| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08682130B2 |
Method and device for packaging a substrate
A package structure and method of packaging for an interferometric modulator. A thin film material is deposited over an interferometric modulator and transparent substrate to encapsulate the interferometric modulator. A gap or cavity between the interferometric modulator and the thin film provides a space in which mechanical parts of the interferometric modulator may move. The gap is created by removal of a sacrificial layer that is deposited over the interferometric modulator. |
| US08682125B2 |
Method and system for edge cladding of laser gain media
A gain medium operable to amplify light at a gain wavelength and having reduced transverse ASE includes an input surface and an output surface opposing the input surface. The gain medium also includes a central region including gain material and extending between the input surface and the output surface along a longitudinal optical axis of the gain medium. The gain medium further includes an edge cladding region surrounding the central region and extending between the input surface and the output surface along the longitudinal optical axis of the gain medium. The edge cladding region includes the gain material and a dopant operable to absorb light at the gain wavelength. |
| US08682123B2 |
Adhesively coupled optical fibers and enclosing tape
The present invention relates to optical-fiber cables having a tape enclosing one or more optical fibers. A plurality of discrete deposits of adhesive material are typically used to couple the optical fibers to the enclosing tape. A buffer tube may enclose the optical fibers and the tape. The buffer tube typically has a buffer-tube adhesive filling coefficient of between about 0.001 and 0.05. |
| US08682120B2 |
Polarization-independent grating optical coupler
An optical device comprising a planar waveguide located on a planar substrate, the planar waveguide including a light-transmissive layer and an optical grating coupler being located along the planar substrate and being adjacent to and optically coupled to the planar waveguide. The optical coupler includes an optical grating of the light-transmissive layer. The optical grating includes a periodic arrangement of light-refractive structures and one or more slotted openings separating the optical grating into two or more grating segments that have long axes that are substantially parallel to a propagation direction of a light beam configured to pass between the planar waveguide and the optical coupler. Pitch distances between adjacent ones of the grating segments are less than a wavelength of the light beam divided by an effective refractive index of the light-transmissive layer. |
| US08682117B1 |
Making lightless connections in an optical circuit switch
Methods of operating an optical circuit switch and optical circuit switches are disclosed. A command to make an optical connection between a first port and a second port may be received, the first port uniquely associated with a first rotatable mirror element and the second port uniquely associated with a second rotatable mirror element. A determination whether or not input signal light is present at the first port may be made. When light is present at the first port, the first mirror element and the second mirror may be rotated to provide an initial optical connection between the first port and the second port. When light is not present at the first port, the first mirror element and the second mirror element may be placed in respective at-rest positions. |
| US08682110B2 |
Method and apparatus for converting resolution of block based image
A method and apparatus for converting a resolution of a block-based image. The method includes: dividing a low resolution image frame into a plurality of blocks, each block having a predetermined size; performing motion prediction in a sub-pixel unit of each of the divided blocks and determining a motion vector in the sub-pixel unit; dividing the motion vector of the sub-pixel unit into a first motion vector having an integer pixel unit and a second motion vector having the sub-pixel unit; determining at least one low resolution reference block corresponding to each of the divided blocks by using the first motion vector having the integer pixel unit; converting each of the divided blocks into high resolution block by using the second motion vector having the sub-pixel unit and the one low resolution reference block; and generating a high resolution image frame by using each of the converted high resolution blocks. |
| US08682107B2 |
Apparatus and method for creating 3D content for oriental painting
Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for creating 3D content for an Oriental painting. The apparatus includes a 2D image analysis unit, a 3D information extraction unit, a content creation unit, and a 3D content conversion unit. The 2D image analysis unit receives previous knowledge information, and analyzes 2D information about at least one of an empty space, light and shading, and a composition of an image of the Oriental painting based on the previous knowledge information. The 3D information extraction unit extracts 3D information about at least one of a distance, a depth, a viewpoint, and a focus of the Oriental painting image. The content creation unit creates content for the Oriental painting image based on the analysis information and the 3D information. The 3D content conversion unit converts the content for the Oriental painting image into 3D content based on the 3D information. |
| US08682105B2 |
Image processing method and image processing apparatus for combining three or more images, and electronic camera having image processing apparatus for combining three or more images
An image processing method of the present invention includes a detection step detecting a characteristic area from each of three or more shot images having a common graphic pattern in part thereof, the characteristic area having an image significantly different from the other shot images, and a combining step extracting a partial image located in the characteristic area from each of the three or more shot images and combining these partial images into one image. |
| US08682102B2 |
Cyclic noise removal in borehole imaging
A method for removing cyclic noise from a borehole image includes transforming the image into the frequency domain using a two-dimensional (2-D) transform (e.g., using a discrete cosine transform). The cyclic noise components (peaks) are removed from the transformed image which is then inverse transformed back into the spatial domain using an inverse 2-D transform to obtain a corrected image. An automated method enables the cyclic peaks to be identified and removed from the borehole image via downhole processing. |
| US08682101B1 |
Multi-purpose scaler
A multi-purpose scaler utilizes a vertical scaler module and a moveable horizontal scaler module to resample a video signal either vertically or horizontally according to a selected scaling ratio. The moveable horizontal scaler module resides in one of two slots within the multi-purpose scaler architecture to provide either horizontal reduction or horizontal expansion as desired. The multi-purpose scaler is arranged to scale the video using non-linear 3 zone scaling in both the vertical and horizontal direction when selected. The multi-purpose scaler is arranged to provide vertical keystone correction and vertical height distortion correction when the video is presented through a projector at a non-zero tilt angle. The multi-purpose scaler is also arranged to provide interlacing and de-interlacing of the video frames as necessary. |
| US08682100B2 |
Field sequence detector, method and video device
A field sequence detector determines the field sequence of a series of fields of video by assessing the vertical frequency content of hypothetical de-interlaced images. Hypothetical images are formed from a currently processed field and an adjacent (e.g. previous or next) field. If the vertical frequency content is relatively high (e.g. above ½ the Nyquist frequency for the image), the hypothetical image is assessed to be formed of improperly interlaced fields, belonging to different frames. If the frequency content is relatively low, the hypothetical image is assessed to be properly assembled from fields of the same frame. The field sequence in the series of fields may be detected from the assessed frequency content for several of said series of fields. Known field sequence, such as 3:2 pull-down, 2:2 pull down, and more generally m:n:l:k pull-down sequences. |
| US08682099B2 |
Image correction method and image correction device
An image correction method comprises the steps of: median-processing the original image in a direction normal to a direction in which the streak unevenness extends to produce a median-processed image, subtracting the median-processed image from the original image to produce a subtraction image, threshold-processing a part of the subtraction image having a density exceeding a given threshold to reduce the density and produce a threshold-processed image, frequency-processing the threshold-processed image using a one-dimensional low-pass filter in the direction in which the streak unevenness extends to produce a processing image, and subtracting the processing image from the original image to remove the streak unevenness from the original image. |
| US08682093B2 |
Method and system for generating accented image data
A method and system for producing accented image data for an accented image is disclosed. The method includes decomposing each of a first and a second image into a gradient representation which comprises spectral and edge components. The first image comprises more spectral dimensions than the second image. The edge component from the first image is combined with the spectral component from the second image to form a combined gradient representation. Accented image data for the accented image is then generated from data including the combined gradient representation. |
| US08682086B2 |
Systems and methods for determining image representations at a pixel level
Systems and methods process an image having a plurality of pixels includes an image sensor to capture an image; a first-layer to encode local patches on an image region; and a second layer to jointly encode patches from the same image region. |
| US08682085B2 |
Representative image display device and representative image selection method
A person cluster selection part selects one or more person clusters as representative person clusters in order of largest number of facial images included therein. A unit selection part selects, from each representative person cluster, (i) a unit having the highest likelihood as a first representative unit, and (ii) units in order of lowest likelihood as a second representative unit onward. A representative facial image selection part selects, from each representative unit, (i) a facial image having the highest likelihood as a first representative facial image, and (ii) facial images in order of lowest likelihood as a second representative facial image onward. |
| US08682079B1 |
Automatic extraction of built-up footprints from high resolution overhead imagery through manipulation of alpha-tree data structures
A system for automatically extracting or isolating structures or areas of interest (e.g., built-up structures such as buildings, houses, shelters, tents; agricultural areas; etc.) from HR/VHR overhead imagery data by way of making as little as a single pass through a hierarchical data structure of input image components (where pixels are grouped into components based on any appropriate definition or measure of dissimilarity between adjacent pixels of the input image) to identify candidate components (e.g., possible structures of interest) free of necessarily having to re-iterate the same operator configured with different threshold parameters for a plurality of values. |
| US08682077B1 |
Method for omnidirectional processing of 2D images including recognizable characters
The invention is a method for omnidirectional recognition of recognizable characters in a captured two-dimensional image. An optical reader configured in accordance with the invention searches for pixel groupings in a starburst pattern, and subjects located pixel groupings to a preliminary edge crawling process which records the pixel position of the grouping's edge and records the count of edge pixels. If two similar-sized pixel groupings are located that are of sizes sufficient to potentially represent recognizable characters, then the reader launches “alignment rails” at pixel positions substantially parallel to a centerline connecting the center points of the two similarly sized groupings. A reader according to the invention searches for additional recognizable characters within the rail area, and subjects each located pixel grouping within the rail area to a shape-characterizing edge crawling process for developing data that characterizes the shape of a pixel grouping's edge. After adjusting the orientation representation of the shape-characterizing data the reader compares the developed shape-characterizing data to previously stored shape-characterizing data to determine the character represented by the grouping on the basis of the best fit data. |
| US08682075B2 |
Removing character from text in non-image form where location of character in image of text falls outside of valid content boundary
Data representing an image of text is received, as is data representing the text in non-image form. A valid content boundary within the image of the text is determined. For each character within the text in the non-image form, a location of the character within the image of the text is determined. Where the location of the character within the image of the text falls outside the valid content boundary, the character is removed from the data representing the text in the non-image form. |
| US08682072B2 |
Image segmentation
An example of a method of identifying objects having desired characteristics includes obtaining images of objects and metadata associated with each image. Further, the method includes automatically initializing a portion of the each image as at least one of a foreground portion and a background portion according to the metadata associated with the each image. Furthermore, the method includes segmenting the each image into the foreground portion and the background portion. In addition, the method includes determining at least one foreground portion depicting an object of the desired characteristics. Further, the method includes electronically providing an image corresponding to the at least one foreground portion. |
| US08682071B1 |
Contour detection and image classification
Systems and methods are provided for creating contour images that represent the contour of objects reflected in images, calculating contour histogram descriptors of the contour images, and classifying images based in part on the histogram descriptors of the contour images. For example, a contour image of an image is created. A radial-polar grid having a plurality of radial-polar bins is then positioned on the contour image. A contour histogram descriptor is created to include a number of bins that correspond to the radial-polar bins of the radial-polar grid, where the contents of the bins of the contour histogram descriptor represent the number of pixels of the contour image that are located in the corresponding radial-polar bins of the radial-polar grid. Images are classified at least based in part on comparisons between contour histogram descriptors of the images and contour histogram descriptors of training images. |
| US08682068B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
A representative pixel value calculation unit (120) divides an image represented by raw data (D0) into a plurality of blocks and calculates representative pixel values (S) for each block. A detection unit (130) detects an object block which is a block including a blown-out highlight or a blocked-up shadow, from among the plurality of blocks. A B-detection unit (134) of the detection unit (130) performs a first detection processing for obtaining one of a difference between a color represented by the representative pixel values and gray, and a value that can approximately represent the difference, as a characteristic value, and for detecting, as the object block, a block in which the characteristic value is equal to or smaller than a first threshold. Consequently, blown-out highlights or blocked-up shadows included in an image can be detected at higher speed, and the omission of detection can be prevented. |
| US08682066B2 |
Devices and methods of reading monochromatic patterns
A method of extracting data from an identifiable monochromatic pattern. The method comprises separating a polychromatic optical signal, received from an object having identifiable monochromatic pattern, into a plurality of wavelength components, separately capturing each of the wavelength components, reconstructing a plurality of images each from a different wavelength component, detecting the identifiable monochromatic pattern in one or more of the images, and extracting data associated with or encoded by the detected identifiable monochromatic pattern. The images have different depths of field. |
| US08682063B2 |
Methods and apparatus for dynamic color flow modeling
Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable storage media for dynamic color flow modeling. A dynamic color flow model that incorporates motion estimation in a probabilistic fashion is described. By automatically and adaptively changing model parameters based on the inferred local motion uncertainty, the dynamic color flow model accurately and reliably models the object appearance, and improves the foreground color probability estimation when compared to conventional methods. The dynamic color flow model may, for example, be applied to both foreground and background layers (or to additional layers) for video object segmentation, obtaining significantly improved results when compared to conventional methods. |
| US08682058B2 |
Defect analysis method, apparatus, and recording medium using pattern dependence degree
According to the embodiments, a plurality of positional relationships between a coordinate system for indicating a defect position on a wafer that is used by an inspection device and a coordinate system that is used in design data on a pattern is set, the defect position output by the inspection device and the design data are aligned by using each of the set positional relationships, and a local pattern of a portion in which the defect position is aligned is extracted from the design data for each positional relationship. Then, the extracted local pattern is classified based on a degree of matching of graphical feature. The number of classification patterns is calculated for each positional relationship. Then, a pattern dependence degree of the detected defect group is calculated by using the calculated number of classification patterns of each positional relationship. |
| US08682056B2 |
Media identification
A method and apparatus for identifying a media item. The apparatus includes a module for receiving media items and capturing an image of a received media item. The method involves ascertaining external dimensions of the media item from the captured image; creating a monochromatic image based on high contrast boundaries within the captured image; matching the monochromatic image to one of a plurality of templates of media items of approximately the same external dimensions as the media item; and providing details of the matched template, including type and orientation of the media item corresponding to the matched template. |
| US08682052B2 |
Implants for altering wear patterns of articular surfaces
Methods and devices for correcting wear pattern defects in joints. The methods and devices described herein allow for the restoration of correcting abnormal biomechanical loading conditions in a joint brought on by wear pattern defects, and also can, in embodiments, permit correction of proper kinematic movement. |
| US08682049B2 |
Cloud-based medical image processing system with access control
According to one embodiment, a cloud server receives over a network a request for accessing three-dimensional (3D) medical image data from a first user, where the cloud server provides image processing services to a plurality of users using a plurality of image processing tools provided by the cloud server. The cloud server determines user privileges of the users for accessing the 3D medical image data, where the user privileges are related to the 3D medical image data. The 3D medical image data was captured by a medical imaging device and stored in a storage associated with the cloud server. The availability of the image processing tools is limited to the user to process the 3D medical image data based on the user privileges. |
| US08682047B2 |
Method and apparatus for machine vision counting and annotation
A method of processing graphical image data representing optically scanned medication-related units may include receiving image data generated responsive to an application of light to a tray disposed a distance from an image acquisition component. The application of light may distinguish a background field from a plurality of the units disposed on the tray. The method may further include processing the image data to identify objects that correspond to respective ones of the units from the background field, counting the objects identified as corresponding to respective ones of the units, and generating an annotated image including at least a sequential number associated each one of the objects identified as corresponding to respective ones of the units. |
| US08682044B2 |
Methods of analyzing and correcting medical imaging data
In a method and apparatus for analyzing and correcting medical imaging data of a subject, an image data set is obtained from a scan of the subject at a first time point with respect to a defined time origin. A measurement of a time-dependent variable is then determined for the data set, and an estimated value for the time-dependent variable at an estimate time point is extrapolated from the data set. |
| US08682043B2 |
Method of merging anatomical data and surface data of a patient's dentition
A method of obtaining and merging volumetric data and surface data of a patient's dentition for use in designing and/or manufacturing a prosthodontic component, such as a drill guide, an implant, or other prosthodontic appliance, for example. A plurality of radio-opaque markers are temporarily secured directly to a patient's dentition. Surface data is then obtained, such as by scanning the patient's dentition with the markers or alternatively, by taking an impression of the patient's dentition with the markers, forming a physical model that includes analogs of the markers, and scanning the physical model. Either before or after the surface data is obtained, an anatomical, volumetric image data set of the patient's dentition is obtained via a volumetric scan of the patient's dentition with the markers appearing in the image data set. The markers appearing in both the volumetric data set and the surface data set are used by suitable computer software to merge the volumetric and surface data sets to form a merged image data set and to generate a combined model of the patient's dentition from which a surgical drill guide or other prosthodontic appliance may be designed and manufactured. |
| US08682042B1 |
System and method for reception, analysis, and annotation of prescription data
A medication order processing system (10) includes a plurality of nursing stations (12, 14, 16). Physician orders prescribing medications for patients are faxed from the nursing stations to a computer which is included in an interchange fax station (28) located at the pharmacy. The interchange fax station is operative to prioritize the orders and to present them to pharmacists working at pharmacist work stations (40, 42). Pharmacist work stations are enabled to review, electronically annotate, and input orders reviewed at the pharmacy work station into a pharmacy order system of the facility. Input to the pharmacy order system results in the medication being administered to the patient. Data related to each patient to which a medication order pertains is captured from screen outputs from the pharmacy order system. The captured data is analyzed to produce data that is stored in a database of the medication order system in correlated relation with image data corresponding to images of medication orders. |
| US08682036B2 |
System and method for street-parking-vehicle identification through license plate capturing
A method and a system for identifying a vehicle in a parking area includes receiving video data from a video camera observing a parking area from a first field of view over duration of time and receiving image data from a still camera observing a second field of view overlapping the first field of view. The method includes tracking a location of a vehicle across a sequence of frames. The tracking includes determining a time instant at which each frame was captured. The method includes comparing a select frame captured by the video camera with an image captured by the still camera. Based on the comparing, the method includes matching the vehicle in the image with the vehicle in the frame. The method includes determining a license plate number of the vehicle by locating a license plate on the vehicle in the image. |
| US08682031B2 |
Image processing device, camera, image processing method, and program
The present invention enables the detecting and tracking of a specific subject using a simple structure and simplified operations without registering characteristic information of the subject. The invention comprises: a subject detection means that detects a subject image from an image; a subject-recognition-information storage means that stores a recognition ID of the subject image as well as a first position that is the position at which the subject image was last detected within the image; and a recognition ID assigning means that assigns the recognition ID to the subject image, wherein if the first position is within a predefined distance from the position at which the subject detection means detects the subject image, the recognition ID assigning means assigns the recognition ID corresponding to the first position to the subject image. |
| US08682029B2 |
Rule-based segmentation for objects with frontal view in color images
A method of labeling pixels in an image that represent human skin are detected and one or more regions in the image are identified. Each region may include all or a portion of a human face. Pixels that represent each face in the image are identified using the pixels that represent skin and the regions that include faces of the people, thereby identifying a position of each face in the image. A face mask and a torso map corresponding to each face is determined using determined face positions. The extracted face masks and the torso maps are used to refine a skin map. A person or people map is determined using the skin map and the rough body map. |
| US08682028B2 |
Visual target tracking
A target tracking method includes representing a human target with a machine-readable model including a plurality of skeletal points. The plurality of skeletal points are adjustable into a plurality of different legal poses. The method further includes receiving an observed depth image of the human target from a source and determining proposed positions for one or more of the skeletal points of the machine-readable model based on the observed depth image. The proposed positions of the skeletal points are then adjusted to comply with one or more rules if one or more of the proposed positions violates any of the one or more rules. |
| US08682027B2 |
System to determine product density
A system for determining the product density value of a zone of preferable small fungible products within an acceptable size range and potentially in an acceptable color range. The system differentiates among products even if in close contact to determine acceptable product. The system may store data for later review or for dispensing of product in real time. The system includes a scale to determine a sample's weight, a camera to image the sample, an imaging table to permit viewing of the sample, a processor to determine the number of products in the sample, and a processor to determine the density of desired product. |
| US08682026B2 |
Efficient extraction of embedded watermarks in the presence of host content distortions
Methods, devices and computer program products facilitate the extraction of embedded watermarks in the presence of content distortions. Coarse estimates of a distortion or combination of distortions, present in the host content are obtained by detecting a tentative watermark, or a portion thereof, utilizing coarse pre-distorted watermark templates. Supplementary pre-distorted watermark templates are then selected in the neighborhood of the coarse distortion estimate to further re-evaluate the tentative watermark. The use of coarse and supplementary pre-distorted watermark templates results in obtaining better estimations of content distortions, and improved reliability of watermark detections in an efficient manner. |
| US08682025B2 |
Method for constructing a composite image incorporating a hidden authentication image
A method is provided for constructing a composite image having an authentication image formed therein. The authentication image is viewable using a decoder lens having one or more decoder lens frequencies. The method comprises generating a first plurality of component images in which corresponding tonal areas are tonally balanced around at least one tonal value. At least one of the component images is configured to include a representation of the authentication image. The method further comprises determining a pattern of component image elements for each of the component images. The pattern having at least one element frequency that is equal to or a multiple of a decoder lens frequency. At least a portion of the content of each component image element is extracted and used to construct a composite image element. |
| US08682020B2 |
Speaker magnet thermal management
In one embodiment, a mobile device including a magnet unit that is thermally coupled to the heat sink portion of a housing of the mobile device is disclosed. The mobile device comprises a speaker driver that includes a magnet unit, a housing having a heat sink portion that is made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, and a thermal component. The heat sink portion has a first face that is coupled to the speaker driver and a second face that is exposed to the exterior of the mobile device. The thermal component binds the speaker driver to the first face of the heat sink portion to create a cooling path from the magnet unit to the exterior of the mobile device. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08682016B2 |
Canal hearing devices and batteries for use with same
Hearing devices configured to fit within the bony portion of the ear canal and batteries that may be used with same. Such hearing devices may have a hearing device core, which includes a battery and an acoustic assembly with a microphone and receiver positioned such that the lateral end of the receiver substantially abuts the medial end of the microphone, and a seal apparatus on the hearing device core. |
| US08682015B2 |
RF shielding for acoustic devices
A receiver includes a housing and a sleeve. The housing forms a chamber, and the coil is disposed in the chamber and radiates a flux. The sleeve at least partially surrounds the coil such that a majority of flux radiated from the coil is blocked by the sleeve. The sleeve is constructed of a highly conductive material and is insulated from the housing. |
| US08682012B2 |
Signal processing method
A signal processing method includes separating a mixed sound signal in which a plurality of excitations are mixed into the respective excitations, and performing speech detection on the plurality of separated excitation signals, judging whether or not the plurality of excitation signals are speech and generating speech section information indicating speech/non-speech information for each excitation signal. The signal processing signal also includes at least one of calculating and analyzing an utterance overlap duration using the speech section information for combinations of the plurality of excitation signals and of calculating and analyzing a silence duration. The signal processing signal further includes calculating a degree of establishment of a conversation indicating the degree of establishment of a conversation based on the extracted utterance overlap duration or the silence duration. |
| US08682011B2 |
Method for switching a hearing device between two operating states and hearing device
Switching a hearing device from a first operating state into a second operating state is to be configured in an acoustically-friendly fashion. A first output signal power of a first audio data stream is determined for the first operating state and a second output signal power of a second audio data stream is determined for the second d operating state. Furthermore, a fading function, which represents the overall output power during a fading process, and the initial value of which corresponds to the first output signal power and the end value of which corresponds to the second output signal power, is defined. The fading process is finally implemented by mixing the audio data streams such that the overall output power corresponds to the fading function or a corresponding approximation function. Volume jumps can thus be avoided to a large degree during a switchover between operating states. |
| US08682009B2 |
Magnetostrictive microloudspeaker
An acoustic actuator includes a support layer, in which a self-supporting structure is defined and connected to the support layer by at least two suspensions, at least one magnetostrictive layer which has been disposed on the support layer and is provided at least in part on the self-supporting structure, and a device for generating a magnetic field in the magnetostrictive layer. The way in which the loudspeaker works is based on the magnetostrictive effect, which results in a change in the dimensions of the self-supporting structure in an alternating magnetic field. This causes the self-supporting structure to oscillate. A method for producing an acoustic actuator is also provided. |
| US08682007B2 |
Condenser microphone unit
This invention provides a condenser microphone unit having a diaphragm assembly in which a diaphragm does not attach to a fixed electrode even if a polarization voltage is increased. A condenser microphone unit is provided having a diaphragm assembly 1 in which a diaphragm 12 is stretched over a diaphragm support 10 and a fixed electrode 20 arranged to face the diaphragm assembly 1 through a spacer. An opening 10a over which the diaphragm 12 is stretched so as to be able to vibrate is formed in the diaphragm support 10, the diaphragm 12 is stretched over the diaphragm support 10 in a situation where a central part of the diaphragm is dented to be concave, and the concave is arranged to face the fixed electrode 20. |
| US08682005B2 |
Vehicle accessory microphone
A microphone assembly includes one or more transducers (2210) that are positioned in one or more housings. A preprocessing circuit (2215) includes a inverted comb filter (2245) for eliminating predetermined frequencies between harmonics of the human voice in a predetermined frequency range. A processing circuit (2220) coupled to the preprocessing circuit (2215) is used for outputting an electrical signal such that the transducers (2210) used in combination with the processing circuit (2220) very effectively cancels noise. The microphone assembly can be employed in a vehicle accessory such as a vehicular mirror. |
| US08682002B2 |
Systems and methods for transducer calibration and tuning
Audio transducers (headphones, speakers, microphones) inherently do not accurately reproduce the signal presented to them at the input. This can be compensated for by taking into account the transducer characteristics and transforming the input signal using a digital signal processor (DSP) to counteract the inaccuracies. However, for the compensation to take place, the DSP needs to know the characteristics of the transducer. For systems with built-in transducers (like laptops with internal speakers) the characteristics of the internal speakers can be stored on the hard-drive of the laptop and the DSP can read this data and make the appropriate compensations. Because a transducer (headphone, speaker, microphone) has its own characteristics that need to be compensated for separately, a profile is supplied to the DSP either by a database lookup based on an identification made by the user or transducer itself or by profile information stored on the transducer. Once the characteristics of a transducer are known, many additional DSP algorithms can be applied in order to improve the audio performance and even safety of the system. |
| US08682001B2 |
In-ear active noise reduction earphone
An active noise reduction earphone. The earphone includes structure for positioning and retaining the earphone in the ear of a user without a headband, active noise reduction circuitry including an acoustic driver with a nominal diameter greater than 10 mm oriented so that a line parallel to, or coincident with, an axis of the acoustic driver and that intersects a centerline of the nozzle intersects the centerline of the nozzle at angle θ>±30 degrees. A microphone is positioned adjacent an edge of the acoustic driver. The earphone is configured so that a portion of the acoustic driver is within the concha of a user and another portion of the acoustic driver is outside the concha of the user when the earphone is in position. An opening coupling the nozzle to the environment includes impedance providing structure in the opening. |
| US08682000B2 |
Method and device for narrow-band noise suppression in a vehicle passenger compartment
A method and a device for suppressing noise in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, which include at least one transducer, a programmable computer, at least one acoustic sensor, the computer being configured such as to apply an electro-acoustic model of the passenger compartment to a correcting system model including a central controller with fixed coefficients joined to a block of variable coefficients, including a Youla parameter in the form of a Youla block Q. The first phase includes determining and calculating the electro-acoustic model and the control law for at least one predetermined noise frequency. In a second phase, in real time, the computer applies the control law to the electro-acoustic model in accordance with the current frequency of the noise to be suppressed. |
| US08681998B2 |
Volume correction device, volume correction method, volume correction program, and electronic equipment
A volume correction device includes: a variable gain means for controlling a gain, given to an input audio signal, according to a gain control signal; a consecutive relevant sounds interval detection means for detecting a consecutive relevant sounds interval, during which a group of temporally adjoining consecutive relevant sounds is present, in the input audio signal; a mean level detection means for detecting the mean level of the input audio signal attained during the consecutive relevant sounds interval, and whose time constant for mean level detection is set to a smaller value during the leading period of the consecutive relevant sounds interval than during the remaining period; a gain control signal production means for producing the gain control signal, so that the mean level will be equal to a reference level, and feeding the gain control signal to the variable gain means. |
| US08681992B2 |
Monitoring and controlling access to electronic content
Methods, systems and apparatuses for monitoring and controlling access to an electronic content are disclosed. One method includes creating, by an owner server, a group comprising generating a group public key PKG and a group secret key SKG. The method further includes adding, by the owner server, a member to the group, comprising generating a first share SKG1 from the group secret key SKG and a public key of a member, and a second share SKG2 from the group secret key SKG and a public key of a mediator, and providing, by the owner server, the first share SKG1 to a member server of the member and the second shares SKG2 to a mediator server of the mediator. |
| US08681990B2 |
Renewal management for data items
A system, method apparatus, and computer readable medium for managing renewal of a dynamic set of data items. Each data item has an associated renewal deadline, in a data item management system. A renewal schedule allocates to each data item a renewal interval for renewal of the data item. On addition of a new data item, if a potential renewal interval having a duration required for renewal of the data item, and having an ending at the renewal deadline for that item does not overlap a time period in the schedule during which the system is busy, the renewal schedule is automatically updated by allocating the potential renewal interval to the new data item. If the potential renewal interval does overlap a busy period, the renewal schedule is automatically updated by selecting an earlier renewal interval for at least one data item in the set. |
| US08681988B2 |
Encoding a connection between a base and a mobile part
A method for encoding a connection between a base (2) and a mobile part (1), and a computer program product is povided. The method comprises generating a key agreed to by the base (2) and the mobile part (1) during a first connection, wherein the key comprises an index assigned by the base during the first connection, and b) using the generated key for a second connection between the base (2) and the mobile part (1), wherein the data to be transferred between the base (2) and the mobile part (1) are identified and encoded using the index assigned to the key. The security of wireless data transfer is thus increased in a simple and low-cost manner. |
| US08681987B2 |
RFID authentication architecture and methods for RFID authentication
A method for mutual authentication in an RFID system comprising an RFID reader and an RFID tag, the method comprising requesting an identification from the tag, receiving the identification, using the received identification to select a password associated with the identification, generating a password key based on the selected password, encrypting the selected password using the password key, and transmitting the encrypted password to the tag. |
| US08681985B2 |
Masking operation method and device for symmetric key encrypted system
A masking operation method for a symmetric key encryption system includes, when at least two Substitution-boxes (S-boxes) are input, generating a masking S-box table for one S-box which was input; and performing an operation on one masking S-box by referring to the generated masking S-box table. Further, the masking operation method for the symmetric key encryption system includes performing an operation on a remaining masking S-box for a remaining S-box, which was input, by referring to the masking S-box table. |
| US08681981B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting voice communications related to a multimedia session
A method and apparatus for transmitting a subset voice stream associated with a subset talk group. A voice communication device receives a session identifier from an associated data communication device engaged. The voice communication device transforms the session identifier into a session key identifier, obtains an encryption algorithm implementing a subset talk group filtering feature and a voice encryption key identifier, and combines the session key identifier with the voice encryption key identifier to generate a signaling key identifier. The voice communication device associates the signaling key identifier and an encryption algorithm identifier with the subset voice stream during transmission of the subset voice stream to a receiving voice communication device. |
| US08681980B2 |
Recoverable digital content degradation
The disclosure relates generally to processing audio and video signals. One claim recites an apparatus comprising: electronic memory for storing a media signal, the media signal comprising degradation introduced through use of a key, in which the key corresponds to detection criteria in the media signal, and in which the degradation comprises human perceptible degradation, the media signal further comprising the key embedded therein; and a processor programmed for: analyzing the media signal to obtain the key; and removing some of the degradation through use of the key, in which said removing utilizes different detection criteria relative to a process that introduced the degradation into the media signal. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too. |
| US08681974B1 |
Array encryption core
A scalable and efficient array encryption architecture is provided for encrypting data with a cryptographic algorithm using a variable number of encryption cores. The architecture can be implemented as circuitry in a fixed logic device, or can be configured into a programmable integrated circuit device such as a programmable logic device (PLD). An input arbitration logic circuit may schedule timeslots within the encryption cores to maximize system bandwidth. Each one of the encryption cores may use a plurality of pipelined registers and may support simultaneous encryption operations of multiple data blocks. Each core may provide timeslot availability signals to indicate current or anticipated availability of a timeslot for processing data in that core. The same top-level design may be used for different choices of processing depth, parallelism level, and/or system throughput. |
| US08681973B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for performing homomorphic encryption and decryption on individual operations
A method of processing data includes receiving a request for an operand from a second processor at a first processor, encrypting the operand that has been requested using the first processor responsive to receiving the request for the operand, sending the operand that has been encrypted from the first processor to the second processor, receiving a result from the second processor at the first processor, the result generated from a single homomorphic operation being performed using the operand sent to the second processor, decrypting the result received from the second processor at the first processor, and receiving a request for the result that has been decrypted from the second processor at the first processor. |
| US08681971B2 |
Intelligent interactive call handling
An intelligent interactive call handling system is provided that typically includes a central office, a call-handling device, and an internet call routing system. The central office typically triggers a query responsive to receiving a call request. The call-handling device is coupled to the central office, receives the query, and triggers an internet call routing query. The internet call routing system, which is coupled to the call-handling device, typically receives the internet call routing query, determines presence of the called party with respect to at least one registered communication device, sends a prompt to the called party at said at least one registered communication device responsive to the presence determination, receives a reply from said at least one registered communication device, and routes the call responsive to the reply. Methods and other systems are also provided. |
| US08681967B1 |
Method and apparatus of applying call suppression measures to restrict phone calls
A method, apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium for determining whether to perform telephone call blocking. One example method of operation provides initiating a telephone call from a call server, determining whether the call is a solicitation call and determining the area code of the call and performing a lookup operation of the area code in a call suppression database. The method may also include retrieving a call block entry for a current day from the call suppression database, and comparing the area code to the call block entry for the current day to determine whether the call should be blocked. |
| US08681966B1 |
Location-based call initiation
An apparatus has a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions that when executed by the processor, cause the processor to schedule a communication between a contact center and a communication device associated with a user, prompt the user to configure a geographic location for the communication device, track geographic location for the communication device, and initiate the communication in response to determining that the geographic location of the communication device appliance is the configured geographic location. |
