| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08897777B2 |
Method and mobile device for performing fast hand-over in WLAN and method of switching services using GPS information
A fast hand-over method of a mobile device roaming in a wireless LAN environment includes: receiving GPS information; based on the received location information of the mobile device, searching one or more APs; by scanning the searched APs, detecting an AP to reassociate with; and reassociating with the detected AP. According to the method, when roaming in a wireless LAN environment, a mobile device calculates a moving path by using GPS information and then, by scanning only APs belonging to channels allocated to areas related to the moving direction, the mobile device can reduce a hand-over period, and as a result, a QoS guaranteed service can be provided continuously. Also, by using GPS information, the mobile device can selectively switch to an optimum network service in an area to which different network services are applied. |
| US08897774B2 |
Method and apparatus for efficient network scanning
A method and apparatus for efficient network scanning that selects candidate frequencies based upon the frequency bands that were noted as being active during a previous network scan. A mobile device performs a full network scan on power up or on radio cycle and determines the available active bands. This information is stored as active band information on the device. When the device loses coverage on a selected one of the bands, then it identifies a candidate frequency based upon the stored active band information and attempts to locate a suitable network on the candidate band. |
| US08897771B1 |
Roaming policy aware device capabilities
A user device may receive roaming policy information. The roaming policy information may identify a roaming network and one or more services available to the user device via the roaming network. The user device may determine that the user device is to connect to the roaming network. The user device may determine a service, of the one or more services, to be provided to the user device via the roaming network. The determination may be based on the roaming policy information. The user device may provide, to a network device associated with the roaming network, information identifying the service to be provided via the roaming network, based on determining that the user device is to connect to the roaming network. |
| US08897769B2 |
Non-interfering utilization of non-geostationary satellite frequency band for geostationary satellite communication
A method, satellite and system utilizes non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) frequency spectrum in geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) satellite communication in a non-interfering manner. A ground station transmits signals to a GSO satellite using a GSO frequency band and an extended frequency spectrum including the NGSO frequency band whenever a noninterference situation exists, i.e., when an NGSO satellite is not in-line between the earth terminal and the GSO satellite or when the NGSO satellite is not utilizing the NGSO band of interest. A command module is provided to instruct the ground station to transmit signals to the GSO satellite using the GSO frequency band and the extended frequency spectrum. |
| US08897768B2 |
Method for selecting and establishing a D2D communication path in MTC capillary networks
A method for selecting and establishing a device-to-device (D2D) communication path in MTC capillary network, to be executed on an MTC device, is provided, including receiving a paging request; piggybacking the paging request into a probe/beacon signal and sending said probe/beacon signal piggybacked with said paging request to an MTC gateway, when said MTC device being configured to use said MTC gateway; determining a D2D link quality and report result to an eNB connected to said MTC gateway, when receiving a probe/beacon signal without paging response from said MTC gateway; and when receiving a probe/beacon signal with paging response from said MTC gateway: setting up a D2D communication link, when said received response indicating said probe/beacon signal with paging request being accepted, or, setting up a direct cellular connection when said received response indicating said probe/beacon signal with paging request being rejected. |
| US08897764B2 |
Vehicle on-board unit and mobile device linkage system
A system that links a mobile device with a vehicle on-board unit includes a data control section that restricts use of at least one of a plurality of registered application software products provided on the mobile device, and a data output section that outputs an indication representing the at least one registered application software product to a display section of the vehicle on-board unit when the at least one application software product is available according to conditions of the vehicle. |
| US08897762B2 |
Optimizing signaling load overhead and battery consumption for background applications
The disclosure relates to managing applications configured for execution on a mobile device. An embodiment of the disclosure receives one or more network access requests from one or more applications executing on the mobile device, determines that the mobile device is operating in a background mode, suppresses transmission to a network of the one or more network access requests to a network based on the determination, and transmits a subset of the one or more network access requests upon transition out of the background mode. |
| US08897761B2 |
Systems and methods for mobile communications
Methods and systems for mobile communications are provided, which provide a hands-free mobile communication when one is driving, particularly without the driver having to take out the mobile terminal and place it in the holder of a hands-free system and connect a cord. The methods and systems for mobile communications can support a plurality of users. The automobile mobile terminal is also used to perform other useful functions. |
| US08897759B2 |
Systems and methods for dynamically forwarding wireless communications on mobile communications devices
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for dynamically forwarding incoming calls and/or messages to different mobile communications devices (“MCDs”). In one embodiment, a method may include: storing associations between multiple MCDs and a user and identifying that at least one of the MCDs is inactive and that at least one of the MCDs is active. The method may further include: receiving an incoming call or message intended for the at least one inactive MCD; and if only one of the MCDs is active, causing the incoming call or message to be forwarded to the one active MCD; and if more than one of the MCDs is active, either: (a) causing the incoming call or message to be forwarded to at least one of the active MCDs or (b) not causing the incoming call or message to be forwarded. |
| US08897757B2 |
System and method for automatically answering a call on a communication device
A system and method for answering a call on a communication device is provided and includes: detecting an incoming call on the communication device, automatically answering the incoming call, and detecting whether an audio signal is received through the microphone of the communication device. Upon not detecting an audio signal, the call is disconnected. |
| US08897756B2 |
Call-tracking
A method for call-tracking, call-tracking systems, an HTTP proxy server computer program, web server hosts, web server computer programs and computer program products are disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: forwarding a request for a web page; receiving a reply message comprising a second telephone number; retrieving and storing a first telephone number, the second telephone number, a time associated with the forwarding of the reply message, and a service provider indicator; receiving a trigger message comprising two telephone numbers; determining whether the two telephone numbers correspond to the first telephone number and the second telephone number; and, if the two telephone numbers correspond, determining, based on a time difference, whether the call has been made within a predetermined time or predetermined time interval; and, if the call has been made within the predetermined time or predetermined time interval, store information related to the call. |
| US08897753B2 |
Method for retrieving content by a wireless communication device having first and second radio access interfaces, wireless communication device and communication system
In a wireless communication device having a first and a second radio access interface for respectively communicating with a first and a second access network, a method for retrieving content comprises receiving a request for retrieval of content from a remote server and retrieving a first part of the requested content over a first radio access technology connection. When the retrieval of the first part is determined not to meet a required QoS threshold, the second radio access interface is activated. A next part of the requested content to be retrieved is divided into a first portion for retrieval over the first radio access technology connection and a second portion for retrieval over a second radio access technology connection such that retrieval of the first and second portions are estimated to meet the required QoS threshold, and are retrieved over the first and second radio access technology connections, respectively. |
| US08897749B1 |
Policy decisions based on subscriber spending limits
A policy and charging rules function node of a network may receive from the network an indication of an element of user equipment connecting to the network, query a subscription profile repository to receive a subscriber profile associated with the user equipment, the subscriber profile including indicators used in the selection of subscriber policies associated with the subscriber, and create a spending limit session based on the subscriber profile without waiting to receive a request from the user equipment for data services. The node may receive the request for data services from the element of user equipment, identify the spending limit session specifically corresponding to the user equipment, and respond to the request according to spending limit rules of the spending limit session associated with the element of user equipment. The node may also respond to the request according to default spending limit rules without waiting for creation of the spending limit session. |
| US08897748B2 |
System and method for monitoring message usage
A computer implemented method for monitoring message usage on a communication device. An audible message may be outputted on the communication device in replacement of a pre-determined telephone tone. A duration parameter of outputting the audible message in replacement of the pre-determined telephone tone may be determined, and provided to a billing system for determining a compensation parameter. |
| US08897745B2 |
Method and apparatus for optimizing delivery of network usage and billing data
An approach for optimizing the rate of delivery of data records required by a billing system associated with a service provider is described. A mediation platform collects session records for specifying data about sessions conducted by network subscribers via the network and transport records for specifying data about the transport of data via the network during a correlation cycle. The mediation platform also generates, based on a minimal threshold of correlation, a charging data record based on a mapping of data associated with a session record and multiple transport records. The mediation platform also transmits the charging data record to a billing system of the provider prior to the collecting of all of the session records and transport records. |
