| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08811716B2 |
Method to determine fiducial point for holographic data storage
A method to determine a fiducial point for holographic data storage is disclosed, which utilizes a gray-level frame to sequentially retrieve a regional image used as a retrieved image with the size equal to that of the frame from a received gray-level image. The gray-level frame is compared with each retrieved image to obtain a plurality of values and construct a 2D proto-matrix. The 2D proto-matrix is transformed into a 2D matrix via letting the values smaller than 0 be 0. The 2D matrix and a retrieving matrix, which has a dimensionality equal to or smaller than that of the frame, are used to obtain an anchor matrix. A greatest value in the central region of the 2D matrix is found to function as an anchor value according to the anchor matrix, thereby find a fiducial point in the gray-level image. |
| US08811713B2 |
Photomask inspection method, semiconductor device inspection method, and pattern inspection apparatus
A plurality of photomasks used to manufacture the same semiconductor device, each of the photomasks having a plurality of mutually replaceable unit regions set therein, are inspected to detect a defect. It is determined whether or not the detected defect has a redundancy defect positioned in a unit region replaceable with another unit region to remedy the photomask. Then, when inspecting the second or subsequent photomask, a unit region including the coordinate of a redundancy defect detected in another photomask inspected previously is set to be a non-inspection region, and the non-inspection region is not inspected. |
| US08811706B2 |
System, method and computer accessible medium for providing real-time diffusional kurtosis imaging and for facilitating estimation of tensors and tensor-derived measures in diffusional kurtosis imaging
Exemplary method, system, and computer-accessible medium can be provided for determining a measure of diffusional kurtosis by receiving data relating to at least one diffusion weighted image, and determining a measure of a diffusional kurtosis as a function of the received data using a closed form solution procedure. In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, provided herein are computer-accessible medium, systems and methods for, e.g., imaging in an MRI system, and, more particularly for facilitating estimation of tensors and tensor-derived measures in diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI). For example, DKI can facilitate a characterization of non-Gaussian diffusion of water molecules in biological tissues. The diffusion and kurtosis tensors parameterizing the DKI model can typically be estimated via unconstrained least squares (LS) methods. In the presence of noise, motion, and imaging artifacts, these methods can be prone to producing physically and/or biologically implausible tensor estimates. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can address at least this deficiency by formulating an exemplary estimation problem, e.g., as linearly constrained linear LS, where the constraints can ensure acceptable tensor estimates. |
| US08811705B2 |
Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to track endocardial motion
Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to track endocardial motion are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes segmenting a plurality of cardiac images of a left ventricle to form respective ones of a plurality of segmented images, updating a plurality of models based on the plurality of segmented images to form respective ones of a plurality of motion estimates for the left ventricle, computing a plurality of probabilities for respective ones of the plurality of models, and computing a weighted sum of the plurality of motion estimates based on the plurality of probabilities, the weighted sum representing a predicted motion of the left ventricle. |
| US08811701B2 |
Systems and method for automatic prostate localization in MR images using random walker segmentation initialized via boosted classifiers
Automatic prostate localization in T2-weighted MR images facilitate labor-intensive cancer imaging techniques. Methods and systems to accurately segment the prostate gland in MR images are provided and address large variations in prostate anatomy and disease, intensity inhomogeneities, and artifacts induced by endorectal coils. A center of the prostate is automatically detected with a boosted classifier trained on intensity based multi-level Gaussian Mixture Model Expectation Maximization (GMM-EM) segmentations of the raw MR images. A shape model is used in conjunction with Multi-Label Random Walker (MLRW) to constrain the seeding process within MLRW. |
| US08811697B2 |
Data transmission in remote computer assisted detection
For cloud-based computer assisted detection, hierarchal detection is used, allowing detection on data at progressively greater resolutions. Detected locations at coarser resolutions are used to limit the data transmitted at greater resolutions. Data is only transmitted for neighborhoods around the previously detected locations. Subsequent detection using higher resolution data refines the locations, but only for regions associated with previous detection. By limiting the number and/or size of regions provided at greater resolutions based on the previous detection, the progressive transmission avoids transmission of some data. Additionally, or alternatively, lossy compression may be used without or with minimal reduction in detection sensitivity. |
| US08811695B2 |
Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to adaptively reconstruct medical diagnostic images
Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to adaptively reconstruct medical diagnostic images are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes storing non-reconstructed image data captured by a medical image acquisition system, receiving a parameter representing a region of interest from a diagnostic imaging workstation, and communicating a portion of the non-reconstructed image data associated with the region of interest to the diagnostic imaging workstation in response to receiving the parameter, wherein the portion of the non-reconstructed image data is processed by the diagnostic imaging workstation to form a medical diagnostic image. |
| US08811694B2 |
Intrinsic detection of motion in segmented sequences
A self-navigating technique designed to detect motion in segmented sequences is disclosed. Certain embodiments compare a plurality of segments containing adjacent sets of k-space lines and produce an aliased error function which corresponds to a correlation of the segments. A global shift of the aliased error function may indicate the presence of in-plane rigid-body translation while other types of motion are evident in the dispersion or breadth of the error function. Some embodiments may then replace motion corrupted data with reacquired data. Further, some embodiments may correct or remove corrupted data retrospectively. |
| US08811690B2 |
Imaging device having a prismatic element
An imaging device includes a transparent prismatic element having two contiguous inlet surfaces separated by a ridge. A lens and an image sensor make it possible to acquire images, each including a reproduction of a first pattern located against one of the inlet surfaces, and a reproduction of a second imaged pattern through the other inlet surface. Such a device can be used in a biometric detection apparatus for detecting both a skin print and the vein distribution of a user. The device can also be used in a reading terminal capable of detecting a skin print and a machine-readable tape. |
| US08811689B2 |
Finger vein authentication device
An authentication device including: a finger presenting unit to which a finger to be authenticated is presented; an opening formed on the finger presenting unit; a light source that irradiates light onto the finger; an image capture unit that captures a picture including a vein of the finger, by the light; and a finger placement table capable of placing a finger thereon, except the finger to be authenticated, wherein the finger placement table has a surface, a height of which is higher than the finger presenting unit, wherein the light source is placed inside the finger placement table, and wherein the finger placement table has a sidewall having a window that is used to allow an irradiation axis of the light from the light source upon the image capture unit. |
| US08811686B2 |
Methods and apparatus for automated portrait retouching using facial feature localization
Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for facial retouching are disclosed. In one embodiment, a face in an input image is detected. Independent sets of feature points are detected for respective facial feature components. A plurality of masks for each of the facial feature components is generated. Using the plurality of masks, retouch effects are performed to the facial feature components. Some embodiments provide for user interaction to constrain the mask generation. |
| US08811677B2 |
Method of tracking discontinuous seismic horizons in seismic images
The invention targets in particular a method for searching for a seismic horizon in a seismic image of the subsoil. The method notably comprises the designation of two points belonging to the horizon sought, the iterative search for the best solution for the equation of the seismic horizon notably by virtue of a breakdown of this solution into two components, a pseudo-continuous component and a jump component. |
| US08811670B2 |
Method and system for using fingerprints to track moving objects in video
A method and system for tracking moving objects in a sequence of images. In one illustrative embodiment, a current image in the sequence of images is segmented into a plurality of segments. Segments in the plurality of segments belonging to a same motion profile are fused together to form a set of master segments. A set of target segments is identified from the set of master segments. The set of target segments represent a set of moving objects in the current image. A set of fingerprints is created for use in tracking the set of moving objects in a number of subsequent images in the sequence of images. |
| US08811666B2 |
Monitoring of video images
A characteristic motion in a video is identified by determining pairs of moving features that have an indicative relationship between the motions of the two moving features in the pair. For example, the motion of a pedestrian is identified by an indicative relationship between the motions of the pedestrian's feet. This indicative relationship may be that one of the feet moves relative to the surroundings while the other remains stationary. |
| US08811665B2 |
Processing system
A processing system for plate-like objects is provided, with an exposure device and an object carrier with an object carrier surface for receiving the object. The exposure device and the carrier are movable relative to one another, such that the exact position of the object relative to the carrier is determinable. An edge detection device is provided which comprises at least one edge illumination unit having an illumination area, within which an object edge located in the respective object edge area has light directed onto it from the side of the carrier. At least one edge image detection unit is provided on a side of the object located opposite the carrier, the edge image detection unit imaging an edge section of the object edges located in the illumination area as an edge image, such that the respective edge image is detectable in its exact position relative to the carrier. |
| US08811658B2 |
Interpolation method for image pictures and image processing apparatus thereof
An interpolation method, applied to image pictures, for interpolating at least one pixel into a position to be interpolated in a target image frame is disclosed. The interpolation method includes receiving a plurality of image fields having a corresponding image object, estimating a motion speed of the image object according to a distance between a first pixel position to which the image object located in a first image field of the plurality of image fields and a second pixel position to which the image object located in a second image field of the plurality of image fields, determining the pixel from the plurality of image fields according to the motion speed of the image object, and interpolating the pixel into the position to be interpolated in the target image frame. |
| US08811657B2 |
Method and apparatus for image-based eye tracking for retinal diagnostic or surgery device
An eye tracking method for determining a position of an eye or a part of an eye in an image of an image sequence by performing a comparison between said image and a reference image, said process including: aligning a set of images; computing an enhanced reference image based on a combination of said set of aligned images; and determining said position in said image of said image sequence by comparing said image of said image sequence and said enhanced reference image to yield a motion estimation between said reference image and said image of said sequence. |
| US08811656B2 |
Selecting representative images for establishments
Establishments are identified in geo-tagged images. According to one aspect, text regions are located in a geo-tagged image and text strings in the text regions are recognized using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) techniques. Text phrases are extracted from information associated with establishments known to be near the geographic location specified in the geo-tag of the image. The text strings recognized in the image are compared with the phrases for the establishments for approximate matches, and an establishment is selected as the establishment in the image based on the approximate matches. According to another aspect, text strings recognized in a collection of geo-tagged images are compared with phrases for establishments in the geographic area identified by the geo-tags to generate scores for image-establishment pairs. Establishments in each of the large collection of images as well as representative images showing each establishment are identified using the scores. |
| US08811655B2 |
Circumvention of watermark analysis in a host content
Methods and devices are provided to thwart analysis of a watermarking system by preventing analysis of watermarks in a host content. Upon receiving a content at a watermark embedding device, the content is analyzed to ascertain whether one or more test features are present in at least a first portion of the received content. When the analysis reveals that one or more test features are present, embedding of watermarks in at least the first portion of the received content is disabled. The test features of interest include a temporal, a spatial and/or a frequency characteristic such that, if a region of the content that includes test feature is embedded with a watermark, at least one characteristic of the embedded watermark is detectable upon analysis of that region. The test feature can, for example, approximate an impulse signal, a step function signal or a pure sinusoidal signal. |
| US08811648B2 |
Moving magnet audio transducer
An electronic device having an enclosure including an upper panel and a bottom panel operably connected to the upper panel. A transducer is operably connected to the enclosure and the transducer is configured to mechanically vibrate the enclosure. The transducer includes a magnet, an electromagnetic coil and a retention element maintaining a relationship between the magnet and the electromagnetic coil. |
| US08811646B1 |
Retractable earphone set
A retractable earphone set including a first spring wheel assembly and a second spring wheel assembly rotatably disposed within a housing, a pair of cables retractably extensible and wound upon the first spring wheel assembly and a connector cable retractable extensible and wound upon the second spring wheel assembly, wherein depression of a first button releases the first spring wheel assembly to rotationally extend and alternately retract the pair of cables from within the housing, and depression of the second push button releases the second spring wheel assembly to rotationally extend and alternately retract the connector cable from within the housing, whereby the retractable earphone set is interconnectable with an electronic device to relay audio signals therebetween and a pair of earphones is retractably extensible from a position most proximal the housing. |
| US08811645B2 |
Differential microphone unit and mobile apparatus
Disclosed is a differential microphone unit which can improve the characteristics of a microphone unit and widen the directional range thereof. The disclosed differential microphone unit (100) is provided with: a microphone housing (20) which is provided with a pair of first sound holes (22a, 22b) on the same major surface (20a); a vibrating portion (11) which is disposed in the microphone housing and which vibrates according to differences in sound pressure transmitted via each of the pair of first sound holes; and sealing members (30, 130), which are disposed on the major surface of the microphone housing and which each contain a pair of second sound holes (31a, 31b, 131a, 131b) disposed so as to be in respective contact with the pair of first sound holes. The opening length (L3) of the pair of second sound holes, which are in the sealing members on the opposite surface to the microphone housing side thereof, in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction in which the first sound holes are aligned, is larger than the opening length (L1) of the first sound holes in the second direction, which are on the major surface of the microphone housing. |
| US08811644B2 |
Member for transmitting the sound of a loud-speaker to the ear and equipment fitted with such member
A member includes a proximal portion (3) that can be connected to an apparatus (1) including an immobilization element relative to the head of a wearer, and a distal end (4a) adapted for directing sound into the external auditory canal, characterized in that the portion (3) is provided with a connection member adapted for a rigid connection with the apparatus (1) while the distal end (4a) is adapted so as to be inserted into the concha (C) of the ear opposite the entrance of the external auditory canal and is free from elements for establishing a contact immobilization with any portion of the ear. |
| US08811642B2 |
Hearing assistance apparatus having single multipurpose control device and method of operation
A hearing assistance device has one multipurpose control device that operates in an algorithm selection mode and a daily use mode. In the algorithm selection mode, the multipurpose control device is used to switch between amplification algorithms and select one of the algorithms to be implemented in an audio processing program. In the daily use mode, the multipurpose control device is used to adjust the volume of sound generated by an audio output section. A battery compartment door of the device has an open position in which the device is powered off, and a closed position in which the device is powered on. The multipurpose control device and the battery compartment door are the only user-operable controls on the hearing assistance device for controlling the device and powering the device on or off. No other controls are needed for adjusting volume, selecting algorithms, and switching between and selecting programs. |
| US08811641B2 |
Hearing aid device and method for operating a hearing aid device
A hearing aid device has an input converter for receiving an input signal and converting the signal into an electrical input signal, a signal processing unit for processing and frequency-dependent amplification of the electrical input signal and generating an electrical output signal, an output converter for converting the electrical output signal into an acoustic output signal, and a sound detector facility for identifying sounds in a signal. Facilities increase an amplification above a normal amplification for a frequency range in which an identified sound contains signal components. Further facilities set the normal amplification of an electrical input signal in dependence on a signal frequency. The amplification is restricted to a maximum amplification in a specific frequency range. The amplification exceeds the normal amplification or the maximum amplification for the duration of the identified sound and at most for a duration which lies below a setting time of a feedback whistling. |
| US08811635B2 |
Apparatus and method for driving parasitic capacitances using diffusion regions under a MEMS structure
A semiconductor microphone including a silicon substrate having a perimeter; an N-well diffused into the substrate at the perimeter; a deformable diaphragm disposed over at least a portion of the silicon substrate and in contact with at least a portion of the perimeter; and a signal channel in electrical communication with the diaphragm. The signal channel includes a microphone output channel and a feedback output channel. The diaphragm produces an electric signal on the signal channel in response to deformation of the diaphragm and a portion of the electric signal is transmitted on the feedback output channel to the N-well. |
| US08811634B2 |
Dust protection apparatus for flat loudspeakers
A method for fabricating flat loudspeakers comprising manufacturing a flat loudspeaker including at least one microspeaker array, having first and second main surfaces; and covering at least one of the main surfaces of the loudspeaker with a cover member including an airtight sound-pressure wave transparent thin polymer film. |
| US08811629B1 |
Automatic volume control for combined game and chat audio
A system may comprise an input circuit, one or more filter circuits, one or more common signal detection circuits, and a controller. The input circuit may receive combined-game-and-chat audio signals generated from a mixing together of a chat audio signal and game audio signals. The filter circuit(s) may filter a first of the combined-game-and-chat audio signals to generate a first vocal-band signal and a first non-vocal-band signal, and filter a second of the combined-game-and-chat audio signals resulting in a second vocal-band signal and a second-non-vocal band signal. The common signal detection circuit(s) may detect strength of a signal component that is common to the first vocal-band signal and the second vocal-band signal, and strength of a signal component that is common to the first non-vocal-band signal and the second non-vocal-band signal. The controller may automatically control a volume setting based on one or both of the detected strengths. |
| US08811628B2 |
Compact noise suppression circuit for small speakers
A compact noise suppression circuit for a small speaker system and having a circuit board with a left signal input connection and a right signal input connection and a ground connection, and further having a left speaker supply connection and a left speaker return connection, and a right speaker supply connection and a right speaker return connection, and further having a left bifilar coil and a right bifilar coil, and left and right coil connections on the circuit board, and means securing said left and right bifilar coils to respective coil connections on the circuit board. Also disclosed is a compact portable audio player system incorporating such a noise suppression circuit, and a noise suppression circuit for a mon-aural signal system. |
| US08811627B2 |
Echo suppressing method and apparatus
Coefficient generator generates a crosstalk coefficient that is a predetermined value and that is used to calculate the amount of crosstalk of an echo. Converter uses either the output signal of a sound pickup device or the signal obtained by subtracting the output signal of an echo canceller from the output signal of the sound pickup device as a first signal, corrects the first signal based on the crosstalk coefficient generated in coefficient generator, and produces a near-end signal obtained by removing the echo from the first signal. |
| US08811623B2 |
Information processing apparatus and program
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a first signal input unit configure to receive a first signal, a second signal input unit configure to receive a signal, a first control unit configure to acquire system resources, a second control unit configure to select, in accordance with information of the system resources acquired by the first control unit, a processing method for suppressing at least one of echo and noise of the second signal input from the second signal input unit containing the echo due to the first signal input from the first signal input unit, a third control unit configure to generate an output signal by suppressing at least one of the echo and the noise from the second signal by the processing method selected by the second control unit, and a signal output unit configure to output the output signal generated by the third control unit. |
| US08811621B2 |
Parametric stereo upmix apparatus, a parametric stereo decoder, a parametric stereo downmix apparatus, a parametric stereo encoder
A parametric stereo upmix apparatus generates left and right signals from a mono downmix signal based on spatial parameters. The parametric stereo upmix includes a predictor configured to predict a difference signal including a difference between the left and right signals based on the mono downmix signal scaled with a prediction coefficient. The prediction coefficient is derived from the spatial parameters. The parametric stereo upmix apparatus further includes an arithmetic unit configured to derive the left and right signals based on a sum and a difference of the mono downmix signal and the difference signal. |
| US08811618B2 |
Fast ciphering key search for WLAN receivers
A ciphering key management technique for use in a WLAN receiver is provided where a hash table is stored that has a first and a second table portion. The first table portion stores transmitter address data and the second table portion stores at least one cipher key. It is determined whether a transmitter address matches transmitter address data in the first table portion, and if so, a corresponding cipher key stored in the second table portion is determined for use in decrypting the received data. The hash table technique allows for a fast search for the correct cipher key. Embodiments are described that allow for dynamically adding and removing keys without blocking the search. |
| US08811616B2 |
Secure aircraft data channel communication for aircraft operations
According to the application, a method for transmitting an encrypted aircraft related message is disclosed. A message is provided at one of a ground computer system or an aircraft computer system. The aircraft related message is arranged into data packets and at least one of the data packets is encrypted with an encryption key to obtain at least one encrypted data packet. The at least one encrypted data packet is transmitted from a sender to a recipient, wherein the sender is one of the ground computer system or the aircraft computer system, the recipient is the other one of the ground computer system or the aircraft computer system. The at least one encrypted data packet is received by a computer system of the recipient. A step of deciding whether the message is intended for the recipient's computer system is provided. The step of deciding comprises an attempt to decrypt the at least one encrypted data packet with an decryption key, and the decryption attempt comprises analyzing of the message content. If it is decided that the decryption that the message is intended for the recipient, a step of processing the decrypted data message by the recipient's computer system is provided. |
| US08811615B2 |
Index-based coding with a pseudo-random source
Outputs from at least one pseudo-random source are used to encode hidden value. The hidden value is encoded using index based quantities, for example, based on numerically ordering a sequence of outputs from pseudo-random source(s). In some examples, the numerical ordering of re-generated device-specific quantities is used to re-generate the hidden value, without necessarily requiring additional error correction mechanisms. Information leak may be reduced by constructing system whose “syndrome” helper bits are random, as measured, for example, by NIST's Statistical Tests for Randomness In some examples, index based coding provides coding gain that exponentially reduces total error correction code complexity, resulting in efficiently realizable PRS-based key generation systems. In some examples, index based coding allows noisy PRS to be robust across conditions where conventional error correction code cannot error correct. |
| US08811613B2 |
Communication system and communication method
An information processor includes a data storage portion that stores a first capability list indicating capabilities regarding an encryption. The information processor also includes a communication portion that receives a second capability list indicating capabilities, regarding the encryption, of a device. Further, the information processor includes a processing unit that determines an algorithm, by which communications are performed with the device, by referring to the first capability list and the second capability list. The communication portion sends identification information for identifying the algorithm determined by the processing unit and a public key relying on the algorithm to the device. |
| US08811611B2 |
Encryption/decryption of digital data using related, but independent keys
Methods and apparatus involve two keys to decode data that are generated during original encoding of the data. The keys are stored on computing devices separate from one another, and the encrypted data, which maintains security until such time as the original data requires decoding. Because the keys can be relatively large, its stored form may have padding bits to align with the file form of the encoded data. Representative keys include a dictionary corresponding to symbols representing the data and a weighted path decoder that correlates the symbols of the dictionary to underlying original bits. A “fast approximation” of compression of current data involves using information obtained from an earlier compression of similar data. Creating the two keys for the original data can also include creating a master key for decoding a plurality of later-encoded files. A second key also works in conjunction with the master key during decoding. |
| US08811610B2 |
Method, medium, and system for encrypting and/or decrypting information of microarray
Provided is a method of encrypting information of a microarray. The method includes: acquiring genetic information of a person by scanning the microarray; generating a secret key for identifying the unique property of the person from the acquired genetic information; and encrypting the acquired genetic information by using the generated secret key. Accordingly, the method can prevent the leakage of the genetic information of the person and protect the person's privacy. |
| US08811602B2 |
Full duplex speakerphone design using acoustically compensated speaker distortion
A telecommunication system including a fall duplex speakerphone, comprising a first microphone to generate a coupled signal including uplink information and non-linear distortion sensed by the first microphone in a speaker phone mode, a second microphone to generate a reference signal including downlink information and the non-linear distortion sensed by the second microphone in the speaker phone mode, and an acoustic echo canceller (AEC) to receive the coupled signal from the first microphone, to receive the reference signal from the second microphone, and to cancel out the non-linear distortion included in the coupled signal based on the non-linear distortion included in the reference signal. |
| US08811596B2 |
Apparatus including associative memory for evaluating audio communications
An apparatus for evaluating an audio communication comprises a data store for storing a plurality of digital units representing a plurality of characterized aspects of historical audio communications. The characterized aspects include words and sets of words. The apparatus further comprises an associative memory unit coupled with the data store to create associations between entities representing the characterized aspects, and relate the entities and the frequency of occurrence of the entities to identify relationships with call handling categories and priorities requiring intervention, and an assessing unit coupled with the associative memory unit to indicate whether the audio communication contains any associative memory associations related to a call handling category and call handling priority requiring intervention. |
| US08811590B2 |
Adaptive, self-learning optimization module for rule-based customer interaction systems
A call center system optimizing rules enforced over interactions with customers, including: an infrastructure including a module for handling interactions with customers, and hardware for at least maintaining the communication with said customers; management rules comprising one or more rule parameters, enforcing interaction behavior during all interactions with customers; and an adaptive, self learning module, for: monitoring interactions with customers; upon completion of each interaction, recording a corresponding set of full interaction details, which includes rule parameters that were enforced during said interaction, and those additional interaction parameters that are specific to that interaction; and using an adaptive engine, periodically analyzing said sets of recorded full interaction details, and producing one or more modified rules having modified rule, parameters, and enforcing said modified rules over future interactions with customers. |
| US08811588B2 |
Method and system for managing multiple simultaneously placed calls
A method is disclosed, herein, for managing multiple simultaneously placed calls by enabling calling, in parallel and simultaneously, a plurality of parties. An initial answer is detected from one of the plurality of parties and the initial answer is further determined to be from a live person or a machine-operated apparatus, such as an answering machine, voice-mail service. Where the initial answer is from a machine-operated apparatus a pre-recorded message is played; unlike where a live person has been detected. Therein, a live conversation is enabled where the initial answer is determined to be a live person. Finally, the method includes the simultaneous management of the other called parties while the live conversation with the initial live person is occurring. |
| US08811586B2 |
Method and application for arranging a conference call in a cellular network and a mobile terminal operating in a cellular network
The invention relates to a method for arranging a conference call with mobile terminals operating in a cellular network. At first, a group of the participants of the conference call is formed either by selecting the participants from a list saved in the memory of the mobile terminal in by inputting the contract information of the participants manually. In the next step, a summons to the conference call is drawn up in standard form. An application loaded into the memory of the convener's mobile terminal forms the summons, and sends the summons to the particulars via the cellular network. When a participant wants to join a conference call, he/she makes a call with the mobile terminal to the telephone number mentioned in the summons. An application in the mobile terminal of the convener receives the incoming calls and joins them to the conference call automatically. |
| US08811585B1 |
Communication routing plans that are based on communication device contact lists
A communication system periodically receives contact lists from communication devices. The communication system processes the contact lists to generate a routing plan. The communication system routes incoming communications to at least one of the communication devices based on the routing plan. |
| US08811584B2 |
Communication apparatus
An apparatus includes a direct-current direction detection unit configured to detect a change of direct-current direction on a telephone line through which the apparatus and an exchanger are coupled; a voltage change detection unit configured to detect a change of voltage on the line; a first control unit configured to transmit a reception completion signal to the exchanger when receiving telephone number; a first determination unit configured to determine whether polarity reversal of the line occurs in a period from reception of the telephone number to transmission of the reception completion signal; a second determination unit configured to determine whether the polarity reversal occurs in a period from transmission of the reception completion signal to reception of a calling signal; and a second control unit configured not to display the received telephone number on a display unit when the polarity reversal occurs in at least one of the periods. |
| US08811582B1 |
Residence-based calling rates, system and method
An exemplary embodiment provides for a computer-implemented method for rating telephone calls originating from a secure facility. The method includes receiving a destination number, of a called party, forβ a telephone call from the secure facility and determining, based on the destination number, if the called party is pre-verified wherein pre-verified includes at least a billing address of the called party. Next, a rate for the telephone call is then determined based on the billing address of the called party, if the called party is pre-verified. |
| US08811581B1 |
Reporting unavailable trunk-related resources for a predictive dialer using a dynamic pacing algorithm
A predictive dialer in a call center may originate a number of outbound calls on behalf of agents for an outbound call campaign. Since many calls may fail to connect with the right party, the predictive dialer may originate several contemporaneous calls in order to provide a single call to an available agent. A pacing algorithm in the predictive dialer determines how many calls are to be made based on various factors, conditions, and rules. In some instances, the predictive dialer may attempt to originate more calls than there are available trunks. In such instances, the number of originated calls is limited by the number of available trunks causing a trunk-related deficiency condition, which can adversely impact the agents' performance. Various embodiments of the invention detect and provide notifications of such conditions to allow effective diagnosis of the cause of degradation of agent performance. |
| US08811580B2 |
Method and apparatus for setting programmable features of an automotive appliance
An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an automotive appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The automobile owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the automotive appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the automobile either directly from the server or the automobile owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device. |
| US08811578B2 |
System and method for providing local interactive voice response services
A system and method for providing local interactive voice response (IVR) services is provided. A local computer system having associated telephony equipment and installed at a local facility (e.g., a retail store of a chain, etc.) receives telephone calls to the local facility. The local computer system generates IVR prompts locally, and is controlled by a central IVR server. Reduced bandwidth is required between the local computer system and the central IVR server since no voice traffic is communicated between the central IVR server and the local computer system. |
| US08811575B2 |
Delivering additional information to receiving parties for text messaging based caller ID
The present disclosure describes a system, method, and computer readable medium for providing information to a receiving party in a communications network. The method includes receiving a message from a sending party and performing a lookup of information relating to the sending party in a database via an Internet Protocol connection. The lookup is based on an identifier of at least one of the sending party and the receiving party. Subsequently, the information is provided to the receiving party based on the availability of the information in the database. |
| US08811572B2 |
Systems and methods for exchanging call routing policies for voice over IP calls
An emergency call handling system can provide emergency call routing and processing that compliments or modifies the routing and processing provided by conventional enhanced 911 (E-911) and next generation 911 (NG-911) systems. Both the routing and processing can be based on rule sets detailed in emergency call handling profiles (ECHPs). Any entity (e.g., SIP servers, switches, terminals, etc.) within the system can process and route the emergency call by executing the rule sets within the ECHPs associated with the call. The ECHPs are delivered to the entities within the system by value or by reference. A SIP server, e.g., may execute all or a subset of the rule set, and may communicate with an application server to execute other subsets of the rule set. |
| US08811571B2 |
Data collection in an access network
A telecommunications access network includes a plurality of telecommunications lines (1), a plurality of aggregation devices (51-54), a plurality of data collector modules (71-73) and a line provisioning and de-provisioning system (90), wherein each line is connected between customer premises equipment (11-13,21-23,31-33,41-43) and a line aggregation device (51-54). The access network is operable to provide data connections through at least a first sub-set of the lines (1) to a core network whereby network services may be provided over the network to the customer premises equipment. The access network further includes a management module (80) for managing at least a second sub-set of the lines (1) within the access network, the management module (80) being operable to receive aggregated data from a plurality of data collector modules, each data collector module (71-73) being operable to receive data from a plurality of the line aggregation devices. The network further comprises a file check module having a line status database (106) for storing information about the lines which are managed by the management module including the identity of the line aggregation device to which each line is connected and means for receiving information from the line provisioning and de-provisioning system and means for using the information received from the line-provisioning and de-provisioning system to maintain the file check module's database current. The file check module further comprises means (104) for receiving received data information from the management module specifying what data it has received and means (102,200) for comparing the received data information with data from the database (106) to generate comparison data, and output means (102,200) for outputting the generated comparison data. |
| US08811566B2 |
Guide thimble plug for nuclear fuel assembly
A guide thimble plug for a nuclear fuel assembly is provided, in which an internal threaded hole is formed through a main body so that the main body is coupled to a bottom nozzle by a screw coupling. An upper insert part is formed in the upper end of the main body. The upper insert part is inserted into a shock absorption tube. A thermal deformation prevention part is formed on the main body below the upper insert part and is recessed inward from the outer surface of the main body such that, when the main body is coupled to the guide thimble, a gap is defined between the thermal deformation prevention part and the guide thimble. The guide thimble and the shock absorption tube can be reliably fastened to the bottom nozzle, and thermal deformation of the guide thimble can be minimized. |
| US08811557B2 |
Frequency acquisition utilizing a training pattern with fixed edge density
A method for frequency acquisition comprising steps of, acquiring samples of an input signal, each sample having edges, making sets with a fixed number of consecutively taken samples, numbering the edges in each set and determining a number of edges, comparing the number of edges in each set with an expected number of edges in the sets, increasing a frequency of a reference oscillator used in acquiring samples if the actual number of edges exceeds the expected number of edges, and decreasing the frequency of the reference oscillator used in acquiring samples if the expected number of edges exceeds the actual number of edges in a set. |
| US08811555B2 |
Clock and data recovery circuitry with auto-speed negotiation and other possible features
An integrated circuit (“IC”) may include clock and data recovery (“CDR”) circuitry for recovering data information from an input serial data signal. The CDR circuitry may include a reference clock loop and a data loop. A retimed (recovered) data signal output by the CDR circuitry is monitored by other control circuitry on the IC for a communication change request contained in that signal. Responsive to such a request, the control circuitry can change an operating parameter of the CDR circuitry (e.g., a frequency division factor used in either of the above-mentioned loops). |
| US08811553B2 |
Edge based partial response equalization
A device implements data reception with edge-based partial response decision feedback equalization. In an example embodiment, the device implements a tap weight adapter circuit that sets the tap weights that are used for adjustment of a received data signal. The tap weight adapter circuit sets the tap weights based on previously determined data values and input from an edge analysis of the received data signal using a set of edge samplers. The edge analysis may include adjusting the sampled data signal by the tap weights determined by the tap weight adapter circuit. A clock generation circuit generates an edge clock signal to control the edge sampling performed by the set of edge samplers. The edge clock signal may be generated as a function of the signals of the edge samplers and prior data values determined by the equalizer. |
| US08811550B2 |
Recursive implementation for calculation of whitening matrix
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for recursive implementation of whitening matrix calculation based on functional reuse as a part of wireless receiver in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless system. |
| US08811549B2 |
Apparatus and method for automatically controlling gain in portable communication system
An apparatus and method for automatically controlling a gain in a portable communication system are provided. The apparatus includes a channel determiner for controlling a fading margin depending on the channel variation amount to control the limited total dynamic range of the ADC. |
| US08811545B2 |
Method for reducing interference in OFDM wireless networks
Interference in a received orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, modulated according to selected constellation points sk, is reduced. The symbol includes a set of pilot signals and a set of data signals yk, where k is a number of consecutive subcarriers used for the pilot and the data signals. The pilot signals are thresholded to detect interfering pilot signals, which are then erased. Channels Ĥk are estimated using remaining pilot signals. The set of data signals are decoded based on the estimated channels Ĥk, and, for each bit bi in the set of data signals, a logarithmic likely ratio (LLR) log ∑ s k : b i = 0 1 y k - H ^ k s k 2 ∑ s k : b i = 1 1 y k - H ^ k s k 2 is determined. The LLR is an indicator of the likely interference. |
| US08811541B2 |
Receiver, signal demodulation module and demodulation method thereof
A signal demodulation module is disclosed. The signal demodulation module includes an injection-locked oscillator, an envelope detector and a data slicer. The injection-locked oscillator has a central oscillating frequency equal to a frequency of a digital modulation signal received, and outputs a phase-locked oscillating signal which is in phase to the digital modulation signal. When input phase of the digital modulation signal changes, output phase of the injection-locked oscillator changes synchronously. The envelope detector is used for detecting an envelope line of the phase-locked oscillating signal and outputting an envelope signal accordingly. The data slicer is used for receiving the envelop signal and outputting a first digital signal according to a reference voltage and the envelop signal. |
| US08811536B2 |
Oversampling digital receiver for radio-frequency signals
A system and method for receiving a radio frequency signal, comprising a device for digitizing, without prior alteration of frequency, an analog radio frequency representation of each of a plurality of radio frequency signals to produce a respective plurality of digital radio frequency signals having a respective associated radio frequency digital clock, the plurality of digital radio frequency signals having a sufficiently high respective associated clock rate to preserve an information content of an information communication present in the analog radio frequency representation; a switch matrix adapted to concurrently switch the plurality of digital radio frequency signals and associated digital radio frequency clock to ones of a plurality of digital signal processors; and a control adapted to selectively automatically control the concurrent switching of a plurality of digital signals and associated digital clock to the respective plurality of digital signal processors; wherein the digital signal processors produce processed representations of information contained in respective analog radio frequency representations. |