| US08681963B2 |
Method for sending recorded conference call content
A method and communication device for scheduling a conference call. The method includes receiving, in a first communication device, an invitation message containing at least some conference call scheduling information with respect to a scheduled conference call session; displaying an interface in relation to the invitation message, the interface including an option to send a request for recorded conference call content of the scheduled conference call session; receiving an input selecting the option; and sending a communication to a second communication device including a response to the invitation message and including said request for recorded conference call content. A conference call server is also described for sending recorded conference call content to the communication device. |
| US08681962B2 |
Method for a telecommunication's network, central office, and network terminating unit
The invention relates to a method for a telecommunication's network with a central office (CO), an access network (AN), a multiple of network terminating units (DPD) and customer premises equipment (CPE) connected thereto, to assign a customer premises equipment (CPE) to a service contract (SI) registered in the central office (CO), in which, when the network terminating units (DPD) are identifiable unambiguously and individually and when the customer premises equipment (CPE) is identifiable unambiguously, the service contract (SI) is assigned to a particular customer premises equipment (CPE) as a result of an action (OS) of a network terminating unit (DPD) being recognizable by the central office (CO) and being coordinated with signals sent from a customer premises equipment (CPE) connected to said network terminating unit (DPD), and in which such coordination is detected in the central office (CO) for assignment, to a central office, and to a network terminating unit. |
| US08681961B2 |
Call center system with assisted-configuration and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a call center system includes: providing a commissioning terminal in a first locale; providing a hardware device coupled to the commissioning terminal; provisioning a first locale controller from the hardware device by the commissioning terminal; and managing an inter-locale gateway, by the first locale controller, for commissioning a second gateway in a second locale. |
| US08681960B2 |
Extending originating capabilities of a subscriber to devices in any telephony network
An exemplary method provides access to call origination features contained in an internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) for a subscriber of the IMS who originates a call request from customer premises equipment (CPE) outside of the IMS. The call request is received at a public service identity (PSI) server in the IMS with a phone number to which the call request is routed. An IMS internal desk number is retrieved based on the number of the outside CPE. A first modified call request is transmitted from the PSI server to a telephony application server (TAS) identifying the IMS internal desk number as a request universal resource identity (RURI). Call origination treatment as specified by the subscriber is performed by the TAS. The first modified call request is processed by the TAS to form a second modified call request in which the RURI is a number of a destination party and a P-asserted identity (PAID) is the IMS internal desk number such that the second modified call request appears as if it was initiated from a phone within the IMS. The second modified call request is transmitted to a node in the IMS for further processing and ultimately termination at the destination party. |
| US08681958B2 |
Method for presenting additional information about a telecommunication user
A method and system for presenting additional information about a user are provided. The user may be a calling party or a called party. A request for information in addition to the information normally contained in the caller ID may be constructed and sent to a repository of additional information that returns the additional information. If the user is a calling party, the additional information may be presented on the called party's communication device. If the user is a called party, the additional information may be presented on the calling party's communication device. A system including the repository may receive the request. An authoring and editing component of the system may allow the user or others to edit the additional information about the user. The system may select and send the additional information based on a set of parameters in the request and the access type of the requestor. |
| US08681955B1 |
Feedback control of a predictive dialer using telemarketing call abandonment rates
In one embodiment, systems and methods are disclosed for processing telemarketing calls to determine an abandonment rate (“AR”). An abandoned call exists if a telemarketing call is answered by a live person and an agent is not connected to the called party within two seconds of the called party completing their greeting. In order to comply with various federal regulations, a feedback mechanism allows feedback of the measured AR to be used by the predictive dialer to manage the AR for future calls to maximize efficiency and avoid exceeding an AR limit. In one embodiment, a speech analytics system processes audio recordings of previously made telemarketing calls and provides feedback to the predictive dialer so as to adjust a target AR rate for future calls. |
| US08681951B1 |
Systems and methods for visual presentation and selection of IVR menu
Embodiments of the invention provide a system for generating an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) database, the system comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory comprising a list of telephone numbers associated with one or more destinations implementing IVR menus, wherein the one or more destinations are grouped based on a plurality of categories of the IVR menus. Further the memory includes instructions executable by said processor for automatically communicating with the one of more destinations, and receiving at least one customization record from said at least one destination to store in the IVR database. Further, a corresponding method for generating an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) database is also provided. |
| US08681950B2 |
System and method for fingerprinting datasets
Systems and methods for the matching of datasets, such as input audio segments, with known datasets in a database are disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, the use of the presently disclosed systems and methods is described in conjunction with recognizing known network message recordings encountered during an outbound telephone call. The methodologies include creation of a ternary fingerprint bitmap to make the comparison process more efficient. Also disclosed are automated methodologies for creating the database of known datasets from a larger collection of datasets. |
| US08681948B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing voicemail in a communication session
A system, method and apparatus for managing voicemail in a communication session between a sending communication device and a receiving communication device are provided. It is determined at the receiving communication device that a voicemail is to be created. The voicemail based on content received via the sending communication device. The voicemail is recorded. The voicemail is caused to be stored at resources associated with the sending communication device. |
| US08681947B2 |
Telephone emergency response systems and methods
An emergency system includes a gateway and a database in communication with the gateway. The database comprises first routing information for establishing a first communication link between a communication device and a controller, second routing information for establishing a second communication link between the gateway and the controller, wherein the second routing information is correlated to the first routing information; and location data associated with the communication device. Upon receiving identification information related to the communication device, the gateway retrieves the first routing information from the database and provides the first routing information to a switch. The gateway retrieves the second routing information from the database and uses the second routing information to establish a second communication link with the controller, and the gateway retrieves the location data from the database. |
| US08681942B2 |
Fluoroscopy systems and methods
Fluoroscopy imaging systems including an X-ray generator, a detector, and control circuitry coupled to the detector are provided. The control circuitry may be adapted to receive a digital signal from the detector, to process the digital signal, and to communicate the processed digital signal to a monitor for display during a fluoroscopy imaging operation. The fluoroscopy imaging systems may also include a user interface having at least one configurable adjustment configured to enable a user to adjust one or more imaging parameters affecting the digital signal during the fluoroscopy imaging operation. The control circuitry is adapted to set at least one of a range of the configurable adjustment, a step size of the configurable adjustment, or a default value of the configurable adjustment based on input from the user via the user interface. |
| US08681941B2 |
Method for visualizing a patient dose, computer program product and X-Ray apparatus
A method for visualizing a dose of X-ray radiation applied to a surface of a patient in a defined time period by an X-ray apparatus is proposed. The X-ray apparatus is adjustable to different angular positions. A model of the surface of the patient is provided. The dose of X-ray radiation applied to the surface of the patient in the defined time period is calculated. The model and the calculated dose on the model is visualized. The visualization of the model and the calculated dose on the model is effected in an angular position coupled to the angular position in which the X-ray apparatus is currently disposed. |
| US08681938B2 |
Treatment planning simulation and verification system
A treatment planning, simulation, and verification system is described. According to one embodiment, a treatment plan and a fluoroscopy data image of a treatment volume are received and the treatment plan is automatically adjusted based on the movement of the fluoroscopy data image. According another embodiment, a system includes a treatment planning component to generate a treatment plan and a simulation component to simulate the execution of the treatment plan. |
| US08681935B2 |
Automatic C-arm viewing angles for structural heart disease treatment
In a method for positioning an X-ray image acquisition device a straight reference plane (30) intersecting a three-dimensional representation of the object, a center point (34) within the intersection of the object, a normal vector (38) to the reference plane and at least one tangential vector (40) within the reference plane are created. Thereafter, the reference plane, the object's frame of reference and the X-ray image acquisition's frame of reference are registered. At least one viewing direction derived from the normal vector (38) and/or at least one tangential vector (40) is defined, wherein the X-ray image acquisition device is adjusted to the geometrical parameters of the X-ray image acquisition device. Thereby, planned and stored optimal viewing directions may be made available by a single push of a button, leading to automatically positioning of the X-ray image acquisition device and a much faster adjustment of the live guidance image, thus resulting in less exposure of radiation as well as a less cumbersome adjustment procedure. Furthermore a more optimal deployment of the interventional devices can be reached, since they can be more accurately positioned. |
| US08681933B2 |
X-ray computed tomography apparatus
According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube to generate X-rays, X-ray detector to detect the X-rays transmitted through an object, top to place the object, rotation driving unit to rotate a rotating frame with the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector around the object, movement driving unit to relatively reciprocate the rotating frame and the top over a plurality of times along a long-axis direction of the top, and scan control unit to control the movement driving unit in the relative reciprocal movement such that moving loci of the X-ray tube corresponding to the respective forward movements are matched with each other and moving loci of the X-ray tube corresponding to the respective backward movements are matched with each other. |
| US08681930B2 |
High speed rotating gantry
A medical imaging apparatus includes a stationary gantry and a generally spool-shaped rotating gantry (304), which rotates about an examination region about a longitudinal axis. The rotating gantry includes a first flange (320), a second flange (322), and a plurality of elongate structural elements (402) that are disposed between and couple' the first and second flanges. The first flange (320) is rotatably coupled to the stationary gantry, and the second flange (322) extends radially in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, thereby providing radial stiffness for the rotating gantry. A radiation source is affixed to the rotating gantry between the first and second flanges, and a detector array is affixed to the rotating gantry between the first and second flanges, opposite the examination region from the radiation source. |
| US08681925B2 |
Nuclear power plant, method of forming corrosion-resistant coating therefor, and method of operating nuclear power plant
In a nuclear power plant, a corrosion-resistant oxide film on a surface of the metal component of a reactor structure is exposed to a high-temperature water, the corrosion-resistant oxide film containing an oxide having a property of a P-type semiconductor, and a catalytic substance having a property of an N-type semiconductor is deposited on the oxide film. The oxide film maintains the property of the P-type semiconductor. |
| US08681920B2 |
Self-powered wireless in-core detector
A method and apparatus for monitoring a parameter in an irradiated environment and communicating a signal representative of the monitored parameter to a less caustic environment that employs a wireless transmitter that is powered by the irradiated environment. The power for the wireless transmitter is derived from a self-powered radiation detector disposed within the radioactive environment. |
| US08681916B2 |
Master unit, remote unit and multiband transmission system
A master unit and a remote unit is provided for a multiband transmission system for distributing and combining signals of at least one wireless communication network and at least one digital network. A reference frequency generator is arranged in the master unit, the reference frequency generator being designed to clock a master modem for converting the signals of the at least one digital network. The reference frequency signal emitted by the reference frequency signal is restored via a reference frequency receiver and is used for closing a remote modem that is located there for demodulation. |
| US08681915B2 |
Method for transmitting synchronization messages in a communication network
A method for transmitting synchronization messages in a communications network including a plurality of nodes having a first node and at least one second node, wherein in order to take into account differences in a reference clock frequency of a reference clock and an internal clock frequency of an internal clock of the at least one second node, a compensation interval, with which the second clock count state is adjusted on measurement of a delay time, is subdivided into smaller compensation timespans, and the smaller compensation timespans are used to determine a compensated time value for the delay time with a high degree of accuracy, where the compensated time value is then used to update the time information in the synchronization message. |
| US08681912B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating channel using phase compensation in wireless communication system
Method of estimating a channel in a wireless communication system by obtaining a channel impulse response from a pilot signal included in a received signal; estimating a timing offset with a maximum peak power value for the channel impulse response; and performing a phase compensation using the estimated timing offset and estimating a channel which is applied with the compensated phase. |
| US08681910B2 |
Hybrid equalization system
A hybrid equalization system includes an equalization device, a target channel impulse response device, a maximum likelihood sequence estimation device and a multiplexer. The equalization device receives a sampled baseband signal and performs an equalization operation thereon for generating first estimated symbols. The target channel impulse response device convolutes the first estimated symbol and a predetermined target channel response function for generating a training symbol corresponding to a target channel. The maximum likelihood sequence estimation device performs a maximum likelihood sequence estimation on the sampled baseband signal trained by first estimated symbols based on the target channel impulse response for generating second estimated symbols. The multiplexer selects the first estimated symbol or the second estimated symbol as an output of the hybrid equalization system according to a selection signal. |
| US08681907B2 |
Iterative demapper
Iterative demapper. Demodulation and/or demapping of a signal (e.g., based on a constellation whose points have a corresponding mapping with associated labels) is performed such that each dimension is processed separately without accounting for influences from the other dimension. For example, the demapping process operates on each respective dimension separately and independently. In some instances, the processing operates iteratively, in that, information identified from processing one of the dimensions is employed in directing the processing in another of the dimensions. Such operation may be performed iteratively by updating/modified information associated with one or more of the dimensions as well. Moreover, decoding may operate in accordance with iterative demapping (e.g., error correction code (ECC) and/or forward error correction (FEC) code by which information bits are encoded) to make estimates of bits within a signal sequence, and those estimates may be used in a subsequent iteration of demapping. |
| US08681905B2 |
MIMO detector
A MIMO detector for use in MIMO-OFDM wireless communication that forms a plurality of propagation paths by using a plurality of transmitting and receiving antennas includes: an inverse matrix calculator operating as an inverse matrix calculation unit configured to calculate an inverse matrix of a matrix of the propagation path based on a signal received by a receiver; a detection speed controller operating as an estimation unit configured to estimate a variation in the propagation path over time; and a phase synchronization circuit and a regulator configured to variably control a processing time required to calculate the inverse matrix by the inverse matrix calculator, according to the variation in the propagation path over time estimated by the detection speed controller. The MIMO detector is provided on the side of the receiver of the wireless communication. |
| US08681903B2 |
Method for demodulating received signals and apparatus for performing the same
Disclosed are a method for demodulating received signals and an apparatus therefore which can maintain quality of signals and can reduce computational complexity. A demodulation method of a receiving device for receiving a plurality of signals modulated through a M-ary (M is a natural number of 1 or more) modulation method includes: comparing channel frequency response power of a first channel with channel frequency response power of a second channel, selecting M reference signals on the basis of the compared result, selecting corresponding signals paired with respective selected M reference signals, and estimating transmitting signals from the M signal pairs including pairs of the reference signal and the corresponding signal. Accordingly, the computational complexity is reduced from O (M2) to O (M). |
| US08681899B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing signals received from a channel having a variable channel length
A method comprises receiving a wireless signal at a channel estimator, and receiving the wireless signal at a channel length determination unit. Each of the channel estimator and the channel length determination unit independently receive the wireless signal. |
| US08681894B2 |
Digital affine transformation modulated power amplifier for wireless communications
A digital affine transformation modulator and power amplifier drives a transmitter antenna. The modulator performs an affine transformation on a signal, wherein the I, Q space is mapped to a plurality of sectors. A signal in a sector is expressed as the sum of two vectors, the angles of which define the sector boundaries. A digital power amplifier comprises a plurality of amplifier cells, each cell comprising at least two amplifier units. For a given signal, each amplifier unit selectively amplifies a clock signal having a phase corresponding to one of the boundary angles of the signal's affine transformed sector. A subset of the plurality of amplifier cells receiving each phase clock signal are enabled, based on the magnitude of the associated vector describing the signal in affine transform space. The modulation scheme exhibits higher efficiency than quadrature modulation, without the bandwidth expansion and group delay mismatch of polar modulation. |
| US08681891B2 |
Selection of training sequences for multiple-in multiple-out transmissions
A cellular communication system Multiple-In Multiple-Out, MIMO, transmitter includes a plurality of antennas, a selector that selects training sequences for messages, a generator that generates messages including selected training sequences, and a transmitter that transmits the messages on the plurality of antennas. The selector selects a training sequence for a message from a set of training sequences in response to an associated antenna on which the message is to be transmitted. The set of training sequences is associated with a cell of the MIMO transmitter and includes disjoint subsets of training sequences for each of the plurality of antennas. |
| US08681886B2 |
Communication apparatus and communication method in mobile communication system
The communication apparatus includes: a processing unit 52 configured to determine a data modulation scheme for each stream based on first signal quality q1 for each stream determined by the MMSE method; a processing unit 54 configured to determine second signal quality q2 corresponding to the first signal quality q1; a processing unit configured to determine third signal quality q3(1) of a stream by adding first signal quality q1(1) of the stream and a correction value Δq(1) derived from second signal quality q2(2) of equal to or more than 1 stream other than the stream; and a processing unit 58 configured to determine channel coding rate Rk corresponding to third signal quality q3(1) for each stream. The determined data modulation scheme and channel coding scheme are used for transmission of a following stream. |
| US08681885B2 |
OFDM receiver and method for compensating for I/Q imbalance
An OFDM receiver for compensating for I/Q imbalance is provided. The OFDM receiver includes an I/Q demodulator demodulating a received signal into a baseband in-phase (I) channel signal and a baseband quadrature (Q) channel signal, and an I/Q imbalance compensator compensating for imbalance between the I-channel signal and the Q-channel signal in a time domain. Accordingly, it is possible to solve the I/Q imbalance and suppress degradation in the performance of the OFDM communication device. |
| US08681883B2 |
Communicating over powerline media using spot beamforming
A system and method for communicating information through a powerline medium including at least three conductors, where the transmitter transmits at least two signals onto the powerline medium and the receiver receives one or more signals from the powerline medium. The transmitter adjusts the power transmitted into the powerline medium in order to set the adjusted transmit power to a predetermined level, e.g., a level that ensures power radiated from the powerline medium does not exceed a regulatory limit. The process of adjusting the transmit power may take into account a functional relationship between the transmitted power and properties of the channel. |
| US08681881B2 |
Communication signal generating device and communication apparatus for use in communication system
The communication signal generating device is for use in a communication system where communication signals each of which is set at a first level or a second level are exchanged among a plurality of communication apparatuses through a communication line. The communication signal generating device includes a switching element provided in a communication line to connect the communication line to a ground or a constant voltage source, and a driving means to generate a first communication signal at the first level by turning on the switching element to thereby pass a certain current to the communication line, and generate a second communication signal at the second level by turning off the switching element to thereby pass no current to the communication line. The driving means is configured to gradually increase an output impedance of the switching element during one bit time of the first communication signal. |
| US08681880B2 |
Adaptive dithering during image processing
Systems and method are provided for adjusting certain pixel values in an image. In an embodiment of the invention, an average pixel value of pixels at given distances from a selected pixel are examined to determine if the pixel is in a high-contrast area. If the pixel is in a smooth color gradient transition area, the pixel value may be adjusted in some embodiments using an additional dither or dither pattern to reduce differences between the pixel values of the selected pixel and the additional average pixel values exceeding the lower threshold. |
| US08681873B2 |
Data compression for video
A method of transmitting video data from a transmitter to a receiver, the method comprising: receiving data values of a video signal at a higher resolution; at the transmitter, combining groups of the data values into one or more first units of a first lower-resolution arrangement; encoding and transmitting the first lower-resolution arrangement to the receiver; at the transmitter, combining groups of the data values into one or more second units of a second lower-resolution arrangement, wherein the second units are offset from the first units by a fractional shift such that each second unit partially overlaps with at least one first unit; encoding and transmitting the second lower-resolution arrangement to the receiver; and transmitting an indication of said shift to the receiver; and at the receiver, combining the first and second lower-resolution arrangements based on the indication so as to reconstruct an image of at least a higher resolution than that of the first and second lower-resolution arrangements. |
| US08681872B2 |
Video encoding method, and video decoding method
Provided is a video coding method and a video decoding method increasing the resolution and quality of images while suppressing an amount of data required for increasing the resolution. A video coding apparatus includes a first orthogonal transformation unit performing discrete cosine transform on an input picture signal, a low-pass filter performing low-pass filtering on the input picture signal, a downsampling unit downsampling the resolution of a low-frequency image signal, a coding unit compressing and coding a reduced image signal, a local decoding unit decoding a coded bit stream, a second orthogonal transformation unit performing discrete cosine transform on a decoded image signal, and a modification information generation unit generating, based on input image DCT coefficients and decoded image DCT coefficients, coefficient modification information used for modifying orthogonal transformation coefficients obtained by performing orthogonal transformation on a decoded video signal obtained from a coded bit stream. |
| US08681865B2 |
System and method for transcoding between scalable and non-scalable video codecs
Systems and methods are provided for performing transcoding in video communication system that use scalable video coding. The systems and methods can be used to transcode or convert input signals having certain characteristics into desired output signals having different characteristics requirements. The systems and methods are based on compressed domain processing, partial decoding-reencoding, or full decoding-reencoding with side information, depending on the specific characteristics of the input and desired output signals. |
| US08681864B2 |
Video coding apparatus and video coding control method
In a video coding apparatus, a plurality of coding units perform compression coding of a single source stream of video data. A control unit controls those coding units in such a way that all the coding units produce respective interframe coded pictures with identical playback times as a first-coded picture in a picture group (e.g., GOP) and produce identical local decoded pictures based on the respective intraframe coded pictures. A selection decision unit makes a selection, for each picture group, of one of the coded video data from the coding units on the basis of their coding results. According to this selection, a selection unit selectively outputs one of the coded video data. This output switching operation is performed at a point immediately before a forward interframe predictive coded picture that appears first of those in a picture group included in each of the coded video data outputs being switched. |
| US08681860B2 |
Moving picture compression apparatus and method of controlling operation of same
In principle, an I-frame is inserted every 50 frames and other frames are made P-frames. If the maximum amount of data that can be received by a terminal device to which a transmission is to be made is 300 KB, then frames up to a 144th frame for which the amount of data after compression will not exceed 300 KB is adopted as a first partitioned moving picture file. Since the 145th frame is the leading frame of the next partitioned moving picture file, it is made an I-frame. Frames from the 145th frame to a 289th frame are made a second partitioned moving picture file, and frames from a 290th frame to a 411th frame are made a third partitioned moving picture file. Since the leading frame of a partitioned moving picture file represents one complete frame, the moving picture can be reproduced and the number of partitions can be reduced. |
| US08681853B2 |
Pulse density modulation method and apparatus
A pulse density modulation, PDM, driver, outputs a PDM stream and can be switched to a control token. The switch takes place when the first integral of the PDM stream has a magnitude less than or equal to a first predetermined value and the second integral of the PDM stream has a magnitude less than or equal to a second predetermined value. |
| US08681851B2 |
Adaptive filter
An adaptive filter includes: a filter configured to perform a filtering process for an input signal with a filter coefficient set therein, and output the processed input signal as an output signal; a calculating unit configured to calculate a value indicative of an error between an amplitude of the output signal and a reference amplitude; an output unit configured to output a first constant as a parameter when the amplitude of the output signal is greater than the predetermined amplitude, the parameter used when updating the filter coefficient, and output a second constant as the parameter when the amplitude of the output signal is smaller than the predetermined amplitude; and an updating unit configured to update the filter coefficient with an update amount corresponding to the parameter and the value indicative of the error, such that the error is reduced. |
| US08681848B2 |
Linear system for link training
An apparatus for equalizing channels is provided, which is generally transparent to link training. The apparatus generally includes equalization paths formed by an input circuit, a crossbar, and an output circuit and a controller. Each equalization path is coupled to at least one of the channels, and a controller has a VGA loop, a crossbar loop, and a driver loop. The AGC loop receives a first reference voltage and provides a gain control signal to the input circuit, and the gain control network comprises a replica of at least one of the equalization paths. The crossbar loop receives a second reference voltage and provides a crossbar control signal to the crossbar. The driver loop receives a third reference voltage and provides a driver control signal for the output circuit. |
| US08681847B2 |
Apparatus and method for equalizing channel based on channel estimation
Provided is a channel equalizing apparatus and method for improving channel equalization performance in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) reception system applied to digital broadcasting or a communication system. The apparatus, includes: a channel estimating unit for performing channel estimation by using a pilot signal of a frequency domain; a digital filtering unit for changing a characteristic of a channel in a time domain based on an estimated channel estimation result; and a channel equalizing unit for performing channel equalization of a frequency domain on the signal after changing the channel characteristic. |
| US08681846B2 |
Measurement of I/Q impairments from a sampled complex signal
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. |
| US08681845B2 |
Mechanisms for measuring the I/Q impairments of a receiver
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. |
| US08681837B2 |
Digital Transmitter
An equalizer provided in a digital transmitter compensates for attenuation in a signal channel to a digital receiver. The equalizer generates signal levels as a logical function of bit history to emphasize transition signal levels relative to repeated signal levels. The preferred equalizer includes an FIR transition filter using a look-up table. Parallel circuits including FIR filters and digital-to-analog converters provide a high speed equalizer with lower speed circuitry. The equalizer is particularly suited to in-cabinet and local area network transmissions where feedback circuitry facilitates adaptive training of the equalizer as logic level sequences are transmitted at different frequencies. |
| US08681835B2 |
Multi-stage turbo equalization and interference cancellation receiver for wireless systems
In a receive node of a wireless network, an iterative multi-user multi-stage interference cancellation receiver is used. The receiver performs code-averaged equalization and chip chip-level code-specific interference over-cancellation on the received signals. This can result in a unified interference cancellation processing, and can avoid cumbersome calculations of code cross correlations that is required in symbol-level interference cancellation. A symbol-level code-averaged desired signal add-back is performed to address the over-cancellation of some desired signals. |
| US08681834B2 |
Wireless communications system with secondary synchronization code based on values in primary synchronization code
A wireless communication system. The system comprises transmitter circuitry (BST1), the transmitter circuitry comprising encoder circuitry (50) for transmitting a plurality of frames (FR). Each of the plurality of frames comprises a primary synchronization code (PCS) and a second synchronization code (SSC). The encoder circuitry comprises of circuitry (501) for providing the primary synchronization code in response to a first sequence (32). The encoder circuitry further comprises circuitry (502) for providing the secondary synchronization code in response to a second sequence (54) and a third sequence (56). The second sequence is selected from a plurality of sequences. Each of the plurality of sequences is orthogonal with respect to all other sequences. The third sequence is a subset of bits from the first sequence. |
| US08681833B2 |
Communication system, transmitter, receiver and communication method
A transmitter communicating with a receiver, the transmitter including: a first hopping sequence generation unit which generates a hopping sequence whose hopping subcarrier interval is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value based on a cell ID; a first reference signal pattern generation unit which generates a reference signal pattern based on a reference signal basic pattern including a predetermined known signal sequence and the hopping sequence generated by the first hopping sequence generation unit; an arrangement unit which arranges the reference signal and a data symbol in a predetermined position within the symbol, based on the reference signal pattern generated by the first reference signal pattern generation unit; and a signal transmission unit which transmits the symbol having the reference signal and the data symbol arranged by the arrangement unit to the receiver. |
| US08681831B2 |
Light outputting device and light scanning unit having the same
A light outputting device includes, a substrate, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) provided on a surface of the substrate, including a light emitting surface which emits a light, and a monitoring detector provided on the light emitting surface of the VCSEL to receive a part of the light emitted from the VCSEL so as to monitor the amount of the light emitted from the VCSEL. |
| US08681825B2 |
Grating external-cavity laser and quasi-synchronous tuning method thereof
A method for quasi-synchronous tuning of laser wavelength or frequency of grating external-cavity laser and a corresponding laser are provided. A grating or mirror is rotated around a quasi-synchronous tuning point (Pq) to achieve the quasi-synchronous tuning of frequency selections by grating and resonance cavity, wherein, on the xOy coordinate plane, from the perspective of actual physical space of the laser, the rotation center Pq(xq, yq) satisfying the quasi-synchronous tuning condition can be considered as being extended from the rotation center P0(x0, y0) under the conventional synchronous tuning condition to the region enclosed by two parabolas near P0. According to the present disclosure, approximately-synchronous tuning of laser is achieved with simple and flexible designs. |
| US08681824B2 |
DTMF tone monitoring apparatus and method of identifying a DTMF tone
A tone monitoring apparatus comprises a tone detector arranged to detect, when in use, a tone having a first duration equal to or greater than a predetermined duration. The tone detector is further arranged to select, when in use, a first signal path between a channel input and a channel output, the selection being in response to the first duration of the tone being equal to or greater than the predetermined duration. |
| US08681823B2 |
LDP IGP synchronization for broadcast networks
A network element that has a broadcast interface to a broadcast network becoming operational determines whether at least one alternate path exists to the broadcast network. The broadcast interface is to carry traffic on a label switched path. If an alternate path exists, the broadcast interface will not be advertised to the broadcast network until label distribution protocol (LDP) is operational with all neighbors on the broadcast interface. |
| US08681822B2 |
System and method for synchronizing media presentation at multiple recipients
A network media delivery system includes client devices and a host device. Each client device has a network interface, an engine for processing media data, and a media interface. The host device, which can be a computer, establishes network communication links with the client devices, which can be networked media stations, and sends media data to the client devices. The media data can be sent wirelessly as packets of media data transmitted at intervals to each client device. In one embodiment, the host device controls processing of media data such that processed media is delivered in a synchronized manner at each of the client devices. In another embodiment, the host device controls processing of media data such that processed media is delivered in a synchronized manner at the host device and at least one client device. |
| US08681813B2 |
Bandwidth optimization for remote desktop protocol
The processing of a first data stream to generate a second stream conforming to a remote desktop protocol (RDP) is described. Operations may include facilitating storage of first data from the first stream at a first index indicated in the first stream, facilitating retrieval of second data from a second index included in the first stream, and facilitating generation of the second stream conforming to the RDP and including the first and second data. Additionally, the processing of a third data stream conforming to the RDP to stream a fourth stream is described. Operations include facilitating processing of the third stream to identify a package data unit (PDU), facilitating storing of a hash value corresponding to the PDU, and facilitating generating an altered PDU for inclusion in the fourth stream and including an index identifying a location in memory storing the hash value. |
| US08681811B2 |
System and method for obtaining cross compatibility with a plurality of thin-client platforms
Techniques for use within computer systems that communicate with multiple different terminal systems using multiple different terminal protocols are disclosed. In one embodiment, a partial protocol converter module is installed in a computer server system to enable the computer server system to communicate with terminal systems that use terminal protocol other than the terminal protocol used natively by the computer server system. The partial protocol converter module directly accesses a screen buffer in the computer server system that is associated with the terminal systems that use terminal protocol other than the terminal protocol used natively by the computer server system. The partial protocol converter module detects updates to the screen buffer and encodes these display screen updates into a message using the native protocol used by the terminal system and then transmits that encoded message to the terminal system. |
| US08681807B1 |
Method and apparatus for switch port memory allocation
A packet switching device can allocate memory resources dynamically in order to utilize the memory resources efficiently. The packet switching device can include at least one ingress port that receives incoming packets from a network, a plurality of egress ports that transmit outgoing packets to the network, a storage unit configured to temporarily store the outgoing packets before transmission by the plurality of egress ports, the storage unit being coupled to the plurality of egress ports, so that a portion of the storage unit is dynamically allocated to an egress port, and a controller configured to dynamically allocate the portion of the storage unit to the egress port based on a network status. |
| US08681805B2 |
Method, device and system for interconnecting a multi-protocol label switching network and an ethernet
A method, a device and a system for interconnecting a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) network and an Ethernet are provided. A packet sent by a node located at the Ethernet is received, the packet is parsed, the parsed packet is re-encapsulated by means of MPLS, and the re-encapsulated packet is sent to a node located at the MPLS network, so as to implement interconnection between the MPLS network and the Ethernet. A reverse solution is similar to this. An intermediate node in the solution adopts a manner of parsing a packet and then re-encapsulating the packet when the packet is sent from one network to another network, instead of transparent transmission only. Therefore, it is unnecessary to configure a Media Access Control (MAC) address of a remote node on a node located at the Ethernet and to configure Ethernet information on a node located at the MPLS network. |
| US08681803B2 |
Communication system, policy management apparatus, communication method, and program
Authentication apparatus authenticates user using host connected to forwarding node. Policy management apparatus holds access control policy for identifying host under access control using identifier of forwarding node or identifier of user, and links identifier of host under access control and identifier of forwarding node to which host is connected, or identifier of host under access control and identifier of user using host. Forwarding node transmits to policy management apparatus identifier of host connected to own forwarding node and identifier of own forwarding node. Authentication apparatus transmits to policy management apparatus identifier of host connected to forwarding node and identifier of user. Policy management apparatus refers to access control policy and, if host connected to forwarding node is under access control, notifies content of access control to control apparatus as access control list. Control apparatus generates processing rule in accordance with access control list and sets generated processing rule in forwarding nodes. |
| US08681802B2 |
Proxy FHRP for anycast routing service
Embodiments herein achieve proxy FHRP for anycast routing services through the coordination of L2MP edge switches to allow load balancing for the use of routing services. Such embodiments may avoid duplicity and coordinate control planes between the edge switches to present a proxy interface to the rest of the network for the routing services. As such, multipathing and load-balancing for efficient use of crucial services may be provided for client nodes inside the network. |
| US08681799B2 |
Method for operating a communication device and communication device therefor
A communication device and a method concerning the operation of a communication device is provided. The method may include integrating a device control protocol into a point-to-point-protocol (PPP) frame, such that the integrated device control protocol can be separated by means of an identifier. Also, a logic channel between an application layer and a physical layer of the communication device is provided via the integrated device control protocol. At least one virtual serial interface may be provided within the communication device that is configured to use a device control protocol integrated into the PPP frame. The virtual serial interface includes at least one logic channel for an access of applications in an application layer to units of a physical layer of the communication device. |
| US08681797B2 |
Systems and methods for transporting data across an air interface using reduced address headers
Systems and methods are disclosed for transporting data across an air interface using a blending of protocol layers to achieve reduced bandwidth. Advantage is taken of the fact that the extra overhead from, for example, the Ethernet protocol is addressing information pertaining to the destination of the packet. This destination information (for example, the Ethernet address) can be stripped from the transmission prior to the air interface and recreated after the air interface. In one embodiment, the concepts of a proper Layer 2 CS are merged on top of the 802.16 protocol and still retain the benefits of a Layer 2 transparent bridged service layer to the network layer. In one embodiment, the MAC address of the destination is used for the air interface and the Ethernet address is recreated and added on the far side of the air interface. |
| US08681796B2 |
Separation of data and control in a switching device