| US08897744B2 |
Device assisted ambient services
Various embodiments are disclosed for a services policy communication system and method. In some embodiments, a communications device implements a service profile for assisting control of the communications device use of a service on a network, in which the service profile includes service policy settings, and the service profile is associated with an ambient service plan that provides for initial access to the service with limited service capabilities prior to activation of a new service plan; and monitors use of the service based on the service profile. |
| US08897743B2 |
Verifiable device assisted service usage billing with integrated accounting, mediation accounting, and multi-account
Various embodiments are disclosed for a services policy communication system and method. In some embodiments, a communications device implements a service policy for assisting billing for the communications device use of a service on a network; and monitors use of the service based on the service policy, in which a local service usage is synchronized with a network based service usage. |
| US08897736B2 |
Mobile communication terminal device
A mobile communication terminal device whose authentication and settlement functions by noncontact proximity communication can be continuously used even after operating voltage from battery power drops is provided. Only when the supply of required power from a battery is lost, a security controller is controlled into a mode in which it operates with low power consumption and noncontact authentication and settlement functions are ensured by external electromagnetic field power. Specifically, the following is implemented: when there is the supply of required power from the battery, it is made possible to carry out high-performance, multifunctional authentication and settlement processing making good use of high-speed processing, mass storage, and the like which are the advantages of the security controller essentially driven by battery; and in an anomalous instance in which the battery remaining capacity is lost, it is made possible to carry out minimal authentication and settlement processing. |
| US08897734B2 |
Standing wave ratio meter for integrated antenna tuner
The invention provides circuitry integrated into a silicon chip that measures aspects of an RF signal on a transmission line in order to provide data that is ultimately used by an antenna tuner circuit to substantially match the impedance of the antenna with that of the transmission line providing the RF frequency to be transmitted. |
| US08897733B2 |
Dynamic tuning and calibration of antenna with on-chip array of capacitors
Methods and systems for dynamically tuning and calibrating an antenna using on-chip digitally controlled array of capacitors are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include dynamically tuning a mobile terminal antenna (MTA) using on-chip arrays of capacitive devices. The tuning may be, for example, to compensate for center frequency drift during operation of the mobile terminal. The tuning may be accomplished by selecting capacitive devices in the on-chip arrays of capacitive devices to use in conjunction with an inductive circuit coupled to the MTA, where the inductive circuit may be either off the chip or on the chip. Accordingly, an impedance of the circuit formed by the capacitive devices in the on-chip arrays of capacitive devices and the inductive circuit may be adjusted with respect to the MTA. A valid circuit configuration may include a configuration where no capacitive device may be selected for use with the inductive circuit. |
| US08897731B2 |
Methods and apparatus for adaptive receiver diversity in a wireless network
Apparatus and methods for implementing “intelligent” receive diversity management in e.g., a mobile device. In one implementation, the mobile device includes an LTE-enabled UE, and the intelligent diversity management includes selectively disabling receive diversity (RxD) in that device upon meeting a plurality of criteria including (i) a capacity criterion, and (ii) a connectivity criterion. In one variant, the capacity criterion includes ensuring that an achievable data rate associated with a single Rx (receive) chain is comparable to that with RxD. |
| US08897728B2 |
Method for memory effects quantification and comparison in RF transmitters and amplifiers
The method for memory effects quantification and comparison in RF transmitters and amplifiers is a method in which a processor performs a spectrum analysis of an RF transmitter or RF amplifier device under test (DUT). The processor then calculates a normalized frequency (fn) according to the relation: f n = f - f c BW . The processor then utilizes the normalized frequency calculation in a spectrum asymmetry index (SAI) computation characterized by the relation: SAI = 1 K ∑ f n = f n , start f n = f n , stop P ( f n ) - P ( - f n ) . Next, utilizing the absolute value of the normalized frequency according to the relation: f n = f - f c BW , the processor displays the calculated SAI and causes a display device to display a mirrored spectrum as a function of the absolute value of the normalized frequency around a zero frequency. The resulting plot and calculated SAI displays reveal the degree of memory effects a given DUT exhibits. Similarly produced display plots among various DUTs can be quantitatively compared utilizing the method's SAI metric. |
| US08897727B2 |
Power detector with temperature compensation
Power detectors with temperature compensation and having improved accuracy over temperature are disclosed. In an aspect of the disclosure, variations of a power detector gain over temperature is reduced by varying both the gate and drain voltages of MOS transistors within a power detector. In an exemplary design, an apparatus includes at least one MOS transistor, which receives an input signal, detects the power of the input signal based on a power detection gain, and provides an output signal indicative of the power of the input signal. The at least one MOS transistor is applied a variable gate bias voltage and a variable drain bias voltage in order to reduce variations of the power detection gain over temperature. At least one additional MOS transistor may receive a second variable gate bias voltage and provide the variable drain bias voltage for the at least one MOS transistor. |
| US08897726B2 |
Block sharing using three-way transformers in wireless circuits
A multipath circuit is described that has multiple signal paths and various common components used for normal operation. Each of the multiple signal paths also has multiple circuit blocks defining the functionality of the signal path. A shared access path is provided through the third winding of a three-way transformer for each signal path. Multiple switches are provided in the multipath circuit that couple to the third winding in each of the multiple signal paths. The switches are also coupled to the various common components. Selected ones of these switches may be closed to provide a shared access path between a common component and one of the signal paths or between a common components and one of the circuit blocks in one of the signal paths. |
| US08897724B2 |
Method for controlling fast tracking power supply, fast tracking power supply, and system
A fast tracking power supply includes a combined controllable voltage source to control a load voltage. The combined controllable voltage source is connected to a tracking current source in parallel to provide a current for a load. The tracking current source is responsible for providing a low-frequency high current for the load to implement high-efficiency low-frequency tracking of the load current and reducing an output current of the combined controllable voltage source as much as possible. Meanwhile, a power supply voltage switching unit in the combined controllable voltage source adjusts a power supply voltage range of a linear amplifier in the combined controllable voltage source, so as to reduce the power supply voltage range of the linear amplifier, thereby reducing power consumption of the combined controllable voltage source. |
| US08897723B2 |
System and method for modulating data adaptively using selection of multi antenna
An adaptive modulation apparatus and method using a multiple antenna selection scheme are provided. The adaptive modulation method using the multiple antenna scheme includes: selecting one transmit antenna from a plurality of transmit antennas; determining a target transmission rate of the selected transmit antenna to transmit the determined target transmission rate to a multiple antenna reception apparatus; receiving, from the multiple antenna reception apparatus, feedback information including information regarding whether to accept the target transmission rate; and transmitting data to the multiple antenna reception apparatus using the received feedback information. |
| US08897721B2 |
Operational parameter selection to avoid interference in a wireless communication system
A wireless communication device uses operational parameters stored in a capabilities list to control operation of the device. The device may also provide auxiliary services, such as reception of broadcast television signals and location detection using network assisted GPS. When auxiliary services are selected, the cellular operation may cause interference with the auxiliary services. The wireless communication device includes a reduced set of capabilities to control operation of the wireless communication device when an auxiliary service is requested. The particular set of reduced capabilities may depend on the specific type of auxiliary service that has been requested. Upon termination of the auxiliary services, the full capabilities list may be restored and the operation of the wireless communication device is thereafter controlled by the full set of operational capabilities. |
| US08897720B2 |
Wireless transceiver with configuration control and methods for use therewith
A wireless transceiver includes at least one RF transceiver section that generates an outbound RF signal based on outbound data and that generates inbound data based on an inbound RF signal. A configuration controller configures the wireless transceiver, by configuring the wireless transceiver to identify a plurality of communication paths to a remote station, the plurality of communication paths including at least one indirect communication path through at least one intermediate station; configuring the wireless transceiver to communicate with the remote station based on a first path of the plurality of communication paths; and configuring the wireless transceiver to communicate with the remote station based on a second path of the plurality of communication paths. |
| US08897719B2 |
Initializing a transceiver in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for initializing a transceiver in a wireless communication system. In one embodiment, a method for initializing a transceiver that is part of an apparatus for use in a wireless communication system for communicating with WirelessHD devices in a wireless network, where the apparatus comprises a host processor; a transceiver; a physical interface coupling the host processor and the transceiver; and a memory accessible by the host processor and the transceiver to exchange information between the host processor and the transceiver, the initialization method comprising resetting the transceiver by initializing internal hardware and software subsystems of the transceiver; after resetting the transceiver, the transceiver entering a configuration state to configure the transceiver; configuring the transceiver, such that the transceiver is configured as part of initialization; and after configuration, the transceiver entering a wait enable state during which the transceiver waits for its wireless interface to be enabled before wireless operation of the transceiver becomes active. |
