| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08724924B2 |
Systems and methods for processing mobile images to identify and extract content from forms
Systems and methods for matching a received image with a template image are disclosed herein. Such systems and methods can advantageously enable an image captured by a mobile device (such as a smartphone or digital camera) to be correctly identified by the processing application. In some embodiments, the received image is first resized in one or both dimensions in order to match or approximately match the dimensions of a given template. The received image and template image can then be superimposed. Next, an optimal translative transformation value can be calculated in order to generate a confidence level for the current possible match. After confidence levels for each template are generated and recorded, the template with the highest confidence level can be selected as the best match for the received image. |
| US08724923B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method for correcting distorted image data
An image processing apparatus may include a distortion correcting unit performing distortion correction processing on input image data to generate output image data. The distortion correcting unit may include a distortion correction coordinate transforming unit that obtains coordinates indicating a position of the input image data corresponding to a position of the output image data, a range calculating unit that calculates a range of the input image data to be used in the distortion correction processing based on the coordinates of the input image data obtained by the distortion correction coordinate transforming unit, a correction information storage unit, an input image data storage unit, and an interpolation calculating unit that checks an amount of the input image data stored in the input image data storage unit based on the information regarding the range of the input image data. |
| US08724906B2 |
Computing pose and/or shape of modifiable entities
Computing pose and/or shape of a modifiable entity is described. In various embodiments a model of an entity (such as a human hand, a golf player holding a golf club, an animal, a body organ) is fitted to an image depicting an example of the entity in a particular pose and shape. In examples, an optimization process finds values of pose and/or shape parameters that when applied to the model explain the image data well. In examples the optimization process is influenced by correspondences between image elements and model points obtained from a regression engine where the regression engine may be a random decision forest. For example, the random decision forest may take elements of the image and calculate candidate correspondences between those image elements and model points. In examples the model, pose and correspondences may be used for control of various applications including computer games, medical systems, augmented reality. |
| US08724905B2 |
Determining a visual balance of an image
A method for determining with a physical image processing device a visual balance of an image includes assigning a visual weight point to each of a plurality of visual elements within the image with the image processing device, each visual weight point having a weight value based on visual properties associated with the visual element, and determining the visual balance of the image with the image processing device by measuring a vector value at a center of the composition, the vector value being based on a distance of each visual weight point from the center and the weight value associated with each visual weight point. |
| US08724902B2 |
Processing image data
A method for processing image data comprises generating face data representing a set of detected faces from image data representing a set of images forming a library of images, using the face data to determine a sub-set of the images from the library in which at least the same person appears, and generating at least one clothing signature for the person representing clothes worn by the person in at least one of the images in the sub-set, and using the or each clothing signature, identifying further images of the person in the library. |
| US08724901B2 |
Image processing method, apparatus and program for dividing an image for processing
When processing image data by referring to at least one of reference image data and correction data, an image is processed in a unit of band area by dividing image data of a target image in a plurality of band areas. In this case, the minimum transfer unit of the image data is set. The minimum transfer unit of at least one of the reference image data and the correction data is obtained to process the image data in the minimum transfer unit. The transfer rate of the image data is determined so that the image data to be buffered fits in a capacity of a buffer available in image processing. The height of the band area to be created by division is determined based on the ratio of the transfer rate of the image data to the minimum transfer unit of the image data. |
| US08724900B2 |
Method and apparatus for direct detection, location, analysis, identification, and reporting of vegetation clearance violations technical field
A method and system for processing digital image data taken from a three-dimensional topographic area including terrain and a right of way including a first and a second object to establish a clearance surface to define clearance violations within a boundary area. Waypoints are located to define a centerline and the boundary area to be analyzed. Vegetation coordinate points in the scene are determined from the digital image data. Ground coordinate points are determined from the digital image data. A clearance surface segment is constructed within the boundary area between the first and second object. The clearance surface is determined from the location of the first and second object and clearance criteria. The clearance surface is used to define a violation region. |
| US08724897B2 |
Picture quality controlling device, picture quality controlling method, and picture quality controlling program
A picture quality controlling device (10) that controls a picture quality for an image signal which is input including: a histogram generation unit (14) generating a histogram for at least one of brightness, chromaticity, color, and frequency information pieces from an image contained in the image signal; a threshold value comparing unit (17) comparing the histogram with a threshold value previously set for the histogram in order to determine whether control of the picture quality for the image signal is necessary; and a picture quality controlling unit (18) extracting a histogram pattern corresponding to the histogram from a reference table including plural predetermined histogram patterns, and controlling the picture quality based on a controlled parameter corresponding to the extracted histogram pattern if the control is determined to be necessary based on a result obtained by the threshold value comparing unit. |
| US08724892B2 |
Method for describing an actual color gamut of a color device or of a color content
To describe the actual color gamut, a hierarchical structure is proposed which comprises, from bottom to top: Gamut Components: each GC is a surface, generally described as a set of connected elementary triangles or polygons. Gamut Hulls: each GH is a closed surface formed by the concatenation of connex Gamut Components. Gamut Instances: each GI is an alternative Gamut Boundary Description of the same actual gamut and is built by the union of the volume(s) bordered by at least one Gamut Hull. Such a Gamut Boundary Information may be notably used for gamut mapping operations. Among advantages of the invention, are flexibility and adaptation to available memory and bandwidth capabilities. |
| US08724888B2 |
Stereo vision based dice recognition system and stereo vision based dice recognition method for uncontrolled environments
A dice recognition system and a dice recognition method for uncontrolled environments are provided. In the present invention, the number of dot on a dice is automatically recognized in an uncontrolled environment by using multiple cameras. The present dice recognition system is different in at least two aspects from any existing automatic dice recognition system which uses a single camera for recognizing dice in an enclosed environment. Firstly, an existing automatic dice recognition system uses a single camera to obtain planar images for dice recognition, while the present dice recognition system uses multiple cameras to obtain different viewpoints images for dice recognition. Secondly, the present dice recognition system is designed for uncontrolled environments, and which can be applied to an open-table game in a general gambling place for dice recognition without changing the original dice, dice cup, and other related objects. |
| US08724879B2 |
Medical image processing apparatus, a medical imaging apparatus, and a method of processing medical images
A medical image processing apparatus includes a difference calculator, a removal part, a first statistical processing part, and an estimation part. The difference calculator receives a plurality of medical image data with different imaging positions and obtains the difference between the plurality of medical image data, thereby generating difference image data that represents the difference. The removal part removes the region corresponding to a structure from the difference image data. The first statistical processing part obtains the first standard deviation of pixel values of each pixel of the difference image data with the region corresponding to the structure removed. The estimation part estimates the second standard deviation of the medical image data based on the first standard deviation. The medical image processing apparatus can estimate noise level of medical image data. |
| US08724877B2 |
Mirror image suppression method
A mirror image suppression method adapted to an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system is provided. The mirror image suppression method includes the following steps: obtaining a tomography image of an object to be tested by using the OCT system; calculating one real image signal obtained from an nth specific-mode scan for a specific pixel of the tomography image based on image signals obtained from an (n−1)th and the nth specific-mode scans; obtaining one real image signal of each of a plurality of pixels in the tomography image based on the calculation in the step of calculating the one real image signal; and reconstructing the tomography image based on the real image signal of each of the pixels obtained in the step of obtaining the one real image signal to suppress mirror image signals of the tomography image. |
| US08724873B2 |
Ultrasound system and method for segmenting vessels
There are disclosed embodiments for an ultrasound system for performing segmentation of vessels. The ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit an ultrasound signal to a target object including vessels, receive an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the target object and form ultrasound data corresponding to the target object; a volume data forming unit configured to form volume data based on the ultrasound data; and a processor configured to form a 3-dimensional ultrasound image based on the volume data, set a plurality of slices on the 3-dimensional ultrasound image and perform segmentation of the vessels based on a degree of registration between the respective vessels on the adjacent slices. |
| US08724872B1 |
Single radiation data from multiple radiation sources
A signal is reconstructed from multiple radiation sources. Data detected by a detector is accessed. The data includes a combined representation of radiation emitted concurrently from two sources of radiation. A representation of the radiation emitted from one of the two sources of radiation is determined from the data. |
| US08724871B1 |
Method and system for identifying anomalies in medical images
Method and sequence for locating anomalous features in medical images in which medical images are supplied by an external source such as a CAT or XRAY scan machine or other similar device. A sequence of specific measurements is executed on the supplied data to obtain metrics relating to the images. The metrics are then compared to the corresponding values in an accompanying database resulting in an anomalous/not anomalous determination. Anomalous determinations are presented to the test operator for final analysis along with supplemental historical data. In application to all types of medical imagery, potential anomalies are quickly located resulting in an efficient and more accurate diagnosis. |
| US08724863B2 |
Optical fiber having cladding scattering centers
An optical fiber is designed to transmit high-power laser radiation. The optical fiber includes a fiber core, and an inner fiber cladding surrounding the fiber core, where the inner fiber cladding is configured to carry the laser radiation in the fiber core. The optical fiber also includes a first outer fiber cladding surrounding the inner fiber cladding. The first outer fiber cladding has a capillary-free longitudinal section and has a smaller refractive index than the refractive index of the inner fiber cladding. The optical fiber includes an outermost fiber cladding surrounding the first outer fiber cladding. The outermost fiber cladding has scattering centers that surround the capillary-free longitudinal section, where the scattering centers scatter laser radiation emerging from the inner fiber cladding through the first outer fiber cladding along the capillary-free section. |
| US08724859B2 |
Fingerprint scanner and method having an acoustic detector
The invention may include a fingerprint scanner having an ultrasonic wave emitter, a platen, an acoustic splitter and an acoustic detector. The invention may also include a method of scanning a fingerprint, wherein ultrasonic energy is provided and reflected with an acoustic splitter to provide first reflected energy, the first reflected energy may be reflected from a finger to provide second reflected energy, the second reflected energy may be received at the splitter, and allowed to pass through the splitter, and the second reflected energy may then be received at a detector. |
| US08724856B1 |
Method, system and computer program for comparing images
A method of verifying whether a user of a device corresponds to a previously authenticated user is disclosed. In some embodiments, a processing system has access to a first image and a second image. The first image is of an identity document comprising an image of the previously authenticated user and data identifying the authenticated user. The identity document has been validated by a trusted authority. The second image is an image captured by the device. The first image is compared to said second image to determine whether they are images of the same user. One of the images is designated as a higher quality image, and stored as a validated image along with an identifier for the previously authenticated user. The validated image may be used in a subsequent verification event. The identifying data is be stored with the identifier, whereby to enable said data to be retrieved in a subsequent verification event. |
| US08724854B2 |
Methods and apparatus for robust video stabilization
Methods and apparatus for robust video stabilization. A video stabilization technique applies a feature tracking technique to an input video sequence to generate feature trajectories. The technique applies a video partitioning technique to segment the input video sequence into factorization windows and transition windows. The technique smoothes the trajectories in each of the windows, in sequence. For factorization windows, a subspace-based optimization technique may be used. For transition windows, a direct track optimization technique that uses a similarity motion model may be used. The technique then determines and applies warping models to the frames in the video sequence. In at least some embodiments, the warping models may include a content-preserving warping model, a homography model, a similarity transform model, and a whole-frame translation model. The warped frames may then be cropped according to a cropping technique. |
| US08724853B2 |
Identifying a target object using optical occlusion
Methods are apparatuses are described for identifying a target object using optical occlusion. A head-mounted display perceives a characteristic of a reference object. The head-mounted display detects a change of the perceived characteristic of the reference object and makes a determination that a detected object caused the change of the perceived characteristic. In response to making the determination, the head-mounted display identifies the detected object as the target object. |
| US08724852B2 |
Method for sensing motion and device for implementing the same
A method for sensing a motion of an object is to be implemented by a motion recognition device that includes an image acquiring unit and a processor. In the method, the image acquiring unit is configured to acquire a series of image frames by detecting intensity of light received thereby. The processor is configured to receive at least one of the image frames and to determine whether an object is detected in the at least one of the image frames. When an object is detected, the processor is further configured to receive the image frames from the image acquiring unit, and to determine a motion of the object with respect to a three-dimensional coordinate system according to the image frames thus received. |
| US08724851B2 |
Aerial survey video processing
An aerial survey video processing apparatus for analyzing aerial survey video. The apparatus includes a feature tracking section adapted to associate identified features with items in a list of features being tracked, based on a predicted location of the features being tracked. The tracking section updates the list of features being tracked with the location of the associated identified features. |
| US08724849B2 |
Information processing device, information processing method, program, and information storage medium
To provide an image processing device capable of reducing a user operation in production of motion data by simulating a 3D motion of a moving object. A base data obtaining unit obtains a plurality of base data each containing an image and distance data indicating a distance between an object shown in the image and the image capturing unit, the distance data being based on a measured result. An in-image position specifying unit, based on the image obtained, specifies a position in the image, where the moving object is shown. A distance specifying unit specifies a distance between the moving object and the image capturing unit, based on the specified in-image position and the distance data. A position coordinate calculating unit calculates the 3D position coordinates of the moving object, based on the specified in-image position and the specified distance. The motion data producing unit produces motion data describing a motion of the moving object in the 3D space, based on the calculated 3D position coordinates. |
| US08724846B2 |
Architecture for exporting digital images
A method and apparatus for allowing applications to access edited image data from an image editing application are disclosed herein. When the user desires to export edited images, the user causes the image editing application to display a plug-in user interface (UI). The plug-in UI may allow the user to enter exporting parameters, although this is not required. After the user selects an “export” button in the plug-in UI, the image editing application confirms with the plug-in on an image-by-image basis which of the images should be exported. The image editing application then generates an export version of the image. If necessary, the image editing application applies image adjustments to the master image to generate the export version. The image editing application then makes the export version available to the plug-in. |
| US08724839B2 |
Unidirectional microphone
A unidirectional microphone includes a cylindrical capsule, a front plate blocking one end of the cylindrical capsule, a front plate sound hole formed in the front plate, a vibrating membrane and a first rear pole plate that are housed in the cylindrical capsule and form capacitance, a substrate blocking another open end of the capsule, and a rear plate sound hole formed in the substrate. The front plate sound hole and the rear plate sound hole are placed on mutually opposite sides of a central axis of the capsule so as to be offset relative to the central axis. The directional axis can be significantly offset relative to the central axis of the microphone using the microphone alone. |
| US08724838B2 |
Speaker system
A speaker system includes a case having a receiving chamber; a variable mechanism received in the receiving chamber for dividing the receiving chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber and being capable of varying a volume of the first chamber; and a speaker unit is received in the first chamber and defining an acoustic port facing an exterior of the case. The separating wall alternatively inserts into one of the receiving member for placing the separating wall precisely at specific locations. Thus, it is easy to vary the volume of the first chamber for achieving an excellent acoustic capability of the speaker system. |
| US08724833B1 |
Piezoelectric audible signal with spring contacts and retaining and spacer ring
A piezoelectric audible signal that has at least two, frusto-conical, coil spring conductors extending between and in unsoldered electrical connection with, at one end, different contact pads on the printed circuit board and, at their opposite ends, the piezoelectric disk. A retaining and spacer ring is interposed between the disk and the printed circuit board and has at least two, frusto-conically shaped, spring retaining cavities that matingly receive the spring conductors in a manner that retains the spring conductors against movement away from the printed circuit board when the ring is attached to the printed circuit board. |
| US08724831B2 |
Amplification circuit and method therefor
In one embodiment, an amplification circuit receives an analog signal and adds another signal to the analog signal to modify the minimum amplitude of the analog input signal. |
| US08724830B1 |
Multi-stream audio level controller
A volume level and crossfade controller with programmable fades and audio stream priority controls saturation for a multiple audio stream mixer. Start of fade and end of fade events trigger updates of relative volume level targets and volume ramps. |
| US08724827B2 |
System and method for directionally radiating sound
An audio system for a vehicle has at least one source of audio signals. At least one array of speaker elements is located at each seat position that radiates within a range of bass frequencies. For each at least one array, the speaker elements receive a common audio signal, and a respective filter is disposed between the common audio signal and each of the speaker elements. Each respective filter processes magnitude and phase of the common audio signal independently of each other respective filter to thereby define a directional audio radiation from the at least one array. |
| US08724826B2 |
Apparatus and method for outputting an audio signal in a portable terminal
An apparatus and a method for outputting an audio signal in a portable terminal are provided. The portable terminal for outputting an audio signal includes an ear jack, a modem, and an amplifier. The ear jack connects the portable terminal with one of an earphone and an external apparatus. The modem detects whether one of the earphone and the external apparatus is connected to the ear jack. When connection of the external apparatus is detected, the amplifier high power-amplifies the audio signal and outputs the same to the external apparatus according to a control of the modem. |
| US08724824B2 |
Portable electronic device having universal earphone jack
A portable electronic device includes an earphone jack circuit for receiving an earphone plug, a control circuit and a switch circuit. The control circuit sends audio to or receives audio from the earphone plug by the earphone jack. The switch circuit is set between the earphone jack and the control circuit including a first mode and a second mode. The control circuit identifies a type of the earphone plug, and switches the switch circuit to a corresponding mode according to the type of the earphone plug. |
| US08724823B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing noise pumping due to noise suppression and echo control interaction
An input signal is processed through noise suppression (NS) and echo control (EC) via a multipath model that reduces noise pumping effects while maintaining EC performance. A copy of a “noisy” input signal is sent to an EC component before the noisy signal is sent to a NS component, which processes the signal first, when there is a consistent noise level for estimation. The copy of the pre-processing noisy signal is sent to the EC component along with a “clean” or “noise-suppressed” signal output from the NS component. The EC component analyzes the noisy signal as if the EC was the first component in the signal chain to determine what actions to take. The EC component then applies these actions to the clean signal received from the NS component. |
| US08724822B2 |
Noisy environment communication enhancement system
A communication system enhances communications in a noisy environment. Multiple input arrays convert a voiced or unvoiced signal into an analog signal. A converter receives the analog signal and generates digital signals. A digital signal processor determines temporal and spatial information from the digital signals. The processed signals are then converted to audible sound. |
| US08724818B2 |
Method and system for security processing during RRC connection re-establishment
This disclosure claims a method for security processing during RRC connection re-establishment, comprising: a UE sends an RRC connection re-establishment request message to the eNB; after receiving the request message, the eNB determines whether an original access layer security algorithm used by the UE is supported by the eNB itself according to the current status and configuration; if supported, the communication protection with UE is implemented via the original access layer security algorithm; if not supported, according to the security capability of UE, the access layer security algorithm which has the highest priority and is supported by the UE is selected from the access layer security algorithms configured by the eNB itself to be the new access layer security algorithm, and the communication protection between the eNB and the UE is implemented by the new access layer security algorithm. This disclosure also claims a system for security processing during the RRC connection re-establishment. |
| US08724814B2 |
System and method of security function activation for a mobile electronic device
A system and a method are provided for activating one or more security functions of a mobile electronic device. The system and method provide for the activation of one or more security functions when the mobile electronic device is stored in a mobile electronic device holder. Security functions include, for example, closing a data item currently being displayed on the mobile electronic device, erasing decrypted information stored on the mobile electronic device, locking the mobile electronic device, and performing a secure garbage collection operation. |
| US08724813B2 |
Wireless device setup
A computer computes an SSID and a key from a string. The computer wirelessly accesses a wireless-access-device preconfigured with the SSID and the key. |
| US08724809B2 |
Method and system for tuning to encrypted digital television channels
A method and system for tuning to a scrambled television channel is provided. One implementation involves receiving a channel selection from a user, tuning to the selected scrambled channel, checking a cache for Conditional Access (CA) descrambling information associated with the selected channel, and in case of a cache hit, then retrieving the descrambling information associated with the selected channel from the cache for descrambling the scrambled channel. |
| US08724808B2 |
Method for secure distribution of digital data representing a multimedia content
A content server maintains a database of different content files, these files being scrambled by control words that are stored in a database. The control words are necessary for descrambling the content files. When a device requests a content file, it sends a public key to the content server, along with the request. The content server encrypts the control words with the public key and transmits both the ciphered control words and the scrambled content file to the device. In one embodiment, the device decrypts the control words, and, when a further device on the home network requests a content file, sends the scrambled content file, along with the necessary control words encrypted with a local key that may have been provided by the further device. |
| US08724806B2 |
Partial multiple encryption
A partial multiple encryption device consistent with certain embodiments has an input adapted to receive a unencrypted video signal. An encryption arrangement produces a partially multiple encrypted video signal from the unencrypted video signal. An output is adapted to provide the partially multiple encrypted video signal. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08724805B2 |
Security label generation method and apparatus for scalable content distribution
A security label generation apparatus for scalable content distribution, includes a scalable content transmitter for receiving service level requirements of a user and network bandwidth information over a network and generating security labels and encrypted scalable units. Further, the security label generation apparatus includes a scalable content receiver for receiving the encrypted scalable units and the security labels from the scalable content transmitter and for decrypting, decoding, playing, modifying, storing or redistributing the encrypted scalable units based on the security labels. Furthermore, the security label generation apparatus includes scalable content storage for searching for scalable content and metadata corresponding to a request of the scalable content transmitter. |
| US08724802B2 |
Cryptographic system
A method of creating an encryption system for encrypting a plurality of plaintext words is provided. The method comprises associating (104) respective plaintext words (202) with respective sets (207) of error positions (212) of an error vector, and associating (106) respective values of at least one of the plaintext words (202) with respective error vector values, wherein positions of the respective error vector values outside the set (207) of error positions associated with the one of the plaintext words (202) are zero. The method further comprises associating (108) the respective values of the plaintext word (202) with respective representations of respective syndromes (218) of the respective error vectors according to an error correcting code. |
| US08724800B2 |
Method in a communication system
Method and arrangement in a Vector Control Entity for efficient selection of which crosstalk to cancel when applying partial vectoring in a DSL communication system. The method comprises calculating a respective crosstalk effect indicator, CEIij, for the crosstalk from each line j of a plurality J of lines in a vectoring group, to a plurality of tones Si of a line i in the vectoring group, based on the strength of the crosstalk from each line j to line i, and thus providing one CEIi-value, associated with the plurality Sj of tones, per line j. The method further comprises allocating partial-vectoring resources to cancellation of crosstalk, based on the calculated CEIs. The arrangement is adapted to enable the performance of the above described method. |
| US08724798B2 |
System and method for acoustic echo cancellation using spectral decomposition
A method and apparatus for canceling an echo in audio communication is disclosed. The method comprises receiving an audio signal from a network and subsequently detecting a mixture audio signal comprising a target audio signal and an echo audio signal, the echo signal corresponding to the received audio signal. The method then comprises estimating the target audio signal by determining magnitude spectrograms for the mixture and received audio signals respectively, estimating a magnitude spectrogram of the target audio signal dependent on those of the mixture and received audio signal, and generating an output audio signal that estimates the target audio signal, the output audio signal being dependent on the estimated magnitude spectrogram. |
| US08724794B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing customized information
An apparatus for providing customized information, including: a control unit used for sending a trigger signal to a play unit upon receiving a call request from a caller terminal, an information storage unit used for storing the customized information, and a play unit used for sending the customized information obtained from the information storage unit to the caller terminal. A method for providing customized information, including: obtaining and storing the customized information by the called terminal, and sending the customized information stored to the caller terminal by the called terminal upon receiving a call request from the caller terminal. |
| US08724793B2 |
Systems and methods for providing ENUM in an LNP environment
A system, computer-readable medium system, and method which provide a telephone number mapping specification in a local number portability environment where an originating device of a first service provider dials a dialed call for forwarding to a terminating device of a second service provider. There is provided a combined local number portability and telephone number mapping database having a central location which is in communication with both an originating office and a terminating office. Both the originating office and the terminating office can look up and use local number portability and telephone number mapping information from the combined database. |
| US08724786B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for implementing multimedia ring back tone service
A method, system and apparatus for implementing a Multimedia Ring Back Tone (MRBT) service are provided. The method includes: receiving a call request originated by a calling terminal; parsing a tone playing policy specifying whether to play a caller tone or a callee tone or whether to filter a tone; performing caller tone media negotiation or callee tone media negotiation, or performing no tone negotiation according to the parsing result; and playing the caller tone or the callee tone to the caller, or playing no tone. With the technical solution of the present invention, the caller tone service can be implemented in the IMS domain. Whether a caller tone or a callee tone is played to the caller is determined according to a preset policy. Furthermore, the tone filtering service is also implemented. This gives a user freedom in experiencing the MRBT service. |
| US08724783B1 |
Providing access to communication plans via multiple access methods
One computer-implemented method includes identifying a plurality of communication plans, identifying a first communication associated with a first access method and associated with a first attribute, determining a first communication plan associated with the first communication from the plurality of communication plans, the determination based at least in part on the first attribute associated with the first communication, identifying a second communication different than the first communication and associated with the first access method, the second communication associated with a second attribute different than the first attribute, and determining a second communication plan associated with the second communication from the plurality of communication plans, the determination based at least in part on the second attribute associated with the second communication, wherein the first and second communication plans are associated with a prepaid pay-as-you-go or subscription monetary values. |
| US08724782B2 |
System of subsidized phone calls
System of subsidized phone calls, is essentially a system (S) made possible by means of telecommunication networks in general to be used with great efficiency, using the existent technical resources that, organized of new way, allows the execution of calls with part or all of the chargeable time subsidized by a sponsor through the sending of advertising and/or institutional messages to the calling subscriber. |
| US08724781B2 |
System and method for off-net planned cost derivation, analysis, and data consolidation
Implementations of the present disclosure involve a system and/or method for correlating the cost of ordered telecommunications services. The system receives a customer order that includes various services. The services are matched to available solutions for the services. Each solution includes one or more product instances that are used to implement the solution. Each product instance may be matched to a service component. Each service component may be associated with an on-net service or an off-net service. Service components associated with on-net services may be assigned a cost. Service components associated with off-net services may be correlated to an off-net service and an estimated cost. |
| US08724780B2 |
Voice interaction method of mobile terminal based on voiceXML and mobile terminal
The present invention discloses a voice interaction method of a mobile terminal based on VoiceXML and a mobile terminal, which comprises: converting received voice information into a VoiceXML document, parsing the VoiceXML document according to a preset VoiceXML document framework, searching the information of the function which needs to be realized by the voice information corresponding to the VoiceXML document; mapping found function information to the function corresponding to the particular function of the man-machine interface, and informing the mapped function to the man-machine interface; performing VoiceXML response document conversion on the response information from the man-machine interface, and playing the conversion result via a corresponding voice information. According to the technical solution of the present invention, the advanced intelligence and complex voice interaction can be realized, and the transportability of voice interaction is improved. |
| US08724779B2 |
Persisting customer identity validation during agent-to-agent transfers in call center transactions
A small baseline audio sample is sampled when a person initially calls in and the sample is held only for the duration of the call. For each subsequent transfer, a comparison is made to the baseline established from the initial call and at the end of the call the voice sample is discarded so no resources need to be maintained. Speaker verification and VOIP technologies are used to persist the customer's verification information as service representative hand-offs occur. |
| US08724776B2 |
Two-axis sagittal focusing monochromator
An x-ray focusing device and method for adjustably focusing x-rays in two orthogonal directions simultaneously. The device and method can be operated remotely using two pairs of orthogonal benders mounted on a rigid, open frame such that x-rays may pass through the opening in the frame. The added x-ray flux allows significantly higher brightness from the same x-ray source. |
| US08724772B2 |
X-ray fluoroscopic radiographing apparatus and method
An X-ray fluoroscopic radiographing apparatus comprises a display unit that processes a received X-ray moving image and instantaneously displays the moving image; a storing unit that stores the received moving image as a non-processed raw image; an instructing unit that instructs the raw image to be referred to from the stored raw images; a second display unit that processes the instructed raw image and displays the processed raw image; a changing unit that changes the image process in the second display unit; a second storing unit that stores image process information obtained by the changing unit in association with the instructed raw image; a second instructing unit that instructs the raw image to be transferred from the stored raw images; and a transferring unit that executes the image process associated by the second storing unit to the instructed raw image and transfers the processed raw image to a destination. |
| US08724771B2 |
Shift register
A shift register includes a plurality of stages, each of which outputs a carry pulse and a scan pulse. An nth one of the stages includes a carry output switching device controlled by a voltage applied to a set node and connected between a carry clock transfer line transferring any one of i carry clock pulses and a carry output terminal of the nth stage, a scan output switching device controlled by the voltage applied to the set node and connected between a scan clock transfer line transferring any one of j scan clock pulses and a scan output terminal of the nth stage, and a stabilization switching device controlled by any one of the i carry clock pulses and connected between a carry output terminal of an (n−p)th one of the stages and the set node or between a start transfer line and the set node. |
| US08724766B2 |
Compression sleeves usable in nuclear reactors
A compression sleeve for use in BWR jet pump sensing line repairs is configured to maintain its physical characteristics in an operating nuclear reactor environment. The sleeve includes shaped ends to accommodate deformation and flow of the sleeve so as to form a seal between jet pump sensing line components. A mechanical coupling assembly for repairing a jet pump sensing line is configured to include the compression sleeve. |
| US08724763B2 |
Method and apparatus for frame-based buffer control in a communication system
A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a buffer in a digital audio broadcasting (DAB) communication system. The transmitter predicts the number of encoded frames, Fpred, in the buffer having a limited level and transmits the value, Fpred, to the receiver with the frame. If the transmitter determines that the decoder buffer level is high, the frames being generated by the encoder are small and additional bits are allocated to each frame for each of the N programs. Likewise, if the transmitter determines that the decoder buffer level is becoming low, the frames being generated by the encoder are big and fewer bits are allocated to each frame for each of the N programs. The transmitted predicted buffer level, Fpred, can also be employed to (i) determine when the decoder should commence decoding frames; and (ii) synchronize the transmitter and the receiver clock using feedback depending on the compared level of the decoder to the actual level to Fpred. |
| US08724761B2 |
Symbol synchronization apparatus and method of passive RFID reader
Provided is a symbol synchronization apparatus and method of a passive RFID reader. The symbol synchronization apparatus includes: an edge clock detector generating edge clocks by detecting phase inversion positions of a received signal; a preamble detector detecting a preamble section by analyzing the generation times of the edge clocks; a symbol decision time extractor extracting a symbol decision time by averaging distances between the edge clocks consecutively generated in the preamble section, when the preamble section is detected; and a symbol decider deciding a symbol by analyzing the magnitude of the received signal, when the time reaches the symbol decision time. |
| US08724760B2 |
GPS aided open loop coherent timing
GPS aided precision timing uses GPS to generate synchronized timing pulses by various nodes. One of the nodes is designated as a master node and the remaining nodes are designated as auxiliary nodes. Each node tracks the carrier phases of satellite signals transmitted by a plurality of GPS satellites relative to a carrier phase of a reference oscillator in the respective node. The master node provides the tracked phase measurements along with its position information to all of the auxiliary nodes. Each auxiliary node determines the phase offset of its reference oscillator relative to the reference oscillator of the master node to “align” its phase to the phase of the master node. The phase of a time pulse signal generator in each node is then aligned to the phase of its reference oscillator for generating synchronized timing pulses based on the aligned phases. |
| US08724759B2 |
Coherent synchronization and framing in a digital television receiver
The current application is directed to maintaining the correct number of symbols in a protocol frame in a digital communications receiver, to prevent catastrophic failure due to dynamic multipath or cycle slips. Timing recovery and framing are coherent, facilitated by placing channel estimation directly into a larger timing recovery loop. |
| US08724753B2 |
Spectrum sensor for cognitive wireless communication and method for cognitive wireless communication
Provided is a spectrum sensor for cognitive wireless communication whereby it is possible to improve communication efficiency. In a cognitive wireless communication system, a spectrum sensor senses spectra in multiple frequency bands. A spectrum sensor is configured to be able to operate in one operation mode selected from among a spectrum sensing mode for sensing spectra, and a communication mode for communicating with a wireless communication device. Further, the spectrum sensor is provided with a controller for controlling the operation mode. The controller switches between the above-mentioned operation modes during the symbol period of an ultra-wideband physical layer (UWB PHY). |
| US08724750B2 |
Adjacent channel rejection of a CCK blocker
An adjacent channel interference rejection mechanism is provided to detect and reject CCK-modulated signals from an adjacent channel in a wireless communication receiver. Replicas of the baseband signals are frequency-shifted and then analyzed through a series of correlations to compare the power of the correlation outputs. An adjacent channel interference of a CCK-modulated signal is determined and rejected based on the comparisons meeting a predetermined tolerance level. |
| US08724748B2 |
Wireless communication terminal
A wireless communication terminal includes an antenna selecting unit that selects, for each packet, an antenna for use in receiving signals from among a plurality of a plurality of antennas; a packet-destination judging unit that judges whether a packet obtained by demodulating a signal received by the receiving antenna selected by the antenna selecting unit is destined for the wireless communication terminal; and a stand-by-antenna determining unit that determines a stand-by antenna for use in receiving a packet to be received next based on a result of selection made by the antenna selecting unit and a result of judgment made by the packet-destination judging unit. |
| US08724744B2 |
Method and apparatus for wide dynamic range reduction
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for wide dynamic range phase conversion. In one embodiment, inphase and quadrature signal components of a complex input signal are collapsed into a single quadrant to produce a first signal representation. A scaling operation is subsequently performed on the first signal representation to produce a second signal representation. Lastly, the second signal representation is converted into the phase domain. |
| US08724743B2 |
Apparatus and method for calculating receive parameters for an MIMO system
An apparatus for calculating receive parameters for an MIMO system including a plurality of individual transmission sections, a transmission section having a transmit circuit adjustable by a transmit parameter, and a plurality of individual users, a user having a receive circuit being adjustable by a receive parameter, includes a calculator for calculating a receive parameter for a first selected data stream for a first user of the plurality of users using a channel information for a transmission channel between the user and a first individual transmit section, to which the user is associated, and for calculating a receive parameter for a second selected data stream for a second user of the plurality of users associated with a second different individual transmission section using channel information between the first user and the second transmission section the second user is associated with, or using the calculated receive parameter for the first user. |
| US08724742B2 |
Method and apparatus for soft buffer management for carrier aggregation
An apparatus and a method therein include selecting a size of a soft buffer memory partition per component carrier in a Carrier Aggregation scenario. The method supports multiple carriers to select a size of a soft buffer memory partition, the partition associated with receiving data on at least one component carrier, the multi-carrier system comprising at least two component carriers, each component carrier is associated with a configured bandwidth, the apparatus comprising the processor configured to select a size of a soft buffer memory partition for the first component carrier based at least in part on a first total number of soft channel bits, a first number associated with hybrid automatic retransmit request processes, and the configured bandwidth of the first component carrier. |