A method and apparatus for switching a data packet between a source and destination in a network. The data packet includes a header portion and a data portion. The header portion includes routing information for the data packet. The method includes defining a data path in the router comprising a path through the router along which the data portion of the data packet travels and defining a control path comprising a path through the router along which routing information from the header portion travels. The method includes separating the data path and control path in the router such that the routing information can be separated from the data portion allowing for the separate processing of each in the router. The data portion can be stored in a global memory while routing decisions are made on the routing information in the control path. |
| US08681793B2 |
Method and apparatus for space division multiple access for wireless local area network system
A space division multiple access (SDMA) method is provided. The method may be performed by a station (STA), in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system. The method includes overhearing a third transmission response message transmitted by an access point (AP), and determining whether to access a channel on the basis of criteria information included in the third transmission response message. |
| US08681787B2 |
Write operation dispersed storage network frame
A method begins by a processing module generating a payload of a dispersed storage network frame by generating a transaction number field to include a transaction number corresponding to a write request operation and generating one or more slice payload sections, wherein each slice payload section includes generating a slice name field to include a slice name corresponding to an encoded data slice, generating a slice revision numbering field to include a revision number of the slice name, generating a slice length field to include a length of the encoded data slice, and generating a slice payload field to include the encoded data slice. The method continues with the processing module generating a protocol header by generating a payload length field including a payload length representing length of the transaction number field and length of the one or more slice payload sections and generating remaining fields of the protocol header. |
| US08681786B2 |
Centralized recording and processing of received packet parameters
The invention relates to an internet application flow rate identification method based on message sampling and application signing, comprising the following steps: firstly, message sampling capture: in accordance with sampling strategy and sampling rate the message is captured and decoded; secondly, decoding: the flow information and application data of the message is analyzed by decoding the message; thirdly, flow classification: according to the flow information of the message, a flow state table is found and maintained; fourthly, flow state distinguishing: the signature is matched if the application type of the flow state found through the flow classification is unknown; finally, signature matching: according to the application signature bank, the application data of the message is matched, if matched successfully, the application type of the flow state is updated, and the flow information and application type of that data stream is output. The method is of high accuracy in identification, high efficiency in processing, good expandability, high possibility in realization, and is applicable not only for message processing, but also for flow data analysis. The invention can be achieved in not only the network equipment, but also the network analysis system. |
| US08681782B2 |
Method and system for routing a voice-over-packet emergency services call to an appropriate public safety answering point (PSAP)
A plurality of public safety answering points (PSAPs) are accessible via a voice-over-packet (VoP) network. A wireless access point of the VoP network is provisioned with a PSAP identifier and/or access point identifier to facilitate the routing of emergency services calls from the wireless access point to the appropriate PSAP. When a mobile node transmits a message to originate a call, the wireless access point parses the message to determine whether the mobile node is requesting an emergency services call. If an emergency call is being requested, the wireless access point inserts the PSAP identifier and/or access point identifier with which it has been provisioned into the message and forwards the modified message to a proxy server. The proxy server receives the modified message and routes the call to the appropriate PSAP, based on the PSAP identifier and/or access point identifier contained therein. |
| US08681775B2 |
Switchable voice source network interface device module
A system and method for switching between voice signals. The system includes a network interface device and a digital logic device. The network interface device may include a splitter and a switch. The splitter includes a network input configured to receive a combined voice and digital signal. The splitter generates a separate first voice output and a digital signal. The first voice signal is provided from the splitter to the switch, while the digital signal is provided to the digital logic device. The digital logic device is configured to generate a second voice signal that is also provided to the switch. Further, the digital logic device provides a control signal to the switch. The control signal manipulates the switch to selectively provide either the first or second voice signal to a voice output. |
| US08681774B2 |
System and method of routing voice communications via peering networks
A method of routing voice communications is disclosed and includes receiving network event data at a telephone number mapping (ENUM) server of an originating network from a plurality of peering border elements associated with a plurality of peering communication networks. The network event data indicates a health status of each of the peering communication networks. The method also includes determining a network weight related to each of the peering communication networks based on the network event data, wherein each network weight indicates a proportion of calls that are to be routed from the originating network via the related peering communication network. The method further includes dynamically assigning a plurality of preference field values to session initiation protocol (SIP) addresses of the peering border elements within a plurality of naming authority pointer (NAPTR) records, based on the network weights. |
| US08681772B2 |
Timing synchronization for networks with radio links
Precision Timing Protocol (PTP) related functions for use in packet communications carried in part by a microwave communications link include setting of time of day values across the microwave link and providing transparent clock functions. The PTP functions may be used for synchronizing radio base stations in a cellular network. The transparent clock can bridge Ethernet switches associated with microwave stations providing the microwave communications link. |
| US08681771B2 |
Uplink synchronous control method and apparatus of the high speed shared information channel
The present invention discloses an uplink synchronization control method and system for the high speed shared information channel. The method includes: S102, a radio network controller assigns resources associated with the high speed downlink packet access for a user equipment and sends the information associated with the resources to Node B and the user equipment; S104, Node B configures uplink synchronization parameters for the high speed shared information channel for the user equipment using the uplink synchronization parameters which are assigned by the radio network controller for the radio link for the high speed shared information channel; the user equipment configures the uplink synchronization parameters for the high speed shared information channel of the user equipment using the uplink synchronization parameters for the uplink associated dedicated physical channel assigned by the radio network controller; S106, Node B and the user equipment send and/or receive a synchronization control commands and control the uplink synchronization process for the high speed shared information channel according to the uplink synchronization parameters for the high speed shared information channel assigned for the user equipment respectively. |
| US08681769B2 |
Incorporation of a notification in a network name
An Access Point (AP) advertises the availability of notifications, and this advertisement may be received and interpreted by stations (STAs), both by associated STAs and by non-associated STAs. Upon being informed of the availability of the notification message, a STA may be able to identify the notification message by analyzing the advertisement. If the contents of the notification message comprise a control message, the STA may act on the control message in a way that influences the STA's behavior. If the contents of the notification message indicate restrictions imposed by the AP, the STA may determine, in view of the restrictions, not to attempt association with the AP. |
| US08681761B2 |
Gateway apparatus, method, and system
A gateway receives a predetermined request from a terminal via a network, identifies the type of the terminal, reads a stream or a file, which includes at least one of a video and an audio, from at least one of an equipment connected directly to the gateway and an equipment connected to the gateway via a network, creates conversion information suitable for the type of the terminal, performs conversion for the stream or the file in accordance with the conversion information, and transmits the converted stream or file to the terminal. |
| US08681759B2 |
Methods and apparatus for use in efficiently scanning for wireless networks based on application type
A mobile communication device invokes a first application or a second application. When the first application is invoked, the mobile device scans to search for one or more WLANs identified in a first subset of WLAN profiles. When the second application is invoked, the mobile device scans to search for one or more WLANs identified in a second subset of WLAN profiles. The first application may be a messaging application, such as a personal information manager (PIM) application, which may utilize WLANs having external network connectivity. The second application may be a streaming media application, which may utilize WLAN appliances having no external network connectivity. Alternatively, the second application may be a conference meeting application or military application which may utilize ad hoc networks having no external network connectivity. |
| US08681754B2 |
Wireless control system
The invention realizes a wireless control system capable of reducing loads on a wireless network and gateway nodes and improving reliability of the system. The wireless control system for collecting data from a plurality of wireless nodes constituting a wireless network to a supervisory node via gateway nodes, wherein said each gateway node and said each wireless node have group IDs assigned thereto in advance and said each wireless node selects a route having the most excellent communication quality of routes leading to the gateway nodes having the same group ID as a self-node and transmits data to the selected route. |
| US08681753B2 |
Method, system and arrangements for setting up and maintaining a WLAN connection within predictably moving vehicles
Setting up and maintaining wireless communication connections with end user's terminals (301) on board a predictably moving vehicle (303) is shown with mechanisms for correcting for Doppler effects. A central device (302) within the vehicle (303) acts as a hub of a wireless network. There are a number of fixed transceivers (304). A connection arrangement (305, 306, 705, 706, 1001, 1101, 1122) connects the fixed transceivers (304) to an external packet-switched data network. The central device (302) within the vehicle (303) is a mobile router (302) equipped with routing capability (407). The connection arrangement (305, 306, 705, 706, 1001, 1101, 1122) includes a connection (705, 706, 1001) between a number of fixed transceivers (304) and a fixed central device (305) The fixed central device (305) has routing capability (1007), and together with the mobile router (302) implement routing of packets between the packet-switched network and an end user's terminal (301). |
| US08681752B2 |
Method and system for dynamic selection of home agents
In a network wherein nodes request services adapted to be provided via a plurality of home agents, a system includes nodes configured for having associated a service identifier identifying a service requested by the at least one node, the system being configured for selecting the home agents to provide the services requested, wherein the home agents are selected based on the service identifiers. A node may thus have a first service identifier and a second service identifier identifying two different services adapted to be provided, even simultaneously, by a first and a second home agent respectively. |
| US08681748B2 |
Wireless transceivers with filter arrangement for WiFi and WiMAX coexsistence
Embodiments provide WiFi and WiMAX tailored transceiver radio frequency (RF) filtering techniques and configurations to enable coexistence between WiFi and WiMAX transceivers operating in close proximity. In particular, embodiments provide filtering techniques to reject emissions from WiMAX into WiFi, and vice versa. The filtering techniques eliminate the need for additional isolation between WiMAX and WiFi antennas (approximately 50 dB), which is beyond what is achievable in practice. Embodiments can be tailored according to different use cases of the WiFi and WiMAX transceivers (e.g., fixed CPE, portable router, smart phone with tethering). |
| US08681747B2 |
Wireless communication system
A wireless communication system is disclosed including a MIMO wireless communication apparatus that can communicate through multiple antennas and a non-MIMO wireless communication apparatus that can communicate through a single antenna or multiple antennas. The MIMO wireless communication apparatus includes a communication unit configured to transmit and receive control information divided into a second control information containing information related to the demodulation and decoding of traffic channel and a first control information containing information related to the MIMO separation of the second control information. |
| US08681743B2 |
Apparatus and method for selecting frame structure in multihop relay broadband wireless access communication system
Apparatus and method for selectively using a frame structure adequate for a system environment in a multihop relay wireless communication system are provided. The method includes generating a control signal including the frame information; and transmitting the control signal to a child Relay Station (RS). Accordingly, the frame structure adequate for the system environment can be used, and the transmission delay and the tradeoff between the overheads in each frame structure can be freely selected. |
| US08681741B1 |
Autonomous hybrid WLAN/GPS location self-awareness
A system and method are disclosed for providing collective sharing and learning of location information in a network, specifically by enabling wireless devices to become self-aware of their location by leveraging the presence of hybrid WLAN/GPS devices that are inherently location self-aware. Self-aware network devices are enabled to self-determine and maintain their own location awareness without the need for a GPS receiver, and using hybrid WLAN/GPS devices to assist WLAN-only devices in becoming location self-aware. Additionally, the method includes pass-by autonomous exchange of location information between network devices, and avoidance of the need to associate by bursting the location information in beacon and probe request/response packets. The system and method also provides for sharing of trusted location data. |
| US08681737B2 |
Method and apparatus for inter-technology handoff between a packet data network and a circuit switched network
In order to facilitate a handoff of a communication session between a legacy circuit switched network and a packet data network such as a 3GPP LTE, 3GPP2 UMB, or WiMAX network, which communication session is anchored in an IMS Voice Call Continuity Application Server (VCC AS), a Circuit Switched Proxy (CS Proxy) is provided in the packet data network that communicates with a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) of the circuit switched network. The CS Proxy allows the packet data network to communicate with the VCC AS, the MSC to communicate with the packet data network, and the MSC to communicate with the VCC AS via the packet data network, thereby allowing an exchange of handoff-related information between the packet data network and the VCC AS, the packet data network and the circuit switched network, and the circuit switched network and the VCC AS via the packet data network. |
| US08681734B2 |
Method for transmitting a ranging signal in a wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a method in which a terminal transmits a ranging signal in a wireless communication system. The method comprises a step of acquiring cell identification information using the preamble received from a base station, a step of determining frequency resource allocation information using the cell identification information and information on the number of allocated subbands, and a step of transmitting a ranging signal using the sub-band indicated by the frequency resource allocation information. |
| US08681733B2 |
Communicating control information in mobile communication system
The present invention relates to communicating control information in a mobile communication system, by which new control information can be transmitted more quickly. The present invention comprises transmitting a first data block comprising control information for transmitting first data when no resources for the transmission of the first data are available, receiving second data from an upper layer to be transmitted, wherein the second data has a higher priority than the first data, and transmitting a second data block comprising updated control information for transmitting the first and second data when no resources for the transmission of the first and second data are available. |
| US08681725B2 |
System imposed throttled transmission
A transmission controller (40) comprises a transmission request processor (44); a transmission reservation grantor (46); and, a transmission monitor (48). The transmission request processor (44) is configured to receive a request for a transmission reservation emanating from a client application executed at a wireless terminal (30). The transmission reservation grantor (46) is configured to use transmission rules stored for the wireless terminal (30) to make a determination whether to grant a transmission reservation responsive to the request for the transmission reservation. The transmission monitor (48) is configured (1) to perform a monitoring of the transmission operation for compliance with the transmission rules after granting the request for the transmission reservation and during a remainder of the transmission operation toward the wireless terminal associated with the transmission reservation and (2) to control bandwidth used by at least a portion of the remainder of the transmission operation in accordance with the monitoring. |
| US08681720B2 |
Methods and devices for multiple modulated data streams signaling
Embodiments relate to a base station (10) arranged to order a mode of multiple modulated data streams communication of a user equipment (20) in a communications network, comprising transmitting arrangement (141a-141i), receiving arrangement (143a-143j) and a control unit (17, 12, 16) arranged to determine a mode of multiple modulated data streams communication of the user equipment based on a parameter relating to a capacity of the communications network, and to transmit over the transmitting arrangement (141a-141i) an order to the user equipment indicating the determined mode of multiple modulated data streams communication of the user equipment. |
| US08681719B2 |
Systems, apparatus and methods for facilitating frequency reuse for downlink control channels
Systems and methods for frequency reuse on downlink control channels (DLCCs) are provided. One method can include determining a first number of symbols to support transmission of control information on a DLCC, and configuring a second number of symbols for transmission of the control information on the DLCC, wherein the second number of symbols is greater than the first number of symbols. The method can also include assigning a number of DLCCs based on the second number of symbols, and transmitting control information over an assigned number of DLCCs to achieve an effective reuse factor less than one. Another method can include identifying fractions of bandwidth in a system having cells, and allocating at least one of the cells to at least one of the fractions of bandwidth in a system. Resource element groups allocated to the fractions of bandwidth can be coordinated across cells to provide frequency reuse. |
| US08681715B2 |
Radio communication method and radio communication device
When the SC-FDMA method is used in combination with the multi-antenna transmission technique, a radio transmission method effectively improves the frequency use efficiency by performing appropriate frequency allocation to a plurality of antennas while suppressing degradation of the reception quality caused by interference. In the radio transmission method of the SC-FDMA type, according to the number of terminals simultaneously accessing a base station within a usable frequency band, it is possible to allocate all the transmission signals (transmission stream) to be transmitted by different antennas to different frequency bands or to use the MIMO transmission in combination. Moreover, according to the number of terminals making an access, the number of terminals which perform the MIMO transmission can be varied. |
| US08681708B2 |
Method for allocating control channels, method for transmitting packet data and RNC for multi-carrier HSDPA
The present invention discloses a control channel allocation method, a packet data transmission method and a RNC of a multi-carrier HSDPA (high speed downlink packet access) technology, wherein the allocation method includes: when a UE accesses a network, the network allocating K pairs of uplink and downlink control channels to be monitored by the UE; during a HSDPA service transmission process, the network selecting N pairs from the K pairs of uplink and downlink control channels to transmit control messages, wherein the selected downlink channels are the corresponding uplink channels are on a same carrier; and the network allocating a pair of uplink and downlink associate channels on each carrier where the selected N pairs of uplink and downlink control channels locate, wherein M≧N≧1 and M is a number of carriers used by the network to transmit packet data. The present invention effectively solves the problem that in the traditional single carrier HSDPA, only the transmission control of the single carrier is taken into account and the control requirement in the multi-carrier HSDPA cannot be satisfied. |
| US08681704B2 |
Method of downlink HARQ operation at an expiry of time alignment timer
According to one embodiment, a method of processing data for a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) operation in a wireless communication system includes: receiving control signaling from a network; receiving data based on the received control signaling; generating a positive response message (ACK) if the received data is successfully decoded or a negative response message (NACK) if the received data is not successfully decoded, wherein the generated ACK or the generated NACK is not transmitted to the network when a timer is expired or not running; and combining the received data with data currently in a buffer after the timer is stopped or expired. |
| US08681703B2 |
Communication device, wireless communication device, and control method
A communication device that includes an authentication unit that authenticates a wireless communication device depending on whether a predetermined authentication condition is satisfied, and a relay unit that relays communication performed by the wireless communication device when the authentication unit successfully authenticates the wireless communication device, comprising: an information transmission and reception unit receiving connected-terminal information, which includes identification information identifying the wireless communication device whose communication is being relayed, held by other communication devices; a recording unit recording the received connected-terminal information; a judging unit judging, when a connection request is received from the wireless communication device, whether the identification information identifying the wireless communication device is included in the recorded connected-terminal information; and a permitting unit permitting relaying of communication performed by the wireless communication device when the identification information of the wireless communication device is included in the recorded connected-terminal information. |
| US08681702B2 |
PLMN selection method and mobile communication device utilizing the same
PLMN selection methods and mobile communication devices utilizing the same are provided. The PLMN selection method is performed by a mobile communication device attached to a service network for an emergency bearer service through an emergency packet data connection, wherein the mobile communication device is capable of accessing a SIM card comprising a forbidden PLMN. The PLMN selection method comprises: receiving an equivalent PLMN list comprising the forbidden PLMN from the service network; and removing the forbidden PLMN from the equivalent PLMN list after the emergency bearer service has been completed. |
| US08681699B2 |
Contention media access control for telecommunications
A system includes an access point and one or more remotes. The access point is configured for receiving signals, and for transmitting signals comprising contention frames, contention grants, and data frames. The one or more remotes include a first remote configured for receiving signals, and configured for transmitting signals comprising contention requests and data frames. The first remote is configured for transmitting one of the contention requests within a selected period of time after receiving one of the contention frames from the access point. The access point is configured for transmitting one of the contention grants to the first remote after receiving one of the contention requests from the first remote. The first remote is configured for transmitting one of the data frames within a selected period of time after receiving one of the contention grants from the access point. |
| US08681696B2 |
Coordinating operation in infrastructure and ad-hoc modes for wireless networks
Various example embodiments are disclosed herein. In an example embodiment, an apparatus may include a controller, a memory coupled to the controller and a wireless transceiver coupled to the controller. The apparatus may be configured to receive, at a mobile station operating in Ad-Hoc mode in a wireless network, a message indicating that an access point (AP) has pending data in infrastructure network for the mobile station, and receive, at the mobile station the pending data from the AP. |
| US08681692B2 |
System and method for authorizing access to an IP-based wireless telecommunications service
A system for providing an IP-based wireless telecommunications device with access to an IP-based wireless telecommunications service provided by a carrier network includes an access point that sets up a radio link with the IP-based wireless telecommunications device and couples the IP-based wireless telecommunications device to the network. The system also includes a network controller in communication with the carrier network and the access point. The network controller is configured to receive data packets corresponding to the IP-based wireless telecommunications device at the access point. The network controller is also configured to accept/reject the provision of the IP-based wireless telecommunications service to the IP-based wireless telecommunications device based on an IP address or other unique identifier associated with the access point. |
| US08681690B2 |
Technique for enabling multiple terminals to simulate traffic of a single virtual terminal
A technique for enabling multiple terminals to simulate data traffic of a single virtual terminal includes transmitting from a first transmitting terminal a request to establish a communication session between the first transmitting terminal and a receiving terminal, where the first transmitting terminal is one a plurality of transmitting terminals. The first transmitting terminal receives at least one message from the receiving terminal to establish the communication session. Once the communication session is established between the first transmitting terminal and the receiving terminal, data traffic is transmitted from the plurality of transmitting terminals to the receiving terminal within the communication session such that the receiving terminal is unaware that more than one transmitting terminal is transmitting within the communication session. The communication session is maintained by transmitting maintenance messages from at least one of the plurality of transmitting terminals to the receiving terminal throughout the communication session. |
| US08681688B2 |
Radio communication method, radio communication system, and radio transmission apparatus
A transmission apparatus according to the present invention includes: an encoding section; a modulation section; a variable-SF spreading section that performs spreading with variable SF according to control information A from a control section; an IDFT section that performs IDFT on output from the spreading section; a GI inserting section; a parallel/serial conversion section that converts output from the GI inserting section into a serial data sequence; a digital/analog conversion section; and an RF section that transmits a signal from an antenna after converting the signal to a frequency band for analog signal transmission and controlling it to an appropriate transmission power. The control section is configured to generate control information A for determining the variable SF and input the information A to the variable-SF spreading section and the RF section. In control information A, SF is varied depending on transmission power required. |
| US08681686B2 |
Terminal device and interference removal method
When a terminal (200) is capable of connecting to two relay devices that are adjacent to the terminal, from among a plurality of relay devices, a receiving unit (208) receives signals in a first period and a second period for communication among the plurality of relay stations, which are transmitted from the higher order device to the lower order device toward other terminal devices. An interference removal unit (209) obtains a signal transmitted toward the terminal (200) from the higher order relay device by employing the signals toward the other terminal devices that are received in the first period and the second period and removing a signal toward other terminal devices that is transmitted in a third period for communication between the plurality of relay devices and the terminal device from the lower order device from a signal that is received in the third period. |
| US08681683B2 |
Inter-system idle mode mobility
Providing for inter-system idle mobility management for independent mobile networks is described herein. By way of example, registration of multiple mobile IP (MIP) addresses to a mobile device can be utilized to facilitate inter-system device tracking. An Internet Protocol (IP) home agent that serves the mobile device can associate the MIPs with a home IP address of the mobile device. When communication is received for the home address, device paging can be initiated by utilizing at least a plurality of the MIPs bound to the home address. A mobile device response can provide a current active network address, and the received communication can be delivered via such active network address. As disclosed herein, the mobile device can switch attachment among the networks without signaling such networks, based on the multiple address bindings. Accordingly, significant power reduction can be afforded to mobile devices in idle mode. |
| US08681682B2 |
Method and apparatus for cooperative multiple point transmission and reception
A cooperative multiple point transmission and reception (CoMP) method of a user equipment (UE) receiving signals from a plurality of base stations (BSs) comprises receiving a first signal from a serving BS, receiving a second signal from an interfering BS, and restoring data, included in the first signal, using the second signal. The second signal comprises a downlink signal, transmitted from the interfering BS to a UE connected to the interfering BS, and a dummy signal for canceling interference of the downlink signal with the first signal. In a wireless communication system composed of multiple cells, CoMP using DPC can be performed even without data sharing between the cells. |
| US08681681B2 |
Dequeuing and congestion control systems and methods for single stream multicast
A system that processes single stream multicast data includes multiple queues, a dequeue engine, and/or a queue control engine. The queues temporarily store data. At least one of the queues stores single stream multicast data. A multicast count is associated with the single stream multicast data and corresponds to a number of destinations to which the single stream multicast data is to be sent. The dequeue engine dequeues data from the queues. If the data corresponds to the single stream multicast data, the dequeue engine examines the multicast count associated with the single stream multicast data and dequeues the single stream multicast data based on the multicast count. The queue control engine examines one of the queues to determine whether to drop data from the queue and marks the data based on a result of the determination. |
| US08681680B2 |
Control plane architecture for multicast cache-fill
A multicast content delivery system can use both multicast and unicast streams to efficiently use available bandwidth to deliver content. Available multicast content can be identified to gateways serving consumption devices, and the gateways can receive requests for unicast content deliver, but honor the requests with multicast group sessions. |
| US08681679B2 |
Transmitting system and method for transmitting digital broadcast signal
A transmitting system and a method of transmitting digital broadcast signal are disclosed. The method of transmitting digital broadcast signal includes generating signaling data including a transmission parameter, wherein the transmission parameter includes a protocol version field identifying between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode, forming a data group including mobile service data and the signaling data, forming mobile service data packets including the mobile service data and the signaling data in the data group, transmitting the digital broadcast signal including the data group. |
| US08681678B2 |
Method of transmitting multicast and broadcast service data
A resource allocation method for a Multicast and Broadcast Service (MBS) and a method for transmitting MBS data in a wireless access system are disclosed. The MBS transmission method for a multicast broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) zone includes, constructing a resource zone by sequentially allocating predetermined symbol areas preferentially on a frequency axis, mapping predetermined MBSs provided from the MBSFN zone to the predetermined symbol areas, and transmitting a first MBS among the predetermined MBSs to mobile stations located at an edge of the MBSFN zone. The first MBS is equal to a second MBS among MBSs provided from a neighbor MBSFN zone. The first MBS and the second MBS are transmitted to the same time zone according to a time division multiplexing (TDM) method. |
| US08681674B2 |
Accelerated rejoining in low power wireless networking for logistics and transportation applications
Techniques are disclosed for enabling accelerated rejoining of network devices in a low-power wireless network after a connection to the low-power wireless network is lost. Embodiments generally include, for a network device that periodically conducts scans for beacons on the low-power wireless network, increasing the frequency, or scanning rate, at which the scans are performed. After a certain period of time, if the network device has not joined the low-power wireless network, the network device can implement a different scanning rate until it rejoins with the network. Additional techniques may be used to reduce power usage and preserve the structure of a portion of the low-power wireless network that has become disconnected with the rest of the network. |
| US08681673B2 |
Method for reducing power consumption in wireless communication system
A method for reducing power consumption in a wireless communication system includes: generating a descramble initial value by using at least some bits of identification information of an STA, which is known to an AP or base station and the STA; generating a first descramble sequence by using the generated descramble initial value and comparing at least some bits of the generated first descramble sequence with at least some bits of a service field of a currently-received signal; as the comparison result, when it is determined that the destination of the currently-received signal is not set to the STA, stopping the signal reception; and as the comparison result, when it is determined that the destination of the currently-received signal is set to the STA, generating a second descramble sequence by using the descramble initial value and descrambling the currently-received signal. |
| US08681671B1 |
System and method for reducing power used for radio transmission and reception
A system and method allows devices to send and receive packets while using power to do so in a manner that responds to events, such as receipt or other identification of different parameters that control how packets are sent and received. |
| US08681668B2 |
Methods and apparatus for transmitting multicast traffic in a data network
A method including receiving in a first network interface of a router a first request for a first type of multicast traffic in a first multicast routing protocol, storing in the router a second type of multicast traffic, transmitting from the router using a second multicast routing protocol requests for the first and second types of multicast traffic, receiving in the router the first and second types of multicast traffic comprising first and second IP packets, respectively, modifying in the router the IP source address and/or the IP multicast destination address of the second IP packets so that the addresses of the second IP packets are the same as the first IP packets of the first type of multicast traffic and transmitting the first IP packets and the modified second IP packets via the first network interface, where the router transmits in a first time interval the first IP packets, transmits in a second time interval the modified second IP packets, and transmits in a third time interval the remaining portion of the first IP packets. |
| US08681664B2 |
Setting up a full-duplex communication session and transitioning between half-duplex and full-duplex during a communication session within a wireless communications system
In an embodiment, an originating device sends a request, to a server, to initiate a full-duplex session with a target device. Responsive to the full-duplex request, a half-duplex session is set-up from the originating device to the target device before the full-duplex session is set-up. The target device indicates its acceptance of the half-duplex session, receives half-duplex media from the originating device and selectively indicates its acceptance of the full-duplex session. In another embodiment, during a session currently supported either by half-duplex or full-duplex, the server arbitrating the session receives a request from one of the session participants to transition the session to another duplex-type. The server then selectively transitions the duplex-type of the session. |
| US08681661B2 |
Limiting MAC address learning on access network switches
A LAN includes a CORE switch linked to some number of TOR switches, and each of the TOR switches are linked directly to some number of host devices. Each of the switches in the LAN operate to process and transmit data frames they receive from neighboring LAN devices. Each TOR switch in the LAN builds and maintains a layer-2 forwarding table that is comprised of MAC address information learned from frames they receive from neighboring LAN devices. Selected ports/VLANs on some or all of the TOR devices are designated to be CORE/switch facing ports (CFP) or host facing ports (HFP). Each of the CFPs are configured to only learn the MAC address in unicast frames it receives and each of the HFPs can be configured to learn the MAC address of both unicast and multicast data frames provided the destination MAC address included in the unicast frame is known. |
| US08681654B2 |
Methods and apparatus to design a survivable internet protocol link topology
Methods and apparatus to design a survivable Internet Protocol link topology are disclosed. An example method to generate a network topology is described, which includes identifying a plurality of potential express links based on a first subset of a plurality of physical links coupling a plurality of communication network nodes, wherein one or more of the potential express links includes a network layer link traversing more than one of the physical links, determining an amount of network layer traffic that may be carried on a first potential express link, selecting the first potential express link as a chosen express link based on at least one of the traffic or a first number of network layer links on the physical links, adding the chosen express link to a list of express links, generating a plurality of network topologies by selecting one or more different numbers of express links from the list of express links, and selecting one of the generated network layer topologies based on a cost of the generated network layer topologies. |
| US08681650B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for packet classification previewing
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for packet classification previewing are disclosed. Packet classification previewing is performed by a reserved preview packet classifier and initiated by a user. According to one aspect, a method for packet classification previewing includes providing a preview packet classifier. User input is received to classify packets using the preview packet classifier. In response to the user input, classification of packets is initiated using the preview packet classifier. Preview packet classification results are generated and displayed to the user, providing feedback as to whether the classifier configuration is correct or not as the user changes the configuration dynamically. |
| US08681647B2 |
Method of determination of transmission quality of a communication link between a transmitter and a receiver and corresponding apparatus
The invention proposes a method and apparatus for determination of transmission quality of a communication link between a transmitter and a receiver. Among others, the invention allows to determine the transmission quality of a communication link between a transmitter and a receiver by a tier device, for example a transmission quality testing or monitoring device. |
| US08681633B1 |
Method and apparatus for managing calls in a packet network
Method and apparatus for managing calls in a packet network is described. One aspect of the invention relates to a method of processing a call in a packet network in communication with a plurality of egress networks. A destination endpoint for the call is identified. Routing cost data associated with the plurality of egress networks is processed to identify an egress network of the plurality of egress networks providing a least cost route to the destination endpoint device. The call is routed towards the destination endpoint device through the identified egress network. |
| US08681630B1 |
Configurable rate limiting using static token buckets, and applications thereof
A system disclosed rate limits API requests. The system includes an API server that receives an API request from a developer application at an API server and a token bucket to rate limit API requests from the developer application. A token query translation module determines a number of tokens needed to process the API request based on a rate configured in predefined policy data for the developer application and a replenish rate of the token bucket. The number of tokens inversely corresponds to the rate configured in the predefined policy data. A token request module instructs the API server to process the API request if the token bucket has sufficient tokens and reduces the number of tokens in the token bucket for the developer application by the number of tokens needed to process the API request. In this way, the disclosed system effectively simulates buckets having configurable replenish rates. |
| US08681622B2 |
Policy and charging rules function (PCRF) and performance intelligence center (PIC) based congestion control
A system for congestion control in a mobile communications network includes a monitoring module configured to monitor message traffic associated with a cell in a mobile communications network. The message traffic includes control plane and user plane messages. The monitoring module determines, based on the message traffic, whether a predetermined congestion threshold associated with the cell in the mobile communications network has been crossed. In response to the threshold being crossed, the monitoring module generates a cell congestion notification message that includes the identity of subscribers that are contributing to the congestion. A policy server receives the cell congestion notification message and generates a PCC rule that modifies the policy of the one or more identified subscribers and for communicating the PCC rule to a PCEF. |
| US08681621B2 |
System and method for logging traffic flow
A system and method for monitoring user traffic. An observance window is established for a time period associated with the CIR rate. Incoming bits are measured to determine if the CIR rate plus a CBS rate is exceeded. A determination is made whether there is a threshold crossing during the observance window. A flag state is set indicating a user traffic flow is out of conformance in response to determining there is a threshold crossing. |
| US08681618B2 |
Packet retransmission control system, method and program
A packet retransmission control system has: a network control block configured to perform packet retransmission control in an upper layer; and a packet retransmission control block configured to perform packet retransmission control with a shorter retransmission timeout than the upper layer in a lower layer that is lower than the upper layer. If the network control block receives a duplicate acknowledge packet being an acknowledge packet notifying a same sequence number for a predetermined number of times, the network control block performs packet retransmission. The packet retransmission control block determines whether or not retransmission of a same packet is performed earlier in the upper layer than in the lower layer. If retransmission of the same packet is performed earlier in the upper layer than in the lower layer, the packet retransmission control block prohibits retransmission of the same packet in the lower layer. |
| US08681617B2 |
Communication device
A device in a line part from a LAN to a WAN includes a plurality of cards which includes a TCP converter relaying two TCP communications. The TCP converter exchanges the number of connections in which data transmission is in progress and the number of connections in which data reception is in progress between TCP converters, receives the total number of connections in which data reception is in progress in an opposite device and an access line bandwidth to a WAN from the opposite device for each TCP connection. A control bandwidth is determined on the basis of the retransmission ratio of data, the total number of connections in which data transmission is in progress and an access line bandwidth to the WAN, and the total number of connections in which data reception is in progress and an access line bandwidth to the WAN of which the opposite device notifies. |
| US08681615B2 |