| US08897718B2 |
Method and system for adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) for supporting mesh network connectivity for multipoint networks
A method of provisioning a communications link between remote terminals within a hub-spoke network comprising receiving, by a first remote terminal, information about a second remote terminal from a hub, selecting, by the first remote terminal, a modulation factor, coding rate, symbol rate, center frequency, and power level based on the information received about the second remote terminal, transmitting, by the first remote terminal, a signal using at least one of the selected modulation factor, coding rate, symbol rate, center frequency, and power level, to the second remote terminal such that a communications link is created, and adjusting the modulation factor, coding rate, symbol rate, center frequency, or power level of the transmitted signal such that performance of the link is increased while maintaining a presence of the link. |
| US08897717B2 |
Dual-feed antenna array with integral comparison circuit for phase and amplitude calibration
A two-element array antenna system includes a first antenna element and a second antenna element. A transmitting, receiving, and processing (TRP) system is coupled to the first and second antenna elements via, respectively, a single first transmission element and a single second transmission element. The first and second transmission elements have respective transmit-path and receive-path functionality. The TRP system is configured to determine an amplitude offset and phase offset associated with the transmit-path functionality of the first and second transmission elements, and, based on data obtained during the determination of amplitude offset and phase offset associated with the transmit-path functionality of the first and second transmission elements, determine an amplitude offset and phase offset associated with the receive-path functionality of the first and second transmission elements. |
| US08897716B2 |
Measuring quality of experience associated with a mobile device
Implementations and techniques for measuring quality of experience associated with a mobile device are generally disclosed. |
| US08897709B2 |
Systems and methods for enabling non-cognitive radio devices to function as cognitive radios
Systems and methods according to the exemplary embodiments enable non-cognitive radio devices to operate as if they were cognitive radio devices. A pilot radio device analyzes a local radio environment and broadcasts a spectrum map message which indicates, for example, available radio resources in the local radio environment. A non-cognitive radio device receives the spectrum map message and uses the information in the spectrum map message to select a radio resource for its own transmissions and/or receptions. |
| US08897698B2 |
Data transfer method, data transmission apparatus, and communication system in multi-hop relay system
The invention relates to a data transfer method in a multi-hop relay system. The data transfer method comprises: a step for allowing a base station to receive from a first terminal the channel information (Hd,1) between the base station and the first mobile station, a step for making the base station generate an interference cancellation precoding matrix using Hd,1, a step for forcing the base station to transfer first data to a relay station, and a step for making the relay station transfer the first data to the first mobile station and forcing the base station to transfer second data to a second mobile station, wherein the second data is converted using the interference cancellation precoding matrix. According to the disclosed data transfer method in the multi-hope relay system, the base station transfers data to another mobile station efficiently when the relay station transfers data to a mobile station. Therefore, the data transfer method is able to efficiently use the resources wasted in an existing data transfer method and improve the total data transmission rate of the base station. |
| US08897690B2 |
Cleaning blade, image forming apparatus and process cartridge
A cleaning blade, including a strip-shaped elastic blade to contact the surface of a member to be cleaned, traveling on an edge line of the elastic blade, to remove a powder from the surface thereof, wherein the edge line of the elastic blade is impregnated with an ultraviolet curable resin including a fluorinated acrylic monomer, a surface layer harder than the elastic blade is formed on each of an under surface thereof, having the edge line as one line of the under surface and facing the member, and an apical surface thereof, having the edge line as one line of the apical surface and being parallel to a direction of the thickness thereof, and the apical surface is impregnated with the ultraviolet curable resin at a depth of from 50 to 150 μm and the under surface is impregnated therewith at a depth of from 20 to 100 μm. |
| US08897688B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a nip formation pad contacting a part of an outer circumferential surface of an interior rotary body sliding thereover and a fixing belt looped over the interior rotary body and the nip formation pad. A pressing rotary body is pressed against the nip formation pad via the fixing belt to form a fixing nip between the pressing rotary body and the fixing belt. A lubricant applicator is mounted on the nip formation pad to apply a lubricant to the outer circumferential surface of the interior rotary body. The pressing rotary body, the fixing belt, the nip formation pad, and the interior rotary body are aligned in this order in a pressurization direction in which the pressing rotary body exerts pressure to the interior rotary body via the fixing belt and the nip formation pad to form the fixing nip. |
| US08897683B2 |
Fixing systems including image conditioner and image pre-heater and methods of fixing marking material to substrates
Fixing systems, printing apparatuses and methods for fixing marking material to a substrate are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the fixing systems includes a pre-heating device for pre-heating a substrate and marking material disposed on a surface of the substrate; a fixing device disposed downstream from the pre-heating device, the fixing device including fixing members which oppose each other and form a fixing nip; and a first thermal energy source for heating at least one of the fixing members; wherein the fixing members apply pressure and thermal energy to the pre-heated substrate and marking material at the fixing nip to fix the toner to the substrate; and a conditioning device positioned (a) upstream from the pre-heating device, (b) between the pre-heating device and the fixing device, or (c) downstream from the fixing device. The conditioning device includes conditioning members which oppose each other and form a conditioning nip. The conditioning device does not include a thermal energy source that actively heats the conditioning members. |
| US08897682B2 |
Image forming apparatus having torque limiting mechanics and inertia member
An image forming apparatus includes an image holding member on which an image is held, and a transfer unit transferring the held image to a recording material, wherein the transfer unit includes, a transfer roll disposed to be opposite to the image holding member, forming a transfer electric field, and transferring the image to the recording material, a drive unit applying driving force to the transfer roll, a torque limiting machanics limiting an upper limit of torque which acts on the transfer roll, and an inertia member provided to increase an amount of inertia with respect to the transfer roll and moving the transfer roll with inertia in a direction in which a speed difference between the image holding member and the transfer roll is decreased when the upper limit of torque acts on the transfer roll. |
| US08897679B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a developing device, a support frame, a developer case, and an intermediate hopper. The support frame selectively positions the developing device to a detachment position and a developing position. The intermediate hopper includes a first hopper, a second hopper, and a third hopper. The first hopper receives developer from the developer case through a developer inlet port. The second hopper has a developer outlet port, through which the developer is supplied to the developing device. The upper and lower end portions of the third hopper are respectively connected to the first and second hoppers. Parts where the first to third hoppers are connected one another are rotatable in directions that allow the support frame to move. |
| US08897675B2 |
Semi-contact bias charge roller
There is described an image forming apparatus including an imaging member having a charge retentive-surface for developing an electrostatic latent image thereon, a substrate and a photoconductive member disposed on the substrate. A bias charge roller for applying an electrostatic charge on the charge retentive surface to a predetermined electric potential is included in the image forming apparatus. The bias charge roller includes a first circumferential area in contact with the photoconductive member (CC[contact]), and a second circumferential area (CC[non-contact]) spaced a distance of from 1 μm to 1 mm from the photoconductive member. The image forming apparatus includes a power supply for supplying an oscillating voltage signal to the bias charge roller wherein the oscillating voltage signal has a frequency Am[fAC] and an amplitude Am[VAC]. The following relationship is met: (CC[contact]/CC[non-contact])≦(Am[fAC]/Am[VAC])≦(CC[non-contact]/CC[contact]) by the image forming apparatus. |
| US08897670B2 |
Developing cartridge and process unit
A developing cartridge includes: a developing roller configured to rotate about an first axis extending in a first direction, the developing roller having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side in the first direction; a case including a first wall disposed at the first side of the developing roller and a second wall disposed at the second side of the developing roller; an arm configured to be supported by the first wall of the case and configured to swing between a first posture and a second posture about an second axis extending the first direction, the arm including a first protrusion projecting from the arm in the first direction. |
| US08897667B2 |
Image reader and image forming apparatus
An image reader is provided, in its housing, with a first scanning unit made up of an LED array of a plurality of LED elements that are arranged in a row in the horizontal scanning direction and that emit light to a document. An air intake port and an air exhaust port are disposed on the housing of the image reader. An imaginary line of an air flow path coupling the air intake port and the air exhaust port to one another is configured to pass adjacent a center of the LED array of the first scanning unit in the horizontal scanning direction with the first scanning unit stopped at a reading position of the document transferred by a document transfer device. |
| US08897664B2 |