| US08811534B2 |
Closed loop power normalized timing recovery for 8 VSB modulated signals
A receiver timing error recovery loop expands the bandwidth of a received signal and determines the timing error based on the bandwidth expanded received signal. |
| US08811532B2 |
Architecture and the training method of a PA DPD system with space mapping applied in the predistorter
Systems and methods are disclosed for compensating for non-linearity of a power amplifier using space mapping based predistortion. In one embodiment, a transmitter includes a power amplifier that amplifies a power amplifier input signal, a predistorter that effects predistortion of the power amplifier input signal to compensate for a non-linear characteristic of the power amplifier using a space mapping based model of an inverse of the non-linear characteristic of the power amplifier, and an adaptation sub-system that adaptively configures the space mapping based model of the non-linear characteristic of the power amplifier. In one embodiment, the adaptation sub-system adaptively configures a space mapping based model of the non-linear characteristic of the power amplifier and adaptively configures the space mapping based model of the inverse of the non-linear characteristic of the power amplifier based on the space mapping based model of the non-linear characteristic of the power amplifier. |
| US08811529B1 |
Power line communication transmitter with gain control
In one embodiment, a transmitter circuit is provided for transmission of data over power distribution lines using any one of a plurality of carrier frequencies. A data signal generation circuit is configured to encode data bits using a selected carrier frequency. A signal strength module adjusts the signal strength of the data signal according to a signal strength setting, to produce an amplified data signal. A coupling circuit communicates, using a coupling capacitor, the amplified data signal. A current sensing circuit senses current provided to the power distribution lines as a function of degradation of the coupling capacitor. A signal level control circuit adjusts a signal strength setting of the signal strength module for the selected one of the plurality of carrier frequencies as a function of the sensed current and the selected one of the plurality of carrier frequencies. |
| US08811527B2 |
Ultra-wideband impulse radio transmitter with modulation
A transmitter with modulation comprising a phase changing stage having a first switch and a second switch coupled t the first switch, a first transistor and a second transistor individually coupled to the each switch. The transmitter is configured to receive a phase changing signal having a first state and a second state. The first switch is configured t operate in an opposing manner to the second switch such that only the first transistor is configured to be turned on i the first state and only the second transistor is configured to be turned on in the second state upon receipt of the phase changing signal by the switches so as to achieve a change in an output phase of the transmitter when the phase changing signal switches from the first state to the second state. |
| US08811525B2 |
Dual polarization antenna and method for transmitting and receiving signal using the same
The present invention relates to a general active array antenna apparatus capable of environmentally and temporally controlling radio frequency (RF) polarization resource necessary for wireless communication in order to improve communication quality and increase communication capacity. The antenna according to the present invention has a form of an active array antenna element, wherein each active array antenna element has a structure in which it may generate orthogonal dual polarizations and includes two input terminals and output terminals. An end orthogonal dual polarization antenna is connected to a polarization control apparatus that may process analog or digital signals, and the polarization control apparatus is controlled by or communicate with an antenna main controlling apparatus performing a polarization control algorithm. Ultimately, an object of this antenna apparatus is to improve communication quality and increase communication capacity. |
| US08811524B2 |
Parameterized codebook with subset restrictions for use with precoding MIMO transmissions
One aspect of the teachings herein relates to signaling codebook restrictions, to restrict the precoder recommendations being fed back from a remote transceiver, so that precoder selections made by the remote receiver are restricted to permitted subsets of overall precoders within a defined set of overall precoders, or to permitted subsets within larger sets of conversion precoders and tuning precoders, for the case where the overall precoders are represented in factorized form by conversion and tuning precoders. As a non-limiting example, these teachings advantageously provide for precoder restrictions in LTE or LTE-Advanced networks, where ongoing development targets the use of larger, richer sets of precoders, and where the disclosed mechanisms for determining, signaling, and responding to subset restrictions provide significant operational advantages. |
| US08811523B1 |
Feedback and user scheduling for multi-user multiple input multiple output (MU-MIMO) system
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising selecting, by a user equipment (UE), a preferred interference precoding matrix from a plurality of candidate precoding matrices included in a codebook; and transmitting, by the user equipment to a communication node, a preferred interference precoding matrix index (PMI) corresponding to the preferred interference precoding matrix included in the codebook. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08811518B2 |
Method and transmitter for transmitting signal and receiver thereof in wireless communication system
A transmitter includes a layer mapper and a precoder. The layer mapper is configured to map 2 codewords to 3 layers to output a mapped set of 3 symbols. A first codeword is mapped into one layer, and a second codeword is mapped into two layers. The precoder is configured to precode the mapped set of 3 symbols using a precoding matrix that distributes the mapped set of 3 symbols across 4 antenna ports so that each codeword is distributed across 2 antenna ports. |
| US08811517B2 |
Wireless communication system for a high-speed object that moves on a fixed path
The present invention relates to a method for sending a data signal from a transmitter to a receiver in a multiple antenna wireless communication system. In particular, the method comprises: sending information about the number of transmission antennas of the transmitter to the receiver; receiving from the receiver information about the number of effective communication links of the transmitter and the receiver; determining a precoding matrix based on the information about the number of effective communication links; and receiving from the receiver the data signal using the precoding matrix, wherein transmission antennas of the transmitter and receiving antennas of the receiver respectively form effective communication links independent of each other. |
| US08811516B2 |
Channel feedback to support efficient rank override
A method can include providing channel feedback to support efficient rank override For example, in such a method, a rank−r precoder index corresponding to a rank−r precoder is determined, and performance for each rank−1 precoder within the rank−r precoder is measured Based on the measured performance, a rank−1 precoder that maximizes performance is selected. |
| US08811513B2 |
Antenna switching in a closed loop transmit diversity system
A method for closed loop transmit diversity that includes receiving data from user equipment (UE) that was transmitted using multiple transmit antennas, selecting a new transmit antenna for the UE, determining a new cycle period for the UE, and sending a new transmit antenna index and a testing indication based on the new cycle period to the UE. |
| US08811512B2 |
Methods and apparatus for measuring, communicating and/or using interference information
Wireless communications methods and apparatus are described. A communications apparatus, e.g., a base station, measures interference information, e.g., other sector interference information. The communications apparatus generates a preamble which includes a plurality of pilot symbols and at least one of the pilot symbols includes interference information. In some embodiments, the preamble is part of a superframe structure, e.g., a recurring superframe structure, including the preamble and a plurality of frames, at least some of the frames used to convey traffic data. The communications apparatus transmits the preamble, thus broadcasting the interference information to access terminals in the vicinity. An access terminal receives the preamble including a plurality of pilot signals, at least one of the pilot signals including interference information. The access terminal recovers the interference information from the received preamble and controls signal transmission based on the recovered interference information. |
| US08811511B2 |
Hybrid analog-digital phased MIMO transceiver system
A transmitter supporting multiple-input, multiple-output communications is provided. The transmitter includes a signal processor, a plurality of feed elements, and an aperture. The signal processor is configured to simultaneously receive a plurality of digital data streams and to transform the received plurality of digital data streams into a plurality of analog signals. The number of the plurality of digital data streams is selected for transmission to a single receive antenna based on a determined transmission environment. The plurality of feed elements are configured to receive the plurality of analog signals, and in response, to radiate a plurality of radio waves toward the aperture. The aperture is configured to receive the radiated plurality of radio waves, and in response, to radiate a second plurality of radio waves toward the single receive antenna. |
| US08811508B2 |
Procedure for simultaneous transmission in time and frequency of multiple communications of data by means of OFDM modulations
A system including a first network device, a second network device, and a third network device. The first network device is configured to transmit a first starting signal. The second network device configured to transmit a second starting signal, wherein at least one of the first network device and the second network device is further configured to change a ratio between at least one of respective phases of carriers of the first starting signal and the second starting signal and respective amplitudes of the carriers of the first starting signal and the second starting signal. The third network device is configured to receive the first starting signal and the second starting signal, selectively allow communication with the first network device based on the ratio, and ignore communication from the second network device based on the ratio. |
| US08811506B2 |
Base station apparatus, user equipment, and communication control method in mobile communication system
A disclosed base station apparatus is capable of communicating with a user equipment terminal in a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) mobile communication system using Pre-coding. The base station apparatus includes a receiving unit receiving a Pre-coding Matrix Indicator (PMI) indicating a specific Pre-coding matrix, a determination unit determining a value of a flag indicator indicating whether the Pre-coding matrix specified in the PMI is to be used for downlink communications, a control signal generation unit generating a downlink control signal including at least the flag indicator, and a transmission unit transmitting a signal including the downlink control signal in downlink. |
| US08811505B2 |
Radio channel model for ICI cancellation in multi-carrier systems
A channel modeling method for Inter Carrier Interference (ICI) cancellation in multi-carrier wireless communication systems comprises: describing the channel with a plurality of fixed matrices and an equal-numbered plurality of unfixed variables; one-to-one pairing each of the described plurality of unfixed variables with one of described plurality of fixed matrices. Corresponding system is also provided. The method and system can compensate for the channel distortion of the Doppler Effect even if the Doppler Frequency Offset is relatively significant. |
| US08811504B2 |
Method of determining a channel quality and modem
Data transmission is disclosed over a transmission channel that is subject to narrowband interferers. An increased overall bit or data transmission rate is achieved by an exemplary method of determining a channel capacity of plural sub-channels of the transmission channel based on a net background noise power estimation. The net background noise power contains only white noise-like contributions and excludes, to a reasonable extent, noise contributions or signal power from narrowband interferers. Hence, the net background noise power can be reduced. For example, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM) signal code construction or bit allocation scheme can be chosen that provides for optimized data transmission at a data rate that approximates or approaches the more realistic channel capacity of an individual sub-channel, resulting in an increased overall bit or data transmission rate. |
| US08811502B2 |
Systems and/or methods of wireless communications
Systems, methods and/or mobile devices are provided that enable a level of privacy/security in wireless communications to be increased responsive to a content of the wireless communications, biometric data and/or a position from which the wireless communications takes place. A plurality of communications modes is used by the system infrastructure and the plurality of mobile devices communicating therewith to increase privacy and undetectability of transmitted signals. The increased level of privacy and undetectability of signals is provided via pseudo-randomly generated signaling alphabets that are used by the mobile devices and by the system infrastructure to provide the communications. This represents a level of encryption/scrambling that is over and above the conventional encryption and/or scrambling at the bit level. Accordingly, systems, methods and/or devices providing a concatenated level of encryption/scrambling are provided. |
| US08811501B2 |
Receiving apparatus, transmission and reception system, and restoration method
A receiving apparatus, based on received data and previous selection signals corresponding to the received data, selects transfer data from among the received data. A restoration timing is assumed to change from timing D to timing C, whereby the receiving apparatus, when the transition direction of the restoration timing is a reverse direction to the angle advancement direction and a time period of the restoration timing change exceeds a generation cycle of plural timings, produces all valid information of the transfer data as true values. In addition to data at the restoration timings, data that are received after the restoration timing when the generation cycle is judged to be exceeded and that are received at timings that, according to the order of generation, do not exceed the generation cycle, are also restored. |
| US08811499B2 |
Video multiviewer system permitting scrolling of multiple video windows and related methods
A video multiviewer system may include a plurality of video inputs and a multiviewer video processor coupled to the plurality of video inputs for generating video data based upon the plurality of video inputs. The system may further include a display coupled to the multiviewer video processor for displaying multiple video windows based upon the video data, and at least one user input device. The multiviewer video processor may permit scrolling among the multiple video windows displayed on the display at a given instant and at least one other video window not displayed on the display at the given instant based upon the at least one user input device. |
| US08811494B2 |
Local macroblock information buffer
According to some embodiments, an external memory unit stores rows of macroblocks representing an image. A set of macroblocks may be transferred from the external memory unit to a local buffer, the set of macroblocks including fewer macroblocks than a row. A macroblock may then be decoded based on information in the local buffer to generate an image signal. |
| US08811489B2 |
Method of determining motion vectors for a bi-predictive image block
In one embodiment, the method includes determining first and second reference pictures; and determining motion vectors of the bi-predictive image block based on a type of the first reference picture. The type is one of a long-term type and a short-term type, and characterizes a temporal distance of the first reference picture with respect to the bi-predictive block. The motion vectors of the bi-predictive image block are determined according to a first set of expressions if the first reference picture is of the short-term type, and according to a second set of expressions if the first reference picture is of the long-term type. The second set of expressions is different than the first set of expressions. The method further includes decoding the bi-predictive image block based on the determined motion vectors. |
| US08811482B2 |
Method and device for establishing a coded output video stream from at least two coded input video streams and use of the device and coded input video stream
Second images coded in a coded output video stream are generated for the visual display of image contents of first images coded in multiple coded input video streams, such that first coded image data of the coded input video streams are copied into second coded image data of the coded output video stream. |
| US08811480B2 |
Encoding apparatus, encoding method, decoding apparatus, and decoding method
An encoding apparatus includes the following elements. A prediction picture generation unit is configured to generate a prediction picture using a reference picture. A transmission unit is configured to transmit reference disablement information indicating, for all pictures, whether reference picture specification information for a preceding picture that precedes each of the pictures in encoding order is not to be used as the reference picture specification information for the picture, the reference picture specification information being information specifying the reference picture. |
| US08811479B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding residual block, and method and apparatus for decoding residual block
Methods and apparatuses for encoding and decoding a residual block are provided. The method of encoding the residual block includes: generating a prediction block of a current block; generating a residual block based on a difference between the prediction block and the current block; generating a transformation residual block by transforming the residual block to a frequency domain; splitting the transformation residual block into frequency band units; and encoding effective coefficient flags indicating frequency band units, of the frequency band units, in which nonzero effective transformation coefficients exist. |
| US08811477B2 |
Video processing method and apparatus based on multiple texture images using video excitation signals
Disclosed herein is a video processing apparatus and method based on multiple texture images using video excitation signals. For this, an input video is divided into shot segment, and one is selected from a plurality of frames of each shot segment as a seed image. A plurality of texture points are detected from the seed image. The plurality of texture points are tracked from the plurality of frames of the shot segment and then spatio-temporal location transform variables for the respective texture points are calculated. A plurality of texture images are defined using texture points at which the spatio-temporal location transform variables correspond to one another. Each of the plurality of texture images is defined as a sum of a plurality of texture blocks that are outputs of texture synthesis filters that receive video excitation signals as inputs. |
| US08811476B2 |
Method of removing a blocking artifact using quantization information in a filtering system
In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining quantization information related to at least one of a first block and a second block. The second block is adjacent to the first block. The quantization information is compared with a predefined constant value, and block type information for the first and second block is obtained. The block type information indicates whether a block is an intra-coded block. A filtering process is performed based on the comparing step when both of the first block and the second block are intra-coded blocks according to the block type information. The filtering process includes calculating a value of at least one pixel in the first block based on pixel values of at least two pixels in the first block, and calculating a value of at least one pixel in the second block based on pixel values of at least two pixels in the second block. |
| US08811472B2 |
Bitrate control device for controlling bitrate of video data
A bitrate control device controls bitrate of video data and includes: a setting module that sets, for each frame in the video data, a target code amount to be used in encoding the frame by an encoding module for maintaining a given bitrate; an adjusting module that adjusts the target code amount set by the setting module based on given information; and a managing module that is configured to perform: saving a code amount corresponding to an amount reduced in the target code amount by the adjusting module in a virtual storage management buffer having a given upper limit, when the adjusting module adjusts to reduce the target code amount; and withdrawing a code amount corresponding to an amount increased in the target code amount by the adjusting module from the virtual storage management buffer, when the adjusting module adjusts to increase the target code amount. |
| US08811471B2 |
Moving picture decoding method, moving picture decoding program, moving picture decoding apparatus, moving picture encoding method, moving picture encoding program, and moving picture encoding apparatus
A moving picture decoding method of an embodiment according to the present invention is a moving picture decoding method for decoding encoded data of an interlaced scanned picture including Top field and Bottom field, and the method includes a stereo information acquisition step for acquiring stereo information indicating whether Top field and Bottom field are two pictures forming a stereo picture from the encoded data, a decoding step for decoding two fields corresponding to each other from the encoded data and generating two decoded fields, and an output step for outputting the two decoded fields. In the output step, the stereo information is referred to and the two decoded fields are outputted simultaneously. |
| US08811466B2 |
Selection of training sequences for multiple-in multiple-out transmissions
A cellular communication system comprises a Multiple-In Multiple-Out (MIMO) transmitter and receiver. The MIMO transmitter comprises a message generator for generating MIMO messages comprising selected training sequences and transceivers transmitting the messages on a plurality of antennas. The training sequences are selected by a midamble selector from a set of training sequences in response to an associated antenna on which the message is to be transmitted. The set of training sequences is associated with the cell of the MIMO transmitter and comprises disjoint subsets of training sequences for each of the plurality of antennas. The receiver comprises a transmit antenna detector which determines which antenna of the MIMO transmitter the message is transmitted from in response to the training sequence of the received message. |
| US08811464B1 |
Method and apparatus for adaptively determining equalizer settings for 10GBASE-KR transmitter
Apparatuses, methods, and other embodiments associated with adaptively determining equalizer setting for 10GBASE-KR transmitter are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus for tuning an equalizer configured to undo the effects of a channel connecting a transmitter communicating to a receiver via a backplane includes a tuning logic configured to adaptively determine equalizer settings for the equalizer. The tuning logic includes a symmetric search logic configured to determine a desired boost setting for the equalizer, and an asymmetric search logic configured to determine a desired phase response for the equalizer. |
| US08811463B2 |
Jitter measuring trigger generator, jitter measuring apparatus using the same, method of generating jitter measuring trigger, and method of measuring jitter
A phase adjuster 2a receives a trigger clock synchronized with a data signal to be measured as input, and controls the phase of the trigger clock such that the trigger period of samples of the data signal to be measured becomes one sample per bit. An adjustable frequency divider 2b has a frequency division ratio which is set such that a trigger pulse is generated at the fixed timing of the waveform pattern of the data signal to be measured. An interleaving unit 4d uses a discrete value which is in prime relation to the measured pattern length of the data signal to be measured, and acquires data for the number of samples corresponding to the measured pattern length from a sampler 3 by the trigger pulse from the adjustable frequency divider 2b. |
| US08811462B1 |
Frame synchronization method and apparatus
A receiver device detects a plurality of symbols in a signal and determines, based on the one of the plurality of detected symbols, an estimated beginning of a subsequent frame. The receiver device determines whether the estimated start of the subsequent frame corresponds to an actual start of the subsequent frame. When the estimated start of the subsequent frame corresponds to the actual start of the subsequent frame, the receiver is synchronized to the actual start of the frame. When the estimated start of the subsequent frame does not corresponds to the actual start of the subsequent frame, the receiver device determines, based on a further one of the plurality of detected symbols, an estimated beginning of another subsequent frame. The receiver device determines whether the estimated start of the other subsequent frame corresponds to an actual start of the other subsequent frame. |
| US08811460B2 |
Burst processing modem
A burst processing modem. Implementations may include a receive side including a channelizer adapted to process a plurality of channels and write a plurality of frames to a receive RAM array. A receive frame state machine may be adapted to generate a timing signal using a burst time plan for the plurality of frames. A demodulator may be coupled with the receive RAM array and adapted to read from the receive RAM array only the one or more bursts from the plurality of frames indicated by the timing signal. A transmit side may include a modulator coupled with a transmit frame state machine, with a transmit RAM array, and a combiner bank. The combiner bank may read the modulated plurality of channels from the transmit RAM array and assemble a plurality of frames using a timing signal generated from a burst time plan by the transmit frame state machine. |
| US08811459B1 |
Robust and simple to configure cable-replacement system
In a modular signal mirroring system each point-to-point RF transceiver end has a controller module coupled to one or more I/O modules. The I/O modules have various input and output circuits. A signal received at the near end is reconstructed at the far end after being transmitted in an RF packet. The reconstructed signal may be the same as the input signal, inverted from the input signal or level-shifted from the input signal. It is representative of the input signal following the input signal's state after a time-quantization latency. Transmission between the two ends is via a periodic transmission controlled in a master slave protocol. If a transmission is not received in a timely manner or, in some systems, if intentional interference with transmissions is detected, the reconstructed signal is forced to a safe state determined by local switch settings. The settings include the last known good state. |
| US08811456B2 |
Apparatus and method of low latency multi-hop communication
Aspects include methods and apparatuses for communicating in an ultra-wideband transmission. For example, some aspects include methods and apparatuses for multi-hop communication. For example, some aspects include a method of communicating data. The method includes receiving pulses indicative of a frame during a first time period and transmitting pulses indicative of the frame during a second time period to at least one device. The first and second time periods at least partially overlap. Other aspects include apparatus and devices for multi-hop communication. |
| US08811451B2 |
Apparatus and method for selection of a set of cells for interference cancellation in a wireless communication system
Apparatus and methods, in several embodiments, are disclosed for generating and managing a set of sectors, the signals received from which are utilized to generate an interference estimate for use by an interference cancellation circuit. The set of sectors generally includes a subset of the combined set of sectors in the Active Set and the Candidate Set for an access terminal. A finger of a receiver at an access terminal can be assigned to each sector in the set of sectors for interference cancellation to improve receiver operations. |
| US08811450B2 |
Integrated process control system for electric induction metal melting furnaces
An integrated process control installation is provided for electric induction metal melting furnaces with variable furnace states. The integrated process control installation can include supporting charge delivery and slag removal installations, and furnace process operations for process control of melting metal in the furnaces. The variable furnace states, supporting installations, and furnace process operations are controlled by a supporting processing installation, while a robotic apparatus performs the furnace process operations. |
| US08811449B2 |
Light source and method for producing light
The invention relates to a light source, comprising an optical resonator (1) and an optical medium (2) arranged therein that can be excited so as to emit light, wherein the optical medium (2) comprises at least one two-level system, in particular a two-level system that is not population-inverted, having an at least metastable lower state, and the optical length of the resonator (1) comprising at least one curved mirror (1) is selected such that the free spectral bandwidth of the resonator is equal to or greater than the absorption bandwidth and/or fluorescence bandwidth of the optical medium (2) and only a single longitudinal mode and a plurality of transversal modes of the resonator (1) are arranged within the fluorescence bandwidth. The invention further relates to a method for producing light by means of an optical resonator (1) and an optical medium (2) arranged therein that can be excited so as to emit light, wherein at least one two-level system, in particular a two-level system that is not population-inverted, having an at least metastable lower state is selected as the optical medium (2), and the optical length of the resonator (1) comprising at least one curved mirror (1) is set in such a way that the free spectral bandwidth of the resonator is greater than the absorption bandwidth and/or fluorescence bandwidth of the optical medium (2) and only a single longitudinal mode (3) and a plurality of transversal modes (4) of the resonator (1) within the fluorescence bandwidth of the optical medium (2) are produced by means of excitation. |
| US08811445B2 |
Enhanced vbasis laser diode package
A substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface is provided. The substrate includes a plurality of v-grooves formed in the upper surface. Each v-groove includes a first side and a second side perpendicular to the first side. A laser diode bar assembly is disposed within each of the v-grooves and attached to the first side. The laser diode bar assembly includes a first adhesion layer disposed on the first side of the v-groove, a metal plate attached to the first adhesion layer, a second adhesion layer disposed over the metal plate, and a laser diode bar attached to the second adhesion layer. The laser diode bar has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) substantially similar to that of the metal plate. |
| US08811440B2 |
System and method for seed laser mode stabilization
A method and apparatus for stabilizing the seed laser in a laser produced plasma (LPP) extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the cavity length of the laser may be adjusted by means of a movable mirror forming one end of the cavity. The time delay from the release of an output pulse to the lasing threshold next being reached is measured at different mirror positions, and a mirror position selected which results in a cavity mode being aligned with the gain peak of the laser, thus producing a minimum time delay from an output pulse of the laser to the next lasing threshold. A Q-switch in the laser allows for pre-lasing and thus jitter-free timing of output pulses. Feedback loops keep the laser output at maximum gain and efficiency, and the attenuation and timing at a desired operating point. |
| US08811438B2 |
Temperature controller for gas laser
A temperature controller for a gas laser which controls temperatures of a plurality of temperature-controlled apparatuses including a first temperature-controlled portion requiring a high-precision temperature-control and a second temperature-controlled portion requiring a low-precision temperature-control as compared with the first temperature-controlled portion and allowing a temperature-control with a low or high temperature as compared with the first temperature-controlled portion, comprises a first temperature control portion generating a cooling agent or a heating agent for adjusting a temperature of each first temperature-controlled portion, a second temperature control portion generating a cooling agent or a heating agent for adjusting a temperature of each second temperature-controlled portion, a first piping system connecting the first temperature control portion and each first temperature-controlled portion in parallel, and a second piping system connecting the second temperature control portion and each second temperature-controlled portion in parallel. |
| US08811437B2 |
Laser device with phase front regulation
A Laser device with phase front regulation, including a resonator with a beam path, a laser medium located within the resonator, and a phase front regulating unit located within the resonator; a coupling element; an uncoupling element; and phase front controller and a phase front sensor. A measuring laser beam can impact first the coupling element, then the laser medium, then the phase front regulating unit, then the uncoupling element, and then the phase front sensor. The disturbance of the phase front of the laser medium is transferable to the measuring laser beam. The disturbance of the measuring laser beam and the working laser beam can be corrected by the phase front regulating unit. Sensor data can be received from the phase front sensor and can be processed by the phase front controller. Regulating unit signals for the phase front regulating unit can be generated by the phase front controller. |
| US08811435B2 |
Laser device for production of a frequency comb free of CEO
The invention relates to a laser device, comprising a radiation source (1) that emits radiation having a spectrum in the form of a frequency comb having a plurality of equidistant spectral lines, and a difference frequency generator (5) that converts the radiation in such a manner that the spectrum of the converted radiation once again has the form of a frequency comb, whereby the frequencies of the spectral lines in the spectrum of the converted radiation are harmonics of a base frequency. The invention proposes that a frequency multiplier (6) follows the difference frequency generator (5) in the course of the radiation. |
| US08811429B2 |
Batching and compression for IP transmission
A storage router and related method are presented for combining multiple host frames, such as Fiber Channel frames, together into a single datagram for tunneling transmission over an IP or similar network. The storage router operates by storing incoming host frames in a host frame buffer. When there is sufficient data in the buffer, multiple host frames are batched together, compressed, and converted into an IP datagram. The number of host frames to be batched together can be established through a variety of tests, including total bytes of data, number of frames, or through a time-out mechanism. The network layer then fragments the datagram into data link level frames, such as 1500 byte Ethernet frames. When the datagram arrives at the final destination, the segmented datagram is reconstructed, decompressed, and the multiple host frames are then extracted and passed on to the recipient host frame network. |
| US08811428B2 |
DOCSIS upstream burst efficiency maximization and support for jumbo frames
A method for passing ingress and egress jumbo frames and maximizing the use of frame bursts in a cable modem including, receiving from a client device one or more packets to be transmitted over a communication channel, queuing the one or more packets, determining a maximum size of a burst frame transmitted over the communication channel, adding each of the one or more packets in their entirety to the burst frame until the maximum size of the burst frame is reached, determining whether the burst frame has available space, when space is available, fragmenting a packet of the one or more packets into at least a first and a second fragment packet, wherein the first fragment packet has a size substantially equal to the available space of burst frame, and adding the first fragment packet to the burst frame and transmitting the burst frame during a transmit window. |
| US08811427B2 |
Method for data transmission in a communication network
A method for data transmission from a first node to a second node in a communication network includes: analyzing data arriving in a buffer of the first node to generate an arrival history curve describing the amounts of data arriving in the buffer over a past time period; processing the arrival history curve to generate a plurality of signals corresponding to filtered components of the wavelet transform; processing each signal in a separate neural network trained with training patterns based on previously received and buffered data to generate forecast signals for future data arrivals; recombining the forecast signals to generate an arrival forecast curve describing the amounts of data arriving in the buffer in a future period; the first node generating bandwidth reservation requests based on the arrival forecast curve and transmitting the bandwidth requests to the second node; the second node allocating bandwidth based on the bandwidth requests; and transmitting data from the first node to the second node within the allocated bandwidth. |
| US08811425B2 |
Mobile communication method, radio base station, and mobile station
A mobile communication system according to the present invention includes: a step A in which a mobile station UE transmits an uplink data signal using a shared uplink resource designated by an uplink scheduling grant to a radio base station eNB upon reception of the uplink scheduling grant including CB-RNTI; a step B in which the radio base station eNB transmits a downlink control signal including the CB-RNTI upon successful reception of the uplink data signal transmitted by the mobile station UE; and a step C in which the radio base station eNB transmits MAC-CE including C-RNTI of the mobile station UE using a downlink resource designated by the downlink control signal. |
| US08811421B2 |
Method for simultaneously receiving LTE and 1x in SRLTE device
Methods, apparatuses and computer readable media are described that configure wireless circuitry of a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device establishes a connection to a first wireless network using first and second receiving signaling chains. In response to detecting a radio frequency tune-away event, the wireless communication device reconfigures only one of the radio frequency signaling chains to receive signals from a second wireless network when a set of receive signal conditions for the second wireless network is satisfied. The wireless communication device reconfigures both of the radio frequency signaling chains to the second wireless network when the set of receive signal conditions is not satisfied. |
| US08811418B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium
An information processing apparatus which circulates a packet in one way among a plurality of modules connected in a ring shape, and transmits/receives the packet, each of the plurality of modules comprising a determination unit to determine whether data contained in the packet is processing-data to be processed by a processing-module of the module or configuration data for changing settings of the processing-module by an internally contained command, a discrimination unit to discriminate, when the data is determined to be the configuration data, a command type indicating the type of command contained within the configuration data as a write-mode in which the configuration data is written in the module, a read-mode in which currently set configuration data held in the module is read out, or an exchange-mode in which the currently set configuration data is read out, and then the configuration data is written, a decision unit to decide a packet transmission interval based on the command type. |
| US08811417B2 |
Cross-channel network operation offloading for collective operations
A Network Interface (NI) includes a host interface, which is configured to receive from a host processor of a node one or more cross-channel work requests that are derived from an operation to be executed by the node. The NI includes a plurality of work queues for carrying out transport channels to one or more peer nodes over a network. The NI further includes control circuitry, which is configured to accept the cross-channel work requests via the host interface, and to execute the cross-channel work requests using the work queues by controlling an advance of at least a given work queue according to an advancing condition, which depends on a completion status of one or more other work queues, so as to carry out the operation. |
| US08811411B2 |
Packet aggregation and fragmentation at layer-2 over a managed network
A method and apparatus for receiving packets from a node within a first network in accordance with a first protocol. A descriptor associated with each received packet is read by a direct memory access (DMA) controller that stores the received packet. A value for a controllable parameter is selected to efficiently communicate the content of the received packet over a second network that operates in accordance with a second protocol. The information in the received packet is then organized into newly formed packets, the size of which makes them efficient for communication over the network in the second protocol. The newly formed packets are stored in a transmit line buffer and associated with a Protocol Descriptor. The Protocol Descriptor provides information to a transmit controller to allow the transmit controller to select and aggregate packets from the transmit line buffer in order to make efficient use of the second protocol. |
| US08811410B1 |
Method and apparatus for measuring system latency using global time stamp
A network device having a system performance measurement unit employing one or more global time stamps for measuring the device performance is disclosed. The device includes an ingress circuit, a global time counter, an egress circuit, and a processor. The ingress circuit is configured to receive a packet from an input port while the global time counter generates an arrival time stamp in accordance with the arrival time of the packet. The egress circuit is capable of forwarding the packet to other network devices via an output port. The processor, in one embodiment, is configured to calculate packet latency in response to the arrival time stamp. |
| US08811401B2 |
Binding of network flows to process threads
A method of routing internal network traffic within a computing system, comprises receiving a network packet at a configurable logic device (CLD), parsing the network packet to obtain a source address and a destination address, searching a predetermined range of a routing table wherein each row of the routing table specifies a range of possible destination addresses and a thread group identifier, identifying a matching row of the routing table wherein the destination address falls within the range of possible destination addresses of the matching row, calculating a hash value based at least in part on the source and destination addresses, and determining a thread identifier based at least in part on the hash value and the thread group identifier. |
| US08811399B2 |
Methods, systems and apparatus for the interconnection of fibre channel over ethernet devices using a fibre channel over ethernet interconnection apparatus controller
Methods, apparatus and systems are provided for forwarding Fiber Channel Initialization Protocol (FIP) and Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) frames by a FCoE device interconnection apparatus (FIA) and a Fiber Channel over Ethernet device interconnection apparatus controller (FIAC). In one aspect of the invention, a command is sent from a FIAC to the FIA to set the frame processing apparatus to identify received FIP frames, which are forwarded with the original destination and source Ethernet Media Access Control (MAC) addresses. A command is sent from the FIAC to the FIA to identify received FCoE frames to replace the source and destination Ethernet MAC addresses. When a FCoE frame is received by the FIA, the source and destination Ethernet MAC addresses are replaced, such as where the destination Ethernet MAC address of the received matched FCoE frame is replaced by the MAC address assigned to the desired end port. The FCoE frame is forwarded to a destination FCoE device. |
| US08811393B2 |
IP address version interworking in communication networks
Systems and methods are provided for supporting IPv4-IPv6 interworking of SIP messages in wireless networks and IMS networks. The interworking can be provided to smooth migration to an all-IPv6 IMS network by allowing the use and support of existing legacy IPv4 infrastructure. This functionality may be provided by a call session control function (CSCF) interposed between a user equipment (UE) and an IMS core network with interworking functionality or an interworking module. This device serves as a back-to-back user agent (B2BUA), allocates IP addresses from a pool, performs next-hop route protocol discovery, and maintains and stores information within the gateway as well as interworking and rewriting IP addresses within network messages, while proxying and maintaining sessions between the UE and the IMS core network. This allows for faster call setup, reduced capex/opex, improved debuggability, increased capacity and subscriber density by call processing distribution, and better user experience. |
| US08811391B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing virtual switch planes in a physical switch fabric
A switching device includes multiple interfaces and a switch fabric. The switch fabric includes switch integrated circuits arranged in a number of stages. Multiple virtual switch planes may be implemented in the switch fabric. Data traffic received at the interfaces is selectively assigned to different ones of the virtual switch planes. |
| US08811390B2 |
System and method for high speed packet transmission
The present invention provides systems and methods for providing data transmission speeds at or in excess of 10 gigabits per second between one or more source devices and one or more destination devices. According to one embodiment, the system of the present invention comprises a first and second media access control (MAC) interfaces to facilitate receipt and transmission of packets over an associated set of physical interfaces. The system also contemplates a first and second field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) coupled to the MAC interfaces and an associated first and second memory structures, the first and second FPGAs are configured to perform initial processing of packets received from the first and second MAC interfaces and to schedule the transmission of packets to the first and second MAC interface for transmission to one or more destination devices. The first and second FPGAs are further operative to dispatch and retrieve packets to and from the first and second memory structures. A third FPGA, coupled to the first and second memory structures and a backplane, is operative to retrieve and dispatch packets to and from the first and second memory structures, compute appropriate destinations for packets and organize packets for transmission. The third FPGA is further operative to receive and dispatch packets to and from the backplane. |
| US08811387B2 |