Multichannels for a communications management system
Downstream synchronous multichannel (DSSM) communications are provided among a plurality of carriers, each being a completely DOCSIS™ 2.0-compliant downstream. The synchronous multichannels support communications with both DSSM-capable communications nodes and non-DSSM-capable communications nodes (e.g., legacy cable modems). Non-DSSM packets are transmitted on a single channel. DSSM packets are split into multiple pieces, which are transmitted simultaneously on all available channels. Since the physical delay variation (e.g., group delay change) across the adjacent carriers is small (on the order of a symbol time), the multiple pieces arrive at the receiving communications nodes at nearly the same time and can be reassembled with minimal buffering and no packet ordering problems. To avoid causing trouble for the non-DSSM-capable communications nodes, the packet pieces are encapsulated with a header that causes the non-DSSM-capable communications nodes to silently discard them. |
| US08681611B2 |
System and method for controlling communication
A system and method are provided for providing access communications between customer locations and a core network service edge. Access flows are handled as carrier-tagged flows through a packet switched network comprising network elements that interpret and manipulate carrier tag values associated with traffic-bearing data frames. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a discard eligibility indication may be provided with the data frames. |
| US08681609B2 |
Method to schedule multiple traffic flows through packet-switched routers with near-minimal queue sizes
A method to schedule multiple traffic flows through a multiplexer server to provide fairness while minimizing the sizes of the associated queues, is proposed. The multiplexer server minimizes a quantity called the maximum Normalized Service Lag for each traffic flow. In each time-slot, the normalized service lag of every traffic flow may be updated by adding the normalized lag increment value, whether or not there is a packet in the queue associated with the flow. In each time-slot, a multiplexer server selects a traffic flow to service with an available packet and with the maximum normalized service lag. When the traffic rate requested by each traffic flow is stable, the multiplexer server schedule may repeat periodically. Efficient methods to compute periodic schedules are proposed. The methods can be applied to packet-switched Internet routers to achieve reduced queue sizes and delay. |
| US08681607B2 |
Disjoint path computation algorithm
A network element implementing Multiprotocol Label Switching to automatically create an optimal deterministic back-up Label Switch Path (LSP) that is maximally disjointed from a primary LSP to provide a reliable back up to the primary LSP. The network element receives a request for a generation of an LSP, determines that the request for the generation of the LSP is for the back-up LSP, locates each link of the primary LSP in a traffic engineering database, modifies each link of the primary LSP to have a link cost significantly greater than an actual link cost to discourage use of each link of the primary LSP in the back-up LSP, executes a Constrained Shortest Path First algorithm to obtain the back-up LSP, wherein the back-up LSP has a maximum disjointedness from the primary LSP due to a modified cost of each link of the primary LSP, and returns the back-up LSP. |
| US08681603B1 |
Fast failover recovery for stackable network switches
A network switch including first, second, and third stack units. The first stack unit includes a first interface configured to communicate, via a first link, with a second stack unit of the network switch; a second interface configured to communicate, via a second link, with a third stack unit of the network switch; and a forwarding engine configured to transfer a first packet to the first interface, and in response to the first link being inoperative, to (i) receive the first packet from the first interface, and (ii) transfer the first packet received from the first interface to the second interface. |
| US08681599B2 |
Method for mapping physical hybrid automatic repeat request indicator channel
A method for mapping a physical hybrid automatic repeat request indicator channel (PHICH) is described. The method for mapping a PHICH includes determining an index of a resource element group transmitting a repetitive pattern of the PHICH, according to a ratio of the number of available resource element groups in a symbol in which the PHICH is transmitted and the number of available resource element groups in a first or second OFDM symbol, and mapping the PHICH to the symbol according to the determined index. In transmitting the PHICH, since efficient mapping is performed considering available resource elements varying with OFDM symbols, repetition of the PHICH does not generate interference between neighbor cell IDs and performance is improved. |
| US08681597B2 |
Information storage medium, reproducing method, and recording method
A machine readable information storage medium, a reproducing method and apparatus which reproduces data from the storage medium, and a recording method and apparatus for recording data on the storage medium. The information storage medium includes a control area which stores within a data structure information usable by the recording or reproducing apparatus to record or reproduce the data on or from the storage medium. The information stored within the data structure includes a version corresponding to a specification, a revision number of recording speed, and an extended part version field. |
| US08681595B1 |
Layered optical waveguide and near field transducer
Waveguides that include a top cladding layer made of a material having an index of refraction n4; a core bilayer structure, the core bilayer structure including a lower index core layer having an index of refraction n3; and a higher index core layer having an index of refraction n1, wherein the higher index core layer includes TiO2 and one or more than one of Nb2O5, CeO2, Ta2O5, ZrO2, HfO2, Y2O3, Sc2O3, MgO, Al2O3 and SiO2, wherein the lower index core layer is adjacent the higher index core layer; a bottom cladding layer made of a material having an index of refraction n2, wherein the waveguide is configured with the higher index core layer of the core bilayer structure adjacent the top cladding layer and the lower index core layer of the core bilayer structure adjacent the bottom cladding layer, and wherein n4 is less than n3 and n1, and n2 is less than n3 and n1. |
| US08681594B1 |
Method and system for improving laser alignment and optical transmission efficiency of an energy assisted magnetic recording head
An EAMR disk drive includes a media, a laser, and a slider coupled with the laser. The laser for provides energy. The slider has an air-bearing surface, a laser input side, an EAMR transducer and an antireflective coating (ARC) layer occupying a portion of the laser input side. The ARC layer is configured to reduce back reflections of the energy. The EAMR transducer includes a write pole, a waveguide optically coupled with the laser and at least one coil. The waveguide has a waveguide input. A portion of the ARC layer resides between the laser and the waveguide input. A method aligns the laser to the ARC layer, and then aligns the laser to the waveguide input. The laser may then be coupled to the slider. |
| US08681592B2 |
Objective lens element and optical head device including the same
An objective lens element having improved diffraction efficiency at least one of used wavelengths is provided. The objective lens element includes one surface including: a first region including an optical axis; and a second region surrounding the first region. A periodic first diffraction structure is formed on the first region, and a periodic second diffraction structure different from the first diffraction structure is formed on the second region. The objective lens element satisfies the following conditions. |A1−B1|<|A2−B2| (1) |B1|≧|B2| (2) Here, A1 and B1 are diffraction orders at the first region to converge light of a first wavelength and light of a second wavelength on a recording surface, respectively, and A2 and B2 are diffraction orders at the second region to converge the light of the first wavelength and the light of the second wavelength on a recording surface, respectively. |
| US08681589B2 |
Method and system for performing seismic surveys with a low frequency sweep
A method and system are disclosed for performing seismic surveys using a seismic vibrator, which generates a sweep signal with enhanced low frequency content by generating a combination of a linear and nonlinear sweep and wherein the nonlinear sweep snonl(t) as a function of time (t) is calculated by a predetermined algorithm. |
| US08681587B2 |
Method and apparatus for an acoustic-electric channel mounting
Method and apparatus for rotational alignment and attachment of ultrasonic transducers to a barrier with one submerged surface uses a temporary transducer assembly to position mounting rings on opposite surfaces of the barrier. Plural permanent transducers are then mounted to each mounting ring and are aligned with each other across the barrier by virtue of the alignment of their mounting rings. The submerged mounting ring is used like a cylinder in combination with a mounting plate for the transducers on the submerged side of the barrier or each submerged side transducer has a suction cup fitting for use to exclude water from between each transducer and the submerged barrier surface to facilitate bonding of the submerged side transducers to the barrier. |
| US08681586B2 |
Free charge carrier diffusion response transducer for sensing gradients
Devices for sensing gradients are constructed from material whose properties change in response to gradients. One embodiment of the device is a transducer (200) for sensing gradients that includes the material (210) and two or more electrodes (240, 270) coupled to the material. In one embodiment, gradients in a surrounding medium (110) modify the energy gap of the material in the transducer (130) producing a diffusion current density (150). The material is configured to connect to a current or voltage measurement device (520, 530, 540) where a measurement is used to determine the gradient in the medium (160). The devices can be used to measure pressure, temperature, and/or other properties. The transducer can be built on the same substrate as complementary circuitry. A transducer made of Indium. Antimonide is used in marine seismology to measure pressure gradients. |
| US08681585B2 |
Multi-range object location estimation
Estimating the impulse response of a channel by providing an initial signal (20); applying a time-shift function to the initial signal (20) to produce a transmit signal (36); transmitting the transmit signal (36); receiving a received signal; calculating an impulse response from the received signal as if the received signal had been produced by the initial signal; and using the impulse response to distinguish between received signals arising from reflections from objects (6) at different ranges. |
| US08681584B2 |
Method and system for transmission of seismic data
The transmission system combines a self-contained, wireless seismic acquistion unit and a wireless, line of site, communications unit to form a plurality of individual short-range transmission networks and also a mid-range, line of sight transmission network. |
| US08681575B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device controls read-out operation of a semiconductor memory that outputs a parallel data signal and a strobe signal at a timing in synchronism with each other. The semiconductor device has a first phase control circuit configured to output a delay strobe signal which delays the strobe signal for a variable delay time, a second phase control circuit configured to output a re-delay strobe signal which delays the delay strobe signal for a variable delay time, a first hold circuit configured to hold the parallel data signal at an edge of the delay strobe signal, a second hold circuit configured to hold the parallel data signal at an edge of the re-delay strobe signal, and a control circuit configured to adjust a delay time of the first phase control circuit so that the second hold circuit performs a hold operation at a signal transition timing of the parallel data signal. |
| US08681573B2 |
Programmable/re-programmable device in high-k metal gate MOS
Techniques and circuitry are disclosed for implementing non-volatile storage that exploit bias temperature instability (BTI) effects of high-k/metal-gate n-type or p-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS or PMOS) transistors. A programmed bitcell of, for example, a memory or programmable logic circuit exhibits a threshold voltage shift resulting from an applied programming bias used to program bitcells. In some cases, applying a first programming bias causes the device to have a first state, and applying a second programming bias causes the device to have a second state that is different than the first state. Programmed bitcells can be erased by applying an opposite polarity stress, and re-programmed through multiple cycles. The bitcell configuration can be used in conjunction with column/row select circuitry and/or readout circuitry, in accordance with some embodiments. |
| US08681571B2 |
Training a memory controller and a memory device using multiple read and write operations
Systems and methods to set a voltage value associated with a communication bus that includes memory controller coupled to a memory device are disclosed. A particular method may include performing a first calibration operation associated with first data written from a memory controller to a memory device. A second calibration operation may be associated with second data read at the memory controller from the memory device. The operating parameter may be set based on a result of at least one of the first and the second calibration operations at the memory device or the memory controller. |
| US08681570B2 |
Methods and systems for memory devices with asymmetric switching characteristics
Methods and apparatus are provided for storing data in a non-volatile memory device. A method includes comparing bits of a write instruction with bits in a memory block to determine bits to be switched in the memory block; determining a switch type for each bit to be switched in the memory block; and evaluating the switch type for each bit to be switched in the memory block. The method further comprises when at least one switch type is a first switch type, performing a first operation on the memory block, and when all of the switch types are not the first switch type, performing a second operation on each bit to be switched in the memory block. |
| US08681569B2 |
Method for reading data stored in a flash memory according to a threshold voltage distribution and memory controller and system thereof
A method for reading data stored in a flash memory. The flash memory comprises a plurality of memory cells and each memory cell has a particular threshold voltage The method includes: obtaining a first threshold voltage distribution representing threshold voltages of a first group of the memory cells; obtaining a second threshold voltage distribution representing threshold voltages of a second group of the memory cells, wherein the second threshold voltage distribution is different from the first threshold voltage distribution, and the first group of the memory cells comprises at least a part of the second group of the memory cells; and controlling the flash memory to perform at least one read operation upon the first group of the memory cells according to the second threshold voltage distribution. |
| US08681568B2 |
Dynamic programming for flash memory
A method is for operating a memory having a group of non-volatile memory cells. A first programming pulse is applied to a subset of the group of non-volatile memory cells. The subset needs additional programming. A portion of the subset still needing additional programming is identified. A ratio of the number of memory cells in the subset and the number of memory cells in the portion is determined. A size of a second programming pulse based on the ratio is selected. The second programming pulse is applied to the portion. |
| US08681567B2 |
Voltage regulator for biasing a NAND memory device
Disclosed herein is a device that includes an amplifier, a first transistor coupled between the first power supply line and the internal node and including a gate terminal supplied with a bias voltage, a second transistor coupled between the internal node and the second power supply line and including a gate terminal coupled to the output terminal of the amplifier, a third transistor coupled between the first power supply line and the output node and including a gate terminal coupled to the internal node, a divider configured to produce a first discharge path from the output node to the second power supply line to establish the feedback voltage to the amplifier, and a first switch circuit supplied with a first signal and coupled between the output node and the internal node. |
| US08681565B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A main bit line is disposed between a reference main bit line and core main bit lines. A selection transistor disposed between a sub bit line connected to a cell and the main bit line can switch between a conductive state and a non-conductive state independently of other selection transistors. A dummy main bit line can be set to ground potential by a shield grounding section, and can be used as a shield line of the reference main bit line. |
| US08681563B1 |
Flash multiple-pass write with accurate first-pass write
An indication to store a data value in Flash memory is received. An accurate coarse write is performed, including by storing a first voltage level in the Flash memory and setting a configuration setting to a first setting. The first voltage level, when interpreted using the configuration setting at the first setting, corresponds to the data value. A fine write is performed, including by storing a second voltage level in the Flash memory and setting the configuration setting of the Flash memory to a second setting. The second voltage level, when interpreted using the configuration setting at the second setting, corresponds to the data value. |
| US08681547B2 |
Memory cell coupling compensation
Methods for memory cell coupling compensation and apparatuses configured to perform the same are described. One or more methods for memory cell coupling compensation includes determining a state of a memory cell using a voltage that is changed in accordance with a first memory cell coupling compensation voltage, performing an error check on the state of the memory cell, and determining the state of the memory cell using a voltage that is changed in accordance with a second memory cell coupling compensation voltage in response to the error check failing. |
| US08681543B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and related method of programming
A method of programming a nonvolatile memory device comprises pre-programming multi-bit data in a plurality of multi-level memory cells, reading the pre-programmed multi-bit data from the plurality of multi-level cells based on state group codes indicating state groups of the plurality of multi-level cells, and re-programming the read multi-bit data to the plurality of multi-level cells. |
| US08681540B2 |
Tile-level snapback detection through coupling capacitor in a cross point array
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe methods, apparatus, and system configurations for tile-level snapback detection through a coupling capacitor in a phase-change memory array. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08681539B2 |
STRAM with composite free magnetic element
Spin-transfer torque memory includes a composite free magnetic element, a reference magnetic element having a magnetization orientation that is pinned in a reference direction, and an electrically insulating and non-magnetic tunneling barrier layer separating the composite free magnetic element from the magnetic reference element. The free magnetic element includes a hard magnetic layer exchanged coupled to a soft magnetic layer. The composite free magnetic element has a magnetization orientation that can change direction due to spin-torque transfer when a write current passes through the spin-transfer torque memory unit. |
| US08681533B2 |
Memory circuit, signal processing circuit, and electronic device
A signal processing circuit using a nonvolatile memory circuit with a novel structure is provided. The nonvolatile memory circuit is formed using a transistor including an oxide semiconductor and a capacitor connected to one of a source electrode and a drain electrode of the transistor. A high-level potential is written to the memory circuit in advance, and this state is kept in the case where data to be saved has a high-level potential, whereas a low-level potential is written to the memory circuit in the case where data to be saved has a low-level potential. Thus, a signal processing circuit with improved writing speed can be provided. |
| US08681529B2 |
Apparatuses and operation methods associated with resistive memory cell arrays with separate select lines
Methods and apparatuses that include resistive memory can include a first memory cell coupled to a data line and including a first resistive storage element and a first access device, a second memory cell coupled to the data line and including a second resistive storage element and a second access device, an isolation device formed between the first access device and the second access device, a first select line coupled to the first resistive storage element, and a second select line coupled to the second resistive storage element, wherein the second select line is separate from the first select line. |
| US08681524B1 |
Supply adjustment in memory devices configured for stacked arrangements
Disclosed are various embodiments related to stacked memory devices, such as DRAMs, SRAMs, EEPROMs, ReRAMs, and CAMs. For example, stack position identifiers (SPIDs) are assigned or otherwise determined, and are used by each memory device to make a number of adjustments. In one embodiment, a self-refresh rate of a DRAM is adjusted based on the SPID of that device. In another embodiment, a latency of a DRAM or SRAM is adjusted based on the SPID. In another embodiment, internal regulation signals are shared with other devices via TSVs. In another embodiment, adjustments to internally regulated signals are made based on the SPID of a particular device. In another embodiment, serially connected signals can be controlled based on a chip SPID (e.g., an even or odd stack position), and whether the signal is an upstream or a downstream type of signal. |
| US08681523B2 |
Configurable bandwidth memory devices and methods
Memory devices and methods are described, such as those that include a stack of memory dies and an attached logic die. Method and devices described provide for configuring bandwidth for selected portions of a stack of memory dies. Additional devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08681522B2 |
Method for operating an electronically controlled inverter with switches that alternate between being elements of a boost-buck converter and an inverting Cuk converter
A method for operating an electronically controlled inverter and an inverter are provided. The inverter includes semiconductor switches, inductors and a first capacitor. The semiconductor switches of the inverter are controlled by a microcontroller alternately as elements of a buck converter and as elements of an inverting Cuk converter with a continuous connection of a neutral conductor at the output to a positive pole at the input side. |
| US08681518B2 |
High speed rectifier circuit
Provided is a rectifier circuit that includes a depletion mode semiconductor having an output connected to a rectified signal output node of the rectifier circuit and a hot carrier semiconductor diode having a cathode connected to a source node of the depletion mode semiconductor and an anode connected to a gate node of the depletion mode semiconductor. The rectifier may include an alternating current (AC) input node that is connected to the anode of the hot carrier semiconductor diode and the gate node of the depletion mode semiconductor and that is configured to receive an AC input signal. |
| US08681517B2 |
AC converter, AC converting method, and storage medium for converting an AC voltage with a relatively high frequency into an AC voltage with a relatively low frequency
An AC converter includes: a switching section, which converts the input AC voltage in response to a control signal and which outputs the converted voltage to a phase that has been selected in accordance with the control signal; a filter section, which filters out high frequency components from the converted voltage, thereby converting the converted voltage into the output AC voltage; and a switching control section, which performs a pulse density modulation on a phase-by-phase basis and in response to a reference signal with the frequency f1, which is associated with the output AC voltage of each phase, synchronously with a zero cross of the input AC voltage, thereby generating the control signal according a pulse generation status by the pulse density modulation and the polarity of the input AC voltage and sending out the control signal to the switching section. |
| US08681512B2 |
Active clamp resonance control
According to some preferred embodiments, power converter includes a comparator circuit with feedback from current-fed PI or PID control to select one of two regeneration times of at least one active clamp: i) wherein at low loads a regeneration circuit is turned ON for substantially an entire current-transfer cycle such as to avoid output of current-fed converter continuing to rise; and ii) wherein at high loads the regeneration period is reduced to between about ¼ to ½ of a resonance-frequency cycle so that a resonance between the regeneration capacitance and the transformer's leakage inductance avoids excessive ringing currents and/or lost efficiency. |
| US08681505B2 |
Chassis connection system and apparatus
Connecting a plurality of chassis using a rigid connection. A first coupling element of a first chassis may be mated with a first rigid connection. The first coupling element may be positioned on an exterior housing of the first chassis and coupled to a first backplane of the first chassis. A second coupling element of a second chassis may be mated with the first rigid connection. The second coupling element may be positioned on an exterior housing of the second chassis and coupled to a second backplane of the second chassis. Connecting the first chassis and the second chassis may allow the first and second backplanes to communicate analog signals. |
| US08681503B2 |
Electronic apparatus including electronic component serving as heat-generating source
An electronic apparatus having a heat-dissipating structure capable of efficiently releasing heat generated at electronic components to the outside, superior in work efficiency at the time of assembly, and capable of avoiding misalignment in the electronic components. The electronic apparatus comprising a substrate, an electronic component mounted thereon, a heat-dissipating member for releasing heat generated by the electronic component to the outside, a heat-conducting sheet having flexibility, a first portion thereof being in contact with a rear surface of the electronic component between the substrate and the electronic component, a second portion thereof being in contact with the heat-dissipating member, a hard member disposed between the first portion of the heat-conducting sheet and the substrate, a material of the hard member being harder than that of the heat-conducting sheet, and a pressing unit disposed between the hard member and the substrate and configured to press the heat-conducting sheet against the rear surface of the electronic component. |
| US08681500B2 |
Integrated circuit nanotube-based subsrate
Carbon nanotube material is used in an integrated circuit substrate. According to an example embodiment, an integrated circuit arrangement (100) includes a substrate (110) with a carbon nanotube structure (120) therein. The carbon nanotube structure is arranged in one or more of a variety of manners to provide structural support and/or thermal conductivity. In some instances, the carbon nanotube structure is arranged to provide substantially all structural support for an integrated circuit arrangement. In other instances, the carbon nanotube structure is arranged to dissipate heat throughout the substrate. In still other instances, the carbon nanotube structure is arranged to remove heat from selected portions of the carbon nanotube substrate. |
| US08681498B2 |
Member that contains electronic components, and power conversion device
Disclosed is a member that contains electronic components. Using the member, when, for example, a vehicle or the like carrying electronic components such as an inverter collides with an external object, there is prevented damage to a housing containing the electronic components, which would otherwise occur due to interfering objects. Furthermore, the disclosed member can dissipate heat produced by the contained electronic components. The member includes a housing for containing electronic components, a cooling passage that is provided inside the housing and uses a refrigerant to cool the electronic components, and a heat dissipation part that dissipates heat from the cooling passage and prevents the housing from being damaged by impacts from external interfering objects. |
| US08681495B2 |
Media device having a piezoelectric fan
A media device includes at least one piezoelectric fan selectively located to draw or urge air past one or more electrical components, such as an integrated circuit chip. Preferably, the piezoelectric fan is located within a channel milled or otherwise formed in the chip, however the fan may be located proximate the channel yet in fluid communication therewith. The piezoelectric fan operates to convectively cool the electrical component and may also prevent heat that has been generated by the electrical component from moving toward another electrical component within the media device. Thus, the configuration and location of the piezoelectric fan may advantageously cool one component while preventing heat energy from building up around one or more other components mounted nearby. |
| US08681493B2 |
Heat shield module for substrate-like metrology device
A heat shield module includes top and bottom portions made of a high heat material. The top and bottom portions attached to each other and form an enclosure with an opening sized to receive an electronic component package with no intervening insulating material between a component and the top and bottom portions. One or more legs are mounted to either the top portion or the bottom portion. The legs are configured to attach the enclosure to a substrate and to form a gap between the bottom surface of the bottom portion and a top surface of the substrate. |
| US08681489B2 |
Storage control apparatus
A storage unit is provided with a plurality of sub storage units configured to include a plurality of hard disk drives, an enclosure, a printed wiring board, a power supply device, and a cable holder. The sub storage units each operate separately. The enclosure is provided in the array of the hard disk drives so that the distance can be shorter between the enclosure and each of the hard disk drives. With the provision of the cable holder, communications cables can be both brought closer to the printed wiring board. With such a configuration, the coupling point among the communications cables and the printed wiring board, and the enclosure can be favorably reduced. The resulting storage control apparatus can be mounted with a larger number of storage devices, thereby being able to maintain good signal quality. |
| US08681488B2 |
Display device
Water running on a flat cable (66), which connects together a control circuit board (56) provided on a rear surface of a liquid crystal module (52) and a source driver board (60) arranged on a lower surface of the liquid crystal module, is prevented from entering the source driver board (60). A source driver board (60) is arranged on a lower surface of a mold frame (62) supporting a lower edge of a liquid crystal module (52). A flat cable (66) passes through a gap between a board cover (58) and a rear end surface (114) of the mold frame (62). A water absorbing member (110) adhered to the rear end surface (114) is applied to the flat cable (66). |
| US08681483B2 |
Coincident fasteners for configurable imaging systems
A coincident fastener for use with a display unit of a configurable imaging system, comprising a screw for insertion through the display unit, wherein the screw includes a head portion, a threaded male portion at an end of the screw opposite the head portion, and an anti-rotation locking mechanism for locking the screw relative to the display unit. |
| US08681481B2 |
Bushing assembly for draw-out circuit breaker
A rear panel for a draw-out circuit breaker includes a metal plate having a pair of rectangular cutouts. Two bushing blocks are joined together and at least partially extend through the cutouts. Each molded bushing block includes three bushings, each of which carry an electrical conductor that is over-molded therein. |
| US08681477B2 |
Solid electrolytic capacitor and method for manufacturing the same
An anode includes a first region adjacent to a root of an anode lead, a second region at a corner of one end surface of the anode, a third region between the first region and the second region, and a fourth region in the interior of the anode into which the anode lead is embedded. The thicknesses of a dielectric layer in the first region and the second region are greater than the thicknesses of the dielectric layer in the third region and the fourth region. |
| US08681475B2 |
Mounting structure of circuit board having multi-layered ceramic capacitor thereon
Disclosed herein is a mounting structure of a circuit board having a multi-layered ceramic capacitor thereon, the multi-layered ceramic capacitor including dielectric sheets laminated thereon and external terminal electrodes formed at both ends thereof, the dielectric sheets having internal electrodes formed thereon, and the external terminal electrodes being connected in parallel with the internal electrode, wherein the internal electrodes are disposed to be in parallel with the circuit board, the external terminal electrodes are bonded to lands of the circuit board by a conductive material, and a bonding height (Ts) of the conductive material is lower than a sum of a gap (Ta) between the circuit board and a bottom surface of the multi-layered ceramic capacitor and a thickness (Tc) of a cover layer on a lower portion of the multi-layered ceramic capacitor, whereby vibration noise can be greatly reduced. |
| US08681472B2 |
Platen ground pin for connecting substrate to ground
Techniques for reducing particle contamination on a substrate are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized with a ground pin that extends two regions of a platen that support the substrate. The ground pin may comprise a pin body; and a sleeve comprising an upper portion, a side portion, and a lower portion, the sleeve being configured to fit around the pin body, the sleeve including a fluid channel configured to transport fluid between the upper portion and the lower portion of the sleeve. |
| US08681470B2 |
Active ionization control with interleaved sampling and neutralization
A method for optimizing performance of a static neutralizing power supply coupled to a controller and configured to provide an output to at least one ionizer includes, (a) during a first time period, sensing a current flow to the at least one ionizer, and (b) comparing, in the controller, an expected current flow to the sensed current flow. A difference between the expected and sensed current flows is proportional to a charge on an object to be neutralized proximate the at least one ionizer. The method further includes (c) adjusting, by the controller and based on the comparison, one or more properties of the output to the at least one ionizer to neutralize the charge on the object during a second time period following the first time period, and (d) periodically repeating steps (a)-(c) for successive first and second time periods. |
| US08681467B2 |
Surge protection apparatus and method using the same
A surge protection apparatus is provided. The surge protection apparatus includes a non-linear element unit, a signal generation unit, and a switching element unit. The non-linear element unit enables an electrical surge to pass therethrough by rapidly decreasing resistance of the non-linear element unit when the difference in voltage between two ends of the non-linear element unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The signal generation unit generates a control signal in response to current which passes through the non-linear element unit. The switching element unit switches the status thereof in response to the control signal. |
| US08681464B2 |
Voltage suppressor component
A voltage suppressor component including a semiconductor layer; a first port mounted on the semiconductor layer and configured to receive electrical power; a second port mounted on the semiconductor layer and configured to provide the electrical power, and a fuse in electrical series between the first port and the second port and mounted on the semiconductor layer. |
| US08681455B2 |
Air bearing slider
A slider includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a transducer adjacent to the trailing edge, and an air bearing surface. The air bearing surface includes a forward pad, a rearward pad, and a center rail pad feature disposed along a longitudinal axis of the slider. The center rail pad feature includes a first shallow recess finger and a second shallow recess finger diverging from the longitudinal axis toward the trailing edge. |
| US08681451B2 |
Magnetic tape and method of manufacturing the same, and magnetic recording device
An aspect of the present invention relates to a magnetic tape comprising a magnetic layer containing a ferromagnetic powder and a binder on a nonmagnetic support, wherein the ferromagnetic powder is a hexagonal ferrite powder, squareness in a vertical direction without demagnetizing field correction of the magnetic layer ranges from 0.6 to 1.0, and the magnetic layer further comprises a compound in which a substituent selected from the group consisting of a carboxyl group and a hydroxyl group is directly substituted into a ring structure comprising a double bond and having a ClogP falling within a range of 2.3 to 5.5. |
| US08681450B1 |
Writing spirals based on servo tracks of a different sample rate
The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to self-servo-writing. In some implementations, a method includes determining a spiral velocity associated with writing a plurality of reference spiral sets; identifying a plurality of launching tracks based on a predetermined ratio and the spiral velocity, where each of the plurality of launching tracks is associated with one of the plurality of reference spiral sets; writing each of the plurality of reference spiral sets starting at its associated launching track; and writing one or more sets of servo wedges using the plurality of reference spiral sets, where the reference spiral sets and the one or more sets of servo wedges are written at the predetermined ratio. |
| US08681448B1 |
Tension transients suppression during acceleration and/or deceleration for storage tape drive
In one embodiment, a system includes a controller configured to: determine a reference velocity at various intervals, receive or determine a secondary velocity based at least in part on a parameter associated with a drive mechanism motor, determine a value representative of a difference between the reference velocity and secondary velocity, adjust a speed of the motor of the drive mechanism for minimizing the difference between the reference velocity and secondary velocity, receive/determine a primary velocity based on reading information encoded on a magnetic tape, at a switching point, make the reference velocity about equal to the primary velocity, after the switching point, determine the reference velocity at various intervals, after the switching point, determine a value representative of a difference between the reference velocity and primary velocity, and adjust the speed of the motor of the drive mechanism for minimizing the difference between the reference velocity and primary velocity. |
| US08681447B2 |
Recording apparatus, server apparatus, recording method, program and storage medium
An information processing apparatus including a reading unit, a processor, a transferring unit, and a control unit. The reading unit reads first management data from a first recording medium. The first management data identifies tracks of source data recorded on the first recording medium. The processor compares the first management data with second management data. The second management data identifies files of ripped data recorded on a second recording medium. The transferring unit transfers one of the tracks of the source data, to the second recording medium, when absent from the second recording medium. The control unit controls a display unit to display transferring status by a symbolic figure. |
| US08681444B2 |
Multi-zone servo processor
The present inventions are related to systems and methods for transferring information to and from a storage medium, and more particularly to systems and methods for positioning a sensor in relation to a storage medium. For example, an apparatus for determining a sensor position is disclosed that includes a data stream processor operable to generate a number of data streams at different frequencies based on an input data stream, a number of servo preamble detectors each operable to process a different one of the data streams to detect a servo preamble, a selector operable to output one of the data streams in which the servo preamble was detected as a winning data stream, and a pattern detector operable to detect a pattern in the winning data stream. |
| US08681443B2 |
Shingle-written magnetic recording (SMR) device with hybrid E-region
SMR disk drives with hybrid E-regions that include a nonvolatile solid state memory E-region in addition to the magnetic media E-regions on disk are described. The memory E-region can be used in operations that will be referred as destaging and/or restaging to sequentialize sets of exception records to reduce the time and energy spent in executing seeks in the disk E-region. The ratio of the size of the solid state memory E-region to the total E-region capacity on the disks can be optimized for selected applications according to the invention using tradeoffs between performance and cost. For example, an embodiment with a memory E-region size that is 10% of the total disk E-region capacity achieves substantial performance enhancement over a disk-only E-region implementation and also results in smaller costs than would be required in a NAND-only memory E-region. |
| US08681436B2 |
Imaging lens, imaging device and information device
An imaging lens includes an optical system having in order from an object side to an image side a first lens group having a positive refractive power and a second lens having a positive refractive power to image an optical image of an object, the first lens group and the second lens group being displaced in an extending amount different from one another to be focused on an object of a finite distance, the first lens group including a negative meniscus lens having a convex surface on the object side, a lens having a weak refractive power, and a lens having a positive refractive power, and the second lens group including four lenses or less or five lenses or less having at least one pair of a cemented lens. |
| US08681431B2 |
Zoom lens and optical apparatus
The zoom lens includes a first lens unit being disposed closest to an object and having a positive optical power, and at least one subsequent lens unit being disposed closer to an image than the first lens unit. The first lens unit is moved toward the object during variation of magnification from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end. The first lens unit is constituted by at least three lenses including a positive meniscus lens being disposed closest to the image among the at least three lenses and having an image side concave surface, and a negative lens being disposed on an object side next to the positive meniscus lens. A condition of 1.55 |
| US08681425B2 |
Optical sheet having at least, a pattern layer and a core layer composed of light-permeable thermoplastic resins, and manufacturing method thereof
An optical sheet and a method of manufacturing the same, and more specifically an optical sheet to use for back light units of Liquid Crystal Devices (LCD's), lighting devices of billboards and the like, and a method of manufacturing the same, is disclosed. |
| US08681420B2 |
Optical transmission system
An optical transmission system includes an optical transmitter that sends signal light to a transmission path, an optical receiver that receives the signal light from the transmission path, and an optical amplifier that is provided on the transmission path and that amplifies the signal light, the optical amplifier being configured to control a gain characteristic of the optical amplifier such that a power of signal light having a wavelength included within a wavelength range in which polarization hole burning occurs is higher than a power of another signal light having a wavelength outside the wavelength range. |
| US08681417B2 |
Fast response electrophoretic display device
New type electrophoretic display mode is disclosed in this invention. Theoretical analysis of dielectric materials as optical switching media leads to much stronger driving torque in an electrophoresis environment. Introduction of ferroelectric coupling torque in an electrophoresis phenomenon, extremely fast electro-optical response is realized. This extremely fast optical response enables full motion video image and full-color reproduction on an electrophoretic display. These two advanced functions makes an electrophoretic display as an extremely power saving full functional display. |
| US08681415B2 |
Electrophoretic display device and fabrication method thereof
An electrophoretic display device in which a barrier defining a unit pixel is directly formed on a first substrate and the unit pixel is filled with an electrophoretic material, and a fabrication method thereof are provided. A barrier surrounding a display area is formed on a non-display area and a sealant is filled between the barrier and a partition wall to facilitate an attachment of first and second substrates. |
| US08681413B2 |
Illumination control
An optical system may include an objective, a source of illumination, an illumination system having illumination optics configured to direct the illumination onto the objective, and at least two dynamic optical array devices located at a pupil conjugate plane and a field conjugate plane, respectively in the illumination optics. The dynamic optical array devices are configured to control one or more properties of illumination coupled from the illumination system to the objective. |
| US08681412B2 |
Acousto-optical system, microscope and method of use of the acousto-optical system
An acousto-optical system is described comprising at least one acousto-optical element having at least one transducer that is attached to a crystal, a driver unit for generating at least one acoustic signal for driving acousto-optical elements modifying light transmitted through the acousto-optical element and comprising at least one digital data processing unit, at least one digital-to-analog converter transforming the digital combination signal into an initial analog driver signal, and an amplifier for amplifying the initial analog driver signal to become said analog electronic driver signal. Further, a microscope and a method of operating the acousto-optical element is are described. Various objectives are achieved like more flexibility, real time compensation for non-linearity and reducing the number, size, costs and energy consumption of electronic components. |
| US08681405B2 |
Optical scanning apparatus