Developing cartridge having a detachable structure with respect to a body of an image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus having the same
An image forming apparatus includes a body, at least one developing cartridge, which is disposed inside the body to form an image and is provided at one side thereof with an interface terminal to receive a power, a tray movably coupled to the body while accommodating the at least one developing cartridge, a cover coupled to one side to open/close the body such that the tray moves to outside the body, a link member configured to guide the movement of the tray and to move according to the open/close movement of the cover while being connected to the cover, and a connection terminal configured to make contact with the interface terminal by being pressed by the link member when the cover closes the body and to be separated from being released for pressing force when the cover opens the body. |
| US08897662B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes an engine configured to perform image formation; an engine control unit configured to control the engine; an apparatus control unit configured to control the whole of the apparatus; a storage unit; and a state management unit configured to set the apparatus to a power-saving mode in which the apparatus control unit and the storage unit are supplied with power while the engine, and the engine control unit are not supplied with power when a main power supply is turned on. When the apparatus is set to the power-saving mode, the apparatus control unit reads out second engine information that represents a configuration of the engine from the storage unit and performs a start-up process on the apparatus control unit on the basis of the second engine information. |
| US08897658B2 |
Method and system for estimating toner remaining in a cartridge
A method of estimating a quantity of toner remaining in a toner cartridge includes using an adaptive term, a value of which is adjusted based on actual printer toner usage. A printer configured to produce an estimate of an amount of toner remaining in a toner cartridge installed in that printer includes a toner remaining algorithm; and an adaptive term, a value of which is adjusted based on actual printer toner usage rate. The algorithm uses the adaptive term to produce the estimate of an amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge. |
| US08897657B2 |
Apparatus and method for stabilizing power to an optical multimode receiver
To stabilize power to an optical multimode receiver a multimode variable optical attenuator is connected to the receiver with the attenuator's voltage being controlled using a feedback signal provided by an output detector, the signal being processed using a control algorithm based on proportional-integrate-differential theory. |
| US08897652B2 |
Optical transmission circuit and optical transmission/reception circuit module
An optical transmission circuit comprises a light emitting element and a differential amplifier circuit to which differential input signals are input to modulate an optical output of the light emitting element. The differential amplifier circuit includes a first current source, a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, and a fourth transistor. The first current source is connected to a first potential source and the sources of the third and the fourth transistor are connected to a second potential source. The differential amplifier circuit includes a second current source having one end that is connected to a third potential and another end that is connected to a drain of the second transistor, and a fifth transistor having a gate that is connected to the gate of the fourth transistor, a source that is connected to the second potential, and a drain that is connected to the light emitting element. |
| US08897649B2 |
Optical transport system for two-carrier signals
In one embodiment, the optical transport system has an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, and one or more phase-sensitive amplifiers (PSAs) disposed within an optical link that connects the optical transmitter and receiver. The optical transmitter employs a first nonlinear optical process to generate a two-carrier signal in a manner that makes this signal suitable for phase-sensitive amplification. The PSAs employ a second nonlinear optical process to optically amplify the two-carrier signal in a phase-sensitive manner to counteract the attenuation imposed onto the two-carrier signal by lossy components of the optical link. The optical receiver employs a third nonlinear optical process in a manner that enables the receiver to beneficially use redundancies in the two-carrier signal, e.g., for an SNR gain. The optical transport system can advantageously be implemented to have better noise properties than a comparable conventional system, which enables a commensurate increase in the data-transport capacity. |
| US08897648B2 |
Orthogonal frequency division multiple access time division multiple access-passive optical networks OFDMA TDMA PON architecture for 4G and beyond mobile backhaul
Systems and methods are provided for network communication using wireless base stations and an optical orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) signal generated on an optical wavelength, with the optical OFDMA signal being composed of a plurality of OFDMA subcarriers. A multi-level modulator modulates each of the plurality of OFDMA subcarriers. A single optical wavelength propagates each of the plurality of OFDMA subcarriers to different base stations; a passive optical splitter delivers the optical OFDMA signal to different base stations; and an OFDMA subcarrier de-multiplexer delivers and extracts traffic for each of the base stations in an electronic-domain, wherein the extracted traffic is remodulated in a wireless signal format. Antennas at each of the base stations transmit wireless signals, and the wireless signals are recovered and processed from the base stations. |
| US08897638B2 |
Optical packet switching system
An optical packet switching apparatus includes an optical packet switching apparatus, an optical transmitting apparatus, and an optical packet receiving apparatus. The optical packet transmitting apparatus includes a packet generator for generating a packet signal by adding the routing information to a received client signal, a BIP adding unit for adding BIP to the generated packet signal, and an electrical-to-optical converter for converting the packet signal, to which the BIP has been added, into an optical packet signal so as to be sent out. The optical packet receiving apparatus includes an electrical-to-optical converter for converting the received optical packet signal into an electrical packet signal, and a BIP comparison unit for detecting the error occurrence in the packet signal, based on the BIP added to the packet signal. |
| US08897635B2 |
System and method of detecting and locating intermittent and other faults
A signal is conducted from a controller module onto a network via a first coupling. The signal is transmitted across the network and received at one or more receiver modules via one or more second couplings. At the one or more receiver modules, the received signal is analyzed and based upon the analysis, a determination is made as to whether a fault has occurred in the network and/or where the occurrence occurred. |
| US08897631B2 |
Annealing apparatus
An annealing apparatus includes heating sources provided to face a wafer W, the heating sources having LEDs emitting lights to the wafer; light-transmitting members for transmitting the lights emitted from the LEDs; and cooling members made of aluminum and provided to directly contact with the heating sources, respectively. The heating sources include a plurality of LED arrays having supporters made of AlN, each having one surface on which the LEDs are adhered by using a silver paste; and other surface on which thermal diffusion members made of copper are adhered by using a solder. The LED arrays are fixed to the cooling member by using screws via a silicone grease. |
| US08897630B2 |
Pulsed aerosol generation
An aerosol generator periodically forms aerosolized fragrance material by repeatedly supplying a liquid fragrance material to a capillary passage via only capillary action and heating the capillary passage, such that the liquid fragrance material at least partially volatilizes and is driven out of an outlet of the capillary passage. A wick feeds the liquid fragrance material to an inlet of the capillary passage by capillary action. An apparatus and method for generating such an aerosolized fragrance material, as well as the methods of heating, are disclosed. |
| US08897629B1 |
Scent delivery apparatus
A filament may be provided having enhanced solderability and/or heating characteristics configured for heating a substance to release an airborne scent. In exemplary implementations, the ends of a high-temperature compatible filament may be coated with a metal film having greater solderability and/or conductivity relative to the filament. The coated ends may allow the filament to be incorporated into a heating circuit using low-temperature solder, rather than by using high-temperature solder or clamping. The coated ends may have a lower resistance relative to uncoated portions of the filament such that, when electrical current is passed through the filament, most of the current will flow through the coating at the end portions of the filament concentrating heat emitted by the filament to the uncoated portions. |
| US08897625B2 |
Slideshow display control for a display control apparatus
A display control apparatus includes: reading means for reading still image data from a recording medium on which the still image data are recorded in a predetermined order; display control means for displaying the still images read by the reading means; and still image accepting means for accepting commands regarding display of the still images, wherein when a command for a slideshow of the still images has been accepted by the still image accepting means with one of the still images under display, the reading means reads pieces of the still image data successively, starting with the still image data next to the still image data corresponding to the one under display, and the display control means displays still images corresponding to the still image data read by the reading means successively, following the one under display, whereby to make the slideshow display. |
| US08897624B2 |
Randomly accessible visual information recording medium and recording method, and reproducing device and reproducing method
Access point pictures designated as randomly accessible positions are I pictures or P pictures. Information indicating the decoding sequence (I1, P1, B1, B2, B3, B4, P2, . . . ) of pictures functioning as access points and attribute information (picture_type) indicating whether a picture functions as an access point or is necessary for decoding of the access point following a given access point are recorded on the video information recording medium. Random access is possible even if the GOP interval is lengthened. |
| US08897621B2 |
Imaging apparatus, image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging portion that images an omnidirectional subject on the basis of an imaging position when imaging is performed and generates a circular image including the omnidirectional subject, an image processing portion that specifies a substantially fan-shaped object region in a circular image which is generated on the basis of a direction specified based on an attitude of an imaging apparatus in the imaging position among all directions and converts an image of the object region into a substantially rectangular image, and a display control portion that simultaneously displays a conversion image which is the converted image and the generated circular image on a display portion. |