| US08724736B2 |
Passive transmitter architecture with switchable outputs for wireless applications
A transmitter architecture having a single signal path or hardware to cover WCDMA/EDGE/GSM applications, and requires no SAW at the transmitter outputs. The transmitter architecture allows for a transmit convergence feature. A passive mixer with unique driver and furthermore using native devices available from the CMOS process for the mixer cores enables low voltage and low power design, low output noise and high linearity. A digital variable gain amplifier has the capability to cover wide output dynamic range operated from low supply voltage and interfaced digitally with the baseband circuit without DAC. A single transformer is used to combine the outputs from the WCDMA/EDGE and GSM drivers and subsequently convert the differential signal paths into a single-ended signal. RF switches are used to divert the output from the transformer to different bands and applications. |
| US08724734B2 |
Coding method, decoding method, apparatuses thereof, programs thereof, and recording medium
A coding method with a small error is provided. In the coding method of the present invention, a normalization value obtained from an input signal is corrected for an error calculated from an input and output in vector quantization and is then quantized. The coding method includes a normalization stage of normalizing the input signal in accordance with the normalization value of the input signal, calculated in each frame; a dividing stage of dividing the normalized frame into divided input signal sequences in accordance with a predetermined rule; a vector quantization stage of applying vector quantization to the divided input signal sequences to generate a vector quantization index; and a normalization value correction stage of correcting the normalization value of the input signal for the error obtained from the input and output in the vector quantization stage. |
| US08724732B2 |
System and method for the cooperation among base stations
The present invention relates to a system and to a method for the cooperation among base stations, in which a communication service is provided to a plurality of communication terminals through the plurality of base stations. When channel state information of a communication terminal is acquired, a serving base station selects a serving channel code matching the channel state information from a codebook, calculates linear transform information using the serving channel code and the channel state information, and transmits the serving channel code to a cooperative base station. When the cooperative base station receives a cooperation channel code, the serving base station calculates serving weight information of the serving base station and cooperation weight information of the cooperative base station using the serving channel code and the cooperation channel code, and determines a beam forming vector by applying the linear transform information to the serving weight information. According to the present invention, the channel state information is linearly transformed before the base station transforms the channel state information into the channel code, to thereby predict a quantization loss between the channel state information and the channel code in the system for the cooperation among base stations. In addition, the base station may recover the quantization loss when communication service is provided in the system for the cooperation among base stations. This leads to improved cooperation performance among base stations in the system for the cooperation among base stations. |
| US08724731B2 |
Methods and systems for noise and interference cancellation
Signals propagating from an aggressor communication channel can cause detrimental interference in a victim communication channel. One or more noise cancellers can generate an interference compensation signal to suppress or cancel the interference based on one or more settings. A controller can execute algorithms to find preferred settings for the noise canceller(s). The controller can use a feedback signal (e.g., receive signal quality indicator) received from a victim receiver during the execution of the algorithm(s) to find the preferred settings. One exemplary algorithm includes sequentially evaluating the feedback resulting from a predetermined list of settings. Another algorithm includes determining whether to move from one setting to the next based on the feedback values for both settings. Yet another algorithm includes evaluating a number of sample settings to determine which of the sample settings result in a better feedback value and searching around that sample setting for a preferred setting. |
| US08724729B2 |
Interleaver, interleaving method, transmission apparatus, and transmitting method
Soft decision sections provisionally decide each modulated signal separated using an inverse matrix calculation of a channel fluctuation matrix at separation section. Signal point reduction sections reduce candidate signal points of a multiplexed modulated signal using the provisional decision results. Soft decision sections make a correct decision using the reduced candidate signal points and obtain received data of each modulated signal. This allows received data RA, RB with a good error rate characteristic to be obtained with a relatively small number of calculations without reducing data transmission efficiency. |
| US08724728B2 |
Method of generating adaptive codebook and multiple input multiple output communication system using the adaptive codebook
Provided is a method of generating an adaptive codebook and a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication system using the adaptive codebook. A transmitter and a receiver may generate, from a base codebook based on a matrix associated with statistics of a channel matrix, the adaptive codebook maintaining a unitary characteristic. The transmitter may perform scheduling, transmit filter design, and precoding using adaptive codebook based feedback information. |
| US08724727B2 |
System and method for outer loop link adaptation for a wireless communications system
A system and method for outer loop link adaptation for a wireless communications system are provided. A method for transmitting information includes receiving information to be transmitted, the information includes at least one codeword, encoding the at least one codeword, and transmitting the encoded at least one codeword. The encoding is based on a measurement of a channel being used to transmit the information and performance measurements for the channel. |
| US08724721B2 |
Method and apparatus for crest factor reduction
According to embodiments there is provided a method for reducing the crest factor of an input signal. The method is performed in a part of a transmitter and comprises creating a clipped signal by clipping the input signal using a predetermined clipping threshold and creating a peak signal from the input signal. The peak signal comprises the difference between the input signal and the clipped signal. At least part of the peak signal is convoluted with an inverse Fourier transform of a filtering mask defined in the frequency domain. In this way a filtered signal is created. A subtraction signal is generated by subtracting the filtered signal from the input signal. |
| US08724718B2 |
Pilot pattern design for small size resource block in OFDMA systems
In OFDMA wireless communications systems, pilot pattern design is optimized based on predefined resource block size. The number of pilots and the spacing between pilots within a resource block is determined based on a set of system requirements. In one novel aspect, if resource block size is smaller than three in either frequency or time domain, then the pilots are allocated such that average pilot-to-data distance is minimized and that pilot-to-pilot distance is as large as possible. In one example, m pilots are allocated in an i×j resource block. The resource block is partitioned into n equal sub blocks, where m is a multiple of n. Within each sub block, m/n pilots are positioned such that average pilot-to-data distance is minimized. On the other hand, if resource block size is larger than or equal to three in both frequency and time domain, then pilots are allocated to avoid channel extrapolation. |
| US08724717B2 |
Pilot pattern design for high-rank MIMO OFDMA systems
In OFDMA wireless communications systems, pilot pattern design is optimized based on predefined resource block size. The number of pilots and the spacing between pilots within a resource block is determined based on a set of system requirements. In one novel aspect, in a high-rank MIMO system, pilots are allocated within a resource block to avoid channel extrapolation in frequency domain only. Because high-rank MIMO only supports low-mobility environment, time-domain extrapolation is no longer a dominant factor. For uplink transmission, one or more frequency tones at one or more edges of the resource block are reserved to be pilot-free to reduce multiuser synchronization error effect. When continuous resource blocks are jointly used for channel estimation, the upper and lower edges of each resource block are left with blanks such that edge pilots of adjacent resource blocks are not too close to each other to improve channel estimation. |
| US08724710B2 |
Method and apparatus for video encoding with hypothetical reference decoder compliant bit allocation
A method and apparatus are provided for encoding with hypothetical reference decoder compliant bit allocation. The apparatus includes an encoder (100) for encoding image data for a picture in a resultant bitstream by controlling a bit allocation during the encoding of the image data responsive to satisfying requirements for a subsequent decoding of the bitstream. The requirements relate to preventing at least one of an underflow condition and an overflow condition in a buffer during the subsequent decoding of the bitstream. |
| US08724708B2 |
Image decoding device, image decoding system, image decoding method, and integrated circuit
A segment allocation determination unit of an image decoding device determines an allocation of segments, in accordance with processing capabilities of the image decoding units, so that the processing times of the image decoding units are equal. When a first error detection unit detects an error, a segment allocation determination unit performs control so that the segment including the error is allocated to an image decoding unit to which a predicted reference image of the segment is allocated. When any of second error detection units detect an error, the segment allocation determination unit controls allocation of the next series of segments with consideration to a bit amount skipped due to the error. This enables providing an image decoding device that can efficiently realize decoding with a plurality of image decoding units even when an error is detected. |
| US08724705B2 |
Detecting repetition in digital video
There is provided a method of detecting repeated pictures in a sequence of video picture data, each picture of said video picture data comprising a plurality of macroblocks, the method comprising performing hierarchical motion estimation on the video picture data to provide best motion vectors for each macroblock, best motion vector sum of absolute difference values for each macro block and zero motion vector sum of absolute difference values for each macroblock, wherein the hierarchical motion estimation includes a plurality of levels, and said best motion vectors, best motion vector sum of absolute difference values and zero motion vector sum of absolute difference values for each macroblock are provided for at least a top level, providing a noise threshold value based upon the zero motion vector sum of absolute difference values from the top level of the hierarchical motion estimation, accumulating the best motion vector sum of absolute difference values for macroblocks having best motion vector sum of absolute difference values greater than the noise threshold value to provide a distortion value for the picture, and setting a repeat flag dependent upon the distortion value. An apparatus adapted to carry out the method, and a computer readable medium carrying instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method are also provided. |
| US08724694B2 |
On-the spot deblocker in a decoding pipeline
A decoder pipeline may include a decoding (prior to deblocking) stage followed by a deblocking stage. A memory can be coupled to the decoder pipeline. A decoded first macroblock can be output from the decoding stage directly into the deblocking stage, bypassing the memory, if a decoded second macroblock depended on to deblock the first macroblock is already deblocked. Otherwise, the decoded first macroblock is stored in the memory until the second macroblock is deblocked and available to deblock the first macroblock. |
| US08724692B2 |
Apparatus, a method and a computer program for video coding
An apparatus, a method and a computer program product for video coding are provided including selecting an encoding method from a set of encoding methods comprising at least a first encoding method and a second encoding method for encoding a block of pixels of an image; selecting at least one control point among the pixels of the block of pixels, wherein the control pixel is selected from any pixel of the block of pixels; and selecting a first reference point different from the control point; determining values of the other pixels of the selected block of pixels on the basis of the value of the control point and the value of the at least one reference point. |
| US08724686B2 |
Equalization by the pulse shape inverse of the input to the FRI processing in pulse based communications
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method for equalizing a pulse signal corrupted by a noise and by various channel effects for obtaining a signal based on the periodic-sinc pulse, which is suitable for Finite Rate of Innovation (FRI) processing applied at a receiver of a pulse-based communication system (e.g., an Ultra-Wideband receiver). |
| US08724678B2 |
Electromagnetic interference reduction in wireline applications using differential signal compensation
A transceiver with a compensator circuit and a method for signaling are disclosed. A common mode signal detector in the transceiver detects a common mode signal, and the compensator circuit adjusts one or more component of a differential signal based on the common mode signal to pre-compensate the differential signal so that the effect of noise interference or imbalance in the circuitry is reduced. |
| US08724676B2 |
Method and apparatus for single carrier spreading
A wireless device comprises a code-assignment module configured for assigning Golay codes to be used for spreading, a spreading module configured for spreading data with the Golay codes to produce a signal, wherein the Golay codes are randomly used to spread the data, and a transmitter configured for transmitting the signal. The wireless device may transmit a first beacon signal via a set of quasi-omni beam patterns, and a second beacon signal via a set directional beam patterns. The first beacon signal has a first transmission rate that is higher than the second beacon signal's the transmission rate. Extended Golay codes having zero periodic cross-correlation may be generated from a Golay code and a set of short sequences. A data block transmitted by the wireless device may comprise Golay codes and data portions, wherein every data portion is between two Golay codes and every Golay code is between two data portions. |
| US08724675B2 |
Coherent interference detection
A method for detecting coherent interference includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal at a first frequency, (b) forming a set of cross-correlation results by at least cross-correlating the signal with a first known code for a plurality of code offsets, (c) determining a statistical signature of the cross-correlation results, and (d) deciding, based on the statistical signature, whether non-negligible coherent interference is present within a search bin defined by the combination of the first frequency and the first known code. |
| US08724672B2 |
Laser
An ultrashort-pulse laser that has a resonator that includes a laser gain medium, dispersion compensation optics, and a deformable optical element adapted to change its shape and consequently one or more characteristics of pulses output from the cavity. |
| US08724670B2 |
Semiconductor laser device, photoelectric converter, and optical information processing unit
There is provided a semiconductor laser device that enables flip-chip assembly by providing an embedding section around a mesa section, and has an improved emission lifetime. There is also provided a photoelectric converter and an optical information processing unit each having the semiconductor laser device. The semiconductor laser device includes: a mesa section including an active layer, and having a first electrode on a top surface; an embedding section covering the mesa section, and having a first connection aperture that reaches the first electrode; and a first wiring provided on the embedding section to be laid across the first connection aperture, the first wiring being electrically connected to the first electrode through the first connection aperture. |
| US08724669B2 |
System for driving pulsed laser diode pump
A power supply for laser systems is configured with a DC power source having an output source voltage, an energy accumulator operatively connected to the output of the DC power source, and a pump. Coupled between the accumulator and source is a first DC to DC stage with at least one switched-mode power converter which is operative to charge the accumulator with voltage. The charged voltage may be same or different from the source voltage. The power supply further includes a second DC to DC stage with at least one switched-mode power converter coupled between the accumulator and pump and operative to discharge accumulator to the same or different output voltage. The DC to DC converters are configured so that current pulses at the input of the pump each have a peak value greater than the power source current. |
| US08724668B2 |
Light source device
Included are, a module fixing body having a plurality of mounting holes into which laser modules are fitted and accommodated, respectively; an electricity-supplying member having an end provided with electricity-supplying terminals, which are connected to electricity-receiving terminals of the laser module accommodated in the mounting hole; and a cooling member that cools each of the laser modules. A groove in which the electricity-supplying member is accommodated is formed in a surface of the module fixing body, and the cooling member is closely arranged on the surface of the module fixing body. |
| US08724660B2 |
Transmission and reception apparatus for dynamic lane operation in multi-lane based ethernet system, and method of controlling the same
Provided is a transmission apparatus for a dynamic lane operation in a multi-lane based Ethernet system, including: a monitor to monitor whether at least one lane being used by the transmission apparatus is modified; an upper layer manager to transmit, to a Reconciliation Sublayer (RS) of the transmission apparatus, lane change information associated with the modified at least one lane; and an RS manager to transmit the lane change information to an RS of a reception apparatus corresponding to the RS of the transmission apparatus. |
| US08724658B2 |
Optical transmission device and optical transmission method
An output control unit outputs data of bit rate A to a first header-attaching unit and data of bit rate B to a second header-attaching unit. An instructing unit instructs the first or the second header-attaching unit to attach a header of bit rate being the least bit rate to the data of bit rate A or B. The first header-attaching unit creates a header of bit rate A, including an ID of a destination ONU of the data of bit rate A and information concerning the data length, and attaches the header of bit rate A to the data of bit rate A. The second header-attaching unit creates a header of bit rate A, including an ID of the destination ONU of the data of bit rate B and information concerning the data length, and attaches the header of bit rate A to the data of bit rate B. |
| US08724649B2 |
Distributed coexistence system for interference mitigation in a single chip radio or multi-radio communication device
A novel and useful apparatus for and method of distributed coexistence for mitigating interference in a single chip radio and/or a multi-radio (i.e. multi-transceiver) communications device. The invention enables coexistence ‘friendly’ radio IPs having frequency agility in that they are capable of shifting their clock frequencies thereby avoiding frequency bands of potential victim radios. Frequency agility on the aggressor radio side (rather than by mitigating the effect of interference on the victim radio side) prevents harmonics from the aggressor's clock scheme from falling in the operating frequency band of the victim radio, and in turn causing degradation to its performance. Each aggressor radio, based on information received from other radios, configures the root clock frequency of its RX and/or TX chain clock generation circuits. |
| US08724647B2 |
Searchable television commercials
A mechanism is provided for indexing commercials. A viewer may query a search engine for a particular product or service. The index may include descriptors that are provided within a blanking interval within the media stream or within program guide information associated with the stream. The index information may also include Internet hyperlinks. Commercials may also have associated therewith a value that is relative to a value of media content. A viewer may accumulate value by viewing advertisements. Accumulated value may then be used to acquire more content. |
| US08724646B2 |
Systems and methods to transmit information among a plurality of physical upstream channels
A communication system includes a supervisory node (e.g., a headend) and one or more remote nodes (e.g., cable modems). The supervisory node or a remote node monitors a characteristic associated with the communication system. Remote node transmits an upstream communication among a plurality of physical upstream channels based on the characteristic. The average transmit power used to transmit the upstream communication among the plurality of physical upstream channels is no greater than the average transmit power that would be necessary to transmit the upstream communication using a single physical upstream channel at a lower data rate. |
| US08724644B2 |
Double-ring network system, method for determining transmission priority in double-ring network and transmission station device
According to one embodiment, in a double-ring network, a master station includes a transmitting and receiving permission switch portion, a communication port A at an A-system side, a communication port B at a B-system side, a first receiving control circuit portion, a transmitting and receiving control circuit portion, a frame detection determining circuit portion, a frame data generating circuit portion, a logical address determining circuit portion, a live list setting circuit portion and an address list setting circuit portion. The master station determines a token order (a transmission priority, also called a logical address) using a shortest path function by the logical address determining circuit portion and the address list setting circuit portion such that the token order does not depend on physical addresses of transmission stations and is matched to a connection order of transmission stations to realize path optimization. This reduces a transmission time. |
| US08724642B2 |
Interfaces to manage direct network peerings
Methods and apparatus for interfaces to manage direct network peerings. A system may include a data center, endpoint routers and a connectivity coordinator. The coordinator implements a programmatic interface defining connectivity operations. The coordinator receives a request for dedicated connectivity to data center resources, formatted according to the interface. The coordinator selects a target endpoint router at which to establish a physical link to implement the dedicated connectivity, and transmits a response identifying the target endpoint router and including configuration instructions for setting up a physical link for the dedicated connectivity. |
| US08724640B2 |
Method for operating a distributed communications network
A method for operating a dezentralized communication network with network nodes is provided. The method is based on protocols in conventional peer-to-peer networks. The method provides rapid searching of resources whereby each network node manages a table containing information regarding all the other network nodes, such that a network that contains the resource is immediately retrieved among the table entries. Furthermore, the table contains device names of technical components on which the network nodes are mapped, so that a technical component is directly addressed also via its device name without use of the search process. |
| US08724636B2 |
Methods of reliably sending control signal
Downlink PDCCH is communicated in a manner that mitigates a UE from decoding the PDCCH on multiple aggregation levels. Ambiguous payload sizes are identified and modified through zero padding with one or more bits based on the payload size. Aggregation level scrambling sequences can be generated such that a receiving UE can accurately identify the aggregation level on which to decode the PDCCH. Indicator bits that signal the aggregation level to a UE can also be included in the PDCCH. |
| US08724625B2 |
Method and apparatus for coordinating a change in service provider between a client and a server with identity based service access management
A method of configuring a network access device connected to an access network connected to a plurality of service networks, the network device having a first network address allocated to a subscriber of services of a first service provider provided by a first service network, with a new network address allocated to a second subscriber of services of either the first service provider, or a second service provider provided by a second service network. The method comprises the steps of: sending a request from the network access device to the access network with user credentials for the second subscriber requesting access to the first service provider or a change to the second service provider; receiving a response from the access network; and initiating a network address change request using a configuration protocol. In this manner, a second network address allocated to the second subscriber of services of either the first or second service providers is assigned to the network access device to enable the network access device to communicate data packets to the service network providing the selected service. |
| US08724623B2 |
Switch fabric with wireless intra-connectivity
A plurality of wireless interfaces and/or internal radios is utilized within a network switching device to enable wireless intra-connectivity within its switch fabric. The wireless intra-connectivity services switching operations in the network switching device, to prevent and/or reduce blocking in the network switching device. The wireless intra-connectivity is also used to enable management and control operations in the network switching device. Operations of the internal radios and/or wireless interfaces are managed to mitigate and/or limit interference among the internal radios and to optimize throughput available via the wireless intra-connectivity. Arbitration, channelization, time multiplexing, and/or directionality techniques, for example, are utilized in the internal radios. External radios are operable to enable cascading plurality of network switching devices. |
| US08724621B2 |
Electronic apparatus and method for sharing ethernet circuit between plurality of ports
The invention provides an electronic apparatus. In one embodiment, the electronic apparatus comprises a plurality of ports, an Ethernet circuit, a port switch, and a flow control scheduler. The Ethernet circuit generates a plurality of transmitted packets according to transmitted data sent from the host, and derives received data sent to a host from a plurality of received packets. The flow control scheduler receives a plurality of transmitting requests corresponding to the ports from the host, arbitrates between the transmitting requests corresponding to the ports to select a transmitting port from the ports, receives a plurality of receiving requests corresponding to the ports from the host, and arbitrates between the plurality of receiving requests corresponding to the ports to select a receiving port from the ports. The port switch sends the transmitted packets to the transmitting port, and receives the received packets from the receiving port. |
| US08724614B2 |
Radio network communication system and protocol
A communications system and protocol for a radio communications network including a number of transceiver devices. The protocol ensures that network variables to be shared by all devices are correctly received and updated by all devices. The protocol also provides for accurately detecting the transition from one time slot to another, in a given data transaction. The protocol utilizes a method of providing a marker in a data time frame for use such as marking the end of a variable slot in a data frame. The method includes encoding data into states, and then generating a marker that is an illegal combination of states in the encoding scheme. |
| US08724612B2 |
Adaptive timers for polling in a mobile wireless device
A method for adapting data retrieval polling in a mobile wireless device is disclosed. The mobile wireless device is configured in an adaptive pull mode and polls a remote server when a data retrieval polling timer expires. Data retrieval information is stored in the mobile wireless device and the data retrieval polling timer is updated to a value based on the stored data retrieval information. The data retrieval information includes time intervals between successive polls or time delay intervals between data arrival at and retrieval from the remote server. Updates are based on weighted moving averages of the data retrieval information. |
| US08724610B2 |
Interference reduction for wireless networks
Embodiments are described to mitigate network interference issues and to enable a significant increase in the throughput of wireless systems. In one method, pilot transmissions of a first and second group of wireless units are synchronized. Each wireless unit of the first group and each wireless unit of the second group use a different orthogonal pilot (than others in their group) from the same group of orthogonal pilots. Also, the pilot transmissions of the second group of wireless units are synchronized so as to be shifted in time from the pilot transmissions of the first group. In another method, data from neighboring cells and pilots from wireless units are received at a cell. Channel vectors for the wireless units are then estimated using the received data from neighboring cells, the received pilots from the wireless units and previously estimated channel vectors between the cell and the neighboring cells. |
| US08724607B2 |
Method and apparatus for downlink transmission based on MIMO precoding in wireless communication system employing distributed antenna systems
A transmission method and apparatus utilizing Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) precoding based on Distributed Antenna Systems (DASs) are provided. The transmission method includes determining active antenna ports, for a User Equipment (UE) having multiple receive antennas, from among a plurality of Distributed Antenna Ports (DAPs) evenly placed in a service area; assigning a Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) mode to the UE and notifying the UE of the MIMO mode assignment; determining a signal precoding vector on a basis of feedback information for the MIMO mode received from the UE; and precoding a signal using the signal precoding vector and transmitting the precoded signal through the active antenna ports. |
| US08724606B2 |
Method and system for advertising channel load
The present disclosure discloses a network device and method for advertising channel load. The disclosed network device aggregates a number of clients that are associated with the network device on a specific wireless communication channel, and advertises the aggregated number to a client on the specific wireless communication channel. Further, the network device can receive aggregated load information on the specific wireless communication channel from another management network device, and further aggregates the load information across multiple wireless networks operating on the same wireless communication channel and coupled to different management network devices. |
| US08724605B2 |
Multicast video and data delivery with beamforming antennas in indoor wireless networks
A method includes receiving input information related to transmission of video and data by an access point in a wireless network, the input information including at least one of setup connections, modulating and coding scheme MCS; receiving, by the access point, channel state each information from each user in the wireless network, the channel state information including signal-to-interference-and-noise-ratio SINR for each user under each beam pattern; and multicast beamform scheduling, responsive to the receiving, for multicast delivery of the video and data from the access point with beamforming antennas, the videos being at least one of a multi-resolution and a multi-layered video, the scheduling including a greedy procedure for selecting beams, assigning MCS and video layer or resolution to each of the beams. |
| US08724601B2 |
Universal-serial-bus-compatible apparatus
Provided is a USB-compatible apparatus. More particularly, the USB-compatible apparatus integrates a mobile communication module (such as 3G/3.5G/3.75G) and a WLAN module (such as WiFi) into a singular USB apparatus. Inside the body of the USB-compatible apparatus, a routing module is introduced to bridge the mobile communication module and the WLAN module so as to forward the transferred or received data packets therebetween. A plurality of terminal computers can connect to a network via this USB-compatible apparatus since the inside WLAN module provides multiple wireless ports for the terminal computers. The USB-compatible apparatus further has a power-management module for performing arrangement of electric power among the inside modules. The USB-compatible apparatus particularly uses a USB interface to take an external power. Preferably, the apparatus can take power directly from a computer system, or use alternating current or direct current via an adapter. |
| US08724600B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a media playback in a networked environment
Described herein are systems and methods for providing media playback in a networked environment. In one embodiment, a networked media playback device is configured to provide a web server for delivering data indicative of a browser-renderable control interface for the networked media playback device, or for a related networked media playback system. In overview, the user of a networked device, such as a wireless web enabled device, is able to render the control interface in a web browser, and in this manner control playback of digital media via the networked media playback device or networked media playback system. |
| US08724598B1 |
Method for energy-efficient, traffic-adaptive, flow-specific medium access for wireless networks
Energy-efficient, traffic-adaptive Cooperative Wireless Sensor Medium Access Control (CWS-MAC) is a traffic-adaptive, flow-specific medium access method capable of providing contention- or non-contention-based medium access service on a per flow basis. |
| US08724597B2 |
CDMA receiver downlink architecture for soft-handoff
A wireless communication system can include at least two base stations coupled with a network, the two base stations transmitting pilot signals that are used to make a soft handoff decision for a communication device based on base station related information received from the communication device, the base station related information being assembled within the communication device by continuously tracking selected base station pilot signals received by the communication device, the selected base station pilot signals sometimes including one or more pilot signals that are not assigned to rake fingers associated with a receiver coupled with the communication device, and at least one of the base stations delivering soft handoff information to the communication device after the soft handoff decision has been made by the network. |
| US08724592B2 |
Control unit and method for controlling the load in a mobile telecommunications network
A method and control nodes for controlling load-based handover in a mobile telecommunications network is proposed and at least one logical control node for controlling resources in said cell and at least one logical service node for controlling quality of service, wherein said logical service node comprises terminal instruction means for instructing a mobile terminal communicating with said at least first base station to perform a handover, comprising the steps of—determining, in the CRNC, if the load in the cell exceeds a first threshold, —selecting, in the CRNC, a mobile terminal that should be moved to another carrier if the load in the cell exceeds the first threshold, and—instructing, from the CRNC, the SRNC to instruct the at least one mobile terminal to perform a handover. |
| US08724591B2 |
Traffic offload method, traffic offload function entity and traffic offload system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a traffic offload method, a traffic offload function entity, and a traffic offload system. The method includes: receiving, by a first traffic offload function entity, user information of a user equipment sent by a core network device; obtaining, a traffic offload policy and matching the traffic offload policy with the user information; and offloading traffic corresponding to the user equipment according to the user information that successfully matches the traffic offload policy. The traffic offload function entity may obtain the user information and may perform traffic offload according to the user information. |
| US08724585B2 |
GRE user-plane
The present invention relates to providing a generic control plane in a GTP mobility protocol in a core network. When a type of user plane is detected, a user plane parameter is provided in a control plane message header. The user plane message indicates the type of user plane. Functions, parameters and messages are provided according to the indicated type of user plane. Thus, e.g. easier hand over between different access networks can be provided and an optimization of the user plane implementation in an edge node. |
| US08724580B2 |
Reduction of transmission overhead in a wireless communication system
Methods and apparatuses for reducing the overhead associated with transmitting MAPs are provided by grouping client stations in different constellations into one of two or more groups/allocations based partially upon their respective channel conditions. As a result of grouping, client stations within each group/allocation share a single resource allocation and in addition, the different groups of client stations can be scheduled such that variable modulation repeat-coding schemes can be implemented for map transmissions to each group, thereby reducing the repetition rates and overhead associated with map transmissions. |
| US08724579B2 |
Method and unit for efficient reporting of scheduling information in a wireless telecommunications system
A method in a wireless communication system for reporting buffer information includes selecting a format for a buffer report based on a number of radio bearer groups, k, for which data is available for transmission by a user equipment. The buffer report indicates a respective buffer fill level for one or more radio bearer groups associated with the user equipment. The method also include encoding a buffer fill level for one or more radio bearer groups in a buffer report in accordance with the selected format and transmitting the buffer report. |
| US08724578B2 |
Apparatus and method for distributed scheduling in wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for transmitting data according to distributed scheduling by guaranteeing fairness and considering system throughput at same time in a wireless communication system are provided. The method for operations of a terminal for transmitting the data include determining a Proportional Fairness (PF) value, determining a link class of a link to a peer terminal using the PF value, determining a variable which is used to determine whether the terminal wins or loses a contention according to the link class, and transmitting a request message requesting channel occupation based on the contention according to the variable. |
| US08724571B2 |
Carrier construction for effective control channel decoding
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and to an apparatus in which a terminal processes a downlink control channel in a wireless communication system that supports carrier aggregation. The method comprises the steps of: checking a plurality of carrier groups from a plurality of downlink component carriers (DL CCs); receiving a control information region through at least a portion of the plurality of DL CCs; performing blind decoding on control channels in the control information region in a first carrier group; and performing blind decoding on control channels in the control information region in a second carrier group. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for the method. |
| US08724569B2 |
Radio base station and mobile communication method
A radio base station includes a resource assignment unit for assigning a resource candidate for transmitting a semi-persistent scheduling transmission acknowledgement signal to a first mobile station during a semi-persistent scheduling bearer setting process. The resource candidate for transmitting a semi-persistent scheduling transmission acknowledgement signal is formed by a combination of a frequency direction resource and a code direction resource by which the first mobile station transmits a transmission acknowledgement signal after a predetermined timing from a timing of receiving downlink data, to the downlink data that has been scheduled by semi-persistent scheduling and has been transmitted via a downlink data channel. The resource assignment unit is configured to assign the resource candidate for transmitting a semi-persistent scheduling transmission acknowledgement signal to the first mobile station based on a number of assignments of predetermined resources formed by a combination of a frequency direction resource and a code direction resource. |
| US08724565B2 |
Method and apparatus for sending and receiving multi-carrier information in multi-carrier communication system
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sending and receiving multi-carrier information to support multi-carrier mode operations in a multi-carrier communication system. The method of the present invention for sending and receiving multi-carrier information comprises a step wherein a base station transmits system information on a supportable multi-carrier to a terminal via a broadcast message; a step wherein a unicast message is received from the terminal, including information regarding the carriers that the terminal prefers or is able to support in the multi-carrier list included in said system information; and a step wherein multi-carrier allocation information, including the primary carrier and secondary carrier that the terminal will use, is transmitted to the terminal via unicast message. |
| US08724563B2 |
Method and apparatus that facilitates detecting system information blocks in a heterogeneous network
Aspects are disclosed for detecting a system information block (SIB) within a heterogeneous network. In one aspect, a type of scheduling information pertaining to an SIB is selected, and a parameter known to a wireless terminal is associated with the type of scheduling information. The wireless terminal then decodes the SIB by deriving the scheduling information from the known parameters, without having to decode a Physical Downlink Control Channel. |
| US08724560B2 |
Method for allowing a UICC to manage the PDP context paramethers
The invention relates to a method for setting up data bearer parameters for a wireless communication between a User Equipment (2) and a remote server (12, 14, 15) in a telecommunication network, said UE (2) comprising a UICC (4) and a Mobile Equipment (6) having each a TCP/IP stack, said UICC (4) embodying at least one application intended to connect to at least one application on the network side, said method comprising the following steps: the UICC sends to the Mobile Equipment ME PDP context parameters within a specific command defined for activating or deactivating a PDP context, on reception of said specific command, the Mobile Equipment transmits a PDP context request to the Network with the parameters received in said specific command, on reception of said PDP context request the Network transmits to the Mobile Equipment (6) a confirmation for a PDP context activation or for a PDP context deactivation, the Mobile Equipment (6) forwards said confirmation to the UICC (4). |
| US08724555B2 |
Uplink pilot and signaling transmission in wireless communication systems
Techniques to more efficiently transmit pilot and signaling on the uplink in an OFDM system. With subband multiplexing, M usable subbands in the system are partitioned into Q disjoint groups of subbands. Each subband group may be assigned to a different terminal for uplink pilot transmission. Multiple terminals may transmit simultaneously on their assigned subbands. The transmit power for the pilot may be scaled higher to attain the same total pilot energy even though S instead of M subbands are used for pilot transmission by each terminal. Pilot transmissions from the terminals are received, and a channel estimate is derived for each terminal based on the pilot received on the assigned subbands. The channel estimate comprises a response for additional subbands not included in the assigned group. Subband multiplexing may also be used for uplink signaling transmission. |
| US08724554B2 |
Open transaction central billing system
Devices, methods, and computer-readable media for detecting an attempted use of a data service over a wireless access network by a device, the data service being unavailable to the device in a current state of the device or available to the device at a lower cost within a different service plan than a current service plan associated with the device; initiating communication with one or more network elements to obtain information about a service plan offer for enabling access to the data service; obtaining the information about the service plan offer; in response to the detected attempted use of the data service, presenting, through a user interface of the device, a first notification offering the service plan offer; obtaining a response to the first notification; and sending an indication of the response to the one or more network elements over the wireless access network. |
| US08724551B2 |
Mobile communication system, mobile station apparatus and re-connection method
It is possible to complete a re-connection in a short time and prevent instantaneous interruption of communication by including a plurality of base station apparatuses and a mobile station apparatus; the mobile station apparatus includes: a delay difference detecting unit that detects a difference in reception timing between a signal from the base station apparatus with which the mobile station apparatus currently communicates and a signal from the base station apparatus that is a re-connection destination candidate; a transmission timing calculating unit that calculates, based on the difference in reception timing, a transmission timing to the base station apparatus that is the re-connection destination candidate; and a re-connection processing unit that, having detected a disconnection of the communication with the base station apparatus with which the mobile station apparatus currently communicates, uses the transmission timing to start a communication with the base station apparatus that is the re-connection destination candidate. |
| US08724548B2 |
Counter check procedure for packet data transmission
A counter synchronization process is described that is event driven rather than conducted on a periodic basis. A receiving device, which may be a user equipment (UE) or a base station, monitors received data packets to detect a rollover of a packet data sequence number in successive data packets. When the sequence number rollover is detected, the receiving device increments the variable data portion of the deciphering key stored in memory. Also in response to this detected rollover event, the receiving device transmits a synchronization message to the source device. |