Dynamically reconfigurable hybrid circuit-switched and packet-switched network architecture
A dynamically reconfigurable network architecture includes a plurality of switching modules arranged in an ordered, multi-level, switched-tree configuration. A network is formed by selecting one switching module as the root and assigning it and all directly or indirectly subsidiary modules to the network. The operating mode of each switching module can be dynamically selected as either circuit-switched or packet-switched. The modules can be grouped into a single network or into a plurality of separate networks operating in parallel, including both circuit-switched and packet-switched networks. When a network is no longer needed, its operation can be halted and its resources released for reassignment to other networks. In embodiments, a selector controlled by allocation registers selects either a circuit-switching sequencer or a packet connection arbitration circuit to control the switching circuits. Switching modules can include crossbar switches. Circuit-switched connections can use TDM to share allocated physical resources. |
| US08811379B2 |
Control apparatus and control method
The control apparatus is provided with a channel quality test module for collecting power consumption between adjacent gateways of the data transmission routes, a communication interface for collecting data delay of the respective gateways of the data transmission routes by performing data communication with the gateways, a memory for storing a gateway routing table containing the multiple data transmission routes, the power consumption collected by the channel quality test module, and the data delay collected by the communication interface, and a processor for adding priority to the multiple data transmission routes in the gateway routing table stored in the memory on the basis of the power consumption and data delay stored in the memory. |
| US08811378B2 |
Dual network types solution for computer interconnects
A computing system includes: a plurality of tightly coupled processing nodes; a plurality of circuit switched networks using a circuit switching mode, interconnecting the processing nodes, and handling data transfers that meet one or more criteria; and a plurality of electronic packet switched networks, also interconnecting the processing nodes, handling data transfers that do meet the at least one criteria. The circuit switched networks and the electronic packet switched networks operate simultaneously. |
| US08811376B2 |
Packet transmitting apparatus and network system
A packet transmitting apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of ports. When the same unlearned packets have arrived at the plurality of ports, the packet transmitting apparatus judges through packet processing section that the first arrived one of the packets is a previous arrival packet. Then, through previous arrival group judging section, the packet transmitting apparatus selects from the plurality of ports a plurality of ports satisfying a previous arrival port condition for determining a port at which the previous arrival packet arrives as a previous arrival port. The packet transmitting apparatus judges the thus selected plurality of ports as the previous arrival ports having an equal previous arrival characteristic of packets, and includes the ports in a previous arrival port group. |
| US08811375B2 |
Multimedia apparatus and synchronization method thereof
A multimedia apparatus and a synchronization method thereof are provided. The multimedia apparatus includes a video output unit which outputs a video, and a control unit which transmits an audio signal to the external device through the communication module and operates the video output unit to display a video corresponding to the audio signal by delaying the video based on delay information received from the external device through the communication module. |
| US08811370B2 |
OFDM transmitter device having a symbol generator for generating non-zero control symbols, and OFDM transmission method including generating non-zero control symbols
An OFDM transmitter and an OFDM receiver respectively transmit and receive N (N≧2, N is an integer) control symbols. For each control symbol, a guard interval time-domain signal is, for example, identical to a signal obtained by frequency-shifting at least a portion of a useful symbol time-domain signal by an amount different from any other symbol, or to a signal obtained by frequency-shifting one or both of a portion and a span of a useful symbol interval time-domain signal different from any other symbol by a predetermined amount. |
| US08811369B2 |
Methods and apparatus for supporting multiple communications modes of operation
Methods and apparatus for supporting multiple modes of communication operation, e.g., with different parameters and/or frequency bands being used in the different modes of operation are described. One or more adjustments are made based on a signal or signals received in a first frequency band from a second communications device, e.g., an access router with reliable timing. The communications device selects between and operates in either the first frequency band, e.g., a WAN frequency band, or in a second frequency band, e.g., a LAN frequency band. The WAN and LAN frequency bands may be non-overlapping. One or more parameters used in the second frequency band have a predetermined relationship to one or more parameters used for communications in the first frequency band making the adjustment based on the signal received in the first frequency band relevant and useful to support communications in the second frequency band. |
| US08811366B2 |
System and method for increased bandwidth efficiency within microwave backhaul of a telecommunication system
An apparatus for transmitting information in a wireless communication system includes a first interface for receiving a plurality of input data streams. Signal processing circuitry transmits and receives the plurality of input data streams on at least one frequency. Each of the plurality of input data streams on the at least one frequency have a different orbital angular momentum imparted thereto. |
| US08811365B2 |
Intelligent backhaul radio
A intelligent backhaul radio is disclosed that is compact, light and low power for street level mounting, operates at 100 Mb/s or higher at ranges of 300 m or longer in obstructed LOS conditions with low latencies of 5 ms or less, can support PTP and PMP topologies, uses radio spectrum resources efficiently and does not require precise physical antenna alignment. |
| US08811361B2 |
Hybrid broadcast packet replication for virtual local area networks
A system for hybrid broadcast packet replication for virtual local area networks includes a switch operable to receive a packet with an associated VLAN identifier and replicate the packet. A VLAN bit mask is included in the switch to filter the target destinations for the sending the replicated packets. The mask has a first level that provides to the switch an indication of a VLAN group where a radio of an AP has an associated client device. The mask has a second level where the mask provides to the switch an indication of a WLAN where a radio of an AP has an associated client device. The mask can have a third level where the mask provides to the switch an indication of a list of VLANs in use by each WLAN. The switch can then send those replicated packets filtered through the mask on to target devices of the identified VLAN. |
| US08811360B2 |
Flexible mobile IP foreign agent architecture for enabling converged services
A method and apparatus for flexible Mobile IP foreign agent architecture for enabling converged services are described herein. According to one embodiment of the invention, a packet is received over a circuit bound with a converged services domain of a network element. The converged services domain enables forwarding of wired and wireless traffic to a plurality of destination network elements. Upon determining that the circuit is capable of carrying Mobile Internet Protocol (IP) packets, the packet is processed according to an entry in a Mobile IP forwarding information base upon determining that the packet has a corresponding entry in the Mobile IP forwarding information base, and the packet is processed according to a different entry in an IP forwarding information base upon determining that the packet does not have an entry in the Mobile IP forwarding information base. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08811354B2 |
Methods and devices for associating users to base stations in third generation wireless networks using fairness considerations
The transmission of data from base stations to users (and their devices) in a wireless network is made using proportional fairness without sacrificing throughput by taking in to account fairness considerations at the time the devices are associated with a base station. |
| US08811352B2 |
Method and apparatus for channel estimation in a transmit diversity environment
A method of channel estimation for a signal having a first portion transmitted using a transmit delay diversity scheme and a second portion transmitted using another multi-antenna transmission scheme includes determining a composite channel estimate from the transmit delay diversity portion of the signal. The method continues with segregating the composite channel estimate into delay groups corresponding to time offsets of the transmit delay diversity scheme for determination of first channel estimates for each subset of transmit antennas. Second channel estimates are determined for each subset of transmit antennas as a function of pilot symbols received in the second portion of the signal and corresponding ones of the first channel estimates. Thus, the first channel estimates are used to improve estimation of the second channel estimates. The method and variations of it may be implemented by configuring one or more processing circuits within a receiver circuit. |
| US08811350B2 |
Handover performed in consideration of uplink/downlink component carrier setup
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system which supports carrier aggregation. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for enabling a user equipment to perform a handover in a wireless communication system which supports carrier aggregation. The method for performing a handover comprises the steps of: transmitting a measurement report on a target cell to a serving cell; receiving, from the serving cell, a message containing a signature route sequence index, cyclic shift parameters, and information related to the component carrier of the target cell; confirming contention-based signatures generated on the basis of the signature route sequence index and cyclic shift parameters; and transmitting one of said contention-based signatures to the target cell for random access, via one or more component carriers, on the basis of said information related to the component carrier. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for the method. |
| US08811348B2 |
Methods and apparatus for generating, communicating, and/or using information relating to self-noise
A wireless terminal measures the received power of a tone corresponding to an intention base station null output, measures the received power of pilot signals, and determines a signal to noise ratio of the received pilot signal. The wireless terminal calculates a downlink signal to noise ratio saturation level representative of the SNR of a received downlink signal that the wireless terminal would measure on a received signal transmitted by the base station at infinite power. The calculated downlink signal to noise ratio saturation level is a function of the determined interference power, the measured received pilot signal power, and the determined pilot signal SNR. A report is generated corresponding to one of a plurality of quantized levels, the selected quantized level being the closest representation to the calculated downlink signal to noise ratio saturation level. The generated report is communicated using a dedicated control channel segment in a predetermined uplink timing structure. |
| US08811346B2 |
Mobile station traffic routing
Devices, networks and methods relating to routing gateway traffic in a mesh network for wireless access. A mesh network has multiple nodes in at least one gateway node through which all incoming and outgoing data traffic pass through. The nodes provide wireless access to wireless and user devices, each of which is associated with anode in the mesh network. Each gateway node contains a record detailing which nodes are providing wireless access to which wireless end user device and which nodes are associated with which end user devices. This record of each end user device's location is periodically updated as the gateway node periodically receives data from the nodes which detail the device is being serviced by which node. Any incoming data traffic destined for an end user device is encapsulated and routed to the proper node servicing that end user device. |
| US08811344B1 |
Methods and apparatus for assigning same sequence number to multiple GTP messages
A method and apparatus for assigning the same sequence number (“SN”) to multiple messages using a global index pool and non-standard source ports (“NSPs”) are disclosed. After generating a global index pool containing multiple indexes, the process, in one embodiment, generates a set of NSPs for a network device. Upon creating a first SN for a general packet radio service tunneling protocol (“GTP”) message between peer-to-peer communications, the SN is stored in a first field of a first index. The process subsequently inserts a socket address used for indexing or addressing one of the NSPs in a second field of the first index. |
| US08811335B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic adjustment of uplink transmission time
Systems and methods for dynamically adjusting the transmission time interval (TTI) for a communications system are presented. The described aspects provide for dynamically adjusting the TTI in a communication session between a base station or nodeB and a wireless device or user equipment between a shorter TTI, which can provide increased data throughput and lower power consumption, and a longer TTI, which can provide more rugged communication link connections. By dynamically adjusting the TTI, the communications link can be optimized for the given communication channel conditions. Determinations, based on indicia related to the communications system conditions, can be employed in dynamic TTI adjustment. These determinations can be formed centrally at the Radio Network Controller (RNC), at the RNC supplemented with user equipment (UE) available information, or formed in a distributed manner between the RNC and UE across a communications system. |
| US08811332B2 |
Systems and methods for carrier aggregation
A User Equipment (UE) for performing carrier aggregation is described. The UE includes a processor and instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The UE determines an uplink control information (UCI) transmission cell in a wireless communication network with at least one frequency-division duplexing (FDD) cell and at least one time-division duplexing (TDD) cell. The UE also selects a first cell for FDD and TDD carrier aggregation. The UE further determines a set of downlink subframe associations for the first cell that indicate at least one UCI transmission uplink subframe of the UCI transmission cell. The UE additionally sends Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Acknowledgement/Negative Acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in the UCI transmission uplink subframe of the UCI transmission cell. |
| US08811329B2 |
System and method for mobility with a split home agent architecture using MPTCP
A method is implemented in a network element functioning as a control node for a mobile node (MN) communicating with a corresponding node (CN). The method includes selecting a virtual agent in the network to provide mobility services to the MN. The virtual agent represents a set of mobile resources proximate to the MN. The virtual agent is selected such that the MN receives a better quality of service when communicating with the CN through the virtual agent. A provisioning message is sent to the selected virtual agent including parameters for a session between the MN and CN. The provisioning message initiates a flow redirection at the virtual agent. A provisioning acknowledgement message is received from the virtual agent indicating that the virtual agent is receiving data packets from the CN and forwarding the data packets to the MN at the care-of address. |
| US08811328B2 |
Communication system, communication device, program and communication control method
There is provided a communication system comprising: a first communication device that senses a communication environment surrounding the first communication device; a second communication device that acquires sensed data sensed by the first communication device; and a third communication device that determines availability of usage of a second communication service using a part or whole of a spectrum assigned to a first communication service based on the sensed data transmitted from the second communication device. |
| US08811326B2 |
Method and device for allocating control channel
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and a device which enable a terminal to receive a control channel in a wireless communication system that uses multi-carriers, the method comprising the following steps: receiving a plurality of search space through a sub-frame, wherein each of the search spaces includes a plurality of control channel candidate sets and each of the search spaces corresponds to each of the carriers; and monitoring the control channel candidates for control channels, wherein the plurality of search spaces are connected in the resource region for the control channels according to an allocation pattern and with the starting point as the basis, and the allocation pattern changes according to time. |
| US08811325B2 |
Network side device and method for transmitting configuration information of pathloss power threshold thereof
The present invention discloses a method for transmitting path loss power threshold configuration information and a network side device. The method includes: the network side increasing or reducing the weighted sum value currently selected by the cell according to the scenario of resources which can be allocated in a current cell, updating the random access preamble group B power offset value and the power offset value between the random access preamble and the first scheduled transmission (Msg3) sent over the uplink channel resources respectively according to the increased or reduced weighted sum value, sending the updated random access preamble group B power offset value and the updated power offset value between the random access preamble and Msg3 to a terminal of the cell. |
| US08811324B2 |
Power control method, base station and terminal for physical uplink control channel
A power control method for a Physical Uplink Control Channel, which includes: when the response information of multiple Physical Downlink Shared Channels (PDSCH) sent by a base station over multiple component carriers is sent on one Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), the base station indicating a unified transmitted power control command for the Physical Uplink Control Channel; or the base station indicating multiple transmitted power control commands for the Physical Uplink Control Channel. The present invention also provides a base station and a user equipment. |
| US08811322B2 |
Power limit reporting in a communication system using carrier aggregation
The invention relates to methods for informing an eNodeB on the transmit power status of a user equipment in a mobile communication system using component carrier (CC) aggregation. Furthermore, the invention is also related to the implementation of these methods by hardware and their implementation in software. The invention proposes procedures that allow the eNodeB to recognize the power usage status of a UE in a communication system using carrier aggregation. The UE indicates to the eNodeB, when the UE is close to using its total maximum UE transmit power or when it has exceeded same. This is achieved by the UE including indicator(s) and/or new MAC CEs to one or more protocol data units transmitted on respective component carriers within a single sub-frame that is providing the eNodeB with power status information. The MAC CEs may report a per-UE power headroom. Alternatively, the MAC CEs may report per-CC power headrooms and/or power reductions applied to the respective uplink CCs. |
| US08811317B2 |
Method for implementing local access and system thereof
The disclosure discloses a method for implementing local access, which includes: after user terminal initiates a local access and a mobile management unit determines that the local connection can be established for the user terminal, the mobile management unit acquires local access gateway information through a Domain Name System (DNS) server. The disclosure further discloses a system for implementing local access, correspondingly. By providing a specific implementation solution of inquiring the local access gateway, the disclosure ensures selection between the core network gateway and the local access gateway according to a respective scenario, thus properly and effectively implementing the local access function implemented by the user terminal through the local access gateway. |
| US08811313B2 |
Apparatus and method for enabling low latency transmissions in the uplink of a communication system
Methods and apparatus are provided for a User Equipment (UE) to transmit signals in response to the reception of a Downlink Control Information (DCI) format transmitted from a base station of a communication system. The DCI format may provide only the frequency resources for the transmission of signals by the UE, while other parameters associated with the transmission of signals by the UE may be either predetermined or known to the UE through other signaling from the base station. The frequency resources used for the transmission of signals by the UE may be a sub-set of the frequency resources indicated by the DCI format and the determination of this sub-set by the UE may be either deterministic or pseudo-random. |
| US08811312B2 |
Method and apparatus of accessing channel in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus of accessing a channel in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving a first frame including configuration information on a channel allocated from a bandwidth including a primary channel, a secondary channel and an extension channel from an access point (AP), and transmitting a second frame to the AP by using the allocated channel. The configuration information includes an extension channel offset element field that sets the extension channel as the offset of the primary channel. |
| US08811306B2 |
System and method for scheduling in a multi-hop environment
In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a base station configured to communicate with a relay station includes allocating resources to the relay station. Allocating resources includes receiving feedback data from the relay station and scheduling resources to the relay station based on feedback data. Feedback data includes a total buffer size of the relay station and a number of user devices. |
| US08811305B2 |
Device and method for transmitting random access preamble
Base Station (BS) and User Equipment (UE) apparatuses for configuring a Random Access CHannel (RACH), and methods thereof, are provided. The method for a BS to configure a RACH includes generating configuration information on RACH resources, transmitting the configuration information on the RACH resources to a UE, receiving a random access preamble multiplexed on a plurality of continuous RACH resources from the UE, extracting the random access preamble multiplexed on the plurality of continuous RACH resources, and detecting the extracted random access preamble. The method for a UE to configure a RACH includes receiving configuration information on RACH resources from a BS, selecting occupied RACH resources among a plurality of continuous RACH resources, generating a random access preamble, multiplexing the generated random access preamble on the selected RACH resources, and transmitting the random access preamble on the selected RACH resources to the BS. |
| US08811298B2 |
Method and apparatus for utilizing unused resources in a wireless communication system
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate allocating uplink resources in a wireless access terminal. When a downlink transmission is received at a wireless device, the wireless device determines the appropriate control region to reserved based in part on the downlink transmission. Uplink data resources are also dynamically assigned. |
| US08811291B2 |
Methods and devices for optimized cell acquisitions
Access terminals are adapted to blacklist one or more neighboring cells from acquisition attempts. For instance, an access terminal may receive a transmission including a list of neighboring cells to be monitored while connected to a particular serving cell. The access terminal may determine that a predefined number of consecutive acquisition attempts with a particular neighboring cell have failed. In response to failure of the predefined number of consecutive acquisition attempts, the access terminal can blacklist the neighboring cell from subsequent acquisition attempts for a predefined blacklisting period. Following the duration of the blacklisting period, the access terminal may conduct a subsequent acquisition attempt with the neighboring cell. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described. |
| US08811289B2 |
S1-MME and LTE-Uu interface correlation in long term evolution networks
Systems and methods for Long Term Evolution (LTE) interface correlation are described. In some embodiments, a method may include receiving a first message, the first message having been intercepted over an air (Uu) interface of an LTE network (e.g., probed via a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) between an Evolved-Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) Node B (eNB)'s remote radio head and baseband processing unit), the first message having a first identifier. The method may also include receiving a second message, the second message having been intercepted over the S1 interface between the eNB and a Mobility Management Entity (MME) within an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) portion of the LTE network within a given time window from the first message, the second message having a second identifier. The method may further include correlating the first and second messages in response to a match between the first and second identifiers. |
| US08811284B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting carrier aggregation
The present invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for supporting carrier aggregation. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for enabling user equipment to receive a signal from a base station in a wireless communication system which supports carrier aggregation, wherein said the method comprises the steps of: setting a first component carrier to a paused state; receiving state change information for the first component carrier via the second component carrier during the paused state of the first component carrier; and monitoring a control channel via the first component carrier if the state change information indicates a predetermined value. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for the method. |
| US08811281B2 |
Soft retention for call admission control in communication networks
Systems and methods are disclosed for receiving a request at a packet gateway to allocate a new bearer for a mobile device on a wireless telecommunications network; identifying, at the packet gateway, existing bearers that have a quality of service (QoS) that can be reduced without dropping the existing bearers; reducing, at the packet gateway, the QoS of the existing bearers; reclaiming resources at the packet gateway that were previously in use by the existing bearers; and allocating the new bearer for the mobile device using the reclaimed resources at the packet gateway without causing any of the existing bearers to be disconnected, wherein the existing bearers have a lower priority than the new bearer, and wherein the existing bearers have previously been designated as capable of being preempted. |
| US08811278B2 |
Low/high frequency shared leakage antenna, base station apparatus and close-range detection system using the antenna
The present invention provides a high/low frequency dual wireless location detection and information transmission system which is high in reliability and maintainability, and can be easily installed.A leakage coaxial inner conductor and a conductor line provided in parallel are short-circuited at an end, a single leakage coaxial operation and a loop operation of the inner conductor and the conductor line are performed at the same time, the ID of a tag is communicated using magnetic fields which locally exist near the conductor line by the loop, and wireless position detection and information communications which are less affected by the influence of ambient environments due to electromagnetic waves in a closed area are realized by open-type lines. |
| US08811274B2 |
Method for transmitting channel quality information based on differential scheme
A method for transmitting channel quality information based on a differential scheme is disclosed. When channel quality information of a predetermined number of sub-bands selected by a receiver in a frequency selective channel is transmitted, total average channel information is transmitted. Channel information of the selected sub-bands is transmitted as sub-band differential information associated with average channel information. In this case, the sub-band differential information may be denoted by a specific value contained in a differential-value range including only positive (+) values. If at least two channel quality information is transmitted by a MIMO system, channel quality information of one channel is transmitted, then channel quality information of the other channel is transmitted as spatial differential information. In this case, the spatial differential information is denoted by a specific value contained in a differential-value range asymmetrical on the basis of “0”. |
| US08811272B2 |
Method and network for WLAN session control
A network is provided comprising at least one access point and one access-controlling node whereby the identity of the station can be approved by the access controlling node. The at least one access-controlling node issues at least one Inter-Access Point Protocol message causing the access point with which the station is currently associated to disassociate the given station thereby terminating the access for the given station. |
| US08811265B2 |
Ad-hoc secure communication networking based on formation flight technology
An ad-hoc secure communication network and methods of communicating with a fleet of vehicles using the ad-hoc communication network is provided. The method includes communicating relatively long range communication signals to a fleet router. The fleet router is a select one of the vehicles in the fleet. The method further includes forming an ad-hoc communication network between the fleet vehicles to communicate relatively short range communication signals between the vehicles in the fleet. Wherein each vehicle in the fleet uses surveillance information to determine the network topology and each vehicle routes messages based on the discovered network topology. |
| US08811263B2 |
Method for sending an uplink control signal on a wireless communications system and a device therefor
Disclosed in a method whereby a terminal sends an uplink control signal on a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present invention comprises the steps of generating an uplink control signal, allocating uplink sending resources to the uplink control signal, and sending the uplink control signal to a base station; a time resource in the uplink transmission resources is divided into sub-frame units divided into two slots; at least one of the two slots comprises one reference symbol for transmitting a reference signal; and in the slot comprising the one reference symbol, at least one of a plurality of data symbols for transmitting data signals is dropped. |
| US08811259B2 |
Method for configuring Wireless Local Area Network in Wireless Metropolitan Area Network and wireless communication system supporting the same
A method for configuring a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) within a Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN) and a wireless communication system supporting the same are provided. A dual-mode terminal is used as a relay for relaying between the WMAN and the WLAN and the relay divides a total service period into a WMAN period and a WLAN period. For the WMAN period, the relay accesses the WMAN and implements a WMAN service and for the WLAN period, it accesses the WLAN and implements a WLAN service. |
| US08811256B2 |
Subframe processing method and device
A subframe processing method and device are disclosed. The subframe processing method includes: if data packets that are not received by an evolved NodeB (eNB) include at least two consecutive Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) data packets to be scheduled in a Dynamic Schedule Period (DSP) by the eNB, setting a subframe of the eNB that is used to transmit Dynamic Schedule Information (DSI) corresponding to the DSP to null. When the eNB finds that consecutive MBMS data packets are lost and/or that a type 0 Protocol Data Unit (PDU) group is lost, a subframe used to transmit the DSI may be set to null, thereby preventing the eNB from transmitting incorrect DSI which may interfere with other eNBs and cause incorrect data receiving of a user equipment (UE). |
| US08811254B2 |
Dynamic connection admission control to enforce service level agreements in multicast networks
A method for networked communications includes determining a group identifier associated with a received request for multicast data, determining an available upstream bandwidth and an available downstream bandwidth, adding an entry for the identified group into a multicast forwarding table, allocating bandwidth from the available upstream bandwidth and available downstream bandwidth, the allocated bandwidth corresponding to bandwidth required by the requested multicast data, and forwarding the received request to an upstream network destination. The method includes, if no response is received in response to the received request within a designated timeout period, removing the entry for the identified group in the multicast forwarding table, and restoring the allocated bandwidth to the available upstream bandwidth and available downstream bandwidth. |
| US08811253B2 |
Resource specification for broadcast/multicast services
Techniques for supporting multimedia broadcast/multicast services (MBMS) are described. In an aspect, resources used for MBMS services may be provided with a multi-tier structure. In the first tier, resources (e.g., subframes) used for a multicast control channel (MCCH) for MBMS services may be signaled in a system information block (SIB). In the second tier, resources (e.g., subframes) for channels carrying data for MBMS services may be signaled via the MCCH. In one design, a base station/cell may determine resources used to send a MCCH. The cell may generate a SIB comprising information indicative of the resources used to send the MCCH. The cell may send the SIB in a broadcast control channel (BCCH). The cell may send the MCCH on the resources indicated by the information sent in the SIB. The cell may send other channels carrying data for MBMS services based on information sent in the MCCH. |
| US08811249B2 |
Method for controlling transmission power, and apparatus for same
The present invention relates to a radio communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a signal transmission method in which a terminal transmits a signal in a radio communication system, said method comprising the steps of determining the transmission power for both a first channel and a second channel independently from one another; reducing at least the transmission power of the first channel or the transmission power of the second channel in consideration of a channel priority when the sum of the transmission power of the first channel and the transmission power of the second channel exceeds a maximum transmission power, and transmitting signals at the same time to a base station through the first channel and the second channel. |
| US08811248B2 |
Method for extending battery life in a wireless device
A method to extend battery life of a mobile device in a wireless network by means of specifying the wake-up condition at user level. |
| US08811247B2 |
Automating radio enablement to facilitate power saving
In an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein an apparatus comprising a wireless transceiver and a controller coupled to the wireless transceiver and configured to receive data via the wireless transceiver. The controller operates the wireless transceiver at a first power save state where the wireless transceiver can receive a frame but other circuits are de-energized. The controller is responsive to the wireless transceiver receiving a frame while the wireless transceiver is in a first power state to determine whether the frame is a predefined wakeup frame. The controller provides additional power to the wireless transceiver responsive to determining the frame is a predefined wakeup frame. |
| US08811244B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing radio access with delay in a wireless communication system
In one design, a method to change a network-assigning mechanism and to use a distributed UE-selecting mechanism with the minimum possible information transferred from the network to the UE is proposed. In particular, it provides mechanism to define a lower bound and an upper bound for the extended wait time. For instance, the method comprises transmitting a RRC connection request message to a network, wherein an establishment cause of the RRC connection request message is set to be delay tolerant or low priority; receiving information associated with a first wait time included in an RRC connection reject/release message from the network; and performing a radio access to the network with a delay which is determined based on a lower bound of the first wait time and a upper bound of the first wait time. |
| US08811242B2 |
Method and arrangement for providing a wireless mesh network
A method and an arrangement for providing a wire-free mesh network are provided. An approval procedure is carried out in situations in which a subscriber who is registering on the mesh network transmits an MAC address which already exists in the mesh network, such that two different subscribers within the mesh network never have identical MAC addresses. |
| US08811240B2 |
Techniques for resource allocation for stations in a FDD wireless network
Various example embodiments are disclosed herein. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include a controller, and a wireless transmitter coupled to the controller, the wireless transmitter configured to the wireless transmitter configured to transmit a Map message as part of a first group downlink (DL) region, the Map message allocating, to a full-duplex (FD) mobile station (MS), a first resource in a first group UL region and a second resource in a second group UL region. The transmitter may also be configured to transmit a dummy information element (IE), for example, as part of a second group DL region, the dummy information element (IE) reflecting at least the allocating to the FD MS of the second resource in the second group UL region. |
| US08811236B2 |
Interaction method and device between resource and admission control systems
The present invention relates to an interaction method and device between resource and admission control systems, which is applied in a case that a mobile user equipment accesses a network at a fixed network side and deploys a service of the fixed network, the method includes: the resource and admission control system of the fixed network performing, after receiving a resource request sent from an application function of the fixed network, an authorization check on the resource request, and interacting with the resource and admission control system of a mobile network to make the resource and admission control system of the mobile network perform another authorization check on the resource request; if both the authorization checks are passed, the resource and admission control system of the fixed network formulating final policy rules, and returning a resource response to the application function of the fixed network. The device comprises the resource and admission control system of the fixed network and the resource and admission control system of the mobile network. The method and device of the present invention can solve the resource and admission control problems when a mobile user equipment accesses the network at the fixed network side and deploys a service in the fixed network. |
| US08811234B2 |
System and method to provide differentiated routing in multi-hop multi-radio wireless networks
A method provides for differentiating usage permissions between different categories of communication traffic within a given network. The method includes ensuring one or more categories of traffic never transits communication radios, link, and/or spectrums dedicated to a different category of traffic. A combined routing metric is calculated using a scaling factor for discouraging usage of restricted communication links and encouraging usage of non-restricted communication links. |
| US08811232B2 |
Method for efficiently retrieving topology-specific data for point-to-point networks
Network topology codes are computed and used as keys to retrieve topology-specific information for isomorphic networks. |
| US08811228B2 |
Fully qualified domain name (FQDN) record optimization for network node selection
A device provides, to a domain name system (DNS), a request for candidate network nodes to which to connect, and receives, from the DNS and based on the request, a list of fully qualified domain names (FQDNs) for the candidate network nodes. The device truncates the FQDNs in the list of FQDNs to create a list of truncated FQDNs corresponding to the candidate network nodes, and stores the list of truncated FQDNs in a buffer associated with the device. |
| US08811227B2 |
Merging a stand-alone switch to a fibre channel network
A Fiber Channel (FC) switch and related methods are provided for merging the FC switch with an existing FC network. During a merge process of a stand-alone switch with an FC network, a first Exchange Fabric Parameters (EFP) frame is sent from the stand-alone switch to an FC switch in the existing FC network. The first EFP frame has an empty domain identifier (ID) list. The stand-alone switch receives a second EFP frame from the FC switch. The second EFP frame contains a domain ID list of domain IDs already in use in the FC network. The stand-alone switch compares the domain ID list in the second EFP frame with a stored list of one or more domain IDs associated with the stand-alone switch to determine if there is a domain ID overlap or conflict. If no conflict is detected, the stand-alone switch merges with the existing network without initiating a Build Fabric phase or a Principal Switch Selection phase that could cause disruption of traffic in the network. |
| US08811226B2 |
Management of routing topology in a network
In a packet communication network comprising a plurality of nodes connected by respective links according to a routing topology, ordered metrics are respectively associated with links each connecting two nodes together directly. On detection of a modification of the routing topology, at the level of a first node connected by a link to at least one second node, a timer value associated with the second node is determined. Next, the timer is set. Finally, on expiring of this timer, a topology update message is emitted destined for the second node. The timer value is provided by an increasing function taking as parameter the metric associated with said link connecting the first node to the second node, so that the larger the metric, the larger the timer value. |
| US08811224B2 |
Method and system for determining physical connectivity in a dynamic network
There are provided a system and a method of determining a physical connectivity of a new node connected to a dynamic communication network comprising a plurality of connecting nodes each comprising a plurality of ports. The method comprises: (a) responsive to automatically discovering a new node connected to the dynamic communication network, obtaining address data characterizing a network address of said discovered new node; (b) querying all known connecting nodes and generating a port dataset representing all ports thereof which have registered address data characterizing the network address of said discovered new node; (c) defining, by analyzing the generated port dataset, a port and respective connecting node which said discovered new node is directly connected to. |
| US08811219B2 |
Network-aware adapter for applications
Streams of data traffic from various applications may be handled by a network-aware adapter module as part of a greater platform for filtering communicating the streams to intelligent network components. A distinguishing factor associated with a given data stream may be determined and used as a basis for selecting a QoS policy setting for the given data stream. The selected QoS policy setting may then be signaled to a media access control layer to take advantage of the QoS function of the embedded underlying active media type that is active and optimal (both from technical and business perspective) to carry out the communication for the application. |
| US08811217B2 |
Long term evolution user equipment multi-packet data network parameter based connectivity control
A system is provided for concurrently connecting a plurality of packet data network gateways to a serving gateway. The system includes a processor configured to evaluate an operational parameter related to a set of network components to which the serving gateway and the packet data network gateways belong. The operational parameter limits a quantity of packet data network gateways to which the serving gateway concurrently connects. |
| US08811213B1 |
Avoiding satellite interference to long term evolution systems
A computer-implemented method, system, and computer-readable storage media for scheduling physical resource blocks are provided. Base stations, of a communication radio access network, may be configured with schedulers that assign one or more physical resource blocks to a communication channel of a wireless device based on distance or power. The physical resource blocks allow the wireless device to communicate with the base station. Some resource blocks may be monitored across multiple sites to determine whether an aggregate power for the resource blocks exceeds a threshold. When the aggregate power threshold is surpassed, the schedulers may limit or prevent use of the identified resource blocks. |
| US08811209B2 |
Communication device, computer readable recording medium, communication method and communication system
Determining and configuration a transmission period for a communication device may include transmitting measurement data to measure a relay period of a relay device in the network, where the relay period corresponds to an interval of relaying data to another communication device configured to connectable to network. Additionally, the communication device may receive result data indicative of the relay period of the relay device in response to the measurement data from the other communication device, determine the transmission period at which the communication device transmits data to the other communication device based on the relay period, and transmit data to the other communication device via the relay device based on the determined transmission period. |
| US08811204B2 |
Notifying method, and access control device
It is specified in a manner such that a frame containing a first period formed by a plurality of slots and a second period having a predetermined length is repeated. A detecting unit detects a slot, which is usable for the communications between a plurality of other terminal apparatuses, from among a plurality of slots in the first period of a frame containing the first period and the second period. A modem unit and an RF unit broadcast information on the detected slot. |
| US08811198B2 |
Pilot report based on interference indications in wireless communication systems
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate employing interference-overload indications to generate pilot strength reports that can be leveraged to mitigate reverse link interference. An affected base station can send interference-overload indications when experiencing a strong interference/jamming scenario due to reverse link transmission by an offending access terminal. The offending access terminal can monitor interference-overload indications from the affected base station (e.g., although the affected base station can be excluded from an active set of the offending access terminal) and send a pilot strength report to a serving base station in response. The serving base station can receive the interference induced pilot strength report and command the offending access terminal not to transmit on certain channel resources (e.g., time, frequency, spatial, . . . ); thus, the affected base station can use these resources to schedule transmission(s) by access terminal(s) served thereby. |