| US08897620B2 |
Terminal device
A terminal device determines whether a clock is a secure clock or a self-running clock. If the clock is the self-running clock, the device stores a clocking time of the clock as a timestamp file in a memory card in recording content. In playing back the content, the device determines validity of a clocking time using the timestamp file to play back the content and also updates the stored time of the stored time as the timestamp file to a content playback start time. In contrast, if the clock is the secure clock, the device stores the timestamp file indicating a recording time of the content in the memory card only in recording the content and omits updating the stored time as the timestamp file in playing back the content. |
| US08897612B2 |
Light-coupling optical systems and methods employing light-diffusing optical fiber
Light-coupling systems and methods that employ light-diffusing optical fiber are disclosed. The systems include a light source and a light-diffusing optical fiber optically coupled thereto. The light-diffusing optical fiber has a core, a cladding and a length. At least a portion of the core comprises randomly arranged voids configured to provide substantially spatially continuous light emission from the core and out of the cladding along at least a portion of the length. A portion of the light-diffusing optical is embedded in an index-matching layer disposed adjacent a lower surface of a transparent sheet. Light emitted by the light-diffusing optical fiber is trapped within the transparent sheet and index-matching layer by total internal reflection and is scattered out of the upper surface of the transparent sheet by at least one scattering feature thereon. |
| US08897611B2 |
Optical fiber interfaces comprising light blocking elements and illumination systems comprising light blocking elements
An optical fiber interface includes an optical fiber connector including a receptacle and an axis of propagation along which light traverses through the optical fiber connector. The receptacle includes a first member pivotably attached to the receptacle. The first member includes a first aperture. The first member has a blocking position relative to the receptacle in which the first aperture is not aligned with the axis of propagation, such that light traversing along the axis of propagation does not pass through the first aperture. The first member has a transmitting position relative to the receptacle in which the first aperture is aligned with the axis of propagation such that light traveling along the axis of propagation passes through the first aperture. |
| US08897606B2 |
Ring resonator with wavelength selectivity
The ring resonator includes waveguides configured to guide light signals. The waveguides include an input waveguide and one or more loop waveguides. One of the loop waveguides is a primary loop waveguide that is optically coupled with the input waveguide at a wavelength of light. A tuner is configured to tune the wavelength at which the light is optically coupled from the input waveguide into the primary loop waveguide. One or more light detectors are each configured to provide an output indicating an intensity of light guided in one of the one or more loop waveguides. Electronics are configured to tune the tuner in response to the output from the light detector. |
| US08897603B2 |
Image processing apparatus that selects a plurality of video frames and creates an image based on a plurality of images extracted and selected from the frames
An image processing apparatus includes a selection device that selects a plurality of frames from a video image constituted with a group of frames, an extraction device that recognizes a specific subject image in the plurality of frames having been selected and extracts the recognized subject image, and an image creation device that creates a still image containing a plurality of subject images having been extracted by the extraction device. |
| US08897601B2 |
Image conversion parameter calculation device, image conversion parameter calculation method, and program
An image conversion parameter calculation device accurately calculates a conversion parameter for image alignment with a processing amount that does not depend on the size of an image to be aligned. A pixel selection element randomly selects pixels from a predetermined number or pixels of not more than the predetermined number from a first image. A parameter derivation element derives a conversion parameter by performing processing for pixels selected by the pixel selection element, the conversion parameter being a parameter for converting, to the first image, a second image that is subject to image alignment with the first image. |
| US08897598B1 |
Mosaicing documents for translation using video streams
Aspects of the present disclosure propose techniques for reconstructing a document mosaic using video streams of the document. The streams provide information identifying a layout that relates sequential frames of a video to each other. Once the streams are captured using a mobile device, it is then possible to reconstruct a virtual view of the entire document as though it were taken with a single camera shot. The reconstructed virtual view of the document will be suitable as input to an optical character recognition engine, which can be used for translating the document. |
| US08897594B2 |
Image reader, mobile terminal apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium
An image reader includes a reading unit that reads an image; a detection unit that detects marks from the read image read by the reading unit; a creation unit that creates a hiding image, which hides a region including the marks, on the basis of the marks detected by the detection unit; and a combining unit that combines the read image and the hiding image to create an electronic document. |
| US08897590B2 |
Variable focusing of electron microscopy image data utilizing origin-centered discrete fractional fourier transform
Computer-implemented arrangements for adjusting the focus in original electron microscope image data are described. In an implementation, an origin-centered fractional Fourier transform operation and an origin-centered phase restoration operation, both responsive to a provided fractional power value, are collectively applied to original electron microscope image data to produce computationally-focused image data. A parameter adjuster is used to provide a range of variation of the power value, and can be adjusted by a user or under the direction of a control system. The fractional Fourier transform operation and the phase restoration operation can be realized by at least one numerical algorithm and can comprise an approximation. |
| US08897589B2 |
Method of detecting subject of image and imaging device thereof
A method of detecting the subject of an image and imaging device thereof are disclosed. The method comprises the following steps of providing an image capturing module to capture the temporal image, providing the image processing module to receive the temporal image and to determine a plurality of objects from the temporal image, using the image processing module to define a plurality of regions on the temporal image based on the center of temporal image, using the image processing module to assign an initial setup value to each of the objects according to the region corresponding to each of the objects, using the imaging processing module to execute an operation to increase or decrease each of the initial setup values, using the image processing module to execute a sorting, and selecting at least one of the objects as a subject of the temporal image. |
| US08897587B2 |
Image processing method and apparatus with pixel conversion using reaction-diffusion
The disclosed method includes: carrying out scale conversion for a first pixel value of each of a plurality of pixels included in an image to generate a second pixel value of the plurality of pixels; applying a reaction-diffusion equation including a diffusion element and a reaction element that is set according to at least the number of types of regions to be extracted, to the second pixel value of each of plural pixels within a certain region of the image a predetermined number of times to generate a third pixel value of each of the plurality of pixels included in the image; and carrying out scale inverse-conversion that is inverse-conversion of the scale conversion, for the third pixel value of each of the plurality of pixels included in the image to generate a fourth pixel value of the plurality of pixels. |
| US08897586B2 |
Dynamic generation of a quantization matrix for compression of a digital object
Some aspects of the disclosure relate to a compression technique that can permit determining dynamically a satisfactory quantization matrix based at least on properties intrinsic to a digital object being compressed and a predetermined compression quality criterion, wherein the quantization matrix is associated with a specific space-domain-to-frequency-domain transforms. In one aspect, the compression technique can permit creation of a compressed digital object that can satisfy a predetermined a compression quality criterion. |
| US08897580B2 |
Error diffusion with color conversion and encoding
YCbCr image data may be dithered and converted into RGB data shown on a 8-bit or other bit display. Dither methods and image processors are provided which generate the banding artifact free image data during this process. Some methods and image processors may applying a stronger dither having a same mean with a larger variance to the image data before it is converted to RGB data. Others methods and image processors may calculate a quantization or encoding error and diffuse the calculated error among one or more neighboring pixel blocks. |
| US08897579B2 |
Digital image archiving and retrieval
A computer-implemented method of managing information is disclosed. The method can include receiving a message from a mobile device configured to connect to a mobile device network (the message including a digital image taken by the mobile device and including information corresponding to words), determining the words from the digital image information using optical character recognition, indexing the digital image based on the words, and storing the digital image for later retrieval of the digital image based on one or more received search terms. |
| US08897573B2 |
Virtual machine image access de-duplication
A system and an article of manufacture for de-duplicating virtual machine image accesses include identifying one or more identical blocks in two or more images in a virtual machine image repository, generating a block map for mapping different blocks with identical content into a same block, deploying a virtual machine image by reconstituting an image from the block map and fetching any unique blocks remotely on-demand, and de-duplicating virtual machine image accesses by storing the deployed virtual machine image in a local disk cache. |
| US08897571B1 |
Detection of targets from hyperspectral imagery