| US08724547B2 |
Method and system for control of discontinuous reception (DRX) by a mobile device in a wireless communications network supporting voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP)
A method and system for controlling discontinuous reception (DRX) in a mobile device in a wireless communications network that supports voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) and that uses an automatic repeat-request (ARQ) method, like a hybrid automatic repeat-request (HARQ) method, uses autonomous DRX control after initial VoIP traffic setup. If the mobile device transmits a negative-acknowledgement signal (NACK) indicating unsuccessful receipt of a VoIP packet, then it autonomously turns on a predetermined delay time later to receive the retransmission of the VoIP packet, where the predetermined delay time is related to the time for the base station to process the NACK and prepare the VoIP packet for retransmission. When the mobile device transmits or retransmits a VoIP packet, reception is deactivated, but is autonomously activated the predetermined delay time later to receive an acknowledgement signal (ACK) or NACK. VoIP packets may be transmitted from the mobile device the predetermined delay time before VoIP packets are transmitted from the base station. This alignment allows an ACK or NACK to be transmitted from the base station in the same transmission time interval (TTI) as a VoIP packet. |
| US08724546B2 |
Training sequence indication for WLAN
In a method for generating a preamble of a data unit for transmission via a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) communication channel, a first field of the preamble is generated. The first field provides a plurality of indicators to a plurality of receivers. Each one of the plurality of indicators indicates a set of a plurality of training sequences that corresponds to transmission of the data unit to a corresponding one of the plurality of receivers. The plurality of training sequences is included in a second field of the preamble. The preamble is formatted such that the first field of the preamble will be transmitted prior to the second field of the preamble being transmitted. |
| US08724544B2 |
Method for transmitting a packet at a base station in a network using multiple communication schemes
A method of transmitting a packet, at a MS and base station operable using multiple communication schemes is disclosed. The base station of the multiple communication schemes receives a packet from the MS and then determines a transmission path based on a link status of a network, a traffic characteristic of the packet and the like. The base station transmits the packet of the first communication scheme via a network using a second communication scheme, thereby enabling traffic redirection. Such a resource as a frequency band and the like, which will be used between networks using different communication schemes, can be cooperatively set between the MS and the base station. |
| US08724538B2 |
Communication system, base station apparatus, server apparatus, mobile station apparatus, and transmission data amount determining method
It is advantageous for present invention to suitably determine amounts of transmission data for links in a multilink communication. In a mobile communication system (10) for making a multilink communication through which a communication is performed by using a plurality of links relayed by a plurality of base station apparatus (30), respectively, each of the base station apparatuses (30) acquire transmittable data amount information representing amounts of data able to be transmitted through the respective links by a mobile station apparatus (20) or a server apparatus (40), and the mobile station apparatus (20) or the server apparatus (40) determines amounts of transmission data to be transmitted to the respective links in correspondence to the transmittable data amount information, and transmits communication data of amounts of data corresponding to the amounts of transmission data determined to the respective links. |
| US08724531B2 |
Low power module for a station of a wireless communication system and related method
The invention relates to a low power module, and in particular, to a low power module applied in a station of a wireless communication system. A low power module includes a first MAC module, a second MAC module, a low power switch register, a control register unit, a slow clock generator, and a multiplexer (MUX). The first and second MAC module transmits and receives packets in a normal operational mode and a power save mode, respectively. The low power switch register switches a current mode to another mode. The control register unit controls the RF/BB module and the clock generator under the control of the low power switch register. The slow clock generator generates a slow operational clock for the second MAC module in the power save mode. The MUX chooses the normal operational or the slow operational clock periodically as a clock of the second MAC module according to the control register unit. |
| US08724526B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting digital data over various communication media
A system is described for transmitting a communication signal between power lines. The system includes: a transmitter which outputs an OFDM or an FM-OFDM signal at a radio frequency greater than 200 MHz; a first power line which receives the OFDM or the FM-OFDM signal from the transmitter and radiates the OFDM or the FM-OFDM signal from a conductor of the first power line; a second power line which wirelessly receives, by a conductor of the second power line, the OFDM or the FM-OFDM signal radiated from the first power line, and a receiver connected to the second power line which receives the OFDM or the FM-OFDM signal from the second power line. |
| US08724524B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method
When communicating with a second wireless station, a first wireless station judges, based on link-related information received from the second wireless station and link-related information extracted from a signal transmitted by a fourth wireless station, whether a transmission link from the third wireless station to the fourth wireless station and a transmission link from the first wireless station to the second wireless station can be concurrently established without interference with each other. If judging affirmatively, the first wireless station transmits a signal to the second wireless station in synchronization with a signal transmitted by the third wireless station to the fourth wireless station. |
| US08724522B2 |
Method and system for locating a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) device connected to a network
A method and system for locating a device connected to a network by determining a current network address for the device and comparing the current network address to a network address in a user profile. If the network addresses match, the device is located based on a physical address associated with the network address in the user profile. |
| US08724519B2 |
Technique for dual homing interconnection between communication networks
A dual homing technique for ensuring loop free transmission of traffic between telecommunication networks such as VPLS by utilizing a loop protocol in the dual homed connection. The technique also provides selective handling of VPLS data streams protected and non-protected by the dual homing loop protocol. |
| US08724516B2 |
Unifying connected dominating set using localized two hop information with a flexible dominating factor
The present disclosure is directed to a method for forming a connected dominating set (CDS) for a graph. The method may include directing each node of the graph to broadcast a dominating factor and neighboring node information; identifying a dominating set based on the dominating factor of each node in comparison with dominating factors of neighboring nodes according to a dominating set rule definition; identifying a connecting set for connecting nodes according to a connecting set rule definition; and forming the CDS as a union of the dominating set and the connecting set. |
| US08724514B2 |
Method and a device for controlling advertising of routing data
A method for controlling advertising of routing data to neighbor routers is presented. A list of prefixes is maintained (301) and each prefix is associated (302) with an own indicator vector that contains a data item for each of the neighbor routers so that the data item indicates (304) whether the prefix concerned is to be advertised to the neighbor router concerned. For each neighbor router there is (303) a handling pointer pointing to the prefix that is relevant to the status of an advertising process related to this neighbor router, and the handling pointer is moved forward on the list of prefixes according as the prefixes are advertised to this neighbor router. As there is no need to maintain an own list of prefixes for each neighbor router separately, but only neighbor router-specific entries in the indicator vectors, savings can be achieved in the required memory space. |
| US08724512B2 |
System and method for network topology discovery
A system and method for discovering network topology by various switch training and probing methods. Segments are discovered by having computers enter a promiscuous mode and determining from packets sent to a selected computer which computers see which other computers in the network. From the segments, various switch interconnections are determined, by having different computers train switches as to a training address and seeing which computers receive probe packets sent to that training address from another computer. Various training and probing methods are described that locate intermediate segments, deep switches, switch interconnections, and edge and singleton cases. In one implementation, a master computer coordinates the other computers (and devices) in the network to send the training and probing packets, and report on received packets, in order to determine the network topology. |
| US08724511B2 |
Method for provisioning circuits on multiple parallel links with a single setup message
A method and system for provisioning circuits on multiple parallel links with a single setup message is disclosed. A setup message specifying links in a circuit path is transmitted to switches along the circuit path. If a switch determines that a link specified in the setup message has insufficient bandwidth for the circuit, the switch substitutes a parallel link having sufficient bandwidth for the specified link in the circuit path. The setup message can indicate whether substitution for a link is permitted. This can be used to prevent substitution for links when provisioning service routes for new circuits in order to maintain diversity requirements, while allowing substitution for links when provisioning restoration routes for failed circuits in order to reduce restoration time. |
| US08724509B2 |
Mobile communication method, mobile communication system, and corresponding apparatus
The present invention introduces a method for the network to optimize the route for user's local IP access, without affecting the access to operator's core network. With this mechanism, no excessive signalling is needed for the optimization. The present invention is also applicable to the corporate network that has multiple home NodeBs or home eNodeBs. Finer grain control on the services to be provided over different home NodeB or home eNodeB is also possible. Further, path optimization and continuation of the service upon handover can be controlled, and hence flexibility of the service can be secured. |
| US08724507B2 |
System and method for implementing an automatic discovery function in a DWDM network
A system and method for implementing an automatic discovery function in a DWDM network are provided, wherein the system includes: an optical supervisory channel (OSC) being a bi-directional physical channel, configured to transmit information through multiplexing/de-multiplexing a wavelength independent of a master optical channel with the master optical channel; a first ASON control unit, being located in a first node, configured to interact with a second ASON control unit in an adjacent second node through the OSC channel so as to obtain the information of the second ASON control unit; and the second ASON control unit, being located in the second node, configured to interact with the first ASON control unit in the adjacent first node through the OSC channel so as to obtain the information of the first ASON control unit. Thereby, using the method and system of the present invention, the automatic discovery function can be implemented through the OSC channel transmission mechanism. |
| US08724506B2 |
Detecting double attachment between a wired network and at least one wireless network
The invention concerns the detecting of a double attachment of an equipment communicating both with a wireless network and with a wired network, in particular when the connections with said networks are established by sending a connection configuration request comprising an identifier of the equipment, such as DHCP Host Name. The invention is characterized in that it consists: a) in detecting, at least on the wireless network, connection configuration requests emitted by the equipments (E10), b) analyzing the contents of the requests and extracting the equipment identifiers (E11), c) from one equipment identifier extracted at step b), determining whether said equipment has additionally sent a connection configuration request at least to the wired network with the same identifier (E13), and d) triggering an alarm if the result at step c) is positive (E16). |
| US08724503B2 |
Sub-path E2E probing
The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for estimating available bandwidth of sub-path of a data path. The solution is based on the sending of probe packet trains comprising inner and outer packets from a start node to an end node using different TTL values for the outer and inner packets of these probe trains. By comparing measurements using different TTL values of the inner packets, it is also possible to determine which link are the local tight link and what available bandwidth it has. |
| US08724501B2 |
Mobile communication terminal test device and mobile communication terminal test method
To provide a mobile communication terminal test device and a mobile communication terminal test method capable of displaying the theoretical value of a packet transmission rate. A mobile communication terminal test device 1 includes a pseudo base station device 10 that is connected between a mobile communication terminal 5, which is a test target, and a virtual connection device 20, a table storage device 30 that stores various tables, a parameter input unit 50 that inputs information about TM, MCS, and NRB, a TBS acquiring unit 41 that acquires TBS on the basis of the input information and various tables stored in the table storage device 30, a packet transmission rate calculating unit 43 that calculates the theoretical value of the packet transmission rate from TBS, and a display unit 93 that displays the theoretical value of the packet transmission rate. |
| US08724497B2 |
Method of uplink MDT measurement
Methods of MDT information logging and reporting are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided to resolve shortcomings of prior art by correlating UL measurements with QoS information to enable UL performance analysis and accurate detection of coverage problems. In another embodiment, a method is provided to resolve the shortcomings of the prior art by making DL measurements and location information collecting or logging conditional on UL measurements. |
| US08724496B2 |
System and method for integrating line-rate application recognition in a switch ASIC
A system and method for integrating line-rate application recognition in a switch ASIC. Switching platforms can be built using this feature with a conventional control plane processor rather than a more expensive specialized processor. A deep packet inspection system can be embodied in a switch ASIC using a flow tracker and a signature matching engine. The flow tracker can be positioned in an ingress portion of the switch ASIC at a location where packets in a bi-direction flow can be observed and recorded. The flow tracker generates a signature match request that is forwarded to a signature matching engine in an auxiliary pipeline. The signature matching engine analyzes packets using signature matching state machine and reports the signature matching results to the flow tracker using a response packet that is sent to the ingress pipeline. |
| US08724491B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring cell in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for measuring a cell a wireless communication system are disclosed. The method includes receiving measurement configuration information for a plurality of frequencies from a BS, without a dedicated connection between a UE and a network, and measuring cells using the plurality of frequencies according to the measurement configuration information. |
| US08724490B2 |
Zigbee IP/6LowPan router
A system and method for managing energy of a home or other structure are disclosed. An energy management system for a home network comprises a central device controller configured to communicate with energy consuming devices, energy generation devices and storage devices at a home. Power/energy measuring devices provide consumption measurements for the home and each device to the controller. A home network router routes communications among various networks for the home. The router provides for a 6LowPan/Zigbee network to communicate with WiFi, Ethernet and the like networked devices of the home. |
| US08724488B2 |
Method and apparatus for power control of sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission
Methods and apparatus for sounding reference signal (SRS) power control for a wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU) are disclosed. These methods and apparatus include methods and apparatus for carrier-specific and carrier-common SRS power control in WTRUs that utilize carrier aggregation techniques. These methods and apparatus also include methods and apparatus for SRS power control in WTRUs utilizing both carrier aggregation and time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques. Additionally, these methods and apparatus include methods and apparatus for SRS power control for WTRUs utilizing multiple input multiple output MIMO operation. Methods and apparatus for SRS overhead reduction and power management in a WTRU are also disclosed. |
| US08724484B2 |
Connecting to different network types through a common user interface
Described is a technology by which network connections are unified into a single user interface for user interaction with those networks. Upon receiving information identifying available networks that correspond to different types of media, a user interface component aggregates the available network connections and displays representations of the available network connections on the user interface. The result is a single user interface page on which the available networks are represented as available network connections that may correspond to destinations, for example by displaying a network name and/or a user-friendly name maintained in a network profile. Also displayable is connectivity status, security-related information, signal strength information for wireless network connections, and other information. The user may choose to show all available network connections, or only subset of the available network connections (e.g., only wireless, or only dial-up and VPN). |
| US08724476B2 |
Wireless LAN device and controlling method thereof
A wireless LAN device for wirelessly communicating using a specific frequency channel shared by a radar and a wireless LAN system. The wireless LAN device includes a plurality of antennas; a wireless communication unit including a plurality of transceiver circuits respectively provided for each of the plurality of antennas; and a controller that controls the wireless communication unit. The wireless communication unit wirelessly communicates in accordance with a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) scheme by the plurality of transceiver circuits, and the controller controls the wireless communication unit to execute radar wave monitoring on a frequency channel different from a frequency channel in use for wireless communication using one of the plurality of transceiver circuits when the frequency channel in use for the wireless communication is the specific frequency channel. |
| US08724472B2 |
Data radio bearer mapping in a telecommunication network with relays
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for operating a relay having a first plurality of radio bearers (RBs) that interface with a donor base station and having a second plurality of RBs that interface with at least one user equipment (UE). According to certain aspects, the techniques generally include mapping each of the second plurality of RBs to one of the first plurality of RBs based on a QoS class identifier (QCI) associated therewith. |
| US08724470B2 |
Method of controlling data flow in wireless communication system
Disclosed is a wireless communication system and a user equipment (UE) providing wireless communication services, and more particularly, a method of controlling data flow in an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS), a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, and a LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) system that have evolved from a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). In particular, the present invention provides an effective way of controlling data flow of a relay node (RN) in the LTE-A system. |
| US08724469B2 |
Method and device for sending packets on a wireless local area network
Provided are a method and an apparatus for transmitting a packet in a wireless local area network (LAN), the method including determining whether a packet, which does not expire during the current transmission opportunity (TXOP) but will expire before a next TXOP is secured, exists or not based on a time-to-live (TTL) of the packet; if it is determined that the packet does not expire during an expansion of the current TXOP, expanding the current TXOP; and transmitting the packet to a receiving station. |
| US08724468B2 |
Bonding multiple radios in wireless multi-hop mesh networks
In a mesh network composed of multiple-radio nodes, we assign each radio to one of a plurality of channels, and treat a plurality of links between a pair of nodes as one logical link (bonded link). In some embodiments, the routing protocol is adapted to view each bonded link as one link having a combination of at least some of the properties of the constituent physical links. Traffic sent along a path is dynamically load balanced between the interfaces at each intermediate node based on the current utilization of each interface. In at least some embodiments, route discovery packets record the metrics of each component link of the bonded links leaving a node, but only one route discovery packet per pair of nodes is forwarded, reducing the route discovery packet traffic compared to if each route discovery packet were forwarded over each component link between the pair of nodes. |
| US08724465B2 |
Zero packet loss energy efficient ethernet link transition via driver fast failover
A mechanism for zero packet loss with energy efficient Ethernet link transition via driver fast failover is provided. By default, the mechanism uses a primary adapter running at low speed with low energy usage and a secondary adapter that is disabled. This default configuration is used during periods of low link utilization. When system or input/output load is such that high speed is required, then the mechanism enables the secondary adapter to its highest supported link speed. All transmit traffic in progress running over the primary adapter will complete, and upon completion, the driver generates an address resolution request and sends the request over the secondary adapter. After this process completes, the primary adapter transitions to link down and zero packet loss transition completes. |
| US08724464B2 |
Method and system for near continuous data rate limit adjustment via a plurality of link variables in an energy efficient network
Aspects of a method and system for near continuous data rate limit adjustment via a plurality of link variables in an energy efficient network. In this regard, power consumption of a network device may be controlled by enabling and/or disabling one or more components in the network device based on an adjustment of a plurality of data rate variables that control a data rate limit at which the network device may communicate. Exemplary data rate variables may comprise a number of active channels of a network link over which the network device communicates, a symbol rate on an Ethernet link over which said network device communicates, an inter-frame gap time on an Ethernet link over which said network device communicates, a signal constellation utilized for representing signals on an Ethernet link over which said network device communicates. |
| US08724463B2 |
Scalability of providing packet flow management
Systems and methods for managing packet flows in a communication network are provided. Packet information can be cached on different levels and used to avoid external queries. The cache information can also be correlated with other types of information, such as location information, to be able to serve that information quicker than if one or more external queries were to be made. A demux manager can provide routing and session setup, by routing packets that already have a session to the session manager and assigning packets to a session manager if they are not already assigned to a session. The tiered architecture also provides scalability to many users and minimizes delays even during high call volumes because the load can be distributed well across the gateway's resources. |
| US08724462B2 |
Congestion handling in a packet switched network domain
A system and a method are described herein which provide for congestion handling in a packet switched network domain. In case of congestion overload is measured by a core node, the data packets in proportion to the overload are marked and the signaled overload is stored. At least one egress node receives marked and not marked packets, decodes and counts the overload from the marked packets in a counting interval. Congestion report messages are sent to ingress nodes where flows are terminated. |
| US08724460B2 |
Optimizing signalling load in a cellular communication network
The invention relates to a cellular communication network serving mobile terminals or devices and how to reduce the signalling load in said network by introducing an auxiliary device which holds data packets in order to minimize connections according to a pre-determined rule. |
| US08724459B2 |
Method for establishing adaptive mobile cluster network
The invention discloses a method of establishing an adaptive mobile cluster network. The method comprises the steps of: (a) determining a network service requested by a mobile communication device; (b) according to the requested network service, determining at least one communication parameter needed by the mobile communication device; (c) according to the needed communication parameter, selecting a header device from a plurality of wireless communication devices by the communication device; (d) selecting a plurality of agent devices from the remaining wireless communication devices by the header device; and (e) selecting a plurality of normal devices from the remaining wireless communication devices by the agent devices, so as to establish the adaptive mobile cluster network. |
| US08724457B2 |
Communication apparatus and method of determining route
A communication apparatus stores topology information that is shared by communication apparatuses included in a network and representing connection states between the communication apparatuses. The topology information includes port identification information for identifying ports that are connectable to each other within each communication apparatus. The communication apparatus determines a route by sequentially selecting a port that can be connected to a port, to which transmission data is input based on the port identification information. |
| US08724456B1 |
Network path selection for multi-homed edges to ensure end-to-end resiliency
Techniques are described for selecting an alternate path for end-to-end service data traffic that traverses multi-homed routers that provide the service to customer networks. For example, as described herein, a router that is a member of a first multi-homing set connected to a layer two (L2) network with one of a plurality of first access links. The router advertises a status of one of the first access links to a second multi-homing set connected to the first multi-homing set with one or more core links. A core link database stores advertised status information for access links of the first and second multi-homing set. Upon a link failure, a path selector selects a core link to transport service data traffic and directs a switch module to switch to active a status a first access links that connects to a router in the first multi-homing set connected to the selected core link. |
| US08724455B2 |
Distributed control of a fail-to-wire switch for a network communication link
A fail-to-wire (FTW) module preserves a primary data path connection from an upstream computer to a downstream computer if there is any kind of failure in a breakout data path to a breakout system. The FTW module provides switches between the incoming data network data and the breakout system such that when the breakout system encounters a failure, the switches are de-activated to bypass the breakout system. The switches in the FTW module are activated by a system health signal controlled by a health monitor in the breakout system. The health monitor provides intelligent switch control based on alerts from a variety of control points. These control points include firmware, hardware, thermal sensors, subsystem operating systems, subsystem software applications, and appliance tamper logic in order to determine if the FTW module switches should be in an active or inactive state. |
| US08724452B2 |
Technique for protecting communication traffic in a connection having redundancy
A technique for protecting traffic in a Layer 2 (L2) communication network between a first and a second local nodes (CE1, CE2) interconnected via a redundant dual homed structure, the technique comprises a) distributing the traffic in the dual homed structure in a fault-free state, to form two traffic flows between the CE1 and CE2; b) providing Layer 2 (L2) fault indications for the dual homed structure, in the form of operation and maintenance (OAM) tools, c) in a faulty state of the dual homed structure, forwarding traffic packets at the provider edges of the structure, based only on conventional physical fault indications and L2 fault indications, by locally making forwarding decisions for selecting an active communication line via the redundant dual homed structure. |
| US08724448B2 |
Enhanced physical downlink shared channel coverage
An apparatus is provided, including an observing function configured to observe an indication about the coverage status of a user equipment; a deciding function configured to decide, based on the indication, to switch into a coverage extension mode; a providing function configured to provide a scaling number in dependence of the coverage extension mode; an allocating function configured to allocate, for data to be transmitted to a user equipment, a first modulation and coding scheme, a first modulation order, a first size of a transport block, and a first number of resource blocks per transport block according to an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing technology, a reducing function configured to reduce a first size per resource block, being the quotient of the first size of the transport block and the first number of resource blocks per transport block, based on the scaling number, thus obtaining a second size per resource block, being the quotient of a second size of the transport block and a second number of resource blocks per transport block; and a scheduling function configured to schedule, for the data, the second size of the transport block and the second number of resource blocks per transport block. |
| US08724429B2 |
System and method for performing time-lapse monitor surverying using sparse monitor data
Techniques are disclosed for performing time-lapse monitor surveys with sparsely sampled monitor data sets. An accurate 3D representation (e.g., image) of a target area (e.g., a hydrocarbon bearing subsurface reservoir) is constructed (12) using the sparsely sampled monitor data set (11). The sparsely sampled monitor data set may be so limited that it alone is insufficient to generate an accurate 3D representation of the target area, but accuracy is enabled through use of certain external information (14). The external information may be one or more alternative predicted models (25) that are representative of different predictions regarding how the target area may change over a lapse of time. The alternative models may, for example, reflect differences in permeability of at least a portion of the target area. The sparsely sampled monitor data set may then be processed to determine (23) which of the alternative models is representative of the target area. |
| US08724423B1 |
Synchronous two-port read, two-port write memory emulator
A memory operative to provide concurrent two-port read and two-port write access functionality includes a memory array comprising first and second pluralities of single-port memory cells organized into a plurality of rows of memory banks, and multiple checksum modules. The second plurality of memory cells are operative as spare memory banks. Each of the checksum modules is associated with a corresponding one of the rows of memory banks. The memory further includes a first controller and multiple mapping tables. The first controller and at least a portion of the first and second pluralities of memory cells enable the memory array to support two-port read or single-port write operations. A second controller is operative to receive read and write access requests, and to map logical and spare memory bank identifiers to corresponding physical memory bank identifiers via the mapping tables to thereby emulate concurrent two-port read and two-port write access functionality. |
| US08724422B1 |
System and method for charging back-up charge storage element for data storage device using spindle phase switching elements
A data storage system is disclosed including a data storage device having a controller coupled to non-volatile semiconductor memory and a power device having a common power rail and first, second, and third spindle phase switching elements, the common power rail receiving an input voltage and providing power to the data storage device and the power device. The data storage system further includes an inductor coupled between outputs of the first and second spindle phase switching elements, and a charge storage element coupled between the second spindle phase switching element output and ground. The power device further includes control circuitry that controls the first and second spindle phase switching elements to generate boost output voltage for charging the charge storage element during a boost mode, the boost output voltage enabling the controller to perform a data operation in an event of an interruption of power to the data storage system. |
| US08724417B2 |
Semiconductor system and device, and method for controlling refresh operation of stacked chips
A system for controlling a refresh operation of a plurality of stacked semiconductor chips includes a first semiconductor configured to output a refresh signal for performing a refresh operation, and a semiconductor chip discrimination signal, and a plurality of second semiconductor chips configured to perform a refresh operation at different timings in response to the refresh signal, and the semiconductor chip discrimination signal. |
| US08724416B2 |
Information processing system including semiconductor device having self-refresh mode
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor device having self-refresh modes in which a refresh operation of storage data is periodically performed asynchronously with an external clock signal. The semiconductor device performs the refresh operation on n memory cells in response to an auto-refresh command. The semiconductor device periodically performs the refresh operation on m memory cells included in the memory cell array during the self-refresh mode, where m is smaller than n. |
| US08724415B2 |
Storage control device controlling refresh frequency based on temperature
Disclosed herein is a storage control device that includes a temperature sensor, temperature information selection section, refresh command reception section and trigger issuance frequency setting section. |
| US08724413B2 |
High capacity low cost multi-state magnetic memory
A multi-state current-switching magnetic memory element includes a stack of magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) separated by a non-magnetic layer for storing more than one bit of information, wherein different levels of current applied to the memory element cause switching to different states. |
| US08724410B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method for testing same
A semiconductor memory device includes data input/output terminals (DQ0 to DQ31), a memory cell array 122, and a data latch circuit 111 for temporarily latching data captured from the data input/output terminals and writing the data in the memory cell array with a delay in a normal write operation. The device also includes a test mode in which the data latch circuit latches data read to the data input/output terminals in a read operation and writes previously latched data in the memory cell array without newly latching data from the data input/output terminals in a write operation. |
| US08724408B2 |
Systems and methods for testing and assembling memory modules
Embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods for testing and assembling memory modules. In at least one embodiment, the method comprises, for each memory device of a plurality of memory devices, based on testing performed on the memory device, determining whether the memory device has any defective memory locations, and if so, identifying the one or more defective memory locations, and generating data that identifies the one or more defective memory locations on the memory device; and assembling a memory module comprising at least one memory device having one or more defective memory locations; wherein the assembling comprises, for each memory device of the memory module having one or more defective memory locations, storing the data that identifies the one or more defective memory locations on the memory device in a persistent store on the memory module. |
| US08724407B2 |
Signal processing circuit
To provide a signal processing circuit including a nonvolatile memory circuit with a novel structure, the signal processing circuit includes an arithmetic portion, a memory, and a control portion for controlling the arithmetic portion and the memory. The control portion includes a set of a volatile memory circuit and a first nonvolatile memory circuit for storing data held in the volatile memory circuit, the memory includes a plurality of second nonvolatile memory circuits, and the first nonvolatile memory circuit and the second nonvolatile memory circuit each include a transistor having a channel in an oxide semiconductor layer and a capacitor in which one of a pair of electrodes is electrically connected to a node which is set in a floating state when the transistor is turned off. |
| US08724400B2 |
Memory device and system with improved erase operation
A memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of memory blocks, each memory block including a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of word lines coupled to rows of the plurality of memory cells, a plurality of bit lines coupled to columns of the plurality of memory cells, and a control unit controlling an erase operation so that erase data is simultaneously written in the plurality of memory cells corresponding to an erase unit. A first erase mode may include a first erase unit and a first erase data pattern. A second erase mode may include a second erase unit and a second erase pattern. At least one of the first and second erase units and the first and second erase data patterns are different. |
| US08724396B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device having a read word line, a write word line and a sub-word driver operable to select the read word line using a main word signal and an inverse read block signal. The sub-word line selects the write word line using the main word signal and an inverse write block signal. The sub-word driver has a first inverter circuit using the main word signal as an input and outputting the read word line. The sub-word driver has a first transistor having a drain, a source, and a gate connected to the read word line, a low potential power source, and the inverse write block signal, respectively, and a second transistor having a drain, a source, and a gate connected to a power source terminal of the first inverter circuit, a power source, and the inverse write block signal, respectively, and can select the write word line. |
| US08724393B2 |
Thermally assisted flash memory with diode strapping
A memory includes an array of memory cells including rows and columns. The memory includes circuitry coupled to the word lines applying a first bias voltage to a first set of spaced-apart locations on a word line or word lines in the array, while applying a second bias voltage different than the first bias voltage, to a second set of spaced-apart locations on the word line or word lines, locations in the first set of spaced-apart locations being interleaved among locations in the second set of spaced-apart locations, whereby current flow is induced between locations in the first and second sets of locations that cause heating of the word line or word lines. |
| US08724387B2 |
Method, system, and computer readable medium for reading and programming flash memory cells using multiple bias voltages
A system, method and computer readable medium for programming and reading flash memory cells. Respective first and second read operations may be performed while supplying respective first and second bias voltage to multiple flash memory cells, to provide respective first and second read results, where the first bias voltage may be higher then the second bias voltage, and providing a read outcome that may be responsive to the first read results and to the second read results. A programming method may include performing first and second programming operations while supplying respective first and second bias voltages to multiple flash memory cells. The programming method may further include performing the first programming operation while programming information mapped to a highest least significant bit positive lobe, and performing the second programming operation while programming information mapped to at least one other least significant bit positive lobe. |
| US08724385B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor memory has main bit lines paralleled by fixed potential lines in an alternating arrangement. Each main bit line is switchably connected to two sub-bit lines. The memory cells connected to one of the two sub-bit lines are placed below the main bit line. The memory cells connected to the other one of the two sub-bit lines are placed below an adjacent fixed potential line. The fixed potential lines prevent parasitic capacitive coupling between the main bit lines and thereby speed up read access to the memory cells without taking up extra layout space. |
| US08724380B1 |
Method for reading and writing multi-level cells
The present invention is directed to a method for reading and writing an STT-MRAM multi-level cell (MLC), which includes a plurality of MTJ memory elements coupled in series. The method detects the resistance states of individual MTJ memory elements in an MLC by sequentially writing each memory element to the low resistance state in order of ascending parallelizing write current threshold. If a written element switches the resistance state thereof after the write step, then the written element was in the high resistance state prior to the write step. Otherwise, the written element was in the low resistance state prior to the write step. The switching of the resistance state can be ascertained by comparing the resistance or voltage values of the plurality of memory elements before and after writing each of the plurality of memory elements in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. |
| US08724379B2 |
Magnetic memory with a domain wall
A multi-state low-current-switching magnetic memory element (magnetic memory element) comprising a free layer, two stacks, and a magnetic tunneling junction is disclosed. The stacks and magnetic tunneling junction are disposed upon surfaces of the free layer, with the magnetic tunneling junction located between the stacks. The stacks pin magnetic domains within the free layer, creating a free layer domain wall. A current passed from stack to stack pushes the domain wall, repositioning the domain wall within the free layer. The position of the domain wall relative to the magnetic tunnel junction corresponds to a unique resistance value, and passing current from a stack to the magnetic tunnel junction reads the magnetic memory element's resistance. Thus, unique memory states may be achieved by moving the domain wall. |
| US08724378B2 |
Shared transistor in a spin-torque transfer magnetic random access memory (STTMRAM) cell
A spin-torque transfer memory random access memory (STTMRAM) cell is disclosed comprising a selected magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) identified to be programmed; a first transistor having a first port, a second port and a gate, the first port of the first transistor coupled to the selected MTJ; a first neighboring MTJ coupled to the selected MTJ through the second port of the first transistor; a second transistor having a first port, a second port, and a gate, the first port of the second transistor coupled to the selected MTJ; a second neighboring MTJ coupled to the selected MTJ through the second port of the second transistor; a first bit/source line coupled to the second end of the selected MTJ; and a second bit/source line coupled to the second end of the first neighboring MTJ and the second end of the second neighboring MTJ. |
| US08724373B2 |
Apparatus for selective word-line boost on a memory cell
Systems and methods for selectively boosting word-line (WL) voltage in a memory cell array. The method relies several embodiments to minimize energy costs associated with WL boost scheme. One embodiment generates a transient voltage boost rather than supply a DC voltage boost. The transient boost generation may be controlled on a cycle basis and can be disabled when the array is not accessed. Another embodiment allows the system to generate the transient voltage boost locally, near a WL driver and only during the cycles when it is needed. Localized boost voltage generation reduces the load capacitance that needs to be boosted to higher voltage. Another embodiment efficiently distributes the transient boost to the WL drivers. |
| US08724371B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and memory cell voltage application method
A semiconductor memory device comprises a plurality of parallel word lines, a plurality of parallel bit lines formed crossing the plurality of word lines, and a plurality of memory cells arranged at intersections of the word lines and the bit lines. Each memory cell has one end connected to the word line and the other end connected to the bit line. The device also comprises a drive circuit operative to selectively apply a voltage for data read/write across the word line and the bit line. It further comprises a sense amplifier circuit connected to the plurality of bit lines and operative to read/write data stored in the memory cell. The device also comprises a bit-line drive auxiliary circuit operative to selectively adjust the potentials on the plurality of bit lines based on data read out of the memory cell by the sense amplifier circuit. |
| US08724370B2 |
Semiconductor storage device
A semiconductor storage device includes: a memory cell array including memory cells, each of the memory cells having a variable resistance element; and a control circuit configured to apply a control voltage, which is necessary for the variable resistance element to transit a resistance state, to a selected memory cell. When applying the control voltage plural times, the control circuit operates to set a value of the control voltage applied in a first control voltage application operation to be substantially equal to a minimum value of distribution of the voltage values of all the memory cells in the memory cell array required to transit the resistance state of the variable resistance element from a high resistance state to a low resistance state. The control circuit operates to perform a plurality of control voltage application operations by increasing the value of the control voltage by a certain value. |