| US08811191B2 |
Iterative mapping methods for ingress mitigation in cable communication systems
Methods for reducing ingress in a neighborhood node of a cable communication system. The node includes a hardline cable plant and multiple subscriber service drops to convey upstream information from multiple subscriber premises over an upstream path bandwidth. A mobile broadcast apparatus equipped with a transmitter is directed along a drive path proximate to the hardline plant, and a test signal having a frequency falling within the upstream path bandwidth is broadcast along the drive path. Respective positions of the broadcast apparatus, and signal amplitudes at the test signal frequency representing test signal ingress in the node due to one or more hardline plant-related and/or subscriber-related faults, are recorded, and a neighborhood node ingress map is generated. Following remediation of one or more faults based on the map, the process is repeated to generate one or more additional iterations of the map to document a progression of ingress mitigation efforts. |
| US08811188B1 |
Protocol for secure and energy-efficient reprogramming of wireless multi-hop sensor networks
A protocol for optimizing the energy for code upload to sensors in a wireless sensor network and speeding up the dissemination if multiple sources of code are available. Energy optimization is achieved by equipping each node with limited non-local topology information, which it uses to determine the time when it can sleep since code is not being distributed in its vicinity. Another aspect of the invention is a protocol that facilitates secure upload of code in the wireless sensor network. The secure communication protocol divides the sensor field into control groups each with a control node, and manages data exchange between nodes within a control group through the mediation of a control head which provides the common key. The keys are refreshed periodically and the control nodes are changed periodically to enhance security. The protocol facilitates secure communication between sensor nodes despite the compromise of other nodes in the network. |
| US08811183B1 |
Methods and apparatus for multi-path flow control within a multi-stage switch fabric
In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a switch from a set of switches associated with a stage of a multi-stage switch fabric. The switch is configured to receive a data packet having a destination address of a destination device from a source device, and then store the data packet in a queue of the switch. The switch is configured to define a message based on the queue having an available capacity less than a threshold, and include a congestion root indicator in the message if the switch is a congestion root. The switch is then configured to send the message to the source device such that the source device sends another data packet having the destination address of the destination device to another switch from the set of switches and not to the previous switch if the message includes the congestion root indicator. |
| US08811179B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling packet flow in a packet-switched network
The disclosure provides an authentication network. In one embodiment the authentication network includes: (1) an authentication server for receiving authentication requests, (2) at least one network node for forwarding authentication requests from user devices to the authentication server, and (3) a flooding disabler in the at least one network node for selectively disabling the flooding of packets from the user device by the at least one network node. |
| US08811177B1 |
Method and system for implementing a network analysis tool for endpoints deployments
According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated computer implemented method and system for network analysis for endpoint deployment comprises determining whether a Quality of Service (“QoS”) analysis based on a QoS allocation data meets a first predetermined threshold for the location; if the QoS analysis does not meet the first predetermined threshold, calculating a minimum required bandwidth and increasing link capacity to at least the minimum required bandwidth or modifying an operation mode; determining whether a bandwidth analysis meets a second predetermined threshold for the location; if the bandwidth analysis does not meet the second predetermined threshold, calculating a minimum required bandwidth and increasing link capacity to at least the minimum required bandwidth; and providing analysis results to a user interface. |
| US08811173B2 |
Method of managing user traffic to prevent aggressive users from abusing network resources
In one embodiment, a plurality of queues are established corresponding to each of a plurality mobiles, respectively. Data packets associated with the plurality of mobiles are received at a network element. Each received data packet is assigned to a corresponding one of the plurality of queues. A determination operation is performed on a selected one of the plurality of queues to determine whether or not to send one or more packets of each queue from the network gateway element. The determination operation is performed based on a comparison between a packet size of a head packet and an adaptive transmission threshold value associated with the selected queue. The adaptive transmission threshold value is a value that is changed based on an amount data sent from the selected queue. The head data packet being an earliest received data packet in the selected queue. |
| US08811167B2 |
Shaping multimedia stream bit-rates to adapt to network conditions
An apparatus and methods are provided for shaping a transmit bit-rate of a multimedia stream to adapt to the bandwidth of network path on which the multimedia stream is sent between a source and destination. A condition indicative of a bandwidth of the network path is monitored, and at an intermediate point on the network path between the source and destination, the transmit bit-rate of the multimedia stream is adjusted to adapt to the condition indicative of the bandwidth of the path. |
| US08811158B1 |
Fast reroute for common network routes
In one example, a method includes identifying a plurality of common direct routes to computing devices that are associated with a common indirect route to the computing devices. The method also includes generating a direct route structure that is associated with an entry of a forwarding structure using a next hop list, wherein the next hop list comprises: (1) a reference that identifies the direct route structure, the direct route structure comprising a plurality of direct next hops associated with the common direct routes to computing devices, (2) and an indirect next hop associated with an indirect next hop to the computing devices. The method also includes configuring the next hop list to use the direct route structure to route network data. The method also includes forwarding, by the computing device, network data according to the forwarding structure and the direct route structure. |
| US08811154B2 |
Packet forwarding system, packet forwarding device, proxy device, computer readable medium storing program, and control method of packet forwarding device
A first packet forwarding device is able to form a redundancy group with another packet forwarding device, and is configured to switch master and backup operation with the another packet forwarding device in a complementary manner. The first packet forwarding device is further configured to switch a first operation mode and a second operation mode in the backup operation, the first operation mode monitoring a control packet transmitted regarding the redundancy group from the another packet forwarding device that performs the master operation, and the second operation mode not monitoring the control packet. A proxy device is configured to monitor the control packet on behalf of the first packet forwarding device when the first packet forwarding device is in the second operation mode, and to control switching between the first and second operation modes of the first packet forwarding device based on monitor result of the control packet. |
| US08811153B1 |
Switch fabric for network devices
In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a network device, including: an input port; an output port; a switch fabric including a primary fabric, an auxiliary fabric, and a controller; and a distributor configured to obtain, from the input port, a first data unit, provide the first data unit to the primary fabric, determine, after the first data unit is transmitted to the primary fabric, that the primary fabric is congested, send, in response to determining that the primary fabric is congested, a request to the controller to establish a data path through the auxiliary fabric, obtain, from the input port and after sending the request, a second data unit, provide the second data unit to the auxiliary fabric, where the auxiliary fabric transmits the second data unit to the aggregator through the data path in the auxiliary fabric. |
| US08811146B2 |
System and method for the placement of rank information in a physical uplink shared channel
A wireless communication network comprising a plurality of base stations capable of wireless communication with a plurality of subscriber stations within a coverage area of the network, wherein at least one of the plurality of base stations is capable of selecting two or more orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in a subframe of a physical uplink shared channel, the two or more OFDM symbols are selected starting from the bottom of the physical uplink shared channel in a bottom-up manner, and repeating one or more rank information (RI) coded bits in each of the selected two or more OFDM symbols. |
| US08811145B2 |
Detection method and apparatus for multiple-input multiple-output single carrier block transmission system
The present invention discloses a detection method, a receiver, and an apparatus in a multiple-input multiple-output single-carrier block transmission system. Through sorted QR decomposition (Sorted QR Decomposition, SQRD) decomposition based on a minimum mean squared error (Minimum Mean Squared Error, MMSE) criterion, an matrix inverse operation in minimum mean squared error equalization is avoided, and complexity is significantly reduced. In addition, through layer-by-layer soft interference cancellation detection after the SQRD decomposition and further iterative processing, better detection performance may be obtained. Especially, inter-stream interference suppression may be performed in first iteration. Compared with a conventional parallel iterative soft interference cancellation detection algorithm, with the same number of times of iteration, especially under the limit that a receiver can only support a small number of times of iteration, the inter-stream interference suppression has more evident advantages, and an advantage in the aspect of cost performance is very obvious. |
| US08811141B2 |
OFDM/OFDMA frame structure for communication systems
An OFDM/OFDMA frame structure technology for communication systems is disclosed. The OFDM/OFDMA frame structure technology comprises a variable length sub-frame structure with efficiently sized cyclic prefixes and efficient transition gap durations operable to effectively utilize OFDM/OFDMA bandwidth. Furthermore, the frame structure provides compatibility with multiple wireless communication systems. An uplink frame structure and a downlink frame structure are provided. |
| US08811140B2 |
Recordable optical disc, recording device, and recording method
The present invention is to realize a proper inner zone layout in a quadruple-layer disk.A test area is provided in the inner zone (inner circumference side area) in each of recording layers. If two test areas closer to the outer circumference, of four test areas, are defined as a first pair and two test areas closer to the inner circumference are defined as a second pair, the test areas of the first pair and the test areas of the second pair are so disposed as to be prevented from overlapping with each other in the layer direction. Two test areas of the first pair have the same consumption direction of the test area, and are so disposed that the areas to be used next hardly overlap with each other in the layer direction. Two test areas of the second pair have the same consumption direction of the test area opposite to the consumption direction of the test area in the first pair, and are so disposed that the areas to be used next hardly overlap with each other in the layer direction. |
| US08811136B2 |
Harmonic ratio based defect classifier
The disclosure is directed to a system and method for detecting and classifying at least one media defect. A periodic pattern is written to a medium to yield at least one waveform. The magnitude of the waveform is compared against a defect threshold to detect the presence or absence of media defects in the medium. When at least one defect is detected, a magnitude for each of at least two harmonics of the waveform is determined in the defect range. The defect is classified by comparing a ratio of the magnitudes of the at least two harmonics against a classification threshold. |
| US08811133B2 |
Writing system, writing device, and writing method
A writing-system comprises a first and a second writing-device, and is connected to an information-processor-apparatus that obtains unwritten-data from the first and the second writing-devices when a notification is received, the notification indicating that the unwritten-data is generated while writing data on a recording-medium used by either of the writing-devices, wherein the first writing-device comprises a first writing-unit, when the unwritten-data is generated while writing data on a recording-medium, transmits to the information-processor-apparatus, dummy information for inhibiting the unwritten-data to be obtained by the information-processor-apparatus, and writes the unwritten-data to a memory-unit, the recording-medium and the memory-unit are included in a cartridge accommodated in the first writing-device, and the second writing-device comprises a second writing-unit that writes, on the recording-medium, the unwritten-data stored in the memory-unit when the cartridge is moved from the first writing-device to the second writing-device. |
| US08811129B1 |
Absorption enhanced media for energy assisted magnetic recording
A magnetic recording media is disclosed. The media comprises a substrate, a recording layer disposed over the substrate, and a metallic layer disposed between the recording layer and the substrate. The recording layer is configured to receive an electromagnetic radiation, absorb a first portion of the electromagnetic radiation, and transmit a second portion of the electromagnetic radiation. The metallic layer comprises a non-magnetic metal and configured to reflect at least some of the second portion of the electromagnetic radiation towards the recording layer. |
| US08811128B1 |
Generating surface plasmons using electrical current
A device comprises a near field transducer (NFT) and electrodes configured to at least one of generate or enhance surface plasmons in the NFT by passing electrical current through a portion of the NFT. |
| US08811121B2 |
Watch with an integrated chromatic tuner
A portable timepiece includes at least one hand for displaying the minutes and hours and an electronic unit for the chromatic tuning of an instrument. The electronic unit includes an acoustic signal sensor and a means of processing the received electro-acoustic signal. At least one of the hands of the timepiece displays data relative to the received electro-acoustic signal. |
| US08811120B2 |
Systems and methods implementing frequency-steered acoustic arrays for 2D and 3D imaging
Frequency-steered acoustic arrays transmitting and/or receiving multiple, angularly dispersed acoustic beams are used to generate 2D and 3D images. Input pulses to the arrays are generally non-linear, frequency-modulated pulses. Frequency-steered acoustic arrays may be provided in one-dimensional linear and two dimensional planar and curvilinear configurations, may be operated as single order or multiple order arrays, may employ periodic or non-periodic transducer element spacing, and may be mechanically scanned to generate 2D and 3D volumetric data. Multiple imaging fields of view may generated in different directions by switching the polarity of phase-shifted array transducer elements. Multiple frequency-steered arrays arranged in an X-configuration provide a wide, contiguous field of view and multiple frequency steered arrays arranged in a T-configuration provide orthogonally oriented fields of view. Methods and systems for operating acoustic arrays in a frequency-steered mode in combination a mechanical beam steering mode, electronic time-delay and phase shift beam forming modes, and phase comparison angle estimation modes are also provided. |
| US08811107B2 |
Storage device, control method of storage device, and control method of storage control device
Memory cell regions as units of erasing operation are sectors S, and units of reading operation and/or writing operation are blocks B0 to B3 in a sector, in which a block address BA for selecting one of blocks B0 to B3 is held in block address buffer (BAB) 3. Holding operation is executed prior to reading or writing operation, and hence in subsequent reading operation or writing operation, re-input is not needed. Depending on the held block address BA, any one of selection signals YDn (n=0 to 3) is selected, and any one block is selected depending on the selection signal YDn. This state is maintained until the block address BA held in the block address buffer (BAB) 3 is rewritten, and therefore it is not required to enter or decode the block address BA on every occasion of reading and/or writing operation, so that the access operation can be executed promptly and at low current consumption. |
| US08811106B2 |
Device and method for protecting data in non-volatile memory
Disclosed is a non-volatile memory data protecting device and method. The non-volatile memory data protecting device that is used for protecting non-volatile memory data when a power is shut down in a system, may include a signal delay unit to delay a drop in voltage of an input/output line, a power shutdown sensor to sense power shutdown of a system, and a controller to control the signal delay unit in response to whether the system is shut down. |
| US08811105B2 |
Information processing system including semiconductor device having self-refresh mode
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor device having first and second operation modes. In the first operation mode, the semiconductor device deactivates a DLL circuit during a self-refresh mode. In the second operation mode, the semiconductor device intermittently activates the DLL circuit to generate an internal clock signal. |
| US08811102B2 |
Multiple read port memory system with a single port memory cell
An improved multi-port register file system and method of operating. The multi-port register file memory system comprises: n single memory bit cells each storing a data value and having a single bit cell write port and a single read port connecting a respective local bit line, wherein corresponding parallel activated single bit cells output a stored data value in parallel at n read port outputs to a respective local bit line of n local bit lines, each single bit cell accessed in parallel according to a decoded read address signal. A receiver device is provided implementing n selection logic devices corresponding to n read ports, each selection logic device receiving each the n local bit line output values from the n single bit cells, and implementing logic based directly on the decoded read address signal to select a respective local bit line output as a global output bit. |
| US08811094B2 |
Non-volatile multi-level memory device and data read method
A non-volatile memory device, a data read method thereof and a recording medium are provided. The method includes receiving a data read command for a first word line in a memory cell array, reading data from a second word line adjacent to the first word line, and reading data from the first word line using a different voltage according to a state of the data read from the second word line. The number of read voltages used to distinguish an erased state and a first programmed state is greater than the number of read voltages used to distinguish a second programmed state and a third programmed state. |
| US08811091B2 |
Non-volatile memory and method with improved first pass programming
A nonvolatile memory with a multi-pass programming scheme enables a page of multi-level memory cells to be programmed with reduced floating-gate to floating-gate perturbations (Yuping effect). The memory cells operate within a common threshold voltage range or window, which is partitioned into multiple bands to denote a series of increasingly programmed states. The series is divided into two halves, a lower set and a higher set. The memory cells are programmed in a first, coarse programming pass such that the memory cells of the page with target states from the higher set are programmed to a staging area near midway in the threshold window. In particular, they are programmed closer to their targeted destinations than previous schemes, without incurring much performance penalty. Subsequent passes will then complete the programming more quickly. Yuping effect is reduced since the threshold voltage change in subsequent passes are reduced. |
| US08811085B2 |
On-device data analytics using NAND flash based intelligent memory
A NAND Flash based content addressable memory (CAM) is used for a key-value addressed storage drive. The device can use a standard transport protocol such as PCI-E, SAS, SATA, eMMC, SCSI, and so on. A host writes a key-value pair to the drive, where the drive writes the keys along bit lines of a CAM NAND portion of the drive and stores the value in the drive. The drive then maintains a table linking the keys to location of the value. In a read process, the host provides a key to drive, which then broadcasts down the word lines of blocks storing the keys. Based on any matching bit lines, the tables can then be used to retrieve and supply the corresponding data to the host. The system can be applied to perform a wide range of analytics on data sets loaded into the NAND array. |
| US08811084B2 |
Memory array with power-efficient read architecture
Various embodiments comprise apparatuses and methods including a three-dimensional memory apparatus having upper strings and lower strings. The upper strings can include a first string of memory cells and a second string of memory cells arranged substantially parallel and adjacent to one another. The lower strings can include a third string of memory cells and a fourth string of memory cells arranged substantially parallel and adjacent to one another. The strings can each have a separate sense amplifier coupled thereto. The first and third strings and the second and fourth strings can be configured to be respectively coupled in series with each other during a read operation. Additional apparatuses and methods are described. |
| US08811073B2 |
Magnetic device, and method for reading from and writing to said device
A magnetic device includes a reference layer, the magnetization direction of which is fixed, and a storage layer, the magnetization direction of which is variable. In a write mode, the magnetization direction of the storage layer is changed so as to store a “1” or a “0” in the storage layer. In a reading mode, the resistance of the magnetic device is measured so as to know what is stored in the storage layer. The magnetic device also includes a control layer, the magnetization direction of which is variable. The magnetization direction of the control layer is controlled so as to increase the effectiveness of the spin-transfer torque in the event writing to the storage layer is desired, and to decrease the effectiveness of the spin-transfer torque in the event reading the information contained in the storage layer, without modifying the information, is desired. |
| US08811072B2 |
Magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) package including a multilayer magnetic security structure
A magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) package may include an MRAM die, a package defining a cavity and an exterior surface, and a magnetic security structure disposed within the cavity or on the exterior surface of the package. The MRAM die may be disposed in the cavity of the package, and the magnetic security structure may include at least three layers including a permanent magnetic layer and a soft magnetic layer. |
| US08811071B2 |
Method of writing to a spin torque magnetic random access memory
A method includes destructively reading bits of a spin torque magnetic random access memory and immediately writing back the original or inverted values. A detection of the majority state of the write back bits and a conditional inversion of write back bits are employed to reduce the number of write back pulses. A subsequent write command received within a specified time or before an original write operation is commenced will cause a portion of the write back pulses or the original write operation pulses to abort. Write pulses during subsequent write operations will follow the conditional inversion determined for the write back bits during destructive read. |
| US08811069B2 |
Memory device and systems including the same
The memory device includes a memory cell array, an access control circuit configured to access the memory cell array, a control signal generation circuit configured to generate a control signal for controlling an operation of the access control circuit, and a variable delay circuit configured to generate a delay signal by variably delaying a clock signal according to an external signal. The control signal generation circuit adjusts an activation timing of the control signal in response to the delay signal. |
| US08811068B1 |
Integrated circuit devices and methods
An integrated circuit can include SRAM cells, with pull-up transistors, pull-down transistors, and pass-gate transistors having a screening region positioned a distance below the gate and separated from the gate by a semiconductor layer. The screening region has a concentration of screening region dopants, the concentration of screening region dopants being higher than a concentration of dopants in the semiconductor layer. The screening region can provide an enhanced body coefficient for the pull-up transistors to increase a read static noise margin of the SRAM cell when a bias voltage is applied to the screening region. Related methods are also disclosed. |
| US08811065B2 |
Performing error detection on DRAMs
Large capacity memory systems are constructed using multiple groups of memory integrated circuits or chips. The memory system includes one or more interface circuits for interfacing between the multiple groups of memory integrated circuits and a memory controller. The interface circuit may detect and/or recover failed data using error-checking information stored in a memory integrated circuit. |
| US08811064B2 |
Semiconductor memory device including multilayer wiring layer
The memory capacity of a DRAM is enhanced. A semiconductor memory device includes a driver circuit including part of a single crystal semiconductor substrate, a multilayer wiring layer provided over the driver circuit, and a memory cell array layer provided over the multilayer wiring layer. That is, the memory cell array overlaps with the driver circuit. Accordingly, the integration degree of the semiconductor memory device can be increased as compared to the case where a driver circuit and a memory cell array are provided in the same plane of a substrate containing a singe crystal semiconductor material. |
| US08811060B2 |
Non-volatile memory crosspoint repair
A device for use with a memory cross-point array of elements, each of which comprises a selection device in series with a state-holding device, in one embodiment includes a controller, configured to apply at least one voltage and/or current pulse to a selected one or more of the elements, said selected one or more of the elements including a partially- or completely-shorted selection device, so that said partially- or completely-shorted selection device passes enough current so as to damage its corresponding state-holding device and place said corresponding state-holding device in a highly resistive state, while any other selection device that is not partially- or completely-shorted passes less current so that the state-holding device corresponding to said other selection device remains unaffected. Additional systems and methods are also presented. |
| US08811057B1 |
Power reduction circuit and method
A method of reducing leakage current in a memory circuit is disclosed (FIG. 8A). The method includes connecting a first supply voltage terminal (VDD) to a bulk terminal of a transistor in an active mode of operation. The method further includes detecting a low power mode (SLEEP) of operation of the transistor and disconnecting the first supply voltage terminal from the bulk terminal in response to the step of detecting. |
| US08811056B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
According to an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including a memory array provided on a substrate, and a control circuit provided on a surface of the substrate between the substrate and the memory array, includes steps of forming, in an insulating layer covering a p-type semiconductor region and an n-type semiconductor region of the control circuit, a first contact hole communicating with the p-type semiconductor region; forming a contact plug, in contact with the p-type semiconductor region, within the first contact hole; forming, in the insulating layer, a second contact hole communicating with the n-type semiconductor region; and forming an interconnection contacting the contact plug and the n-type semiconductor region exposed within the second contact hole. |
| US08811053B2 |
Semiconductor memory device, method of controlling read preamble signal thereof, and data transmission system
A semiconductor memory device, includes a clock terminal provided to receive a clock signal, a data terminal provided to transfer a data therethrough in synchronization with the clock signal, a strobe terminal provided to be related in the data terminal and to transfer a strobe signal therethrough, a command terminal provided to receive a command that communicates the data with an outside thereof, and an address terminal provided to be supplied an information specifying a length of a preamble of the strobe signal from an outside of the semiconductor memory device, prior to communicating the data. |
| US08811051B2 |
Current convertor
The current convertor comprises a current converting device and a combinative plug. The current converting device comprises a casing and a current converting module arranged in the casing. The casing has at least one track extended from an outer surface of the casing along a sliding direction. The combinative plug comprises an insulating body and a conductive pin set disposed on the insulating body. The insulating body has a quick releasing portion conformed in shape to the track. The quick releasing portion is detachably sliding on the track of the casing along the sliding direction for maintaining the relative position between the current converting device and the combinative plug and for establishing electrical connection between the conductive pin set and the current converting module. |
| US08811049B2 |
Method and apparatus for distributed power generation
A method and apparatus for generating AC power. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a DC/AC inversion stage capable of generating at least one of a single-phase output power, a two-phase output power, or a three-phase output power; and a conversion control module, coupled to the DC/AC inversion stage, for driving the DC/AC inversion stage to selectively generate the single-phase output power, the two-phase output power, or the three-phase output power based on an input power to the DC/AC inversion stage. |
| US08811048B2 |
Medium voltage variable frequency driving system
The present invention provides a medium voltage variable frequency driving system, including a three-phase switch-mode rectification module, a multilevel inverter and a high-capacity capacitor module. The three-phase switch-mode rectification module is coupled with a three-phase electrical grid, for converting an AC voltage input with a fixed operating frequency on the three-phase electrical grid into a DC voltage. The multilevel inverter is used for converting the DC voltage into an AC voltage with a required variable frequency, so as to drive an induction motor. The high-capacity capacitor module is coupled between the three-phase switch-mode rectification module and the multilevel inverter, for temporarily storing the DC voltage. In the present invention, a three-phase switch-mode rectification technology is used at the front-end rectifier, and a diode-clamped three-level inverter is adapted correspondingly at the rear-end inverter. |
| US08811047B2 |
Solar power conditioning unit
The present invention relates to a power conditioning unit for delivering power from a dc power source to an ac output, particularly ac voltages greater than 50 volts, either for connecting directly to a grid utility supply, or for powering mains devices independent from the mains utility supply. We describe a power conditioning unit for delivering power from a dc power source to an ac mains output, the power conditioning unit comprising an input for receiving power from said dc power source, an output for delivering ac power, an energy storage capacitor, a dc-to-dc converter having an input connection coupled to said input and an output connection coupled to the energy storage capacitor, and a dc-to-ac converter having an input connection coupled to said energy storage capacitor and an output connection coupled to said output, wherein said energy storage capacitor has a capacitance of less than twenty microfarads. |
| US08811045B2 |
Circuits and methods for controlling power converters including transformers
A circuit includes a transformer and a controller. The transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding, and operates in multiple switching cycles. A switching cycle includes a charging period and a discharging period. During the charging period, the transformer is powered by the input voltage and a current flowing through the primary winding increases. During the discharging period the transformer discharges to power the load and a current flowing through the secondary winding decreases. The controller includes a pin that receives a first feedback signal indicating the input voltage during the charging period and receives a second feedback signal indicating an electrical condition of the secondary winding during the discharging period. The controller generates a first control signal and a second control signal to regulate the input voltage and an output current flowing through the load, respectively. |
| US08811043B2 |
Switching regulator capable of suppressing inrush current and control circuit thereof
The present invention discloses a switching regulator, including: a power stage including at least one power transistor which switches according to a switch control signal to convert an input voltage to an output voltage; a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generator generating a PWM signal according to the output voltage; an over current detection circuit comparing a current sensing signal with a reference signal to generate an over current signal indicating whether an over current is occurring; and a signal adjustment circuit adjusting the PWM signal or a clock signal to generate the switch control signal for controlling an ON time of the power transistor of the power stage. |
| US08811041B2 |
Power supply, controller thereof and control method for controlling power supply
A power supply includes a first circuit, a second circuit, a feedback circuit and a controller. The first circuit has a first switch, and the second circuit has a second switch. The first circuit transforms an input voltage to a middle voltage, and the second circuit transforms the middle voltage to an output voltage. The feedback circuit electrically connects to the controller and the output voltage respectively. The controller includes a first sub-control unit and a second sub-control unit. The first sub-control unit electrically connects to the first switch and the second sub-control unit electrically connects to the second switch. The controller generates a compensation voltage signal for the first sub-control unit and the second sub-control unit to control the first switch and the second switch. |
| US08811037B2 |
Adaptive driver delay compensation
Peak current in a switching converter is controlled using a closed loop to compensate for error caused by delay time in the switching transistor and control logic. A reference value is established that represents a target current value. A compensated reference value is derived from the reference value by the closed loop. A periodic inductor current is formed in the switching converter in response to the compensated reference value. An error signal is formed that is indicative of an amount of time the inductor current exceeds the target current value. The compensated reference value is dynamically adjusted by the compensation closed loop to minimize the error signal. |
| US08811036B2 |
Electronic device and frame member
A frame member (130) includes a bottom plate part (132) facing the lower surface of a display device (110), a wall part (133) extending upwardly from an edge part of the bottom plate part (132), and a top plate part (134) extending from an upper edge part of the wall part in a horizontal direction. An aperture (131) into which a wiring member (120) connected to the display device (110) is inserted is formed between the wall part (133) and the top plate part (134). The frame member (130) retains and supports the display device (110). |
| US08811033B2 |
Structure and method for mounting protection panel with touch input function
A mounting structure includes a protection panel (1) with a touch input function for protecting an electronic device display window, mainly formed of the protection panel body made of a resin plate, and a panel fitting portion (32a) of an exterior housing (32) into which the protection panel (1) is fitted from outside so that an outer face of the protection panel (1) is in the same plane as a portion of the exterior housing surrounding the outer face. In this structure, nut mounting holes are formed in a back side rim portion of the protection panel body and nuts (33) each having a female thread formed in an inner periphery thereof are attached to the respective nut mounting holes, and male screws (34) are screwed into the respective female threads of the nuts (33) through through-holes (32b) formed in the panel fitting portion (32a) of the exterior housing (32). |
| US08811028B2 |
Semiconductor device and circuit board
A semiconductor device for mounting on a wiring board includes: a container for containing a semiconductor chip; and a plurality of leads, each of the plurality of leads includes a mount connection portion at one end for the semiconductor device to be connected to the wiring board, wherein the plurality of leads includes first leads and second leads, a signal transmission rate of the first leads is higher than that of the second leads, and the mount connection portion of each of the first leads is smaller than that of each of the second leads. |
| US08811025B2 |
Connector
A connector ejects a tray along an eject direction opposite to an insert direction along which the tray is inserted. The connector comprises an eject bar movable along the insert direction, a lock portion movable in a width direction perpendicular to the insert direction, and a stopper. The lock portion moves along the insert direction when the eject bar moves along the insert direction. When the inserted tray is pulled along the eject direction, the tray is brought into abutment with the lock portion. The lock portion in the abutment moves in the width direction to be stopped by the stopper so that the tray is prevented from being ejected. When the eject bar is moved along the insert direction, the lock portion is brought into abutment with the tray. In this case, the lock portion moves in the width direction without being stopped so that the tray is ejected. |
| US08811019B2 |
Electronic device, method for producing the same, and printed circuit board comprising electronic device
An electronic device comprising an electrically conductive core layer with a first layer composed of electrically conductive material, the first layer being applied on both sides and with at least one electronic component arranged in a cutout of the first layer, wherein the first layer is covered in each case with an electrically insulating, thermally conductive layer and a further layer composed of electrically conductive material is provided in each case on the thermally conductive layer, the further layer being coated in each case with a covering layer composed of electrically conductive material, and furthermore having plated-through boles composed of the material of the covering layer, which extend through the electrically insulating, thermally conductive layer covering the electronic component and the further layer composed of electrically and thermally conductive material for the purpose of making contact with the electronic component. |
| US08811012B2 |
Slim-type portable device
A slim portable device is provided in which a main body includes a main Printed Circuit Board (PCB), an information Input/Output (I/O) device disposed on the main PCB in parallel relation with the main PCB, an antenna disposed along a partial frontal periphery of the information I/O device, and at least one battery disposed substantially co-planar with the main PCB. |
| US08811011B2 |
Notebook computer having foldable device
A notebook computer includes a display device, a main body, a pivoting component, and a foldable device. The display device includes a connection end. The pivoting component is pivoted to the connection end. The foldable device includes two arm components, each arm component includes a first supporting pole and a second supporting pole. Each first supporting is rotatably connected to the main body. Each second supporting pole is rotatably connected between the pivoting component and the first supporting pole. |
| US08811005B2 |
Clutch features of a portable computing device
A portable computing device can include one or more clutch assemblies that can include a conductive elastomer configured to contact at least a portion of the clutch assembly of the portable computing device. The conductive elastomer can be configured to also contact at least one region of the base portion of the portable computing device. In one embodiment, the conductive elastomer can be disposed on the clutch assembly. The conductive elastomer can enhance an electrical coupling between two or more regions of the base portion, especially in the region near the conductive elastomer and the clutch assembly. The enhanced coupling can increase a performance of an electrical shield provided by the two or more regions of the base portion. |
| US08811003B1 |
Keyboard support member for a computing device
A computing device may include a base assembly defining an opening, and a keyboard assembly including a plurality of keys. The keyboard assembly may be disposed within the opening of the base assembly. The computing device may include a keyboard support member having a lattice structure defining a plurality of openings. The keyboard support member may be configured to secure the keyboard assembly to the base assembly within the opening defined by the base assembly such that the plurality of keys fit within the plurality of openings defined by the lattice structure. |
| US08810991B2 |
Safety isolation systems and methods for switching DC loads
Safety isolation systems and methods adapted for switching DC electrical power applications, including high voltage DC, are provided. A contactor is in series with a solid state DC switch and a switching circuit controls the operation of the contactor and the solid state DC switch. Mirror contacts may be added to the system that are capable of providing a reliable indication about the open/closed status of the main contacts of the contactor. |
| US08810989B2 |
DC pass filter using flat inductor in cavity
Various embodiments relate to a base station element and related method of suppressing an alternating-current (AC) portion of a signal. A base station element includes a filter capable of lightning suppression through the use of an LC filter that suppresses an AC portion of a received signal while passing a DC portion of the signal. The LC filter includes a flat inductor disposed in a cavity of the base station. The flat inductor may be connected to other electrical components disposed in the cavity of the base station to complete the electrical circuit. In some embodiments, the flat inductor may be produced from one material through photo-etching and may also include snap in or snap on connectors on one or both ends to enable galvanic contact with other components like a tap pin or a printed circuit board (PCB) without requiring attachment through soldering. |
| US08810974B2 |
Magnetic sensor stack body, method of forming the same, film formation control program, and recording medium
The present invention is directed to align crystal c-axes in magnetic layers near two opposed junction wall faces of a magnetoresistive element so as to be almost perpendicular to the junction wall faces. A magnetic sensor stack body has, on a substrate, a magnetoresistive element whose electric resistance fluctuates when a bias magnetic field is applied and, on sides of opposed junction wall faces of the magnetoresistive element, field regions including magnetic layers for applying the bias magnetic field to the element. The magnetoresistive element has at least a ferromagnetic stack on a part of an antiferromagnetic layer, and width of an uppermost face of the ferromagnetic stack along a direction in which the junction wall faces are opposed to each other is smaller than width of an uppermost face of the antiferromagnetic layer in the same direction. |
| US08810970B2 |
Suspension substrate, suspension, and manufacturing method of suspension substrate
A main object of the present invention is to provide a suspension substrate capable of supplying electric power easily to an assisting element fitted thereto. The object is attained by providing a suspension substrate comprising a metal supporting substrate, an insulating layer formed on the metal supporting substrate, and a wiring layer formed on the insulating layer, wherein the metal supporting substrate has, in a recording element mounting region for mounting a recording element, an opening for arranging and fitting thereinto a heat assisting element, wherein the wiring layer has a heat assisting wiring layer having a terminal section for supplying electric power directly to the heat assisting element. |
| US08810968B2 |
Slider with lubricant control features
A slider that minimizes lubricant accumulation includes bearing surfaces that provide above ambient fluid pressure, a cavity located between two bearing surfaces and at least one step feature that is spaced apart from the bearing surfaces and is located in and protrudes from a floor of the cavity at a height that is less than a height of the bearing surfaces. The at least one step feature includes surfaces configured to diverge and converge airflow in the cavity. |
| US08810965B2 |
Magnetic head, head gimbal assembly and disk drive unit with the same, and manufacturing method thereof
A magnetic head includes a slider substrate having a trailing edge and multiple bonding pads arranged on the trailing edge in a row. Each of the bonding pads includes a seed layer adhered to the trailing edge and electrically connected with the slider substrate, a soldering layer formed on the seed layer and adapted for connecting with a suspension, and at least one solder nonwettable layer adhered to the trailing edge and connected with at least one side of the seed layer. The structure of the magnetic head is simple and stable, which can prevent the bonding pads bridging and shorting-circuit. An HGA and a disk drive unit with the same, a manufacturing method for the magnetic head are also disclosed. |
| US08810958B2 |
Base plate having filter fixing protrusion for hard disk drive and hard disk drive including the same
A base plate for a hard disk drive including a disk accommodating part on which a disk having data stored therein is disposed; a head seating part formed to be lower than a position of the disk accommodating part and including a head driver disposed thereon providing driving force to a read-write head reading the data stored on the disk and writing data thereto; a filter seated on the disk accommodating part and collecting foreign objects from air flowing during rotation of the disk; and a filter fixing protrusion formed by exerting pressure on a bottom surface of the disk accommodating part in a predetermined position to allow the predetermined position to protrude, and fixing the filter. |
| US08810954B1 |
Disk storage apparatus, write control apparatus and write control method