The optical scanning apparatus including a light source unit having plurality laser light sources for emitting laser light and one lens in which the laser light emitted from the plurality laser light sources is transmitted, a deflect device that deflects and scans the laser light on an image bearing member, an optical member that images the laser light on the image bearing member, a housing that internally includes the deflect device and the optical member, the housing forms an opening portion that passes through the laser light emitted from the plurality of the laser light sources, and an elastic member that blocks a gap between the lens and the opening portion, the elastic member being pinched between the lens and the housing. It achieves sealing of the flow-in path and sealing of the gap between the light source unit and the housing with a simple configuration. |
| US08681400B2 |
Image scanning device
An image scanning device includes a scanning unit configured to scan, at a scanning position, an image of a document, a first discharge portion, a second discharge portion, a conveying unit configured to selectively convey the document along a first conveying path from the scanning position to the first discharge portion, and along a second conveying path from the scanning position to the second discharge portion, a driving unit configured to generate a driving force for driving the conveying unit, and a path switching unit configured to receive the driving force generated by the driving unit such that the path switching unit moves between a first position for guiding the document toward the first discharge portion, and a second position for guiding the document toward the second discharge portion. |
| US08681397B2 |
Erecting equal-magnification lens array plate, optical scanning unit, and image reading device
An erecting equal-magnification lens array plate includes: first and second lens array plates; first, second and intermediate light shielding member. The first, second and intermediate light shielding member are halved by a splitting plane parallel with the main scanning direction. One of the first light shielding member pieces, one of the second light shielding member pieces, and one of the intermediate light shielding member pieces produced by halving the members are integrated to form a first holder piece. The other of the first light shielding member pieces, the other of the second light shielding member pieces, and the other of the intermediate light shielding member pieces produced by halving the members are integrated to form a second holder piece. The erecting equal-magnification lens array plate is assembled by sandwiching the first lens array plate and the second lens array plate by the first holder piece and the second holder piece. |
| US08681396B2 |
Image sensor unit and image reading apparatus using the same
An image sensor unit includes a reflection reading light source that illuminates a bill, a substrate on which the reflection reading light source is mounted, a reflection reading light guide that guides the light emitted by the reflection reading light source to the bill, a rod-lens array that focuses the light from the bill, a light receiving element that receives the light from the rod-lens array, a sensor substrate on which the light receiving element is mounted, and a frame that houses the substrate, the reflection reading light guide, the rod-lens array and the sensor substrate. The sensor substrate has a passage hole and is disposed closer to the bill than the substrate. The frame is disposed with the reflection reading light guide inserted into the passage hole, so that the light from the reflection reading light source reaches the bill through the passage hole. |
| US08681395B2 |
Image reading apparatus and image reading method
According to one embodiment, an image reading apparatus includes a reading unit and an output unit. The reading unit is configured to selectively execute first reading processing for reading an image of a sheet conveyed at first conveying speed at first reading speed corresponding to the first conveying speed and second reading processing for reading the image of the sheet set on an image reading table at second reading speed different from the first reading speed. The output unit is configured to output read image data read by the first reading processing and the second reading processing. |
| US08681393B2 |
Image reader capable of detecting blank document sheet
An image reader includes a reading unit that is configured to read an image on a document sheet to generate read data, a counting unit that is configured to count a number of pixels of the read data having more than a predetermined gray level, a determining unit that determines that the document sheet is blank when the number of pixels counted by the counting unit is not exceeding a threshold value, a display unit that is configured to display the number of pixels counted by the counting unit and the threshold value when the document sheet has been determined to be blank, in a manner that the number of pixels can be compared with the threshold value, and a changing unit that changes the threshold value. |
| US08681390B2 |
Optical scanner, image forming apparatus, and buffer control method for optical scanner
In an optical scanner, when an emission control unit varies a period at which image data is output from an output buffer of the emission control unit in order to correct a sub scan magnification of a LED array and a vacant region of an input buffer of the emission control unit ceases to exist, a buffer control unit temporarily stores the image data in a vacant region of a memory of an image correcting unit, and transfers the image data temporarily stored in the memory to the input buffer when the vacant region is generated in the input buffer. |
| US08681388B2 |
Image forming apparatus and printing method allowing the switching of operation modes including power saving mode
Certain embodiments provide an image forming apparatus including: a memory; a read unit; a scanner processor configured to transfer image data at a first transfer speed; an image processing unit; a print unit; a printer processor to transfer print image data at a second transfer rate; a main processor to cause the printer processor to switch the second transfer speed to another, and cause the scanner processor to switch the first transfer speed to another; and a switching controller to control operation of the print unit in a plurality of operation modes corresponding to the plurality of print speeds, cause the main processor to switch the operation clock, cause the scanner processor and the printer processor respectively to switch each transfer speed to another. |
| US08681383B2 |
2nd generation dot-off-dot stochastic halftone
As set forth herein, computer-implemented methods and systems facilitate employing a single stochastic screen defined up to a specified transition level. The dots at the specified level are connected to form a triangle tessellation with an associated spot function. For up to three colorants, a vector screening technique is employed, which involves a first colorant dot being grown from the vertices, second colorant dot grown from the triangle center, and a third colorant dot grown from the side midpoints. Growth in this manner ensures separation of colorants up to a certain density level. In cases where fourth colorant is to be used at a given pixel, the fourth colorant can be added using methods typically used for clustered screens, such as stochastic screening of the lightest colorant, in order to mitigate color shift sensitivity issues. |
| US08681382B1 |
Threshold matrix diffusion halftoning
A contone source image is processed to create halftone outputs by identifying intensity thresholds based on the coordinates of the pixels of the source image. The halftone output corresponding to a particular pixel of the contone image in a particular color plane is determined by comparing the intensity of the pixel and any previously accumulated output error to the intensity threshold corresponding to the pixel. |
| US08681378B2 |
Image processing apparatus for generating dot data for image data, printing apparatus for generating dot data for image data, and image processing method for generating dot data for image data
An image is divided into first a second regions on the basis of inputted image data, and a comparison is made between the gradation values of pixels in the first region and threshold values corresponding to the pixels of the first region of a dither mask. The results of the comparison are referenced to determine whether or not dots are formed in the pixels of the first region. Errors are calculated based on the results of determining the first boundary pixels, which are in the first region near the boundary between the first region second regions. Some of the errors are distributed as diffusion errors to pixels in the second region near the boundary. The diffusion errors distributed from the first boundary pixels are added, and it is determined whether or not dots are formed by the error diffusion method in the pixels of the second region. |
| US08681373B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method thereof to print alternative images at an interval during a print job
An image forming apparatus and an image forming method therefor. The image forming apparatus includes: an image forming part, which forms printed and alternate printed images including different developing agents to a recording medium; and a controller which controls the image forming part to form a the printed and alternate printed images according to a comparison of number of pages of a print job and a reference number of pages, and a whether the images of the print job are of a single color. |
| US08681369B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus has a line memory for writing and reading image data of one line. A write/read controller controls writing and reading the image data of one line in and from the line memory. A white line determiner determines whether an image corresponding to image data of one line being written in the line memory is a white line. An image processor performs specified image processing on the image data of one line read from the line memory by the write/read controller. An image processing controller generates an operation clock used in the image processor and causes the image processor to perform the specified image processing for the image data of one line determined not to be a white line and stops generating the operation clock and reads white data from a white data storage for the image data of one line determined to be a white line. |
| US08681367B2 |
Print control method and apparatus
Upon designating bookbinding print, preview images are displayed in a layout after bookbinding. When “store” of intermediate data is designated in a print process, a spooler (302) stores intermediate data and an output job setup file in a spool file (303). When the stored job is selected, a previewer (306) displays a list of jobs, and displays a print preview image. In this case, upon setting bookbinding print, pages are displayed in a spread state and order after bookbinding. Also, the open direction (right or left open), and the bookbinding unit are also expressed on preview images. |
| US08681365B2 |
Display control device, printing apparatus, display control method and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program
A display control device includes: an accepting unit that accepts part-designation information for designating plural parts to be printed included in data and processing-designation information for designating print processing that performs predetermined processing on every K parts of the plural parts, where K is an integer not less than 2; a generating unit that generates plural specific images for specifying contents of the plural respective parts designated by part-designation information accepted by the accepting unit; and a controller that, when the accepting unit accepts the processing-designation information, exerts control so that a process for performing an operation to select K specific images from the plural specific images generated by the generating unit and to change a state of the K specific images in accordance with the predetermined process in order while changing the K specific images to be selected is displayed on a display screen. |
| US08681363B2 |
Raster application instances
In one embodiment, data indicative of a measurement of resource utilization at a computer during a rasterization event is received. The data is compared to a database associating resource utilizations with commands to increment or decrement raster application instances executing in the event. Responsive to determining the data is associated with a command to increment or decrement an instance in the event, a first instance is incremented or decremented according to the command. |
| US08681361B2 |
Authenticating printers prior to pairing with portable electronic devices
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates the execution of a print job. During operation, the system receives, at a printer, a signal from a portable electronic device indicating the printer has been selected for the print job. Next, in response to the selection, the system generates an output that facilitates identification of the printer by a user of the portable electronic device. The system also provides a mechanism for confirming physical access to the printer by the user. Upon confirming the physical access to the printer by the user, the system establishes a direct connection between the portable electronic device and the printer, wherein the direct connection is subsequently used by the portable electronic device and the printer to perform the print job. |
| US08681359B2 |
Nail printer and print controlling method
A nail printer and printing method for printing on nails of fingers in a short time. Printing of nails starts a predetermined time after a print start command is given by a print switch or a both-hand switch. When nails of thumbs or fingers of both right and left hands are printed with an image, a print switch is operated by one of the hands, the thumbs or fingers of the both hands are fixed at a predetermined printing position within a printed finger receiver and then the nails of both the thumbs or fingers are printed with a design or pattern. |
| US08681352B2 |
Pull based computer output devices
A presentation output system includes a digital computer network, one or more job submission clients, and a job store. The job store accepts and holds output jobs from the plurality of job submission clients. The presentation output system further includes one or more presentation output devices that pull the output jobs from the job store for outputting. |
| US08681349B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method for executing a job requiring an approval of image output
An image processing apparatus including: a job reception section which accepts a job to output an image; a job execution section which executes the job accepted by the job reception section and outputs the image; and a control section which, in cases where the job accepted by the job reception section is a job which requires an approval for outputting the image, makes the job under an approval waiting state, and transmits an approval request notice requiring the approval of an approver for outputting the image by the job, and in cases of receiving an approval notice indicating the approval, switches whether to execute a first execution operation that automatically executes the job, or to execute a second execution operation that executes the job after receiving an execution instruction operation, according to an attribute of the job. |
| US08681348B2 |
Information processing device, printing condition setting method, and computer product
The CPU of a personal computer displays a list of one-click icons, each representing one or a plurality of printing functions, in the icon display area, and selects one one-click icon from the list of the one-click icons displayed in the icon display area, to automatically set a plurality of printing functions corresponding to the selected one-click icons. |
| US08681346B2 |
Maximize printer component life using incoming media and image data
A method and structure of automatically selecting replacement components for a printing machine automatically maintains media type statistics on media types used for printing in the printing machine for a period of time, and automatically recommends a replacement for a worn component with one of a plurality of interchangeable different-type replacement components based on the media type statistics. The interchangeable different-type replacement components have different performance characteristics for each of the media types, and the interchangeable different-type replacement components perform the same function as said worn component within the printing machine. |
| US08681345B2 |
System and method for measuring photovoltaic module thickness
A system for determining a thickness of a photovoltaic module may include a first displacement sensor and a second displacement sensor along a shared axis. The system may also include a support structure that supports the first and second displacement sensors and locates the sensors on either side of the photovoltaic module. |
| US08681343B2 |
Three dimensional inspection and metrology based on short pulses of light
A system and a method may be provided. The system may include an illumination module arranged to illuminate an object by short pulses of light that form at least one spot on the object; a collection module that comprises a sensor that is arranged to generate detection signals representative of three dimensional information about the object: and a mechanical stage that is arranged to introduce a movement between the object and at least one of the collection module and the illumination module. |
| US08681337B2 |
Independent-beam gas filter correlation radiometry with field-of-view matching
A GFCR system includes gas cells disposed to receive light energy associated with a field-of-view of an atmospheric region. Each gas cell has contents selected from the group consisting of a vacuum and a gas of unique composition. For each of the gas cells, the light energy passed therethrough is spectrally affected by the contents thereof and then output therefrom as a spectrally-affected beam of light energy associated with the field-of-view. An optical system disposed between the gas cells and an optical detector images each spectrally-affected beam on a unique region of the optical detector. One or more processors generate matched portions of each spectrally-affected beam so-imaged on the optical detector where each such matched portion corresponds to an identical portion of the field-of-view. GFCR computations can then be performed using the matched portions. |
| US08681330B2 |
Evaporative light scattering detector
Components suitable for use in an evaporative light scattering detector and other devices are disclosed. Methods of making and using components suitable for use in an evaporative light scattering detector and other devices are also disclosed. |
| US08681326B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring mask process impact on lithography performance
The present disclosure is directed generally to a method and apparatus for monitoring mask process impact on lithography performance. A method including receiving a physical wafer pattern according to a mask, extracting a mask contour from the mask, and extracting a deconvolution pattern based on the mask contour. A lithography process is simulated to create a virtual wafer pattern based on the deconvolution pattern. The virtual wafer pattern is then compared to the physical wafer pattern. |
| US08681324B2 |
Method of differentiating between blood and control solutions containing a common analyte
Glucose measured in blood samples is distinguished from glucose measured in the control solutions used to test the optical instruments which make such measurements. The control solutions contain a labeling substance recognized by the optical instrument to distinguish glucose measurements made of control solutions from those made of blood samples. |
| US08681323B2 |
Laser scanning sensor
A laser scanning sensor includes a laser range finder, a scanning mechanism, a data acquisition portion, a dirt determination portion, an alert output control portion and a memory. The laser range finder is arranged inside a housing having an opening portion, and the opening portion is covered with a lens cover that can transmit laser light. In the dirt determination portion, a predetermined threshold to be compared with a received light level is changed based on maximum detection distance information in each measurement direction. |
| US08681318B2 |
Distance measuring device
The present invention is directed to a distance measuring device (10), in particular a handheld laser distance measuring device, with a position sensor (22) for determining the spatial orientation of the distance measuring device (10). It is proposed that the position sensor (22) is connected with a signal transducer (12), whereby the signal transducer (12) is capable of being triggered by the position sensor (22) to emit a perceptible signal which depends on the spatial orientation. |
| US08681314B2 |
Stage device and coordinate correction method for the same, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
A stage device includes a base, a movable table arranged above the base, a position information measurement device that measures position information of the movable table, a deformation amount detection unit that detects an amount regarding deformation of at least one of the base and the movable table, and a correction device that corrects the measured result of the position information measurement unit based on the detected result of the deformation amount detection unit. |
| US08681312B2 |
Inspection apparatus for lithography
The measurement of two separately polarized beams (Ix, Iy) upon diffraction from a substrate (W) in order to determine properties of the substrate is disclosed. Circularly or elliptically polarized radiation is passed via a variable phase retarder in order to change the phase of one of two orthogonally polarized radiation beams with respect to the other of the two beams. The phase change is dependent on the wavelength of the polarized beam. The relative phases of the two radiation beams and other features of the beams as measured in a detector gives rise to properties of the substrate surface. |
| US08681308B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
An immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed that includes a fluid confinement system configured to confine fluid to a space between a projection system and a substrate. The fluid confinement system includes a fluid inlet to supply fluid, the fluid inlet connected to an inlet port and an outlet port. The immersion lithographic apparatus further includes a fluid supply system configured to control fluid flow through the fluid inlet by varying the flow rate of fluid provided to the inlet port and the flow rate of fluid removed from the outlet port. |
| US08681307B2 |
Insulated gate transistor, active matrix substrate, liquid crystal display device, and method for producing the same
According to the insulated gate transistor, a gate electrode (11A) is provided on a main surface of a glass substrate (2); a first part of an insulating layer (gate insulating layer (30) and transparent inorganic insulating layer (60)) is thicker than a second part of the insulating layer (gate insulating layer (30)), the first part being between (i) the gate electrode (11A) and (ii) a source electrode (12) and a drain electrode (21) of the insulated gate transistor, and the second part being between (i) the gate electrode (11A) and (ii) a channel section (31A) of the insulated gate transistor. This makes it possible to reduce parasitic capacitor without deteriorating characteristics of the transistor. |
| US08681303B2 |
Liquid crystal display device comprising periodically changed permutations of at least two types of electrode-pattern pairs
A liquid crystal display device comprises a plurality of pixels arrayed in a first direction and a second direction, each of the pixels having a reflective area in at least a portion thereof. The reflective area comprises a surface-irregularity film that is a film having a plurality of surface irregularities, a light reflecting film disposed as an upper layer over the surface-irregularity film, and an electrode group disposed as an upper layer over the light reflecting film. The electrode group in each of the pixels that are arrayed in at least the first direction comprises at least two types of electrode patterns having different layouts. |
| US08681297B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel, and liquid crystal display device
When viewed from the top of the liquid crystal display panel, a projecting section (4a) of a picture element electrode (4) is formed so as to at least partially match a contact hole (17). It is therefore possible to provide the liquid crystal display panel which achieves a high quality display and has a high aperture ratio and high transmittance. |
| US08681293B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
Provided is a liquid crystal display device in which uneven brightness in a side-light type backlight unit is reduced, the uneven brightness being generated through reflection of light from a light source at an interface of an engaging cutout portion for preventing a light guide plate from shifting. A light guide plate (60) includes a cutout portion (82) through which a light guide plate support pin (80) provided upright to a lower frame fitting is inserted, at a lower side adjacent to a left side at which a light bar (64) is arranged. Further, at the lower side, a cutout portion (84) having a shallower recess than that of the cutout portion (82) and positioned in front of the cutout portion (82) when viewed from the light bar (64) is provided. |
| US08681290B1 |
System for improvement of light insertion into a light guide from light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
The present invention is a display assembly in which a backlight module generates light beams via a light source. The light source provides the light beams to a light guide of the backlight module. The light guide then provides the light beams to a display panel of the display assembly for illuminating the display panel. One or more optical elements are implemented between the light source and an insertion edge of the light guide for promoting improved light insertion efficiency for the display assembly. Further, the optical element(s) may promote improvements in color quality, luminance and/or uniformity of graphics or graphical depictions displayed by the display assembly. |
| US08681288B2 |
Backlight unit and display device provided therewith
Provided is a backlight unit that is capable of suppressing an uneven brightness. The backlight unit (2) includes a lower lens sheet (91) and an upper lens sheet (92) that are disposed in an inside area of a frame portion of a frame (4) and that are laminated in this order, and a rim tape (10) attached to the frame portion of the frame (4). The upper lens sheet (92) is fixed in position by a wide portion (10a) of the rim tape (10) being affixed to the upper surface of an end (92b) of the upper lens sheet (92), while the lower lens sheet (91) is held without being affixed to the wide portion (10a) of the rim tape (10). |
| US08681282B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal display (LCD) device having a thin film transistor (TFT), the TFT includes a source electrode, a drain electrode and a semiconductor layer. At least one of the source electrode and drain electrode includes a first layer including copper and a second layer forming an oxide layer and covering the first layer. The semiconductor layer has a substantially linear current-voltage relationship with said source electrode or drain electrode including said first and second layers, when a voltage is applied between the semiconductor layer and said source electrode or drain electrode. |
| US08681280B2 |
Stereoscopic image display and method for driving the same
A stereoscopic image display and a method for driving the same are disclosed. The stereoscopic image display includes a display element to which data of a left eye image is written during a data scanning time of the left eye image and data of a right eye image is written during a scanning time of the right eye image, an active retarder cell positioned on a display surface of the display element, and shutter glasses including a left eye shutter and a right eye shutter that are electrically controlled and are alternately opened and closed. The active retarder cell converts a polarization characteristic of light from the display element during an active retarder scanning time. |
| US08681278B2 |
System, method and apparatus for volume control
An application for a system for controlling speaker volume of externally amplified speakers connected to a television includes a television with one or more external amplifiers, each driving one or more speakers. There is a channel for connecting the external amplifiers to the television providing an audio signal to the external amplifiers and a channel for communicating commands from the television to the externally amplifiers, which in some embodiments is the same channel. Responsive to a signal (e.g. remote control command) to the television indicating a request to change the volume of one or more of the external amplifiers, a volume change command is sent to one or more of the external amplifiers over the channel for communicating. |
| US08681275B2 |
Semiconductor device, DC-to-DC converter, and receiver
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element mounting unit, a first conductor, a semiconductor element, a first connection and a second connection. The first conductor is provided around the semiconductor element mounting unit. The semiconductor element is provided on the semiconductor element mounting unit and includes a first switch element and a second switch element provided parallel to the first switch element. The first connection and the second connection are provided on the first switch element side of an imaginary boundary line obtained by extending a boundary between the first switch element and the second switch element. The first connection and the second connection are electrically connected to the first switch element and the second switch element, respectively, and electrically connected to the first conductor. |
| US08681268B2 |
Vision assistive devices and user interfaces
Vision assistive device and user interface are disclosed. In some embodiments, a vision assistive device includes a housing having a base for positioning the housing on a surface; one or more imaging units disposed along a top portion of the housing, each imaging unit being angled downward so a central axis of the imaging unit forms an acute angle with the surface so the imaging unit captures a target image from a target object; and a control system accommodated within the housing, the control system being connected to the one or more imaging units to process the target image captured by each imaging unit and to output the target image to a user. |
| US08681266B2 |
Image pickup apparatus, flash apparatus usable with image pickup apparatus, and control method of image pickup apparatus
An image pickup apparatus includes a main body having an image sensor, a flash apparatus having a flash unit installed to the main body to selectively protrude from the main body and to rotate in the protrusion, and a controller to determine whether to protrude the flash unit by determining whether the main body is disposed in an indoor location or in an outdoor location through an image sensor and locating a face of a person in a subject captured by the image sensor, and to control a flash direction by rotating the flash unit in accordance with surroundings of the face of the person in the subject image after protruding the flash unit. |
| US08681260B2 |
Dual site imaging camera
An imaging system or camera having an array of elements switchable between two states for measuring of light received by the imaging system on a pixel by pixel basis to form two separate images simultaneously over a common integration time in which switching takes place faster than the integration time of the camera. Optical switching may be provided by a spatial light modulator along one of two paths each associated with a detector for one of the images, or each path being associated with one of two non-overlapping regions of the same detector, where each region provides one of the images. Electronic switching may be provided in which for each pixel a photodetector provide an electrical signal onto a switching element which switches the signal onto one of two sites for integrating the signal and providing a pixel value, where the two sites are each associated with a different one of the images. |
| US08681258B2 |
Imaging system, imaging apparatus, interchangeable lens, method of controlling imaging system, and program
An imaging system includes: an imaging apparatus including a first communication section performing communication with an interchangeable lens, and a first control section making a transmission request of prediction information being state information on a state of a member included in the interchangeable lens and being the state information related to a state of the member after a predetermined time period to the interchangeable lens; and an interchangeable lens including a second communication section performing communication with the imaging apparatus, a calculation section obtaining the state information from the member and calculating the prediction information on the basis of the obtained state information and the predetermined time period, and a second control section controlling transmission of the calculated prediction information to the imaging apparatus. |
| US08681256B2 |
Display method and display apparatus in which a part of a screen area is in a through-state
Display control that extends a user's visual ability is accomplished. By wearing an eyeglass-type or headgear-type mounting unit, he or she is allowed to see display means disposed in front of his or her eyes. By causing a part of a screen area of the display means to be in a through-state and a display with a display image signal to be executed, the user can see an image of a scene different from a scene that he or she ordinarily sees with a display of the display image signal while he or she can see the ordinary visual scene with the through-state area. |
| US08681255B2 |
Integrated low power depth camera and projection device
A video projector device includes a visible light projector to project an image on a surface or object, and a visible light sensor, which can be used to obtain depth data regarding the object using a time-of-flight principle. The sensor can be a charge-coupled device which obtains color images as well as obtaining depth data. The projected light can be provided in successive frames. A frame can include a gated sub-frame of pulsed light followed by continuous light, while the sensor is gated, to obtain time of flight data, an ungated sub-frame of pulsed light followed by continuous light, while the sensor is ungated, to obtain reflectivity data and a background sub-frame of no light followed by continuous light, while the sensor is gated, to determine a level of background light. A color sub-frame projects continuous light, while the sensor is active. |
| US08681249B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and portable information terminal
A solid-state imaging device according to an embodiment includes: a first optical system configured to form an image of an object on an image formation plane; an imaging element comprising an imaging area which includes a plurality of pixel blocks each including a plurality of pixels; a second optical system configured to include a microlens array including a plurality of microlenses provided to correspond to the plurality of pixel blocks and reduce and re-form an image scheduled to be formed on the image formation plane, in a pixel block corresponding to an individual microlens; and a signal processing unit configured to perform image signal processing with an optical position relation between each microlens and the pixel block corrected, by using an image signal of the object obtained by the imaging element. |
| US08681246B2 |
Camera with multiple viewfinders
A method and apparatus for controlling the display of a portable electronic device having a camera application, a viewfinder having at least two viewfinder resolutions, and a sensor array, is provided. When a zoom level of the camera application is 1×, a first image is generated by scaling a predetermined number of rows and columns of pixels of the sensor array to a first viewfinder resolution at a given frame rate. When the zoom level is greater than 1×, a region of interest of the predetermined number of rows and columns of pixels is cropped in accordance with the zoom level and a second image is generated by scaling the cropped region of interest to a second viewfinder resolution smaller than the first viewfinder resolution at a frame rate higher than the given frame rate. |
| US08681245B2 |
Digital photographing apparatus, and method for providing bokeh effects
A digital photographing apparatus in which iris patterns that have various shapes are provided. The digital photographing apparatus includes a lens unit; an iris in which an iris pattern, that defines a transmission area of incident light according to a signal, is determined; an imaging device that converts the incident light into an electrical signal; and an iris control unit which controls to form the iris pattern in the iris. |
| US08681243B2 |
Digital camera
A digital camera includes an insertion unit for inserting a storage medium, an image pickup unit, a control unit for storing an image picked up by the image pickup unit onto a storage medium inserted into the insertion unit, and a medium detection unit for detecting whether the storage medium inserted into the insertion unit is a storage medium in which rewrite is limited. |
| US08681238B2 |
Image processing device, method and program
An image processing device includes a recording control unit that controls recording of an image of a predetermined frame among images of a plurality of consecutive frames, a trim box setting unit that sets a plurality of trim boxes containing a subject area which is an area of a subject of interest in the image of the predetermined frame recorded by the recording control unit, and a generation control unit that controls generation of the plurality of trim images from the image of the predetermined frame recorded by the recording control unit, based on the plurality of trim boxes set by the trim box setting unit. |
| US08681236B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing shutter lag of a digital camera
An apparatus and method for reducing a shutter lag in a device with a digital camera function, in which an electronic shutter can be driven in a state of a half shutter or a full shutter, and a controller controls execution of a sub-sampling preview mode if the camera function is driven, controls to fix white balance and exposure and automatically adjust a focus upon detecting an input of the half shutter during the execution of the sub-sampling preview mode, switches to a full-pixel preview mode after completion of the adjustment, and performs image capturing upon detecting an input of the full shutter. |
| US08681234B2 |
System and methdod for capturing and displaying still photo and video content
Still images can be captured during capture of video frames at different resolutions. Still image data and video data at different resolutions and in different data formats can be combined into a single file and stored in a memory. Storing the video data and still image data in a single file simplifies the process of displaying video in conjunction with display of representative still images. |
| US08681233B2 |
Camera image editing using a television
Images stored in a camera are edited using a television. Television remote control output signals are received at the camera. The television remote control output signals are converted to camera image editing commands. An image stored in a memory associated with the camera is edited based upon the camera image editing commands. The edited image is output to the television. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08681229B2 |
Image pickup device, image blur correcting method, and program
An image pickup device includes: an image pickup optical system configured to form a subject image; an image pickup element configured to generate a picked-up image from the subject image formed by the image pickup optical system; an image blur detecting section configured to output an image blur signal using a motion detecting sensor; an arithmetic section configured to calculate an amount of image blur correction including an amount of optical correction and an amount of electronic correction on a basis of the image blur signal; an optical image blur correcting section configured to move at least one of an optical element forming a part of the image pickup optical system and the image pickup element in accordance with the amount of optical correction; and an electronic image blur correcting section configured to correct electronically an image blur of the picked-up image by image processing based on the amount of electronic correction. |
| US08681227B2 |
Photography device having anti-shake function
The present invention is for sensing camera shake and moving a lens toward a direction to correct the camera shake when photographing an object so that the object may be clearly photographed. A coil and a magnet are included in the invention, and the coil moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical-axis of the lens as a result of magnetic fields generated by the magnet and the coil when electric power is applied to the coil. |
| US08681226B2 |
Photography-task-specific digital camera apparatus and methods useful in conjunction therewith
A multi-mode digital photography method including generating an output image of a location L at a specific time t which is identified as a function of a user-selected photography task, the method including generating an output image of a particular scene which is built up from a plurality of images thereof, as another function of a user-selected photography task. |
| US08681225B2 |
Storage access technique for captured data
A technique processes captured data on a device, wherein selected captured data of a given quality resolution is transferred via a communication link to a separate storage location for future availability. A storage protocol may include different storage organization categories. A possible aspect includes an identifier record to enable future accessibility to selected captured data by one or more authorized parties or approved devices. |
| US08681224B2 |
Method for high precision lens distortion calibration and removal
The present application relates to a high precision method for calibrating and removing distortion from a lens, and more particularly, a method for calibrating and removing distortion by arranging sensor readings to compensate for its presence and simultaneously optimize the resulting image magnification for best image quality. |
| US08681219B2 |
System and method for driving assistance at road intersections
Described herein is a system and a method for the automatic adjustment of rear-view devices of a vehicle travelling a lane or road, based on shooting scenes representing an environment surrounding the vehicle in the travel direction and on the identification of at least one from among a collection of predetermined shapes and indicia along the road indicating a road intersection between the lane or road traveled by the vehicle and an incident lane or road, whereby the movement of at least one rear-view device is actuated for representing to the driver a rear and side scene with respect to the vehicle comprising the incident lane or road. |
| US08681215B2 |
Method and particle analyzer for determining a broad particle size distribution
A method and a particle analyzer are provided for determining a particle size distribution of a liquid sample including particles of a lower size range, particles of an intermediate size range, and particles of an upper size range. A dark-field image frame is captured in which the particles of the lower size range and the particles of the intermediate size range are resolved, and a bright-field image frame is captured in which the particles of the intermediate size range and the particles of the upper size range are resolved. Absolute sizes of the particles of the intermediate size range and the particles of the upper size range are determined from the bright-field image frame. Calibrated sizes of the particles of the lower size range are determined from the dark-field image frame by using the particles of the intermediate size range as internal calibration standards. |
| US08681213B1 |
Motion picture film scanner with automated failed splice recovery
Disclosed is a system and method for digitally scanning motion picture film with automatic recovery after a failed splice or break is repaired. The system includes a motion picture film digital scanner. Software executed on a processor either integrated within the motion picture film digital scanner or in an external computer communicating with the motion picture film digital scanner detects film breakage. When an operator signals that the splice repair operation is complete, the software directs the scanner to rewind the film by a pre-determined amount and resume scanning. The software automatically, and seamlessly, merges the scan sequences from before and after the splice repair operation. |
| US08681203B1 |
Automatic mute control for video conferencing
In one example, a device executes one or more video communication processes that receive audio streams and video streams from a plurality of computing devices participating in a video communication session associated with the one or more video communication processes. The device evaluates one or more properties of the audio streams, including the volume of an audio signal among the audio streams. The device selects a first group of the audio streams to mute in the video communication session, based at least in part on the one or more properties of the audio streams. The device distributes a second group of the audio streams in the video communication session, while muting the first group of audio streams in the video communication session. |
| US08681202B1 |
Systems and methods for implementing internet video conferencing using standard phone calls
A video conferencing system (100) includes a switch (125), a server (140), a telephony device (152), and a node (102) in a packet-switched network (135). The switch (125) establishes a circuit-switched connection between a calling party number and a called party number. The server (140) associates first and second network addresses in a packet-switched network (135) with each of the called party and calling party numbers. The telephony device (152) transmits audio data via the circuit-switched connection. The node (102) in the packet-switched network (135) transmits packetized video between the first and second network addresses responsive to establishment of the circuit-switched connection. |
| US08681201B2 |
Videoconferencing communication device and method
The device for videoconferencing between a local user (1) and at least one remote user (3) comprises a screen (7) capable of displaying to the local user (1) an image of the remote user (I3), and an image sensor (9) capable of receiving an image from the local user (I1) to be transmitted to the remote user (3). The device further comprises a delaying unit (14) capable of applying a chosen delay (R) to the image (I1) of the local user (1) coming from the local image sensor, the screen (7) being capable of showing the local user (1) the image of the local user thereby delayed, such that the image of the local user thereby delayed is shown locally at the same time as the image of the local user shown remotely. |
| US08681200B2 |
Video telephony apparatus and method for mobile terminal
Provided is a video telephony apparatus and method for mobile terminals. The video telephony apparatus includes a controller, a display unit, a codec, and a content controller. The controller exchanges protocol signals for a video call with the other party terminal, and demultiplexes a moving image and a voice that are received from the other party terminal. The display unit displays the received moving image, and the codec plays the received voice. The content controller manages Right Objects (ROs) of multimedia contents received from the other party terminal, and captures the displayed moving image and the played voice according to the ROs. Accordingly, it is possible to protect portrait rights during the video call. |