| US08724368B2 |
Method for driving semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor device includes first to fourth memory cells and each memory cell includes a first gate electrode, a ferroelectric film, a semiconductor film, a source electrode, a drain electrode, a paraelectric film and a second gate electrode. The ferroelectric film is interposed between the first gate electrode and the semiconductor film, the source electrode and the drain electrode are interposed between the semiconductor film and the paraelectric film. The first gate electrode, the ferroelectric film, the source electrode, and the drain electrode constitute a first semiconductor transistor. The second gate electrode, the paraelectric film, the source electrode, and the drain electrode constitute a second semiconductor transistor. |
| US08724360B2 |
Wiring configuration of a bus system and power wires in a memory chip
Devices and circuits for wiring configurations of a bus system and power supply wires in a memory chip with improved power efficiencies. The effective resistance on the power supply wires may be reduced by utilizing non-active bus wires as additional power wires connected in parallel with the other supply wires. The non-active bus wires may reduce or prevent parasitic couplings and cross-talk effects between neighboring sensitive wires, thereby improving performance of the chip. |
| US08724357B2 |
Power semiconductor device including a bootstrap compensation circuit
A power semiconductor device comprises: high side and low side switching elements; high side and low side drive circuits; a bootstrap capacitor supplying a drive voltage to the high side drive circuit and having a first terminal connected to a connection point between the high side switching element and the low side switching element and a second terminal connected to a power supply terminal of the high side drive circuit; a bootstrap diode having an anode connected to a power supply and a cathode connected to the second terminal and supplying a current from the power supply to the second terminal; a floating power supply; and a bootstrap compensation circuit supplying a current from the floating power supply to the second terminal, when the high side drive circuit turns ON the high side switching element and the low side drive circuit turns OFF the low side switching element. |
| US08724351B2 |
Controller for load drive system
A controller for a load drive system which can reduce a ripple current which flows in a smoothing capacitor even when an inverter is PWM controlled with a two-phase modulation includes a converter for changing an output voltage of a DC power supply, an inverter for transforming a DC voltage outputted from the converter into a three-phase AC voltage to be applied onto a load and a smoothing capacitor provided in parallel between the converter and the inverter includes an inverter controller for PWM controlling the inverter with a two-phase modulation and a converter controller for PWM controlling the converter. |
| US08724350B2 |
Power supply circuit with temperature compensation and electronic device
An exemplary power supply circuit for providing a driving voltage to a load includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) control circuit, a transformer, a voltage output terminal, and a temperature compensation circuit. The PWM control circuit is configured for outputting a pulse signal. The transformer is configured for converting a first direct current (DC) voltage to a second DC voltage according to the pulse signal. The voltage output terminal is configured for outputting the driving voltage based on the second DC voltage. The temperature compensation circuit includes a temperature sensor for detecting an operation temperature of the load and correspondingly generating a detecting signal, and a feedback signal transmitter for outputting a feedback signal based on the detecting signal. The PWM control circuit adjusts a duty ratio of the pulse signal according to the feedback signal outputted by the temperature compensation circuit. |
| US08724346B2 |
DC/DC converter, and power supply and electronic device using the same
A DC/DC converter includes a transformer including primary and secondary coils and an auxiliary coil disposed in a primary coil side; a first output capacitor including a first end having a fixed electric potential and a second end; a first diode disposed in a direction where a cathode of the first diode faces the first output capacitor, between the second end of the first output capacitor and one end of the secondary coil; a switching transistor disposed on a path of the primary coil; a second output capacitor including a first end having a fixed electric potential and a second end; a second diode and a switch disposed between the second end of the second output capacitor and the first port of the auxiliary coil; and a control circuit receiving voltage generated in the second output capacitor through a power supply port and controlling turn-on/off of the switching transistor. |
| US08724334B2 |
Circuit module and manufacturing method for the same
A circuit module and a manufacturing method for the same, reduce a possibility that a defect area where an electrically conductive resin is not coated may occur in a shield layer. A mother board is prepared. A plurality of electronic components are mounted on a principal surface of the mother board. An insulator layer is arranged so as to cover the principal surface of the mother board and the electronic components. The insulator layer is cut such that grooves and projections are formed in and on the principal surface of the insulator layer and the insulator layer has a predetermined thickness H. An electrically conductive resin is coated on the principal surface of the insulator layer to form a shield layer. The mother board including the insulator layer and the shield layer both formed thereon is divided to obtain a plurality of circuit modules. |
| US08724333B2 |
Electrical field device and expansion module for insertion into an electrical field device
An electronic expansion module which has at least one circuit board, that has a contact region with contacts for mechanical and electrical contact-making with mating contacts connected to the circuit board of the expansion module and a circuit board recess formed such that, with the expansion module inserted into an opening formed on a side of the housing of an electrical field device for use in industrial control, the circuit board of the expansion module does not have any conductive connection to the electrical field device except in the contact region so that reliable electrical isolation between the interior of the device and the user is ensured. |
| US08724327B2 |
Heat sink assembly
A heat sink assembly includes a heat sink, two first fixing structures, and two second fixing structures. The heat sink includes a base. The base includes two opposite sidewalls each forming a fixing portion. When the heat sink is mounted to a first motherboard, the first fixing structures are respectively and detachably connected to the fixing portions of the heat sink, and fix the heat sink to the first motherboard. When the heat sink is mounted to a second motherboard, the second fixing structures are detachably connected to fixing portions of the heat sink, and fix the heat sink to the second motherboard. |
| US08724326B2 |
Heat dissipation structure
A heat dissipation structure includes a heat sink having a base formed with four securing tabs laterally extending from four corners of the base. Four positioning posts upwardly protrude from a printed circuit board. Four spring clips are attached to the four positioning posts respectively. Each of the four spring clips has a resilient piece for exerting a downward force to press a corresponding securing tab, thereby securing the heat sink to the printed circuit board. |
| US08724325B2 |
Solid state switch arrangement
An example solid state switching arrangement includes at least one bus bar configured to carry electrical current and at least one switch that is silicon carbide based. The switch is secured relative to the bus bar and the bus bar is configured to communicate thermal energy away from the switch. An example method of arranging a switch includes mounting a silicon carbide based switch relative to a bus bar and communication thermal energy away from the silicon carbide based switch using the bus bar. |
| US08724323B2 |
Electronic device with heat dissipation apparatus
A heat dissipation apparatus for an electronic component mounted in a casing of an electronic device includes a first heat sink attached to the component, a second heat sink located outside the casing, and a heat pipe connected between the first heat sink and the second heat sink. The heat pipe contacts the casing. |
| US08724322B2 |
Targeted liquid cooling for a system
A cooling system for computer systems is disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes providing a flow of liquid coolant through conduits positioned within a server system, and spraying the liquid coolant via at least one outlet mechanism of each of the conduits. The outlet mechanisms are adapted to be placed in close proximity to a corresponding target component of one of the servers, to cool the target component. |
| US08724320B2 |
Fan system and electronic device
A fan system includes a pulse signal generation portion and a plurality of fans. Each of the plurality of fans preferably includes a motor portion; an impeller arranged to be rotated by the motor portion; a drive circuit arranged to drive the motor portion; a rotation detection portion arranged to detect rotation of the motor portion; and a rotation rate control circuit arranged to, based on a reference pulse signal supplied from the pulse signal generation portion and an actual rotation pulse signal supplied from the rotation detection portion, exercise feedback control on a rotation rate of the motor portion in accordance with a period of the reference pulse signal. |
| US08724318B2 |
Portable electronic apparatus and casing therefor
A portable electronic apparatus and a casing thereof are disclosed. The portable electronic apparatus includes the casing including a base and an upper cover, and an electronic processing module disposed in the base. The base includes a first engagement structure having a lock slot. The upper cover includes a plate member and a second engagement structure mounted on the plate member. The second engagement structure includes a locking part and a detaching part connected to the locking part. The base and the upper cover are engaged such that the locking part is locked in the lock slot. The detaching part can be moved so as to detach the locking part from the lock slot. Therefore, a user can detach the locking part from the lock slot by the detaching part without any tools, which greatly reduces the complexity of the detachment of a casing of a conventional portable electronic apparatus. |
| US08724315B2 |
Liquid cooling system for a server
A method of cooling a computer server that includes a plurality of server modules, and is positioned in an enclosed room, includes transferring heat generated by a server module of the plurality of server modules to a hot plate of a liquid cooling system. The liquid cooling system may be positioned within the server module, and the hot plate may have a surface exposed to the enclosed room. The method may also include positioning a cold plate of a room-level cooling system in thermal contact with the hot plate. The method may also include directing a cooling medium through the room-level cooling system to transfer heat from the hot plate to a cooling unit positioned outside the room. |
| US08724314B2 |
Apparatus for supplemental cooling of a docked mobile computing device
An apparatus for supplemental cooling of a docked mobile device that includes a docking module having a docking interface that provides a communication connection for a separable mobile device having several heat generating electronic components that emanate heat when the separable mobile device is in an operating mode. In addition, the separable mobile device has an integrated heat sink structure that spreads the heat emanating from the operating heat generating electronic components across the entire heat sink structure. An air mover is integrated into the docking module to provide a volume of air flow that is directed to the separable mobile device while it is docked to the docking module. Accordingly, an air mover controller receives a first signal from an input sensor and therein controls the air mover to modulate the volume of air flow according to a predetermined tolerance corresponding to the heat generating electronic components. |
| US08724311B2 |
Portable electronic device with chip card holder
A chip card holder for holding at least one chip card, includes a base, a drawer and a arm. The drawer is slidably attached to the base. The drawer defines a receiving space and a receiving groove communicating with the receiving space. The arm is rotatably attached in the receiving groove. When only one chip card is received in the receiving space, the arm rotates relative to the drawer until the arm is pressed on the chip card so the chip card is held in the receiving space by the arm; when two chip cards are stacked in the receiving space, the arm is attached in the receiving groove to prevent said two chip cards from sliding out of the receiving space through the receiving groove. |
| US08724309B2 |
Handle assembly configured for airflow
An assembly configured for attachment to a media drive can include a handle with a front side, a back side, a hinge end, a swing end and front side to back side air flow passages disposed intermediate the hinge end and the swing end; and a base with a front side, a back side, a hinge end, an opposing end, a pair of front side bevels disposed intermediate the hinge end and the opposing end, and front side to back side air flow passages disposed intermediate the pair of front side bevels, the air flow passages of the base configured to receive air flow from the air flow passages of the handle for a latched orientation of the handle with respect to the base. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08724307B2 |
Optical disk drive with reduced noise
An optical drive includes a drive chassis and a front panel. The drive chassis includes a single sleeve unit having a top panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a bottom panel, and a back panel. The single sleeve unit is a single piece of material such that the top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, the bottom panel, and the back panel are continuous. Additionally, the single piece of material is bent at an intersection of each of the top, first side, second side, bottom, and back panels. The front panel is snap fitted onto the top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the bottom panel of the single sleeve unit of the drive chassis. |
| US08724304B2 |
Electronic devices with flexible displays having fastened bent edges
An electronic device may be provided with a display having a flexible substrate with fastened bent edges. The flexible substrate may have an active region that includes an array of light-emitting elements such as organic light-emitting diodes. The flexible substrate may also have inactive regions that lie outside of the active region. The bent edges may include portions of the inactive regions and portions of the active region. The bent edges may be wrapped to conform to the shape of an internal support structure. The bent edges may be fastened to the support structure with fastening members that attach a housing member or an internal clamp to the support structure. The bent edges may be secured between the housing member or the internal clamp and the support structure. The fastening members may be engaged in openings in the support structure and may pass through or alongside the bent edges. |
| US08724301B2 |
Laptop book
The present invention provides a device and a method for a multi-screen laptop book by integrating a plurality of features including a tablet, an electronic book reader, and a notebook. The multi-screen display laptop book provides a capability in one simple and easy to use device. The integrated device utility includes applications for education, healthcare, industrial control, mobile point-of-sale, event self-registration, augmentative communication, personal computing and word processing, multimedia home use and home automation. |
| US08724299B2 |
External component and portable electronic device
An external component attachable to a portable electronic device includes a curved surface attachable to a convex surface of the portable electronic device and attaching portions formed at both ends of the curved surface and fixable to the portable electronic device. The curved surface curves such that the width between the attaching portions is narrower than the width between fixing portions of the portable electronic device to which the attaching portions are fixable. |
| US08724297B2 |
Mobile display device and window manufacturing method for the display device
A mobile display device is provided. The mobile display device may include a body, a display arranged in the body, a window arranged on the display unit, and a protective member coupled to the window and extending beyond an outer periphery of the window so as to protect the window from an external impact or shock. |
| US08724296B2 |
Solid electrolytic capacitor and fabrication method thereof
To provide a solid electrolytic capacitor having a high capacitance and an excellent heat resistance. A solid electrolytic capacitor includes: an anode 2; a dielectric layer 3 provided on the surface of the anode 2; a first conductive polymer layer 4a provided on the dielectric layer 3; a second conductive polymer layer 4b provided on the first conductive polymer layer 4a; a third conductive polymer layer 4c provided on the second conductive polymer layer 4b; and a cathode layer provided on the third conductive polymer layer 4c, wherein the first conductive polymer layer 4a is made of a conductive polymer film formed by polymerizing pyrrole or a derivative thereof, the second conductive polymer layer 4b is made of a conductive polymer film formed by polymerizing thiophene or a derivative thereof, and the third conductive polymer layer 4c is made of a conductive polymer film formed by electropolymerizing pyrrole or a derivative thereof. |
| US08724295B2 |
Solid electrolytic capacitor
A positive electrode 21 and negative electrode 22 formed of a thin metal plate are disposed on the same plane with a space provided therebetween. An insulative resin is disposed in the space between the both electrodes. The insulative resin electrically insulates the positive and the negative electrodes, and making both electrodes integrated as a sheet to form a terminal board. Positive- and negative-electrode drawing portions are formed on the same surface of the main body of a capacitor element, and that surface serves as a joined face with the terminal board. With the terminal board being superimposed on the joined face of the capacitor element, the metal plate forming the positive and negative electrodes of the terminal board are electrically coupled to the positive- and negative-electrode drawing portions of the element, respectively. |
| US08724293B2 |
Storage device
Disclosed is a storage device comprising a positive electrode material containing graphite; a negative electrode material containing an oxide of at least one metal element selected from Ti, Zr, V, Cr, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sn, Sb, Bi, W and Ta, which may preferably contains a metal oxide containing at least Ti as a metal element; and an electrolyte solution. This storage device has high capacitance and high discharge voltage, thereby having high energy. Consequently, this storage device can have high energy density, while being excellent in cycle performances and rate performances. |
| US08724291B2 |
Laminated electronic component and method for manufacturing the same
A laminated electronic component includes outer terminal electrodes including lower plating films including metal particles having an average size of 0.5 μm or less, the lower plating films being formed by directly plating an outer surface of an electronic component body such that the lower plating films are electrically connected to exposed portions of inner conductors. The outer terminal electrodes may further include upper plating films formed on the lower plating films, the upper plating films being defined by one or more layers. Metal particles defining the upper plating films may have an average size of 0.5 μm or less. The metal particles defining the lower plating films may be Cu particles. |
| US08724287B2 |
Systems and methods for electrodes and coupling structures for electronic weaponry
An electronic weapon with an installed deployment unit, from which at least one tethered electrode is launched, provides a stimulus current through a target to inhibit locomotion by the target. The wire tether, also called a filament, conducts the stimulus current. The one or more electrodes, according to various aspects of the present invention, perform one or more of the following functions in any combination: binding the filament to the electrode, deploying the filament from the deployment unit, coupling the electrode to the target, and distributing a current density with respect to a region of target tissue and/or a volume of target tissue. For an electrode that includes a body and a spear, the spear may be implemented with conductive rings or with materials that include integrated conductive and insulative substances (e.g., conductive fibers in insulative composite material). Relatively high electric field flux density at a tip of the spear may be reduced or avoided by practice of the invention. |
| US08724285B2 |
Cosmetic conductive laser etching
Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. Particular arrangements of input devices may provide enhancements in ease of use. Further, cosmetic laser marking of input devices may provide improved visual appearance. Additionally, selectively controlling laser operation parameters during laser marking may provide laser marking that may be substantially electrically conductive, which in turn may be helpful in electrostatic discharge protection. |
| US08724282B2 |
Systems, apparatus and methods capable of shelf management
A method according to one embodiment may include discovering, by software, at least one variable from at least one component populated on a shelf system. The method may also include performing, by the software, at least one shelf management function based on at least one variable. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment. |
| US08724279B2 |
System and method for short circuit protection
In one embodiment, a system for providing short circuit protection is disclosed. The system has a supply circuit and a series switch. The supply circuit has a supply input and a supply output, and is configured to deliver an output current at the supply output, and to disable the supply output if the output current exceeds a first current limit. The series switch coupled between the supply output of the supply circuit and a supply node, and the supply node is configured to be coupled to a load. |
| US08724261B2 |
High-frequency magnetic field generation element and magnetic head
According to one embodiment, a high-frequency magnetic field generation element includes a first fixed layer, a first free layer, and a second free layer. A direction of a magnetization of the first fixed layer is fixed and has a component parallel to a first direction. A direction of a magnetization of the first free layer is variable and has a component orthogonal to the first direction. A direction of a magnetization of the second free layer is variable and has a component orthogonal to the first direction. The first fixed layer is provided between the first free layer and the second free layer. The magnetizations of the first free layer and the second free layer oscillate. A rotation direction of the magnetization of the first free layer is opposite to a rotation direction of the magnetization of the second free layer. |
| US08724260B2 |
Information recording device having high-frequency field generating multilayer material with a receded section disposed between main and opposing poles
Excellent magnetization switching of a magnetic recording medium is promoted in microwave assisted magnetic recording to provide a highly-reliable high-density information recording device. A receded section from an air bearing surface is arranged at an end section in a write track width direction on an FGL laminate film for generating a high-frequency field. Alternatively, a cross section of the FGL laminate film (plane perpendicular to the direction of the flow of the electric current) has an inverted trapezoid shape or has a structure in which the area of the cross section increases with distance from the main pole. Since an excellent recording pattern is formed on the recording medium, areal recording density in the information recording device can be increased, and the reliability can be improved at the same time. As a result, the cost can be reduced. |
| US08724259B1 |
Conformal high moment side shield seed layer for perpendicular magnetic recording writer
A perpendicular magnetic recording writer for use in a data storage device, the recording transducer has a magnetic writer pole, a pole tip facing an air bearing surface (ABS). The pole tip has a pole face, leading side wall, a trailing side wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A trailing side wall nonmagnetic gap layer on the trailing side wall, a first side wall nonmagnetic gap layer deposited on the first side wall, and a second side wall nonmagnetic gap layer deposited on the second side wall. A high magnetic moment seed layer is deposited on the trailing side wall nonmagnetic gap layer, the first side wall nonmagnetic gap layer, and the second side wall nonmagnetic gap layer. In other aspects of the invention shields are provided that have magnetic moments less than the magnetic moment of the seed layers. |
| US08724250B2 |
Reading magnetic tape
A system and method for reading magnetic tape are provided herein. The system includes a tape head including two read arrays. Each of the two read arrays includes a first set of data read elements of a first channel pitch and a second set of data read elements of a second channel pitch, and the first set of data read elements and the second set of data read elements are interleaved. The tape head also includes a write array located between the two read arrays. |
| US08724247B2 |
Adjusting a transducer head for transferring data
A transducer head apparatus (140) is disclosed for concurrently transferring data relative to a plurality of tracks on a data carrier. The head apparatus comprises a body (310) extending longitudinally, the body supporting a plurality of longitudinally spaced transducer elements (240, 241, 242, 250, 251, 252, 260, 261, 255, 256, 257, 265, 266, 267), and adjuster apparatus (330) operable to adjust the relative longitudinal dispositions of at least some of the transducer elements. |
| US08724246B2 |
System for fast center calibration of a tape drive for a flangeless tape path
A servo system according to one embodiment includes a servo control configured to: determine position error between a magnetic head and a desired position related to at least one defined servo track on a longitudinal tape based on at least one servo signal; calculate a first average position of the magnetic head while the longitudinal tape is moved in a first direction; calculate a first offset of the magnetic head while the longitudinal tape is moved in the first direction based on a target position and an assumption that the first average position of the magnetic head occurred when the tape was at a top-most position or a bottom-most position of a supply reel; and operate an actuator to position the actuator substantially at the target position using the first offset and the first average position. |
| US08724244B1 |
Efficient rotational parameter control for hard disk drive
Disk drives with preamp rotational parameter control (RPC) using standard digital serial interface lines to the preamp are described. The standard serial interface lines are used to generate a special signal pattern that does not follow the serial communication protocol. The special signal pattern is used to implement RPC when doing so will not interference with other signals, preferably in the read/write recovery gap between the data and the servo field in a standard track format. A value of a selected preamp parameter can be incremented or decremented by one LSB during the read/write gap time in each servo sector as the disk rotates. Embodiments of the invention allow fly-height and write driver parameters to be varied inside of a single disk revolution. Embodiments are described that include two or four parameters in the set, which allows for multiple updates of each parameter per revolution of the disk. |
| US08724231B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus equipped with same
A zoom lens includes a front lens group including a first lens unit and a second lens unit, a reflecting mirror configured to bend an optical path, and a rear lens group including two or more lens units. When the zoom lens is retracted, the reflecting mirror performs at least one of rotation and linear movement to provide space for the front lens group. A focal length of a lens unit having the highest absolute value of refractive power among negative lens units in the front lens group, a focal length of the entire zoom lens at a telephoto end, a maximum value and a minimum value of amounts of movement of the at least two lens units in the rear lens group during zooming, a length of a reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror, and a maximum effective diameter of the first lens unit are appropriately set. |
| US08724230B2 |
Endoscope objective optical system
Provided is an endoscope objective optical system that allows close-up observation while ensuring sufficient image brightness. Provided is an endoscope objective optical system consisting of a front group, an aperture stop, and a back group disposed in order from an object side; and a meniscus lens that can be inserted in and removed from an optical path between the aperture stop and the front group or the back group, with a convex surface thereof facing the aperture stop side. |
| US08724221B2 |
Optical interference bandpass filter
An optical filter includes a substrate and a filter film attached on the substrate. The filter film has alternate layers of high reflective layers and low reflective layers to form a plurality of Fabry-Perot resonators. A basic optical thickness of the high reflective layers and the low reflective layers is one fourth a central wavelength (λ0/4) of incident ray, and each of the Fabry-Perot resonators has two high reflector films and a spacer between the high reflector films. The spacers in the Fabry-Perot resonator, which is most proximal to the substrate, and in the Fabry-Perot resonator, which is most distal to the substrate, have an optical thickness respectively in a range between four times the basic optical thickness and fourteen times the basic optical thickness. |
| US08724216B2 |
Dual band infrared continuous zoom lens
A continuous zoom lens arrangement can image MWIR and LWIR spectral bands to a common image plane. Such an exemplary optical system comprises eight infrared imaging lenses that all transmit over the wavelengths 3.5-11.0 microns and form a collocated image plane for the MWIR and LWIR spectral bands. The lens has six stationary lenses, and two lenses that move in an axial fashion. A cold stop inside the dewar can act as the aperture stop of the system and control the stray light from reaching the FPA. The pupil is reimaged from the cold stop to near the first lens of the system to minimize the size of the lens. |
| US08724215B2 |
Optical pulse source
The invention can include an apparatus for producing optical pulses, comprising an oscillator for producing optical pulses at a first optical pulse repetition frequency, the optical pulses having a first wavelength; a first optical fiber amplifier; a second optical fiber amplifier; a pulse picker located between the first and second optical fiber amplifiers, the pulse picker operable to reduce the optical pulse repetition frequency of optical pulses, wherein the first amplifier amplifies optical pulses at the first optical pulse repetition frequency and the second amplifier amplifies optical pulses at a reduced optical pulse repetition frequency that is less than the first optical pulse repetition frequency; a nonlinear optical fiber receiving amplified optical pulses having the reduced optical pulse repetition frequency and the first wavelength to produce, at the reduced optical pulse frequency, optical pulses that include one or more nonlinearly produced wavelengths different than the first wavelength; and wherein the pulse picker and the first and second optical fiber amplifiers are located between the oscillator and the nonlinear optical fiber. |
| US08724208B2 |
Color display and method for manufacturing color display
A method for manufacturing a color display provides a bottom substrate, injects a liquid display media onto the bottom substrate, and disposes a sealing substrate on the liquid display media, such that the liquid display media is contained between the sealing substrate and the bottom substrate. The method also aligns an image device corresponding to the bottom substrate and transfers a color coating onto the sealing substrate by a laser device through a laser thermal transfer process to form a color filter layer on the sealing substrate. |
| US08724207B1 |
Laser pulse temporal, spectral and spatial shaping devices based on volume diffractive gratings with spatially variable parameters
Recent invention of longitudinally chirped volume Bragg gratings has dramatically changed a design of high power femtosecond lasers. Replacing of bulky pairs of conventional surface gratings with compact and robust chirped volume Bragg gratings for stretching and compression of laser pulses in chirped-pulse-amplification systems enabled decrease of size and weight of those systems by several times. The methods and devices enable substantial increase of stretching time and compression to shorter pulses, enhancement of stretched and compressed beams quality by stationary or dynamic shaping of gratings, and shaping of laser pulses in both temporal and spectral domains. |
| US08724205B2 |
Laser system to generate a laser guide star
A laser system includes a laser light source which emits electromagnetic radiation, at least one optical amplifier which amplifies the radiation emitted from the laser light source, and a frequency multiplier which converts the amplified radiation by resonant frequency multiplying and/or summation-frequency generating. The laser system has a modulation facility which causes a modulation of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the laser light source in such a manner that the spectrum encompasses a carrier frequency and at least one sideband, with the frequency multiplier being resonant at the carrier frequency and at the frequency of the at least one sideband. |
| US08724202B2 |
Switchable windows with MEMS shutters
An array of MEMS shutters may incorporate opaque and/or interference-based film stacks, to control light in a window. The shutter structure may include one or more layers with a controlled stress gradient, which makes a shutter arm curl out of plane and away from a defined aperture for light, thus permitting light to be transmitted through a transparent substrate and past the MEMS structure. To close the shutter, a voltage may be applied between an electrode in the shutter arm and an electrode covering a region on the substrate, rolling the shutter arm flat against the substrate electrode and placing the shutter arm over the aperture. The shutter arm may be configured to transmit selected wavelengths of light. In some implementations, the shutter arm may be configured to filter out infrared light. |
| US08724197B2 |
Image processing apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for color calibration superposing different color patches in different orders of gradation values
An image processing apparatus includes a patch forming unit that forms a plurality of mixed-color patches by superposing single color patches of a plurality of colors with different gradation ratios according to gradation values; a color measuring unit that performs color measurement of the mixed-color patches; an estimating unit that estimates color values of single colors present in the mixed-color patches based on color measurement values obtained by performing color measurement; and a correction table setting unit that sets a correction table in order to correct the estimated color values of the single colors to target color values. |
| US08724196B2 |
Image processing device
An image processing device for a still image and for every frame of a moving image includes an uptake unit to take image data of a pixel unit from a captured image of a subject, a histogram generating unit to generate a histogram of the brightness after having disintegrated the data into a particular color space, and a control unit which reads out the image based on a predetermined reading pattern according to color, and sets the brightness of a pixel at a particular position of the reading pattern based on a mean histogram of a pixel removed (lifted) from the particular position in the pattern. |
| US08724195B2 |
Accommodating dynamic ranges in a cone space model
Methods and systems for accommodating color ranges are provided. A source light-to-dark dynamic range of a first output medium may be obtained with a source white point and a source black point. A destination light-to-dark dynamic range of a second output medium may be obtained with a destination white point and a destination black point. A white point mapping and a black point mapping may be determined. Based on a first representation of an image on the first output medium, a second representation of the image may be created by interpolating the source light-to-dark dynamic range to the destination light-to-dark dynamic range based on the white point mapping and the black point mapping. A computing device may cause the second output medium to produce the representation of the image. |
| US08724193B2 |
Image forming device creating a preview image
An image forming device may be provided with a setting data storage device, a preview image creation device, and an output device. The setting data storage device may be capable of storing a plurality of patterns of setting data. The preview image creation device may create, for each pattern of setting data stored in the setting data storage device, a preview image to which the pattern of setting data is reflected. The output device may output the plurality of preview images created by the preview image creation device. |
| US08724188B2 |
Imaging scanner with multiple image fields
Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for providing multiple image fields or regions on an imaging array. In certain preferred embodiments, a high density imaging array may be partitioned into two or more regions, each of which may be used to render a separate view of the scan volume. This arrangement may provide an increase in the effective scan volume beyond the volume available with a single imager having a single point of view and may allow for reading of encoded symbols at a variety of orientations that would otherwise preclude accurate imaging with a single imager. |
| US08724187B2 |
Collimator lens, optical scanning device and image forming apparatus using same
In a collimator lens, in a case where divergent light emitted from a position P1 at a distance S1 from a second face enters the second face and imaging is performed at a position P2 at a distance S2 from a first face, in a temperature range of 0° C. to 60° C. and in a range of the emission wavelength of the light source which changes within the temperature range, and when a minimum value of a wavefront aberration of an image, which is generated at the position P2 by the divergent light emitted from the position P1 in a range of 0 |
| US08724185B2 |
Light guide member, illuminating device, and image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus using same
A light guide member includes a main body part, and an entrance surface, a strip-shaped exit surface and a strip-shaped reflecting surface that are formed on the main body part. The illumination light is output from the exit surface. The reflecting surface extends in the first direction on a face placed opposite to the exit surface of the main body part and reflects the illumination light. The reflecting surface includes, on a flat face, a reflection pattern surface provided with a plurality of minute reflective concave parts having a function of reflecting the illumination light toward the exit surface. The reflective concave parts each include a deflection surface which deflects the illumination light in a direction in which a reflection angle widens in a cross sectional view in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction in a horizontal direction, and then reflects the illumination light. |
| US08724184B2 |
Vessel for scanning documents
A method of scanning a document uses a document scanning device having a case which defines a cavity and has a docking location on a first side and a document platform on a second opposed side. The method includes steps of inserting an electronic image capturing device into the docking location, inserting a document to be scanned onto the document platform, activating a camera on the electronic image capturing device, and capturing an image of the document. Once the document image has been captured, the method may also include a further step of transmitting the image to another location, using a communications network. |
| US08724183B2 |
Apparatus and method for reading ID documents in an open environment
An imaging apparatus for imaging a document in an open environment or a closed environment including processor, memory, an imaging device having at least one image sensor and a direct light-source, a bench having an upper surface and a document holding mechanism having at least one paperweight. The paperweights are disposed in respective fitted hollow columns formed in the document holding mechanism, extending generally perpendicular, upwardly from the upper surface of the bench, wherein the respective fitted hollow column facilitates free up and down motion of the paperweight inside, and wherein the document may be pushed underneath said paperweight to thereby flatten the document. |
| US08724181B2 |
Image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is provided with a document receiving portion that receives a document, and an image reader that moves between a first end position of the document receiving portion and a second end position opposite to the first end position. The image reader reads the image of the document on the document receiving portion while moving in a predetermined direction. A cable is provided having an end connected to the image reader. A cable protrusion and a regulation protrusion are configured such that, along with movement of the image reader in the predetermined direction from the first position to the second position, the cable protrusion moves a predetermined distance in the predetermined direction and contacts the regulation protrusion, and the regulation protrusion regulates a further movement of the cable in the predetermined direction. |
| US08724177B2 |
Printing apparatus having automatic printing sheet feeder
A printing apparatus having an automatic printing sheet feeder integrated thereto to improve mass productivity. The printing apparatus includes a base, a moving stage, an automatic printing sheet feeder, and a printing roll. The moving stage is linearly movable along the base, and has a lithographic plate seated on the top surface thereof, the lithographic plate having a printing pattern thereon. The automatic printing sheet feeder is installed on the moving stage. The automatic printing sheet feeder includes an unwinding roll, which supplies the printing sheet, a rewinding roll, which collects the printing sheet, and a plurality of guide rolls, which guide the printing sheet to pass through the printing area of the moving stage. The printing roll is installed on the base, and performs printing by transferring ink from recesses of a printing pattern of the lithographic plate to the printing sheet on the moving stage. |
| US08724173B2 |
Control apparatus, controlling method, program and recording medium
A problem of the present invention is to provide a control apparatus, a controlling method, a program, and a recording medium which can print by using at least one or more special colors in addition to four colors of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. To solve the above problem, the control apparatus according to the present invention includes analyzing unit that provides command analysis for a CMYK plate and a clear toner plate, generating unit that generates image data of the CMYK plate based on a result of the command analysis by the analyzing unit, and embedding unit that embeds a clear toner attribute obtained by analyzing the clear toner plate in an attribute flag accompanying each of pixels of the image data of the CMYK plate, which is generated by the generating unit. |
| US08724172B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium capable of realizing high speed generation processing of bitmap image data without increasing the load of object combining processing
An image processing apparatus including at least one processor that executes a program, includes an analysis unit configured to analyze a print job, an optimization unit configured to, based on a result of the analysis performed by the analysis unit, combine a plurality of objects included in the print job into one object according to an upper limit number, which is different according to a type of the objects to be combined, an intermediate data generation unit configured to generate intermediate data based on the objects combined by the optimization unit, and an image data generation unit configured to generate image data from the intermediate data generated by the intermediate data generation unit. |
| US08724170B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image quality adjustment method
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: an image forming section which forms an image on paper; a plurality of image reading sections each of which reads the image formed on the paper, and is connectable to the image forming apparatus; a storage section which stores connection information on a connection state between each of the image reading sections and the image forming apparatus; and a control section which selects a test image reading section from among the image reading sections based on the connection information, makes the selected test image reading section read a test image formed by the image forming section, and performs image quality adjustment based on the read test image. |
| US08724168B2 |
Updating a smoothness constrained cluster model for color control in a color management system
What is disclosed is a novel system and method for updating a cluster model for color control. In one example embodiment, a cluster model is received and analyzed to identify clusters therein. Each of the identified clusters has an associated transform. Thereafter, in response to a threshold event having occurred, a critical cluster is identified and a critical color is identified from the cluster. Steps for identifying a critical color are more fully described herein. A selected number of patches is then printed in each of the critical colors and color measurements are obtained from the printed patches using, for instance, a colorimeter or spectrophotometer. If the color measurements have deviated beyond a defined threshold, then update the cluster model by: updating the transform associated with the cluster; redefining the number of clusters; redefining a center of any of the clusters; or redefining a boundary of the clusters. |
| US08724165B2 |
Image data generating device, image data generating method, and computer-readable storage medium for generating monochrome image data and color image data
An image data generating device includes an original image acquirer that acquires original image data of a subject. The image data generating device also includes a controller that generates image data. The controller includes a monochrome image data generator that generates monochrome image data from the original image data. The controller also includes a color image data generator that generates color image data from the original image data. Further, the controller includes a text data acquirer that acquires recognition result data from the monochrome image data generated by the monochrome image data generator. In addition, the controller includes a recording unit that associates and records the color image data generated by the color image data generator and the recognition result data acquired by the text data acquirer. |
| US08724163B2 |
Optical scanning apparatus, light power control method, and image forming apparatus for adjusting drive current supplied to the light source