Provided is a process and system for detection of sparse or otherwise weak targets in a hyperspectral image. A hyperspectral image is received having a multitude of pixels, with each pixel having a respective spectrum. In some embodiments, multiple mean spectra are selectively determined for respective sub-regions of the hyperspectral image. The subset mean spectra can be selectively removed from respective pixels, thereby improving image fidelity due to sensor artifacts. Additionally, target detection of such an adjusted image can be determined by one or more of matched filter techniques or by partial un-mixing. In at least some embodiments target detection is enhanced by combining a measure of target match with a residual spectrum determined as a measure of un-match. Target detection can be further improved by application of rules, for example, related to target detection threshold. |
| US08897568B2 |
Device and method that compare facial images
A first normalizing means generates a first normalized image by performing a normalizing process with fixed aspect ratios on given facial images. A feature extracting means generates feature images including features to be used for comparing faces, from the first normalized image. A second normalizing means generates a second normalized image by performing a normalizing process with variable aspect ratios on the feature images. A first comparing means calculates a first comparing result as an index as to whether or not faces in two images belong to one person, using the feature images. A second comparing means calculates a second comparing result as an index as to whether or not the faces in the two images belong to one person, using the second normalized image. A judging means judges whether or not the faces in the two images belong to one person, based on the first and second comparing result. |
| US08897563B1 |
Systems and methods for automatically processing electronic documents
In a document analysis system that receives and processes jobs from a plurality of users, in which each job may contain multiple electronic documents, to extract data from the electronic documents, a method of automatically pre-processing each received electronic document using a plurality of image transformation algorithms to improve subsequent data extraction from said document is provided. The method includes: electronically partitioning each received electronic document page into pieces; automatically processing each piece of the received electronic document page using each of a plurality of image pre-processing algorithms to produce a plurality of image variations of each piece; and analyzing the outputs of subsequent processing and data extraction, on each of the image variations of the pieces to determine which output is best, from the plurality of outputs for each piece. |
| US08897559B2 |
Method, system and apparatus modify pixel color saturation level
A method for performing a modification of the color saturation of at least one pixel of an image involving: determining, based on pixel values of a first pixel, at least one of a color saturation value, luminance value and hue value corresponding to said first pixel; determining, based on said at least one value, a saturation factor; and modifying the color saturation level of said first pixel based on said saturation factor. |
| US08897558B2 |
Method of compressing a block-based binary image
A method of compressing a 2×2 block based binary image is provided. The method includes: determining whether pixels included in a block are included in existing patterns; generating the number N of the pixels included in the existing patterns (N is a natural number); when N is more than a predetermined value, compressing the block with a binary bit stream comprising information about patterns of the pixels included in the existing patterns and color information about the pixels having a new pattern. The method of compressing a 2×2 block based binary image reduces information damage which may occur during compression and restoration of the binary pattern so that the difference in picture quality between an original image and the restored image can be visibly improved. |
| US08897552B2 |
Setting an operating-system color using a photograph
Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of tools and techniques for setting color settings of an operating system using one or more photographs. According to one exemplary technique, a photograph is received, and one or more pixel weights for one or more pixels of the photograph are determined. Also, using at least one of the one or more pixel weights, at least one dominant color of the photograph is determined. Additionally, using the at least one dominant color, at least one color setting of an operating system is set. |
| US08897550B2 |
System and method for automatic landmark labeling with minimal supervision
A system and method for estimating a set of landmarks for a large image ensemble employs only a small number of manually labeled images from the ensemble and avoids labor-intensive and error-prone object detection, tracking and alignment learning task limitations associated with manual image labeling techniques. A semi-supervised least squares congealing approach is employed to minimize an objective function defined on both labeled and unlabeled images. A shape model is learned on-line to constrain the landmark configuration. A partitioning strategy allows coarse-to-fine landmark estimation. |
| US08897549B2 |
Microstructure analysis method, program thereof, and microstructure analysis device
Porous body data in which position information and type information are correlated is reference to take a curved surface solid including a parent virtual sphere and child virtual spheres as a virtual curved surface solid, and place multiple virtual curved surface solids so as to fill in space pixels with curved surface solid pixels occupied by virtual curved surface solids. Repeating this process, by placing multiple virtual curved surface solids within space in a porous body, the microstructure of the porous body is analyzed precisely. As for analysis, deriving of in-plane uniformity index γx, spatial uniformity index γ, pressure drop P, flow-through velocity T, and equivalent diameter d, for example, and acceptability determination based on derived values thereof, is performed. |
| US08897548B2 |
Low-complexity method of converting image/video into 3D from 2D
A low-complexity method of converting 2D images/videos into 3D ones includes the steps of identifying whether each pixel in one of the frames is an edge feature point; locating at least two vanishing lines in the frame according to the edge feature point; categorizing the frame into the one of close-up photographic feature, of landscape feature, and of vanishing-area feature; if the frame is identified to have the vanishing-area feature or the landscape feature to generate a GDM; and apply a modificatory procedure to the GDM to generate a final depth information map; if the frame is identified to have the close-up photographic feature, distinguish between a foreground object and a background information in the frame and define the depth of field to generate the final depth information map. |
| US08897547B2 |
Precision improving device for three dimensional topographical data, precision improving method for three dimensional topographical data and recording medium
A three-dimensional topographical data precision improving device (10) removing noise that occurs in water regions of three-dimensional topographical data comprises a water region specifying unit (13) specifying the range of any one water region; a feature extraction unit (14) extracting feature values within any one water region that describe altitude distribution pattern of each local region in the three-dimensional topographical data; a segmentation unit (15) segmenting the whole range into candidate water regions and non-water regions by comparing the feature values of the specified water region with those of each point in the three-dimensional topographical data; a water region extraction unit (16) extracting water regions from the candidate water regions; and a plane creation unit (17) creating a corrected plane of each water region using the altitudes of the surrounding non-water regions and replacing the water region extracted by the water region extraction unit (16) with the corrected plane. |
| US08897545B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining a confidence value of a disparity estimate
A method and an apparatus for determining a confidence value of a disparity estimate for a pixel or a group of pixels of a selected image of at least two stereo images are described, the confidence value being a measure for an improved reliability value of the disparity estimate for the pixel or the group of pixels. First an initial reliability value of the disparity estimate for the pixel or the group of pixels is determined, wherein the reliability is one of at least reliable and unreliable. Then a distance of the pixel or the group of pixels to a nearest pixel or group of pixels with an unreliable disparity estimate is determined. Finally, the confidence value of the disparity estimate for the pixel or the group of pixels is obtained from the determined distance. |
| US08897544B2 |
System and method for segmentation of three-dimensional image data
In one embodiment, a system for computing class identifiers for three-dimensional pixel data has been developed. The system comprises a plurality of class identifying processors, and a data grouper operatively connected to a first memory. Each class identifying processor has a plurality of inputs for at least one pixel value and a plurality of class identifiers for pixel values neighboring the at least one pixel value and each class identifying processor is configured to generate a class identifier for the at least one pixel value input with reference to the class identifiers for the neighboring pixel values. The data grouper is configured to retrieve a plurality of pixel values from the first memory and a plurality of class identifiers for pixel values neighboring the retrieved pixel values. |
| US08897541B2 |
Accurate digitization of a georeferenced image
A method of implementing accurate digitization from a georeferenced image is described. In one embodiment, at least one set of coordinates which have been measured at a point of interest is received. A correction is then determined which describes a difference between the at least one set of coordinates and a set of georeferenced coordinates from a georeferenced image of the point of interest which describes the position of the point of interest. |
| US08897540B2 |
Optical inspection method
An optical inspection method including the following steps is disclosed. A tester is utilized to obtain an image of an inspection object. A target image region of the image is determined. Multiple central coordinates of multiple inspection ranges of a target image region are obtained. The central coordinates are filled to an array, and then the central coordinates are reordered according to relative relationships of the central coordinates to obtain a reordered coordinate array. The reordered coordinate array is compared with an original coordinate array to inspect whether parts of the inspection object corresponding to the inspection ranges are missed. |
| US08897539B2 |
Using images to create measurements of structures through the videogrammetric process
According to various embodiments, a stream of image frames depicting a structure in a scene are obtained. The stream of image frames may comprise first image frames from a first imaging device and second image frames from a second imaging device. Using the first image frames and the second image frames, a wireframe of at least a portion of the structure is generated. From the wireframe, as-built dimensions may be identified, materials estimates may be determined, and/or data for a fabrication device may be generated, for example. |
| US08897531B2 |
