B2 |
Electric rotating machine
An electric rotating machine includes a multi-phase armature coil that is wound around a cylindrical armature core in a distributed winding manner. Each of phase windings of the armature coil is formed of an electric wire bundle which includes a plurality of insulation-coated electric wires that are electrically connected to one another. Each of the electric wire bundles forming the phase windings has a plurality of in-slot portions and a plurality of turn portions. Each of the in-slot portions is received in a corresponding slot of the armature core. Each of the turn portions protrudes from a corresponding axial end face of the armature core and extends to connect a corresponding adjacent pair of the in-slot portions of the electric wire bundle. For each of the electric wire bundles, the electric wires of the electric wire bundle are stranded at least at the turn portions of the electric wire bundle. |
| US08680718B2 |
Method and device for the high-speed automatic activation of a backup consumer electrical power supply
A method and device for automatic activation of a backup supply is provided that measures the positive-phase-sequence voltage of the busbars in a backup power source, the linear voltages at the busbars in the primary power source and the angle between the vectors of the positive-phase-sequence voltages of the busbars in both power sources. The method and device also measures the value of the rms current in a phase and the value of the angle between the vector of the complex rms current in the same phase and of the vectorial sum of the complex rms voltage between the two other phases at the busbars in the primary power source and the received portion. The power supply to the busbars is switched from the primary source to the backup source in the event of any of the above-mentioned magnitudes departing from the range of permissible values for these magnitudes. |
| US08680714B2 |
Smart cards
A smart card includes an internal voltage generator, a clock generator, and an internal circuit. The internal voltage generator generates a first internal voltage and a second internal voltage based on an input voltage received through an antenna. A level of the second internal voltage is lower than a level of the first internal voltage. The clock generator receives the first internal voltage and the second internal voltage to generate a clock signal. A frequency of the clock signal is changed according to the level of the first internal voltage. The internal circuit operates based on the clock signal and the second internal voltage. |
| US08680712B2 |
Power delivery over digital interaction interface for video and audio (DiiVA)
A system for delivering power over a network of devices connected through a serial link includes a first and second differential pairs of wires. Each differential pair of wires is double AC coupled by a HPF on one side and by another HPF on an opposite side. An LPF connects a portion of each differential pair of wires between the HPFs to a voltage source, and another LPF connects that portion of each differential pair to a load. The system further includes a third and fourth differential pairs of wires. All four differential pairs of wires are located within a single cable, such as a CAT6 cable. The first, second and third differential pair of wires are used for video links, and the fourth differential pair of wires are used for the bi-directional hybrid link. A power delivery circuit in each device includes a voltage source, a power relay switch, a signature resistor for detection, and a load detector. |
| US08680710B2 |
Analog power sequencer and method
Supply voltage sequencing circuitry includes a first sequencer (10-1) that produces an active level of a Power Good signal PG if a first supply voltage VOUT1 exceeds an upper threshold V90% while a control signal EN_PG is active, and produces an inactive level of PG if EN_PG is inactive. The PG level is latched when a control signal EN is inactive. A Power Down signal PD is produced if VOUT1 is less than a lower threshold V10% while EN is inactive. An active level of PD is produced when EN is active. A power-up sequence of supply voltages VOUT1, VOUT2, and VOUT3 monitored by the first sequencer and similar second (10-2) and third (10-3) sequencers, respectively, is determined by connection of PG of each of the first and second sequencers to control the supply voltage monitored by the next sequencer. A desired power-down sequence of the supply voltages is determined by connections of the PDs of the first and second sequencers in the power-down sequence to EN_PG inputs and EN inputs of other sequencers, respectively, in accordance with a predetermined power-down algorithm. |
| US08680707B2 |
Power distribution systems
The present invention relates to power distribution systems (e.g. a marine power distribution and propulsion system) that include first and second ac distribution busbars. The first ac distribution busbar will typically be a medium voltage busbar for the propulsion drive systems and the second ac distribution busbar will typically be a low voltage for ships services. A 12-pulse rectifier has its ac terminals electrically connected to the first ac distribution busbar. A multiple output generator has first and second galvanically-isolated stator windings. The first stator winding provides a six-phase ac output and is connected to the first ac distribution busbar. The second stator winding provides a three-phase ac output and is connected to the second ac distribution busbar. The six-phase ac output is phase shifted relative to the three-phase ac output to reduce the problematic coupling of harmonic distortion between the first and second ac distribution busbars. |
| US08680698B1 |
Self-contained mechanism for the conversion of vertical motion to rotational/translational motion
A self-contained mechanism for the conversion of vertical motion to rotational/transitional motion includes a substrate having at least one interior compartment, at least one nonconductive tube, at least one permanent magnet, and at least one coil of wire. The coil of wire is a solenoid. The nonconductive tube, permanent magnet, and solenoid are configured to fit in the interior compartment. |
| US08680695B2 |
Energy harvesting using MEMS composite transducer
A method of harvesting energy from the environment includes providing an energy harvesting device. The energy harvesting device includes a MEMS composite transducer. The MEMS composite transducer includes a substrate. Portions of the substrate define an outer boundary of a cavity. A MEMS transducing member includes a beam having a first end and a second end. The first end is anchored to the substrate and the second end cantilevers over the cavity. A compliant membrane is positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member. A first portion of the compliant membrane covers the MEMS transducing member. A second portion of the compliant membrane is anchored to the substrate. The energy harvesting device is configured so that the compliant membrane is set into oscillation by excitations produced external to the energy harvesting device. The MEMS transducing member is caused to move into and out of the cavity by the oscillating compliant membrane. The motion of the MEMS transducing member is converted into an electrical signal. |