An optical scanning apparatus includes a light source, rotational polygonal mirror, correction data calculating unit, modification computing unit, and adjustment unit. The adjustment unit adjusts drive current supplied to the light source using the correction data calculated by the correction data calculating unit when a first of a plurality of modes is selected or using the correction data calculated by the modification computing unit when a second of the plurality of modes is selected. |
| US08724161B2 |
Method, apparatus, and computer program product for processing image data of plural images to combine for output to a recording medium
An input processor performs an input processing of image data. A memory unit has a work area for combining the image data. A writing unit sequentially writes the image data on which the input processing is performed in the work area of the memory unit. A determining unit determines, when the image data are combined, whether image data to be arranged in a direction orthogonal to an image output direction are written in the work area. An output processor performs, when it is determined that the image data are written in the work area, an output processing of the image data to be arranged in the direction orthogonal to the image output direction. |
| US08724148B2 |
Recording device that can connect to a control device, control method for a recording device that can connect to a control device, and storage medium that stores a program for controlling parts of a recording device that can connect to a control device
A control device is notified of recording problems in a recording device based on the location of drive data in a storage device. A printer stores a start-recording position as start-recording position data, writes drive data reflecting the start-recording position in a line buffer, drives a line thermal head based on the buffered drive data to record on a recording medium, and the printer returns information denoting the start-recording position based on a request from the host computer. |
| US08724145B2 |
Display input device, image forming apparatus, and display method of the display input device
A display input device includes a display unit which displays a plurality of types of functions as set items, a program which is called to control the display unit to display a screen for setting set items selected and registered in advance, a storage unit which stores information about whether or not to display a set item when the program is called as contents of the program, an input unit which accepts an input about whether or not to display the set items when the program is called, and a display control unit which controls the display unit not to display a set item that is determined to be no display. |
| US08724144B2 |
Facsimile machine, control method therefor, and control program therefor
A facsimile machine that enables to limit a facsimile transmission based on a network address converted from an inputted telephone number, and provides a facsimile transmission based on a network address designated as a destination of received image data. An input unit inputs a telephone number of a transmitting destination. A setting unit sets a transmission limit domain to which a facsimile transmission is limited. An acquisition unit adapted to acquire a network address corresponding to the telephone number inputted via the input unit. A control unit that limits a facsimile transmission of which the transmitting destination is the acquired network address based on a domain of the network address acquired by the acquisition unit and the transmission limit domain set by the setting unit. |
| US08724143B2 |
Image communicating apparatus
An image communicating apparatus includes: a communicating control unit that controls an internet facsimile communication for transmitting/receiving control information and a packet containing image information based on a T.38 protocol; a loss detecting unit that detects a loss of the packet transmitted from a transmitting side in a stage for receiving the image information through the packet based on the T.38 protocol; a complementing information holding unit that holds complementing information for complementing the image information contained in the lost packet; and a complementation processing unit that complements the image information contained in the lost packet with the complementing information held by the complementing information holding unit if the loss of the packet is detected by the loss detecting unit. |
| US08724142B2 |
Image forming device, printing a print job based on a changed print setting
A printing system, in which an image forming device receives a print job containing PDL data and print settings from a printer server for printing, has a problem that the print setting upon printing an image on a print paper can be changed, but the print setting reflected upon rasterizing the PDL data can not be changed. A printing system is provided with an image forming device comprising an information terminal for generating a print job composed of PDL data and print settings, a printer server to store the print job therein, and an image forming device for printing the print job stored in the printer server, the image forming device rasterizing the PDL data to generate a raster image and printing the raster image according to the print setting, wherein the image forming device can change the print setting before rasterizing the PDL data. |
| US08724138B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and method to automatically adjust job counters
An image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a method to control the same, the method including: adjusting a count of a selected type of job of an image forming apparatus based on a count of another type of job, thereby achieving convenient management of the counts of the plurality of types of jobs. |
| US08724137B2 |
Information processing apparatus and memory management technique for secure print data
State information about whether a printing apparatus can store print data for confidential printing is acquired. When the print data can be stored, secure information and print data are transmitted, and when the print data cannot be stored, the print data is transmitted after performing authentication based on the secure information. |
| US08724135B2 |
Printing device and method of controlling the same
A first memory section stores secret keys that are identical to secret keys stored in a cartridge. A second memory section stores history information relating to a history of usage. A secret-key selecting section performs a secret-key selecting operation of selecting, based on the history information, a specific secret key from among the secret keys. A first-authentication-information generating section encrypts a random number based on the specific secret key, thereby generating first authentication information, which is stored in a third memory section. A transmitting section transmits first identification information for identifying the specific secret key and the random number to the cartridge. A receiving section receives second authentication information generated at the cartridge by encrypting the random number based on a secret key identified by the first identification information. An authenticating section compares the first and second authentication information, and authenticates the cartridge if the both authentication information match. |
| US08724134B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing recent experience comment and recent activity log feedback in image forming and media handling devices
A feedback scheme is provided in which a combination of function specific firmware and hardware are used to capture a greater representation of issues experienced by a group of end-users specific to particular product with which the combination of function specific firmware and hardware is associated. Product-resident hardware stores record of product usage, faults, interventions and maintenance associated with a particular time window so that product-generated data can be coupled with user-generated experience feedback. A digitally-recorded description of the issue with which the user was confronted that prompted the feedback, and pertinent time frame product operating data is combined and transmitted to a product monitoring center for compilation, analysis and review. |
| US08724131B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer-readable storage medium for use in inkjet printing
Method, apparatus and computer-readable storage medium for use in performing a pre-print scan of a recording medium using a first sensor, wherein pre-print data is obtained from the pre-print scan, the pre-print data corresponding to an area of the recording medium upon which printing is to be performed; performing a post-print scan of the recording medium using a second sensor, wherein post-print data is obtained from the post-print scan, the post-print data corresponding to the area after printing was to have been performed thereon; and determining whether printing was successful using the pre-print data and the post-print data. |
| US08724127B2 |
Operation console, control method thereof and image forming apparatus
In an operation unit, a display panel displays a two-sided copy setting screen image including a still image display area on which a plurality of software keys (two-sided copy setting keys) corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of processes (one-sided/one-sided copy process, one-sided/two-sided copy process, two-sided/two-sided copy process and two-sided/one-sided copy process), for selecting any of the plurality of processes, are displayed. A touch-panel receives an input operation to the plurality of software keys. In response to the touch-panel receiving the input operation, a CPU displays, on a movie display area different from the still image display area of the two-sided copy setting screen image, an image representing contents of the selected process in a prescribed state. |
| US08724126B2 |
Printing apparatus, program, and printer driver
A printing apparatus capable of executing color printing and monochrome printing includes: a mode controller which controls a monochrome printing mode where the monochrome printing is executed, a first mode where reception of a printing job stops when a color image forming medium has run out, and a second mode where procession to the monochrome printing mode is possible; an exclusive controller which receives only one printing job in a first time period; and a print executing unit which execute printing on the basis of the printing job received by the exclusive controller. |
| US08724123B2 |
Method and device for vehicle measurement
A method for determining the rolling radius of a wheel, of a motor vehicle on a road surface, including: projecting a light pattern onto the wheel and road surface; recording a light pattern reflected by the wheel and road surface using an image recording device; determining 3D coordinates of points of the reflected light pattern; identifying points of the reflected light pattern of the wheel; identifying points of the reflected light pattern of the road surface; determining the position of the center of rotation of the wheel from the reflected light pattern points identified as belonging to the wheel; determining the position of the road surface from the reflected light pattern points identified as belonging to the road surface; determining the rolling radius on the contact surface of the wheel as the distance between the center of rotation of the wheel and the position of the road surface. |
| US08724118B1 |
Mobile apparatus with local position referencing structure
A position-referenced mobile system includes: a mobile apparatus including: a transport mechanism for moving the mobile apparatus along or substantially along a plane of motion; a rotatable position detection assembly including: a laser; a first photo detector; and a second photo detector; and at least one encoder for monitoring an amount of rotation of the position detection assembly; a controller for interpreting signals provided by the first photo detector and the second photo detector; and a position referencing structure including: a reflective linear reference member; a first reflective cylindrical surface disposed at a first end of the linear reference member; and a second reflective cylindrical surface disposed at a second end of the linear reference member. |
| US08724117B2 |
System for measuring electro-optic coefficient by using interference fringe measurement, and method of measuring electro-optic coefficient by using the system
Measuring of an electro-optic coefficient and a thermo-optic coefficient of an optical device and an optical material, and more specifically, to measurement systems and methods of evaluating the electro-optic and thermo-optic coefficients by using interference fringe measurement techniques, wherein those optical characteristics can be precisely measured over a wide wavelength intended without using a complicated measuring equipment. The system for measuring an electro-optic coefficient includes: a light source for outputting an optical beam of multi-wavelengths, an optical interferometer including an optical beam splitter for dividing the optical beam received from the light source into two separate beams, a reference arm for receiving any one of the divided optical beams, a sample arm for receiving the other of the divided optical beams and applying a voltage to an optical sample to be measured by being connected to the optical sample, and an optical beam combiner for combining and mutually interfering optical beams that are output through the reference arm and the sample arm, and an optical spectrum analyzing device for receiving the mutually interfered optical beam from the optical interferometer and analyzing a spectrum of the mutually interfered optical beam. |
| US08724112B2 |
Laser gas analysis apparatus
A timing generating circuit outputs, to a laser controller, a change pulse signal for changing an oscillation wavelength of the laser beam, and outputs, to a data acquisition circuit, a timing pulse signal for outputting data to a processor. An edge detection circuit detects an edge of a measurement signal outputted from a detector circuit. A delay measuring circuit receives a change pulse signal outputted from the timing generating circuit, receives an edge detection signal outputted from the edge detection circuit, and measures a delay of a time for which the laser beam with an oscillation wavelength changed based on the change pulse signal reaches the detector circuit after the change pulse signal is outputted from the timing generating circuit. The timing generating circuit delays a time for outputting data from the data acquisition circuit to the processor based on the delay of time outputted from the delay measuring circuit. |
| US08724111B2 |
Flash photolysis system
A pump-probe LFP system is adapted to a substantially lower energy requirement of a pump light source and a probe light source. The LFP system includes a photonic crystal fiber based probe light source, a pump light source adapted to produce light pulses with nanojoule or higher energy, a main laser source to generate a first beam portion to the probe light source and a second beam portion to the pump light source, a delay generator, computer, an optical modulator, and a detector. One or more lenses can be used to focus the light beams to areas less than about 1 micron on a sample, where the sample can be rastered to provide domain specific flash photolysis data of the sample. |
| US08724109B2 |
Method and apparatus for angular-resolved spectroscopic lithography characterization
An apparatus and method to determine overlay of a target on a substrate (6) by measuring, in the pupil plane (40) of a high numerical aperture len (L1), an angle-resolved spectrum as a result of radiation being reflected off the substrate. The overlay is determined from the anti-symmetric component of the spectrum, which is formed by subtracting the measured spectrum and a mirror image of the measured spectrum. The measured spectrum may contain only zeroth order reflected radiation from the target. |
| US08724103B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying and correcting spherical aberrations in a microscope imaging beam path
A method and apparatus provide identification of a spherical error of a microscope imaging beam path in a context of microscopic imaging of a sample using a microscope having an objective. A coverslip that carries or covers the sample is arranged in the imaging beam path. A measurement beam is guided through the objective onto the sample in a decentered fashion that is outside an optical axis of the objective. The measurement beam is reflected at an interface of the coverslip with the sample and the reflected measurement beam is guided through the objective onto a detector. An intensity profile of the reflected measurement beam is detected with the detector and a presence of a spherical error from the intensity profile is determined qualitatively and/or quantitatively. |
| US08724102B2 |
Optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) trace analysis in PON systems
A client unit and a method are provided performing fault analysis in a Passive Optical Network, PON, by using Optical Time Domain Reflectometry, OTDR. The method comprises triggering a new OTDR measurement, wherein a previous reference measurement has been made indicating an original state of the PON. The method further comprises inserting an OTDR measurement signal into a multistage splitter before a last splitter stage of the multistage splitter, and wherein the last splitter stage is of ratio 2:N; and obtaining at least one new event location based on the OTDR measurement signal. Further, the method comprises calculating a fault magnitude at a given location by subtracting an event magnitude obtained from the new OTDR measurement from the reference OTDR measurement and taking into account the number of drop links connected to the last splitter stage in the reference measurement and the new measurement. Thereby, determination of position and severity of the fault locations is enabled. |
| US08724098B2 |
Method for candling fertilized eggs with green or blue light and corresponding device
An egg candling method for determining a state of eggs between the 13th and the 17th day of incubation, particularly for identifying with certainty the living or dead state of that egg. The egg is illuminated with a green or blue light to visually show on the shell a shadow of the blood network supplying the embryo of the egg if it is present in the egg. At least one image of the egg is acquired then processed in order to determine a vitality level of the egg, based on the presence or not of this blood network and the size of the veins of said blood network. The method also determines the presence or absence of air cell in the upper portion of the egg and to thus define the inverted or uninverted position of the egg. Finally, the method also makes it possible to detect lesions on an egg shell and particularly cracked shells. |
| US08724096B2 |
Optoelectronic sensor and method for the detection and distance determination of objects
An optoelectronic sensor for the detection and distance determination of objects in a monitoring area is provided having a light transmitter for transmitting a plurality of light pulses, a rotatable deflecting unit, an angle detector, a light receiver, and an evaluation unit which is configured to collect a plurality of reception pulses in a time histogram to determine the light time of flight from the sensor to an object. The evaluation unit is configured to select a respective group of reception pulses that is collected in a histogram based on the angular position signal and to assign the measured value for the object distance determined from the histogram of the group to a detection angle identified by the angular position signal. |
| US08724095B2 |
Optical assembly for laser radar
A compact optical assembly for a laser radar system is provided, that is configured to move as a unit with a laser radar system as the laser radar system is pointed at a target and eliminates the need for a large scanning (pointing) mirror that is moveable relative to other parts of the laser radar. The optical assembly comprises a light source, a lens, a scanning reflector and a fixed reflector that are oriented relative to each other such that: (i) a beam from the light source is reflected by the scanning reflector to the fixed reflector; (ii) reflected light from the fixed reflector is reflected again by the scanning reflector and directed along a line of sight through the lens; and (iii) the scanning reflector is moveable relative to the source, the lens and the fixed reflector, to adjust the focus of the beam along the line of sight. |
| US08724094B2 |
Apparatus and method of recognizing presence of objects
An apparatus and method for recognizing presence of an object is provided, the apparatus and method are mounted on or implemented a vehicle. In the apparatus and method, by scanning a beam-shaped electromagnetic wave, data showing reflection intensities of reflected waves and distances between the vehicle and objects outside the vehicle are obtained. Based on the detected data, characteristics presented by frequency distributions of the distances and intensity frequency distributions of the refection intensities obtained in multiple rows in a field of view in the height direction of the vehicle. The characteristics depend on an angle of the electromagnetic wave to a road on which the vehicle travels. It is determined that the characteristics are obtained from the road when the characteristics meet predetermined requirements. |
| US08724089B2 |
Compressed scan systems
A method for building a fast scan system is provided in which a scanner moves the scan sensors faster than scanners of the prior art, even though the total distance that the scan sensors move longer. The scan system includes (a) a scan sensor that measures the scan target by moving around it, and (b) a data processing system that calculates a parameter of the scan target from the collected data. The scan sensor, which has a limited sensing bandwidth, is moved along multiple paths along the target at a scan speed that is faster than the scan speed determined by the scan sensor bandwidth, so as to obtain a clear signal directly from the scan sensor output. The target is then recovered from the scan output using a compressed sampling data recovery data processing method. |
| US08724085B2 |
Exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus and method exposes a substrate via a projection optical system and a liquid. A liquid immersion system supplies liquid to form a liquid immersion region below the projection optical system. First and second tables each can mount a substrate. A drive system drives the first and second tables, which are positionable below the projection optical system. The drive system is controlled to move the first and second tables below the projection optical system relative to the liquid immersion region to replace one of the first and second tables positioned below the projection optical system with the other of the first and second tables such that the liquid immersion region is transferred from the one of the first and second tables to the other of the first and second tables while the liquid immersion region is maintained below and in contact with the projection optical system. |
| US08724081B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and method
A lithographic apparatus includes an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam and a support constructed to support a patterning device. The patterning device is configured to form a patterned radiation beam. A substrate table is constructed to hold a substrate, and a projection system is configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate. The apparatus includes a heater arrangement that includes an electron beam generator configured to generate an electron beam, and an electron beam guide arrangement configured to guide the electron beam onto an optical element of the lithographic apparatus. The optical element forms a part of the illumination system or the projection system which, in use, is traversed by the radiation beam. The heater arrangement is controllable to provide a distribution of heat on the optical element by deflection of the electron beam. |
| US08724079B2 |
Stage drive method and stage unit, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
When a transition from a first state where one stage is positioned at a first area directly below projection optical system to which liquid is supplied to a state where the other stage-is positioned at the first area, both stages are simultaneously driven while a state where both stages are close together in the X-axis direction is maintained. Therefore, it becomes possible to make a transition from the first state to the second state in a state where liquid is supplied in the space between the projection optical system and the specific stage directly under the projection optical system. Accordingly, the time from the completion of exposure operation on one stage side until the exposure operation begins on the other stage side can be reduced, which allows processing with high throughput. Further, because the liquid can constantly exist on the image plane side of the projection optical system, generation of water marks on optical members of the projection optical system on the image plane side is prevented. |
| US08724078B2 |
Device and method for drying a photomask
An object of the present invention is a photomask drying device which includes: a sealed chamber containing at least one photomask, a pumping unit to set up and maintain vacuum within said chamber, a support for the photomask placed within said chamber, infrared radiation means placed within said chamber, a system for injecting gas into said chamber characterized in that the infrared radiation means comprise a plurality of infrared radiation sources distributed in a plane parallel to the plane of the photomask in such a way that the distance from the photomask to the infrared radiation means is given by the relationship: D=1.5×d wherein D is the distance between the plane containing the infrared radiation sources and the photomask and d is the distance between the center points of two neighboring infrared radiation sources, and in that the gas injection system comprises a plurality of gas injectors distributed in a plane parallel to the plane of the photomask in such a way that the injectors follow a 90° rotational invariance about the center point of the photomask. |
| US08724071B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a TFT substrate, a counter substrate, more than one columnar spacer formed on the counter substrate side, a step film of convex shape formed onto the TFT substrate side and arranged at a position facing the columnar spacer, and a liquid crystal sealed between the TFT substrate and the counter substrate, wherein a difference between a central coordinate of the step film and a central coordinate of the columnar spacer seen in a normal direction of a display surface of the liquid crystal display device varies with standard deviation σ of no smaller than 3 μm in at least one direction within an appropriate range in a display area of the display surface. |
| US08724070B2 |
Connecting structure of electronic apparatus and display device using the same
A connecting structure of the present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate on which the first substrate is laminated, and a sheet like connection body having one end connected to one principal surface of the first substrate and another end connected to one principal surface of the second substrate, wherein a lengthwise direction of the sheet like connection body is parallel to a perimeter part of the first substrate, and the sheet like connection body has a slit part extending from one of end portions thereof to a part thereof along the lengthwise direction, and has a first end and a second end divided by the slit part at one of end portions, the first end is connected to a principal surface of the first substrate in vicinity of a peripheral part of the first substrate, and the second end is connected to a principal surface of the second substrate in vicinity of a peripheral part of the first substrate. |
| US08724065B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate including a pixel electrode disposed in a pixel having a greater length in a first direction than in a second direction crossing the first direction, the pixel electrode including a first main pixel electrode and a second main pixel electrode which extend in the second direction, a contact portion which is located between the first main pixel electrode and the second main pixel electrode and extends in the second direction, and a sub-pixel electrode which connects the first main pixel electrode, the second main pixel electrode and the contact portion. |
| US08724062B2 |
Common repair structures for close bus in a liquid crystal display
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a common repair structure for repairing scanning and/or data line defects in a liquid crystal display panel. In one embodiment, the common repair structure includes a plurality of “H” shaped structures, where each “H” shaped structure is placed over a corresponding segment of two neighboring scanning lines located between and associated with two neighboring pixels along the second direction or a corresponding segment of two neighboring data lines located between and associated with two neighboring pixels along the first direction. |
| US08724061B2 |
Pixel structure
A pixel structure includes a substrate, a scan line, a first data line, a second data line, a first active device, a second active device, a first pixel electrode, and a second pixel electrode. The substrate has a first unit area and a second unit area. The first pixel electrode is disposed in the first unit area and includes a first main portion and first branch portions extending from the first main portion to an edge of the first unit area. The second pixel electrode is disposed in the second unit area and includes a second main portion and second branch portions extending from the second main portion to an edge of the second unit area, wherein at least a part of the first branch portions and at least a part of the second branch portions are asymmetrically arranged at two sides of the second data line. |
| US08724056B2 |
Polarizing element, liquid crystal device, and electronic apparatus
A polarizing element includes a plurality of first needle-shaped particles that have transmittance for first polarized light, which is in a first polarization state, that is different from transmittance for second polarized light, which is in a second polarization state different from the first polarization state, in a first wavelength region and a plurality of second needle-shaped particles that have transmittance for the first polarized light that is different from transmittance for the second polarized light, in a second wavelength region different from the first wavelength region. |
| US08724055B2 |
Display and polarizer of photon-electric conversion
The present invention relates to a display and polarizer capable of photon-electric conversion, the display capable of photon-electric conversion comprising: a first substrate having a first top surface and a first bottom surface, a second substrate having a second top surface and a second bottom surface, a liquid crystal layer disposed between said first bottom surface of said first substrate and said second top surface of said second substrate, a first polarizer disposed on said first top surface of said first substrate, and a photon-electric conversion element, wherein a light-polarized dye is added into said photon-electric conversion element to form a second polarizer attached to the second bottom surface of the second substrate, and photon energy of an incident light, which has a direction of vibration parallel to absorption axis of said light-polarized dye, is absorbed by said light-polarized dye for photon-electric conversion. |
| US08724054B2 |
High efficiency and long life optical spectrum conversion device and process
A spectral conversion device including a plurality of discrete units dyed with a photoluminescent material at a concentration greater than or equal to an amount sufficient to absorb and convert substantially all input light from a light source to a desired output spectrum, and a coating material disposed around the discrete units, wherein the coating material binds the plurality of discrete units to form a matrix, wherein when the plurality of discrete units are positioned over the light source, the input light passing through the transparent discrete units is not converted, and the input light passing through the doped discrete units is converted to red and green wavelengths, further wherein the emitted input light and the converted red and green light correspond to the desired output spectrum to produce one or more colors. An associated method and an associated device used with flat panel image displays are also provided. |
| US08724047B2 |
LCD device
The invention provides an LCD device, and the LCD device comprises a front frame, a middle frame, and a back frame in sequence from outside to inside. A light guide panel is arranged between the back frame and the middle frame. A cavity is formed by the middle frame, the back frame, and the light guide panel, and a light source assembly is arranged in the cavity. The middle frame is provided with a middle frame through hole communicated with the cavity, and the front frame is provided with a front frame through hole communicated with the middle frame through hole. Because the middle frame and the front frame of the invention are respectively provided with through holes, the heat accumulated in the cavity is directly dissipated to the outside through air convection. Compared with the heat dissipation mode of using conduction and air convection, the heat dissipation mode of the invention has the advantages of directness, simplicity, and convenience, thereby having preferable heat dissipation effect. |
| US08724040B2 |
Pixel structures of 3D display devices
In an embodiment of the invention, a pixel structure of a 3D display device is provided. The pixel structure of a 3D display device includes a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate including a pixel, wherein the pixel is divided into a first subpixel strip and a second subpixel strip, and each subpixel strip includes a plurality of subpixels, wherein each subpixel is divided into a first area and a second area including one contact hole located in one of the first area and the second area, wherein the locations of the contact holes in the first subpixel strip and the second subpixel strip are the same or the location of the contact holes in the first subpixel strip is a mirror image of the location of the contact holes in the second subpixel strip, and a light modulating element formed on the pixel. |
| US08724039B2 |
Hybrid multiplexed 3D display and displaying method thereof
A hybrid multiplexed 3D display and a displaying method thereof. The hybrid multiplexed 3D display includes an image display, a light source and an image splitter. The image display generates a view image. The light source sequentially generates light of multiple colors transmitted through the image display. The image splitter disposed above or below the image display causes image data, which is generated after the light is transmitted through the image display, to emit toward two or more than two view directions. Thus, the image viewed by a user has at least two views to achieve a stereoscopic visual effect. |
| US08724038B2 |
Wraparound assembly for combination touch, handwriting and fingerprint sensor
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a combined sensor device. In some implementations, a combined sensor device includes a wrap-around configuration wherein an upper flexible substrate has patterned conductive material on an extended portion to allow routing of signal lines, electrical ground, and power. One or more integrated circuits or passive components, which may include connecting sockets, may be mounted onto the flexible layer to reduce cost and complexity. Such implementations may eliminate a flex cable and may allow a bezel-less configuration. |
| US08724036B2 |
Broadcasting signal receiving apparatus, remote controller and pairing method thereof
Disclosed are a broadcasting signal receiving apparatus, a remote controller and a pairing method thereof, the pairing method of the remote controller performing bidirectional communication with the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus and including: sensing a key input for a control instruction for controlling the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus, wherein the key input is selected from among a plurality of keys on the remote controller; transmitting a broadcasting signal to the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus, wherein the broadcasting signal corresponds to the key input and includes first identification information of the remote controller; and storing second identification information of the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus received from the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus. Thus, the identification information for performing the RF communication may be transmitted in response to a voluntary selection on the RF remote controller. |
| US08724031B2 |
Display device and color adjustment method thereof, and method for displaying video signal
A device for image processing includes: a video signal receiver, for receiving at least one video signal; a color engine, comprising a local adjusting unit, for dividing pixels of an image frame of the at least one video signal into multiple pixel groups according to luminance factors of the pixels in HSI color space and adjusting the luminance factors of a specific pixel group of the pixel groups having luminance factors in a predetermined range that is a part of a full range of luminance factor by moving the pixels of the specific pixel group from a region to another region of the HSI color space without changing color axes of the HSI color space. |
| US08724028B1 |
Electronic device and display control method
To improve visibility of video input from different sources, a broadcast subframe for receiving a broadcast program or the like to reproduce the same is arranged on a display screen such that the broadcast subframe is not overlapped with a browser subframe for reproducing the movie of e.g., streaming of the browser. |
| US08724023B2 |
System and method for transporting an ancillary data packet in the active area of a video stream
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system and method for transporting an ancillary data packet in the active area of a video stream are provided. In particular embodiments of the present invention, the method includes coupling a playback server and a digital video projector with a DVI link; placing an ancillary data packet of link encryption metadata in a false line of video in an active area of a frame of video at the playback server, a remainder of the active area comprising true lines of video; transmitting the ancillary data packet from the playback server to a digital video projector through the DVI link; extracting the ancillary data packet from the frame of video at the digital video projector; and displaying the remainder of the active area of the frame of video at the digital video projector. |
| US08724022B2 |
Frame rate conversion using motion estimation and compensation
Frame rate conversion may be implemented using motion estimation results. Specifically, as part of the motion estimation, pixels may be labeled based on the number of matching pixels in subsequent frames. For example, pixels may be labeled as to whether they have no matching pixels, one matching pixels, or multiple matching pixels. The motion estimation and pixel labeling may then be used to interpolate pixels for frame rate conversion. |
| US08724018B2 |
Movable-mechanical-section controlling device, method of controlling movable mechanical section, and program
A movable-mechanical-section controlling device includes a pan/tilt driving controlling unit configured to perform driving control on a movable mechanical section having a structure that moves so that an image pickup direction of an image pickup section that obtains an image-pickup image by performing an image pickup operation changes in a pan direction and a tilt direction. In the controlling device, unit pan operations that are performed in an angular range in the pan direction are performed for the respective two or more different tilt positions with decreasing angle of elevation at the tilt positions. |
| US08724017B2 |
Auto exposure techniques for variable lighting conditions
Systems, methods, and a computer readable medium for performing auto exposure (AE) techniques that are beneficial in variable lighting conditions—and particularly applicable to handheld and/or mobile videoconferencing applications—are disclosed herein. Handheld and/or mobile videoconferencing applications—unlike their fixed camera counterparts—are often exposed to a wide variety of rapidly changing lighting and scene conditions, and thus face a difficult trade-off between adjusting exposure parameter values too frequently or not frequently enough. In personal electronic devices executing such handheld and/or mobile videoconferencing applications, it may be desirable to: use a small, centered, and center-weighted exposure metering region; set a relatively low brightness target value; and adjust the camera's exposure parameter values according to a distance-dependent convergence speed function. The use of such techniques, in conjunction with a relatively large stability region, may also improve the quality of a video encoder's temporal predictions—and thus video quality—in videoconferencing applications. |
| US08724015B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, imaging apparatus, and information storage medium
An image processing apparatus includes an image acquisition section that acquires a plurality of images that differ in in-focus state, a reference point setting section that performs a reference point setting process on each of the plurality of images, the reference point setting process setting a reference point that is set to an attention area, a distance estimation section that estimates distance information about a distance to a corresponding point based on a pixel value corresponding to the reference point, the corresponding point being a point in real space that corresponds to the reference point, and an additional information generation section that generates additional information based on the estimated distance information, the additional information being information that is added to the attention area to which the reference point is set. |
| US08724014B2 |
Light field data acquisition
A light field data acquisition device includes optics and a light field sensor to acquire light field image data of a scene. In at least one embodiment, the light field sensor is located at a substantially fixed, predetermined distance relative to the focal point of the optics. In response to user input, the light field acquires the light field image data of the scene, and a storage device stores the acquired data. Such acquired data can subsequently be used to generate a plurality of images of the scene using different virtual focus depths. |
| US08724013B2 |
Method and apparatus with fast camera auto focus
A method and apparatus improves an auto focus system by altering, such as by positioning, at least one lens of a digital camera to a plurality of predetermined nonuniform lens positions corresponding to predetermined nonuniform lens position data. The method and apparatus selects a final lens position for the lens based on the predetermined nonuniform lens position data. In one example, a fixed number of predetermined nonuniform lens positions define a set of lens positions used to capture images during an auto focus operation. A final image is captured using a final lens position. The final lens position is determined by comparing focus metric information from each of the frames obtained at the various predetermined nonuniform focus lens positions and selecting the frame with, for example, the best focus metric as the lens position to be used for the final picture or image capture. |
| US08724012B2 |
Camera body and camera system using driving method information indicating capability of controlling focus lens
A camera body including a receiving unit that receives an operation by a user, an obtaining unit that obtains driving method information indicating a capability of controlling a focus lens from a mounted interchangeable lens, a body controller that controls the camera body and generates a control signal for controlling the interchangeable lens, and a sending unit that sends the control signal to the interchangeable lens. The body controller determines control of the interchangeable lens by referring to the driving method information to generate a control signal that instructs the interchangeable lens to perform the determined control. The receiving unit receives a selection of one driving method setting menu from a plurality of driving method setting menus, and makes a driving method setting menu, which uses a driving method other than the driving method indicated by the driving method information, unselectable. |
| US08724008B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image pickup apparatus, image processing method, and program for performing image restoration
An image processing apparatus obtains a plurality of pre-restoration images of an object for chromatic components when these images are taken at a first in-focus position to a third in-focus position corresponding to the RGB chromatic components, obtains an image pickup state and an image restoration filter corresponding to the image pickup state for each chromatic component, restores the pre-restoration image at an in-focus position for each chromatic component utilizing the obtained image restoration filter, and synthesizes the restored images. |
| US08724006B2 |
Focal plane coding for digital imaging
An imaging system includes an array of lenses, a plurality of sensor pixels for each lens, the sensor pixels being on an image plane of the imaging system, and a corresponding plurality of focal plane coding elements. A focal plane coding element for each sensor pixel has multiple sub-pixel resolution elements. The focal plane coding element being between the lens and each sensor pixel, wherein sub-pixel resolution elements over the plurality of focal plane coding elements represent a selected transform matrix having a non-zero determinant. The output of the plurality of sensor pixels being an image multiplied by this matrix. |
| US08724002B2 |
Imaging pixels with dummy transistors that reduce reset charge injection
An imaging system may include imaging pixels. Each imaging pixel may include a reset transistor and a dummy transistor coupled to a floating diffusion storage node. When reset signals control are deasserted, capacitive coupling between the gate terminal of the reset transistor and the source-drain terminals of the reset transistor may lead to reset charge injection. The dummy transistor may have both of its source-drain terminals shorted together and shorted to the floating diffusion region. Dummy control signals, which may be provided by separate dummy control lines or may be provided using row-select signals, may be asserted on the dummy transistors at approximately the same time that the reset signals are deasserted. With arrangements of this type, the dummy control signals may inject an approximately equal and opposite charge onto the floating diffusion region, thereby reducing the reset charge injection caused by deasserting the reset control signals. |
| US08723999B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging device includes a pixel region in which shared pixels which share pixel transistors in a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions are two-dimensionally arranged. The shared pixel transistors are divisionally arranged in a column direction of the shared pixels, the pixel transistors shared between neighboring shared pixels are arranged so as to be horizontally reversed or/and vertically crossed, and connection wirings connected to a floating diffusion portion, a source of a reset transistor and a gate of an amplification transistor in the shared pixels are arranged along the column direction. |
| US08723996B2 |
Imaging apparatus, imaging system, signal processing method and program
A read out operation for reading out image data from a conversion circuit irradiated with a radiation, and a read out operation for reading out offset image data from the conversion circuit without irradiated with a radiation are selectively conducted, a control is conducted to repeat at a plurality of times the operation for reading out the offset image data, offset data corresponding to each pixel is extracted from one of the plurality of the offset image data to generate corrective offset image data such that offset data corresponding to all the pixels in a row of the matrix is not extracted from one of the plurality of offset image data, and the corrective offset image data is subtracted from the image data to perform an offset correction to render line noise less noticeable, for an offset correction without line noise by a simple signal processing to be provided. |