Method and computed tomography system for generating tomographic image datasets with integrating detector and counting detector
A method and a dual-source CT are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the projection data of the integrating and of the counting detector from a quarter rotation of the gantry is used jointly for reconstruction of a first tomographic image dataset, the energy-resolved projection data of the counting detector from at least one half rotation of the gantry being used for reconstruction of at least a second material-selective tomographic image dataset, and at least one tomographic result image dataset being formed by overlaying the first tomographic image dataset with the material selection of the second image dataset. |
| US08897528B2 |
System and method for iterative image reconstruction
Methods are provided for iteratively reconstructing an image signal to generate a reconstructed image signal. In one embodiment, sub-iterations of each iteration are performed on pixel or voxel subsets. The subsets may be composed of neighboring or spatially separated pixel or voxels and may extend in the z-direction. In one embodiment, an update step of the iterative reconstruction involves the direct inversion of an approximation of a Hessian matrix associated with the respective subsets. In further embodiments, non-negativity or other limitations or constraints on update values may be enforced. |
| US08897525B2 |
Multisegment picture reconstruction for cardio CT pictures
A method for reconstructing picture data of a cyclically-moving object from measurement data is disclosed, with the measurement data being detected beforehand for a relative rotational movement between a radiation source of a computed tomography system and the object under examination during a plurality of movement cycles of the object under examination. In at least one embodiment, a first picture and a second picture are determined from the measurement data, with measurement data of different movement cycles being combined for reconstruction of the second picture into a measurement dataset to be used as the basis for the picture reconstruction. Difference information is computed by comparing the first picture with the second picture. Using the difference information, a result picture is computed from the first picture and the second picture. |
| US08897517B2 |
Imaging system with reporting function and method of operation thereof
A data acquisition method performed by one or more controllers includes receiving information related to a sequence of a plurality of images. The method further includes receiving, from an ultrasonic probe, image information corresponding to a current image of the plurality of images in the sequence. The method still further includes determining whether a caliper input has been received, and when it is determined that a caliper input has been received: obtaining coordinate information corresponding to one or more locations in the current image, selecting an other image which is different from, and associated with, the current image, and obtaining one or more coordinates corresponding to one or more locations in the other image. The method further includes saving a report including the image information and the coordinate information corresponding to each image of the plurality of images of the sequence. |
| US08897514B2 |
Imaging method for motion analysis
The invention concerns a system and method for generating a 3D imaging data set of an object or of at least two elements, including: obtaining a 3D image data set of the object or the at least two elements in a first shape, first absolute position, or first relative position, moving at least one of the elements and/or deforming the object to have a second shape, second absolute position, or second relative position, different from the first shape, first absolute position, or first relative position; obtaining a 2D data set of the object or the at least two elements while in the second shape, second absolute position, or second relative position; and calculating a 3D image data set of the object or the at least two elements in the second shape, absolute, or relative position using said 2D image data set and said 3D image data set. The method also may be performed by obtaining the 2D image data set in the first position and obtaining the 3D image data set in the second position. |
| US08897511B2 |
Method and device for detecting a hand-written signature or mark and for recognising the authenticity of said signature or mark
A method and device for registering a handwritten personal signature and for judging its authenticity by comparison with previously registered measured values and data derived therefrom. Signature data is acquired by registering a signature handwritten on a surface by a three-dimensional inertial sensing system having rate-of-rotation sensors and linear acceleration sensors. The data is subjected to a subsequent procedure of recognition or verification or comparison with other signatures. Hence not only tracking is performed with reference to the tip of a writing implement, but the dynamics of the signature are registered and evaluated by numerical calculation and adopted as the basis for the subsequent comparison, effectively ruling out the possibility of fraudulent duplication or tracing-over of a signature by an unauthorized third party. The dynamics i.e. acceleration and deceleration phenomena and rates of rotation as the signature are executed and effectively registered. From them, supplementary measured variables are calculated and specific characteristics are defined from those variables. Those variables are adopted as the basis for comparison, the degree of accuracy of the verification that the signature is genuine can be substantially increased. |
| US08897509B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method, and program
A mobile ratio of a customer is obtained to support a marketing strategy related to attracting customers. A population extraction unit extracts the number of persons, in which a game of one of the models of amusement machines installed in past times is recorded, as the number of persons of a population from pieces of information included in a biological information database. A mobile ratio calculation result output unit calculates a ratio of the number of persons, who use a model except the models of the amusement machines in which the population is obtained in the currently-installed amusement machines in the pieces of information included in the biological information database, to the population as the mobile ratio. The present invention can be applied to an apparatus that analyzes a trend of customers. |
| US08897508B2 |
Method and apparatus to incorporate automatic face recognition in digital image collections
A method and apparatus for creating and updating a facial image database from a collection of digital images is disclosed. A set of detected faces from a digital image collection is stored in a facial image database, along with data pertaining to them. At least one facial recognition template for each face in the first set is computed, and the images in the set are grouped according to the facial recognition template into similarity groups. Another embodiment is a naming tool for assigning names to a plurality of faces detected in a digital image collection. A facial image database stores data pertaining to facial images detected in images of a digital image collection. In addition, the naming tool may include a graphical user interface, a face detection module that detects faces in images of the digital image collection and stores data pertaining to the detected faces in the facial image database, a face recognition module that computes at least one facial recognition template for each facial image in the facial image database, and a similarity grouping module that groups facial images in the facial image database according to the respective templates such that similar facial images belong to one similarity group. |
| US08897506B2 |
Image classification and information retrieval over wireless digital networks and the internet
A method and system for matching an unknown facial image of an individual with an image of a celebrity using facial recognition techniques and human perception is disclosed herein. The invention provides a internet hosted system to find, compare, contrast and identify similar characteristics among two or more individuals using a digital camera, cellular telephone camera, wireless device for the purpose of returning information regarding similar faces to the user The system features classification of unknown facial images from a variety of internet accessible sources, including mobile phones, wireless camera-enabled devices, images obtained from digital cameras or scanners that are uploaded from PCs, third-party applications and databases. Once classified, the matching person's name, image and associated meta-data is sent back to the user. The method and system uses human perception techniques to weight the feature vectors. |
| US08897504B2 |
Classification and organization of consumer digital images using workflow, and face detection and recognition
A processor-based system operating according to digitally-embedded programming instructions performs a method including identifying a group of pixels corresponding to a face region within digital image data acquired by an image acquisition device. A set of face analysis parameter values is extracted from said face region, including a faceprint associated with the face region. First and second reference faceprints are determined for a person using reference images captured respectively in predetermined face-portrait conditions and using ambient conditions. The faceprints are analyzed to determine a baseline faceprint and a range of variability from the baseline associated with the person. Results of the analyzing are stored and used in subsequent recognition of the person in a subsequent image acquired under ambient conditions. |
| US08897503B2 |
Face recognition with combined PCA-based datasets
A representation framework is determined in a face recognition method for a first collection of facial images including at least principle component analysis (PCA) features. A representation of said first collection is stored using the representation framework. A modified representation framework is determined based on statistical properties of original facial image samples of a second collection of facial images and the stored representation of the first collection. The first and second collections are combined without using original facial image samples. A representation of the combined image collection (super-collection) is stored using the modified representation framework. |
| US08897499B2 |
Position detection system, position detection method, program, object determination system and object determination method
There is provided a position detection system including an imaging unit to capture an image of a projection plane of an electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave emission unit to emit the electromagnetic wave to the projection plane, a control unit to control emission of the electromagnetic wave by the electromagnetic wave emission unit, and a position detection unit including a projected image detection section to detect a projected image of an object existing between the electromagnetic wave emission unit and the projection plane based on a difference between an image of the projection plane captured during emission of the electromagnetic wave by the electromagnetic wave emission unit and an image of the projection plane captured during no emission of the electromagnetic wave, and a position detection section to detect a position of the object based on a position of the projected image of the object. |