According to one embodiment, a disk storage apparatus includes a magnetic head and a controller. The controller determines at regular intervals whether a recording density of a write signal belongs to a low-density region or a high-density region with reference to a reference density. In addition, the controller relatively reduces a current to energize a high-frequency-assisted element at a timing of the low-density region to be less than a current of the high-density region, in accordance with the low-density region or the high-density region in recording the data. |
| US08810952B2 |
Head transducer with multiple resistance temperature sensors for head-medium spacing and contact detection
A head transducer, configured to interact with a magnetic recording medium, includes a first sensor having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and configured to produce a first sensor signal, and a second sensor having a TCR and configured to produce a second sensor signal. One of the first and second sensors is situated at or near a close point of the head transducer in relation to the magnetic recording medium, and the other of the first and second sensors spaced away from the close point. Circuitry is configured to combine the first and second sensor signals and produce a combined sensor signal indicative of one or both of a change in head-medium spacing and head-medium contact. Each of the sensors may have a TCR with the same sign (positive or negative) or each sensor may have a TCR with a different sign. |
| US08810950B1 |
Data sequence detection in band-limited channels using two stream detector architecture
A method for data sequence detection includes generating a first sample stream, equalizing the first sample stream to generate a first equalized sample stream, and buffering the first equalized sample stream. The first sample stream is interpolated to generate a second sample stream. The second sample stream is equalized to generate a second equalized sample stream. In a first processing path, the samples of the buffered first equalized sample stream are filtered using a first noise predictive filter bank to generate a first set of noise sample streams. In a second parallel processing path, the samples of the buffered first equalized sample stream are interpolated using a second interpolation filter to generate an interpolated sample stream and the interpolated sample stream is filtered to generate a second set of noise sample streams. The first equalized sample stream and the second equalized sample stream are processed to generate adapted filter coefficients for the second interpolation filter. The first and second set of noise sample streams are diversity combined to generate a set of combined noise sample streams. A data sequence is detected using the set of combined noise sample streams. |
| US08810945B2 |
Vibration detection and control of storage device and storage system
A storage device includes a processor, a vibration detecting sensor that detects a vibration, a plurality of disk drives, and a disk control device that causes the processor to perform an operation of generating a vibration for a disk drive selected from among the plurality of disk drives so that the generated vibration vibrates in a cycle that is shorter than a cycle of the vibration detected by the vibration detecting sensor. |
| US08810944B1 |
Dynamic buffer size switching for burst errors encountered while reading a magnetic tape
In one embodiment, a system includes a processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor, the logic configured to: read data from a data storage medium, detect an error condition in data read from the data storage medium, determine how to allocate a ring buffer into a first portion and a second portion, the ring buffer being allocated for processing normal read and/or write requests, divide the ring buffer into the first portion and the second portion, wherein the first portion is allocated for processing normal read and/or write requests, and wherein the second portion is allocated for processing ERP requests, perform ERP on the data using the second portion of the ring buffer, determine that the ERP has been completed, and unify the ring buffer after the ERP is completed and allocate an entirety of the ring buffer for processing normal read and/or write requests. |
| US08810937B1 |
Compensating asymmetries of signals using piece-wise linear approximation
A system including a first circuit, a second circuit, an amplifier, and a summer. The first circuit is configured to (i) select a first portion of a signal, and (ii) generate a first compensation for asymmetry in the first portion of the signal using a first function, where the first function is a modulus function. The second circuit is configured to (i) select a second portion of the signal, and (ii) generate a second compensation for asymmetry in the second portion of the signal using a second function, where the second function is different than the first function. The amplifier amplifies the signal and provides an amplified output. The summer is configured to add (i) the first compensation, (ii) the second compensation, and (iii) the amplified output, where (i) the first circuit, (ii) the second circuit, and (iii) the amplifier are connected in parallel to the summer. |
| US08810934B2 |
Positioning method for an optical arrangement of a projection illumination system
The present disclosure relates to a method for the production and/or adjustment of an optical arrangement of a projection illumination system, in which at least one actuator is used to set the position of at least one optical element to be manipulated by moving the optical element incrementally with a specific increment size. The increment size of the movement increments is set as a function of the distance of the optical element from the desired position, with the distance being represented by a distance value. If the distance value is above a first threshold value, a substantially constant increment size is set, while the specific increment size decreases as the distance from the desired position decreases if the distance value is below the first threshold value. Alternatively or additionally, a pre-specified deviation from the specific increment size and/or from a pre-specified increment size change rate results in a warning signal and/or ceasing of the movement. |
| US08810929B2 |
Imaging lens unit
Disclosed herein is an imaging lens unit, including: a first lens having a positive (+) power; a second lens having a negative (−) power; a third lens selectively having one of a positive (+) and negative (−) power; a fourth lens having a negative (−) power; and a fifth lens having a negative (−) power, wherein the first lens, the second lens, the third lens, the fourth lens, and fifth lens are arranged in order from an object to be formed as an image, and the fourth lens is concave toward an image side. |
| US08810926B2 |
Imaging lens
Disclosed herein is an imaging lens. The imaging lens according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a first lens having positive (+) power and having both sides formed to be convex, a second lens having negative (−) power and formed to be concave toward a top side, a third lens having positive power and having both sides formed to be convex, a fourth lens having positive (+) power and formed to be convex toward a top side, and a fifth lens having negative (−) power and formed to be concave toward the top side, wherein the first lens, the second lens, the third lens, the fourth lens, and the fifth lens are disposed in order from an object side. |
| US08810922B2 |
Fixed focal length optical lens architecture providing a customized depth of focus optical system
Providing for a fixed focus optical system exhibiting extended depth of field is provided herein. By way of example, a compact and fast optical system that yields an asymmetric modulation transfer function (MTF) is disclosed. In some aspects, the asymmetric MTF results in extended depth of field for near field objects. Such a response can be particularly beneficial for small handheld cameras or camera modules having high resolution. According to some disclosed aspects, the resolution can be about 8 mega pixels. Additionally, the optical system can comprise four lenses in one aspect and five lenses in another, while remaining below about 5.3 mm total track length (TTL) for the respective systems. In at least one application, the disclosed optical systems can be employed for a high resolution compact camera, for instance in conjunction with an electronic computing device, communication device, display device, surveillance equipment, or the like. |
| US08810919B2 |
Camera module
An apparatus and method for auto focusing camera module includes a DFoV value measurer measuring a DFoV value of a lens; storage stored with a designed DFoV value of a lens, a controller comparing the DFoV value of a lens measured by the DFoV value measurer with the designed DFoV value of a lens stored in the storage to recognize an initial position of a lens, and a lens mover focusing the lens by winding the lens or by unwinding the lens in response to the initial position of the lens recognized by the controller. |
| US08810915B2 |
Optical arrangement of autofocus elements for use with immersion lithography
A lithographic projection apparatus includes a projection system having a last element from which an exposure light is projected onto a wafer through liquid in a space under the last element. A light incident surface of the last element has a convex shape. A liquid retaining member is disposed adjacent to a surface of the last element through which the exposure light does not pass. The liquid retaining member has an undersurface under which liquid is retained. A gap is formed between the liquid retaining member and the surface of the last element, the gap being in fluidic communication with the space. The liquid is retained between the last element and the undersurface of the liquid retaining member on one side and an upper surface of the wafer on the other side. The liquid locally covers a portion of the upper surface of the wafer. |
| US08810914B2 |
Collimating optical device and system
There is provided a light-guide, compact collimating optical device, including a light-guide having a light-waves entrance surface, a light-waves exit surface and a plurality of external surfaces, a light-waves reflecting surface carried by the light-guide at one of the external surfaces, two retardation plates carried by light-guides on a portion of the external surfaces, a light-waves polarizing beamsplitter disposed at an angle to one of the light-waves entrance or exit surfaces, and a light-waves collimating component covering a portion of one of the retardation plates. A system including the optical device and a substrate, is also provided. |
| US08810912B2 |
Erecting equal-magnification lens array plate, optical scanning unit, image reading device, and image writing device
An erecting equal-magnification lens array plate includes a first lens array plate and a second lens array plate provided opposite to each other, each of the first and second lens array plates being formed with a plurality of lenses on both sides thereof. The first lens array plate is provided with a first lens-to-lens distance determining part. The second lens array plate is provided with a second lens-to-lens distance determining part. The distance between opposite lenses is determined by the contact between the first lens-to-lens distance determining part and the second lens-to-lens distance determining part. |
| US08810911B2 |
High color saturation light controller and lighting device therefor
A highly color saturated light modulator includes a transparent substrate, printed image layer and a protection layer on the printed surface. The degree of color saturation of images on the modulator is greater than 40% and overall transmission between 15% and 95%. Lighting devices with the light modulator can be designed to meet desired light emitting intensity and direction by integrating micro-structures to the transparent substrate. |
| US08810909B2 |
Tensioned projection screen apparatus
A projection screen apparatus is disclosed for displaying an image projected by a projector. The projection screen apparatus includes a frame and a screen. The frame includes a plurality of frame members and corner members. |
| US08810908B2 |
Binoculars with micromirror array lenses
The binoculars of the present invention comprise two optical units; one optical unit for each eye. Each optical unit comprises a first reflector element and a second reflector element, wherein at least one of the reflector elements is a micromirror array reflector. The binoculars of the present invention provide focusing and/or zoom functions without or with minimal macroscopic mechanical lens movement. |
| US08810906B2 |
Illumination device for a microscope
The invention relates to an illuminating device for a microscope with an illumination magazine comprising a plurality of light emitting units. A mechanical illuminator changer can change the light emitting unit currently active in the operative position. A filter magazine having a plurality of filter units is present, wherein a mechanical filter changer for changing the filter unit currently in the active operative position is associated with the filter magazine. At least one mechanical coupling component is provided for cooperation with the filter changer and the illuminator and for uniquely assigning each filter unit to a specific light emitting unit. |
| US08810900B2 |
Generation of higher harmonics of monochromatic electromagnetic radiation
Various methods and systems are provided for generation of higher harmonics of monochromatic electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment, among others, a system includes a double array of planar structures including a first periodically structured planar structure having a periodic spacing corresponding to a resonant frequency and a second periodically structured planar structure in parallel with the first structure. The system also includes a source configured to illuminate the first structure with a beam of monochromatic electromagnetic radiation at the resonant frequency to produce a higher harmonic of the monochromatic electromagnetic radiation. In another embodiment, a method includes directing a beam of monochromatic electromagnetic radiation at a resonant frequency at a double array of planar structures and generating a higher harmonic of the monochromatic electromagnetic radiation. The double array includes a first periodically structured planar structure and a second periodically structured planar structure in parallel with the first structure. |
| US08810898B2 |
Micro-cup substrate preparation method and display device thereof
Disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure is a preparation method of a micro-cup substrate and a display device thereof, involving the electrophoretic display field, simplifying the process and reducing the cost. The micro-cup substrate preparation method comprises assembling together a bottom substrate and a surface-hydrophilized cover to form a substrate cell; pouring into the substrate cell a solution dissolved with UV-polymerizable monomer(s) and photoinitiator; UV-irradiating the substrate cell through a patterned photomask plate to allow the UV polymerizable monomer(s) in the translucent region to be subject to UV cross-linking polymerization, thereby enabling the bottom substrate to form a micro-cup substrate with a micro-cup structure, and removing the cover and the solvent to obtain the micro-cup substrate. |
| US08810891B2 |
Deformable mirror with distributed stiffness, tool and method for producing such a mirror
The present disclosure relates to a deformable mirror including a deformable membrane with a reflecting face and an opposite face, a stiff plate and a structure of at least one actuator at least a part of which is fixed to the stiff plate and able to locally deform the membrane, wherein the deformable mirror also includes a not necessarily uniform adhesive layer against the opposite surface of the membrane, and a structure of at least one flexible coupling including a mechanical connection and upper and lower linking means coupling respectively the upper and lower ends of the mechanical connection to the adhesive layer and to the stiff plate. The disclosure also relates to a tool and a method making it possible to produce such a mirror. |
| US08810886B2 |
Method for reducing speckle pattern in display images
A display system includes a coherent light source that can emit a coherent light beam, a de-speckling device configured to distort a wavefront of the coherent light beam to produce a distorted coherent light beam, and a two-dimensional array of light modulators that can selectively modulate the distorted coherent light beam to select a plurality of pixels for display. |
| US08810885B2 |
Coated article and method for making the same
A coated article is described. The coated article includes a substrate; and a photochromic layer formed on the substrate. The photochromic layer is a titanium layer doped with metal element ‘M’. The element ‘M’ is selected from a group consisting of nickel, iron, and chromium. A method for applying the photochromic layer to the substrate is also described. |
| US08810883B2 |
Electrowetting display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
An electrowetting display apparatus includes a first substrate including a first electrode that receives a gray-scale voltage and a second electrode insulated from the first electrode and receiving a reference voltage, a second substrate, a fluid layer, and a color filter. The color filter has a first thickness in an area corresponding to the first electrode and a second thickness in an area corresponding to the second electrode, and the first thickness is larger than the second thickness. Accordingly, a cell gap of the electrowetting display apparatus is reduced, and color reproducibility of the electrowetting display apparatus is improved without sacrificing brightness. |
| US08810882B2 |
Display pixels, displays, and methods of operating display pixels
Electrofluidic and electrowetting display pixels, electrofluidic and electrowetting displays, and methods of operating electrofluidic and electrowetting display pixels. The pixel includes a hydrophobic channel formed between first and second substrates and containing a polar fluid and a non-polar fluid, of which at least one is visible through at least one substrate. An electrode with a dielectric is electrically connected to a voltage source. A Laplace barrier defines a fluid pathway for fluid movement in the channel. The polar fluid moves a first position when the voltage source is biased at a first voltage of less than or equal to a threshold voltage to provide a first display state. The polar fluid moves to a second position when the voltage source is biased with a second voltage, greater than the first voltage, to provide a second display state. |
| US08810881B2 |
Micro structure, micro actuators, method of fabricating micro structure and micro actuators
A method for fabricating a micro-structure is provided, which can simply and easily fabricate the micro-structure by a batch process of directly forming a highly aligned nano-material array on a micro-structure to be used as an adhesive material during plastic deformation of the micro-structure without the use of existing complicated fabrication process. |
| US08810873B2 |
Scanner assembly
A scanner assembly comprising the following components. A scan module having a first surface and configured to receive an image oriented along the first surface. A carriage having a thickness no thicker than a thickness of the scan module perpendicular to the first surface, the carriage configured to receive the scan module and to move the scan module in a direction of travel. A v-bearing coupled to the carriage proximate to one end of the carriage and protruding from the carriage in a direction perpendicular to the first surface. A scan base having a groove and configured to receive the v-bearing. A belt drive configured to move the v-bearing in the groove of the scan base. |
| US08810871B2 |
Image reading apparatus and cleaning sheet
An image reading apparatus including a feed mechanism configured to feed a sheet member; a scanner including a reading portion and being configured to read an image on a surface of the sheet member in synchronism with the feeding of the sheet member by the feed mechanism; a cleaning sheet comprising a single sheet including a cleaning portion configured to clean the reading portion, and a reference portion configured to be used in evaluating contamination of the reading portion; an evaluator configured to evaluate the contamination of the reading portion based on read data pertaining to an image of the reference portion of the cleaning sheet read by the scanner; and a controller configured to control the feed mechanism to execute a cleaning operation in which the cleaning sheet is fed so that the cleaning portion cleans the reading portion based on the evaluation of the evaluator. |
| US08810869B2 |
Image reading apparatus, image forming apparatus, image reading method and computer readable information recording medium
An image reading apparatus includes a reading part reading front and back sides of an original; a storage part storing the thus read images and plural processing parameters to be used for image processing; and an image processing part carrying out the image processing on the read images using the plural processing parameters. The image processing part analyzes an image transfer instruction that is an instruction to transmit the read image from the first storage part to the image processing part, and determines which of the processing parameters is to be used for the read image; and transfers the determined processing parameter by a direct memory access transfer method. The processing parameter concerning the read image is transferred from the first storage part to the image processing part by the direct memory access transfer method prior to the image processing of the read image by the image processing part. |
| US08810859B2 |
Dot growth system and method
The present disclosure relates to a method and system for processing isolated dots of an image to be printed by a printer. The method includes generating a random number, determining whether a target pixel is to be turned on and enabled for printing, determining a sum of pixels surrounding the target pixel in a plurality of pixels in a scanline of the image, the target pixel corresponding to an isolated dot in an input image, that are in an on state, the on state defined by a higher binary logic level relative to a binary logic level corresponding to a turned off pixel, determining a numerical value stored in a lookup table using the determined sum of pixels that are in the turned on state surrounding the target pixel as an index to the lookup table, and comparing the generated random number to the determined numerical value. |
| US08810853B2 |
Optimizing a line width of bar codes printed by variable printing
A print data processing apparatus 4 includes a page data creating apparatus 1 and a rasterization processing apparatus 2. The page data creating apparatus 1 includes, as functional elements thereof, a common object defining unit 11, an allocating condition setting unit 12, a correction information embedding unit 13, and a page data generating unit 14. The rasterization processing apparatus 2 includes, as functional elements thereof, an analyzing unit 20 having a correction information searching unit 21 and a resolution acquiring unit 22, a correcting unit 23, and a raster data generating unit 25. |
| US08810848B2 |
Image forming apparatus for selecting pages for N-up printing
There is described an image processing apparatus, which makes it possible not only to eliminate the deterioration of the perceptibility, but also to determine the pages being suitable for applying the predetermined image processing. The control section determines specific pages, being suitable for applying a predetermined image processing, based on the attributes detected by the detecting section, so as to apply the predetermined image processing to the specific pages. On the other hand, the control section applies image processing, including a variable power processing, to both the partial image area and the partial character area by employing different magnification factors, so as to generate a size-changed partial image area and a size-changed partial character area, and to arrange both of them into a predetermined imaginary area being smaller than an area of the original image, so as to accommodate them within the predetermined imaginary area. |
| US08810844B2 |
Workflow construction apparatus, workflow construction method and recording medium
A workflow construction apparatus, comprising: a memory; a unit process register to store and register settings of unit processes that are workflow components classified by functions, in said memory; a constructer to construct a workflow by combining indications that each specifies one of said registered settings of unit processes; and a workflow register to store and register said constructed workflow with the indications that specify said combination, in said memory. |
| US08810842B2 |
Printing system, printer, and non-transitory computer-readable medium storing printing control program
A printer includes a storage portion, a printing portion, and a processor. The processor is configured to control the printer to cause the storage portion to store job identification information and device identification information that have been received from the device, cause the printing portion to perform printing based on the printing data that have been received from the device, specify a printing result for the printing job and transmit a result information record to the device that has transmitted a request command. The result information record includes the specified printing result and also includes the job identification information and the device identification information that are stored in the storage portion, to the device that has transmitted a request command. |
| US08810839B2 |
Information processing apparatus for transferring image data, server apparatus for receiving transferred image data, and control methods and storage media therefor
An information processing apparatus that makes it easy for a user to input an image from an image input apparatus. The information processing apparatus executes a search script received from a server apparatus to thereby obtain identification information for identifying the image input apparatus, transfers the identification information to the server apparatus, and executes a scan script sent from the server apparatus in reply to the identification information to thereby display a scan setting screen. The information processing apparatus transmits to the server apparatus a scan setting message when scan settings are made on the screen, receives a scan job message transmitted from the server apparatus in reply to the scan setting message, gives a scan job command to the image input apparatus to cause the image input apparatus to execute scanning, and transfers image data received from the image input apparatus to the server apparatus. |
| US08810838B2 |
Nontransitory storage medium storing information processing program, information processing device, and information processing method
A nontransitory storage medium storing an information processing program to be executed by an information processing device, the program being designed to have the device function as: a display controlling section for controlling a display portion to display icon images; a transmission controlling section for controlling a transmitting portion to transmit user-selected targeted data among data corresponding to the icon images; an obtainment controlling section for controlling an obtaining portion to obtain converted data created by an external device based on the targeted data; and a storage controlling section for storing reduced-size image data created using the targeted data, into a storage portion such that the reduced-size image data is associated with the targeted data. For each data with which the reduced-size image data is associated, the display portion displays a reduced-size image corresponding to the reduced-size image data as an icon image. |
| US08810837B2 |
Scanning system, printing system, service providing system, and control method
A scanning system comprises a server, scanner, and terminal, the server including: a reception unit configured to receive a scan setting and a start instruction from one of the scanner and the terminal; a storage unit configured to store the scan setting and to issue the identification information; a determination unit configured to determine which of the scanner and the terminal has transferred the scan setting and the start instruction; and a processing unit configured, when the determination unit determines that the scanner has transferred the scan setting and the start instruction, to transfer the scan setting and the start instruction to the scanner, and when the determination unit determines that the terminal has transferred the scan setting and the start instruction, to cause the storage unit to store the scan setting and to transfer, to the scanner, identification information indicating the stored scan setting. |
| US08810833B2 |
Image processing device and image forming apparatus
An image processing device includes a body that has a first connection portion and a second connection portion inside the body; an image processing board that is electrically connected to the first connection portion, the image processing board performing image processing; a functional board that is disposed so as to cover a part of the image processing board on one side of the image processing board; a side panel attached to the image processing board at a position opposite to the first connection portion, the side panel being a part of a side surface of the body; and an extension board disposed so as to cover another part of the image processing board on the same side as the functional board with respect to the image processing board, the extension board being electrically connected to the second connection portion and independently attachable to and removable from the image processing board. |
| US08810832B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method for controlling the apparatus
The present invention provides a technology allowing a user to selectively print a web page for a mobile terminal or for a PC. To accomplish this, an image processing apparatus connected to a mobile terminal and a web server accepts designation information, which designates how a web page is printed, when both a first web page for a mobile terminal and a second web page for a non-mobile terminal are present in the web page, receives page information containing the URL of the first web page from the mobile terminal, obtains the second web page corresponding to the first web page from the web server, and executes any one of printing of the first web page, printing of the second web page, and printing of both the first web page and the second web page, according to the accepted designation information. |
| US08810831B2 |
Print control apparatus, image forming apparatus and computer readable medium storing program
A print control apparatus includes: a setting unit that sets a determination condition for adding authentication information necessary for performing print processing based on received print data; a determination unit that determines whether or not the received print data matches the determination condition set by the setting unit; and an adding unit that, if it is determined by the determination unit that the print data matches the determination condition, adds the authentication information to the print data. |
| US08810830B2 |
System and method for scheduling a print job
In one example, the system discloses a profiler which calculates a “time-to-print” a first print job and a “time-to-process” a second print job. A scheduler schedules the second print job, for printing after the first print job, if the “time-to-process” the second print job is≦the “time-to-print” the first print job. In one example, an article discloses instructions to predict a “time-to-print” a first print job, a “time-to-process” a second print job, and then schedule the second print job, for printing, if the “time-to-process” the second print job is≦the “time-to-print” the first print job. In one example, the method discloses receipt of a set of print jobs having a first printing schedule, and then re-scheduling the print jobs so as to ensure that a next print job from the set is ready for printing right after a prior print job from the set has finished printing. |
| US08810827B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus which is capable of preventing wasteful transmission of metadata. Metadata is registered in advance in association with a type of a transmission destination of an image data. When transmitting the image data, metadata associated with the type of the transmission destination of the image data is determined, and the image data and the determined metadata are transmitted to the transmission destination. |
| US08810823B2 |
Image reading device, an image forming apparatus, and methods for detecting dirt in document reading positions
An image reading device includes a changed-pixel detection unit and a determination unit. The changed-pixel detection unit detects, from image data read by the image reading unit, a changed pixel having a pixel value that differs from that of an adjacent pixel in the main scanning direction. The pixel value may differ by more than a predetermined value. The changed-pixel detection unit detects the position of the changed pixel in the main scanning direction. The determination unit determines that image data corresponding to positions of the changed pixel for the image data obtained by reading the document corresponds to a foreign image. The positions are consecutive in the sub-scanning direction. The positions of the changed pixel are detected for the image data obtained by reading the document and the image data obtained by reading the white guide member. |
| US08810820B2 |
Active printing system and method for printing based on image size
A system and method for printing an image on a medium whose dimensions are determined based on the size of the image are disclosed herein. A system includes a processor and a printing software system including an—Active Printing System (“APS”) configured to execute on the processor. The APS receives from an application program invoking the APS a size of an image to be printed and returns to the application program a set of dimensions within which the image is to be printed on a selected print media. The set of dimensions is determined based, at least in part, on the size of the image. |
| US08810817B2 |
Storage medium in which information processing program is stored, information processing apparatus, and information processing system
An information processing program stored in a computer readable storage medium is usable for an information processing apparatus which is configured to communicate with a plurality of devices, which includes a first storage section, in which a driver and a plurality of pieces of port information are stored, and which instructs a control objective device, a port information of which is stored in the first storage section, to execute a function thereof. The program makes the apparatus execute steps including: a receiving step for receiving a status information from the control objective device; a first identifying step for identifying the control objective device; a second identifying step for identifying an alternative device operable by the driver for the control objective device; and a first storage step for storing a port information of the alternative device in the first storage section. |
| US08810813B2 |
Print document processing system, cache apparatus, computer readable medium storing program, and print document processing method
A print document processing system includes a cache apparatus and plural data processing apparatuses. Each data processing apparatus includes an image data creating unit and a reservation request transmission unit. The cache apparatus includes a cache memory, a memory, and an area reservation unit. The image data creating unit creates image data for each document element of print document data. The memory stores use condition information and cache priority of the document element for each document element. Upon receipt of a reservation request for reserving a storage area for image data of a first document element from a data processing apparatus, the area reservation unit reserves the storage area by selecting a second document element, which has a lower cache priority than the first document element and which is currently being used by any of the data processing apparatuses, as a document element to be evicted from the cache memory. |
| US08810812B2 |
Method and system for consolidating and managing rendering jobs
A system and method for consolidating and managing rendering jobs. A folder can be automatically created based on a system username associated with a user upon receiving a personal rendering job and/or a secure rendering job with respect to a rendering device such as, for example, a printer or MFD. The subsequent rendering jobs that are transmitted from that user to the rendering device can be collected in the folder. An authentication process can be performed if the folder includes the secure rendering job in order to authenticate the user. The authentication process can be automatically skipped and the folder can be directly accessed if the folder does not include the secure rendering job. The authentication process can be optionally bypassed if the folder includes both the personal and the secure rendering jobs. |
| US08810808B2 |
Determination of optimal diameters for nanowires
Methods of optimizing the diameters of nanowire photodiode light sensors. The method includes comparing the response of nanowire photodiode pixels having predetermined diameters with standard spectral response curves and determining the difference between the spectral response of the photodiode pixels and the standard spectral response curves. Also included are nanowire photodiode light sensors with optimized nanowire diameters and methods of scene reconstruction. |
| US08810800B2 |
Dimensional probe and methods of use
Disclosed is a surface sensing apparatus, one embodiment having a source of coherent radiation capable of outputting wavelength emissions to create a first illumination state to illuminate a surface and create a first speckle pattern, an emission deviation facility capable of influencing the emission to illuminate the surface and create a second illumination state and a second speckle pattern, and a sensor capable of sensing a representation of the first and a second speckle intensity from the first and second speckle pattern. Also disclosed are methods of sensing properties of the surface, one embodiment comprising the steps of illuminating the surface having a first surface state with the source of coherent radiation emission, sensing a first speckle intensity from the surface, influencing a relationship of the surface to the emission to create a second surface state and sensing a second speckle intensity from the surface at the second surface state. |
| US08810798B2 |
Method and apparatus for real-time determination of spherical and non-spherical curvature of a surface
The present invention provides for an apparatus for measuring a curvature of a surface of a wafer in a multi-wafer epitaxial reactor. |
| US08810789B2 |
Thin layer chromatography-surfaced enhanced Raman spectroscopy chips and methods of use
The present disclosure includes methods of simultaneous analyte separation and detection using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active ultra thin layer chromatography (UTLC) chips. The SERS-active UTLC chips of the present disclosure are used to physically separate compounds within a mixture, which are then identified based on their unique SERS spectra. |
| US08810785B2 |
Mask inspecting method
A mask inspecting method includes the following steps. A processing parameter is defined. An incident light is decided by the processing parameter. At least a portion of the incident light is emitted to and passes through a first position and a second position of a first area of a mask, to detect a first parameter and a second parameter respectively corresponding to the first position and the second position, and then the variation of the first parameter and the second parameter is compared. Additionally, at least a portion of the incident light is emitted to and passes through a third position and a fourth position of a second area of a mask, to detect a third parameter and a fourth parameter respectively corresponding to the third position and the fourth position, and then the variation of the third parameter and the fourth parameter is also compared. |
| US08810784B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining a thickness profile of an ophthalmic lens using a single point thickness and refractive index measurements
This invention provides for a method and an ophthalmic lens thickness profile measuring apparatus. More specifically, the apparatus which is capable of measuring the ophthalmic lens in a precursor state after it is free-formed on an optic forming mandrel on which it can be formed. Additionally, the present invention can also allow for a design profile of the formed ophthalmic lens to be compared to the resulting free-formed ophthalmic lens to ensure it meets specified convergence design criteria. |
| US08810782B2 |
Dispersion measurement apparatus using a wavelet transform to determine a time difference based on indentified peaks
A dispersion measurement apparatus includes: a pulse generator to output optical pulses including an optical pulse with a first wavelength and an optical pulse with a second wavelength to an optical transmission path, the second wavelength being different from the first wavelength; a reception pulse analyzer including an optical receiver that receives the optical pulses output by the pulse generator, and an analyzer that performs a wavelet transform on an electrical pulse output through the reception performed by the optical receiver; and a calculator to detect, based on a result of the wavelet transform, a time difference between the optical pulse with the first wavelength and the optical pulse with the second wavelength, and to determine dispersion in the optical transmission path. |
| US08810781B2 |
Device and method for measuring vaporization-melt ratio
A detection device is described for measuring the vaporization-melt ratio, the device including a light source, a first and second optical lens group, a slit, a first and second steering mirror, a first and second primary mirror, a glass container, a colored blade, and a high-speed recording analyzer. The first primary mirror and the second primary mirror are symmetrically placed at both ends of the glass container. The first optical lens group is located between the light source and the slit. The second optical lens group is located between the colored blade and the high-speed recording analyzer. The first steering mirror is installed behind the slit, passing the light from the slit to the first primary mirror. The light reflected by the second primary mirror is passed to the colored blade from the second steering mirror located between the second primary mirror and the colored blade. |
| US08810776B2 |
Mask and optical filter manufacturing apparatus including the same
A mask and an optical filter manufacturing apparatus including the same are provided. A mask used for a roll-to-roll process of forming patterns in a base film configured to move along a curved surface includes a mask body having a curved surface disposed opposite a roll around which the base film is wound and a plane surface corresponding to the reverse side of the curved surface. The curved surface of the mask body is disposed a predetermined distance apart from a curved surface of the roll. The mask and optical filter manufacturing apparatus enable formation of uniform patterns on the base film to enhance the quality of products and precisely attain the properties of the base film. |
| US08810774B2 |
Exposure apparatus and device fabrication method
The present invention provides an exposure apparatus including an obtaining unit configured to obtain data of a first imaging position at which light from a first pattern having, as a longitudinal direction thereof, a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis of a projection optical system forms an image via the projection optical system, and data of a second imaging position at which light from a second pattern having, as a longitudinal direction thereof, a second direction which is not parallel to the first direction and is perpendicular to the optical axis forms an image via the projection optical system, when the first pattern and the second pattern are respectively placed on an object plane of the projection optical system, and a control unit configured to control a stage so that a substrate is positioned at a target position of the substrate along the optical axis. |
| US08810773B2 |
Lithographic method and apparatus
A lithographic method includes controlling a phase adjuster of a lithographic apparatus, the phase adjuster being constructed and arranged to adjust a phase of an electric field of a radiation beam traversing an optical element of the phase adjuster, and controlling a signal provided to the phase adjuster that results in an actual time-temperature characteristic of a portion of the optical element, the control being undertaken with reference to a desired time-temperature characteristic of a portion of the optical element, the control of the signal being such that a change in the actual time-temperature characteristic precedes a related change in the desired time-temperature characteristic. |
| US08810771B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
Liquid is supplied to a space between the projection system of a lithographic apparatus and a substrate. A flow of gas towards a vacuum inlet prevents the humid gas from escaping to other parts of the lithographic apparatus. This may help to protect intricate parts of the lithographic apparatus from being damaged by the presence of humid gas. |
| US08810766B2 |
Method and device for producing contact copies
A method and a device are described for producing copies/replica of a volume reflection hologram wherein a holographic film (4) is guided over a drum with polygon cross-section having at least two planar (polygon) master surfaces (3) to each of which at least one master (7) is attached in the circumferential direction, where the film is brought into contact with at least one master hologram (7) and its entire surface is exposed to laser. It is essential that to at least one of the master surfaces (5) with the film guided over it, a laser exposure unit (22) is assigned which allows full exposure of the respective master surface to parallel, coherent laser beams (6), and that the at least one exposure unit (22) follows section wise the rotational movement of the drum by a splitting angle with equal velocity and exposes the corresponding master surface (5) to then be reset quickly again and perform the same angular displacement and exposure together with the next master surface. In this manner, a highly productive multiplication even of large reflection holograms in high quality is possible. |
| US08810763B2 |
Pixel electrode structure of display device
A pixel electrode structure of a display device is discussed. According to an embodiment, the pixel electrode structure includes a plurality of sub pixel electrodes disposed substantially in parallel in the pixel region, wherein the sub pixel electrodes have progressively greater widths and progressively greater spaces therebetween starting from one side of the pixel region to the other opposite side of the pixel region. |
| US08810762B2 |
Display device equipped with touch sensor
Disclosed is a display device that has a light detecting element (D1) disposed in a pixel region (1), an opening (a through hole) (19a) formed in an insulating film (19) that is disposed above the light detecting element (D1), and a transparent electrode (20) formed in the opening (19a), and that can reduce occurrence of leakage between the transparent electrode (20) and other wiring line (SL). Specifically disclosed is a display device that has an active matrix substrate (100) in which a first wiring line (SL) and a second wiring line (GL) are formed so as to cross each other, and a light detecting element (D1) disposed on a pixel region (1) in the active matrix substrate (100). The display device has a first insulating film (17) formed between the first wiring line (SL) and the second wiring line (GL), a second insulating film (19) disposed on the first insulating film (17), and a transparent electrode (20) formed above the light detecting element (D1) so as to enter a through hole (19a) formed in the second insulating film (19). The first wiring line (SL) has a discontinuous section at a part adjacent to the light detecting element, and both ends of the discontinuous section are electrically connected to each other through an auxiliary wiring line (16) disposed in the same layer as that of the second wiring line (GL). |
| US08810760B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel
A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel is provided. A pixel structure of the LCD panel has an asymmetrical liquid crystal alignment. The LCD panel is divided into an array of display blocks. When the LCD panel is in a narrow viewing angle display mode, some of the display blocks are disabled or darkened so that a displayed image is interfered by the disabled or darkened display blocks when it is viewed from the side. Thereby, an anti-peep effect is achieved. |