| US08723994B2 |
Imager with variable area color filter array and pixel elements
A color pixel array includes a plurality of micropixels. Each micropixel includes a photosensitive element and a filter element optically aligned with the photosensitive element such that incident light passes through the filter element prior to reaching the photosensitive element. The micropixels are organized into triangular macropixels that each includes multiple micropixels. A perimeter shape of each of the triangular macropixels forms a triangle. The triangular macropixels have a repeating pattern across the color pixel array. |
| US08723977B2 |
Image editing method and an image editing apparatus using the same
An image editing method and an image editing apparatus include dividing an entire image, generating representative images, and generating edited images. Accordingly, a user may edit photographed images, recorded images or reproduced images more easily and conveniently. |
| US08723976B2 |
Imaging device and storage medium
A digital camera comprises a CCD, a flash memory for storing images captured by the CCD, setting unit configured to set a recording condition, an auto shutter condition table for storing auto recording conditions for each of the auto shutter mode which are set by detecting an input from a key input device during auto shutter mode setting, and a CPU for determining whether the captured image satisfies the set recording condition and for recording the captured image to the flash memory it is determined that the image satisfies the recording condition. |
| US08723975B2 |
High-dynamic-range imaging devices
High-dynamic-range images may be produced by combining multiple integration periods of varying duration, wherein each integration is obtained using a global shutter operation. Charge accumulated during a first integration period may be stored on a first storage node while charge accumulated during a second and third integration time are carried out. Storage of charges accumulated during the second and third integration periods on a second storage node within a pixel while charge is stored on the first storage node allows capture of a global-shutter-based, high-dynamic-range image. A global-shutter-based image capture base on at least three integration time periods may provide enhanced dynamic range. |
| US08723968B2 |
Image pickup apparatus
An image pickup apparatus has a camera-shake correction mechanism which performs camera-shake correction by moving an image pickup element with respect to a lens unit. The image pickup apparatus includes a z-plate provided slidably in a z-direction, an actuator for moving the plate in the z-direction, a z-shaft which guides the movement of the z-plate, and a rotating ball sandwiched between a base plate and the z-plate in a rotatable state. In a y-z plan view, an opening portion is provided between the z-shaft and the rotating ball, and the rotating ball is arranged outside the opening portion between one end and the other end of the opening portion in the z-direction. |
| US08723963B2 |
Dynamic print driver installation on cameras
A system for discovering, installing and using a printer device directly from a digital camera is provided. The system eliminates the use of a personal computer as an intermediary in printing images from a digital camera. |
| US08723960B2 |
Method for measuring video quality using a reference, and apparatus for measuring video quality using a reference
The purpose of an objective video quality evaluation is to automatically assess the quality of video sequences in agreement with human quality perception. The invention addresses the effects of the introduction of a temporal dimension by focusing on the temporal evolutions of spatial distortions, since it has been found that a spatial quality variation cannot be evaluated by simple subtraction of the spatial quality of neighboring frames. An improved method for estimating perceived video quality comprises steps of calculating a first similarity map between adjacent frames of a current sequence, calculating a second similarity map between the corresponding reference frames, and calculating (smg3) a third similarity map, which provides a numerical quality value. |
| US08723959B2 |
Face and other object tracking in off-center peripheral regions for nonlinear lens geometries
A technique of enhancing a scene containing one or more off-center peripheral regions within an initial distorted image captured with a large field of view includes determining and extracting an off-center region of interest (hereinafter “ROI”) within the image. Geometric correction is applied to reconstruct the off-center ROI into a rectangular or otherwise undistorted or less distorted frame of reference as a reconstructed ROI. |
| US08723958B2 |
Image pickup apparatus and image pickup element
A luminance signal and a color information signal having high S/N ratios are generated by combining a visible luminance image component and an infrared image component at an appropriate ratio according to brightness of a subject such as brightness on a sunny day or brightness in darkness. An image pickup element 3 picks up a ye image component Dye, an R image component DR, an infrared image component DBlk and a luminance image component DW. An evaluation value calculator 41 calculates an evaluation value eDW and an evaluation value eDBlk by adding pixel values of the luminance image component DW and pixel values of the infrared image component DBlk in a local area, and calculates an evaluation value e (=eDW−eDBlk). A factor determiner 51 determines weighting factors k, kw from the evaluation value e. A signal generator 44 weights the luminance image component by the weighting factor k, weights the visible luminance image component by the weighting factor kw, combines the luminance image component and the visible luminance image component to calculate a luminance signal dY, and also calculates color signals dR, dG and dB. |
| US08723957B2 |
Power control method of gesture recognition device by detecting presence of user
Provided is a method which reduces the power consumption of a camera for detecting a user's gesture, in a device that detects the user's gesture and performs a command corresponding to the detected gesture. Moreover, provided is a method which turns off a camera or drives the camera in an ultra low power mode when there is no user input, and detects presence of a user to activate the camera. |
| US08723956B2 |
Method and apparatus of camera control
The present invention relates to an automated camera control system (10). The automated camera control system (10) is a control management system for television broadcasting at a track based event, such as horse or motor racing. The automated camera control system (10) allows a single operator (54) to simultaneously control a plurality of cameras (16). The automated camera control system (10) improves the compositional quality of the footage. The operator (54) can simultaneously perform all the functions of a director including vision switching and camera setting for the outgoing television broadcast (86). |
| US08723955B2 |
Detection apparatus
An apparatus for spatially resolved detection of objects has transmission and reception devices, in which transmission and reception regions overlap or intersect in a detection region which is disposed within a monitored zone. The monitored zone covers a detection angle in which the transmitted radiation is reflected by objects. An imaging arrangement is disposed in the propagation path of the transmitted radiation and/or of the reflected radiation and covers the total detection region at the transmission side and/or at the reception side at all times. Spatial resolution is used for influencing the propagation direction of the radiation and/or for the operation of the reception device, in a time varying manner, such that the spacing of the detection region relative to the imaging arrangement and/or the size of the detection region determined by the degree to which the transmission region and the reception region overlap or intersect changes. |
| US08723946B2 |
Workpiece inspecting apparatus and workpiece inspecting method
A workpiece inspecting apparatus for rotating a workpiece having a shape portion containing a convex portion and a concave portion which are periodically and repetitively formed on the workpiece and picking up images of the shape portion of the workpiece to inspect the workpiece, including a workpiece rotating mechanism that outputs reference pulses at a fixed interval while rotating the workpiece at a fixed rotational speed, an image pickup mechanism that picks up images of the shape portions of the workpiece every image pickup timing based on the reference pulses, an image pickup controller that synchronizes each of the shape portions of the workpiece with the image pickup timing, and an inspection controller that executes image processing of taking a difference between a pickup k-th (k represents an integer) image and a pickup (k+1)-th image and detects a defect on the basis of differential data representing the difference. |
| US08723945B2 |
Optical inspection apparatus and method
An optical apparatus and method for simultaneously scanning the profile of at least two adjacent surfaces of an article such as a wooden board moving along a travel path axis passing through an inspection area located at a central plane transverse to the travel path axis, involve first and second scanning zones sufficiently spaced one with another along the travel path axis to substantially prevent mutual scanning interference between the profile sensors used, while providing a compact arrangement of profile sensors. For so doing, one the first sensing field and the first laser beam of the first profile sensor is crossing the central plane toward the other one of the first sensing field and the first laser beam, and one the second sensing field and the second laser beam of the second profile sensor is crossing the central plane toward the other one of the second sensing field and the second laser beam. |
| US08723943B2 |
Pipeline inspection system
An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline. |
| US08723942B2 |
Photomicroscopy system, image input device, and automatic exposure method
A photomicroscopy system includes a microscope unit which outputs an enlarged image of a subject as a light flux, an image capturing unit which forms an image of the light flux output by the microscope unit and converts the formed image into digital data, a sensitivity changing unit which changes a sensitivity of the image capturing unit, and a computing unit which obtains an exposure time by using the digital data captured by the image capturing unit in a state where the sensitivity is increased to the high sensitivity after instructing the sensitivity changing unit to increase the sensitivity of the image capturing unit to the high sensitivity while calculating the exposure time for obtaining a suitable brightness by the image capturing unit, and sets the sensitivity of the image capturing unit to a low sensitivity after the exposure time is set in the image capturing unit. |
| US08723931B2 |
Stereoscopic image display
A stereoscopic image display includes a display panel, which displays a left eye image on odd-numbered lines and displays a right eye image on even-numbered lines, a patterned retarder including a first retarder passing through first polarized light of the left eye image and a second retarder passing through second polarized light of the right eye image, polarized glasses including a left eye polarizing filter and a right eye polarizing filter, and a 3D formatter, which receives 3D image data from a host system, assigns left eye image data of the 3D image data to the odd-numbered lines, and assign right eye image data of the 3D image data to the even-numbered lines. |
| US08723920B1 |
Encoding process for multidimensional display
Exemplary embodiments provide devices, systems and methods that enable viewing of three-dimensional images on an autostereoscopic display using a barrier grid of dynamically configurable grid characteristics. The barrier grid is configurable to include alternating light-transmitting and light-blocking portions that may be characterized by and configured using a set of one or more grid indicia. The cooperative display of an image on an image display device and the dynamically configurable barrier grid enables autostereoscopic 3D and 4D viewing of images. |
| US08723917B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and program
An image processing apparatus includes a first image processor receiving, as a sequence of images, a plurality of images captured by sequentially shifting a shooting position in a predetermined direction, and setting a first overlapping area overlapping a priority area which is to be used preferentially in the sequence of images, as a use-prohibited area with respect to images in the sequence of images other than the first image, the images including the first overlapping area; a second image processor setting a second overlapping area of a second or third image as a use-prohibited area, the second and third images having sequence orders being separated by a predetermined spacing in the sequence of images; and an image generator generating an output image using areas of the plurality of images included in the sequence of images, excluding areas set as the use-prohibited areas by the first and second image processors. |
| US08723910B2 |
Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus using same
An optical scanning device includes a light source, a deflector for deflecting and scanning the beams of light, an imaging optical system, a housing, a synchronization sensor, a circuit board on which the light source and the synchronization sensor are mounted, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism enables an adjustment of an interval between beams of light respectively emitted from the plurality of emission points on a surface to be scanned. The circuit board includes a first part on which the light source is mounted, a second part on which the synchronization sensor is mounted and an intermediate part between the first and second parts. The first part is arranged outside the housing, the second part is arranged inside the housing and the intermediate part passes through a wall surface of the housing. The adjustment mechanism fixes the light source using the housing with the interval adjusted. |
| US08723906B2 |
Image-forming apparatus and method for controlling image-forming apparatus
This image-forming apparatus includes a plurality of photosensitive drums, a plurality of laser scanning units, and a motor control unit. A motor control unit detects the time difference between a change point of the detection signal of a reference color and the change points of colors targeted for phase correction, and, when the absolute value of the time difference is greater than a threshold, carries out a rough adjustment process for reducing the time difference by a drive signal with which a base period has been changed by a first period change amount and thereafter carries out a fine adjustment process for reducing the time difference by a drive signal with which the base period has been changed by a second period change amount smaller than the first period change amount. |
| US08723900B2 |
Display device
A display device includes: a light emission control part which allows a light source to emit the light having one of the plural different main wavelengths in each of plural sub frames; a display panel which controls the transmission of light in each pixel; and a display control part which controls the display panel corresponding to a gray level value with respect to the each pixel, wherein the light emitting control part performs the light emission of light having a first main wavelength in a first sub frame in accordance with a light emission amount weighted based on a time for calculation including a first interval which is a interval between the first sub frame where the first main wavelength is emitted and a second sub frame where the first main wavelength is emitted after the first sub frame. |
| US08723895B2 |
Display and real-time automatic white balance method thereof
A display and a real-time automatic white balance method thereof are provided. The display includes a first color light source and a second color light source. The real-time automatic white balance method includes following steps. A first target luminance of the first color light source and a second target luminance of the second color light source are provided. A luminance of the first color light source is detected to obtain a first current luminance. A second current luminance of the second color light source is calculated according to a ratio of the first target luminance to the first current luminance and the second target luminance. A luminance of the second color light source is adjusted according to the second current luminance. |
| US08723894B2 |
Data processing device having a RGBW generator and a frame rate conversion and method of driving the same
A method of processing data for driving a display panel including a pixel structure including red, green, blue and white (RGBW) sub-pixels includes receiving red, green and blue (RGB) data at a first frame frequency. The method further includes generating RGBW data at a second frame frequency, greater than the first frame frequency, using the RGB data. |
| US08723890B2 |
Handheld electronic device having sliding display and position configurable camera
A handheld electronic device having a movable display screen is used to capture image data. The movable display screen is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position a first portion of the display screen is hidden from view and a second portion of the display screen is viewable, and in the second position the first portion and the second portion of the display screen are viewable, the handheld electronic device having an image sensor, an orientation sensor for sensing an orientation of the handheld electronic device, and at least one position sensor for sensing a position of the display screen. Device orientation information is received from the orientation sensor, display screen position information is received from the position sensor and image data is received from the image sensor representing an image. An image orientation for the image is determined in dependence on both the display screen position information and the device orientation information. |
| US08723884B2 |
Scan converting a set of vector edges to a set of pixel aligned edges
Disclosed is a process (1500) for converting an image, comprising a set of vector input edges, to a set of corresponding pixel-aligned non-overlapping output edges. The process (1500) traverses (1502) a first scanline to detect the intersection of a first active vector input edge with the first scanline. The process then identifies (1503) a fill compositing sequence referenced by the detected first input edge, and then creates (1504) a first pixel aligned output edge associated with the first input edge. The process then traverses (1505) a second scanline to detect the intersection of a second active vector input edge with the second scanline, after it determines (1506) whether the detected second input edge can be associated with the first output edge on the first scanline. If so then the process extends (1507) extends the first output edge from the first scanline to a pixel boundary in the vicinity of the intersection of the second input edge with the second scanline. |
| US08723877B2 |
Subbuffer objects
A method and an apparatus for a parallel computing program using subbuffers to perform a data processing task in parallel among heterogeneous compute units are described. The compute units can include a heterogeneous mix of central processing units (CPUs) and graphic processing units (GPUs). A system creates a subbuffer from a parent buffer for each of a plurality of heterogeneous compute units. If a subbuffer is not associated with the same compute unit as the parent buffer, the system copies data from the subbuffer to memory of that compute unit. The system further tracks updates to the data and transfers those updates back to the subbuffer. |
| US08723875B2 |
Web-based graphics rendering system
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that renders graphics in a computing system that includes a plugin associated with a web browser in the computing system and a web application configured to execute in the web browser. During operation, the web application specifies a graphics model and provides the graphics model to the plugin. Next, the plugin generates a graphics-processing unit (GPU) command stream from the graphics model. Finally, the plugin sends the GPU command stream to a GPU of the computing system, which renders an image corresponding to the graphics model. |
| US08723869B2 |
Biologically based chamber matching
The subject disclosure relates to automatically learning relationships among a plurality of manufacturing tool parameters as applied to arbitrary semiconductor manufacturing tools and a graphical user interface that is supported, at least in part, by an autonomous learning system. The graphical user interface can create one or more matrixes based on received data and can further generate additional matrices by transforming the one or more matrixes. A series of windows can be output, wherein the series of windows, provide performance analysis that comprises a matching between a focus chamber and a reference chamber. In an aspect, the focus chamber and the reference chamber can be different chambers. In another aspect, the focus chamber and the reference chamber can be the same chamber, which provides analysis of the deterioration in performance of the same chamber over time. |
| US08723868B2 |
Systems and methods for displaying digitized waveforms on pixilated screens
Systems and methods for displaying digitized waveform data on a pixilated screen are provided. Certain methods include retrieving waveform data that exists as a plurality of sequential samples in a buffer. A first sample is associated with a first point of a pixilated screen. A second sample that follows the first sample is associated with a second point of the screen. A boundary of a rectangular line segment connecting the points is determined. For each pixel of the pixilated screen that has any portion inside the boundary of the rectangular line segment, a number of subpixels within the pixel that have any portion inside the boundary of the rectangular line segment is determined and that number of subpixels is correlated with an intensity value that is then associated with the pixel. Waveform data is displayed by painting pixels of the screen with the associated intensity values. |
| US08723867B2 |
Game apparatus, storage medium storing a game program, and game controlling method
A game apparatus includes a first LCD and a second LCD, and on the first LCD, a two-dimensional game screen including objects positioned in a two-dimensional coordinate is displayed. When a two-dimensional coordinate of a specific object out of the objects positioned in the two-dimensional coordinate satisfies a predetermined condition, a three-dimensional coordinate of each of the objects is calculated on the basis of the two-dimensional coordinate of each of the objects. The object is modeled in the calculated three-dimensional coordinate, moved by a predetermined animation, and then shot by a virtual camera. Accordingly, a game screen of an image (animation) of the three-dimensional virtual space shot by the virtual camera is displayed on the second LCD. |
| US08723863B2 |
Data processing system with construction geometry
A CAD system, method, and computer readable medium. A method for modeling a topological structure includes receiving a definition of a topological structure. The method also includes receiving a definition of a construction element and receiving a geometrical relationship between the construction element and an element of the topological structure. The method further includes receiving a change to the topological structure and, in response to the change, changing the first construction element according to the geometrical relationship. |
| US08723862B2 |
Information processor and information processing method
An information processor that calculates information concerning a three-dimensional shape comprises: a three-dimensional-shape input unit that inputs drawing data of a three-dimensional shape used for displaying a three-dimensional shape; a display unit that displays a three-dimensional shape of drawing data input to the three-dimensional-shape input unit; and a shape-value-information calculating unit that sets a shape element of a three-dimensional shape displayed on the display unit to data used for calculating a three-dimensional shape, based on an instruction input from outside, calculates a value of a shape concerning the three-dimensional shape not clearly shown within the drawing data as shape value information by using the set shape element, and displays a calculation result on the display unit. |
| US08723860B2 |
Methods and systems for generating 3-dimensional computer images
There are provided methods and apparatus for generating a 3-dimensional computer image. The image includes a number of objects and is divided into separate areas. Control data to link to object data stored in a memory for each object is derived for two objects at a time. Two or more separate areas can be processed in parallel by deriving control data for the two separate areas at a time. To avoid fetching data for both areas, which is actually only applicable to one area, encoding is used in the control data. The object data can be stored on one or across two memory pages, and the control data includes one memory page address in the former case and two memory page addresses in the latter case. The object data can also be stored across two non-contiguous memory pages, by using a look-up table with contiguous portions allocated for each object's object data. When partial rendering is used, and partial depth data is stored and subsequently updated, the depth data can be stored across two memory pages using link portions in the memory pages to either indicate the end of data storage or point to the next memory page. |
| US08723859B1 |
LCD large-scale display
A Large Scale LCD Display System comprising a plurality of individual image substrates in communication with a microprocessor which communicates a portion of a large overall image to be depicted by each constituent substrate such that the end result is a complete depiction of the large overall image. |
| US08723857B2 |
Charge pump circuits and apparatuses having the same
A charge pump circuit configured to prevent latch-up is provided. The charge pump circuit includes a first transistor including a first bulk terminal, a first input terminal and a first output terminal, a first switching circuit connecting the first bulk terminal to one of the first input terminal and the first output terminal according to a voltage of the first input terminal and a voltage of the first output terminal, a first capacitor having a terminal connected to the first output terminal, and a second switching circuit connecting a second terminal of the first capacitor to the first input terminal or a ground in response to a plurality of clock signals. |
| US08723855B2 |
On-chip power-down generation for LDO-based mutual capacitance touchscreen controllers
Various embodiments of methods and devices are provided for a mutual capacitance touchscreen controller comprising a first on-chip low drop out regulator (LDO) configured to receive and regulate as a first input thereto an input supply voltage (VSUPPLY), and to provide as an output therefrom a first regulated output voltage (VDDA). A first comparator in the controller is configured to receive as first and second inputs thereto VSUPPLY and VDDA and to provide as an output therefrom a signal EN, EN being provided to the first LDO as a second input thereto. The first LDO is configured to operate in a first off mode and is turned off by signal EN when the difference between VSUPPLY and VDDA is less than a predetermined threshold. |
| US08723853B2 |
Driving device, display apparatus having the same and method of driving the display apparatus
A driving device includes an output timing controller which controls an output timing of a first driving voltage and a second driving voltage respectively generated from a first voltage generator and a second voltage generator. A third driving voltage output from the output timing controller is provided to a first data driver and a second data driver, and also provided to a gamma voltage generator to generate a plurality of gamma voltages. Accordingly, a reverse electric potential between the third driving voltage and the gamma voltages is prevented from being generated in the first and second data drivers, therefore, preventing the first and second data drivers from being damaged. |
| US08723851B2 |
Data drive circuit of flat panel display and driving method thereof
The data driver of a flat panel display includes: an output driver configured to output a plurality of amplified data signals for a plurality of channels corresponding to a plurality of data lines, the plurality of channels including: a plurality of amplifiers configured to amplify a plurality of input data signals and to supply the amplified data signals to the data lines; and a plurality of chopping controllers, each of the chopping controllers being coupled connected to a plurality of input terminals of a corresponding amplifier of the amplifiers and configured to receive a first control signal or a second control signal to periodically change signals applied to positive and negative input terminals from among the input terminals of the amplifiers. |
| US08723848B2 |
Image display apparatus and image display method
It is expected to provide an image display apparatus and image display method that can reduce the risk that an image quality is undermined due to a halo phenomenon caused by the leak of light passing through a non-corresponding color filter from a LED. The image display apparatus can respectively control luminous efficiencies of plural color LEDs, i.e., R-LED (11a), G-LED (11b) and B-LED (11c) that emit light through a color filter to a displaying unit. The image display apparatus obtains luminous efficiencies for a frame of RGB image signal (S2), calculates a light leak amount and then detects whether the halo phenomenon may occur or not (S3-S5). When the halo phenomenon is considered to occur, the luminous efficiencies of LEDs (11a, 11b, 11c) included in the liquid crystal display apparatus are controlled to make the light from the LEDs (11a, 11b, 11c) become close to white light (S8). |
| US08723846B2 |
Method and apparatus for increasing a perceived resolution of a display
According to one embodiment, a method of increasing a perceived resolution of a display includes directing light at a optical dithering element and repeatedly transitioning the optical dithering element from a first position to a second position and then back to the first position such that the mirror alternately reflects light to a first position on the display and then to a second position on the display. Each transition of the mirror includes controlling any overshoot or ringing in the position of the optical dithering element by providing a predetermined drive signal to the optical dithering element to smoothly accelerate and decelerate the element during the traverse between the first and second positions. |
| US08723840B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting a multitouch event in an optical touch-sensitive device
A touch sensitive optical control device comprising a set of light emitters 14, 22 and light detectors 18, 24 arranged relative to a touchable surface 30 such that light transmitted by the emitters is received by the detectors along multiple intersecting beams which pass transversely of the surface and touching the surface at a beam interrupts the light transmitted along the beam. Candidate touch points T1, T2, F1, F2 are defined at the intersections of interrupted beams and are confirmed or not as actual touch points by examining test beams 40, 42, 54, 56 near to or coincident with the candidate touch point. |
| US08723838B2 |
Sensor apparatus with different proximity sensors and sensing method thereof
The present invention discloses a proximity sensing apparatus and a method thereof. A sensor apparatus comprises a panel, an emitting device, and a proximity sensor module. The panel includes a first transparent area and a second transparent area; an emitting device is located under the panel and the emitting device emitting a light passing through the first transparent area. The proximity sensor module is located under the panel and the proximity sensor module includes at least one proximity sensor with high sensitivity which is a second proximity sensor and at least one proximity sensor with low sensitivity which is a first proximity sensor, and the proximity sensor module receives the light passing through the second transparent area. The light passing through the first transparent area and then reflecting from an object to passing through the second transparent area, and the panel is able to provide a touch function. |
| US08723833B2 |
Capacitive touch system with noise immunity
Systems and methods for determining a user's touch in a capacitive touch sensor system is provided, including performing a series of potential touch detection tests for a plurality of sensors until a potential touch is detected and measuring a test frequency for one of the sensors, such that a potential touch may be detected when the measured test frequency deviates from a previously measured test frequency for the same sensor. After detecting a potential touch, the method may additionally include performing a series of baseline comparison tests for each of the sensors, for example, measuring a current frequency for one of the sensors, comparing the current frequency to a baseline frequency, and assigning a deviation value based on the comparison the current frequency and the baseline frequency. The method may identify the sensor with the largest deviation value as a touched sensor. |
| US08723831B2 |
Graphical authentication for a portable device and methods for use therewith
A portable device includes a touch screen that includes a display screen and that generates touch screen data in response to a user's interaction with the touch screen. A processor executes a security application for authenticating the user to the portable device that provides first display data to the touch screen for displaying a security prompt on the display screen. Touch screen data is received from the touch screen in response to the user's interaction with the touch screen and is processed to determine when an authentication shape is recognized as being indicated by the touch screen data. The user is authenticated to the portable device when the authentication shape is recognized as being indicated by the touch screen data. |
| US08723828B2 |
Touch sensor-equipped display device
Provided is a touch sensor-equipped display device that is not susceptible to the effect of noise caused by the reversal of polarity of the common voltage of the display device, without using special circuits. The touch sensor-equipped display device includes: a touch sensor unit 7 having a plurality of sensor electrodes; a sensor output read circuit 21 that is sequentially connected to the respective sensor electrodes and that outputs a signal voltage corresponding to the electrical characteristics of the sensor electrode connected thereto; a sensor control circuit 23 that supplies a control signal to the sensor output read circuit 21; and a coordinate calculation circuit 22 that detects a contact position on the basis of the signal voltage. The coordinate calculation circuit 22 includes: an averaging circuit 221 that calculates an average value for the signal voltage values outputted from the sensor output read circuit 21 over two cycles of the vertical synchronizing signal; and a contact position detection circuit 222 that detects the contact position on the basis of the average value. |
| US08723824B2 |
Electronic devices with sidewall displays
Electronic devices may be provided that contain flexible displays that are bent to form displays on multiple surfaces of the devices. Bent flexible displays may be bent to form front side displays and edge displays. Edge displays may be separated from front side displays or from other edge displays using patterned housing members, printed or painted masks, or by selectively activating and inactivating display pixels associated with the flexible display. Edge displays may alternately function as virtual buttons, virtual switches, or informational displays that are supplemental to front side displays. Virtual buttons may include transparent button members, lenses, haptic feedback components, audio feedback components, or other components for providing feedback to a user when virtual buttons are activated. |
| US08723818B2 |
Touch screen poly layer electrode distribution
A touch screen position sensor has two sets of electrodes, where at least one of the electrodes is divided into segments that are arranged on opposing faces of a substrate. The electrode segments on one face of a substrate do not overlap with the electrode segments on the opposing face of the substrate. |
| US08723815B2 |
Interactive communication systems
The present invention includes interactive communication systems that incorporate several beneficial embodiments including an interactive tray system, an electronic presentation messaging system, an interactive podium, and a key drive system. The interactive tray system enables a single, transferable interactive unit to be fastened to a communication medium, turning into a fully interactive medium. The electronic presentation messaging system enables the e-mailing of presentations and notes to and from components of the interactive communication system. The interactive podium increases conventional podium mobility, enabling both the presenter, and podium, to move and be moved about the room without attention to wired connections. The key drive system replaces the conventional Y-connector of the key drive technology by effectively integrating the key drive in the device, thus only having one connector, and eliminating the need to change connectors from the key drive, to the USB connector, upon software driver loading. |
| US08723807B2 |
Combined touch sensor and LED driver with n-type MOSFET protecting touch sensor
A combined touch sensor and light-emitting-diode (LED) driver comprises a touch sensor circuit configured to detect a touch, where the touch sensor circuit is coupled to a common node and configured to operate with a first operating voltage, an LED driver circuit configured to drive an LED if the LED is coupled to the common node, where the LED driver circuit is also coupled to the common node and configured to operate with a second operating voltage is higher than the first operating voltage, and an n-type field effect transistor (FET) connected in series between the common node and the touch sensor. The n-type FET prevents the higher operating voltage of the LED driver from affecting the operation of the touch sensor, when a port of the combined touch sensor and LED driver IC is used to drive an LED. The touch sensor may be a capacitance-to-digital converter. |
| US08723804B2 |
Transaction terminal and adaptor therefor
A transaction terminal (10) having a touch screen (20) disposed in a recess (30) in the terminal housing (12) includes an adaptor (25) for facilitating use of the touch screen by persons that are vision-impaired, hearing-impaired or dexterity-challenged. The adaptor (25) is selectively positionable in operative engagement with the touch screen (20). The adaptor (25) includes an insert (50) and a keypad (60, 160, 260). The insert (50) is supported on terminal housing (12) with deck (52) disposed over and in spaced relationship to the touch screen. The deck (52) has at least one discrete opening therethrough. The keypad includes at least one key juxtaposed relative to said least one discrete opening in said deck of the insert. Upon depression of the key, contact is made with a selected portion of the touch screen (20). |
| US08723803B2 |
Easily deployable interactive direct-pointing system and presentation control system and calibration method therefor
A method for controlling movement of a computer display cursor based on a point-of-aim of a pointing device within an interaction region includes projecting an image of a computer display to create the interaction region. At least one calibration point having a predetermined relation to the interaction region is established. A pointing line is directed to substantially pass through the calibration point while measuring a position of and an orientation of the pointing device. The pointing line has a predetermined relationship to the pointing device. Movement of the cursor is controlled within the interaction region using measurements of the position of and the orientation of the pointing device. |
| US08723802B2 |
Mobile electronic device
Provided is a mobile electronic device capable of reflecting a user's intention. While an initial screen for waiting for an incoming-call is being displayed on an LCD display unit, a control unit performs control so that a first type character display area and a second type character display area are displayed on the LCD display unit in place of the initial screen, wherein the first type character display area is an area for, when any of first keys is depressed, displaying a first type character (for example, a number such as “1”, “2”, “3”) assigned to the depressed first key and the second type character display area is an area for displaying a second type character (for example, “a”, “i”, “u”, etc. in Japanese Hiragana letter) assigned to the depressed first key. |
| US08723801B2 |
More useful man machine interfaces and applications
A method for enhancing a well-being of a small child or baby utilizes at least one TV camera positioned to observe one or more points on the child or an object associated with the child. Signals from the TV camera are outputted to a computer, which analyzes the output signals to determine a position or movement of the child or child associated object. The determined position or movement is then compared to preprogrammed criteria in the computer to determine a correlation or importance, and thereby to provide data to the child. |
| US08723798B2 |
Systems and methods for obtaining user command from gaze direction
In one embodiment of the present invention, a computer-implemented method for obtaining a command of a user includes capturing an image of the eyes of a user. The coordinates of a glint center point and the coordinates of an eye center point are calculated from the image. The gaze direction of the user is calculated from the coordinates of a glint center point and the coordinates of an eye center point to determine a corresponding command. |
| US08723794B2 |
Remote input device
An input device providing users with a pointing capability includes a sender portion (100) and a receiver portion (200). The sender portion (100) is adapted to be manipulated by a user (the user manipulating button 125) to specify a target point within a target area. The sender portion projects a light beam (light output from light source 115) including a pattern onto the target area. A receiver portion (200) includes one or more sensor units (205, 210, 215) located in or near the target area. At least some of the sensor units (205, 210, 215) receive a portion of the light beam (light output from light source 115) regardless of the location of the target point within the target area. A processing unit (220) in the receiver portion (200) analyzes the portions of the light beam received by one or more sensor units (205, 210, 215) to determine an attribute of the target point. The attribute can be the location or relative motion of the target point. The receiver portion (200) may be integrated with a display device. |
| US08723792B2 |
System for controlling devices and information on network by using hand gestures
The disclosure relates to a system for controlling devices and information on a network by hand gestures, and more particularly, to a system for controlling devices and information on a network by hand gestures in which a device or a file to be controlled is selected by a user and a display device is pointed so that information and data can be shared and that various devices can be coupled to each other easily and can be controlled easily.The system for controlling devices and information on a network by hand gestures can remarkably improve the interaction between various input and display devices and a user under a ubiquitous computing environment. |
| US08723790B1 |
System and method for detecting facial gestures for control of an electronic device
A control system enables a user to control an electronic device by moving parts of the face, including the eyes. Optical emitters and optical detectors are used to reflect light from the relevant parts of the user's face. Pattern matching or approximation of a pointing location are used to define the control input to the electronic device based on the user's motions. Visual feedback is optionally provided to the user during the controller's actions. Additional sensor elements are optionally provided to improve performance of the system. Hardware and software elements are combined to provide for the specified control actions. |
| US08723789B1 |
Two-dimensional method and system enabling three-dimensional user interaction with a device
User interaction with a display is detected using at least two cameras whose intersecting FOVs define a three-dimensional hover zone within which user interactions can be imaged. Each camera substantially simultaneously acquires from its vantage point two-dimensional images of the user within the hover zone. Separately and collectively the image data is analyzed to identify therein a relatively few landmarks definable on the user. A substantially unambiguous correspondence is established between the same landmark on each acquired image, and as to those landmarks a three-dimensional reconstruction is made in a common coordinate system. This landmark identification and position information can be converted into a command causing the display to respond appropriately to a gesture made by the user. Advantageously size of the hover zone can far exceed size of the display, making the invention usable with smart phones as well as large size entertainment TVs. |
| US08723788B2 |
Real-time information transmission and reception system
In a real-time information transmission and reception system, a transmission device includes a light emitter driven by a modulated control signal generated by a modulation controller based on a code sequence, which is encoded from an input signal generated by an input unit and corresponding to information to be transmitted, to emit light. The modulated control signal has a constant average power, and various frequencies greater than 60 Hz. A reception device includes a photoelectric sensor for sensing the light emitted by the light emitter to generate a current signal that is demodulated and processed to generate a data output corresponding to the information and received by a display unit for displaying the information thereon. |
| US08723782B2 |
Light emitting lamp, backlight assembly and display device having the same
A light emitting lamp, a backlight assembly and a display device including the same are provided. The light emitting lamp includes a lamp tube longitudinally extended along an extension line, and a plurality of set electrodes disposed on a periphery of the lamp tube and along the extension line. The periphery of the lamp tube is divided into a first region and a second region by a plane including the extension line, and each of the set electrodes includes a first electrode disposed on the first region and a second electrode disposed on the second region. |
| US08723780B2 |
Inverter for liquid crystal display
An inverter of driving a light source for a display device is provided. The inverter includes a temperature sensor sensing a temperature and generating an output voltage based on the sensed temperature, a buffer generating an output signal having a state depending on the output voltage of the temperature sensor, an oscillator generating an oscillating signal having a frequency depending on the state of the output signal of the buffer, and an inverter performing a switching operation in response to the oscillating signal from the oscillator. Therefore, the inverter increases the voltage applied to the light source when the temperature near the light source is lower than a predetermined temperature since the frequency of the oscillating signal is increased. |
| US08723779B2 |
Tiled optical fiber display
The present invention provides a tiled optical fiber display device structure which includes a light emitting diode (LED) backlit liquid crystal display (LCD). Light from the LCD enters an array of optical fibers that directs the light to a viewing screen. The optical fibers eliminate the use of energy absorbing color filters in conventional LCD's, and also enable the seamless tiling of multiple display modules. |