| US08681195B2 |
Paper detecting device and printer including the same
A paper detecting device includes a paper detecting element, and a guide element having a path along which the paper detecting element is moved. At least one of the paper detecting element and the guide element includes an engaging element configured to be movable between an engaging position, at which the paper detecting element is fixed on the path, and a release position, at which the paper detecting element is released from the fixation. A click generator configured to click when the paper detecting element is moved on the path and reaches the correct position to stop. |
| US08681192B2 |
Sensor device and electronic apparatus
The present invention provides a sensor device and an electronic apparatus each of which does not make malfunction derived from outside ambient light such as sunlight. In the sensor device, an ADC outputs, to one of two input terminals of a comparison circuit, second data which is a digital value ADCOUT corresponding to a current Iin−I1 being the result of subtraction from a current I1 from a current Iin and which is larger than a threshold Data_th. |
| US08681191B2 |
Three dimensional driving scheme for electrophoretic display devices
The present invention is directed to a driving method, in particular a three dimensional driving scheme for electrophoretic display devices. The method comprises applying a driving step in each of at least two electric fields to drive two types of pigment particles of different colors laterally and/or vertically for separately adjusting the grayscale and/or colors of the display. The present driving method has the advantage that the brightness and color intensity of the images may be separately tuned. |
| US08681189B2 |
System and methods for applying adaptive gamma in image processing for high brightness and high dynamic range displays
Systems and methods of image processing are provided for a display having a light source modulation layer and a display modulation layer. A section of a perceptual curve, such as a DICOM curve, is extracted for each frame of image data, based on a profile of expected luminance on the display modulation layer from light emitted by the light source modulation layer. The section of the perceptual curve may be used to determine a desired-total response curve which maps display modulation layer input control values to corresponding output luminance values. The desired-total response curve and a display modulator-specific response curve may be applied to image data to generate control values for driving the display modulation layer. |
| US08681187B2 |
Image processing apparatus, non-transitory storage medium storing image processing program and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes a calculation to calculate a compression gain that is applied to a low-frequency component of an input image and an amplification gain that is applied to a high-frequency component of the input image, a generation to generate a display image in which a pixel value of a pixel of the input image is corrected based on the compression gain and the amplification gain calculated by the calculation unit, and a display to display the display image. |
| US08681186B2 |
Data driver and organic light emitting display having the same
A data driver and an organic light emitting display having the same. The data driver has a switch unit provided between output terminals of respective output buffers that are provided in the data driver and data lines corresponding thereto. Here, the switch unit is also coupled to a source for providing a middle voltage, and allows the output terminals of the output buffers to be coupled to receive the middle voltage before data signals are output from the data driver by the operation of the switch unit, making it possible to improve the slew rate of the output buffer and to reduce power consumption, and an organic light emitting display having the same. The switch unit may includes a first switch coupled between the source for providing the middle voltage and the output terminals, and a second switch coupled between the output terminals and the respective data lines. |
| US08681185B2 |
Multi-pixel addressing method for video display drivers
A video display system is described which is formed by an array of pixels comprised of fast responding light elements, row select and column select switches and pixel data drivers, and a computation subsystem which generates the control signals for the select lines and the video data. The overall system reconstructs the intended image or video to be displayed through successively displaying subframes of images corresponding to orthogonal image basis function components of the original image acting on a grouping of pixels selected using multiple row and column lines. The resultant system is an architecture which enables one to implement certain video decompression techniques directly on the light elements, as opposed to implementing these techniques in digital processing, and can have a considerably reduced raw video data requirement than a system in which pixels are addressed individually, and enables higher dynamic range to be achieved with similar digital-analog-converter specifications. Embodiments with LED based displays are described herein. |
| US08681184B2 |
Display unit, and displaying method for the binocular representation of a multicolor image
A display unit for binocular representation of a multicolor image including a control unit triggering an imaging element such that the imaging element generates in a temporal successive manner the image to be displayed for a first beam path and a second beam path as a first image and second image, respectively. The images are generated in a pre-distorted manner, opposite of the chromatic aberration of the respective beam path, such that the chromatic aberration generated in the respective beam path is compensated when the first and second image is displayed. The display unit includes a switching module which operates in temporal synchrony with the first and second image being generated, such that a user can see the first image only via the first beam path and the second image only via the second beam path. |
| US08681178B1 |
Showing uncertainty in an augmented reality application
A computer-implemented method involves obtaining electronic information that indicates a location and direction of aim of a user in a virtual space of an augmented reality application running on a computing device, and determining, with one or more computer processors, factors that represent potential uncertainty in the obtained electronic information. The method also involves generating from the factors a combined level of uncertainty for a focus of the user, the focus representing an item within the user's field of view in the augmented reality application at which the user is directing attention, generating data for making a graphical indication of the level of uncertainty; and providing the data for making the graphical indication of the level of uncertainty for display as an overlay over an image of the field of view in the augmented reality application. |
| US08681177B2 |
Virtual image display system, including wireless connection
Upon receiving a communication switching instruction from a first wireless access point used for communication with an image processing apparatus, an image display apparatus disconnects communication with the first wireless access point. Simultaneously, the image display apparatus transmits, to a second wireless access point, a link request to establish communication with the second wireless access point of a new communication destination included in the switching instruction. The image display apparatus displays, on a display unit, a captured image continuously acquired from am image capturing unit until switching from the first wireless access point to the second wireless access point finishes as communication destination switching. |
| US08681175B2 |
Method for displaying information using map image and display apparatus
A method for displaying time information and a display apparatus are provided. According to the method, a map image divided by a plurality of grids may be displayed and one of the grids on the displayed map image may be selected. Further, information about display target areas may be displayed when there are more than two display target areas in the selected grid and one of the information-displayed display target areas is selected. Furthermore, time information of the selected display target area may be displayed. |
| US08681171B2 |
Method for identifying, displaying, selecting, naming and matching colors
The method is for identifying and selecting a color or a combination of colors. A color sphere (200) is provided that has a first color pocket (238) defined between a first horizontal disc (202) and a second horizontal disc (208) and vertical inserts (212c, 212b) extending between the first horizontal disc and the second horizontal disc. The first horizontal disc has a plurality of organized first spectrum of color cells and the second horizontal disc has a plurality of organized second spectrum of color cells. The first spectrum is gradually lighter than the second spectrum and gradually more gray from a peripheral surface (209) towards an axial opening (232a) of the first horizontal disc and an axial opening (232b) of the second horizontal discs. A first color cell (236) is identified in a first pocket (238). |
| US08681168B2 |
Methods of and apparatus for processing graphics
In a tile-based graphics processor, primitive lists (bins) are prepared for 2×2 blocks of tiles 40. The processor also determines and stores for each primitive in a bin, distribution information indicating the distribution of the primitive within the set of tiles that the bin corresponds to. Thus a primitive 42 that is found by its bounding box 43 to reside in two of the four tiles that make up the set of 2×2 tiles 40 is also associated with a tile coverage bitmap of the form “0101” to indicate that it lies in tiles “1” and “3” of the 2×2 group of tiles 40. The graphics processor uses the coverage bitmap (information) to determine whether a primitive should be processed for the tile currently being processed. |
| US08681165B2 |
Image rotation method and apparatus
Provided is an image rotation method and apparatus for rotating an original image of 2n×2n pixels when n is a natural number greater than 1, including loading each row of pixels of the original image into a corresponding load memory vector; and, after the load step, for at least one iteration, performing a transposition operation for each matched load memory vector after matching the load memory vectors and, for zero or more iterations, an interleaving operation between each matched load memory vector after matching the load memory vectors, while the transposition step and the interleaving step are performed a total of n iterations. |
| US08681164B2 |
Electronic system and method for selectively allowing access to a shared memory
An electronic system, an integrated circuit and a method for display are disclosed. The electronic system contains a first device, a memory and a video/audio compression/decompression device such as a decoder/encoder. The electronic system is configured to allow the first device and the video/audio compression/decompression device to share the memory. The electronic system may be included in a computer in which case the memory is a main memory. Memory access is accomplished by one or more memory interfaces, direct coupling of the memory to a bus, or direct coupling of the first device and decoder/encoder to a bus. An arbiter selectively provides access for the first device and/or the decoder/encoder to the memory based on priority. The arbiter may be monolithically integrated into a memory interface. The decoder may be a video decoder configured to comply with the MPEG-2 standard. The memory may store predicted images obtained from a preceding image. |
| US08681163B2 |
Display device, control method of display device and electronic apparatus
A display device includes: a display unit in which pixels including memories are arranged; a memory unit holding data; and a control unit rewriting the contents held by memories concerning pixels belonging to a partial area of the display unit based on data held by the memory unit in accordance with instructions given from the outside. |
| US08681162B2 |
Systems and methods for video processing
A programmable graphics processing unit (GPU) includes a first shader stage configured to receive slice data from a frame buffer and perform variable length decoding (VLD), wherein the first shader stage outputs data to a first buffer within the frame buffer; a second shader stage configured to receive the output data from the first shader stage and perform transformation and motion compensation on the slice data, wherein the second shader stage outputs decoded slice data to a second buffer within the frame buffer; a third shader stage configured to receive the decoded slice data and perform in-loop deblocking filtering (IDF) on the frame buffer; a fourth shader stage configured to perform post-processing on the frame buffer; and a scheduler configured to schedule execution of the shader stages, the scheduler comprising a plurality of counter registers; wherein execution of the shader stages is synchronized utilizing the counter registers. |
| US08681161B2 |
Multi-pass system and method supporting multiple streams of video
Systems and methods are disclosed for performing multiple processing of data in a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a first display pipeline that is formed in real time from a plurality of possible display pipelines and that performs at least a first processing step on received data. A buffer stores the processed data and a second display pipeline that is formed in real time from a plurality of possible display pipelines performs at least a second processing step on stored data. |
| US08681160B2 |
Synchronizing multiple cards in multiple video processing unit (VPU) systems
Systems and methods are provided for processing data. The systems and methods include multiple processors that each couple to receive commands and data, where the commands and/or data correspond to frames of video that include multiple pixels. Additionally, an interlink module is coupled to receive processed data corresponding to the frames from each of the multiple processors. The interlink module controls a phase alignment between the processors. The interlink module selects pixels of the frames from the processed data of one of the processors based on a predetermined pixel characteristic and outputs the frames that include the selected pixels. |
| US08681159B2 |
Method and apparatus for switching between graphics sources
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that switches from a first graphics processor to a second graphics processor to drive a display. During operation, the system receives a request to switch a signal source which drives the display from the first graphics processor to the second graphics processor. In response to the request, the system first configures the second graphics processor so that the second graphics processor is ready to drive the display. Next, the system switches the signal source that drives the display from the first graphics processor to the second graphics processor, thereby causing the second graphics processor to drive the display. |
| US08681158B1 |
Using animation libraries for object identification
A computer-implemented method includes comparing one or more surface features to a motion model. The surface feature or surface features represent a portion of an object in an image. The method also includes identifying a representation of the object from the motion model, based upon the comparison. |
| US08681155B2 |
Ranking nodes in a graph
Techniques for ranking nodes in a graph are provided. The techniques include computing resultant path strength between each pair of nodes in a polynomial time, determining a first node based on resultant path strength such that total path strength to the first node is a maximum value, iteratively determining a next node from the first node to which the resultant path strength is a maximum value and the node is not visited, and providing each determined node a unique rank value, and ranking the nodes in an order determined by the unique rank value of each node. |
| US08681152B2 |
Method for generating model for preoperative simulation
The invention is directed to the provision of a method for generating a model for a preoperative simulation, wherein the method includes: a first step of constructing volume data for necessary organs by acquiring geometrical information from a medical image; a second step of manipulating the volume data to reposition and reorient an operator-designated organ to achieve a position and orientation appropriate for a surgical operation; a third step of generating a blood-vessel model, depicting a blood vessel to be joined to the designated organ, so as to match the position and orientation of the designated organ; a fourth step of generating volume data by forming a fat model of prescribed thickness around a prescribed organ contained in the earlier constructed volume data, after the blood-vessel model has been joined to the designated organ; a fifth step of thereafter meshing the organ represented by the generated volume data; a sixth step of manipulating a template model of a prescribed shape by using a template, and arranging the template model around the generated blood-vessel model; and a seventh step of generating a line-segment model based on the thus arranged template model. |
| US08681151B2 |
Rendering and navigating photographic panoramas with depth information in a geographic information system
The capability to render and navigate three-dimensional panoramic images in a virtual three-dimensional environment so as to create an immersive three-dimensional experience is provided. Such a capability can present a three-dimensional photographic experience of the real world that is seamlessly integrated with the virtual three-dimensional environment. Depth values associated with the panoramic images may be used to create three-dimensional geometry, which can be rendered as part of the virtual three-dimensional environment. Further, such a capability can enable a user to roam freely through the environment while providing a more natural free-form exploration of the environment than existing systems. |
| US08681150B2 |
Method, medium, and system with 3 dimensional object modeling using multiple view points
A modeling method, medium, and system. The modeling method may include specifying an object in a plurality of 2 dimensional (2D) images expressed from different view points, considering an edge and contents of each component of each 2D image, generating a 3 dimensional (3D) model of each specified object, and matching the generated 3D models considering relative locations of each generated 3D model. Accordingly, a realistic 3D model of an object expressed in an image can be accurately generated. |
| US08681148B2 |
Method for correcting stereoscopic image, stereoscopic display device, and stereoscopic image generating device
An object of the invention to provide a method for maintaining display quality as much as possible and reducing a crosstalk amount. A method for correcting stereoscopic images according to the present invention has (a) at least one of a step of detecting a range of crosstalk and a crosstalk amount occurring on a left image or a right image as black-side correction data, and a step of detecting the range of crosstalk and the crosstalk amount as white-side correction data, based on crosstalk characteristic data, (b) at least one of a step of making the black-side correction data into lower-limit data, and a step of making the white-side correction data into upper-limit data; and (c) a step of gamma-converting the left image or the right image based on at least one of the lower-limit data and the upper-limit data. |
| US08681146B2 |
System and method for view management in three dimensional space
A method for managing a display space for a 3D environment is provided. A 3D scene having at least one scene object is displayed and the visible surfaces of the scene objects are represented as visible space in a 2D view plane representation. Controllable objects that are to be placed in the scene are defined by parameters such as size, placement priority, proximity relationships and the like. The available space for placing controllable objects, which can include empty space and low priority background and foreground regions, is determined for each controllable object. The placement for controllable objects in the 3D space is then determined in accordance with at least placement parameter and one of the visible space and available space of the view-plane representation such that view management objectives, such as not occluding important scene objects, are accomplished. |
| US08681144B2 |
Prioritized rendering of objects in a virtual universe
An invention for prioritized rendering of objects in a virtual universe is provided. In one embodiment, there is a prioritization tool including a value component configured to assign a value to each of a set of items within an inventory of an avatar. A priority component is configured to compare a set of objects in the virtual universe to the value assigned to each of the set of items within the inventory of the avatar to determine a priority of each of the set of objects in the virtual universe. A rendering component is configured to render the set of objects in the virtual universe based on the priority of each of the set of objects in the virtual universe. |
| US08681143B2 |
Display apparatus, mobile object and control apparatus
A display apparatus, includes: a display light emission unit which includes a light source, forms an image, and emits display light corresponding to formed image; a deflection unit which deflects the display light; a narrow band reflection unit which has characteristics of reflecting only light in a reflected wavelength range and transmitting light of wavelengths other than the reflected wavelength range, and reflects the display light incident from the deflection unit towards a viewpoint; and a control unit which changes an incidence angle at which the display light is incident on the narrow band reflection unit, in accordance with change in a wavelength of the light, wherein the narrow band reflection unit is configured such that the reflected wavelength range changes when an incidence angle of light changes, and the control unit changes the incidence angle such that a wavelength of the light is included within the reflected wavelength range. |
| US08681135B2 |
Photo sensor and organic light emitting display using the same
A photo sensor capable of reducing the distortion of signals output from the photo sensor to output a correct measured value and an organic light emitting display using the same. The organic light emitting display includes a pixel unit formed on a transparent substrate to display an image in response to scan signals and data signals, a scan driver generating the scan signals to transmit the scan signals to the pixel unit, a data driver generating the data signals to transmit the data signals to the pixel unit, and a photo sensor including a sensing unit sensing brightness of ambient light to output a sensing signal and a control unit for receiving the sensing signal to output a brightness control signal for controlling brightness of the image. The sensing unit disposed in a predetermined region of the transparent substrate and includes a first photo diode receiving a first driving power source to generate optical current so that a magnitude of the optical current is controlled in response to the brightness of the ambient light, a first capacitor for storing the optical current, and a first switch coupled between the first driving power source and the first photo diode to perform a switching operation. |
| US08681133B2 |
Display driver integrated circuit which stores output mode of driving circuit control signal in non-volatile memory and method of outputting the driving circuit control signal
A display driver integrated circuit (IC) that stores an output mode of driving circuit control signal in a non-volatile memory and a method of outputting the driving circuit control signal, wherein the display drive IC fixes the driving circuit control signal values using fixation wire disposed on top layers of the display driver IC, and a method of manufacturing the display driver IC. The display driver IC includes a plurality of driving circuits, which operate a display panel; a driving circuit control signal output unit, which outputs a plurality of driving circuit control signal values, which control the driving circuits, received from an external device in a test mode, or outputs the plurality of driving circuit control signal values, which control the driving circuits that are internally set to a plurality of fixed values in a production mode; and a non-volatile memory, which stores a mode selection value indicating the test mode or the production mode, wherein the driving circuit control signal output unit operates in the test mode or the production mode in response to the mode selection value stored in the non-volatile memory. In the display drive IC, which stores an output mode of a driving circuit control signal in a non-volatile memory, and a method of outputting the driving circuit control signal, whether to fix a driving circuit control signal value or not can be changed after the display driver IC is assembled into a module. |
| US08681130B2 |
Stylus based haptic peripheral for touch screen and tablet devices
A system, method, and computer program product for automatically providing a haptic stylus based interface for enhanced user interaction with touch screen devices are disclosed. The stylus communicates with the touch screen device to report stylus operating information from onboard sensors, and to receive application program instructions defining feedback and friction forces to be applied by onboard actuators. The applied feedback and friction forces may be independently controlled. Friction forces are provided via a rolling contact ball gripping mechanism that mimics varying physical engagement between the contact ball and a touch screen display surface by controlling the relative rotational freedom of the contact ball. Embodiments of the invention enable a haptic stylus to mimic three-dimensional interactions for gaming, object manipulation and sculpting, and non-contact proximity-based stylus operation scenarios. |
| US08681126B2 |
Ambient correction in rolling image capture system
Embodiments are disclosed that relate to the correction of an image acquired in a rolling image capture system for ambient light. One embodiment provides a device comprising a screen, a rolling image capture system, a local light source, and a controller. The controller is configured to operate the local light source while acquiring first and second frames of image data to integrate each field of image sensor pixels for a duration of local+ambient light and for a duration of ambient light such that a sum tlocal+ambient+tambient for the first frame is different than a sum tlocal+ambient+tambient for the second frame for each field of pixels. The controller is further configured to determine an ambient light value, and to adjust one or more pixels based upon the ambient light value. |
| US08681123B2 |
Input/output device
An input/output device capable of displaying a high-resolution two-dimensional image and detecting the position of an object in three-dimensional space in spite of having a low profile is provided. An input/output device includes: a display section including, in a mixed manner, image pickup regions for obtaining image pickup data of an object and a display region for displaying an image based on image data; a microlens arranged on a display surface of the display section so as to correspond to each of the image pickup regions; and a position detection section detecting position of the object based on image pickup data obtained from the image pickup regions of the display section. |
| US08681121B2 |
Touch panel and display device with touch panel
An electrostatic capacitive coupling type touch panel in which a period before wiring formed outside an input region is chipped or wire-broken due to deterioration of a mask pattern can be prolonged. The touch panel has an input region and plural wirings formed around the input region. The input region has plural X electrodes and plural Y electrodes crossing the X electrodes. The plural wirings are connected to corresponding electrodes of the plural X electrodes and Y electrodes. The plural wirings respectively have a conductive layer and a metal layer formed on the conductive layer. The conductive layer is formed to be wider than the metal layer. The plural wirings have a corner. Among the plural wirings, in the wiring provided in the farthest position from the input region, the corner of the metal layer is chamfered. |
| US08681115B2 |
Information processing apparatus and input control method
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a touch screen display, a vibrator, an area display module, a touch position detector, and a vibration controller. The vibrator is configured to vibrate the touch screen display. The area display module is configured to display a first area on the touch screen display. The touch position detector is configured to detect a touch position on the touch screen display. The vibration controller is configured to control the vibrator in order to vibrate with a first pattern, if the touch position moves from an inside of the first area to an outside of the first area. |
| US08681114B2 |
Method for displaying information in a motor vehicle, and display device
In a method for displaying information with the aid of a display mounted in a motor vehicle, graphic data which actuate at least a subregion of the display are generated by a user interface device, such that in an operation state, information assigned to at least one operator step able to be executed by an input device are generated and in a display state, information not assigned to any operator steps is displayed, and it is detected when an object enters an operator control zone assigned to the input device, and when it leaves the operator control zone. The method is characterized in that the user interface device switches from the operating state to the display state when the object leaves the operator control zone and does not reenter the operator control zone within a defined time interval. A display device is adapted for executing this method. |
| US08681113B1 |
Concept and operation mode for multi media AIO
An all-in-one computer system comprising: a base panel having a top surface and a bottom surface; and a screen panel coupled to and extending from the base panel, the screen panel comprising a screen. In some embodiments, a speaker system is coupled to the bottom surface of the base panel to provide a stand on which the base panel can be supported at an angle with respect to a resting surface, wherein the speaker system is configured to be adjusted along the bottom surface of the base panel to adjust the angle at which the base panel is supported. In some embodiments, a processing unit is communicatively coupled to the tilt sensor and to the screen, wherein the processing unit is configured to switch the screen between a touch mode and a non-touch mode based on the angle sensed by the tilt sensor. |
| US08681107B2 |
Organic light emitting display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting display apparatus includes a substrate; a display unit formed on the substrate and comprising an organic light emitting device; and a touch panel formed on the display unit, wherein the touch panel further includes a sealing substrate, a ground layer formed on a surface of the sealing substrate, a first pattern layer formed on a surface of the sealing substrate opposite to the surface of the sealing substrate on which the ground layer is formed, a first insulating layer formed on the first pattern layer, a second pattern layer formed on the first insulating layer, and a second insulating layer formed on the second pattern layer. |
| US08681105B2 |
Mobile terminal and screen displaying method thereof
A mobile terminal and screen displaying method thereof are disclosed, by which an image can be displayed on a screen using a virtual polyhedral pillar. The present invention includes a user input unit for inputting key signals, a display for displaying a first facet of a polyhedral pillar, and a controller, if a specific key signal is inputted, the controller controlling a second facet of the polyhedral pillar to be displayed on the display by rotating the polyhedral pillar. |
| US08681103B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes: a terminal body having a radio communication function; a touch screen mounted on a front surface of the terminal body and outputting touch inputtable visual information; a keypad connected with one end of the terminal body, inputting information to the terminal body, and formed to be detachably attached to front and rear surface of the terminal body to implement a first status in which the keypad is mounted on the rear surface of the terminal body and a second status in which the keypad is mounted on the front surface; and a controller configured to execute a first input mode through the touch screen in the first status and a second input mode through the keypad in the second status. |
| US08681102B2 |
Ergonomic elevated keyboard
An ergonomic, elevated keyboard includes: (a) a typing keyboard including upper level keys; (b) at least one substantially vertical support leg, a top edge of the support leg being attached to a lower surface of the keyboard, the support leg either elevating a front side of the keyboard substantially above a level of an opposite, rear side of the keyboard, forming a negative keyboard slope, or holding the keyboard in a raised, substantially horizontal position, the support leg forming a lower level under the keyboard, with a central, lower level space open to the front of the keyboard; and (c) at least one thumb key on the support leg on the lower level, the thumb key being absent from among the upper level keyboard keys. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims. |
| US08681101B1 |
Finger mounted input device
A finger-mounted input device with an integrated accelerometer that functions as a computer input device capable of transmitting manipulation signals controlled by a touch pad, track ball, or joystick and switching signals controlled by buttons. It can be used in place of a mouse input device when used with a computer or as a supplementary input device in conjunction with a mouse. It can also substitute for hands free controls, remote controls, and other electronic input accessories to extend the versatility of these other electronic tools. The device frees up the user from having to reach and manipulate a detached mouse or similar input device in order to enter commands into a computer or other electronic device. |
| US08681100B2 |
Apparatus system and method for human-machine-interface
There is provided a 3D human machine interface (“3D HMI”), which 3D HMI may include: (1) an image acquisition assembly, (2) an initializing module, (3) an image segmentation module, (4) a segmented data processing module, (5) a scoring module, (6) a projection module, (7) a fitting module, (8) a scoring and error detection module, (9) a recovery module, (10) a three dimensional correlation module, (11) a three dimensional skeleton prediction module, (12) an output module and (13) a depth extraction module. |
| US08681099B2 |
Manipulation input device which detects human hand manipulations from captured motion images
When a vehicle navigation system is manipulated by taking pictures of a user hand motion and gesture with a camera, as the number of apparatuses and operational objects increases, the associated hand shapes and hand motions increase, thus causing a complex manipulation for a user. Furthermore, in detecting a hand with the camera, when the image of a face having color tone information similar to that of a hand appears in an image taken with a camera, or outside light rays such as sun rays or illumination rays vary, detection accuracy is reduced. To overcome such problems, a manipulation input device is provided that includes a limited hand manipulation determination unit and a menu representation unit, whereby a simple manipulation can be achieved and manipulation can accurately be determined. In addition, detection accuracy can be improved by a unit that selects a single result from results determined by a plurality of determination units, based on images taken with a plurality of cameras. |
| US08681094B2 |
Display apparatus and method for controlling display apparatus
A display apparatus and a method for controlling the display apparatus are provided. If a display apparatus is in a power off state and an interface is connected to a cable, an output of a cable connection sensing signal is blocked. Accordingly, the display apparatus may be able to report its power off state to an external device. |
| US08681086B2 |
Data driver and multiplexer circuit with body voltage switching circuit
A data driver includes two data processing circuits for respectively providing positive and negative pixel voltages according to first and second pixel data, and a multiplexer circuit including multiplexer units. Each multiplexer unit has first and second input terminals respectively receiving the positive and negative pixel voltages, and an output terminal coupled to a data line. A first switching device has first and second switches serially coupled between the first input and output terminals. A node between the first and second switches is selectively grounded via a third switch. A second switching device has fourth and fifth switches serially coupled between the second input and output terminals. A node between the fourth and fifth switches is selectively grounded via a sixth switch. When the first and second switches turn on, the sixth switch turns on. When the fourth and fifth switches turn on, the third switch turns on. |
| US08681082B2 |
Display device and drive method therefor, and electronic unit
A display device includes: pixels each including a light-emitting element; scan lines and signal lines; a scan line drive circuit applying a selection pulse to each of the scan lines in succession; and a signal line drive circuit writing video signals to respective selected pixels through switching a gray-scale interpolation voltage, a basic voltage, and a video signal voltage to apply each voltage selected by switching to each of the signal lines. The signal line drive circuit performs gray-scale interpolation on a light emission luminance level for each of the light emitting elements through setting the video signal voltage to a fundamental gray-scale voltage, and through varying the gray-scale interpolation voltage. The scan line drive circuit starts and completes an application of the selection pulse during each of a period of a gray-scale interpolation voltage, a period of a basic voltage and a period of a video signal voltage. |
| US08681080B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device (1) includes a plurality of source bus lines (14), a plurality of gate bus lines (11) that cross the plurality of source bus lines (14), and a plurality of auxiliary capacitance lines (29) that extend in parallel with the gate bus lines (11). The liquid crystal display device (1) also includes a plurality of pixels (30) to (32) that respectively include TFTs (5), pixel electrodes (19), a common electrode (24), and a liquid crystal layer (4) and that are arranged in a matrix so as to correspond to the respective intersections of the gate bus lines (11) and the source bus lines (14). A pixel electrode (19a) for the pixel (31) is disposed in the pixel (30) that is adjacent to the pixel (31), and in a plan view, the gate bus line (11b) disposed in the pixel (31) and the pixel electrode (19a) for the pixel (31) are arranged apart from each other so as not to overlap. |
| US08681079B2 |
Interferometric optical modulator with broadband reflection characteristics
An optical device suitable for forming a pixel in a video display. The optical device includes a first layer having a first refractive index; a second layer over the first layer, the second layer having a second refractive index less than the first refractive index; and a third layer over the second layer, the third layer having a third refractive index larger than the second refractive index; and a fourth layer that is at least partially optically absorptive, wherein the optical stack and the fourth layer are a first distance from one another when the device is in a first state and are a second distance from one another when the device is in a second state, the first distance different from the second distance. |
| US08681076B2 |
Plasma display panel
The present invention relates to a plasma display panel including a front substrate, a plurality of electrodes arranged on the front substrate, an upper dielectric layer covering the plurality of electrodes on the front substrate, and a rear substrate arranged opposite to the front substrate, wherein the upper dielectric layer comprises a convex portion thicker than a surrounding portion thereof and a concave portion thinner than a surrounding portion thereof, and the thickness of the portion of the upper dielectric layer corresponding to the concave portion is equal to or more than 0.04 times and equal to or less than 0.9 times of the thickness of the portion of the upper dielectric layer corresponding to the convex portion. |
| US08681075B2 |
Display device and electronic appliance
To provide a display device that is capable of achieving a sufficient confidentiality keeping performance for directions other than a specific direction without a troublesome work such as wearing special eyeglasses. The display device includes: a plurality of display units each having a main pixel for displaying a first image and a sub-pixel for displaying a second image arranged in matrix in a first direction and a second direction; and an optical member which distributes light emitted from the plurality of display units towards different directions along the first direction. The display unit has a first display area in which the main pixel and the sub-pixel are formed in the second direction, and a second display area in which only the main pixel is formed. |
| US08681071B2 |
Lighted multiple panel display
A lighted multiple panel display unit capable of providing a variety of visual effects has layered panels made of light transmitting materials. At least two of the layered panels are spaced apart such that there is a gap between them. Each of the panels comprising a relief. Multiple light sources illuminate at least a portion of the relief of each panel, the light sources being actuated in a predetermined sequence such that the reliefs produce a visual effect. Visual effects which may be produced include a color blending effect, a three-dimensional appearance effect, a morphing effect and a color fading effect. |
| US08681068B1 |
Highly agile wideband cavity impedance matching
A technique for suppressing backwaves employs a photonic approach. In one aspect, the technique includes an apparatus, including: a radiating element; and a microwave-photonic device for suppressing backwaves from the radiating element. In a second aspect, the technique includes a method for removing unwanted radiation from a radiating device, comprising: receiving unwanted radiation from the radiating device; communicating the received radiation to an electro-optically active material; communicating laser light to the electro-optically active material; communicating electromagnetic products of interactions between the radiation and the laser light to a photodiode; and communicating photodiode outputs to a termination. |
| US08681063B2 |
Antenna device
An antenna device includes a loop-shaped element radiating a radio wave of at least wavelength λ and having an electrical length of m×λ; a first power feeder exciting the loop-shaped element via voltage or current coupling by using a first electrical signal for radiating the radio wave; and a second power feeder exciting the loop-shaped element via a coupling method that is the same type as the first power feeder by using a second electrical signal for radiating a radio wave of wavelength λ/(2×p−1) at a portion that becomes a node of a standing wave that is formed with the first power feeder as an anti-node and that is based on the first electrical signal, here, “m” and “p” are natural numbers. |
| US08681061B2 |
Detachable antenna for radio communications device
A radio communications device includes a base unit having an enclosure and a radio system inside the enclosure. The device also includes an antenna unit detachably connected to the enclosure of the base unit. The antenna unit includes one or more antennas, each having an electrical radio frequency (RF) connection to the radio system via a non-conductive coupling through the enclosure. |
| US08681056B2 |
Handheld electronic device with cable grounding
A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. The conductive elements may form an antenna ground plane. One or more antennas for the handheld electronic device may be formed from the ground plane and one or more associated antenna resonating elements. Transceiver circuitry may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. Ferrules may be crimped to the coaxial cables. A bracket with extending members may be crimped over the ferrules to ground the coaxial cables to the housing and other conductive elements in the ground plane. The ground plane may contain an antenna slot. A dock connector and flex circuit may overlap the slot in a way that does not affect the resonant frequency of the slot. Electrical components may be isolated from the antenna using isolation elements such as inductors and resistors. |
| US08681053B2 |
Antenna apparatus resonating in frequency bands in inverted F antenna apparatus
In an inverted F pattern antenna apparatus having a first antenna element and an electrical length of a quarter wavelength of a first resonance frequency, the inverted F pattern antenna apparatus having two resonance frequencies is configured to include a third antenna element and a second antenna element at an end portion of the first antenna element, and setting a length having an electrical length obtained by adding the electrical length of a further provided antenna element to the electrical length of the inverted F pattern antenna apparatus to the electrical length of a quarter wavelength of a second resonance frequency to achieve resonance at the second resonance frequency. In addition, a loop antenna is configured to include the first, third and second antenna elements and the grounding antenna element by capacitively coupling another end of the third antenna element to the grounding antenna element. |
| US08681046B2 |
System for emitting electromagnetic beams, comprising a network of antennae
This invention relates to a system for emitting electromagnetic beams, comprising a network of elements for the far-field emission of electromagnetic beams, the signals coming from and/or arriving towards each element weighted by excitation coefficients digitally determined by calculation means. According to the invention, the system comprises: a second separate network of sensors arranged close to the network of radiating elements in order to measure the near field radiated by the elements, means for calculating the far field radiated by the network from the near field actually measured by the sensors, and means for calculating the correction of the excitation coefficients of the elements from the difference between the far field calculated from the measurement of the near field and a pre-determined nominal far field. |
| US08681041B2 |
System, method, and filter for target tracking in cartesian space
An angle-only tracking filter includes: a target angle discriminant unit configured to receive sensor signal outputs and form angle only observations of a target relative to an ownship; an ownship navigation filter configured to receive and filter ownship inertial navigation measurements; a model analyzer configured to receive and analyze the ownship inertial navigation measurements and select the order of target kinematics to be determined; and a target kinematics generator coupled to the angle discriminant unit, the navigation filter unit, and the model analyzation unit, including: a first-order filter unit configured to generate a target position from the target angle measurements and the ownship inertial navigation information; a second-order filter unit configured to generate a target velocity from the target angle measurements and the ownship inertial navigation information; and a third-order filter unit configured to generate a target acceleration from the target angle measurements and the ownship inertial navigation information. |