| US08810758B2 |
Dual-function alignment layer for liquid crystal devices to improve degradation resistance to radiation
A liquid crystal alignment layer both offers a surface to which the liquid crystal molecules align, and maintains conductive properties required for the liquid crystal molecules to be manipulated by an applied electrical field. Advantages of the alignment layer offer reduced device degradation and improved stability under conventional or high intensity radiation, and also simplify the liquid crystal display or device construction. |
| US08810757B2 |
Liquid crystal display device including a light-blocking member
A liquid crystal display device of the present invention comprises an array substrate equipped with signal lines and scan lines deployed in a matrix arrangement, thin film transistors (TFTs) provided near the intersections of the signal lines and scan lines, and pixel electrodes of which one is provided in each of the pixel domains delimited by the signal lines and scan lines; a color filter substrate on which are formed color filters and common electrodes; and a liquid crystal layer placed between said two substrates; wherein the pixel electrodes are positioned so as not to overlap the signal lines, or not to overlap the scan lines, or not to overlap either, when viewed from above, and below the spaces between adjacent pixel electrodes, resin black matrices are deployed so as to overlap the pixel electrodes when viewed from above. |
| US08810753B2 |
Liquid crystal device and electronic apparatus
A liquid crystal device includes: a liquid crystal layer; a first substrate and a second substrate between which the liquid crystal layer is sandwiched; a reflective layer operable to reflect light which is incident thereon from the second substrate side through the liquid crystal layer; a plurality of optical layers disposed on the side opposite to the first substrate with reference to the second substrate; and a plurality of light-scattering layers which are each disposed in at least one of a region between the second substrate and the optical layers and a region between two mutually proximate ones of the optical layers and which each show relatively larger forward scattering and relatively smaller back scattering. |
| US08810749B2 |
Backlight sources having reduced thickness and liquid crystal display device using the same
A backlight source and a thinning method for the same are provided. The backlight source includes: a solid state light source array having a plurality of solid state light sources distributed on the base, a light transmitting unit arranged above the solid state light source array, and a plurality of light adjusting units arranged between the solid state light source array and the light transmitting unit. The plurality of the light adjusting units is arranged above the plurality of solid state light sources to reflect the shallow angle incident light from the solid state light source, thus changes the light intensity distribution of the output light through the light transmitting unit from the solid state light sources from Lambertian distribution to main sides emission. |
| US08810748B2 |
Liquid crystal display with light emitting diode backlight assembly and liquid crystal display thereof
A light emitting diode (“LED”) backlight assembly. The LED backlight assembly has a bottom container which has a bottom plate and a side edge surrounding the bottom plate, a plurality of light emitting diode printed circuit boards (“LED-PCBs”) on the bottom plate, and a connector which is closely located to edge located LEDs. The connector of the LED-PCB is closely located to an LED driving board, which is disposed at a lateral space of a lateral part of the bottom container to limit a vertical thickness of the backlight light assembly. |
| US08810744B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display panel is disclosed. The liquid crystal display panel includes: a first substrate with a conductive layer formed on one surface thereof; a color filter layer including a plurality of color filters formed on the conductive layer; a conductive light shielding layer formed between the plurality of color filters; a second substrate with a pixel array formed on one surface thereof; and a liquid crystal layer filled between the conductive light shielding layer and the pixel array, wherein the conductive layer is electrically short-circuited with the pixel array. Since a voltage is applied to the conductive layer formed on the front surface of the first substrate, liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer between the conductive layer and the pixel array can be prevented from being vertically aligned, thus improving liquid crystal efficiency. |
| US08810743B2 |
Multifunctional optical filter for stereoscopic display device and stereoscopic display device comprising the same
Provided are a multifunctional optical filter for a stereoscopic display device and a stereoscopic display device including the same. The multifunctional optical filter includes a 3D filter layer patterned into a first region adjusting a polarization state of a right-eye image and a second region adjusting a polarization state of a left-eye image, and a color filter layer having a RGB pattern, wherein the RGB pattern of the color filter layer and the pattern of the 3D filter layer are formed to correspond to each other. |
| US08810738B2 |
Display apparatus and multi display apparatus having the same
A display apparatus and a multi display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a display module having an opening through which an image is displayed and a non-display area to form around the opening, and a rear cover directly coupled to a side surface of the display module. The multi display apparatus includes the plurality of display apparatuses which are coupled with each other. |
| US08810733B2 |
Television start speed enhancement
An audio video device a command to power up from a standby mode. This causes the device to start a boot process, and while the boot process proceeds. The process determines a current time from a real time clock and retrieves settings from a usage pattern database corresponding to the current time. The audio video device set to the retrieved settings. At completion of the boot process the audio video device is set to the retrieved settings. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08810727B1 |
Method for scaling channel of an image
A method for scaling a first channel of an image. The method comprises computing a low resolution second channel of the image based on a transformation of the second channel with a transformation function used to transform a high resolution channel into a low resolution channel; computing a correlation function between the low resolution second channel and the first channel; determining a predicted second channel having the high resolution from the low resolution second channel according to a prediction method; computing a high-pass second channel based on the difference between the second channel and the predicted second channel and based on the correlation function; and determining a predicted first channel having the high resolution from the first channel according to the prediction method. |
| US08810725B2 |
Process for digitizing video over analog component video cables
A method for efficient digital capturing of analog video signals of computer game consoles is provided. The video format of the signal is changed from 480p to 720p, without any scaling artifacts. The number of active horizontal resolution lines and active vertical resolution lines is reduced in the higher definition space, so that the output picture is a pixel-for-pixel transformed replica of the 480p image. |
| US08810724B2 |
Image-pickup apparatus
An image-pickup apparatus includes a speaker, a movable barrel having a lens, a fixed barrel where a cam groove engaging with a cam pin provided on the movable barrel and configured to drive the movable barrel is formed on its inner periphery and an exterior part where the fixed barrel is attachable. A sound space is formed by concaving an outer periphery of the fixed barrel, the speaker is arranged so as to cover the sound space, an opening connected with the sound space is formed on the exterior part, and a bottom part of the sound space is located closer to an optical axis of the lens than to the bottom part of the cam groove in the fixed barrel. |
| US08810722B2 |
Camera module lens holder
A camera module is configured such that a lens holder includes (i) an abutting section for abutting the glass substrate in order to determine a position of the glass substrate, and (ii) a protrusion section configured to be bonded with the glass substrate via an adhesive agent, and the abutting section is not bonded with the glass substrate; and the protrusion section has a top portion that is positioned apart from the glass substrate. |
| US08810714B2 |
Camera system with auto-focus function and control method thereof
A camera system is provided. The camera system includes a first housing, a lens module accommodated in an inner space of the first housing, a support panel engaged to a side surface of the first housing, a magnet which is mounted on the lens module and confronts the support panel, and a drive portion which is arranged on the support panel and linearly moves the lens module in a direction of an optical axis, wherein the drive portion comprises a hall sensor portion for detecting displacement of the lens module, a coil fixed on a circuit board of the drive portion, and a controller for controlling current applied to the coil according to output of the hall sensor portion, and wherein the controller and the hall sensor portion are integrated in one chip. |
| US08810712B2 |
Camera system and auto focus method
The invention provides a camera system. In one embodiment, the camera system comprises a camera module and a processor. The camera module photographs a target object according to a focal length to generate an image. The processor comprises an extending-lens-depth-of-filed (EDOF) module and an auto focus module. The EDOF module processes the image according to an EDOF process to generate an EDOF image. The auto focus module adjusts the focal length of the camera module according to an auto focus process. |
| US08810710B2 |
Imaging using normalized luminance value to display focus state
Provided is an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit that performs imaging with an image sensor having pixels of first, second, and third colors, a luminance ratio calculation unit that integrates luminance of each of the first, second, and third colors within a focus determination region of an imaging signal output by the imaging unit and calculates a ratio of the luminance between the integrated values of the colors, a luminance normalization unit that normalizes the integrated value of the luminance of the first color within the focus determination region of the imaging signal output by the imaging unit at the ratio of the luminance between the integrated values calculated by the luminance ratio calculation unit, and a display processing unit that performs display corresponding to the integrated value of the luminance normalized by the luminance normalization unit. |
| US08810706B2 |
Solid-state imaging apparatus and imaging system using the solid-state imaging apparatus
It is an object of the present invention to provide a solid-state imaging apparatus that outputs digital signals at high speed. A solid-state imaging apparatus is provided that includes plural analog-to-digital converters that convert analog signals obtained by photoelectric conversion into digital signals, plural digital memories that store the digital signals converted by the analog-to-digital converters, plural block digital output lines that are provided to correspond to blocks of the plural digital memories and to which the digital signals stored in the plural digital memories included in the blocks are output, a common digital output line that outputs the digital signals output from the plural block digital output lines, buffer circuits that buffer the digital signals output from the block digital output lines, and block selecting units that can switch the block digital output lines electrically connected to the common digital output line. |
| US08810700B2 |
Front side implanted guard ring structure for backside
A method of forming a backside illuminated image sensor includes forming a guard ring structure of a predetermined depth in a front-side surface of a semiconductor substrate, the guard ring structure outlining a two-dimensional array of pixels, each pixel of the array of pixels separated from an adjacent pixel by the guard ring structure. The method further includes forming at least one image sensing element on the front-side surface of the semiconductor substrate, the at least one image sensing element being formed in a pixel of the array of pixels and surrounded by the guard ring structure. The method further includes reducing a thickness of the semiconductor substrate until the guard ring structure is co-planar with a back-side surface of the semiconductor substrate. |
| US08810698B2 |
Two sided solid state image sensor and an image capture device
A solid-state image sensor according to the present invention includes: a semiconductor layer (100 with first and second surfaces (100a, 100b), the second surface (100b) being opposite to the first surface (100a); a plurality of photosensitive cells (1a, 1b, etc.), which are arranged two-dimensionally in the semiconductor layer (100) between the first and second surfaces thereof (100a, 100b); a first array (200) of micro condenser lenses, which are arranged on the same side as the first surface (100a) to focus incoming light onto a first group of photosensitive cells that are included in those photosensitive cells; and a second array (300) of micro condenser lenses, which are arranged on the same side as the second surface (100b) to focus incoming light onto a second group of photosensitive cells that are also included in those photosensitive cells but that are different from the first group of photosensitive cells. |
| US08810696B2 |
Blemish detection method
A blemish detection method includes the following steps: capturing a first image using an image sensor; adjusting the brightness of the first image to obtain a second image; calculating a brightness ratio of each pixel in the second image; marking the pixels of which the brightness ratios are greater than or equal to a predetermined reference value as “1”, and marking the other pixels as “0”; calculating the quantity of pixels in a continuous area in which all pixels are marked as “1”; and determining that the continuous area is a blemish if the quantity of pixels in the continuous area is greater than or equal to a predetermined pixel quantity. |
| US08810693B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method thereof
A plurality of image data obtained by divided-capturing an object and correction image data obtained by capturing a correction chart at an angle of view wider than that in the divided capturing are input. Heterogeneity of luminance in the plurality of image data is corrected based on the correction image data. Joined image data representing the entire image of the object is generated by joining the plurality of image data in which the heterogeneity of luminance has been corrected. |
| US08810692B2 |
Rolling shutter distortion correction
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for performing rolling shutter distortion corrections are described. A video clip captured by a user is received and each of a plurality of predefined affine transforms for rolling shutter distortion correction is applied to the received video clip. Further, a visual indication of results from each of the plurality of the predefined affine transforms is presented to the user and input is received from the user selecting one of the visual indications. Furthermore, the predefined affine transform corresponding to the selected visual indication is associated with a device that acquired the received video clip. Additionally, the association can be stored, and the stored association can be used later to automatically perform a rolling shutter distortion correction on another video clip upon detecting that the other video clip comes from same device that already went through a calibration sequence. |
| US08810689B2 |
Image processing apparatus, imaging apparatus, image processing method, and program for processing image data at a plurality of frame rates
An image processing apparatus for performing recording and playing image data at a plurality of frame rates. The image processing apparatus includes a storage section, and a control section configured to, when performing the process of recording the image data at each of the frame rates, set information concerning a recording rate corresponding to the frame rate in a data area, in accordance with a predetermined file format, that is paired with stream data to be recorded, and store the information in the storage section. |
| US08810687B2 |
Image capturing apparatus and control method thereof
An image capturing apparatus is able to record a moving image in a first image capturing mode or a second image capturing mode. In the first image capturing mode, the apparatus starts recording of a moving image signal in response to an instruction to start recording and stops recording of the moving image signal in response to an instruction to stop recording. In the second image capturing mode, the apparatus starts recording of a moving image signal in response to the instruction to start recording, and automatically stops recording of the moving image signal when a predetermined period elapses after recording of the moving image signal starts. The apparatus controls so as to extract a moving image signal of the predetermined period from a moving image signal recorded in the first image capturing mode on a recording medium, and to record the extracted moving image signal on a recording medium. |
| US08810681B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus determines a first white balance correction value corresponding to a first light source and a second white balance correction value corresponding to a second light source, determines a third white balance correction value by using a correction amount corresponding to a predetermined region detected in captured image data, and combines first image data determined based on the first white balance correction value and second image data generated based on the third white balance correction value. |
| US08810680B1 |
Method and apparatus for color data synthesis in digital image and video capture systems
A method of synthesizing color data through the use of what is called a Gradient Vector Synthesis method is comprised of calculating gradients at 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° with respect to a generation point in a matrix of color data. A first-level edge test is performed by comparing each of the gradients to a noise threshold. If the first-level test indicates that an edge may be present along either of the diagonals, a second-level test may be performed. An interpolation technique is selected in response to the first-level edge test and, when performed, the second-level edge test. The selected interpolation technique is used to synthesize the missing color data at the generation point. |
| US08810675B2 |
Image processing apparatus having a plurality of image processing blocks that are capable of real-time processing of an image signal
An image processing apparatus is provided which offers higher versatility than conventional image processing apparatuses. When an input signal to a spatial filtering block is a monochrome signal that contains Y component only, a selector selects its input terminal and a selector selects its input terminal. Then, a low-pass filter output signal of a programmable spatial filter is inputted to a spatial filter, and a low-pass filter output signal of the spatial filer is inputted to a spatial filter. That is, the programmable spatial filter and the spatial filters are connected in series (in cascade), and the cascade-connected three spatial filters perform filtering operation. In this example, low-pass filters with 5×5 taps are connected in cascade in three stages, which enables low-pass filtering with 13×13 taps. |
| US08810672B2 |
Image processing method, image processing device, and recording medium for synthesizing image data with different focus positions
In accordance with an object desired to be brought into focus, aliasing is canceled, and the resolution of an output image data is increased. When a plurality of pieces of image data captured at multiple viewpoints is synthesized at a predetermined focus position, a weight for the synthesis is determined so as to reduce aliasings included in frequency characteristics of the plurality of pieces of image data. |
| US08810671B2 |
Camera with volumetric sensor chip
A camera using a volumetric sensor chip as an image sensor is proposed. The volumetric sensor chip has three or more sensor areas shaped like simple convex polygons. Light diverting elements are arranged at edges between neighboring sensor areas of the volumetric image sensor chip. |
| US08810670B2 |
Shared terminal of an image sensor system for transferring clock and control signals
An example image sensor system includes an image sensor having a first terminal and a host controller coupled to the first terminal. Logic is included in the image sensor system, that when executed transfers clock signals from the host controller to the image sensor through the first terminal of the image sensor and also transfers one or more digital control signals between the image sensor and the host controller through the same first terminal. |
| US08810664B2 |
Imaging apparatus, imaging method and computer program
An imaging apparatus according to this invention comprises: an image capturing unit which performs continuous image capturing; a storing unit which stores a plurality of first images captured by the image capturing unit before a shutter button is pushed, and a plurality of second images captured by the image capturing unit after the shutter button is pushed; and a generating unit which generates a background image which is an image of a background of a dynamic body included in the first images and second images based on at least the plurality of first images. |
| US08810661B2 |
Program of mobile device, mobile device, and method for controlling mobile device
A computer-readable recording device may store a computer program including instructions for causing a computer of a mobile device to operate as: (1) an image specifying module that specifies a plurality of partial images corresponding to a plurality of candidate devices within a taken image that is displayed by a display unit provided in the mobile device, and (2) a communication controlling module that controls a communication unit configured to communicate using a wireless network such that the communication unit communicates with a candidate device corresponding to the partial image, in a case where an operation unit configured to receive an operation on the mobile device by a user receives a selection of the partial image. |
| US08810653B2 |
Vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus
A vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus capable of distinguishing and determining an object type with high reliability, particularly a vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus capable of determining an object by distinguishing between a pedestrian and other objects among the objects with high reliability. The vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus detects an object existing around a vehicle (10) from images obtained by cameras 2R and 2L mounted on the vehicle (10) and includes an object extraction process unit (steps 1 to 9) which extracts an object from the image, a width calculation process unit (steps 101 to 104) which calculates widths of the object in a plurality of height positions spaced at vertical intervals of the object extracted by the object extraction process unit, and an object type determination process unit (step 105) which determines the type of the object based on the widths calculated by the width calculation process unit. |
| US08810650B1 |
Agile interrogation hyperspectral imager and method of using same
A scene is imaged onto a spatial light modulator. The scene is captured by collecting a pan-chromatic image using a pan-chromatic camera. An object in the scene is detected based on one of physical motion or hyperspectral detection. A spectral measurement of the scene is performed using a hyperspectral image spectrometer. A current position, a current positional velocity, and a current positional acceleration of the object is tracked. An estimated position, an estimated positional velocity, and an estimated positional acceleration of the object for a future time is estimated. A current spectrum, a current effective spectral velocity, and a current effective spectral acceleration of the object is tracked. An estimated spectrum, an estimated effective spectral velocity, and an estimated effective spectral acceleration of the object for a future time are estimated. An orientation of the spatial light modulator is controlled based on at least one of the estimated position, the estimated positional velocity, the estimated positional acceleration, the current spectrum, the current effective spectral velocity, and the current effective spectral acceleration of the object. Optionally, the spatial light modulator is a digital micromirror device. |
| US08810649B2 |
Navigation in buildings with rectangular floor plan
An apparatus and method for providing a direction based on an angle of a reference wall is provided. A mobile device uses an angle of a horizontal feature from an image to calibrate a sensor and future sensor measurements. The angle of the horizontal feature is determined by image processing and this angle is mapped to one of four assumed parallel or perpendicular angles of an interior of a building. A sensor correction value is determined from a difference between the sensor-determined angle and the image-processing determined angle. The image processing determined angle is assumed to be very accurate and without accumulated errors or offsets that the sensor measurements may contain. |
| US08810648B2 |
Visual tracking of objects in images, and segmentation of images
A method is discussed of tracking objects in a series of n-D images (102) that have objects (106, 108) appearing in a background (110, 112), that method comprises using a probabilistic model of the appearance of the objects and of the appearance of the background in the images, and using an evaluation of whether particular pixels in the images (102) are a part of an object (106, 108) or a part of the background (110, 112), that evaluation comprising determining the posterior model probabilities that a particular pixel (x) or group of pixels belongs to an object or to the background, and further comprising marginalising over these object/background membership probabilities to yield a function of the pose parameters of the objects, where at least the object/background membership is adjudged to be a nuisance parameter and marginalised out. |
| US08810646B2 |
Focus offset contamination inspection
A system and method for detecting defects on a reticle is disclosed. The method may comprise determining a best focus setting for imaging the reticle; obtaining a first image of the reticle, the first image obtained at the best focus setting plus a predetermined offset; obtaining a second image of the reticle, the second image obtained at the best focus setting minus the predetermined offset; generating a differential image, the differential image representing a difference between the first image and the second image; and identifying a defect on the reticle based on the differential image. The method in accordance with the present disclosure may also be utilized for detecting defects on at least a portion of the reticle. |
| US08810642B2 |
Pupil detection device and pupil detection method
In a pupil detection apparatus, based on a calculated value of red-eye occurrence intensity that is relative brightness of brightness within a first pupil image detected by a pupil detector with respect to brightness of a peripheral image outside the first pupil image, and a correlation characteristic of red-eye occurrence intensity and a pupil detection accuracy value, a switching selector selectively outputs a detection result of the first pupil image or a detection result of a second pupil image detected by a pupil detector. The pupil detection apparatus has a first imaging pair including an imager and an illuminator separated by a separation distance, and a second imaging pair whose separation distance is greater than that of the first imaging pair. |
| US08810641B2 |
Television, control method and control device for the television
A television, a control method and a control device for the television are disclosed in the present invention. The control method for the television includes the following steps of: obtaining motion track points of a moving target and fitting the motion track points into a motion curve; calculating angle information corresponding to the motion track points on the motion curve; judging whether the angle information corresponding to a first track point in the motion track points and the angle information corresponding to a second track point in the motion track points are in the same preset range, wherein the first and second track points are adjacent; and when the angle information corresponding to the first track point and the angle information corresponding to the second track point are not in the same preset range, generating a control instruction to control the action of the television. By the present invention, a user can conveniently control the television by utilizing gestures. |
| US08810640B2 |
Intrinsic feature-based pose measurement for imaging motion compensation
Systems and methods for generating motion corrected tomographic images are provided. A method includes obtaining first images of a region of interest (ROI) to be imaged and associated with a first time, where the first images are associated with different positions and orientations with respect to the ROI. The method also includes defining an active region in the each of the first images and selecting intrinsic features in each of the first images based on the active region. Second, identifying a portion of the intrinsic features temporally and spatially matching intrinsic features in corresponding ones of second images of the ROI associated with a second time prior to the first time and computing three-dimensional (3D) coordinates for the portion of the intrinsic features. Finally, the method includes computing a relative pose for the first images based on the 3D coordinates. |
| US08810638B2 |
Insertable surgical imaging device
A body-insertable imaging device includes a first camera that comprises a first image sensor and a first lens to pass incident light onto the first image sensor, a control interface to receive a remotely generated control signal, and an actuator communicatively coupled to the control interface and configured to support the camera and manipulate the camera about a pan axis, a tilt axis, and along a zoom direction in response to the control signal while the camera and actuator are within a body cavity, wherein the zoom direction extends out from a distal end of the body-insertable camera. |
| US08810636B2 |
Inspection apparatus method and apparatus comprising selective frame output
A control signal for selectively outputting a frame of image data can be initiated using an inspection apparatus, and an inspection apparatus can process one or more frames of image data for determining a motion parameter. Responsively to the processing, the inspection apparatus can selectively output a frame of image data, improving the quality of a frame of image data output subsequently to an initiation of a control signal to selectively output a frame of image data. |
| US08810635B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for selecting image capture positions to generate three-dimensional images
Methods, systems, and computer program products for selecting image capture positions to generate three-dimensional images are disclosed herein. According to one aspect, a method includes determining a plurality of first guides associated with a first still image of a scene. The method can also include displaying a real-time image of the scene on a display. Further, the method can include determining a plurality of second guides associated with the real-time image. The method can also include displaying the first and second guides on the display for guiding selection of a position of an image capture device to capture a second still image of the scene for pairing the first and second still images as a stereoscopic pair of a three-dimensional image. |
| US08810632B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating a three-dimensional image using a collaborative photography group
A communication network comprising a collaborative photography group including a plurality of cameras having synchronized photographing times, is provided. The plurality of cameras may share location information, direction angle information, and image information generated by photographing an object, and generate a three-dimensional (3D) image of the object. |
| US08810631B2 |
Augmented stereoscopic visualization for a surgical robot using a captured visible image combined with a fluorescence image and a captured visible image
An endoscope with a stereoscopic optical channel is held and positioned by a robotic surgical system. A capture unit captures (1) a visible first image and (2) a visible second image combined with a fluorescence second image from the light. An intelligent image processing system receives (1) the visible first image and (2) the visible second image combined with the fluorescence second image and generates at least one fluorescence image of a stereoscopic pair of fluorescence images and a visible second image. An augmented stereoscopic display system outputs a real-time stereoscopic image including a three-dimensional presentation including in one eye, a blend of the at least one fluorescence image of a stereoscopic pair of fluorescence images and one of the visible first and second images; and in the other eye, the other of the visible first and second images. |
| US08810630B2 |
Video processing apparatus, content providing server, and control method thereof
Disclosed are a video processing apparatus, a content providing server, and control methods thereof. The video processing apparatus includes: a receiver which receives a two-dimensional (2D) video signal; a communication unit which communicates with a content providing server providing a supplementary video signal for a three-dimensional (3D) video signal corresponding to the 2D video signal; a signal processor which processes the 2D video signal and the supplementary video signal; and a controller which controls the communication unit to receive the supplementary video signal corresponding to the received 2D video signal from the content providing server, and the signal processor to generate the 3D video signal based on the received supplementary video signal and the received 2D video signal. Accordingly, it is possible to generate and reproduce the 3D video signal corresponding to the 2D video signal. |
| US08810627B1 |
Display device and method for controlling the same
A display device and a method for controlling the same are disclosed in which a threshold range for generating a panorama image is indicated in accordance with a bending angle of a bending portion provided between a first area of a body provided with a first camera and a second area of a body provided with a second camera, whereby the panorama image may be generated using the first camera and the second camera. |
| US08810623B2 |
Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus
An optical scanning device includes a MEMS mirror, a driving unit for oscillating the MEMS mirror using a drive voltage which varies in a basic cycle, a light detection unit for receiving laser light deflected by the MEMS mirror and outputting a detection signal, a correction value calculation unit for calculating a correction voltage value used in correcting the drive voltage, a DC voltage generation unit for generating a DC voltage having a voltage value smaller than the correction voltage value, a DC voltage amplification unit for amplifying the DC voltage generated by the DC voltage generation unit to have a voltage value equal to the correction voltage value, and a waveform shaping unit for shaping the waveform of the amplified DC voltage so that the DC voltage varies in the basic cycle and outputting the shaped DC voltage as the drive voltage to the driving unit. |
| US08810622B2 |
Light scanning apparatus having optical box on which a beam splitter is disposed, and image forming apparatus including the same
A light scanning apparatus, including: a light source configured to emit a light beam; a beam splitter configured to split the light beam into a first and a second light beams; a rotary polygon mirror configured to deflect the first light beam to scan a photosensitive member; a motor configured to rotate the rotary polygon mirror; a first lens configured to guide the first light beam to the photosensitive member; an optical sensor configured to receive the second light beam; a second lens configured to condense the second light beam on the optical sensor; and an optical box has a wall standing from a bottom surface between a region in which the rotary polygon mirror and the motor are disposed and a region in which the second lens is disposed, and a height of the wall from the bottom surface is higher than a height of the rotary polygon mirror. |
| US08810618B2 |
Thermal head and thermal printer including the same
A thermal head in which power durability of the heat-generating element is improved and a thermal printer including the same. A thermal head according to an embodiment includes a substrate, electrodes disposed in a pair on the substrate, a heat-generating element disposed between the electrodes and connecting the electrodes to one another, an electric resistor layer disposed below the electrodes, and a protection film disposed on the electrodes and the heat-generating element. The electrodes include a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the heat-generating element. The heat-generating element and the electric resistor layer each contain at least one metal selected from Al, Cu, Ag, Mo, Y, Nd, Cr, Ni and W, in a region on a protection film side thereof. A content of the metal contained in the heat-generating element is higher than a content of the metal contained in the electric resistor layer disposed below the first electrode. |
| US08810617B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining and adjusting printhead pressure
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for determining and adjusting printhead pressure of a thermal printer. The apparatus includes a printhead support housing operable for placement in a print station of a printer. A motor housed within the printhead support housing and being operable for driving a plurality of synchronized rotating gears, the gears being mounted about posts wherein the posts are configured to cause the gears to compress or decompress a set of biasing mechanisms mounted below the gears and connected to the printhead. A sensor unit operable for monitoring the thickness of a print media and in communication with a control circuit operable for adjusting the printhead pressure being applied to the print media during a print operation, wherein the printhead pressure corresponds to a pre-defined level relative to the thickness of the print media. |
| US08810609B2 |
Mobile terminal, a peeking prevention method and a program for peeking prevention
A mobile terminal includes user setting unit 101, data conversion unit 106 and display alteration unit 107. A user setting unit 101 sets which conversion data to use as the conversion data for converting a contrast difference in data for display out of a plurality of conversion data. Also, data conversion unit 106 performs processing which makes the contrast difference in the data for display small using the conversion data set by user setting judgment unit 104. Also, display alteration unit 107 alters a displayed content on a display screen based on the data for display converted by data conversion unit 106, and sets which conversion data to use as the conversion data for converting the contrast difference in the data for display out of a plurality of conversion data. By performing processing which makes the contrast difference in the data for display small using the set conversion data, peeking from the surroundings is prevented. |
| US08810605B2 |
Adaptive video processing apparatus and method of scaling video based on screen size of display device
Provided are an apparatus for processing adaptive video and a method of scaling video, which generate a graphical user interface (GUI) so that a GUI suitable for the screen size of a display device can be displayed according to the screen size of the display device. The apparatus can realize a GUI most suitable for the screen size of an external display device connected to the apparatus by enlarging or reducing the size of the GUI according to the screen size of the external display device, or by changing the arrangement of items arranged on the GUI. |
| US08810604B2 |
System and method for activating, actioning and providing feedback on interactive objects within line of sight
Systems and methods are provided for line of sight, hands free interaction with interactive objects within a defined space on a line of sight basis. The system can include a base station in communication with one or more interactive objects having a variety of display options. Details about the display options are stored on the system along with the location of the interactive objects and layout of the surroundings of the interactive object. Users can carry devices that are in communication with the base station and that determine the user's location and head orientation and relay that information to the base station. Using the location and orientation of the user, the location of the interactive objects and the layout information about the surrounding area, the system can determine if the user is looking directly at an interactive object and can cause the interactive object to perform an action. |
| US08810602B2 |
Image processing apparatus, medium, and method
Provided is an image processing apparatus, medium, and method. The image processing apparatus may include a first calculator and a second calculator. The first calculator may calculate a first weight of a first frame depth value of a first pixel of a depth image and a second weight of a second frame depth value of the first pixel, based on an obtainment time difference between the first frame depth value of the first pixel and the second frame depth value of the first pixel among a plurality of frame depth values of the first pixel. The second calculator may determine a corrected first frame depth value of the first pixel using a linear sum that is calculated by applying the first weight to the first frame depth value of the first pixel, and by applying the second weight to the second frame depth value of the first pixel. |
| US08810600B2 |
Wearable display device calibration
In embodiments of wearable display device calibration, a first display lens system forms an image of an environment viewed through the first display lens system. A second display lens system also forms the image of the environment viewed through the second display lens system. The first display lens system emits a first reference beam and the second display lens system emits a second reference beam. The first display lens system then captures a reflection image of the first and second reference beams. The second display lens system also captures a reflection image of the first and second reference beams. An imaging application is implemented to compare the reflection images to determine a misalignment between the first and second display lens systems, and then apply an alignment adjustment to align the image of the environment formed by each of the first and second display lens systems. |
| US08810599B1 |
Image recognition in an augmented reality application
A computer-implemented augmented reality method includes obtaining an image acquired by a computing device running an augmented reality application, identifying image characterizing data in the obtained image, the data identifying characteristic points in the image, comparing the image characterizing data with image characterizing data for a plurality of geo-coded images stored by a computer server system, identifying locations of items in the obtained image using the comparison, and providing, for display on the computing device at the identified locations, data for textual or graphical annotations that correspond to each of the items in the obtained image, and formatted to be displayed with the obtained image or a subsequently acquired image. |
| US08810594B2 |
Four color display device and method of converting image signal thereof
One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to a four color image display device. A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first pixel adapted to display a first color, a second pixel adapted to display a second color, a third pixel adapted to display a third color, and a white pixel adapted to display a first white. In one aspect, the first to third pixels are adapted to display a second white in combination, and a ratio of the first white and the second white varies according to a gray. Accordingly, a greenish phenomenon of a low-luminance white light in a four color display device may be reduced. |
| US08810593B2 |
Distributed visualization processing and analytics
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for analyzing data. In one aspect, a mixer server receives a request for a visualization of television reporting data, translates the request for the visualization of the television reporting data into sharded requests, and provides each sharded request to a respective shard server. Each shard server processes a respective proper subset of the television reporting data to generate data representing the visualization, and provides the data representing the visualization to the mixer server. The mixer server aggregates the data representing the visualizations received from each of the shard servers, and provides the aggregated data representing the visualization as a response to the request for the visualization of the television reporting data. |
| US08810592B2 |
Vertex attribute buffer for inline immediate attributes and constants
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for providing primitives and vertex attributes to the graphics pipeline. A primitive distribution unit constructs the batches of primitives and writes inline attributes and constants to a vertex attribute buffer (VAB) rather than passing the inline attributes directly to the graphics pipeline. A batch includes indices to attributes, where the attributes for each vertex are stored in a different VAB. The same VAB may be referenced by all of the vertices in a batch or different VABs may be referenced by different vertices in one or more batches. The batches are routed to the different processing engines in the graphics pipeline and each of the processing engines reads the VABs as needed to process the primitives. The number of parallel processing engines may be changed without changing the width or speed of the interconnect used to write the VABs. |
| US08810591B2 |
Virtualization of graphics resources and thread blocking
Virtualization of graphics resources and thread blocking is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a system and method of a kernel in an operating system including generating a data structure having an identifier of a graphics resource assigned to a physical memory location in video memory, and blocking access to the physical memory location if a data within the physical memory location is in transition between video memory and system memory wherein a client application accesses memory in the system memory directly and accesses memory in the video memory through a virtual memory map. |
| US08810590B2 |
Method and apparatus for spatial binning on a GPU and global path planning to avoid spatially binned objects
A method and apparatus for sorting data into spatial bins or buckets using a graphics processing unit (GPU). The method takes unsorted point data as input and scatters the points, in sorted order, into a set of bins. This key operation enables construction of a spatial data structure that is useful for applications such as particle simulation or collision detection. The disclosed method achieves better performance scaling than previous methods by exploiting geometry shaders to progressively trim the size of a working set. The method also leverages predicated rendering functionality to allow early termination without CPU/GPU synchronization. Furthermore, unlike previous techniques, the method can guarantee sorted output without requiring sorted input. This allows the method to be used to implement a form of bucket sort using the GPU. |
| US08810586B2 |
Display controller and method for switching display between two GPU driven data paths depending on external display capability