| US08723775B2 |
Method for driving liquid crystal display apparatus
In one embodiment of the present invention, when a still image is displayed, applied voltages respectively corresponding to a total of n (n being an integer of not less than 4) types of gradation 0 to (n−1) are outputted to pixels. When a moving image is displayed, an applied voltage corresponding to a predetermined gradation m (1≦m≦(n−2)) is applied to the pixels instead of applied voltages respectively corresponding to gradations of less than the predetermined gradation m. Overdrive driving is performed with respect to a total of n types of gradation. |
| US08723770B2 |
Flat panel display apparatus
A flat panel display apparatus includes a first pixel region on a substrate and defined by an intersection between a first gate line and a data line. The first pixel region includes a first transistor and a first capacitor and is covered by a first pixel electrode. The apparatus includes a second pixel region adjacent to the first pixel region and defined by an intersection between a second gate line and the data line. The second pixel region is covered by a second pixel electrode. The first gate line is positioned between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode. A second capacitor is in the second pixel region, and the second capacitor includes a first transparent conductive layer and a second transparent conductive layer. A transparent shielding portion extends from the second transparent conductive layer of the second capacitor toward the first pixel region to overlap with the first gate line. |
| US08723769B2 |
Organic light-emitting display device
An organic light-emitting display device including: a substrate including a pixel region and a non-pixel region; a first electrode formed on the pixel region in a first direction; a first wire coupled to the first electrode and formed in the non-pixel region; a second electrode formed in the pixel region in a second direction; a second wire coupled to the second electrode and formed in the non-pixel region; an organic thin film layer formed between the first electrode and the second electrode; a drive circuit coupled to the first wire and the second wire; and a passivation layer formed across the pixel region and the non-pixel region and having an opening to expose at least one of the first wire and the second wire. |
| US08723768B2 |
Display device
The display device includes an anti-reflection film having a plurality of projections over a display screen surface and a protective layer filling a space between the projections. The number of times of incidence of external light entering the display device on the anti-reflection film is increased; therefore, the amount of external light transmitted through the anti-reflection film is increased. Thus, the amount of external light reflected to a viewer side is reduced, and the cause of a reduction in visibility such as reflection can be eliminated. Further, since the plurality of projections is covered with a protective layer, entry of dust can be prevented, and physical strength of the anti-reflection film can be increased. |
| US08723764B2 |
Pixel and organic light emitting display device using the same
A pixel to compensate for the deterioration of an organic light emitting diode, the pixel including an organic light emitting diode; a pixel circuit including a driving transistor controlling an amount of current supplied to the organic light emitting diode; and a compensator compensating for the deterioration of the organic light emitting diode by using on-voltage applied when current flows in the organic light emitting diode and off-voltage applied when current does not flow in the organic light emitting diode; wherein the compensator includes: a compensating capacitor having a second terminal connected to a gate electrode of the driving transistor; and a first compensating transistor connected between a first terminal of the compensating capacitor and an anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode. |
| US08723762B2 |
Display apparatus and method for making the same
In an example embodiment, a display apparatus includes a substrate having wiring lines formed by a conductor film including signal and scanning lines arranged in columns and rows, and a matrix of pixels, and includes a light-emitting material interposed between an anode and cathode electrode and a first and second uneven zone are between the anode electrode of the pixel and an adjacent pixel. The first uneven zone is formed on the substrate due to level differences resulting from the presence of the scanning lines. The second uneven zone is formed on the substrate also due to level differences resulting from the presence of the scanning lines. A pattern of the conductor film of which the wiring lines are made is formed so part of recessed portions of the first uneven zone are located behind their corresponding raised portions of the second uneven zone, as viewed from inside the pixel. |
| US08723758B2 |
Display device having signal internal links
A display device includes a substrate, a plurality of first signal lines, a plurality of second signal lines, and a plurality of first signal internal links. The first signal lines and the second signal lines are crossed and disposed in a display region of the substrate. The first signal internal links are disposed in the display region of the substrate, wherein each of the first signal internal links is electrically connected to a corresponding first signal line and disposed between two adjacent second signal lines. Each of the first signal internal links intersects the first signal lines, and the number of intersection points of each of the first signal internal links and the first signal lines is the same. |
| US08723756B2 |
System having capability for daisy-chained serial distribution of video display data
A serial display interface such as the VESA-Display Port interface is expanded to support daisy chained coupling of one display monitor to the next. Each daisy chain wise connectable display monitor (except optionally the most downstream one on the daisy chain) has a local daisy chain transceiver device associated with it where the local transceiver device routes a selectable one or more video data streams to the local monitor and the local transceiver device relays on to more downstream devices of the daisy chain other video data streams. In one embodiment, the daisy chain wise connectable display monitors are hot-pluggable and unpluggable. |
| US08723754B2 |
Multi-band antenna
A multi-band antenna includes a loop conductor, a first conductor arm, and a second conductor arm. The loop conductor is configured to resonate in a first frequency band and includes a feed-in end for feeding of signals and a main body that extends from the feed-in end, and that has a grounding point disposed adjacent to the feed-in end. The first conductor arm is configured to resonate in a second frequency band and extends from the feed-in end. The second conductor arm is configured to resonate in a third frequency band and extends from the feed-in end. At least one of the loop conductor, the first conductor arm, and the second conductor arm is bent so as to be disposed in different planes. |
| US08723751B2 |
Antenna system with planar dipole antennas and electronic apparatus having the same
An antenna system includes: and antenna module and a system module. The antenna module includes a substrate, and a plurality of planar dipole antennas each including a short-circuit section, two first radiator sections operable in a first frequency band and connected to the short-circuit section, and two second radiator sections operable in a second frequency band and connected to the short-circuit section. The planar dipole antennas are arranged such that geometric centers thereof are respectively spaced apart from a center point bounded by the planar dipole antennas by a predetermined distance, such that each of the planar dipole antennas is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the planar dipole antennas by a predetermined minimum distance. The system module has a grounding plane that faces toward and that is spaced apart from and parallel to the substrate. |
| US08723748B2 |
Dual frequency antenna aperture
An antenna structure including at least two stacked antenna apertures, a first antenna aperture with first antenna elements and at least a second antenna aperture with second antenna elements. The antenna structure is arranged for operation in at least a high and a low frequency band. The first antenna elements are arranged for operation in the high frequency band and the second antenna elements for operation in the low frequency band. The first antenna elements are arranged to have a polarization substantially perpendicular to the polarization of the second antenna elements. The second antenna elements are arranged in at least one group and each of the group includes a number of second antenna elements coupled in series and arranged to have a common feeding point on a straight feeding structure. One feeding structure is located adjacent to each group of second antenna elements. The direction of the feeding structure is substantially perpendicular to the polarization of the first antenna elements. A corresponding method and a radar system including the antenna structure. |
| US08723747B2 |
Polarization phase device and a feed assembly using the same in the antenna system
The present invention is a satellite antenna system having a motor driven mechanism configured to rotate a feed assembly. The feed assembly includes at least one inner feed tube and at least one outer feed tube. The satellite antenna system also includes an alignment driver coupled to the feed assembly and configured to instruct the motor driven mechanism to place the feed assembly at a pre-determined alignment position. The satellite antenna system further includes a polarization phase device positioned in one of the inner feed tube and the outer feed tube. The motor driven mechanism is further configured to rotate the polarization phase device. |
| US08723745B2 |
Antenna apparatus including multiple antenna portions on one antenna element operable at multiple frequencies
An antenna element has first and second feed ports, and is simultaneously excited through the feed ports so as to simultaneously operate as first and second antenna portions respectively, associated with the feed ports. The antenna element is excited at one of a first frequency and a second frequency higher than the first frequency. An antenna apparatus is provided with: a slit that provides isolation between the feed ports; a trap circuit that allows the slit to provide isolation at the first or second frequency when the antenna element is excited at the first or second frequency; and a reactance element that shifts a frequency at which the slit provides isolation between the feed ports, to the first frequency, when the antenna element is excited at the first frequency. |
| US08723744B2 |
Method for making contactless portable devices with dielectric bridge and portable devices
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing contactless portable objects having an integrated circuit, and to contactless portable objects having an integrated circuit. The method of the invention is characterized in that it comprises the following steps: providing a dielectric antenna substrate (6) which carries an antenna circuit (7) having at least one turn (7-1, 7-2, 7-3, 7-4) and two contact terminals (8-1, 8-2); providing a bridge (5) having a dielectric bridge substrate (1) and a chip (3) having an integrated circuit; and placing said bridge (5) with said chip (3) onto said dielectric antenna substrate (6) so that the bridge (5) straddles said at least one turn (7-1, 7-2, 7-3, 7-4) and forms an electric connection between said chip (3) and said antenna circuit (7). The invention is particularly useful for HF RFID objects. |
| US08723743B2 |
Methods for reducing near-field radiation and specific absorption rate (SAR) values in communications devices
A method is provided for reducing near-field radiation and specific absorption rate values in a communications device that includes a multimode antenna structure transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals and circuitry for processing signals communicated to and from the antenna structure. The method includes adjusting the relative phase between signals fed to neighboring antenna ports of the antenna structure such that a signal fed to the one antenna port has a different phase than a signal fed to the neighboring antenna port to provide antenna pattern control and to increase gain in a selected direction toward a receive point. The method features using a transmit power lower than the transmit power used in a non-pattern control operation of the antenna structure such that the communications device obtains generally equivalent wireless link performance with the receive point using reduced transmit power compared to the non-pattern control operation, thereby reducing the specific absorption rate. |
| US08723742B2 |
Multiband antenna
A multiband antenna includes at least two polygons. The at least two polygons are spaced by means of a non-straight gap shaped as a space-filling curve, in such a way that the whole gap length is increased yet keeping its size and the same overall antenna size allowing for an effective tuning of frequency bands of the antenna. |
| US08723738B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a first housing, a second housing, and a connection section. A first antenna that resonates at a prescribed wavelength is arranged in the first housing. A first conductive section is arranged in the second housing. The connection section connects the first housing and the second housing so as to transit between an open state, in which the first housing and the second housing are open, and a closed state, in which the first housing and the second housing are closed. The first conductive section includes a first section formed at a length corresponding to the prescribed wavelength, and a high-impedance section that is arranged on the end of the first section and has a higher impedance than the first section. |
| US08723737B2 |
Cover assmebly and electronic device using the same
A cover assembly includes a cover body, an antenna, and a function key. The cover body includes an end wall and a peripheral wall cooperatively defining a receiving slot. The peripheral wall defines an assembly hole. The antenna is received in the receiving slot and fixed to the end wall. The function key includes a latching plate and a press portion positioned on the latching plate. The press portion extends from the assembly hole, and the latching plate is sandwiched between the antenna and the cover body. |
| US08723736B2 |
Multi band antenna with multi layers
A multi-layer multi band antenna is provided. Because the antenna carrier has a structure stacked in a plurality of layers having different dielectric constants, the antenna maintains a small size yet has an improved radiation performance in a desired bandwidth. |
| US08723733B2 |
Multiband antenna for a mobile device
A multiband antenna for a mobile device is disclosed. The mobile device includes a multiband antenna configured to communicate with a base station. The multiband antenna includes a ground plane, a ground plane extension, and a plurality of antenna arms. The ground plane, the ground plane extension, and the plurality of antenna arms are configured to communicate signals in multiple frequency bands, where the ground plane and the ground plane extension have a length proportional to approximately a quarter wavelength of a frequency in the multiple frequency bands. The mobile device further includes a modulator and demodulator configured to modulate signal for transmission and demodulate signal received from the base station, and a controller configured to control communication of signals using the multiband antenna and the modem. |
| US08723732B2 |
Dielectric resonator antenna embedded in multilayer substrate for enhancing bandwidth
A dielectric resonator antenna embedded in a multilayer substrate is described. The dielectric resonator antenna includes a multilayer substrate, a first conductive plate, a second conductive plate, a plurality of first metal via holes, a feeding part configured to feed a dielectric resonator, and a conductive pattern part inserted into the dielectric resonator so that a vertical metal interface is formed in the dielectric resonator. |
| US08723730B2 |
System and method for direction finding and geolocation of emitters based on line-of-bearing intersections
According to an embodiment of the present invention an emitter geolocation technique determines the geolocation of a radio frequency (RF) emitter using pair-wise line-of-bearing intersections that are derived from signal-to-noise ratios of transmitted signals received at a sensor. The technique may be employed with ground based vehicle or small unmanned air vehicles (UAV), and obtains reliable geolocation estimates of radio frequency (RF) emitters of interest. |
| US08723728B2 |
Failure compensation method and apparatus for an active antenna, and active antenna device
A failure compensation method includes detecting a Digital Beam-forming (DBF) coefficient of each of multiple transceiver channels in real time. When a failure of any one of the transceiver channels is detected, a current group of DBF coefficients of the multiple transceiver channels at a current failure status and corresponding failure mode information are obtained. Optimization processing is performed on the current group of DBF coefficients through a preset optimization algorithm so as to calculate a first group of DBF coefficients which is more adaptive to the failure mode information than the current group of DBF coefficients. The DBF coefficients of the transceiver channels are updated according to the first group of DBF coefficients. |
| US08723719B1 |
Three dimensional radar method and apparatus
A bistatic radar receiver is centrally located within an array of multiple bistatic transmitters at an airport to precisely determine bird positions and altitudes. Bird target reflections from multiple transmitters are received by the radar receiver. Target location is determined by the transmitter location, receiver location, and measured transmitter-to-target-to-receiver ranges. Target position and altitude accuracy is similar to GPS. The radar receiver antenna is composed of a vertical array of elements and rotated 360 degrees in azimuth. The output of each element is downconverted, digitized, and digitally beamformed to provide multiple simultaneous antenna beams each electronically scanned in elevation. When bistatic transmitters cannot be deployed, a narrow-azimuth wide-elevation transmit antenna beam is overlapped with a wide-azimuth narrow-elevation receive antenna beam electronically scanned in elevation to provide a composite narrow azimuth and elevation beamwidth. |
| US08723718B2 |
Method and device for determining aspect angle progression
A method and a device are provided for specifying, in the context of the image generation of ISAR processing, the determination of the aspect angle course subject to which the radar illuminates the vehicle during the exposure and subject to which the vehicle echoes are reflected back to the radar. Using the distance between the radar sensor and the vehicle as well as the change in distance, both of which are determined from the radar data, the position and the velocity of the vehicle are determined at any time during the exposure through linkage with available road information. The aspect angle is then determined from the positions of the sensor and of the vehicle as well as from the direction of movement of the vehicle. The required road information can be acquired from digital maps or images (e.g. aerial photographs, SAR-images). |
| US08723716B2 |
Communication device and imaging apparatus
A communication device includes an oscillator to generate an oscillation signal; a harmonic generator to generate a higher harmonic wave from the oscillation signal; a first filter to take out a first high frequency signal; a second filter to take out a second high frequency signal; a down conversion mixer to use the second high frequency signal to perform down conversion of a signal obtained by receiving a reflected signal of the first high frequency signal; a hybrid coupler to generate a first intermediate frequency signal and a second intermediate frequency signal, which are orthogonal with each other; a first mixer to take out a first baseband signal by mixing an output from the down conversion mixer with the first intermediate frequency signal; and a second mixer to take out a second baseband signal by mixing an output from the down conversion mixer with the first intermediate frequency signal. |
| US08723714B2 |
Multiplying digital-to-analog converters and pipeline analog-to-digital converter using the same
A multiplying digital-to-analog converter (MDAC) is provided. The MDAC includes a sub DAC decoding circuit, a capacitor-switch circuit, and an operation amplifier circuit. The capacitor-switch circuit includes at least two sampling capacitor sets which are coupled in parallel. The number of sampling capacitors in one of the sampling capacitor sets is larger than or equal to two. Each sampling capacitor set is coupled to an analog-signal input quantity through a sampling switch and to a corresponding output terminal of the sub DAC decoding circuit through a decoding switch. The sub DAC decoding circuit decodes a digital quantity and outputs a corresponding analog signal at each output terminal, such that the corresponding analog signals are applied to the respective sampling capacitor sets through the decoding switches and summed by the respective sampling capacitor sets to obtain an analog-signal quantity corresponding to the digital quantity. |
| US08723710B2 |
System and method for controlling a digital sensor
A system for controlling a digital sensor (CN) for measuring a physical quantity (GP) includes a transducer (TRD) delivering as output an analog signal representative of the physical quantity (GP), with means (MGD) for implementing gain and/or shift on the analog output signal (SA1) of the transducer (TRD), and with an analog-digital converter (CAN) at the output of the sensor (CN) so as to deliver a digital signal (SN1). A first means (MA1) applies a first shift to the analog signal of the physical quantity (GP), and a second means (MA2) applies a second shift to the digital signal (SN1). Control means (CMD) continuously controls the first application means (MA1), on the basis of the digital signal (SN1), as well as the second application means (MA2), on the basis of the digital signal (SN1) and/or of the first shift. |
| US08723708B2 |
Successive approximation analog to digital converter and conversion method thereof
A successive approximation analog to digital converter and a conversion method thereof are provided. The successive approximation analog to digital converter includes a sample circuit, a conversion circuit, and a filtering control circuit. The sample circuit is configured to sample an analog voltage from an analog signal. The conversion circuit is configured to convert the analog voltage into a digital voltage. The filtering control circuit is configured to transmit a filtering control signal to the sample circuit according to the digital voltage. The sample circuit further samples a next analog voltage from the analog signal and adjusts the next analog voltage into an adjusted analog voltage according to the filtering control signal. The conversion circuit further converts the adjusted analog voltage into a next digital voltage, wherein the next digital voltage is a filtered digital voltage. |
| US08723704B2 |
Apparatus and method for data packing
A data packing apparatus for continuously receiving current data is provided. The apparatus includes N barrel shifters, a controller and a packing module. The controller determines a shift amount according to a length of previous residual data, and controls the N barrel shifters to sequentially perform M barrel shifts on current merging data to achieve the shift amount, noting that N is an integer greater than or equal to two, and M is a natural number smaller than or equal to N. The packing module merges the previous residual data and the current merging data passed through the N barrel shifters. The maximum shift amounts of the M barrel shifts are smaller than a threshold associated with a length of an operation cycle. The current merged data is a part or all of the current data. |
| US08723696B1 |
Location information generation system, device, and method
Present novel and non-trivial system, device, and method for generating location information presented to a pilot are disclosed. A processing unit is configured to receive manual input data representative of one or more selected image location(s) on a first image data set; determine a selected geographic location for each selected image location; and update the second image data set to include location pointer data. As embodied herein, first and second images represented in the first and second image data sets, respectively, could be displayed simultaneously on the same display unit or separately on different display units. Also, the first image and second image could correspond to an egocentric view and a plan view, respectively, or vice-versa. Additionally, the first image data set and/or second image data set could be updated include first and/or second location pointer data, respectively. |
| US08723695B2 |
Method and device for automatically determining an erroneous height value of a radioaltimeter mounted on an aircraft
A method for automatically detecting an erroneous height value supplied by a radio altimeter mounted on an aircraft. The method includes measuring, during the aircraft's approach phase with a view to landing, the duration between the times when a first predetermined altitude threshold and a second predetermined altitude threshold are reached. This duration is measured by taking into account current height values supplied by the radio altimeter. The method then includes comparing the measured duration to a predetermined duration reference time, which is lower than a flight duration that would allow the aircraft to descend from the first predetermined altitude threshold to the second predetermined altitude threshold at a maximum vertical speed. An erroneous height value is detected if the measured duration is lower than the predetermined duration reference time. |
| US08723692B2 |
Secure terminal data loader apparatus and method for a mobile platform
A terminal data loading device on a mobile platform includes a media unit for receiving a transportable media element containing media data and outputting a media signal to a control processor unit. The control processor unit outputs an information signal to a wireline communication unit. The wireline communication unit outputs a wireline signal to a network on the mobile platform. |
| US08723682B2 |
Mixed element strobe
A strobe device that includes multiple strobe elements is disclosed. The strobe device may include a first strobe element and a second strobe element, where at least one aspect of the first strobe element differs from the second strobe element. For example, the first strobe element may be a Xenon flash tube strobe element and the second strobe element may be an LED-based strobe element. In response to receiving a command to generate an output, the controller determines which of the first strobe element and/or the second strobe element to activate, and sends one or more signals to the first strobe element and/or the second strobe element based on the determination. The controller may activate both of the first strobe element and the second strobe element (such as alternating activation of the first strobe element and the second strobe element). Or, the controller may select one of the first strobe element and the second strobe element. For example, depending on the ambient light at or near the strobe device, the controller may activate either the first strobe element or the second strobe element. |
| US08723680B1 |
Emergency respondence warning system
An emergency respondence warning system for warning of the approach of emergency vehicles at roadway intersections. The warning system comprises a transmitter mountable to an emergency vehicle and a receiver situated near the roadway intersection. As the emergency vehicle approaches the intersection, the transmitter sends signals to the receiver, which are processed by the receiver when the vehicle is within a predetermined distance. The receiver activates a distinct visual warning signal alerting nearby drivers and pedestrians of the approach of an emergency vehicle. The emergency respondence warning system also warns of the approach of multiple emergency vehicles. When the receiver determines that two emergency vehicles are approaching the intersection, it activates the warning element but triggers a dedicated visual signal indicating the approach of multiple vehicles. |
| US08723679B2 |
Systems and methods for transmitting alert messages relating to events that occur within a pre-defined area
A computer-implemented method for receiving alert messages relating to events that occur within a pre-defined area is described. The user interface for a reporting application is provided. A map associated with a location of a user is displayed. A neighborhood is created according to input received from the user via the user interface. An alert message regarding an occurrence of an event within the neighborhood is received. Information is displayed on the map that relates to the location of the occurrence of the event. |
| US08723677B1 |
Patient safety system with automatically adjusting bed
A patient safety system including an adjustable bed and a patient monitoring system is disclosed herein. The adjustable bed can automatically adjust to a safe default configuration when the safety system detects that a care provider has left the patient's room or when the safety system detects that the patient is trying to leave the bed. The patient monitoring system can send an alert to the care provider and/or sound an alarm if the patient tries to leave the bed and a care provider is not present with the patient. |
| US08723674B2 |
Sensory tracking of inventory
Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for tracking the inventory of items. In one embodiment, a compartment comprises a plurality of sensors disposed proximate a surface of the compartment. A container storing items can be disposed above the surface of the compartment. Then, the sensors can detect the presence or absence of items from the container. |
| US08723673B2 |
Method and apparatus for detection of structure failure
A detection and alarm system comprises a piezoelectric film sensor and associated circuitry. The sensor detects acoustic emission signals from metallic objects under stress upon which it is affixed. The associated circuitry receives electronic signals from the sensor, creates and evaluates a sensor output value including rate ratio and frequency content of such signals within preset time limits. This data allows the detection of impending failure, an alarm condition, of the metallic object by identifying significant changes in the rate of emission of such sensor signals. An alarm condition may then trigger an alarm signal to warn of such impending failure. |
| US08723669B2 |
Technique for detecting tracking device tampering
A technique is disclosed for detecting the presence of a certain form of tampering with respect to the operation of a location tracking device. The tracking device is of the kind that receives signals from which the location of the tracking device is determined and the tampering that is detected is of the kind wherein signal shielding material is placed around the device and/or a signal jamming device is used. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the location tracking device includes a metal detector whose output is processed to provide a shielding alarm signal. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the gain provided by the AGC circuit in the UPS or other wireless signal receiver within the location tracking device is processed to form a shielding alarm signal. These alarm signals may be distinct so as to distinguish between the different forms of tampering. In addition, either one of these described aspects may be used alone or in combination with one another. |
| US08723668B1 |
System and method for controlling at least one device
A system and a method for remotely controlling at least one device based on operation of a foot pedal apparatus are provided. The system includes a device selection module (DSM) configured to transmit a first modulated RF signal at a first RF frequency having a communication linking command and a first RF frequency identifier. The first RF frequency identifier indicates a second RF frequency different than the first RF frequency. The system further includes a device control module (DCM) configured to receive the first modulated RF signal at the first RF frequency and to compare the communication linking command to a predetermined communication linking command. If the communication linking command corresponds to the predetermined communication linking command then the DCM selects the second RF frequency based on the first RF frequency identifier for subsequent RF signal reception. |
| US08723665B2 |
Audio buffering in two-way voice alarm systems
An alarm system includes an alarm panel that signals sensed alarm conditions at a premises to a monitoring server over a packet switched data network. The alarm panel also senses and buffers audio at the premises. In response to a sensed alarm condition, buffered audio, buffered prior to signalling the sensed alarm condition, is transferred to the monitoring station. The alarm panel may further receive live audio from the premises. Data representing live audio and buffered audio may be transferred concurrently, allowing an operator at a monitoring center to listen to audio arising from events before and after an alarm is signalled. The alarm system may further allow real-time communication between the monitoring center and panel. |
| US08723664B2 |
Systems and methods for the automatic registration of devices
Systems and methods for providing registration at a remote site that may include, for example, a monitoring module that may communicate with a remote site. A registration protocol may be used by the monitoring module and the remote site in generating the messages communicated during the registration process. The monitoring module may gather and generate various identification information to be included in the registration protocol messages. The registration information provided by the monitoring module may be stored at the remote site in a database server having a database. A confirmation message may be communicated from the remote site to the monitoring module that may either acknowledge successful registration or report that an error occurred during the registration process. |
| US08723658B2 |
Method for managing the strain of a user of a human propulsion vehicle, and vehicle adapted for said method
A method of managing physical effort expended by a user of a human-propelled vehicle provided with a control unit connected to an electric motor that is powered by a battery and that is arranged to take the place at least in part of the user for the purposes of propelling and of braking the vehicle, as a function of a program executed by the control unit in order to manage the physical effort expended by the user. A vehicle adapted to this method. |
| US08723656B2 |
Human audible localization for sound emitting devices
Audible signals are created and emitted that provide a human user with improved sound localization cues to quickly and efficiently find the emitting device. Different emitted audible signals are sequentially emitted in response to receiving an activation signal. The different audible signals have been observed to efficiently help a human locate emitting devices that are 1) inside a sealed enclosure, such as a box; 2) in close proximity to the user; and 3) that is a large distance from the user. |
| US08723655B2 |
Remote control and method for the remote control of multimedia appliances
A remote control having a touch-sensitive control panel and a transmission unit for transmitting encoded signals which are produced on the basis of a direction of movement of contact with successive regions of the control panel, regardless of the location at which contact is made with the control panel. It is also possible to produce encoded signals on the basis of a movement by the remote control in combination with a motion sensor. |
| US08723654B2 |
Interrupt generation and acknowledgment for RFID
A memory circuit includes a memory, a memory access control circuit coupled to the memory, an RFID interface coupled to the memory access control circuit, a secondary interface coupled to the memory access control circuit, and an interrupt manager coupled to the memory access control circuit, the RFID interface, and the secondary interface. |
| US08723647B2 |
RFID communication method and apparatus
A mobile terminal communicates with a base station to request channel allocation for RFID communication, receives a channel from the base station, and communicates with an RFID tag through the allocated channel. |
| US08723638B2 |
Tactile feedback for joystick position/speed controls
A joystick controller is disclosed for controlling speed of a boom lift platform, the controller having motors or the like that provide tactile feedback that is intuitively interpreted and adjusted by the user of the joystick speed control, the joystick being neutrally-biased to effect a null velocity when the joystick is positioned in a neutral position, but the tactile feedback forcing the joystick away from neutral to a degree that represents the platform's actual speed. |
| US08723635B2 |
Corrosion-resistant high temperature pressure transducer employing a metal diaphragm
A pressure transducer comprising a corrosion resistant metal diaphragm, having an active region, and capable of deflecting when a force is applied to the diaphragm; and a piezoresistive silicon-on-insulator sensor array disposed on a single substrate, the substrate secured to the diaphragm, the sensor array having a first outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a first location and on the active region, a second outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a second location and on the active region, and at least one center sensor substantially overlying a center of the diaphragm, the sensors connected in a bridge array to provide an output voltage proportional to the force applied to the diaphragm. The sensors are dielectrically isolated from the substrate. |
| US08723632B2 |
Coil component and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed herein is a coil component that includes an insulating layer formed on a substrate, a coil conductor provided between the substrate and the insulting layer, a first electrode connected to one end of the coil conductor, a second electrode connected to the other end of the coil conductor, and a magnetic layer formed on the insulting layer so as to cover a side surface of each of the first and second electrodes without covering a top surface of each of the first and second electrodes. |
| US08723629B1 |
Magnetic device with high saturation current and low core loss
A magnetic device includes a T-shaped magnetic core, a wire coil and a magnetic body. The T-shaped magnetic core includes a base and a pillar, and is made of an annealed soft magnetic metal material, a core loss PCL (mW/cm3) of the T-shaped magnetic core satisfying: 0.64×f0.95×Bm2.20≦PCL≦7.26×f1.41×Bm1.08, where f (kHz) represents a frequency of a magnetic field applied to the T-shaped magnetic core, and Bm (kGauss) represents the operating magnetic flux density of the magnetic field at the frequency. The magnetic body fully covers the pillar, any part of the base that is located above the bottom surface of the base, and any part of the wire coil that is located directly above the top surface of the base. |
| US08723628B2 |
Shaped coils for transcranial magnetic stimulation
Described herein are shaped coil TMS electromagnets formed by two bent magnetic coil loops joined at a vertex having an angle between the outer coil regions of the coils that is typically less than 120 degrees (e.g., between about 45 and about 70 degrees, 60 degrees, etc.). The vertex region shaped to optimize the magnetic field projected from the TMS electromagnet. For example, the vertex region may be horizontal or vertical. In some variations the vertex region is formed by re-arranging the conductive windings forming the two coils so that they are no longer arranged in the same columnar structure that they are in the other portions of the bent magnetic coil loops. These TMS electromagnets may be well suited for use in deep-brain Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. |
| US08723627B2 |
Electrical cut-off device with high electrodynamic resistance
An electrical cut-off device (1) with high electrodynamic resistance in which the fixed contacts (4) and the moving contact (5) are arranged according to an architecture forming a current loop so that the Laplace electromagnetic forces, called compensation forces (Fc), generated by the circulation of the current (I) in the current loop, are oriented in a direction flowing from the inside toward the outside of the current loop, and in which the actuator mechanism (6) is arranged for moving the moving contact (5) inside of the current loop, from its switched-off position to its switched-on position in a direction (Fd) that is identical to the direction of the compensation forces (Fc). |
| US08723622B2 |
Radio frequency filter
Parameters of a radio frequency filter can be changed by changing structure of each component of the filter. Material of each component, diameters of each of magnetic cylinders, density of each of conductive coils, and thickness of each of dielectric layers can be changed. When any component needs to be replaced, the filter can be detached as needed. |
| US08723618B2 |
Power combiner/distributor and transmitter using the power combiner/distributor
The power combiner/distributor for performing one of power combination and power division, includes: a first branch circuit (117) having a plurality of first branch side terminals (113, 114) connected in parallel and one first combination side terminal (115), which are connected through a first power combination point (116); and a second branch circuit (137) having a plurality of second branch side terminals (133, 134) connected in parallel and one second combination side terminal (135) connected through a second power combination point (136), the one first combination side terminal and the one of plurality of second branch side terminals being connected to each other, in which a length from the first power combination point to the second power combination point is an integral multiple of ½ wavelength. |
| US08723616B2 |
Waveguide-microstrip line converter having connection conductors spaced apart by different distances
Provided is a waveguide-microstrip line converter, including: a waveguide; a dielectric substrate that is connected to cover one end of the waveguide; a strip conductor that is disposed on a front surface of the dielectric substrate; a conductor plate that is disposed the front surface of the dielectric substrate, and connected to the strip conductor; a ground conductor that is disposed on a rear surface of the dielectric substrate; and a plurality of connection conductors that connect a periphery of the conductor plate and the ground conductor, in which: the ground conductor has an opening formed therein in a connection region; the strip conductor and the ground conductor form a microstrip line; and the plurality of connection conductors are arranged so that a distance between two lines of the plurality of connection conductors that are aligned in a longitudinal direction of the microstrip line, and disposed on both opposing sides of the conductor plate in a vicinity of a connection portion is narrower than a distance therebetween in a vicinity of the opening. |
| US08723613B2 |
Wideband phase modulator
An apparatus for phase modulation includes a delay locked loop configured to generate from a reference signal a plurality of phase shifted signals, each of the phase shifted signals being locked to the reference signal and having a different phase shift from the other phase shifted signals with respect to the reference signal, and a multiplexer configured to select one of the phase shifted signals. |
| US08723611B2 |
Micromechanical resonator
The object of the invention is to provide an improved structure for a microelectromechanical (MEMS) resonator. According to a first aspect of the invention, the resonator structure in accordance with the invention has a characteristic frequency of oscillation in combination with a given mechanical amplitude, whereby to set said mechanical amplitude, in the resonator structure, by way anchoring at an anchor point located at a given point of the resonator structure substrate, a first element is adapted oscillatory and a second element is adapted oscillatory in such a manner that at least one of said first element and of said second element are arranged to oscillate synchronously with regard to said anchor point, whereby the location of said anchor point is selected to be substantially within the joint projection defined by the dimensions of said first and said second element. |
| US08723607B2 |
Phase locked loop
A phase locked loop comprising: an oscillator for generating an output signal of a frequency that is dependent on an input to the oscillator; sampling means for generating a sequence of digital values representing the output of the oscillator at moments synchronized with a reference frequency; a difference unit for generating a feedback signal representing the difference between successive values in the sequence; and an integrator for integrating the difference between the feedback signal and a signal of a desired output frequency; the signal input to the oscillator being dependent on the output of the integrator. |
| US08723604B2 |
Compensation technique for feedback amplifiers
Compensation methods and systems for voltage-feedback amplifiers provide improved dynamic performance (i.e., increased bandwidth and the elimination or alleviation of a slew limitation) at high gains by direct feedback of an AC signal (i.e., an intermediate voltage) to an amplifier input without being attenuated by feedback resistor network. |
| US08723602B2 |
Method and apparatus for a class-E load tuned beamforming 60 GHz transmitter
The class-E amplifier can be tuned to pass only the fundamental frequency to the antenna by optimizing the second harmonics at the drain of the final PA driver transistor. A CPW in series with a capacitor between the PA transistor and the load forms a band pass filter that only allows the fundamental frequency to pass to the load of the antenna. A supply inductor to couple the drain of the final PA driver transistor to the power supply is tuned at the second harmonic with the parasitic capacitance of the drain of the PA transistor. A load capacitance is adjusted at the fundamental frequency to insure that the current waveform and voltage waveforms at the drain of the PA driver transistor do not overlap, thereby minimizing the parasitic power dissipation and allowing maximum energy to be applied to the antenna. |
| US08723597B2 |
Switched capacitor circuit
According to the present invention, a switched capacitor circuit comprises: an inverting amplifier for removing the offset by using a chopper stabilization circuit; a sampling unit which is connected between an input terminal and the inverting amplifier; and a feedback unit which is connected to the inverting amplifier in parallel. |
| US08723596B2 |
Regulation device and power adapter using the same
A power adapter includes a regulation device, which includes a division circuit, a reference circuit, and an impedance regulation circuit. The division circuit includes a first reference terminal and a second reference terminal. The second reference terminal is connected to an output terminal of the regulation device. The reference circuit includes a third reference terminal connected to the first reference terminal, and the reference circuit outputs a stable reference voltage via the third reference terminal, to provide the stable reference voltage for the first reference terminal. The impedance regulation circuit is connected to the first reference terminal, to provide equivalent impedance for the first reference terminal. The impedance of the equivalent impedance changes in a way corresponding to changes in the current flowing through the output terminal. |
| US08723591B2 |
Method for driving IGBT
A method for driving an IGBT, wherein a transient voltage applied across the IGBT is reduced by altering a rate of change of a gate-emitter voltage of the IGBT. |
| US08723589B2 |
Switching device with a cascode circuit