| US08681036B2 |
Distributed road assessment system
A system that detects damage on or below the surface of a paved structure or pavement is provided. A distributed road assessment system includes road assessment pods and a road assessment server. Each road assessment pod includes a ground-penetrating radar antenna array and a detection system that detects road damage from the return signals as the vehicle on which the pod is mounted travels down a road. Each road assessment pod transmits to the road assessment server occurrence information describing each occurrence of road damage that is newly detected on a current scan of a road. The road assessment server maintains a road damage database of occurrence information describing the previously detected occurrences of road damage. After the road assessment server receives occurrence information for newly detected occurrences of road damage for a portion of a road, the road assessment server determines which newly detected occurrences correspond to which previously detected occurrences of road damage. |
| US08681035B2 |
System and method for security inspection using microwave imaging
A microwave imaging system uses microwave radiation provided by a microwave source to image targets. The system includes an array of antenna elements that are capable of being programmed with a respective direction coefficient to direct the microwave illumination from the microwave source toward a position on the target. The antenna elements are further capable of being programmed to receive reflected microwave illumination reflected from the position on the target. A processor is operable to measure an intensity of the reflected microwave illumination to determine a value of a pixel within an image of the target. Multiple beams can be directed towards the target to obtain corresponding pixel values for use by the processor in constructing the image. |
| US08681034B2 |
Analog-to-digital converter for dividing reference voltage using plural variable resistors
According to an embodiment, an analog-to-digital converter includes a voltage generating unit, and a plurality of comparators. The voltage generating unit is configured to divide a reference voltage by a plurality of variable resistors to generate a plurality of comparative voltages. Each of the plurality of comparator is configured to compare any one of the plurality of comparative voltages with an analog input voltage and output a digital signal based on a result of a comparison between the comparative voltage and the analog input voltage. Each of the plurality of variable resistors includes a plurality of variable resistive elements that are connected in series, and each of the plurality of variable resistive elements has a resistance value that is variably set according to an external signal. |
| US08681033B2 |
Analog-to-digital converter including differential pair circuit
According to an embodiment, an analog-to-digital converter includes a voltage generating unit to generate comparative voltages; and comparators. Each comparator compares any one of the comparative voltages with an analog input voltage and output a digital signal. Each comparator includes a differential pair circuit to detect a potential difference between two inputs. The differential pair circuit includes first and second circuit portions. The first circuit portion includes a first transistor having a gate to which one input is supplied; and a resistor connected in series with the first transistor. The second circuit portion includes a second transistor having a gate to which the other input is supplied and forms a differential pair with the first transistor; and a variable resistor connected in series with the second transistor. The variable resistor includes variable resistive elements each having a resistance value variably set according to a control signal. |
| US08681032B2 |
Ad converter and solid-state imaging apparatus using the same
There is a need to provide an AD converter capable of reducing occurrence of a noise. An AD converter includes an operational amplifier and a clip circuit. The operational amplifier receives ramp voltage and voltage for an analog signal and allows output terminal voltage to transition from an H level to an L level when a change in the ramp voltage reaches the voltage for the analog signal. The clip circuit fixes an output terminal of the operational amplifier to clipping voltage after output voltage for the operational amplifier reaches threshold voltage for a latch circuit. Therefore, the AD converter can limit a range of output voltage, as a source of noise, for the operational amplifier and eliminate an unnecessary change in the output voltage after the threshold voltage for the latch circuit is reached. |
| US08681026B2 |
Digital to analog converter
An input digital signal is converted to an analog signal using a main digital to analog converter (DAC) and a sub DAC. An offset value is subtracted from the input digital signal to generate an offset adjusted digital signal. The main DAC converts the offset adjusted digital signal to a first analog signal. A second digital signal is generated based on the offset value and a correction factor determined, at least in part, during calibration of the main DAC. The sub DAC converts the second digital to a second analog signal, which when combined with the first analog signal, provides an analog representation of the input digital signal. |
| US08681024B2 |
Encoder without stopping structure
An encoder without a stopping structure comprises a rotating shaft (1), an axis sleeve (2), a stopping base (4), a positioning elastic trip (5), a spacer (6), a partition plate (7), at least one movable arm (8), at least one electric brush (9) and at least one main body (11), and they are sequentially arranged from bottom to top. There is not any stopping structure on the rotating shaft (1) and the stopping base (4). The rotating shaft (1) can be rotated 360 degrees or more. The electric brush (9) has a plastic covered part (91), a bent part (92), an elastic arm (93) and a brush head (94) forming an integrated structure. The plastic covered part (91) is covered in a movable arm (8). The bent part (92) connects the plastic covered part (91) and the elastic arm (93) and bends the elastic arm (93) toward the plastic covered part (91). The elastic arm (93) comprises a main arm (931) with long strip ring body and a branch arm (932). Said brush head (94) is pressed at the free ends of the main arm (931) and the branch arm (932). The number of channels of the encoder increases to 32 or more, so that the programming and operating control can be conveniently realized. The electric brush is connected steadily with the circuit plate of the encoding circuit because of the electric brush without any loose situations. |
| US08681022B2 |
Systems and methods for generating electronic map displays with points-of-interest based on density thresholds
Methods and systems are provided for generating an electronic map display. In one implementation, a method is provided for determining a route distance based on information for a route, comparing the route distance with a distance threshold, defining a search area when the route distance is less than the distance threshold, the search area including boundaries, calculating, using a processor, a points of interest (POI) density of the search area, comparing the POI density with a first density threshold and a second density threshold, adjusting the boundaries of the search area based on a result of comparing the POI density with the first density threshold and the second density threshold, identifying POIs in the adjusted search area, and providing POI information for an electronic map display, the POI information being associated with one or more POIs identified in the adjusted search area. |
| US08681020B2 |
Automated aerodrome lighting control system
Methods and apparatus are provided for automated control of aerodrome lighting. An exemplary system includes a communication radio, an aerodrome lighting data source, and a processor. The communication radio is configured to selectively transmit radio frequency (RF) signals. The aerodrome lighting data source is configured to at least selectively supply aerodrome lighting data representative of light control characteristics of aerodrome lighting associated with individual aerodromes. The processor is in operable communication with the aerodrome lighting data source and the communication radio, and is configured to selectively retrieve, from the aerodrome lighting data source, aerodrome lighting data associated with an individual aerodrome, and selectively command the communication radio to transmit RF signals consistent with the light control characteristics associated with the individual aerodrome. |
| US08681018B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for detecting a traffic infraction
Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for identifying a driver within a vehicle using short range wireless communication in order to ticket or alert the driver in response to a traffic infraction by the driver. In exemplary embodiments, a short range wireless communication device registers drivers of vehicles at a certain location. The registration captures a unique identifier for each driver at the location from the driver's wireless communication device. When a vehicle commits a traffic infraction, the unique identifier is used to reference a database to determine the identity and address of the driver. The driver may then be sent a notification of the infraction as well as payment options directly to the wireless communication device of the driver. In some embodiments, a smart vehicle acts as a proxy to capture the unique identifier from the driver's wireless communication device and communicates with the short range wireless communication device. |
| US08681015B1 |
Method and apparatus for collecting data from automatic meter reading for smart power grid
A communication network system includes a solid-state meter, an optical line terminal (“OLT”) based device, and a meter network management device. In one embodiment, the solid-state meter, which can be an electricity meter or a gas meter, provides a measurement, and has a serial communication interface. The OLT based device transfers the information between network devices via a communication network. The meter network management device, which may be an optical network terminal (“ONT”), is capable of communicating with the solid-state meter using the serial communication interface via an RS-232 port. |
| US08681014B2 |
Indicator device in a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a display device (1, 20) in a motor vehicle, consisting of a display (3, 25), a transilluminatable screen (4, 21) disposed behind the display (3, 25), a lighting means (6, 23) and a reflector (7, 24), wherein the lighting means (6, 23) is attached in the display device (1, 20) between the screen (4, 21) and the reflector (7, 24) and the light (L) of the lighting means (6, 23) can be parallelized and directed towards and through the screen (4, 21) onto the display (3, 25) by means of the reflector (7, 26), so that symbols that can be changed by means of the screen (4, 21) can be shown on the display (3, 24), and wherein the reflector (7, 24) is a facetted reflector. |
| US08681012B2 |
Detectors
A detector (101) for detecting smoke from a fire and generating an alarm has a detection chamber (105) in which a light source (111) and a light detector (113) are arranged. In normal use, the light detector (113) only receives light from the light source that has been scattered by the presence of smoke in the chamber (105). When testing the detector (101), the light detector (113) receives light from the light source (111) by presenting a reflecting surface (129a) of a rotor member (129) to reflect light from the light source (111) towards the light detector (113). In normal use, the rotor member (129) is positioned so that the reflecting surface (129a) no longer reflects light from the light source (111) towards the light detector (113). |
| US08681009B2 |
Activity trend detection and notification to a caregiver
In one example, a process includes receiving a plurality of first communications and a plurality of second communications, each first communication capturing activity of a patient or other monitored person using a first device at a different time and each second communication capturing activity of the patient or other monitored person using a second device at a different time. The process includes identifying a macro trend for all monitored activity of the patient or other monitored person based on data taken from the first and second communications. The process includes comparing data taken from a new communication from at least one of the first and second devices to the identified macro trend. A caregiver may be notified according to the comparison. |
| US08681006B2 |
Swim monitor using a three-axis accelerometer
A swim monitor comprising a motion sensing device and a controller is provided. The motion sensing device is capable of detecting motion in a plurality of mutually orthogonal axes and the controller is arranged to capture motion data generated by the motion sensing device and to generate swim motion information with reference to the motion data collected. The controller is arranged to generate swim style information with reference to a rhythmic motion pattern detected in at least one selected motion direction. Such a swim monitor provides a compact device for swim monitoring and a simple solution to proved swim style information. |
| US08681000B2 |
Low frequency inductive tagging for lifecycle management
A lifecycle management system for detection and tracking of drillpipes which carry low radio frequency tags that comprise an inductive antenna and transceiver operable at a first radio frequency below 1 megahertz, a transceiver operatively connected to that antenna, an ID data storage device, a microprocessor for handling data from the transceiver and data store, and a tag energization inductive antenna which can receive radio frequency energy from an ambient radio frequency field of a second low radio frequency. The system includes a field communication inductive antenna disposed, preferably at a distance of several feet from each object, that permits effective communication therewith at the aforesaid first radio frequency, a data receiver, transmitter and reader data processor in operative communication with the field communication inductive antenna, and a field energization inductive antenna which can produce the ambient radio frequency field at the tag energization inductive antenna. |
| US08680998B2 |
Determining enclosure breach electromagnetically
A structure breach may be determined. A sensor, provided in the structure, may be driven with a constant frequency signal. The sensor may comprise a first conductive element and a second conductive element. The first conductive element may be substantially parallel with the second conductive element. A standing wave pattern may be induced on the sensor by the constant frequency signal reflecting off a termination point of the sensor. A least one characteristic of the sensor caused by the voltage standing wave pattern may be measured. A breach occurrence in the structure may be determined when the measured at least one characteristic varies from a previously determined value by a predetermined amount. The first conductive element and the second conductive element may be sandwiched between two layers comprising the structure. The structure may comprise a shipping container floor. The detected breach may comprise an opening greater than nine square inches. |
| US08680994B2 |
Method for locating vegetation having a potential to impact a structure
A method for designating vegetation as potential impact vegetation includes identifying data relating to target vegetation from a dataset and determining a reach distance of the target vegetation. The reach distance includes a distance from a point on a ground to a point of the target vegetation that is farthest from the point on the ground. The method also includes comparing the reach distance of the target vegetation with a closest distance between the point on the ground and a structure to produce a compared reach distance value and determining a health indicator value for the target vegetation. The method further includes comparing the health indicator value of the target vegetation to a health indicator threshold value and designating the target vegetation as having a potential to impact the structure based on the compared reach distance value and the comparison of the health indicator to the health indicator threshold. |
| US08680993B2 |
System and apparatus for gloss correction in color measurements
An apparatus and system for providing a solution that enables technicians or other technical professionals obtain both an accurate color value for a sample as well as an accurate gloss value while using a spectrophotometer and an integrated gloss meter device. The present invention allows for accurate color and gloss value analysis of samples using improved compensation values by using a reference sensor to correct the variations in intensity of a light source. |
| US08680989B2 |
Sensor to detect an emergency event
A device including a sensor to detect information around the device, an audio component to output an audible alert if an emergency event is detected, a display device to render emergency data from the device, and a controller to use the information to identify an emergency event of a user and select the emergency data from the device based on the emergency event, wherein the emergency data is associated with the user. |
| US08680985B2 |
System and method for providing media content having attributes matching a user's stated preference
A location-based and preference-based system and method for matching media content about persons, places and things with the expressed preferences of mobile users to notify users about and provide users with access to media content about persons, places and things that match the user's expressed preferences. The system thus provides information such as stories or articles that match the user's interests and relate to their location. The system may assign ranks to all of the media content that meets that user's preferences wherein, in one embodiment, it will automatically play them in the assigned order. Comparison of the user's preferences with the various profiles of the media content allows the user only to be informed of the media content for those persons, places or things that the user is likely to be interested in. The system and method thus provides for a mobile real-time point of interest exchange network. |
| US08680983B2 |
Method of self servicing an appliance
A method of self servicing an appliance includes connecting a service accessory to an appliance, recording diagnostics data associated with the appliance onto the service accessory, removing the service accessory from the appliance, coupling the service accessory to a personal computer, and uploading the diagnostics data to an automated service system. Another embodiment includes coupling a service accessory to a computer having a test script, transferring a test script from the computer to the service accessory, connecting the service accessory to the communication network of the appliance, establishing communications between the service accessory and the appliance using the communication network; and executing the test script over the communication network. |
| US08680976B2 |
System, apparatus and methods for data communication between vehicle and remote data communication terminal, between portions of vehicle and other portions of vehicle, between two or more vehicles, and between vehicle and communications network
A system, an apparatus, and methods are provided for data communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as an infrared, an RF data, an Internet, or other network communications protocol. The apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to the data communications protocol converter for transmitting the second data communications protocol from the vehicle and receiving the data communications protocol from another portion of the vehicle, a remote data communications terminal, another vehicle, or another communications network. |
| US08680974B2 |
Device and methods for optimizing communications between a medical device and a remote electronic device
An electronic device may communicate wirelessly with another electronic device. The electronic device may include a first processor configured to control only wireless communications with the another device but not operations associated only with the electronic device, a second processor configured to control the operations associated only with the electronic device but not the wireless communications with the another device, and a memory device connected between the first and second processors. The first and second processors may each be configured to exchange information with the memory device separately and independently of the exchange of information by the other of the first and second processors with the memory device. |
| US08680972B2 |
Stage-lighting apparatus and method for controlling the orientation of a light beam emitted by said apparatus
A stage-lighting apparatus is provided with: a light source adapted to generate a light beam; means for orienting the light beam; a remote driving station, which is located at a distance from the means for orienting the light beam and from the light source and has a driving handlebar, which is able to turn about a first axis and a second axis that are orthogonal to one another; a control unit, which is connected to the means for orienting the beam and to the remote driving station and is configured for controlling the means for orienting the light beam in such a way as to determine a movement of the light beam on the basis of a movement imparted to the driving handlebar. |
| US08680967B2 |
Content distribution system, server computer and recording medium
A server computer includes a receiving part for receiving a content and apparatus identification information of an apparatus that existed in a vicinity when the content was generated; an extracting part for extracting identification information corresponding to the apparatus identification information received by the receiving part by referring to a database in which the identification information is stored in association with the apparatus identification information; a storing part for storing the content and apparatus identification information received by the receiving part and the identification information extracted by the extracting part in an associated manner in the storage unit; and a first sending part for sending the content stored in the storage unit to another information processor corresponding to identification information received from outside when the identification information received from the outside matches the identification information stored in the storage unit. |
| US08680966B2 |
Long range radio frequency identification system
A method, apparatus and system for radio frequency identification provides a modulated illumination signal containing a sequence of bits configured to illuminate a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, The illumination signal is received at the RFID tag, rectified to generate a wake signal for waking a processor which is subsequently powered by a battery. The received illumination signal is sampled and subjected to a thresholding process. Mobile telephone band interference is countered by correlating the sampled illumination signal to determine its bit sequence and then correlating the bit sequence against a predetermined key. An identification signal from the RFID tag is sent in response to a match. |
| US08680963B2 |
Method of providing a radio service at a remote terminal
A method of providing a service at a remote terminal including receiving information broadcast by a commercial radio station in a broadcast radio channel; discriminating an identifier of an application within the received broadcast information; initiating an authentication process for authenticating broadcast information received via the broadcast channel; and in response to a positive authentication, enabling use of information received via the broadcast radio channel by the identified application. |
| US08680959B2 |
Immersion cooled inductor apparatus
An immersion cooled inductor includes an inductor at least partially submerged in cooling liquid and a localized boiling feature operable to instigate boiling of the cooling liquid prior to oversaturation. |
| US08680958B2 |
Housing for an electrically powered device
There is provided a housing comprising an electrically powered device and electrical connecting means. The (electrical connecting means of the) housing fit an interface means of an electrical power supply. The housing is provided with magnetically activable switching means which in a passive isolation state are open. The magnetically activable switching means prevent an electric current from passing between the electrical connecting means and the electrically powered device. The interface means comprise magnetic activation means enable an electric current to pass between the electrical connecting means and the electrically powered device when the housing has been properly installed. |
| US08680955B1 |
Thermally neutral anchor configuration for an electromechanical actuator
A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switch having a thermally neutral anchor configuration is provided. The MEMS switch includes a substrate onto which a first conductive pad and a second conductive pad are formed. A first conductive pad anchor is coupled to the first conductive pad and a second conductive anchor spaced from the first conductive anchor is also coupled to the first conductive pad. A conductive cantilever beam has a first end portion that is situated between and coupled to the first and second conductive anchors. Moreover, the conductive cantilever beam has a second end portion that is suspended over the second conductive pad, and a middle portion between the first end portion and the second end portion. The MEMS switch also includes a conductive actuator plate formed on the substrate at a location beneath the middle portion of the conductive cantilever beam and between the first and second conductive pads. |
| US08680954B2 |
Waveguide, waveguide connection structure and waveguide connection method
A waveguide includes: a first tubular waveguide path that transmits electromagnetic waves having a predetermined wavelength; and a stub that is formed such that a depth thereof becomes a quarter of the predetermined wavelength, an open end of the stub making internal contact with a contour line, and the contour line being spaced apart from an inner wall part of one end of the first tubular waveguide path in a radially outward direction by only a quarter of the predetermined wavelength. |
| US08680951B2 |
MEMS resonator
A micro-electromechanical resonator comprising a material having anisotropic directional elasticity characteristics. A shape of the resonator is such that a first distance in a first direction from a centroid of the resonator to a first point on a peripheral edge of the resonator is greater than a second distance in a second direction from the centroid to a second different point on the edge. This is true for every first direction and every second direction wherein the material has a lesser modulus of elasticity in the first direction than the second direction. |
| US08680947B1 |
Passive multi-band duplexer
The present disclosure relates to a passive multi-band duplexer having a first bandpass filter and a second bandpass filter. The first bandpass filter includes a first group of sub-band bandpass filters, a first switching circuit, and a first tunable LC bandpass filter. Similarly, the second bandpass filter includes a second group of sub-band bandpass filters, a second switching circuit, and a second tunable LC bandpass filter. A first band of the passive multi-band duplexer, such as a transmit band, is chosen by selecting one of the first group of sub-band bandpass filters and tuning the first tunable LC bandpass filter to the first band. Similarly, a second band of the passive multi-band duplexer, such as a receive band, is chosen by selecting one of the second group of sub-band bandpass filters and tuning the second tunable LC bandpass filter to the second band. |
| US08680941B2 |
Microwave harmonic processing circuit
A microwave harmonic processing circuit includes (n−1) parallel open ended stubs differing in length, connected in parallel to an output terminal of a serial transmission line at a single point, and having predetermined electrical lengths corresponding to second to higher n-th (n is any integer) harmonics, respectively, the serial transmission line having an input terminal connected to an output terminal of a transistor and having a predetermined electrical length; a first strip conductor connecting the serial transmission line to two parallel open ended stubs of the (n−1) parallel open ended stubs at a single connecting point; a second strip conductor connecting the (n−3) parallel open ended stubs to each other at a single connecting point; a ground layer disposed between first strip conductor and second strip conductor; and a via electrically connecting a connecting portion of first strip conductor and a connecting portion of second strip conductor. |
| US08680940B2 |
Tunable matching network circuit topology devices and methods
Methods and devices for modifying a tunable matching network are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of modifying a tunable matching network can include connecting one or more shunt inductors to a tunable matching network exhibiting parasitic capacitance to ground, whereby high-frequency performance of the tunable matching network is improved. |
| US08680932B2 |
Oscillator
An oscillator that can suppress a solder crack caused by a temperature change by a simple structure at low cost and improve heat cycle resistance performance is provided. The oscillator includes an epoxy resin board and an electronic component mounted on the board. Two-terminal electrode patterns are formed on the board, and connected to terminal electrodes of the electronic component by solder. A projection is formed on each of the electrode patterns at a part connected to a corresponding terminal electrode to create a space between the terminal electrode and the electrode pattern, and the solder forms a fillet in the space. This contributes to enhanced adhesion strength of the solder. |
| US08680930B2 |
Oscillator, oscillator implementations and method of generating an osciallating signal
One embodiment of the oscillator includes a first starved inverter and a second starved inverter. An inner inverter of the second starved inverter is cross-coupled to an inner inverter of the first starved inverter. The oscillator further includes a first inverter connected to output of the inner inverter of the first starved inverter, and a second inverter connected to output of the inner inverter of the second starved inverter. |
| US08680929B2 |
Low-1/F-noise local oscillator for non-overlapping differential I/Q signals
The present invention relates to a circuit arrangement (300) for generating non-overlapping and immune-to-1/f-noise signals as has been described. A break-before-make (BBM) circuit ensures that the differential I/Q signals (LO—0, LO—90, LO—180, LO—270), driving the transistors (M11, M12, M21, M22) of mixers (16A, 16B) in an RF receiver (200), are non-over-lapping for having at any time only one of these transistors turned on. The duty cycle of each driving signal is measured, and the difference (Δ) in the duty cycle corresponding to two subsequent LO phases is determined through a respective differential amplifier (38A-38D). Each differential amplifier is configured to have a current output (LT—0, LT—90, LT—180, LT—270), which is then fed back to the input of the input buffer (30A-30D) corresponding to the first LO phase in order to adjust its logic threshold (LT) level and make the difference (Δ) equal to zero. Thereby, the combined action of the BBM circuit and the feedback loops results in four non-overlapping differential I/Q signals (LO—0, LO—90, LO—180, LO—270) with constant and mutually equal duty cycles, and fixed and well-defined relative positions. |
| US08680923B2 |
Output circuit
An output circuit includes first to fourth transistors, first and second constant current units, and a differential pair. The gates of the first and second transistors are supplied with two input signals, respectively. The drain of the first transistor is coupled to the drain of the third transistor and the gate of the fourth transistor. The drain of the second transistor is coupled to the gate of the third transistor and the drain of the fourth transistor. The first constant current unit is coupled to the sources of the third and fourth transistors. The differential pair includes two transistors, and the gates of the two transistors are coupled to the drains of the first and second transistors, respectively. The second constant current unit is coupled to the sources of the two transistors. Two output signals are output from two nodes respectively corresponding to the drains of the two transistors. |
| US08680922B2 |
Rail-to rail input circuit
A power-efficient, rail-to-rail input circuit includes two differential pairs, one having devices of a first threshold voltage and one having devices of a second, different threshold voltage. In various embodiments, the two differential pairs receive a differential input in parallel and are supplied a tail current, which a control circuit steers between the pairs in accordance with a common-mode level of the input. |
| US08680921B2 |
Amplifying apparatus, transmitter, and amplifying apparatus control method
A power amplifying apparatus has a GaN device for RF amplification, a GaN device for monitoring, an Idq detecting circuit, and a gate bias control (GBC) circuit. The GaN device for RF amplification amplifies an input signal to output the resultant. The GaN device for monitoring is an amplification device for monitoring an input/output signal of the GaN device for RF amplification. The Idq detecting circuit detects an output signal output by the GaN device for monitoring, corresponding to an input signal, which is diverged from the input signal to be input to the GaN device for RF amplification, and is input to the GaN device for monitoring. The gate bias control circuit controls a gate voltage to be applied to the GaN device for RF amplification in accordance with the output signal detected by the Idq detecting circuit. |
| US08680918B2 |
High voltage driver amplifier for piezo haptics
A high-voltage driver amplifier for piezo haptics comprises an input amplifier having a gain greater than one, a first amplifier of an amplifier pair coupled to an output of the input amplifier, a second amplifier of the amplifier pair coupled to the output of the input amplifier, a first impedance coupled between an output of the first amplifier of the amplifier pair and an input of the input amplifier, and a second impedance coupled between the output of the first amplifier of the amplifier pair coupled to an output of the second amplifier of the amplifier pair. A substantially capacitive load is coupled to the output of the second amplifier. The substantially capacitive load is a piezo-capacitance, wherein the piezo-capacitance is employed in haptics. The second impedance, a shunt impedance, allows for a feedback of output variations between the first amplifier and the second amplifier over the first impedance. |
| US08680911B2 |
High-linearity signal-processing amplifier
A clamp-point active circuit is provided. The clamp-point active circuit includes a rate amplifier configured to receive an output from a device transitioning between at least two levels. The clamp-point active circuit has at least one switching device configured to receive an output from the rate amplifier. The at least one switching device is in at least one respective feedback loop of the rate amplifier. A switching of the at least one switching device causes the rate amplifier to amplify with high linearity in a desired operating range and to clamp outputs received from the transitioning device that are outside the desired operating range to a fixed level. |
| US08680909B2 |
Layer-ID detector for multilayer 3D-IC and method of the same
A layer-ID detector for multilayer 3D-IC, including a random generator to generate a random signal, a layer-ID designation mechanism circuit coupled to the random generator to generate a layer-ID designating signal, and a counter coupled to the layer-ID designating signal to output a layer-ID signal. |
| US08680906B1 |
Hardware based random number generator
Apparatus for generating a truly random binary bit value in which the resistance of memristive devices serve as the analogue bit values. Resistance values and the randomness by which they are generated stems from the inherently non-uniform, irreproducible variations in the materials of which the system is composed. |
| US08680903B2 |
Locked loop circuit with clock hold function
A locked loop circuit having a clock hold function. The locked loop circuit includes a select circuit, phase mixing circuit, hold signal generator and latch circuit. The select circuit selects one of a plurality of phase values in response to a select signal, and the phase mixing circuit generates a first clock signal having a phase angle according to the selected phase value. The hold signal generator asserts a hold signal in response to a transition of the select signal, and the latch circuit latches the state of the first clock signal in response to assertion of the hold signal. |
| US08680898B2 |
Multiplier circuit with improved wide band tripled wave output
A multiplier circuit including; a 90 degrees coupler that divides an input signal into a first input signal and a second input signal of which phase difference of a base wave is 90 degrees; a first transistor that receives the first input signal and outputs a first output signal including at least a doubled wave and a tripled wave of the first input signal; a second transistor that receives the second input signal and outputs a second output signal including at least a doubled wave and a tripled wave of the second input signal; and a combiner that restrains leakage of the first output signal or the second output signal from one of the first transistor and the second transistor to the other, combines the first output signal and the second output signal, and outputs an output signal of the tripled wave. |
| US08680892B2 |
Reset pulse encoding and decoding scheme with no internal clock
An integrated circuit (IC) provides a reset function. The IC receives a command that is defined by a first sequence of counts of signal transitions of a first signal during windows of a second signal and provides a reset function when it is determined that the command is received. A device including the IC and a system including the device are provided. |
| US08680889B2 |
Light emitting diode and integrated package therefor
An improved LED provides power efficient lighting while accepting a wide range of input voltages. The improved LED may comprise a controller that may measure a voltage, current, or other characteristics of input power and modify operation of the improved LED accordingly, such as to accept significantly more voltage or significantly less voltage while providing consistent light output. This allows light bulbs or other lighting to be easily manufactured with the improved LED. The improved LED may comprise the controller and one or more LED dies enclosed by a substrate and lens structure. Depending on the configuration of the controller, the improved LED may also provide time, temperature, and other measurement/response functions to help ensure consistent light output. |
| US08680888B2 |
Methods and systems for routing in a state machine
A device includes a routing buffer. The routing buffer includes a first port configured to receive a signal relating to an analysis of at least a portion of a data stream. The routing buffer also includes a second port configured to selectively provide the signal to a first routing line of a block of a state machine at a first time. The routing buffer further includes a third port configured to selectively provide the signal to a second routing line of the block of the state machine at the first time. |
| US08680887B2 |
Nonvolatile configuration memory
According to one embodiment, a memory includes a first P-channel FET having a gate connected to a second output node, a source applied to a first potential, and a drain connected to the first output node, a second P-channel FET having a gate connected to a first output node, a source applied to the first potential, and a drain connected to the second output node, a first N-channel FET having a control gate connected to a first word line, a source applied to a second potential lower than the first potential, a drain connected to the first output node, and a threshold changed by data in a storage layer, and a second N-channel FET having a control gate connected to a second word line, a source applied to the second potential, a drain connected to the second output node, and a threshold changed by data in a storage layer. |
| US08680884B2 |
Fault detection circuits for switched mode power supplies and related methods of operation
A circuit for detecting fault conditions in a supply circuit includes a monitoring circuit and a comparator circuit. The monitoring circuit is operable to output a detection signal related to a control signal for the switched mode power supply. The control signal may be configured to operate at least one switch of the supply circuit between alternating activated and deactivated states to supply power to a load. The comparator circuit is operable to compare the detection signal to a range defined by first and second thresholds and output a fault signal according to a relationship of the detection signal to the range over a time period. Related methods of operation are also discussed. |
| US08680879B2 |
Chuck for supporting and retaining a test substrate and a calibration substrate
A chuck for supporting and retaining a test substrate includes a device for supporting and retaining a calibration substrate. The chuck comprises a first support surface for supporting a test substrate and a second support surface, which is laterally offset to the first support surface, for supporting a calibration substrate. The calibration substrate has planar calibration standards for calibration of a measuring unit of a prober, and dielectric material or air situated below the calibration substrate at least in the area of the calibration standard. In order to be able to take the actual thermal conditions on the test substrate and in particular also on known and unknown calibration standards and thus the thermal influence on the electrical behavior of the calibration standard used into consideration, the second support surface is equipped for temperature control of the calibration substrate. |
| US08680875B2 |
System and method for analyzing timing of semiconductor chip
Example embodiments relate to a method performed by an apparatus for analyzing time of a semiconductor chip. The method may include defining a netlist, defining time delays of devices defined in the netlist, performing a normality test using the time delays, judging a p-value based on the normality test, and determining a time delay of the semiconductor chip. |
| US08680874B2 |
On-chip testing using time-to-digital conversion
A method and system for testing the functionality of a through-silicon-via in an integrated circuit is disclosed. In one aspect, the functionality is tested by measuring its capacitance from one side only. The capacitance of the TSV can be determined by measuring a timing delay introduced in a measurement circuit due to the presence of the TSV. The timing delay is determined by comparing the timing of measurement signal from the measurement circuit with the timing of a reference signal provided by a reference circuit. The comparison is carried out using a digital timing measurement circuit, such as a time-to-digital converter. |
| US08680872B2 |
Identification of false positives in high impedance fault detection
A method, system and computer program product are disclosed for identifying false positive indications of high impedance faults in an AC electric power transmission and distribution network. In one embodiment, the method comprises using a procedure to monitor a phase conductor of the network for faults, said procedure generating a fault signal indicating a specified fault in the conductor. In this embodiment, the voltage and current waveform of the electric power conducted through the conductor are monitored. When a phase shift in said waveform is detected over a defined period of time, and said detected phase shift meets one or more given criteria, a correction signal is generated indicating that said fault signal is a false indication of the specified fault. The given criteria may include, for example, that the phase shift is more than a threshold value for a specified period of time. |
| US08680871B2 |
Alignment correction system and method of use
A system and method is provided for correcting alignment of a product on a tool and, more particularly, to a system and method for correcting alignment of a wafer on a chuck of a tool. The system is a tool including at least one contact near a circumference of the tool and a grounded contact proximate to the at least one contact. |
| US08680867B2 |
Battery monitoring circuit and battery monitoring system
A battery monitoring circuit monitors voltages of a plurality of secondary cells connected in series. The battery monitoring circuit comprises a first switch element, a second switch element, a third switch element, and a first capacitor. The battery monitoring circuit comprises an operational amplifier of which an inverting input terminal is connected to a second end of the first capacitor, a non-inverting input terminal is connected to a fixed potential, and an output is connected to the second end of the first capacitor. The battery monitoring circuit comprises an A/D converter which performs analog-to-digital conversion on a signal output by the operational amplifier and outputs an obtained digital signal. The battery monitoring circuit comprises a control circuit which performs on/off control on the first to third switch elements and controls operations of the operational amplifier and the A/D converter. |
| US08680866B2 |
Borehole to surface electromagnetic transmitter
An electromagnetic energy transmitter is provided for borehole to surface electromagnetic (BSEM) surveying. The transmitter is lowered into a well borehole to a desired location in a well borehole to emit electromagnetic energy for the surveys. The transmitter affords more accurate measurements of its position in the well borehole. The transmitter also senses pressure and temperature conditions at its borehole location to provide indications of detected potential problems in the well from the survey or other sources, and to reduce risks and enhance safety and quality of the operations. |
| US08680858B2 |
NMR logging of miscible displacement
NMR logging in a wellbore is used to monitor an oil reservoir during oil recovery by miscible displacement. Diffusivity distributions found by NMR logging indicate whether one or two phases are present and composition of residual oil. Operation of the oil recovery procedure may be maintained or modified in response to monitoring of the reservoir. |
| US08680857B2 |
Magnetoresistive sensor
A magnetoresistive sensor comprising first and second magnetoresistive elements is disclosed. Each magnetoresistive element is coupled at a respective first end to a common ground terminal and comprises one or more magnetoresistive segments, each overlying a corresponding segment of an excitation coil. The resistance of the magnetoresistive segments in each of the first and second magnetoresistive elements is the same and the resistance of the segments of the excitation coil corresponding to the first magnetoresistive element is the same as the resistance of the segments of the excitation coil corresponding to the second magnetoresistive element. |
| US08680856B2 |
Arrangement for the potential-free measurement of currents