A display controller which may include a first display control section, a second display control section, a signal line, an output selection section, and a mode selection control section. The first display control section includes a first image generation portion adapted to decode content and first image output portion adapted to output the decoded content. The second display control section includes a second image generation portion and second image output portion. The signal line conveys the decoded content to the second image output portion. The output selection section selects one of the outputs of the first and second image output portions. The mode selection control section selects one of first and second display modes, based on functional information about the first and second display control sections. |
| US08810566B2 |
Providing a navigation mesh by which objects of varying sizes can traverse a virtual space
A single polygonal navigation mesh in a virtual space by which objects of varying sizes can traverse may be provided. This may allow the navigation mesh to be used in determining appropriate paths for objects having a wide range of object sizes. The objects may include objects having a continuous range of possible object sizes. The use of a single navigation mesh for a range of object sizes may reduce the amount of storage needed to store separate navigation meshes for different object sizes. According to some implementations, constraints at outer boundaries of the navigation mesh may be determined based on a given object size allowing a single navigation mesh to be used for objects of any size. |
| US08810565B2 |
Method and system for utilizing depth information as an enhancement layer
A monoscopic 3D video generation device, which comprises one or more depth sensors, may be operable to store captured 2D video image data as a base layer and store captured corresponding depth information separately as an enhancement layer. The 2D video image data may be captured via one or more image sensors and the corresponding depth information may be captured via the one or more depth sensors in the monoscopic 3D video generation device. The monoscopic 3D video generation device may determine whether to transmit the enhancement layer to a video rendering device. The monoscopic 3D video generation device may encode the base layer. The monoscopic 3D video generation device may encode the enhancement layer based on the determination of transmitting the enhancement layer. The encoded base layer and/or the encoded enhancement layer may be transmitted to the video rendering device for 3D video rendering and/or 2D video rendering. |
| US08810564B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing three-dimensional visual fatigue
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for reducing 3D visual fatigue that a user feels when viewing a 3D image. An optimal 3D image may be regenerated and displayed without causing 3D visual fatigue and thus, it is possible to significantly reduce the 3D visual fatigue. |
| US08810559B2 |
Pixel structure and display system utilizing the same
A pixel structure including a first switching transistor, a setting unit, a capacitor, a driving transistor, a second switching transistor and a luminous element is disclosed. The capacitor is coupled between a first and a second node. The first switching transistor transmits a data signal to the first node according to a scan signal. The driving transistor includes a threshold voltage and a gate coupled to the second node. The second switching transistor includes a gate receiving an emitting signal. The luminous element is coupled to the driving transistor and the second switching transistor in series between a first operation voltage and a second operation voltage. The setting unit controls the voltage levels of the first and the second nodes to compensate the threshold voltage of the driving transistor. |
| US08810558B2 |
Display device and electronic apparatus
A sampling transistor in embodiments of the present invention is kept at the on-state with a time width shorter than one horizontal cycle, during the period from the rising of a control pulse supplied from a scanner to the falling of the control pulse, and samples a video signal Vsig from a signal line SL to write the video signal Vsig to a hold capacitor. A sampling transistor T1 has a double gate structure in which a pair of transistor elements are connected in common. This suppresses change in the threshold voltage of the sampling transistor. |
| US08810556B2 |
Active matrix organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, pixel circuit and data current writing method thereof
An exemplary active matrix organic light emitting diode (OLED) display includes a data line, a current sensing line, a power line and a plurality of pixels all electrically coupled to the data line, the current sensing line and the power line. During a data current is writing to a selected one of the pixels, the selected pixel draws a current from the current sensing line, and the data line supplies a particular data voltage to the selected pixel according to the drawn current from the current sensing line until the drawn current matched with the data current; the other non-selected pixels draw currents from the power line for light-emission. Moreover, a pixel circuit and a data current writing method adapted for the above-mentioned active matrix OLED display also are provided. |
| US08810555B2 |
Method and apparatus for driving an electroluminescent display
Method, apparatus and systems for driving electroluminescent segments in electroluminescent displays are disclosed. Each segment in the display receives a series of first pulses alternating in polarity at a first electrode and a series of second pulses at a second electrode. Each of the second pulses corresponds to one of the first pulses and is opposite in polarity. The width of the second pulses corresponds to the parasitic resistance of the segment. |
| US08810553B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display (LCD) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid crystal panel having a TFT substrate 2, a CF substrate 25, and a liquid crystal layer 14 interposed between the two substrates; a TFT ambient light photosensor having a semiconductor layer 19L for detecting external light; a photodetector unit LS1 having a capacitor Cw in which a predetermined reference voltage is charged and a voltage charged by leakage current of the TFT ambient light photosensor is lowered; and an ambient light photosensor reader unit Re1 for reading a voltage charged in the capacitor for a predetermined read period. The photodetector unit is disposed on a first surface of the TFT substrate 2 that is in contact with the liquid crystal layer, and the surface of the photodetector unit except for the semiconductor layer 19L and its periphery is covered by a light-shielding layer 21. It is therefore possible to provide an LCD in which malfunction or reduced sensitivity of its ambient light photosensor due to light from its backlights is prevented with a simple structure. |
| US08810552B2 |
Scan driving device and driving method thereof
A scan driver includes scan driving blocks, each including: a first transistor including a gate coupled to a first node and receiving a first clock signal, a first electrode receiving an output control signal, and a second electrode coupled to a scan line at first output; a second transistor including a gate coupled to a second node receiving an input signal according to a second clock signal, and first and second electrodes respectively coupled to a third clock input and the first output; a third transistor including a gate coupled to the first node, a first electrode receiving the output control signal, and a second electrode coupled to an input terminal of a next scan driving block at a second output; and a fourth transistor including a gate coupled to the second node, and first and second electrodes respectively coupled to the third clock input and the second output. |
| US08810549B2 |
Projection systems for touch input devices
In infrared touch input devices that detect and locate a touch object from the blocking of light paths propagating along the X,Y axes, an ambiguity arises when two touch objects are present. This ambiguity can be resolved by the provision of additional light paths angled to the X,Y axes. The present invention provides projection systems that include a light splitting element for splitting collimated sheet of light into two or more sets of beam paths, thereby providing the additional light paths for resolving the double touch ambiguity. In preferred embodiments the light splitting element is in the form of a prism film. |
| US08810547B2 |
Driving device for information processing system using multi-touch function
A driving device includes a base and a conductive pattern portion provided on a surface of the base. The conductive pattern portion has a finger touch portion, touching portions and conductive connecting portions connecting the finger touch portion and each of the touching portions. When a surface of the base is contacted with a multi-touch display of an information processor, each of the touching portions activates a corresponding touching area of the multi-touch display. Thus, a predetermined action is executed by the information processor. |
| US08810545B2 |
Control circuit and dual touch control method thereof for a four-wire resistive touch panel
A control circuit is applied for a four-wire resistive touch panel including an upper conducting layer having a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal, and a lower conducting layer having a third signal terminal and a fourth signal terminal. The control circuit includes a control unit, a switching unit and a converter. By the switching unit, the first, second, third and fourth signal terminals are switched to connect with an input voltage terminal, a ground terminal and the converter according to a control signal of the control unit. When users press the touch panel, there is a touching point between the upper conducting layer and the lower conducting layer, and the input voltage terminal transmits to the converter through the touching point so plural coordinate values are generated. The gestures such as scrolling, zooming and rotating are distinguished by the touch panel according to the coordinate values. |
| US08810544B2 |
Touch sensing method and electronic apparatus using the same
A touch sensing method adapted for an electronic apparatus including a touch panel is provided. A touch sensing method includes the following steps: obtaining a mutual-mode data by sensing a gesture applied on the touch panel in a mutual capacitance mode during a first period of a sensing frame; obtaining a self-mode data by sensing the gesture applied on the touch panel in a self capacitance mode during a second period of the sensing frame; and determining a touch location associated with the gesture on the touch panel based on the self-mode data or the mutual-mode data. Furthermore, an electronic apparatus to which the foregoing touch sensing method is applied is also provided. |
| US08810542B2 |
Correction of parasitic capacitance effect in touch sensor panels
Compensation of pixels included in a touch sensor panel that generate erroneous readings (so called “negative pixels”) due to a poor grounding condition of the object touching the touch sensor panel is disclosed herein. To compensate for the erroneous readings, sense lines of the touch sensor panel can include reverse driving circuits to facilitate calculation of an object-to-ground capacitance. If the calculated object-to-ground capacitance indicates the presence of a poor grounding condition, then the object-to-ground capacitance and detected pixel touch output values are used to estimate new pixel touch output values that are used instead of the detected pixel touch output values to determine touch event(s). |
| US08810540B2 |
Touch module
A touch module includes a display module, a touch sensing layer and a protecting substrate. The touch sensing layer includes a shielding part, a hardening layer and a flat layer. The hardening layer has an open slot near the shielding part for separating a portion from another portion of the hardening layer. The touch module will not have uneven surface occurred at stacking and bending positions of the edge of the touch module and can avoid the occurrence of mura phenomenon, so as to enhance the display effect of the touch module. In addition, the flat layer is covered onto the hardening layer and the open slot, so that pattern of the touch sensing layer is mild visually, so as to improve the visual effect of the display of the touch module. |
| US08810539B1 |
Touch input device with button function
A touch input device with a button function is provided. The touch input device includes a touch module, a triggering switch, a coupling module, and plural movable pads. The plural movable pads are disposed on the coupling module. The coupling module is disposed on the touch module. In addition, the coupling module may be swung relative to the touch module. When the touch module is depressed, the coupling module is pushed by the plural movable pads. Consequently, the coupling module is swung to push the triggering switch that is disposed over the coupling module. Since the plural movable pads are directly disposed on the coupling module, the force to push the triggering switch is directly transmitted from the plural movable pads to the coupling module. Under this circumstance, the touch input device can provide an enhanced tactile feel to the user. |
| US08810538B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal is provided which may include a touch screen for displaying an execution screen of a specific application, a communication unit for establishing a communication network with a display device, and a controller configured to output a result of an execution of the specific application via the display device when an output extension function is activated. When the output extension function is activated, the controller may deactivate a specific function previously set on the touch screen that is related to the specific application and set the touch screen as an input means including one or more control regions, each control region corresponding to a specific function of a specific application. |
| US08810536B2 |
Tablet computer input device
A method and apparatus are provided for user input to a tablet computer. The apparatus consists of movable grips with touch sensitive regions attached to the sides of a tablet computer. Both the positions of the grips and the location of touches are used to determine the input codes sent to the computer. |
| US08810534B2 |
Display device with an embedded touch panel and a method of manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a display device with an embedded touch panel which eliminates FPC mounted to a shielding electrode for applying a shielding signal to the shielding electrode, to reduce a cost and simplify a fabrication process.The touch panel embedded display device includes a liquid crystal panel having an upper substrate and a lower substrate faced to each other with liquid crystals disposed therebetween, and a touch panel mounted on the liquid crystal panel, wherein the touch panel includes a sensor substrate having first and second pattern portions which function as position sensing electrodes and a shielding signal supply line formed on an upper side thereof for supplying a shielding signal, a shielding electrode formed on an underside of the sensor substrate, and two or more shielding electrode connection portions for connecting the shielding electrode to the shielding signal supply line. |
| US08810531B2 |
Method of a touch panel determining multi-touch
In a method of a touch panel determining multi-touch, the touch panel can determine if a sensing channel having a local minimum of a sensing value is the last sensing channel having the sensing value, or determine if sensing channels having the sensing value larger than a threshold generated according to a maximum are successive sensing channels, so as to determine the number of touch points on the touch panel. In addition, the touch panel can find a first local maximum and a second local maximum from the sensing values of the sensing channels, and compare the first local maximum and the second local maximum with a first reference and a second reference, so as to confirm the number of touch points on the touch panel. |
| US08810524B1 |
Two-sided touch sensor
Touch sensors sensitive to touches on two sides are incorporated into electronic devices and accept input from either side of the device, such as a front and a back of the device. This increases available input area without doubling the number of touch sensors within the device. When combined with one or more displays, low profile two-sided devices are possible. |
| US08810522B2 |
Method for selecting and manipulating a graphical object in an interactive input system, and interactive input system executing the method
A method for selecting a graphic widget displayed on a background of an interactive input system comprises tracking one or more touch points associated with the background, and in the event that one or more touch points coincide with a location of the graphic widget, associating the coinciding touch points with the graphic widget. |
| US08810515B2 |
Optical input using internal reflection surfaces
An optical navigation device for a computer application includes a radiation source capable of producing a beam of radiation, a sensor for receiving an image, and an optical element for identifying movement of the feature to thereby enable a computer action to be carried out. The optical element is formed from a single piece and includes at least one frustrated total internal reflection (F-TIR) surface capable of affecting frustrated total internal reflection of the beam of radiation in the presence of the feature to thereby generate the image. |
| US08810506B2 |
Liquid crystal display device with touch function and touch panel
A touch panel includes multiple sensing units and each thereof includes a first transistor, a reference capacitor, a liquid crystal capacitor and a second transistor. ON/OFF states of the first transistor are determined by a potential provided by a corresponding scan line. The reference capacitor and the liquid crystal capacitor are coupled in series between another scan line adjacent to the corresponding scan line and a common potential. A capacitance value of the liquid crystal capacitor changes with a pressed degree of the sensing unit. ON/OFF states the second transistor are determined by a potential at a connection node between the reference capacitor and the liquid crystal capacitor. The first transistor transmits a first potential to the connection node when the first transistor is turned on, and the second transistor transmits a second potential different from the first potential to a readout line when the second transistor is turned on. |
| US08810504B2 |
Brightness compensation method and local dimming circuit and liquid crystal display thereof
The present invention discloses a brightness compensation method. The brightness compensation method includes controlling a plurality of backlights of a plurality of display areas to turn on with a plurality of backlight intensity; calculating a plurality of total backlight intensity; calculating a plurality of actual backlight intensity according to the plurality of total backlight intensity and a backlight scanning ratio; dividing a plurality of maximum backlight intensity when the plurality of backlights are fully turned on by the plurality of actual backlight intensity, to generate a plurality of compensation gains; and displaying a compensated image data with a plurality of compensated image intensity after compensating a plurality of image intensity corresponding to the plurality of display area of an image data with the plurality of compensation gains. |
| US08810500B2 |
Power-applying module, backlight assembly, and display apparatus having the same
A power-applying module includes a substrate, a voltage transformer, a voltage-applying pattern, a voltage induction pattern, and a protection part. The voltage transformer is disposed on the substrate. The voltage-applying pattern is formed at an end portion of the substrate and is electrically connected to the voltage transformer to apply a driving voltage to a lamp. The voltage induction pattern is formed on the substrate adjacent to the voltage-applying pattern, and is spaced apart from the voltage-applying pattern to sense an induced voltage corresponding to the driving voltage. The induced voltage is induced by the voltage-applying pattern. The protection part detects the induced voltage to control the driving voltage output by the voltage transformer. |
| US08810499B2 |
Shift register unit, shift register, display panel and display
The disclosure discloses a shift register unit, a shift register, a display panel and a display, and belongs to display driving technology. The shift register unit comprises: twelve transistors M1, M2, . . . , M12; one capacitor C1; four signal input terminals INPUT, RESET, CLK, CLKB; one signal output terminal OUTPUT; and one or more power supply terminals. The disclosure may decrease the output delay and attenuation, and improve an anti-interference capability, so that the shift register may operate stably and a driving margin of the shift register could be increased. |
| US08810495B2 |
Display device having a pixel circuit, method for driving display device, and electronic apparatus including display device
The present application provides a display device having a pixel circuit including: a pixel electrode; a capacitive element configured to be connected to the pixel electrode of liquid crystal capacitance and hold a signal potential reflecting a grayscale; and an inverter circuit configured to invert polarity of a held potential read out from the capacitive element, wherein input potential of the inverter circuit is set to middle potential in an operating supply voltage range of the inverter circuit in operation of inverting the polarity of the held potential and writing an inverted potential to the capacitive element again after reading out the held potential from the capacitive element. |
| US08810490B2 |
Display apparatus
In a display apparatus, a plurality of pixels are arranged in first and second directions, and each pixel includes at least one dot. A plurality of data lines are provided between two adjacent dots while extending in the first direction. A plurality of gate lines are provided between two adjacent dots while extending in the second direction. Among dots arranged in the first direction between an mth data line and an (m+1)th data line, at least one first dot is connected to one of the mth data line and the (m+1)th data line, and at least one second dot is connected to one of an (m−1)th data line and an (m+2)th data line. Accordingly, the display quality of the display apparatus including four dots or an even number of dots is improved. |
| US08810486B2 |
Active-matrix display device, and active-matrix organic electroluminescent display device
An active-matrix display device employs current-programmed-type pixel circuits and performs the writing data to each of pixels on a line-by-line basis. The active-matrix display device having a matrix of current-programmed-type pixel circuits includes a data line driving circuit 15 formed of m current driving circuits (CD) 15-1 to 15-m arranged-corresponding to respective data lines 13-1 to 13-m. The data line driving circuit (CD) 15-1 to 15-m holds image data (luminance data herein) in the form of voltage, and then converts the voltage of the image data into a current signal. The current signal is then fed to the data lines 13-1 to 13-m at a time. The image information is thus written on the pixel circuits 11. |
| US08810485B2 |
Display device and method of driving the same
A display device and a method of driving the same in which moving image blurring is prevented and a contrast ratio is enhanced by providing a light-emitting element, switching transistors, and a driving transistor with driving signals that include specific voltages at predetermined times, so that the light-emitting element does not emit light for an entire frame and the light output is not influenced by a threshold voltage of the driving transistor. |
| US08810483B1 |
Active matrix displays having nonlinear elements
The active matrix display includes a matrix of pixel elements wherein a pixel element includes at least one nonlinear element. The nonlinear element in the pixel element comprises a supplementary resistor serially connected to one of a PN diode and a PIN diode. The method of driving a pixel element comprises charging the capacitive element in the pixel element through the semiconductor channel of the switching transistor in the pixel element and through the at least one nonlinear element while the semiconductor channel of the switching transistor maintains at the conducting state and the at least one nonlinear element maintains at the conducting state. |
| US08810481B2 |
Optical device, image display apparatus and head-mounted display unit
Disclosed herein is an image display apparatus, including: a light source; and a scanning section adapted to scan a light beam emitted from the light source; the scanning section including (a) a first mirror, (b) a first light deflection section, (c) a second mirror, and (d) a second light deflection section; the second light deflection section including an external light receiving face; the second light deflection section having a plurality of translucent films provided in the inside thereof; the translucent films having a light reflectivity R2 at a wavelength of the light beam which satisfies: R2≦k×{(P2/t2)×tan(ζ2)}1/2 where k is a constant higher 0 but lower than 1, P2 an array pitch of the translucent films, t2 a thickness of the second light deflection section, and ζ2 an angle formed between the light emitting face and the translucent films. |
| US08810478B2 |
Multi-screen display device
There has been a problem of displacement of luminance and chromaticity among multiple screens due to a temperature change and a temporal change of a light source of the screen. The present invention provides a multi-screen display device including a plurality of image display devices, in which one master device and one or a plurality of slave devices communicable with the master device are included, each of the image display devices is provided with a DMD that modulates light of a light source, a screen that projects an image by modulated output light of the DMD, and an RGB luminance sensor that detects luminance of light from the DMD in an off-state, to output a luminance detection value, the master device is provided with a setting part that sets a luminance setting value unified among the plurality of image display devices based on a value in accordance with the luminance detection values, and each image display device is further provided with a luminance/chromaticity corrector that controls luminance/chromaticity of an image displayed on the screen based on the luminance setting value. |
| US08810475B2 |
Antenna device
An antenna device has a substrate having a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, a first-surface-side conductive layer formed on the first surface of the substrate, a second-surface-side conductive layer formed on the second surface of the substrate, and through hole conductors connecting the first-surface-side conductive layer and the second-surface-side conductive layer. The first-surface-side conductive layer and the second-surface-side conductive layer are formed such that the first-surface-side conductive layer and the second-surface-side conductive layer are connected via the through hole conductors in a crank form from the first surface to second surface of the substrate. |
| US08810472B2 |
Antenna module for producing a transponder, and a transponder
The present invention relates to an antenna module (45) for producing a transponder, wherein the antenna module comprises an antenna conductor arrangement disposed on a substrate surface (46) of a substrate (47) and having an antenna conductor (50) for contacting with a chip (40), wherein the antenna conductor (50) forms a first antenna part (51) having a first terminal end on a first partial area (48) of the substrate surface, and with a second terminal end extends to a second partial area (49) of the substrate surface to form a second antenna part (52), wherein antenna connection contacts (57, 61) are disposed on the respective partial areas, such that the antenna connection contacts can be brought into an overlapping position for producing an electrically conductive connection by swiveling the partial areas with respect to each other. |
| US08810469B2 |
Built-in antenna which supports broadband impedance matching and has feeding patch coupled to substrate
Disclosed is an internal antenna providing impedance matching for a wide band where a feeding patch is placed on a substrate. The disclosed antenna may include: a substrate; an impedance matching/feeding unit including a feeding patch, which is formed on the substrate and electrically connected to a feeding point, and a ground patch, which is electrically connected to a ground and formed above the feeding patch separated at a designated distance from the feeding patch; and a radiator formed extending from the ground patch, where the impedance matching/feeding unit performs impedance matching by way of coupling between the feeding patch and the ground patch, and the radiator receives coupling feeding from the feeding patch. The disclosed antenna has the advantages of overcoming the narrow band problem of a planar inverted-F antenna, and of allowing more efficient utilization of space in an internal antenna for a wide band using coupling matching and coupling feeding. |
| US08810468B2 |
Beam shaping of RF feed energy for reflector-based antennas
A beam-shaping element is provided to shape RF feed energy for reflector-based antennas. The RF beam-shaping element is located between the primary reflector and the antenna feed and configured to direct RF energy from the feed away from a blockage created by the feed itself towards unblocked regions of the primary reflector. The beam-shaping element allows for a simplified feed design. The feed may comprise one or more feed elements, each comprising a radiating element and a feed to the radiating element such as a cavity-backed slot radiator and stripline trace. In a monopulse tracking system, each quadrant may include only a single feed element. In common aperture systems, the RF beam-shaping element may be formed on only the rear surface of the secondary reflector that allows transmission at the predefined RF wavelength while reflecting energy of a second predetermined wavelength to another sensor. |
| US08810464B2 |
Compact high efficiency intregrated direct wave mobile communications terminal
A compact mobile satellite communications system, including an integrated direct wave antenna and a low profile precision antenna positioning system, where the integrated direct wave antenna is configured to provide the minimum swept volume when steered and pointed such that it moves completely within a ten inch sphere, which provides an advantage when the system is mounted on a moving vehicle such as an aircraft, and the integrated direct wave antenna includes a refractive component as well as down conversion electronics to provide a L band signal output. |
| US08810462B2 |
Rigid elements embedded in a motor vehicle windshield
A method of embedding rigid elements in a windshield, including, cutting two sheets of glass in a desired shape to serve as an upper layer and lower layer of the windshield, inserting a layer of interlayer material for each of the two layers of glass, facing each other, between the two layers of glass, placing the rigid elements between the two layers of interlayer material, pushing the two layers of glass together to form a glass sandwich with the rigid elements and two layers of interlayer material between the upper and lower glass layers, heating the glass sandwich while applying pressure to form a unified sheet of glass; and wherein the combined thickness of the layers of interlayer material is at least as thick as the rigid elements. |
| US08810460B2 |
Multidimensional RF test fixture and method for securing a wireless device for RF testing
A system and method for testing RF characteristics of a wireless device. The wireless device is positioned in an x-position and a y-position of a horizontal plane of a test fixture. An RF antenna coupler is positioned in an x-position and a y-position of a vertical plane. The positioning of the wireless device and the RF antenna coupler correspond to acceptable RF characteristics for testing the wireless device. Positions of the wireless device and the RF antenna coupler are identified. The identified positions are utilized to perform subsequent testing of similar wireless devices. |
| US08810457B2 |
Orthogonal modular embedded antenna, with method of manufacture and kits therefor
Described herein are antenna designs and configurations that provide flexible solutions for creating compact antennas with multiple-band capabilities. For example, a hybrid PIFA-monopole antenna configuration and design is described. As another example, non-planar (e.g., orthogonal) and composite radiating structures incorporating various radiating element and ground plane configurations are described. Connective structures are also described for providing physical rigidity and ground plane connectivity to composite radiation elements. In embodiments described herein of composite radiating structures, multiple antennas may be included through passive radiating elements potentially combined with active circuitry. Composite radiating structures with multiple antennas may be used in multiple-in and multiple-out (MIMO) antenna applications. For example, multiple different antennas within the composite radiating structures may be created using radiating elements on one or more of the vertical and/or horizontal portions of the composite radiating structure. |
| US08810455B2 |
Antennas, devices and systems based on metamaterial structures
Techniques, apparatus and systems that use one or more composite left and right handed (CRLH) metamaterial structures in processing and handling electromagnetic wave signals. Antenna, antenna arrays and other RF devices can be formed based on CRLH metamaterial structures. The described CRLH metamaterial structures can be used in wireless communication RF front-end and antenna sub-systems. |
| US08810453B2 |
Method and system for heuristic location tracking
A method and system for provision of a notification based on location of a target device and heuristic information, the method maintaining, in a storage module, a location profile of a target mobile device based on heuristic information for the target mobile device; receiving the current location of the target mobile device; verifying whether the current location deviates from the location profile; and if the current location deviates from the location profile, triggering a notification to an observer device. |
| US08810452B2 |
Network location and synchronization of peer sensor stations in a wireless geolocation network
Transmitters are located with a network of sensors by measuring signal characteristics at multiple known locations and processing these measurements at a central node. The sensors communicate their location to the central node along with measured characteristics of the transmitter's signal, and may be required to synchronize with other sensors. Often, GNSS receivers are utilized to locate and synchronize the sensors. However, the GNSS signals may be attenuated by obstructions. In this case, the sensors determine their location by making ranging measurements with sensors that can receive the GNSS signals. The waveform for the wireless backhaul permits this ranging. Additionally, many sensors can determine their location and time synchronize with the geolocation network through reception of signals from other sensors even if they do not have a direct connection to sensors that know their location and are time synchronized. |
| US08810451B2 |
Communication antenna automatic orientation apparatus and method
The present invention discloses a communication antenna automatic orientation apparatus and method, wherein the apparatus comprises: a target base station geographical storage for storing the corresponding relation between the spatial location information on the air lane and the identifier of a target base station; a sensor for confirming current spatial location information of the aircraft; an aircraft spatial orientation sensor for confirming a current spatial orientation of the aircraft; a master controller for confirming a target direction of a directional antenna according to the current spatial location information, the corresponding relation and the current spatial orientation and sending an instruction carrying the target direction; an automatic antenna directional system for receiving the instruction and driving the directional antenna according to the target direction so as to enable the directional antenna to receive a signal from a ground base station in the target direction; a wide aperture antenna for receiving the signal from the ground base station in omni-direction; and a mobile communication terminal for processing the signal received by the wide aperture antenna and the signal received by the directional antenna. |
| US08810448B1 |
Modular architecture for scalable phased array radars
In one aspect, a radar array assembly includes two or more vertical stiffeners each having bores with threads and a first radar module. The first radar module includes radar transmit and receive (T/R) modules and a chassis having channels configured to receive a coolant. The chassis includes shelves having ribs. The ribs have channels configured to receive the coolant and the ribs form slots to receive circuit cards disposed in parallel. The circuit cards include the T/R modules. The chassis also includes set screws attached to opposing sides of the chassis. The set screws have bores to accept fasteners to engage the threads on a corresponding one of the two or more vertical stiffeners. The first radar module is configured to operate as a stand-alone radar array. |
| US08810444B2 |
Analog-to-digital converting circuit and accumulation circuit including the same
An analog-to-digital converting circuit includes a first comparison circuit configured to compare a first analog signal associated with a first digital signal with an analog input signal and output a first selection signal based on a result of the comparison, a second comparison circuit configured to compare a second analog signal associated with a second digital signal with the analog input signal and output a second selection signal based on a result of the comparison, and a selection circuit configured to generate intermediate digital signals associated with the first digital signal and output one of the intermediate digital signals as the first digital signal and another of the intermediate digital signals as the second digital signal, based on the first selection signal and the second selection signal. |
| US08810440B2 |
Stochastic Time-Digital Converter
A stochastic time-digital converter (STDC) including an input switching circuit, an STDC array, and an encoder. A clock circuit inputs two clock signals into two input terminals of the input switching circuit; the input switching circuit transmits the two clock signals in a cyclic cross-transposition form to two input terminals of the STDC array, and simultaneously outputs a trigger control signal to the encoder; each comparator in the STDC array independently judges the speeds of the two clock signals and sends the judgement results to the encoder for collection and processing; and the encoder outputs the size and positivity or negativity of the phase difference of the two clock signals. The technical solution utilizes the stochastic characteristic of the STDC to double the number of the equivalent comparators in the STDC array, eliminating the effects on the circuitry of device mismatching and processes, power supply voltage, and temperature. |
| US08810439B1 |
Encoder, decoder and method
There is provided an encoder and decoder for encoding and decoding input data (D1, D2 or D3) to generate corresponding encoded output data (D2 or D3, D5). The encoder includes a data processing arrangement, optionally for analyzing a range of values present in the input data (D1) to determine at least one pre- and/or post-pedestal value, optionally to translate the input data (D1) using the at least one pre- and/or post-pedestal value to generate translated data, and then to apply a form of ODelta coding to the data, optionally translated data, to generate processed data, and to combine the processed data and optionally the at least one pre- and/or post-pedestal value for generating the encoded output data (D2 or D3). The decoder includes a data processing arrangement for processing the encoded data (D2 or D3), optionally to extract therefrom at least one pre- and/or post-pedestal value. |
| US08810436B2 |
Maritime overboard detection and tracking system
A process and system for detecting the presence of a person overboard including: setting the perimeter of an area to scan, scanning the area 180 degrees in azimuth utilizing a laser beam for receiving a reflection of the laser beam off the person, detecting the reflection and playing back a video recording of the trajectory of the person, wherein the area above and below the perimeter of an area to scan is continuously video recorded and wherein upon detecting the target, one or more of audio and visual alarms alert that crew, and wherein an alarm with location is sent to PDA system with GPS coordinates time and date. Additionally a launcher deploys a device to track the person overboard, and allows persons on the ship or in a control center to ascertain the location of the person overboard. |
| US08810435B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying a helicopter approach to an airport landing pad
A system and method, that will allow helicopter pilots to air taxi from an instrument approach to an airport to a designated landing area or pad, includes symbology characterizing an approach aim point different from an aim point for aircraft landing on the runway, and symbology indicating an air taxi route from the approach aim point to a landing pad. |
| US08810432B2 |
Devices and systems for improved traffic control signal assembly
Methods and apparatuses are provided for improved traffic control devices including a continuous central hanger support system that is integral to the traffic control device and provides a central load path. In an embodiment of the invention, the terminal housing and traffic signal housing of the traffic control device can be included in a single unit housing. A single unit housing can also include an integral backplate. Also provided are span wire clamps, tether clamps, and mast arm clamps that can be used to affix the continuous central hanger of the traffic control device to various fixtures such as a single span wire, two span wires, a pole or a mast arm. The continuous central hanger integrated with the single unit housing can provide the traffic control device with improved securement of electrical components and structural stability for survivability during high wind events as compared to conventional traffic signal devices. |
| US08810430B2 |
System using wearable device with unique user ID and telemetry system
A system for using telemetry data based on a user habit information includes one or more sensors coupled to a wearable device that has a unique user ID, and acquires user information selected from of at least one of, a user's activities, behaviors and habit information. The wearable device includes ID circuitry that includes ID storage, a communication system which reads and transmits the unique ID from the ID storage, a power source and a pathway system to route signals through the circuitry. The telemetry system communicates with the one or more sensors. The telemetry system includes a database of user ID's. Telemetry data is analyzed using the telemetry system based on at least one of, user's activities, behaviors and habit information. Personalized information about the user is created. |
| US08810429B2 |
Data forecasting in a multi-node system
An advanced metering infrastructure comprises intermediate nodes. The intermediate nodes receive data from child nodes and relay a subset of the data that is not according to an expected value. The expected value may be determined based on a forecasting function computed based on past data. The expected value may be a spatial shape in an n-dimension space. A data not within the spatial shape may be considered not in accordance with the expected value. In some case, the spatial shape is defined by a centroid and a radius. The spatial shape may shift over time based on a consumption profile, such as low consumption at noon, and high consumption at evening. The consumption profiles may be determined in a learning phase, as well as shifting of spatial shapes of each group over time. |
| US08810426B1 |
Life safety device with compact circumferential acoustic resonator
Low frequency alarm tones emitted by life safety devices are more likely to notify sleeping children and the elderly. Disclosed herein is a life safety device equipped with a novel, compact, circumferential resonant cavity which increases the low frequency (400-600 Hz square wave) acoustic efficiency of an audio output apparatus formed by acoustically coupling an audio output transducer to the resonant cavity. The resonant cavity is a compact circumferential acoustic resonator with a captured mass of air within a ring shaped cavity significantly reducing the overall size of the resonator, thereby permitting the audio output apparatus to fit within the housing of conventional size life safety devices such as, but not limited to, residential and commercial smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. The compact resonator is an acoustic compliant cavity with internal passages transforming axial traveling sound waves to circumferentially traveling sound waves thereby yielding a very compact geometry. |
| US08810425B2 |
Travel route mapping based on radiation exposure risks
Exemplary methods, systems and components enable detection and/or monitoring and/or control of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure of target body-related portions of a user operating a telecommunication device. In some embodiments a risk-assessment output is provided based on a safety threshold or predetermined intrusion level of EMR exposure. A further aspect may include interaction with external EMR sources regarding possible modification of emissions as well as possible arrangements for other types of remedial action. Some embodiments may provide travel route mapping data indicative of EMR source locations and/or irradiation values in a given locale. |
| US08810424B2 |
Safety warning system and method
An appliance warning system comprises a floor pad for location on or adjacent a device such that a user must stand on the floor pad in order to normally use the device. The floor pad has at least one switch movable between an open position when no weight pressure is detected on the floor pad and a closed position when the switch is activated by weight pressure detected on the floor pad. A transmitter is provided for transmitting a signal depending upon whether the switch is in the open or closed position. A warning device is activated when the switch has been in the open position for a preselected period of time after having been in the closed position. |
| US08810422B2 |
Surveillance system
This invention relates generally to the field of surveillance systems, and in particular to fault and alarm condition reporting to a monitoring system. The surveillance system comprises a plurality of identification sensors and a measurement device coupled to each of the plurality of identification sensors for measuring the acceleration thereof. A detection system connected with each of the plurality of identification sensors processes acceleration data measured from each of the measurement devices. Based on the processing of the acceleration data, an alert is generated by an alert system. |
| US08810421B2 |
System, device and method for providing power outage and restoration notification
A system, computer program product and method to provide information related to a power distribution system based on information provided by a plurality of network elements electrically connected to a plurality of power lines of the power distribution system at a plurality of locations is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a notification from a group of network elements that have detected a voltage signature indicating an imminent power outage, determining location information of the power outage, outputting the location information of the power outage, receiving a live notification from a first network element of the group of network elements indicating a first power restoration at a location of the first network element, determining location information of the first power restoration, and outputting the location information of the first power restoration. |
| US08810420B2 |
Integrated fuse status indication in an open fuse block
An open fuse block is provided having a visual indicator or light assembly connected in parallel with a replaceable fuse mounted in the fuse block. When the fuse is blown, the corresponding visual indicator is illuminated to identify the blown fuse, thereby facilitating quick and easy replacement of the fuse. Since the visual indicator is connected in parallel with the fuse element, when the fuse is blown, the fuse results in an open circuit and the flow of electricity is rerouted through the visual indicator. The visual indicator is thereby illuminated and the corresponding blown fuse can be easily identified. The visual indicator or light assembly can include, for example, a neon bulb, light emitting diode, fluorescent bulb, incandescent bulb, or any other visual indicator that emits light. |