A switching device for switching a current between a first terminal (1) and a second terminal (2) comprises a cascode circuit having a series connection of a first semiconductor switch (M) and a second semiconductor switch (J), wherein the two semiconductor switches (M, J) are connected to each other by a common point (13), and the first semiconductor switch (M) is controlled by way of a first control input in accordance with a voltage between the first control input and the first terminal (1), and the second semiconductor switch (J) is controlled by way of a second control input (4) in accordance with a voltage between the second control input (4) and the common point (13). To this end, a control circuit having a specifiable capacitance (C) is connected between the second terminal (2) and at least one of the control input. |
| US08723588B2 |
Mixer circuit and variation suppressing method
In a mixer circuit that solves the problem of the extreme increase in circuit complexity that accompanies compensating for amplitude errors and phase errors, a voltage current conversion unit (11) converts an RF signal, which is a voltage signal, to a current signal and supplies the current signal. An RF path selection unit (12) connects its input terminal to any of its output terminals in accordance with the state of a four-phase clock signal and separately supplies, from its output terminals, a plurality of IF signals obtained by multiplying the RF signal by clock signals in the four-phase clock signal. An IF path selection unit (13) switches the connection relationship between its input terminals and its output terminals in accordance with a selection signal (S) and supplies the IF signal input to each of its input terminals from its output terminals that are connected to the input terminals. |
| US08723587B1 |
Voltage generator
A voltage generator includes a digital-to-analog (D/A) converting device configured to convert an input voltage to a pair of analog voltages, and a voltage mixer coupled to receive the analog voltages via electrical wirings to combine one or both of the analog voltages into an output voltage. |
| US08723580B2 |
Signal processing circuit
The present disclosure relates to a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit includes a signal selection module, an offset module, and an amplifier module. The signal selection module is configured to select one from a plurality of input signals for outputting at least one first output signal. The voltage offset module is configured to output an offset voltage. The amplifier module, coupled to the signal selection module and the voltage offset module, is configured to sample the first output signal from the signal selection module, and offset the first output signal according to the offset voltage output from the offset voltage module, and perform an amplification gain control and data buffering processes on the offset signal. |
| US08723577B2 |
Spreading a clock signal
Method, circuitry and device for spreading a clock signal in which the clock signal is received at an input of a variable delay line, the clock signal having been generated by a clock signal generator. In one embodiment, for each edge of the clock signal, the delay introduced by the variable delay line is set in accordance with a stored delay value. For each of a plurality of consecutive edges of the clock signal, the stored delay value is either incremented or decremented based on a randomly generated value for that edge. A spread version of the clock signal is output from the variable delay line, wherein each edge of the spread version of the clock signal is delayed by the respective delay that is set for that edge of the clock signal. |
| US08723575B1 |
Configurable delay circuitry with compensated delay
An integrated circuit may include a delay circuit that receives an input signal at a first logic level and produces a delayed output signal at a second logic level at an output terminal. The integrated circuit may include a preset circuit coupled to the delay circuit. The preset circuit may receive the input signal and pre-drive the delayed output signal to an intermediate logic level that lies between the first and second logic levels. |
| US08723574B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor integrated circuit is provided, which has mounted thereto a flip-flop circuit including a latch portion that takes and holds input data based upon a clock signal, and a clock portion that inputs the clock signal to the latch portion, wherein an active region of the flip-flop circuit is divided in such a manner that the width of the active region is secured, and each of the active regions has uniform width. |
| US08723573B1 |
Method and apparatus for reducing crowbar current and controlling slew rate
An output driver that includes a pull-up network comprising a first plurality of resistive branches forming a first R-2R resistive ladder structure, wherein the resistive branches of the pull-up network are coupled to a high voltage supply through pull-up switching transistors. The output driver may further include a pull-down network comprising a second plurality of resistive branches forming a second R-2R resistive ladder structure, wherein the resistive branches of the pull-down network are coupled to a low voltage supply through pull-down switching transistors. The output driver includes a control circuit to selectively activate or deactivate each of the first plurality of resistive branches and to selectively activate or deactivate each of the second plurality of resistive branches. |
| US08723572B1 |
Apparatus and methods to correct differential skew and/or duty cycle distortion
One embodiment relates a method of correcting skew and/or duty cycle distortion in a differential signal using a transmitter buffer circuit. Skew and/or duty cycle distortion may be detected in the differential signal. Delay times for at least two variable-delay buffer circuits are adjusted. The variable-delay buffer circuits may have outputs coupled to control gates of pull-up and pull-down transistors coupled to one or more output nodes of the transmitter buffer circuit. Other embodiments, aspects, and features are also disclosed. |
| US08723570B2 |
Delay-locked loop and method for a delay-locked loop generating an application clock
A delay-locked loop includes a first delay unit, a second delay unit, a third delay unit, a phase detector, and a controller. The first delay unit generates a first delay clock according to a clock and a first delay time. The second delay unit generates a second delay clock according to the first delay clock and a second delay time. The third delay unit generates a third delay clock according to the second delay clock and a third delay time. The phase detector generates a phase detection signal according to the clock and the second delay clock. The controller generates and outputs a phase control signal according to the phase detection signal. The second delay unit and the third delay unit adjust the second delay time and the third delay time respectively according to the phase control signal. |
| US08723566B1 |
Correcting for offset-errors in a PLL/DLL
The main feedback loop of a PLL/DLL receives a reference clock and an output clock as inputs, and operates to achieve one or both of a phase and a frequency lock of the output clock with respect to the reference clock. The PLL/DLL includes an RS-latch connected to receive the output clock and the reference clock. The RS-Latch generates a digital output representing a phase difference between the reference clock and the output clock. A correction block in the PLL/DLL receives the digital output and adjusts an electrical characteristic of the main feedback loop by a value that is based on a polarity of the digital output. Effects of offset-errors in the PLL/DLL are thereby minimized or corrected for. |
| US08723563B2 |
Apparatus and method to tolerate floating input pin for input buffer
An integrated circuit device includes a pad adapted to receive a signal from an internal or external driver, and an input buffer circuit including an input terminal coupled to the pad. The input buffer circuit includes a pass transistor having a control terminal, a first conduction terminal connected to the pad, and a second conduction terminal connected to a first voltage. The input buffer circuit also includes a latch having a terminal electrically coupled to the control terminal of the pass transistor. The input buffer circuit further includes circuitry coupled to the latch, the circuitry including a feedback transistor having a control terminal electrically coupled to the pad, a first conduction terminal electrically coupled to a second voltage, and a second conduction terminal coupled to the latch. |
| US08723562B2 |
Drive unit for reverse-conducting switching element
In a drive unit for a reverse-conducting switching element which is a driven switching element, a process to transfer electric charges to a conductive control terminal of the driven switching element is performed on the basis of a turn-on command or a turn-off command, thereby turning on and off the driven switching element. A transfer rate of the electric charges is changed in a period from when the transfer of the electric charges to the conductive control terminal is started until when it is completed. While judged that forward current flows in a free-wheel diode, the electric charges are inhibited from being charged to the conduction control terminal which corresponds to the free-wheel diode in which the forward current is judged to flow. While the electric charges are inhibited from being charged to the conductive control terminal, a change of the transfer rate is disabled. |
| US08723551B2 |
Integrated circuit with improved level shifter
Level shifting circuitry and corresponding enable signal generating circuitry provides improved leakage current control while eliminating the need for supplying reference voltage input in the enable signal generator. The level shifting circuitry is a type of cascode free level shifting circuit that does not include cascode transistors as in the prior art but instead utilizes cross coupled logic to provide level shifting while also utilizing enable signal controlled transistors to control leakage current through the cross coupled logic during power up sequencing. The level shifting circuitry provides improved leakage current limiting structure for power up sequencing whether a lower level supply voltage ramps up faster than the higher level supply voltage or vice a versa. |
| US08723546B2 |
Vertical guided layered probe
The present invention is a set of layered probes that make electrical contact to a device under test. The layered probes are disposed within openings of at least one guide plate. The guide plate surrounds the probes via the openings. The layered probes have a base end, an opposing tip end and a shaft connecting the base end to the tip end. The base end can have a positioning device that extends away from the base end. |
| US08723545B2 |
Probe card
A probe card facilitates a wiring connection, reducing working time and preventing a working error and includes a main circuit board having an opening in its center. A reinforcement member has a lower end coupled to that opening to prevent deforming the board. A sub-circuit board electrically connected to the main board is seated on an upper side of the reinforcement member. A space transformer is positioned on a lower portion of the opening of the main board. A plurality of wires have both ends inserted into through holes in the sub-circuit board and space transformer to electrically connect them. Probes are provided on a lower portion of the space transformer, each having one end in contact with the wire inserted into the through-hole of the space transformer and the other end in contact with a wafer to be tested. |
| US08723544B2 |
Structure of probe card for inspecting electrical characteristics of object to be inspected
A probe card installed in a probe device includes a supporting plate capable of supporting a contact body and a circuit board installed above a top surface of the supporting plate. A connection member is installed at a top surface of the circuit board and the supporting plate and the connection member are connected to each other by a connection body. Load control members are installed at a top surface of the connection member and capable of maintaining a contact load between the contact body and an object to be inspected at a constant level. Elastic members are installed at a peripheral portion of the connection member and capable of fixing a horizontal position of the supporting plate. An intermediate member is installed between the circuit board and the supporting plate and configured to elastically and electrically connect the circuit board and the supporting plate. |
| US08723541B2 |
Vertical micro contact probe having variable stiffness structure
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a vertical micro contact probe that includes a column formed by longitudinally continuously stacking a plurality of basic units and a front end formed at the front end of the column and contacting an electrode pad of a semiconductor chip. The basic unit includes a probe body alternately bending to the left and right and protrusions protruding from the probe body at the left and right sides from the center of the width direction, and contacting the adjacent probe body to support the probe body under compression. |
| US08723540B2 |
Contact probe and socket
A contact probe includes: a first and second plungers, one of the first and second plungers being connected to an object to be inspected, the other being connected to an inspecting board; and a spring urging the first and second plungers so as to be separated from each other. The first plunger includes a distal end side columnar part and a flange part. The flange part includes a first portion that has a first length from a center point, which is, greater than a radius of the distal end side columnar part, in a first direction perpendicular to an axial direction, and includes a second portion that has a second length from the center point, which is smaller than the radius of the distal end side columnar part, in a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction and different from the first direction. |
| US08723536B2 |
Inspection apparatus, substrate mounting device and inspection method
Non-contact type displacement sensors which measure the height of a substrate surface are installed above the substrate in order to hold the upper surface of the substrate at a desired height or to maintain the flatness of the substrate. A substrate mounting device is such that a plurality of grooves and of barriers are provided on the upper surface of a table and air is supplied between the substrate and the table to enable the pressure of air to displace the substrate. In addition, the substrate mounting device has such a structure as to make it possible to deform the substrate into an arbitrary convex-concave shape or to make the substrate flat by feeding back the output of the displacement sensor. |
| US08723528B2 |
Active 2-dimensional array structure for parallel testing
A structure and method is provided for testing a 2-dimensional array of electrical devices, such as a 2-dimensional array in the first metal level (M1) of an electronic structure. The method for testing the 2-dimensional array provides a parallel test approach. The test structure provides a plurality of test pad structures to implement the parallel test approach. The test pad structures may include field effect transistors. |
| US08723527B2 |
Battery monitoring system
A battery monitoring system, comprises a battery state detection circuit that detects battery states of a plurality of battery cells that are connected in series, based on respective cell voltages of the plurality of battery cells, and a control circuit that monitors state of a battery cell, based on each cell voltage of the plurality of battery cells. The control circuit inputs pseudo voltage information to the battery state detection circuit, and thereby diagnoses whether or not the battery state detection circuit is operating normally. |
| US08723523B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus with temperature sensor for predicting static magnetic field inhomogeneity
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes: a pair of static magnetic field generators separately disposed at the top and bottom of an imaging space in which a subject is placed; a shim magnetic material, disposed on the imaging-space side of each of the pair of static magnetic field generators, for generating a magnetic field to adjust the static magnetic field; a gradient magnetic field generator; a high-frequency magnetic field generator; a temperature sensor for directly or indirectly measuring the temperature of the shim magnetic material; and a controller for controlling the gradient magnetic field generator and the high-frequency magnetic field generator to execute an imaging pulse sequence. The controller determines the inhomogeneity of the static magnetic field from the output of the temperature sensor, considering the change in a magnetic field adjustment parameter due to the temperature change of the shim magnetic material, and causes a warning message to be presented if the determined static magnetic field inhomogeneity has exceeded a predetermined allowable value. |
| US08723514B2 |
Magnetic field sensor device for direct magnetic field imaging and method of fabrication thereof
The present invention discloses a novel magnetic sensor device performing direct magnetic field imaging, comprising a probe having a conical tip portion which is configured as a sensor having two superconductors separated by a thin non-superconducting layer (such as a Josephson junction based sensor), where the non-superconducting layer is located at the apex portion of said conical tip, thereby defining electron tunneling region(s) at said apex portion. The technique of the present invention enables the sensor device to be very small and to be brought very close to the sample surface. |
| US08723509B2 |
Electromagnetic position and orientation sensing system
Magnetic tracking systems and methods for determining the position and orientation of a remote object. A magnetic tracking system includes a stationary transmitter for establishing a reference coordinate system, and at least one receiver. The remote object is attached to, mounted on, or otherwise coupled to the receiver. The transmitter can include a set of three mutually perpendicular coils having a common center point, or a set of three coplanar coils with separate centers. The receiver can include a set of three orthogonal coils. The position and orientation of the receiver and the remote object coupled thereto is determined by measuring the nine mutual inductances between the three transmitter coils and the three receiver coils. The magnetic tracking system provides reduced power consumption, increased efficiency, digital compensation for component variation, automatic self-calibration, automatic synchronization with no connections between transmitter and receiver, and rapid low-cost implementation. |
| US08723507B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing in-package sensor adjustments
An illustrative packaged magnetic field sensor includes a power input terminal and a sensor output terminal, both accessible from outside of the package housing. A sensing block is situated in the package housing and electrically coupled to the magnetic field sensing device and the sensor output terminal. An adjustment block is situated in the package housing and coupled to the power input terminal and the sensing block. In some cases, the adjustment block may receive one or more messages that include sensor adjustment information. The one or more messages may be modulated onto the power input signal. The adjustment block may decode the received sensor adjustment information from the messages, and store the decoded adjustment information into a memory. The adjustment block may then adjust the output signal of the sensing block based on the decoded adjustment information. |
| US08723504B2 |
Remaining sheet quantity detection device and image forming apparatus
The remaining sheet quantity detection device of the present invention is provided with a storage unit for storing first information which associates a distance between a distance measuring sensor and a tray with a level value in a distance range less than a peak distance, and second information which associates the distance with the level value in a distance range exceeding the peak distance. Additionally provided is a distance acquisition unit for acquiring a distance that is associated with the level value obtained by the distance measuring sensor in the first information when a detection unit detects that the distance is less than the peak distance, and acquiring a distance that is associated with the level value obtained by the distance measuring sensor in the second information when the detection unit detects that the distance exceeds the peak distance. |
| US08723501B2 |
Switching regulator device and method with adaptive frequency foldback
A control circuit for a switching regulator includes a clock circuit, a pulsewidth modulation (PWM) circuit, and a reduction monitor. The clock circuit provides a clock signal at a variable frequency. The PWM circuit produces a drive signal of at least a first predetermined duration once every period of the clock signal. The reduction monitor controls the clock circuit to reduce the variable frequency in response to a sense signal that indicates that at least one of a voltage and a current is outside a limit during the first predetermined duration of said drive signal. |
| US08723500B2 |
System and method for preventing controller induced pulse skipping at low duty cycle operations
A voltage regulator generates a regulated output voltage responsive to an input voltage and drive control signals. An error amplifier generates an error voltage signal responsive to the regulated output voltage and a reference voltage. A PWM modulator generates a PWM control signal responsive to the error voltage signal, a ramp voltage and an inverse of the reference voltage. Control circuitry within the PWM modulator maintains the error voltage signal applied to the PWM modulator at substantially a same DC voltage level over the reference voltage operating range and maintains the error voltage signal above a minimum value of the ramp voltage. Driver circuitry generates the drive control signals responsive to the PWM control signal. |
| US08723493B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for inductive energy capture for fuzes
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for power conversion in fuzes for projectiles. Fuze electronics in the projectile control detonation of the projectile. A rectifier converts pulses from a setter signal to a DC power source signal. A voltage monitor coupled to the power source signal generates a source voltage indicator and a current monitor coupled to the power source signal generates a source current indicator. A combiner generates a supplied power level indicator in response to a combination of the source voltage indicator and the source current indicator. A DC-DC converter uses the supplied power level indicator when converting the power source signal to a power output signal to adjust a current level of the power output for efficient charging of a charge storage device and delivery of power to the fuze electronics. |
| US08723492B2 |
Autonomous controlled headroom low dropout regulator for single inductor multiple output power supply
A controlled headroom low dropout regulator (CHLDO) having an LDO with an input voltage provided by a capacitor. An incremental voltage is added to an output voltage of the LDO to create a reference voltage. The reference voltage is compared to the input voltage to determine when to couple/de-couple the capacitor with a current source. If the capacitor is coupled to the current source, the capacitor will charge only if the voltage driven by the current source exceeds the input voltage provided by the capacitor. When the input voltage developed on the capacitor exceeds the reference voltage, the capacitor is automatically de-coupled from the current source. Multiple CHLDOs can be charged from a single current source, wherein charging automatically proceeds from the lowest voltage CHLDO to the highest voltage CHLDO. |
| US08723488B2 |
IGBT/FET-based energy savings device for reducing a predetermined amount of voltage using pulse width modulation
An energy savings device, system, and method wherein a predetermined amount of voltage below a nominal line voltage and/or below a nominal appliance voltage is saved, thereby conserving energy. Phase input connections are provided for inputting analog signals into the device and system. A volts zero crossing point detector determines the zero volts crossing point of the signal. The positive half cycle and negative half cycle of the signal are identified and routed to a digital signal processor for processing the signal. The signal is reduced by pulse width modulation and the reduced amount of energy is outputted, thereby yielding an energy savings for an end user. |
| US08723482B2 |
Battery unit balancing system
A battery unit balancing system comprises a discharging circuit and means for connecting the discharging circuit to a battery unit. The discharging circuit is configured such that it is automatically activated, when a voltage of the battery unit exceeds a predetermined threshold, to draw a constant discharging current from the battery unit until the voltage of the battery unit falls below the predetermined threshold. |
| US08723471B2 |
System and method for operating an exoskeleton adapted to encircle an object of interest
This invention relates to a servo system for operating an exoskeleton adapted to encircle an object of interest and for supplying a force thereon. A servomotor is coupled to a power source and operates the position of the exoskeleton and thus the force exerted by the exoskeleton on the object of interest. A measuring unit measures a raw driving current signal Iraw supplied by the power source to drive the servomotor. A low pass filter applies a low pass frequency filtering on the measured a filtered current signal Ifiltered. A processing unit determines an actuated current signal Iactuated based on the servomotor setting parameters, where Iactuated indicates the contribution to Iraw from the servomotor when operating the position of the exoskeleton. The processing unit also determines a driving force current signal Iforce indicating the force exerted by the exoskeleton on the object of interest, where Iforce is proportional to the difference between Ifiltered and Iactuated. |
| US08723468B2 |
Cooled motor
A motor having a first portion configured to turn in a forward direction, a second portion coaxially mirrors the first portion; and a central fan between the first and second portions, and forcing air through the portions. A thermoelectric cooler element, thermally coupled to the portion is configured to cool the motor. A motor controller is electrically coupled to the first and second portions, and operates a portion in response to a condition sensed by the motor controller. The condition sensed by the motor controller is a motor torque, a motor speed, a motor casing temperature, or a zoned motor casing temperature. A method includes detecting a motor operational command; selecting a motor operational state using motor portion responsive to the motor command; sensing a heating state of a motor portion; and providing a cooling state to the motor portion responsive to the heating state. |
| US08723467B2 |
Automated shade control in connection with electrochromic glass
Automated shade systems may comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, information regarding one or more variable characteristics of glass, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis. |
| US08723464B2 |
Permanent magnet motor system
A sensorless permanent magnet motor system that prevents negative torque caused by back EMF. The system determines the position of the rotating permanent magnet by monitoring back EMF generated on an inactive coil of the motor system. A snubber circuit is used to prevent the back EMF from causing negative torque on the motor. The voltage of back EMF used to power a logic circuit, such as a microcontroller, that controls the operation of the motor. The microcontroller controls the operation of the motor by detecting back EMF and is also partially powered by the back EMF. |
| US08723461B2 |
Apparatus for operating interior permanent magnet synchronous motor
Provided is an apparatus for operating interior permanent magnet synchronous motor in a system including a detector measuring a position and a speed of a rotor of an IPMSM, the apparatus including an output unit generating and outputting a current command driving a MTPA (Maximum Torque Per Ampere) based on the command torque, a correction unit correcting the current command outputted by the output unit, a feedback unit transmitting over-modulated voltage information to the correction unit, a control unit controlling the current command to output a voltage, a first limit unit limiting an output of the control unit using a maximum voltage synthesizable by an inverter unit, and the inverter unit applying a 3-phase voltage command for tracking a command torque to the IPMSM using an output of the first limit unit. |
| US08723456B2 |
Procedure and device for controlling actuators
A procedure for controlling actuators within an on-board power system, which provides different operating voltages and temporal on-board power voltage changes. The actuator or actuators are controlled with different pulse-width modulated control signals, whereby the pulse-width and the cycle duration of the control signals can be adjusted independent of each other and are adjusted independent of the actually applied on-board power voltage. Control signals for the actuators can be specified by a control unit. The actuator or actuators can be controlled with the aid of the control unit by different pulse-width modulated control signals, whereby the pulse-width and the cycle duration of the control signals can be adjusted independent of each other; and the control unit provides devices for detecting the actually applied on-board power voltage and driver units. |
| US08723455B2 |
Quick change battery arrangement for motorized shade
The present invention advantageously provides a motorized roller shade that includes a shade conduit having an outer surface upon which a shade is attached and an inner surface defining an inner cavity. The motorized shade also comprises a motor disposed within the inner cavity along with a controller coupled to the motor that controls the motor. The motorized roller further comprises a power supply sleeve having an interior space, wherein the power supply sleeve is disposed within the inner cavity, wherein the power supply sleeve is coupled to the motor. The sleeve may be accessed by an access port that extends between the outer surface and the inner surface. |
| US08723453B2 |
Work apparatus having an electric drive motor
An electric chain saw has an electric drive motor defining a motor-specific characteristic line of the drawn-in current as a function of the rotational speed of the motor. A control unit controls the current flowing through the drive motor below an engaging rotational speed to values below the motor-specific characteristic line. In order to generate an operating point the operator can feel in a working region in a predetermined rotational speed band, a control characteristic line of the electric input power of the electric drive motor as a function of the rotational speed is provided above the engaging rotational speed. The control characteristic line is adapted to reduce the electric input power within the rotational speed band to an approximately even mean power so as to cause the torque of the drive motor to increase within the rotational speed band with falling rotational speed. |
| US08723451B2 |
Accelerator for charged particles
An accelerator for charged particle may include: a capacitor stack which includes a first electrode that can be brought to a first potential, a second electrode that is concentric to the first electrode and can be brought to a second potential differing from the first potential, and at least one intermediate electrode that is concentrically arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode and can be brought to an intermediate potential lying between the first potential and the second potential; a switching device to which the electrodes of the capacitor stack are connected and which is designed such that the concentric electrodes of the capacitor stack can be brought to increasing potential stages during operation of the switching device; a first and a second acceleration channel formed by first and second openings in the electrodes of the capacitor stack such that charged particles can be accelerated along the first and second acceleration channel by means of the electrodes; and a device which can influence the accelerated particle beam within the capacitor stack such that photons emitted by the particle beam are produced. |
| US08723450B2 |
System and method for controlling the spectral content of an output of a light fixture
Systems and methods for controlling the spectral content of the output of a light fixture. The method of one embodiment includes driving the output of a light fixture to a target color and controlling the spectral content of the output of the light fixture. For example, a desired color is inputted using a color control methodology. A set of light source output intensity values that produce the desired color are identified, and then the light sources are driven to the identified output intensity values. A user is able to control the spectral content of the output of the light fixture by modifying the output intensity value of one or more of the light sources. After modifying the output intensity values, the color control and matching technique is used to identify a new set of output intensity values that maintain the previous target color but incorporate the changes in spectral content. |
| US08723448B2 |
System, method and apparatus for brightness adjusting of an illuminated logo
An application for a logo with an adjustable internal lighting includes an illuminated logo, a sensor and a circuit that controls the illuminated logo. The brightness and/or color of the illuminated logo are controlled by the circuit based upon ambient light and optionally, a user preference, operating mode and/or time-of-day. The sensor detects ambient light and signals the circuit to increase or decrease the brightness of the illuminated logo. |
| US08723442B2 |
Drive unit, smoothing circuit, DC/DC converter
A drive unit has a load driving portion driving a load by a PWM drive method; a soft-start function portion for achieving a soft-start function; and a soft-start disabling portion counting a time elapsed after a PWM signal is turned on at start-up of the unit, and disabling the soft-start function when a count value reaches a predetermined value. |
| US08723441B2 |
Method and circuit arrangement for regulating a LED current flowing through a LED circuit arrangement, and associated circuit composition and lighting system
Consistent with an example embodiment, there is a method for regulating a LED current (ILED) flowing through a LED circuit arrangement at a mean LED current level. The method includes establishing an oscillating converter current (IL), establishing a first and a second current control indicator representative of a flow of a converter current (IL); regulating a peak and valley current level of the converter current in dependence on the first current control indicator; controlling a converter current period (T) of an oscillation of the converter current in dependence on the second current control indicator to be within a period control range (Tref) and feeding at least part of the converter current to the LED circuit arrangement. |
| US08723439B2 |
Triac dimmable power supply unit for LED
A power-factor-corrected power supply adapted to supply power to one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), comprises: a triac dimmer electrically connected between an alternating current source and a bridge rectifier; a damping circuit electrically connected between the alternating current source and the bridge rectifier; a bleeder circuit configured to conduct current between a supply terminal of the bridge rectifier and ground only when a triac in the triac dimmer is not conducting current; a fast startup circuit configured to conduct current between the supply terminal of the bridge rectifier and a voltage supply terminal of a power-factor-corrected controller when the triac dimmer is initially turned on until a supply voltage capacitor coupled to the voltage supply terminal of the power-factor-corrected controller has charged; a dimming slope control circuit configured to reduce a first voltage sensed at a current sensing terminal of the power-factor-corrected controller, such that a reduced amount of current is supplied to the one or more LEDs at a given firing angle, wherein the first voltage is representative of a current flowing through a primary winding of a flyback transformer; and a dummy load circuit provided in parallel with the one or more LEDs to draw a holding current for the triac only after the triac is turned on. |
| US08723438B2 |
Switch power converter control with spread spectrum based electromagnetic interference reduction
Power control systems generate electromagnetic interference (EMI). In at least one embodiment, a power control system includes a switching power converter and a controller that utilizes a spread spectrum strategy to reduce peak EMI values of the power control system. The controller generates a power regulation, switch control signal to control an input voltage to output voltage conversion by the switching power converter. The controller modulates the period of the control signal in accordance with the spread spectrum strategy. The spread spectrum strategy is an intentional plan to spread the spectrum of the control signal to reduce peak EMI values, and, thus, reduce the potential for degradation in performance, a malfunction, or failure of an electronic circuit caused by the EMI. The controller also modulates a pulse width of the switch control signal in response to modulation of the period of the control signal to provide power factor correction. |
| US08723435B2 |
Illumination apparatus, electronic ballast therein and method for protecting the same
An electronic ballast includes an inverter circuit, a variable inductor unit and a control circuit. The variable inductor unit is electrically coupled between the inverter circuit and an illumination device. The control circuit controls the variable inductor unit according to an operation mode of the inverter circuit such that an equivalent inductance of the variable inductor unit has a variation fed back to the inverter circuit, to further change the operation mode of the inverter circuit. An illumination apparatus and a method for protecting the electronic ballast are also disclosed. |
| US08723431B2 |
Bleeder circuit
Bleeder circuits (1) for combinations of phase cutting dimmers (2) and light emitting diode circuits (3) comprise active circuitry (4) to increase a number of options. The active circuitry (4) may comprise a current limiting circuit (5) for limiting a current flowing through the bleeder circuit (1). The active circuitry (4) may comprise a voltage detecting circuit (6) for activating or deactivating, in response to a detection result, the current limiting circuit (5) and may comprise control circuitry such as a micro processor circuit (7) for controlling the current limiting circuit (5) and may comprise a control circuit (9) for using information derived from a current flowing through the light emitting diode circuit (3) for controlling the current limiting circuit (5) and for controlling at least a part of the light emitting diode circuit (3) that comprises anti-parallel light emitting diodes (31-32) or serial and/or parallel light emitting diodes (33-36). |
| US08723430B2 |
Using two thermal switches to control a hybrid lamp
A lamp assembly provides both instant light through use of an incandescent/halogen light/lamp source and an energy saving type light provided by a compact fluorescent light/lamp source. Both light sources are enclosed within a common envelope or outer bulb. First and second thermal sensors are provided in the lamp envelope at spaced locations to monitor the temperature of the lamp. When the sum of these two temperatures reaches a preselected value, power to the incandescent lamp source is terminated. Alternatively, when the difference these two temperatures reaches a preselected value, power to the incandescent lamp source is terminated. |
| US08723427B2 |
Systems and methods for LED control using on-board intelligence
Board level conditions associated with the operation of multiple LEDs are sensed and used to control a driver that powers the LEDs. The driver is controlled via a 0-10V control interface. The board-level conditions include, but are not limited to, temperature, ambient light, light intensity, operating time, time of day, current, and voltage. An on-board intelligent (OBI) controller processes the 0-10V control signal before it is provided to the driver to better control the LEDs. In some systems the OBI controller works in conjunction with a separate 0-10V controller that controls one or more luminaires. |
| US08723426B2 |
Systems and methods for sampling light produced from an LED array
A system may include an LED array, an optical plane, optics, a sensor and a controller. The LED array is configured to generate LED light. The optical plane has a plurality of scattering features and with a mixing chamber. The optics is configured to direct the LED light to the optical plane. The plurality of scattering features are configured to reflect a sampled portion of the LED light into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber is configured to mix the sampled portion of the LED light. The sensor is configured to sense the sampled portion of the LED light received from the mixing chamber. The controller is connected to the sensor and configured to control the LED array using the sensed, sampled portion of the LED light received from the mixing chamber. |
| US08723419B2 |
Magnetron and device using microwaves
A magnetron includes: an anode cylinder including anode vanes provided at a predetermined interval on an inner peripheral surface thereof; a center lead including a first linear portion, a second linear portion disposed parallel to the first linear portion and disposed out of alignment with the first linear portion in a plane perpendicular to an axial direction of the anode cylinder, and a bent portion which connects the first linear portion to the second linear portion; and a cathode filament supported by the center lead within the anode cylinder and placed coaxially with the anode cylinder. The center lead is formed so as to become bent between the first linear portion and the second linear portion by the bent portion. A position of one anode vane closest to the bent portion is higher than a position of another anode vane with respect to the axial direction. |
| US08723418B2 |
Light source device with starting aid
A starting light source for radiating the UV-light to a discharge chamber upon starting lighting of a high pressure discharge lamp includes a discharge tube for generating the UV-light by a starting voltage applied upon starting lighting the lamp, the discharge tube includes an internal electrode extended from a pinch seal portion formed at one end to a light-emitting portion thereof and an external electrode disposed close to or in contact with both of the light-emitting portion and the pinch seal portion, at least a portion of the external electrode disposed for the light-emitting portion includes a holder formed by bending fabrication of a metal sheet into such a shape of gripping and holding the discharge tube, and a terminal is formed to the holder for fixing and electrically connecting the external electrode to a conductor part having a polarity opposite to that of the internal electrode. |
| US08723417B2 |
Display device and method for manufacturing the same
An object of the present invention is to provide such a sealing structure that a material to be a deterioration factor such as water or oxygen is prevented from entering from external and sufficient reliability is obtained in a display using an organic or inorganic electroluminescent element. In view of the above object, focusing on permeability of an interlayer insulating film, deterioration of an electroluminescent element is suppressed and sufficient reliability is obtained by preventing water entry from an interlayer insulating film according to the present invention. |
| US08723409B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device includes a housing member having a recess open upward, a light emitting element arranged in the recess and having a light emitting layer of a semiconductor, and a wavelength converting member arranged in the recess and capable of absorbing a part of light emission from the light emitting element and emitting light of different wavelength. The light emitting device is capable of mixing the light emission from the light emitting element and the light emission from the wavelength converting member to emit light from the opening of the recess. A light scattering surface for scattering light emission from the light emitting element and wavelength converting member is formed on at least part of the side surface of the recess. The light emitting element and the wavelength converting member are spaced apart from the side and bottom surfaces of the recess, and the side surfaces of the light emitting element are exposed without being covered with the wavelength converting member. |
| US08723407B2 |
Method of making zinc oxide nanowires
Methods for selectively depositing nanostructures on a support layer include contacting the support layer with functionalized catalyst particles. The functionalized catalyst particles can form a self-assembled monolayer of catalyst particles on the support layer and the functionalized catalyst particles can be used to catalyze nanostructure growth. In one embodiment of the disclosed method, zinc oxide nanowires are grown on a patterned substrate using functionalized gold nanoparticles. Patterned arrays of self-assembled nanostructures and nanoscale devices using such nanostructure arrays are also described. |
| US08723406B2 |
Spark plug
A spark plug includes a ceramic insulator having an axial bore extending in the direction of an axis (CL1) and a terminal electrode inserted into the axial bore. The terminal electrode includes a rodlike leg portion inserted into the a rear end portion of the axial bore and a head portion exposed at the rear end of the ceramic insulator. A front end subportion of the leg portion of the terminal electrode is fixed to the ceramic insulator, and the leg portion has a length of 35 mm or more along the axis (CL1). The center of gravity of the terminal electrode is located in the interior of the ceramic insulator. |
| US08723405B2 |
Spark plug and method for producing spark plug
A spark plug includes a tubular metallic shell extending in the direction of an axis and having a tool engagement portion formed through extrusion. The tool engagement portion has a 12-point shape which is a sectional shape taken orthogonally to the axis and has a plurality of protrusions and recesses provided alternately. As viewed in a section taken orthogonally to the axis, when D (mm) represents the diameter of a circle which passes radially through the outermost positions on the protrusions, and d (mm) represents the diameter of a circle which passes radially through the innermost positions on the recesses, the relational expression 0.45≦(D−d)/2≦0.75 is satisfied. The spark plug can provide a more reliable restraint on the slippage of a tool at the time of mounting and enables the tool engagement portion to be reliably formed so as to form a desired shape. |
| US08723403B2 |
Light assembly with light-mixing function
A light assembly with light-mixing function includes a case having an assembling room defined therein and an assembling opening at a top thereof, the assembling opening communicating with the assembling room, a light-mixing sheet sealing the assembling opening of the case, the light-mixing sheet having at least one array set defined thereon, the array set having a plurality of fillisters uniformly defined on the light-mixing sheet, a volume of mixed chemical compound is entered into each fillister, at least one light source electrically set on a bottom of the assembling room. Under this arrangement, when the light assembly with light-mixing function is turned on, a plurality of light beams from the light source is caged in the mixed chemical compounds of the fillisters; and the mixed chemical compound shifts a wavelength of each of the light beams which are caged in the mixed chemical compounds. |
| US08723400B2 |
Piezoelectric resonator device and manufacturing method therefor
A piezoelectric resonator device in which excitation electrodes of a piezoelectric resonator plate are hermetically sealed, includes a plurality of sealing members that hermetically seal the excitation electrodes of the piezoelectric resonator plate. The plurality of sealing members each have a bonding layer, and at least one of the plurality of sealing members is provided with a bank portion and having the bonding layer formed on a top face of the bank portion. The plurality of sealing members are bonded together with the bonding layers of the sealing members, and a bonding material that contains an intermetallic compound is formed. |