An arrangement for potential-free measurement of current flowing in two primary conductors arranged in parallel in opposite directions of each other. The magnetic differential field is detected by a differential field sensor. The primary conductors and the differential field sensor are disposed between two metal shield plates made of a highly permeable material. Each shield plate has a web and the webs extend on both sides of the arrangement of the primary conductors in parallel to the arrangement. At least one shield plate has a U-shape in cross-sectional planes having one pair of limbs that extend at a right angle in a longitudinal direction to the U-shaped cross-sectional planes. At least one limb of one shield plate is aligned toward the other shield plates on one of the limbs while leaving an air gap. |
| US08680855B2 |
Apparatus for measuring magnetic field of microwave-assisted head
A measuring circuit system in a magnetic field measuring apparatus of the invention has an amplifier and a band-pass filter connected in sequence on an output terminal side of the TMR element, the band-pass filter is a narrow-range band-pass filter such that a peak pass frequency of the filter that is a center is a basic frequency selected from a range of 10 to 40 GHz and a band width centered around the basic frequency is a narrow range of ±0.5 to ±4 GHz; and with the measuring circuit system, an S/N ratio (SNR) of 3 dB or greater is obtained, the SNR being defined by a ratio of an amplitude S of a high-frequency generated signal induced by the TMR element to a total noise N that is a sum of a head noise generated by the TMR element and a circuit noise generated by the amplifier. With such a configuration, an in-plane high-frequency magnetic field generated by a microwave-assisted magnetic head is reliably and precisely measured. |
| US08680854B2 |
Semiconductor GMI magnetometer
A giant magneto-impedance (GMI) magnetometer is formed in a semiconductor wafer fabrication sequence, which significantly reduces the size and cost of the GMI magnetometer. The semiconductor wafer fabrication sequence forms a magnetic conductor, a non-magnetic conductor that is wrapped around the magnetic conductor as a coil, and non-magnetic conductors that touch the opposite ends of the magnetic conductor. |
| US08680848B2 |
Motion sensor, method, and computer-readable storage medium providing a motion sensor that adjusts gains of two circuit channels to bring the gains close to each other
A motion sensor includes an amplitude difference processor coupled to receive a first signal representative of a first one of a plurality of AGC control signals and a second signal representative of a second one of the plurality of AGC control signals. The amplitude difference processor is configured to detect if a value of the first signal is representative of a different gain than a value of the second signal by a predetermined amount. In response to the detection, the AGC processor is configured to change the value of the first one of the plurality of AGC control signals to bring its value closer to the value of the second one of the AGC control signals. A method and computer-readable storage medium can use the motion sensor. |
| US08680847B2 |
Semiconductor chip and method for generating pulse edges, assigned synchronously to the movement of a mechanical part
In a method for generating pulse edges, assigned synchronously to the movement of a mechanical part, a magnetic field is generated. At least two measuring signals phase-shifted to one another for the magnetic field are detected. The magnetic field is changed as a function of the movement of the mechanical part in such a way that the measuring signals are modulated. A first measuring signal is compared with at least one first reference value. A second measuring signal is compared with at least one second reference value and/or the value of the first measuring signal is compared with the value of the second measuring signal. When at least one of these comparisons produces an agreement or the result of the relevant comparison changes its sign, a pulse edge is generated. |
| US08680846B2 |
Circuits and methods for self-calibrating or self-testing a magnetic field sensor
A magnetic field sensor includes a reference-field-sensing circuit channel that allows a calibration or a self-test of the circuitry of the magnetic field sensor. The magnetic field sensor can generate a reference magnetic field to which the magnetic field sensor is responsive. |
| US08680845B2 |
Non-contact current and voltage sensor
A detachable current and voltage sensor provides an isolated and convenient device to measure current passing through a conductor such as an AC branch circuit wire, as well as providing an indication of an electrostatic potential on the wire, which can be used to indicate the phase of the voltage on the wire, and optionally a magnitude of the voltage. The device includes a housing that contains the current and voltage sensors, which may be a ferrite cylinder with a hall effect sensor disposed in a gap along the circumference to measure current, or alternative a winding provided through the cylinder along its axis and a capacitive plate or wire disposed adjacent to, or within, the ferrite cylinder to provide the indication of the voltage. |
| US08680844B2 |
Force compensated probe
A force compensated probe for electrical measurement is provided and includes a support structure having a back plate and sidewalls, a probe for electrical measurement of an article and an elastic base disposed to supportively couple the probe to the back plate such that the probe normally protrudes away from the back plate beyond distal edges of the sidewalls, and, when the probe is applied to the article for the electrical measurement such that components of the support structure contact the article, a predefined load is consistently applied to the elastic base. |
| US08680843B2 |
Magnetic field current sensors
Magnetic field current sensing devices, systems and methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a current sensor includes a semiconductor die; an isolation layer disposed on the semiconductor die; at least one anchor pad disposed on the isolation layer; a current input and a current output galvanically isolated from the semiconductor die; at least one bond wire coupled to the current input and the current output, a longitudinal portion of the at least one bond wire disposed between the current input and the current output being stitched to the at least one anchor pad; and at least one sensor element arranged to sense a magnetic field induced by a current flowing in the at least one bond wire. |
| US08680842B2 |
Method for measurement of total harmonic distortion
A method of measuring the total harmonic distortion in an electrical distribution system. The distribution system is sampled regularly to generate a set of data. The data is filtered using a narrow band filtering algorithm to measure the energy in fundamental and other harmonic frequencies. Due to the filtering, the energy in harmonic frequencies can be measured without interference from broadband noise, which provides an improvement in the measurement of total harmonic distortion at low current or voltage levels. A method is provided to sum the energy in identified frequencies in a multi-pass configuration, such that only a subset of all monitored frequencies are filtered and summed in each pass, with the balance being filtered and measured in subsequent passes. After all subsets are measured, the total harmonic distortion is calculated. |
| US08680839B2 |
Offset calibration technique to improve performance of band-gap voltage reference
Offset calibration technique to improve performance of band gap voltage reference. An example of a bandgap reference source includes an output resistor, a first and second transistors and a differential amplifier. A positive-input calibration phase switch is in communication with a positive amplifier input, a emitter of the first and second transistor and a negative-input calibration phase switch in communication with the negative amplifier input, the emitter of the first and second transistor. A positive-output calibration phase switch is in communication with the positive amplifier output, the first and second terminal of the output resistor and a negative-output calibration phase switch is in communication with the negative amplifier output, the first and second terminal of the output resistor. An adjustable resistance is in communication with the emitter of the first transistor, the emitter of the second transistor, and the second terminal of the output resistor. |
| US08680838B2 |
System and method for system-level power point control of a photovoltaic device
A method of controlling a photovoltaic system includes providing a photovoltaic device having a variable DC voltage output and a variable DC current output. The photovoltaic device has a combination of a voltage output level and a current output level corresponding to a maximum power point. A DC power supply is connected in a parallel and/or series combination with the photovoltaic device. A DC load is connected in series to the combination of the DC power supply and the photovoltaic device such that the load is powered by the combination. A characteristic of the DC power supply is adjusted such that the voltage output and the current output of the photovoltaic device substantially match the voltage output level and the current output level corresponding to the maximum power point or other desired power point. |
| US08680834B2 |
Controller for, and method of controlling, a switched mode power converter
A method is disclosed for controlling a DC-DC switched-mode power converter comprising a switch, the method comprising, while controlling the switch by a main control loop: detecting a step in a load on the switched-mode power converter; generating a signal in response to the detector detecting a step in the load, and switching the switch in response to the signal. Advantageously, the method may avoid a delay (such as waiting for a subsequent oscillator pulse) which might otherwise occur before switching the switch, to react to the transient. The faster response may result in a reduction of the transient current from the converter, which may facilitate the use of smaller and cheaper components.A controller configured to operate such a method is also disclosed. |
| US08680831B2 |
Constant frequency on-time control system and method and voltage regulator using the same
A constant frequency ON-time control system applied to a voltage regulator is disclosed. The voltage regulator determines a time length of an input voltage inputted thereto according to an ON-time and thereby regulates an output voltage. The constant frequency ON-time control system includes a constant frequency ON-time control circuit for computing the ON-time according to a system duty cycle of the voltage regulator and a frequency setting parameter and a frequency setting parameter adjusting circuit for generating a frequency setting parameter adjust value according to an OFF-time corresponding to the ON-time and taking a result of operation between the frequency setting parameter adjust value and a preset frequency setting parameter as the frequency setting parameter. The frequency setting parameter adjusting circuit uses the frequency setting parameter adjust value to change the result of operation for varying the frequency setting parameter when the OFF-time is shorter than a reference value. |
| US08680830B2 |
Power supply device
Miniaturization of a multiphase type power supply device can be achieved. A power supply control unit in which, for example, a microcontroller unit, a memory unit and an analog controller unit are formed over a single chip, a plurality of PWM-equipped drive units, and a plurality of inductors configure a multiphase power supply. The microcontroller unit outputs clock signals each having a frequency and a phase defined based on a program on the memory unit to the respective PWM-equipped drive units. The analog controller unit detects a difference between a voltage value of a load and a target voltage value acquired via a serial interface and outputs an error amp signal therefrom. Each of the PWM-equipped drive units drives each inductor by a peak current control system using the clock signal and the error amp signal. |
| US08680827B2 |
High-voltage power supply apparatus and image forming apparatus employing same
The voltage at a spurious frequency is decreased while maintaining as much as possible the voltage at a resonance frequency of a piezoelectric transformer, thus controlling a wide voltage range with a comparatively low cost configuration. A high-voltage power supply apparatus includes a piezoelectric transformer that outputs a highest voltage at a predetermined resonance frequency, and a generating unit that generates a signal that oscillates at a drive frequency that drives the piezoelectric transformer, throughout a frequency range that includes the resonance frequency. Furthermore, the high-voltage power supply apparatus includes an output terminal connected to the piezoelectric transformer, and a constant-voltage element inserted in a path that couples the piezoelectric transformer and the output terminal. |
| US08680824B2 |
Inverter circuit with a driver gate receiving a voltage lower than zero and related method for supplying an inverted voltage
The present invention discloses an inverter circuit and a method for supplying an inverted voltage. The method for supplying an inverted voltage comprises: providing a power switch and an inductor electrically connected with each other; driving the gate of the power switch by a driver gate, such that an input voltage is converted to a negative voltage supplied to a load; and providing a low operation voltage to the driver gate according to the negative voltage. |
| US08680818B2 |
Sensor node voltage clamping circuit and method
A voltage clamping circuit includes a current source having a fixed current source and a variable current source and a variable resistor receiving current from the current source. The variable resistor varies its resistance in response to an environmental operating condition. The voltage clamping circuit also includes an amplifier configured to compare a sensor node voltage with a reference voltage, the sensor node voltage being in communication with the voltage drop across the variable resistor. The amplifier is configured and connected to provide a control output to control the variable current source to modify current output from the variable current source to at least in part prevent the sensor node voltage from exceeding a reference voltage when certain operating conditions are present. |
| US08680816B2 |
Battery charger for mobile robotic vacuum cleaner
A battery charger having a charging side at the body thereof for receiving and charging a mobile robotic vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The charging side has a groove, a sound wave transmitter mounted in the groove and a baffle mounted in the groove in front side of the sound wave transmitter for reflecting the sound wave transmitted by the ultrasonic transmitter toward two opposite lateral sides of the charging side along the groove to form two opposing sound wave beams to form two opposing sound wave beams for receiving by a sound wave receiver of the mobile robotic vacuum cleaner for determination of the steering direction. Subject to the guide of the sound wave beams, the mobile robotic vacuum cleaner is accurately guided to the battery charger and will not pass over or impact the battery charger. |
| US08680814B2 |
Battery charger and battery charging method
Charging is started with charge voltage set to a first voltage value (lower than a normal charge voltage) by a charge voltage change means, the first voltage value being predetermined to ensure that secondary batteries constituting a parallel-arrangement battery pack are charged up to and maintained at a predetermined SOC lower than full charge (between 80 and 90% of full charge). When a charge current detection means detects that charge current has decreased to a predetermined value A1, the charge voltage is set to a second voltage value (normal charge voltage) higher than the first voltage value by the charge voltage change means, the second voltage value being predetermined to enable the secondary batteries to be charged up to full charge. When a battery SOC detection means detects that at least one of the secondary batteries has reached full charge, charging is terminated. |
| US08680812B2 |
Methods and systems for charging an electric vehicle
An electric vehicle charging system is described. The electric vehicle charging system includes a plurality of electric vehicle charging apparatus coupled to, and configured to receive electric power from, a distribution transformer. The electric vehicle charging system also includes a central processing device configured to control operation of the plurality of electric vehicle charging apparatus. |
| US08680811B2 |
Electronic device, charger, and electronic device charging system
An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device which is capable of conducting a proximity noncontact communication even if charging of a secondary battery is not fully completed and also whose secondary battery never falls into an overdischarge state during the proximity noncontact communication. An electronic device (2) employs a secondary battery (28), which is rechargeable by a charger (3) that gives a charge of electricity in a noncontact manner, as a power source, and is capable of conducting a proximity noncontact communication with the charger (3). The electronic device (2) repeats a charging process, in which this equipment charges the secondary battery (28) for a predetermined period (Tb1) by receiving a supply of an electric power from the charger (3) via a noncontact power-receiving secondary coil (22), and a communication process, in which this equipment conducts a data communication for a predetermined period (Ta1) when a voltage of the secondary battery (28) at a time of charging start is below a predetermined value (Va), and also repeats a charging process, in which this equipment charges the secondary battery (28) for a predetermined period (Tb2) by receiving a supply of the electric power from the charger (3) via the noncontact power-receiving secondary coil (22), and a communication process, in which this equipment conducts the data communication for a predetermined period (Ta2)(>Ta1) when the voltage of the secondary battery (28) at a time of charging start is more than a predetermined value (Va). |
| US08680808B2 |
Motor drive apparatus and electric power steering apparatus using the same
A motor drive apparatus drives a motor by a first motor drive part and a second motor drive part. The first motor drive part includes a first inverter for supplying current to a first winding set. The second motor drive part includes a second inverter for supplying current to a second winding set. A control unit starts to supply currents to the first winding set and the second winding set at the same time after waiting for completion of all failure detection processing with respect to each of the first motor drive part and the second motor drive part. |
| US08680805B2 |
Control device that drives one driven object by two motors
A control device that drives one driven object by a first motor and a second motor. A first processor has a first correction amount calculation unit configured to calculate an amount of correction for a torque command to the first motor based on a speed value difference between a speed value of the first motor and a speed value of the second motor in order to suppress vibrations. A second processor has a second correction amount calculation unit configured to calculate an amount of correction for a torque command to the second motor based on a speed value difference between a speed value of the first motor and a speed value of the second motor in order to suppress vibrations. |
| US08680804B2 |
Servo control method and servo control apparatus
A method according to an example of the present invention is a servo control method to be applied to a feed drive mechanism configured to drive an object to be driven by using a plurality of motors, in which velocity control of the object to be driven is carried out by using a signal obtained by mixing velocity feedback signals of the motors with each other, and a torque instruction obtained by the velocity control is used for drive of all the motors. By this example, there is provided a servo control system capable of preventing a phenomenon in which a transfer function changes depending on the position of the object to be driven, and the phase abruptly lags to make the operation unstable, thereby making it difficult to increase the gain, from occurring. |
| US08680803B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus with motors integral to chamber walls
In accordance to an aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a substrate transport apparatus is provided. The substrate transport apparatus includes a frame defining a chamber, at least one stator module embedded at least partly into a peripheral wall of the chamber, the at least one stator module defining an axis of rotation. The substrate transport apparatus further includes at least one rotor substantially concentrically disposed relative to the at least one stator module about the axis of rotation, the at least one rotor being configured to interface with the at least one stator module and being suspended by a respective one of the at least one stator module substantially without contact within the chamber. The substrate transport apparatus further includes at least one substrate transport arm connected to the at least one rotor and having at least one end effector configured to hold at least one substrate. |
| US08680802B2 |
Electric drive with electronically scalable reconfigurable winding
A stator phase circuit for an electric machine includes a phase winding circuit including a plurality of series coupled sub-winding circuits, each sub-winding circuit includes a respective sub-winding coupled in parallel across a respective first controllable switch. |
| US08680797B2 |
Motor control device
A motor control device comprises: an acceleration upper limit estimating unit; a target acceleration setting unit; a motor control unit; and a deficit calculating unit, wherein the target acceleration setting unit corrects the target acceleration based on the acceleration profile by an amount corresponding to the acceleration deficit within a range in which the target acceleration does not exceed the acceleration upper limit on the basis of the acceleration deficit calculated by the deficit calculating unit to set the target acceleration at each time. |
| US08680789B2 |
Controlling a parameter of a device through qualified motion sensing
Methods and apparatuses for controlling a parameter of a device through motion sensing are disclosed. One apparatus includes a motion sensor for sensing a first instance of motion. The apparatus further includes a controller interfaced to the motion sensor and the device, wherein the controller is operative to activate the light only if consecutive instances of motion are sensed, wherein each instance is sensed within a gap of time of a previously sensed instance of motion, and the consecutive instances of motion being sensed span an entire window of time after sensing the first instance of motion. |
| US08680788B2 |
Semiconductor light-emiting element driver circuit and light fixture using the same
A driver circuit for a semiconductor light-emitting element enables stable dimmed lighting from very low luminance output to rated luminance output by use of a switching power source operating in a discontinuous mode. The driver circuit includes a DC-DC converter, an output sensor, and a feedback controller. The DC-DC converter includes a burst dimming controller for intermittently stopping an ON/OFF operation of a power switch of the DC-DC converter, thereby reducing a current flowing to the semiconductor light-emitting element. The output sensor detects at least one of the current provided to the semiconductor light-emitting element or the voltage of the semiconductor light-emitting element. The feedback controller adjusts an ON time of the power switch during the ON/OFF operation such that a detected value of the output sensor approaches a target value. Near a dimming control lower limit, power is blocked from the feedback controller. |
| US08680782B2 |
Light-emitting diode driving apparatus
An apparatus includes first and fourth bypasses, a current detector, and a current controller. The first bypass is connected serially to a first LED, and controls the current amount in the first LED. The fourth bypass is connected serially to a second LED, and controls the current amount in the first and second LEDs. The detector detects current detection signal based on the current amount on an output line along which the first and second LEDs are connected serially to each other. The controller provides control signal for controlling the first and fourth bypasses based on the detection signal. The controller includes one output for providing the control signal. The first and fourth bypasses are connected in parallel to the one output. |
| US08680780B2 |
LED backlight driving circuit, backlight module, and LCD device
A light emitting diode (LED) backlight driving circuit includes LED lightbar(s) and a control module; the control module includes a dimming controllable switch. The LED lightbars are connected with the dimming controllable switch in series. Two ends of the dimming controllable switch are connected with a varistor in parallel. Because two ends of the dimming controllable switch are connected with a varistor in parallel, when the dimming controllable switch is switched off, a current of the branch circuit is suddenly reduced, the voltage withstood by the LED lightbars is greatly reduced, and the voltage on two ends of the dimming controllable switch is increased. Then, under action of high voltage, resistance of the varistors connected in parallel is reduced, and the current of a new branch circuit formed by the LED lightbars and the varistor is also increased. Thus, the voltage withstood by the LED lightbars is increased again and the voltage on two ends of the dimming controllable switch is reduced. |
| US08680774B2 |
Electronic system and an electronic module therefor
An electronic system comprises at least a base part, a power source and at least one electronic module adapted to be powered by the power source. The base part is provided with at least two parallel extending, elongated tracks being electrically conductive. At least one parameter of the electronic module is changeable by amending the distance of the electronic module to a predetermined location on the tracks. |
| US08680773B2 |
Holiday LED lighting system and methods of use
The present disclosure provides a decorative light string system comprising a light string comprising a plurality of lighting bulbs arranged electrically in series, wherein each light bulb comprises at least two LED chips, wherein half of said LED chips are connected in parallel and wherein half of said LED chips are connected in reverse parallel; and an adapter comprising a rectifier, wherein when the plug of the light string is plugged into the outlet adapter in a first orientation, the rectifier allows passage of a half-rectified wave lighting the LEDs connected in parallel, and wherein when the plug of the light string is plugged into the outlet adapter in a second orientation, the rectifier allows passage of a half-rectified wave lighting the LEDs connected in reverse parallel. Also included are methods of using said adapter and said decorative light string system. |
| US08680761B2 |
Organic electroluminescence display device including wiring and stacked structure
An organic electroluminescence display device is provided. The organic electroluminescence display device includes plural organic electroluminescence elements. Each organic electroluminescence element includes: a lower electrode; an insulating layer having an opening, in which a lower electrode is exposed at the bottom of the opening; an auxiliary wiring; a stacked structure provided from a portion over the lower electrode exposed at the bottom of the opening to a portion of the insulating layer surrounding the opening, including a light emitting layer made of an organic light-emitting material; and an upper electrode. At least one layer of the stacked structure partially contacts the auxiliary wiring. The insulating layer and the auxiliary wiring are provided in common to the plurality of organic EL elements. The upper electrode covers the whole surface of the stacked structures and the auxiliary wiring. |
| US08680760B2 |
Beta-diketone ancillary ligands and their metal complexes used in organic optoelectronic devices
The present invention discloses a phosphor material for organic optoelectronic devices. The phosphor is a complex comprising a metal (Ir or Pt) and an aryl-modified beta-diketone ligand. The complexes of this invention are useful to function as an emitter in the emissive layer of an organic light emitting diode, even as the complex is the main component of this layer. |
| US08680758B2 |
Spark plug having a plastic upper insulator and method of construction
A spark plug and method of construction thereof is provided. The spark plug includes a metal shell having a through cavity, a lower insulator and a plastic upper insulator. The lower insulator is received in the through cavity and has a through passage with a center electrode received therein. A ground electrode is operatively attached to the shell in spaced relation from the ground electrode to provide a spark gap. The plastic upper insulator has a distal end received in the through cavity of the shell and a terminal end extending axially outwardly from the shell. The upper insulator has a through passage extending between the terminal end and the distal end. An elongate conductive member is received in the through passage of the upper insulator and is configured for electrical communication with the center electrode. |
| US08680755B2 |
Lighting device having reflectors for indirect light emission
A lighting device may be provided that includes: a heat sink which includes a base and a member extending from the base; a light source module which is disposed on a lateral surface of the member; and a reflector which is disposed on the member and has a disposition recess exposing the light source module, wherein the at least two light source modules are provided and the light source module includes a terminal plate which electrically connects the at least two light source modules, and wherein the terminal plate is disposed on the reflector. |
| US08680753B2 |
PAR38-compatible spot/flood light with LEDS
A low voltage spot light for use as substitute for a mains voltage PAR38 reflector lamp which comprises a chamber for LED clusters with reflectors and an enclosure for an electronic power supply to step down the incoming mains voltage. The LED clusters are mounted in the central area of the heat sink within the chamber and are accessible via a removable window. The LED chamber is weatherproof ventilated to prevent condensation. The spotlight is designed for outdoor use in conjunction with the PAR38 style weather proof lamp holder but can be operated indoors from any standard E 27 lamp holder. |
| US08680745B2 |
Device for measuring material thickness
A piezoelectric sensing device is described for measuring material thickness of targets such as pipes, tubes, and other conduits that carry fluids. The piezoelectric sensing device includes a piezoelectric element mounted to a flexible circuit with glass reinforced polyimide C-stage cover layers surrounding a pure polyimide C-stage core. |
| US08680744B2 |
Surface acoustic wave device
A surface acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substrate made of lithium niobate and including grooves in a surface thereof. Each groove includes a finger of an IDT electrode made of copper. The IDT electrode includes a first electrode layer embedded in the grooves and a second electrode layer sticking out of the surface of the piezoelectric substrate. A normalized electrode thickness of the first electrode layer is about 1.0% to about 12.0% inclusive, and the normalized electrode thickness of the second electrode layer is about 1.0% to about 9.0% inclusive. The normalized electrode thickness of the entire IDT electrode is about 6.0% to about 13.0% inclusive. |
| US08680741B2 |
Haptic actuator using cellulose electro-active paper film
A haptic actuator using a cellulose electro-active paper film is provided. The haptic actuator includes a cellulose electro-active paper film exhibiting a piezoelectric phenomenon and a metal electrode for applying electricity to the electro-active paper film, so that the haptic actuator can be provided in the form of a thin film, can manifest high transparency, and can produce displacement to the magnitude of sufficiently stimulating the sensor receptors of a user's skin in response to the applied electricity. Also, the haptic actuator is friendly to the environment and humans thanks to the use of cellulose which is an environmentally friendly material. |
| US08680738B2 |
Universal motor with auxiliary magnetic poles
A universal motor includes a stator and a rotor rotatably installed in the stator. The stator includes a stator core having a yoke, n primary poles with windings wound thereon and n auxiliary poles. The primary poles and auxiliary poles are alternately arranged on the radially inner side of the yoke in a circumferential direction thereof. When the windings are electrified, n primary magnetic poles and n auxiliary magnetic poles are formed at the primary poles and auxiliary poles respectively, n being an integer greater than 1. All the primary magnetic poles have the same polarity and the polarity of each auxiliary magnetic poles is opposite the polarity of the primary magnetic poles. |
| US08680737B2 |
Motor and electronic apparatus using the same
A stator 3 is provided with a plurality of magnetic poles 3a on the outer circumference thereof, and is configured from a plurality of layers of plate-shaped members. A rotor 4 is rotatably disposed around the stator. The inner circumferential face of the rotor is provided with a magnet 5. The outer circumferential ends of the magnetic poles of the stator are provided with an extended portion that is bent such that at least one plate-shaped member, including an outermost layer, of the plurality of plate-shaped members is substantially parallel to the magnet. When the inner diameter of a bent portion of a plate-shaped member that is the closest to the magnet of the at least one plate-shaped member constituting the extended portion is taken as R1i, and the thickness of the closest plate-shaped member is taken as T1, R1i |
| US08680735B2 |
Segment core forming stator core of rotary electric machine and method for manufacturing the segment core
A segment core forms an annular-shaped stator core of a rotary electric machine. The stator core is formed into an annular shape by circumferentially connecting a plurality of segment cores, each segment core having a L shape and includes a yoke portion that forms the outer periphery of the stator core, a tooth portion that extends from the yoke portion to the rotary axis in a radial direction of the stator core, and a steel plate where the yoke portion and the tooth portion are formed wherein one edge of the segment core linearly extends along the yoke portion and the tooth portion in the radial direction of the stator core, the other edge forms a projection in the yoke portion jutting out from the tooth portion in the circumferential direction whereby a segment core is formed into a shape of an L. |
| US08680734B2 |
Compact starter-generator with common core for main and exciter winding
A power system for a vehicle may comprise an electric machine attached to an engine of the vehicle. The electric machine may comprise only one stator core; a stator main winding wound on the one stator core; a stator exciter winding wound on the one stator core. The stator main winding and the stator exciter winding may be magnetically independent from one another even though magnetic-field-isolation material is not interposed between the stator main winding and the stator exciter winding. |
| US08680732B2 |
Rotary electric machine
A rotary electric machine includes a rotor core, and a permanent magnet embedded in proximity to an outer circumferential portion of the rotor core, in which gaps for reducing irreversible demagnetization of the permanent magnet are provided on portions on an inner circumference side of the permanent magnet, the portions being of the rotor core in proximity to an inner circumferential surface of the permanent magnet. |
| US08680731B2 |
Permanent-magnetic type rotary electric machine
A permanent-magnetic type rotary electric machine includes a stator having teeth that are arranged in the peripheral direction thereof and around which armature windings of plural phases are wound, and a rotor having plural permanent magnets arranged so that the poles of the permanent magnets are alternately different in the peripheral direction thereof, higher harmonic waves being contained in a no-load induced voltage waveform. A (6p−1)-th higher harmonic wave and a (6p−1)-th higher harmonic wave (p represents a positive integer) when an electrical angle of 360° is set as a fundamental wave in the no-load induced voltage waveform are made substantially coincident with each other in amplitude and phase. |
| US08680728B2 |
Thermal shield for system for generating electric power
A thermal shield for a system for generating electric power may include a sheet of material configured to be operably associated with an engine of the system for generating electric power such that heat from the engine is deflected back toward the engine. The sheet of material may define a generally rectangular shape defining a length dimension and a width dimension, and the length dimension may be configured to generally correspond to a length defined by the engine. |
| US08680727B2 |
Brushless direct current actuator with clip for retaining bobbins
A brushless rotary actuator comprises a housing including a motor housing defining a cavity for a motor assembly and a cover defining a cavity for a gear assembly. The motor assembly includes a rotor and a stator with a plurality of bobbins. A clip in the form of a ring plate is seated against the bobbins for retaining the bobbins on the stator. Fingers formed on the ring plate are fitted into respective slots defined by respective bobbin terminals. A circuit board is seated in the housing against an interior shoulder of the motor housing. A plate is seated in the housing against a peripheral rim of the motor housing in a spaced relationship above the circuit board. |
| US08680726B2 |
Semiconductor device and driving apparatus including semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor module and a pressing member configured to press the semiconductor module to a heat radiation member. The semiconductor module includes switching elements, conductors, and a molded member. Each of the switching elements is mounted on a corresponding one of the conductors. The molded member covers the switching elements and the conductors. More than three of the switching elements are disposed around the pressing member. The switching elements are disposed in a region in which a pressure generated between the semiconductor module and the heat radiation member by pressing with the pressing member is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure with which heat generated from the switching elements is releasable from the semiconductor module to the heat radiation member. |
| US08680724B2 |
Linear generator having a fluid pressure cylinder structure
A linear generator has a fluid pressure cylinder structure for reciprocating a piston in a cylinder in the axial direction by applying alternately a fluid pressure in a left fluid pressure chamber in contact with the left end wall of the cylinder and a fluid pressure in a right fluid pressure chamber in contact with the right end wall of the cylinder to the piston. A permanent magnet band is formed between the left and right pressure receiving surfaces of the piston, and an electromotive coil band provided over the left and right fluid pressure chambers is formed on the cylindrical wall between the left and right end walls of the cylinder so that power generation in the electromotive coil band is induced by the reciprocating movement in the axial direction of the piston having the permanent magnet band. |
| US08680723B2 |
Linear actuator
A linear actuator includes a stationary part, a movable part moveably supported by the stationary part, and at least one elastic member disposed between the movable part and the stationary part. The stationary part includes a stator core with a pair of teeth extending inwardly there from, and a winding wound on each of the teeth. The movable part disposed between the teeth includes two pairs of permanent magnetic poles respectively facing the teeth and an output shaft projecting in a first direction. When the windings are electrified, the stationary part generates a magnetic field which interacts with the permanent magnetic poles to reciprocate the movable part relative to the stationary part in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. |
| US08680719B2 |
Direct current voltage supply apparatus
A DC voltage supply apparatus including a voltage detection unit, an enable signal processing unit, a latch unit, a control unit and a voltage transforming unit is provided. The voltage detection unit receives and detects a DC input voltage to generate an input voltage state signal. The enable signal processing unit receives the input voltage state signal and an enable signal, and determines a state of the enable signal according to the input voltage state signal. When the enable signal is ineffective, the latch unit latches the enable signal to keep an ineffective state. The control unit receives the enable signal, and generates a control signal. When the control signal is effective, the voltage transforming unit receives the DC input voltage and transforms the DC input voltage into a DC output voltage. When the control signal is ineffective, the voltage transforming unit stops receiving the DC input voltage. |
| US08680717B2 |
Relay controller
Provided is a relay controller which can shorten the time from turning off a switching element until turning off a relay compared with what is conventionally possible. The relay controller comprises a relay switch in which a contact point connects a power supply to a load, and a coil is connected to the power supply; a first switching element which is connected in series to the coil; a regenerative current circuit which is connected in parallel to the coil and includes a second switching element and a diode which is connected in series to the second switching element; a first switching element control unit which turns on the relay switch by PWM control of the first switching element and turns off the relay switch by stopping the PWM control of the first switching element, and a second switching element control unit which turns on the second switching element when the first switching element is PWM-controlled and turns off the second switching element when the PWM control of the first switching element is stopped. |
| US08680716B2 |
Superconducting switch operation
A method of operating a superconducting switch system to protect against quenching in a superconducting magnet circuit is provided. The system comprises a magnet circuit, a main superconducting switch and an auxiliary superconducting switch connected in parallel thereto by low resistance connecting parts. In an initial magnet energisation procedure, after establishing superconducting flow in the circuit, the main and auxiliary switches are closed to cause current to persist in the circuit without further power input. If the main switch quenches, the current will transfer to the auxiliary switch through the resistive connecting parts. Upon restoring the main switch to the superconducting state, the voltage drop through the resistive connecting parts will drive the current back through the main switch. A preconditioning procedure is carried out as part of the magnet energisation procedure to ensure that opening the main switch will establish superconducting current through the auxiliary switch. |
| US08680708B2 |
Electronic apparatus
In response to turning-on of a lock-type power switch, an initial controller outputs a first voltage for a first period and a gate is turned on for the period via a first driver responsive to the first voltage, then DC power is supplied to a main circuit. During the period, a control processor causes a voltage output section to start outputting a second voltage so that the gate is turned on via a second driver to continue the DC power supply. When no event has been generated for a second period, the second voltage from the voltage output section is stopped to turn off the gate, thus the power supply to the main circuit is shut off. Once a power from outside is switched from OFF to ON while the power switch kept ON, the power supply to the main circuit is resumed via the controller and first driver. |
| US08680706B2 |
Communicating over power distribution media
A system includes a first communication module to be coupled to a first transmission medium for distributing power using a voltage waveform having a first amplitude; and a second communication module to be coupled to a second transmission medium for distributing power using a voltage waveform having a second amplitude different from the first amplitude, the second transmission medium being coupled to the first transmission medium. Each of the first and second communication modules is configured to use signals that propagate between the first and second transmission media. |
| US08680704B1 |
Wellhead pressure reduction and electrical power generation
Apparatus and method for generating electrical power through the reduction of a wellhead pressure. In accordance with various embodiments, a wellhead coupled to a subterranean formation supplies a first conduit with pressurized natural gas at a first pressure. A turbine receives the pressurized natural gas and induces a pressure drop in the gas as the gas induces mechanical rotation of the turbine. A mechanical linkage is coupled to the turbine, and an electrical generator is coupled to the mechanical linkage. The electrical generator generates electrical power responsive to the mechanical rotation of the turbine. The turbine and the electrical generator are operated to maintain an exit pressure of the pressurized natural gas at a predetermined second pressure less than the first pressure. |
| US08680702B2 |
Control system for wind farms with aerogenerations provided with modular converters
A control system (50, 100) is for wind power plants including aerogenerators (10) provided with DC modular converters (40). The control system (50, 100) includes devices for receiving at least a voltage signal coming from a DC medium voltage line (MTDC) electrically connected to the converters (40) and a mechanical torque signal (CRIF) produced by the aerogenerators (10) and controls AC-DC conversion modules (40a′-40a″″) of the plant. The modules have electronic devices driven by impressed voltage and producing on their outputs a respective partial continuous voltage (Vdci). For each aerogenerator (10) there are secondary control stages (100) and a single main control stage (50). Each of the secondary control stages (100) supplies control signals to a respective AC-DC conversion module (40a′-40a″″) and is designed to keep the partial continuous voltage (Vdci) at a constant value. |
| US08680699B2 |
Lighting system for pedicure spa
A light kit in combination with a pump system. The light kit includes a coil and a LED, where power produce by the coil when exposed to a rotating magnetic field powers the LEDs. The pump has a housing defining a pump interior, a driven magnet coupled to a pump impellor positioned in the pump interior, where the pump housing has an inlet and an outlet, and the is to be immersed in a fluid and to pump a fluid through the interior of the pump from the inlet to the outlet. |
| US08680694B2 |
Vibration energy harvester for converting mechanical vibrational energy into electrical energy
A vibration energy harvester for converting mechanical vibrational energy into electrical energy, the vibration energy harvester comprising a device for generating electrical energy when subjected to mechanical vibration, and a current control circuit electrically connected to the device for providing a substantially constant output current at an electrical output of the vibration energy harvester. |