| US08810419B2 |
Refrigerant charge level detection
An exemplary embodiment of a refrigerant charge monitoring system includes first and second sensors. The first sensor is operable for sensing temperature of a liquid refrigerant line that is connected to, within, or extending from an outlet of a condenser. The second sensor is operable for sensing pressure of the liquid refrigerant line. A controller is configured to determine at least one target pressure value from the sensed temperature of the liquid refrigerant line. The controller is configured to determine if the level of refrigerant charge is at, above or below an acceptable level based on a comparison of the sensed pressure of the liquid refrigerant line to the at least one target pressure value. |
| US08810418B2 |
Vehicle fluid regulator valve diagnostic system
A hybrid vehicle powertrain including a hybrid transmission in power-flow communication with an electric traction motor, a fluid pump, and a flow controller electrically connected to the fluid pump. The fluid pump is configured to supply fluid at an adjustable fluid flow rate to the hybrid transmission and the electric traction motor in response to a command from the flow controller. The flow controller is electrically connected to the fluid pump and configured to controllably modulate the operating speed of the fluid pump to adjust the fluid flow rate. If the difference between an expected rate of speed change of the fluid pump and the actual rate of speed change exceeds a threshold, the flow controller may limit the total amount of electrical power supplied to the electric traction motor. |
| US08810417B2 |
Beverage immersate with detection capability
Methods and systems described herein include beverage immersates and methods of their use. Systems include: at least one beverage immersate, wherein the at least one beverage immersate includes at least one sensor configured to detect at least one analyte in a fluid within a personal use beverage container; and at least one signal transmitter configured to transmit a signal responsive to the at least one beverage immersate. Methods include: detecting one or more analyte in fluid within a personal use beverage container with at least one sensor integral to at least one beverage immersate; and communicating data from the at least one beverage immersate to at least one device external to the beverage immersate. |
| US08810416B2 |
Ionising radiation detector
An assembly (13) for monitoring ionising radiation comprises a detector substrate (2) for generating electronic charge responsive to incident ionising radiation, the detector substrate (2) having an array of ionising radiation sense volumes (12) formed in it. A circuit substrate (14) supporting an array of read-out circuits (16) corresponding to the array of sense volumes is mechanically and electrically coupled to the detector substrate (14). Each of the read-out circuits (16) is switchable between first and second charge integration modes for receiving charge from a corresponding sense volume. A charge integration circuit (30) is configured in the first charge integration mode to integrate charge corresponding to sensing of a single ionising radiation detection event in a corresponding sense volume and in the second charge integrating mode to integrate charge corresponding to sensing a plurality of ionising radiation detection events in the corresponding sense volume. |
| US08810415B2 |
Evacuation system and escape route indicator therefore
An object, for example a building, is divided into different sections. Each section comprises a plurality of computers, each controlling an individual escape route display or a group of escape route displays. The computers are controlled by monitoring sensors of the object section. The blueprint of the object section and a control algorithm for the safest escape route from the object section is stored in the computers. The invention further relates to an escape route display that can be used for a device of said kind. |
| US08810413B2 |
User fatigue
Detect a head position of a user viewing a display device with a sensor, determine a duration of the user viewing the display device, identify a user fatigue in response to the head position, and provide a response to the user with the display device based on the user fatigue and the duration of the user viewing the display device. |
| US08810411B2 |
Optical barrier to pests
A device generates a light barrier that can be used for different purposes. The barrier consists of one or more surfaces (or volume) exhibiting an abrupt change in light intensity. In some embodiments the change in intensity affects animals, including insects, approaching or crossing it. In some embodiments, the light generates thermal or density variations in the air that cause air movements that perturb particles, such as pollen, or other pests to human activity. In some embodiments, an approach includes an optical barrier generator configured to emit light of an optical waveform above a threshold power in a portion of space positioned relative to the generator. The optical waveform above the threshold power is effective at perturbing a pest to human activity. |
| US08810408B2 |
Medication management and reporting technology
Medication management and reporting technology, in which output from at least one sensor configured to sense physical activity in a building in which medication of a patient is located is monitored and a determination is made to capture one or more images of the medication based on the monitoring. A camera is used to capture an image of the medication and the captured image is analyzed to detect a state of the medication. Information regarding a schedule by which the medication should be taken by the patient is accessed and an expected state of the medication is determined. The detected state is compared with the expected state and a determination is made that the patient has departed from the schedule based on the comparison revealing that the detected state does not match the expected state. A message indicating the departure from the schedule is sent based on the determination. |
| US08810407B1 |
Walker with illumination, location, positioning, tactile and/or sensor capabilities
In accordance with various embodiments, a walker has a body. An illumination source is supported by the body. The illumination source is configured to focus illumination on a target area. The target area includes both a leg of a user and ground adjacent the leg during an entire gait cycle of the user using the walker for assistance during ambulation. |
| US08810406B2 |
Method for traceability of grain harvest crop
A tracking device for assisting in traceability of grain includes a plastic body, an RFID chip disposed within the plastic body, and a weight comprised of a ferromagnetic material disposed within the plastic body. A method provides for dispensing tracking devices into a stream of grain so as to associate identifying information with the stream of grain. A system includes a dispensing device configured to singulate and dispense tracking devices into a flow of grain. |
| US08810404B2 |
System and method for radio-frequency fingerprinting as a security layer in RFID devices
A system and method for authenticating a radio-frequency identification tags based on the features of the modulation features of the RFID signal. Dynamic wavelet fingerprint features are extracted from the signal by applying a wavelet transform to the signal to determine wavelet coefficients at a plurality of times and frequency scale values, creating a binary image from the wavelet coefficients, and measuring image features of at least one fingerprint object in the binary image. The measured features of the binary image fingerprint objects are compared to a database of features for the signal's EPC to authenticate the RFID tag. |
| US08810401B2 |
Data processing apparatus and associated user interfaces and methods
A processor (108) configured to associate (302) RFID data (124) obtained from a scene (202) with captured image data for the scene (202). The association can be displayed (304) to a user to enable a user to select (306), using the image data, which RFID data to interact (308) with. |
| US08810399B2 |
Detection of groups of RFID tags
RFID-based inventory management systems are provided for various applications. Such systems include a plurality of RFID-readable products tags, with each product tag being associated with a piece of merchandise and programmed to generate a signal containing information regarding the associated piece of merchandise. Such systems also include an RFID reader capable of sending and receiving signals from the product tags. Such systems further include a processor capable of receiving signals from the RFID reader with information regarding the product tags. The processor compares the information regarding two or more product tags to determine whether they are being moved together as part of a moving group. If the processor determines that there exists a moving group of product tags, it generates an output based at least in part on the signals being sent from the product tags in the moving group. |
| US08810397B2 |
Apparatus and method for monitoring a building opening
The invention specifies an apparatus and a method for monitoring a building opening which is closed with a closure element (6, 6a . . . 6n) which is not fully transparent. The apparatus comprises a pattern (M), which is arranged on one side of the closure element (6, 6a . . . 6n) or is projected onto this side, and a detection unit (7a . . . 7e) which is aligned with this pattern (M). A comparison unit compares the actual pattern (M) detected by the detection unit (7a . . . 7e) with a desired pattern and triggers an alarm if the difference between the actual pattern (M) and the desired pattern exceeds a predefinable threshold. |
| US08810396B2 |
Analysis system
A method for analyzing the condition of a machine having a rotating shaft, includes:receiving a digital input signal (I) having a first plurality (ILENGTH) of sample values, the digital input signal (I) representing mechanical vibrations emanating from rotating the shaft so far as to cause occurrence of a vibration having a period of repetition (TR); dividing the received digital input signal (I) into a first signal portion (2070) and a second signal portion; generating a digital output signal (O) having a second plurality (OLENGTH) of samples, the second plurality (OLENGTH) being a positive integer and lower than the first plurality (ILENGTH); the digital output signal (O) being generated in response to the first signal portion (2070) and the second signal portion. |
| US08810392B1 |
Device and method for monitoring the presence of items and issuing an alert if an item is not detected
Disclosed herein are methods and systems that involve monitoring presence of items based on context. An exemplary method involves: (i) determining a context for a given user; (ii) determining a proximity framework between a monitoring device and one or more items, based on the determined context, wherein the proximity framework comprises (a) one or more proximity requirements, each proximity requirement indicating a required proximity between the monitoring device and at least one of the items and (b) a notification process corresponding to each proximity requirement; (iii) monitoring proximity of each of the items relative to the monitoring device, based on a presence signal from each of the items, in order to determine when one of the proximity requirements is not met; and (iv) responsive to determining that one of the proximity requirements is not met, initiating the corresponding notification process. |
| US08810390B2 |
Proximity warning system with silent zones
Various proximity detection zones for work sites that require personnel to be in close proximity to various hazardous elements, such as machines, mobile equipment, remotely controlled machines, and operated vehicles can be shaped to fit specific equipment or work area configurations and may include one or more silent zones within the proximity warning zone in which an alarm is not sounded. The zones are determined by overlapping magnetic fields that expand and collapse at a selected operating frequency. Devices sense and measure the strength of the magnetic fields in which they are located and use the information to determine if they are in a silent or warning zone. Thus, it is possible to produce silent zones having desired shapes. |
| US08810387B2 |
Method and apparatus for the inspection, maintenance and testing of alarm safety systems
A safety system receives inputs from safety related input devices such as smoke detectors and the like and provides triggering outputs to notification appliances such as bells and the like and/or safety functions such as door releases. To facilitate testing of the input devices the system incorporates a timer operative to disconnect the output devices for a period of time during which testing may be achieved, automatically reconnects the output devices at the end of the time, records the number of triggering outputs received at the outputs during that period. |
| US08810384B1 |
Thermal link warning safety system for unattended vehicles
A mobile personal alarm and warning system for monitoring temperature around the designated user integrated with a vehicle access and warning controls. The system utilizes controls and actuation mobile self-contained modules that monitor the ambient temperature around the designated user and transmits a warning activation signal to the mobile control unit carried by the primary user as an alert condition. Proximity sensor provisions are provided to assure response range between the modules as well as enabling two-way radio communication protocols. |
| US08810383B2 |
System and method for controlling adaptive cruise control based on driver status
A device for controlling an adaptive cruise control system based on driver status is provided. The device comprises a controller configured to receive at least one driver status signal indicative of the driver being either a primary driver or a secondary driver and to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is the one of the primary driver and the secondary driver based on the at least one driver status signal. The controller is further configured to allow control by a primary driver over operating parameters of an ACC system and to allow the primary driver to establish a restricted mode in which a secondary driver is prevented from making certain dis-allowed changes in the operating parameters. |
| US08810382B1 |
Method and apparatus for warning vehicle of low overpass height
A sensor device having a top, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a rear and a front. The sensor device may be mounted to a housing which covers the top, the first side, and the second side of the sensor device but does not cover the front of the sensor device. The housing may be adapted to be attached to an outside of a vehicle, such as by a pressure sensitive adhesive pad. The sensor device may be a motion sensor. The housing may be fixed to the vehicle near a top of the vehicle so that energy from the sensor device is emitted primarily in a direction which is parallel to a length of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a height and a width, and the length of the vehicle is greater than the height and the width. |
| US08810373B2 |
Active energy harvesting for radio-frequency identification devices
In general, embodiments of the present invention provide approaches for providing power to RFID transponders. In one embodiment, the RFID transponder is powered using a magnetic field generated by power lines. In another embodiment, the RFID transponder is powered using a field generated by a wireless network. In the case of the latter, the RFID transponder acts as a member of the wireless network. In so doing, the RFID transponder is granted user rights and controls, and can control devices that are available on the network. |
| US08810372B2 |
Method and apparatus for power management for a radio frequency identification system
A method and device of power management for a networked radio frequency identification (“RFID”) system are disclosed. The described power management methods reduce the power consumption of battery-operated RFD) readers and REED tags. These power conservation methods increase the RFID system's hours of operation and decrease the cost by allowing the RFID readers and tags to function for a longer period of time before requiring charging or replacement of their batteries. |
| US08810369B2 |
Finding sensor data in an RFID network
A system and method of selectively reading sensor data from a memory device is able to search the memory device for an indicator that identifies the sensor data, and read only the sensor data identified by the indicator from the memory device. In this way, interrogating devices are able to sort through sensor data stored in a network of memory devices, such as an RFID network, and report specific data of interest despite the existence of a variety of data types in the network. In some embodiments, flags are stored and associated with specific types of data, such as various sensor data, thereby allowing numerous memory devices and sensors to operate and be read efficiently in the same environment. |
| US08810362B2 |
Recognition system and recognition method
A recognition system is used for recognizing an operation of a user. The recognition system includes a sensor module, a processing device, a playing device, and data storage device. The sensor module is used for generating a first sensing signal according to an operation of a user. The data storage device stores a plurality of objects. The processing device compares the first sensing signal with the plurality of objects to generate a recognition result in response to the first sensing signal. The playing device is used for playing the recognition result. The sensor module is used for, after the recognition result is played, recognizing a response of the user to generate a second sensing signal, and feeding the second sensing signal back to the processing device. The processing device judges whether the recognition result corresponding to the first sensing signal is correct according to the second sensing signal. |
| US08810361B2 |
Electronically augmented smart lock for trash containers
A smart lock that can be built into or mounted onto a trash container with a lid and a can consists of two interlocking parts. The smart lock contains a primary lock operably connected to a secondary lock. The primary lock can be opened in presence of the trash collection vehicle or by a command from the owner. The secondary lock can be opened by the same conditions or when it senses mechanical and gravitational movement characteristics of the collection process, only when the first lock is open. Each lock comprises a timer and electronic circuitry that detects authorized commands and opens the lock. |
| US08810360B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling the status of a device
The status of a device is controlled by detecting (403) the presence of a user; changing the status of a device to a first state (405) if the presence of a user is detected within a first, predetermined zone; changing the status of the device to the second state (407) if the presence of a user is detected outside a second, predetermined zone, the first, predetermined zone being smaller than and being wholly contained within the second, predetermined zone; and maintaining (407) the current state of the device if the presence of a user is detected outside of the first, predetermined zone and within the second predetermined zone. |
| US08810359B2 |
Assembling and controlling light unit arrays
A method and a system for assembling and controlling a lighting array including a plurality of lighting units by providing a representation of the lighting array having a unit entry for and corresponding to each lighting unit in the lighting array wherein each unit entry includes a physical location address field and a lighting unit identification field. The representation of the lighting array is mapped onto the array address space by entering a physical address in the array address space into the location address field of each unit entry and serializing the lighting unit by writing a unique unit identifier of a corresponding lighting unit into the lighting unit identification field of each unit entry. |
| US08810351B2 |
Chip-type coil component
The chip-type coil component includes: a body; conductive patterns connected to each other so as to have a coil structure; and external electrodes formed on the bottom surface and the two surfaces in the length direction; wherein a height of the external electrodes in a thickness direction of the body is greater than a height from the bottom surface to a farthest conductive pattern therefrom among the conductive patterns and is less than a height from the bottom surface of the body to the top surface thereof. According to embodiments of the present invention, even in a case in which a chip-type coil component set contacts a metal can, interference such as short-circuits does not occur, and as a result, a chip-type coil component having excellent reliability can be acquired. |
| US08810350B2 |
Electronic component and method of producing same
A laminate in which plural insulator layers are stacked includes an external electrode that is exposed to the exterior of the laminate and includes a plurality of conductive layers stacked in a staking direction and passing through some of the plural insulator layers in the stacking direction. At least one side of the external electrode facing in the stacking direction is overlaid with rest of the plural insulator layers. At least one side surface of the external electrode facing in the stacking direction is uneven with another portion of the side surface. |
| US08810349B2 |
Power input device with current pulse multiplier transformer to reduce harmonic currents in converter/inverter circuits and devices, and method of making the same
A power supply device comprising an advanced harmonic current quashing (AHQ) and current pulse multiplier (CPM) (AHQ/CPM) three-phase transformer having: a primary winding placed around a magnetic core and having three primary winding input leads to connect a three phase power supply; and a plurality of secondary windings placed around the magnetic core in a predetermined winding turns configuration to generate a plurality of three phase outputs, where each three phase output of the plurality of three phase outputs has a different phase angle from all other three phase outputs, with each unique phase angle associated with a three phase output of a corresponding secondary winding being determined based on the winding turns configuration utilized for the corresponding secondary winding. A variable frequency drive (VFD) having 3N converters/inverters coupled to the secondary windings outputs exhibit substantially reduced harmonic currents and a current pulse number of greater than 6N. |
| US08810348B2 |
System and method for tailoring polarity transitions of magnetic structures
A system and method for tailoring a polarity transition of a magnetic structure is provided that involves printing one or more reinforcing maxels alongside one side or both sides of a polarity transition boundary between a first polarity region of the magnetic structure having a first polarity and a second polarity region of the magnetic structure having a second polarity, where printing reinforcing maxels alongside the polarity transition boundary improves the magnetic field characteristics of the polarity transition. |
| US08810341B2 |
Magnetically actuated micro-electro-mechanical capacitor switches in laminate
Magnetically actuated micro-electro-mechanical capacitor switches in laminate are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a first layer comprising a coil and magnetic element, the magnetic element made from one of nickel and iron; a second layer comprising a flexible member, wherein a permanent magnet is attached to the flexible member; a conductive plate having an insulating dielectric coating, the conductive plate attached to one of the flexible member or a magnet; and a third layer comprising a transmission line and magnetic material, wherein the transmission line comprises one or more of a signal conductor and one or more ground conductors in near proximity. |
| US08810340B2 |
Signal line disposed in a flexible insulating main body, where the main body includes a connector portion which is wider than a signal portion
A signal line that can be easily bent and significantly reduces loss generated in a high-frequency signal includes a main body including a plurality of insulating sheets made of a flexible material and stacked on each other in a stacking direction. Ground conductors are provided in the main body on the positive z-axis direction side of a signal line. The ground conductors have a slit S formed therein that overlaps the signal line when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. A ground conductor is provided in the main body on the negative z-axis direction side of the signal line, and is overlapped by the signal line when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. The ground conductors and the signal line define a strip line structure. A distance between the ground electrodes and the signal line is smaller than a distance between the ground electrode and the signal line. |
| US08810339B2 |
Radio frequency filter stabilization
An assembly and method relates to stabilizing a radio frequency (RF) filter with respect to a housing. The assembly can include a filter component; a housing having a groove to receive the filter component; a cover mounted to the housing to cover the groove; and an elastomeric element disposed between the cover and the filter. The elastomeric element may be one or more tubular pieces. |
| US08810337B2 |
Compact bandpass filter with no third order response
A bandpass filter passes a range of frequencies with low loss while suppressing frequencies above and below the passed range of frequencies. One or more spurlines is included into the existing structure of the bandpass filter so that a selected odd multiple of the passed frequency range is suppressed. |
| US08810332B2 |
Electromagnetic coupler and information communication device with same mounted thereon
An electromagnetic coupler includes a first plane, a plurality of conductive patterns formed on the first plane and spaced apart from each other, a second plane parallel to the first plane, a ground pattern formed on the second plane and connected to ground, a first linear conductor formed to have a length shorter than ¼ a wavelength equivalent to a frequency used, the first linear conductor being connected at one end to one conductive pattern of the plural conductive patterns, and fed between an other end of the first linear conductor and the ground pattern, and a plurality of second linear conductors formed to have a length shorter than ¼ the wavelength equivalent to the frequency used, one or more of the second linear conductors being formed for each of the plural conductive patterns, to connect each of the plural conductive patterns and the ground pattern. |
| US08810331B2 |
MEMS tunable notch filter frequency automatic control loop systems and methods
Tunable notch filters and control loop systems and methods can include a tunable notch filter providing a stop band, a sensing circuit in communication with the tunable notch filter and adapted to determine a phase change between a reference signal and a signal reflected from the tunable notch filter, and a control loop in communication with the tunable notch filter and the sensing circuit, the control loop being operable to adjust the tunable notch filter to modify the phase change. |
| US08810328B2 |
Circuit arrangement for inductive energy transfer
A circuit arrangement for the inductive transfer of energy is disclosed. The circuit arrangement includes an oscillator; and a device for detecting the load of the oscillator and for setting the circuit arrangement into one of multiple operating states depending on the detected load. The device determines the load of the oscillator using an electrical variable occurring in the oscillator. |
| US08810324B2 |
Oscillating device
The present invention relates to an oscillating device, which comprises a driving module and an oscillating module. The driving module is used for producing a first driving voltage and a second driving voltage. The oscillating module comprises a first symmetric load circuit, a second symmetric load circuit, and a bias circuit. The first symmetric load circuit and the second symmetric load circuit produce a bias according to the first driving voltage. The bias circuit produces a bias current according to the second driving voltage. The oscillating module produces an oscillating signal according to the first driving voltage and the bias current, where the bias current is proportional to the bias. Thereby, by making the driving signal produced by driving module proportional to the bias of the oscillating module, simple compensation for temperature and process can be performed. Thereby, the frequency can be tuned using a few calibration bits. |
| US08810323B2 |
Low-power voltage-controlled oscillator
In one embodiment, a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) is provided that includes: a plurality of differential inverters coupled to form a loop, each differential inverter having a differential pair of transistors configured to steer a tail current from a current source, the current source sourcing the tail current responsive to a bias voltage, wherein each transistor in the differential pair couples to a power source through a corresponding switching-capacitor circuit; and a bias circuit configured to generate the bias voltage such that a transconductance for each transistor in the differential pairs is proportional to a factor that is a function of a ratio of transistor widths within the bias circuit. |
| US08810322B2 |
Apparatus and method for frequency generation
A wideband frequency generator has two or more oscillators for different frequency bands, disposed on the same die within a flip chip package. Coupling between inductors of the two oscillators is reduced by placing one inductor on the die and the other inductor on the package, separating the inductors by a solder bump diameter. The loosely coupled inductors allow manipulation of the LC tank circuit of one of the oscillators to increase the bandwidth of the other oscillator, and vice versa. Preventing undesirable mode of oscillation in one of the oscillators may be achieved by loading the LC tank circuit of the other oscillator with a large capacitance, such as the entire capacitance of the coarse tuning bank of the other oscillator. Preventing the undesirable mode may also be achieved by decreasing the quality factor of the other oscillator's LC tank and thereby increasing the losses in the tank circuit. |
| US08810314B2 |
Envelope tracking amplifier
An envelope tracking power amplifier uses signal cancellation techniques to provide isolation between RF signals and envelope signals, without the use of filters. In this manner, the envelope tracking power amplifiers are capable of operating with envelope signals that are at or near the frequency of the corresponding RF signals. In at least one embodiment, a double balanced power amplifier is provided that includes a balanced RF input port, a balanced RF output port, and a balanced envelope input port. The balanced nature of the amplifier results in ports of the amplifier forming virtual grounds with respect to signals at other ports. In some other embodiments, a single balanced amplifier is provided that provides isolation between ports thereof. |
| US08810310B2 |
Vertically stacked fin transistors and methods of fabricating and operating the same
A semiconductor device is disclosed having vertically stacked (also referred to as vertically offset) transistors in a semiconductor fin. The semiconductor fin may include lower transistors separated by a first trench and having a source and drain in a first doped region of the fin. The semiconductor fin also includes upper transistors vertically offset from the first transistors and separated by a second trench and having a source and drain in a second doped region of the fin. Upper and lower stacked gates may be disposed on the sidewalls of the fin, such that the lower transistors are activated by biasing the lower gates and upper transistors are activated by biasing the upper gates. Methods of manufacturing and operating the device are also disclosed. |
| US08810309B2 |
Stack package and method for selecting chip in stack package
A stack package having a plurality of stacked chips includes first voltage dropping units respectively formed in the plurality of chips, the first voltage dropping units are electrically coupled by a first line; second voltage dropping units respectively formed in the plurality of chips, the second dropping units are electrically coupled by a second line; first signal generation units respectively formed in the plurality of chips, each of the first signal generation units is connected to an output node of the first voltage dropping units, respectively; and second signal generation units respectively formed in the plurality of chips, each of the second signal generation units is connected to an input node of the second voltage dropping units, respectively. |
| US08810306B2 |
Negative voltage regulation circuit and voltage generation circuit including the same
A negative voltage regulation circuit includes an operational amplifier configured to receive a feedback voltage and an input voltage, a pull-up element configured to pull-up drive a first node based on output voltage of the operational amplifier, a load element coupled between the first node and a negative voltage terminal, a pull-down element configured to pull-down drive a final negative voltage output terminal using a voltage of the negative voltage terminal based on a voltage level of the first node, and a voltage division unit coupled between the final negative voltage output terminal and a pull-up voltage terminal, and configured to generate the feedback voltage by voltage division. |
| US08810303B2 |
Method and system for controlling HS-NMOS power switches with slew-rate limitation
A method and system for limiting the slew rate of the output voltage of one or more high side (HS) NMOS power switches is disclosed. A circuit arrangement configured to control a first NMOS switch is described. The arrangement comprises voltage provisioning means configured to supply a gate voltage to a gate terminal of the first NMOS switch; current provisioning means configured to provide a current; a first control stage configured to provide and/or remove a connection between the gate terminal of the first NMOS switch and the voltage provisioning means, thereby switching the first NMOS switch to an on-state and/or an off-state, respectively; and a first feedback control link between an output terminal of the first NMOS switch and the current provisioning means configured to control the slew-rate of a voltage at the first output terminal. |
| US08810301B1 |
System and method for level shifting signals with adjustably controlled frequency response
A system and method are provided for level shifting signals generated by an electronic circuit with selectively controlled frequency response. A first circuit portion defines a primary path for a signal within an upper region of a predefined signal frequency range, and includes a first capacitor unit establishing a voltage level shift for a signal passing therethrough. A second circuit portion selectively defines a secondary path bypassing the primary path for a signal within a lower region of the predefined signal frequency range, and includes a switched capacitive section disposed in parallel across the first capacitor unit to establish a voltage level shift for the signal passing therethrough. A second capacitor unit charges substantially to a predetermined shift voltage in a charging phase and couples to the first capacitor unit during a transfer phase. An attenuation adjust unit adjustably augments a parasitic capacitance of the first or second circuit portion. |
| US08810296B2 |
D flip-flop with high-swing output
A D flip-flop includes a first switch, a level shifter, and a second switch therein. The first switch includes a first input and a first output. The level shifter includes a second input coupled to the first input, and a second output. The second switch includes a third input coupled to the second output, and a third output. The first input and the third output form an input and an output of the D flip-flop. |
| US08810293B2 |
Pulsed gate driver
A gate driver includes a control input receiving a control signal, an output to provide an amplified output signal to the gate, and controller. The controller produces an adaptive pulse train varying with the control signal. An adaptive incrementer produces a sequence of numbers that set a slew rate of the switch, and a look-up table is fed with the sequence of numbers, and associates the numbers produced by the adaptive incrementer with values representing the duty cycle of the output signal to control the slew rate of the switch. The switch can be driven at various intermediate levels, and allows gate drive conditions to adapted to abnormal system states by varying the control input signal. The adaptive response allows the slew rate to vary without replacing any gate driver circuit components. Because the gate current is provided adaptively, the delivery of gate current results in low power dissipation. |
| US08810292B2 |
PLL circuit
A PLL circuit includes: a phase comparator for detecting a phase difference between a reference signal and a feedback signal; a first charge pump for outputting a current Ipr according to a detection result of the phase comparator; a second charge pump for outputting a current Iint according to the detection result of the phase comparator; a filter for outputting a current Iprop from which a high frequency component of the Ipr is removed; an integrator for integrating the Iint; a voltage-current conversion circuit for outputting a current Ivi according to an integrated result of the integrator; and an oscillator that generates an oscillating signal of a frequency according to a current Iro, a sum of the Iprop and the Ivi, and feeds it back to the phase comparator. |
| US08810291B2 |
Phase-locked loop
The PLL includes a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), a frequency down conversion circuit, a phase-frequency detector (PFD), and an adjusting circuit. The VCO is configured to generate an output clock signal. The frequency down conversion circuit is configured to receive the output clock signal and an auxiliary clock signal, and to mix the output clock signal and the auxiliary clock signal to generate a feedback clock signal. By detecting the strength of the feedback clock signal, it provides an auxiliary signal to adjust the frequency of the output clock signal. The PFD is configured to compare the frequencies and the phases of the feedback clock signal and a reference clock signal to generate an adjusting signal. The adjusting circuit is configured to receive the adjusting signal, and to adjust the frequency of the output clock signal generated by the VCO according to the adjusting signal. |
| US08810289B1 |
Digital power on reset
Apparatuses, circuits, methods, and other embodiments associated with digital power on reset are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a digital electronic component configured to produce a clock signal. A first counter is configured to output a first count signal based on the clock signal and a second counter is configured to output a second count signal based on the clock signal. A power on reset logic is configured to provide a power on reset signal based on the first count signal and the second count signal, where the power on reset logic is configured to disable the digital electronic component after providing the power on reset signal to prevent the digital electronic component from drawing power. |
| US08810288B2 |
Output buffer
An output buffer is disclosed. The output buffer includes an input-stage circuit, an output-stage circuit and a compensation circuit. The compensation circuit includes a capacitor, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch. The input-stage circuit receives a differential input signal and outputting a response signal. The output-stage circuit receives the response signal and outputting an output signal. The first switch controls a connection between the input-stage circuit and a first terminal of the capacitor. The second switch controls the connection between an output terminal of the compensation circuit and a second terminal of the capacitor. The third switch controls the connection between the input-stage circuit and the second-terminal of the capacitor. The forth switch controls the connection between the output terminal of the compensation circuit and the first terminal of the capacitor. |
| US08810284B2 |
Voltage and temperature compensated frequency converter
A voltage to frequency conversion system may be used in association with clock related applications such as a closed loop oscillator. The voltage to frequency conversion system includes independent current sources that are synchronously operated to generate substantially the same respective output currents under varying temperature and supply voltage conditions. One of the current sources is used to generate a reference voltage, and the other of the current sources is used to charge a capacitor in a predetermined ramp. The capacitor may be selectively charged and discharged based on a frequency of an input signal, and an average of the variable charge voltage of the capacitor may be compared to the reference voltage to generate an analog output signal indicative of frequency. |
| US08810282B2 |
Apparatus and methods for voltage comparison
Apparatus and methods for voltage comparison are provided. In one embodiment, a comparator includes a first input transistor having a gate configured to receive a first input voltage and a second input transistor having a gate configured to receive a second input voltage. The first and second input transistors can be used to compare the first input voltage to the second input voltage. Additionally, the comparator further includes a first Miller capacitor electrically connected to a drain of the first input transistor and a second Miller capacitor electrically connected to a drain of the second input transistor. Furthermore, first and second inverting amplification circuits are electrically connected across the first and second Miller capacitors, respectively, so as to increase the effective capacitance of the capacitors. The first and second Miller capacitors can be used to extend the comparator's integration time, thereby enhancing the performance of the comparator. |
| US08810279B2 |
Pseudo-static domino logic circuit and apparatuses including same
A domino logic circuit includes a plurality of domino logic stages connected in series between a latch and a flip-flop and a clock signal generator generating a clock signal having a first duty cycle and a flip-flop clock signal having a second duty cycle. The latch and the domino logic stages respectively operate in response to a domino clock signals derived from the first clock signal. The flip-flop operates in response to the flip-flop clock signal. |
| US08810278B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A semiconductor integrated circuit device comprises I/O cells arranged around a core region. Each of the I/O cells comprises a level shifter circuit, an I/O logic circuit, and an I/O buffer circuit. An I/O logic region in which the I/O logic circuit is arranged and an I/O buffer region in which the I/O buffer circuit is arranged overlap with a region in which a pad for the I/O cell is arranged. The I/O logic region and the I/O buffer region are arranged side by side in a direction parallel to a side of the core region. |
| US08810276B2 |
Programmable structured arrays
A programmable semiconductor device includes a user programmable switch comprising a configurable element positioned above a transistor material layer deposited on a substrate layer. |
| US08810274B2 |
On-die termination circuit
An on-die termination circuit includes a reference period signal generation circuit that generates a reference period signal according to a level of a reference voltage, a first period signal generation circuit that generates a first period signal according to a voltage level of a pad, a period comparison circuit that compares a period of the first period signal with a period of the reference period signal and count a plurality of driving signals, and a driver circuit that drives the pad in response to the plurality of driving signals. |
| US08810267B2 |
Device identification and temperature sensor circuit
An integrated circuit includes a device identification circuit and a temperature sensor diode connected in parallel from a common node. The device identification circuit includes a resistor connected to a diode-connected transistor. The device identification circuit and the temperature sensor diode are adapted to not be simultaneously operating in an ON state. A first voltage is applied to the common node to place the device identification circuit in an ON state and place the temperature sensor diode in an OFF state to identify the integrated circuit. A second voltage is applied to the common node to place the device identification circuit in an OFF state and place the temperature sensor diode in an ON state to determine a temperature of the integrated circuit. |
| US08810263B1 |
Adaptive resolution circuit
Apparatuses and methods of adaptive resolution circuits are described. One apparatus includes an input node coupled to a capacitance sense pin coupled to an electrode of a sense array and a capacitance-sensing circuit coupled to the input node and comprising an integrator configured to measure a capacitance with a first resolution. An adaptive resolution circuit is coupled to the capacitance-sensing circuit and the input node and is configured to selectively modify an integration capacitance of the integrator to set the integrator to measure the capacitance with a second resolution. |
| US08810261B2 |
In-mould molding touch module and method for manufacturing the same
An in-mold molding touch module includes a plastic film, a touch circuit and a molding rind. The plastic film includes an inner surface and an outer surface for handling and touching. At least one region of the inner surface and a corresponding region of the outer surface define a touch area. The touch circuit is arranged on the inner surface in the touch area. The molding rind is integrated on the inner surface by an in-mold injecting mode to contain the touch circuit for forming a one-piece body. In addition, the invention also provides a method for manufacturing an in-mold molding touch module. |
| US08810260B1 |
Device and method for detecting characteristics of a material occupying a volume with capactive sensing of mirrored plates
A system for sensing characteristics of a volume can include a mirror input configured to connect to a first mirror plate. The first mirror plate can be physically isolated from a first monitored space for containing a material. A sense input can be configured to connect to a first sense plate. The first sense plate can be positioned between the first mirror plate and the first monitored space, and can have a surface that faces the first monitored space. A capacitance sense section can generate a first sense value based on a capacitance at the sense input, and a mirror value based on a capacitance at the mirror input. |
| US08810256B1 |
Impedance meter calibration
A method for verifying the adjustment for the purpose of calibration of an impedance meter having at least a first and a second measurement range includes measuring within the first range a first measured value of a test impedance; measuring within the second range a second measured value of the test impedance; and comparing the first and second measured values to verify the calibration of the impedance meter. |
| US08810255B2 |
In-situ wire damage detection system
An in-situ system for detecting damage in an electrically conductive wire. The system includes a substrate at least partially covered by a layer of electrically conductive material forming a continuous or non-continuous electrically conductive layer connected to an electrical signal generator adapted to delivering electrical signals to the electrically conductive layer. Data is received and processed to identify damage to the substrate or electrically conductive layer. The electrically conductive material may include metalized carbon fibers, a thin metal coating, a conductive polymer, carbon nanotubes, metal nanoparticles or a combination thereof. |
| US08810252B2 |
Solder joint inspection
An integrated circuit includes an electronic circuit in a housing and a first contacting device for soldering the circuit to a corresponding second contacting device of a circuit board. The first and second contacting devices are each divided into a first section and a second section, the sections of one of the contacting devices being fixedly electrically connected to each other, and the sections of the other contacting device being selectively connectable to a device for resistance determination. |
| US08810246B2 |
Hybrid referenceless and multibaseline PRF-shift magnetic resonance thermometry
Proton resonance frequency shift thermometry may be improved by combining multibaseline and referenceless thermometry. |