| US08897498B2 |
Mobile imaging device as navigator
Embodiments of the invention are directed to obtaining information based on directional orientation of a mobile imaging device, such as a camera phone. Visual information is gathered by the camera and used to determine a directional orientation of the camera, to search for content based on the direction, to manipulate 3D virtual images of a surrounding area, and to otherwise use the directional information. Direction and motion can be determined by analyzing a sequence of images. Distance from a current location, inputted search parameters, and other criteria can be used to expand or filter content that is tagged with such criteria. Search results with distance indicators can be overlaid on a map or a camera feed. Various content can be displayed for a current direction, or desired content, such as a business location, can be displayed only when the camera is oriented toward the desired content. |
| US08897497B2 |
Object detecting device
An object detecting device includes a camera ECU that detects an object from image data for a predetermined area has been captured by a monocular camera, a fusion processing portion that calculates the pre-correction horizontal width of the detected object, a numerical value calculating portion that estimates the length in the image depth direction of the calculated pre-correction horizontal width, and a collision determining portion that corrects the pre-correction horizontal width calculated by the fusion processing portion, based on the estimated length in the image depth direction. |
| US08897488B2 |
Body gesture control system for operating electrical and electronic devices
A body gesture control system for operating electrical and electronic devices includes an image sensor device and an image processor device to process body gesture images captured by the image sensor device for recognizing the body gesture. The image processor device includes an image calculation unit and a gesture change detection unit electrically connected therewith. The image calculation unit is used to calculate gesture regions of the captured body gesture images and the gesture change detection unit is operated to detect changes of the captured body gesture images and to thereby determine a body gesture recognition signal. |
| US08897481B2 |
Grille attachment for loudspeaker
A grille attachment for a loudspeaker is disclosed. A grille retainer is defined by a retention lip portion, a radial rim interface portion, and a hinge portion. The radial rim interface portion is in an abutting relationship with a flange radial mounting surface of the loudspeaker basket. The hinge portion connects the retention lip portion and the radial rim interface portion. The retention lip portion extends toward a flanged rim of the speaker basket, and defines an inner retention surface that is opposed to a flange circumferential surface. A grille extends across the griller retainer and is defined by a grille body and a grille rim that is circumferentially disposed and extending from the grille body. The grille rim is interposed between the flange circumferential surface and the inner retention surface, with the retention lip portion exerting a radial compressive force against the grille rim. |
| US08897477B1 |
Dual resonator chamber with variable volume
The dual resonator chamber with variable volume includes first and second housings. The second housing is slidably mounted within the first housing such that a second inner neck portion of the second housing is slidably mounted about the first inner neck portion of the first housing and forms a fluid-tight seal therewith. A sliding wall is slidably mounted within the second housing, dividing the interior thereof into upper and lower resonator chambers. At least one first actuator selectively adjusts the height of the sliding wall with respect to the second lower end of the second housing to selectively adjust volumes of the upper and lower resonator chambers. At least one second actuator selectively adjusts the height of the second housing with respect to the first housing to selectively adjust the neck length of the lower resonator chamber. |
| US08897469B2 |
Slim speaker structure having vibration effect
A slim speaker structure having a vibration effect includes a frame, ceramic elements configured on a surface of the frame, and a sound membrane disposed on the bottom of frame, where at least two first accepting portions are respectively configured on the frame adjacent to the sides thereof, allowing the corners of the first accepting portions to be respectively coupled to the main body of the frame with an overhanging section, and a second accepting portion is configured on the center of the frame, thereby allowing different response frequencies of vibration and sound ceramic elements to be mounted on the respective first and second accepting portions so as to constitute a slim speaker structure having a vibration effect, capable of being applied on cellular phones or tablets with a touch screen. Therefore, the vibration prompt and sound broadcasting can be constituted at the same plane through the different ceramic elements. |
| US08897468B2 |
Noise control circuit and audio receiving system using the same
A noise control circuit includes a filter, a rectifier and a switch. The filter receives audio signals and obtains a noise signal portion of the received audio signals. The rectifier converts the noise signal portion to a current signal. The switch controls output of the audio signals according to an intensity of the current signals. |
| US08897467B2 |
Capacitive load driving amplifier
An electronic amplifier for driving a capacitive load may include first and second differential input terminals to receive an input signal, and first and second differential output terminals to provide a differential output signal. The amplifier may further include a first operational device having first and second differential inputs connected to the first and second differential input terminals, respectively, and an output connected to the first differential output terminal, and a second operational device having first and second differential inputs connected to the first and second differential input terminals, respectively, and an output connected to the second differential output terminal. The first and second operational devices may be operatively configured so that both the first and the second output terminals are at a same reference potential during periods in which a magnitude of differential output signal amplitude decreases. |
| US08897464B2 |
Condenser microphone
A condenser microphone includes a condenser microphone unit and a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is disposed so as to generate piezoelectric signals in response to vibration causing the unit to generate vibratory noise signals. The piezoelectric signals are inputted through a low-pass filter and a level adjuster circuit to the unit to drive a diaphragm of the unit. The vibratory noise signals generated by the vibration in the unit are canceled with the piezoelectric signals generated by the piezoelectric element. |
| US08897461B1 |
Denoising an audio signal using local formant information
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for cleaning an audio segment. For a given audio segment, an offset amount is calculated where the audio segment is maximally correlated to the audio segment as offset by the offset amount. The audio segment and the audio segment as offset by the offset amount are averaged to produce a cleaned audio segment, which has had noise features reduced while having signal features (such as voiced audio) enhanced. |
| US08897458B2 |
Concha-fitting custom earplug with flexible skin and filler material
An earplug which conforms to the concha of the ear and extends into the ear canal. The construction consists of a flexible outer skin with at least one filler material, preferably two or more materials of varying hardness, to form an essentially solid structure except for sound channels, or electronics packages, or other devices, parts and cavities that may be located within the flexible skin. The flexible skin can be fabricated using a rapid-prototyping printing process. |
| US08897453B2 |
Methods and apparatus for synchronization of data frames
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a first bit sequence of a first length is assigned to a first group of signaling bits. Further, a second bit sequence of a second length is assigned to a second group of signaling bits. The first bit sequence is scrambled with a first scrambling sequence, and the second bit sequence is scrambled with a second scrambling sequence different from the first scrambling sequence. A first and a second orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol are assigned to the first and the second scrambled bit sequences respectively, and the first and second orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols are transmitted as synchronization symbols of a data frame. Further, a corresponding method for receiving the data frame, and apparatuses for transmission and reception are disclosed. |
| US08897450B2 |
System, processing device, computer program and method, to transparently encrypt and store data objects such that owners of the data object and permitted viewers are able to view decrypted data objects after entering user selected passwords
A cryptographic system makes everyday data objects, such as a document or conversation, unreadable to anyone other than the owner or those currently having permission to access the data objects. The cryptographic system is transparent by requiring no additional effort on the part of any user in the encryption/decryption process other than entering a user identifier and password. Each document is encrypted with a unique encryption key. Changes to data object access permissions are immediately honored and enforced by enabling or disabling access to certain decryption keys. Decryption of data objects requires information known only to the owner of the data object or those permitted to access the data object. This decryption information is not stored anywhere in the system. |
| US08897448B2 |
Controlling session keys through in-band signaling
The present invention employs in-band signaling between PTEs to provision and control session keys, which are used by the PTEs for encrypting and decrypting traffic that is carried from one PTE to another over a transport network. In operation, a first PTE will receive incoming traffic from a first edge network, map the traffic to frames, encrypt the traffic with a session key, and send the frames with the encrypted traffic over the transport network to a second PTE. The second PTE will extract the encrypted traffic from the frames, decrypt the encrypted traffic with a session key, and send the recovered traffic over a second edge network toward an intended destination. If symmetric encryption is employed, the session key used by the first PTE to encrypt the traffic will be identical to the session key used by the second PTE to decrypt the traffic. |
| US08897444B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing method
According to at least one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes: a content acquiring module configured to receive or store a content according to a first copyright protection method; a filter configured to acquire PIDs from first packets of the content; an analyzing module configured to acquire a PAT/PMT from each of the PIDs; a generating module configured to generate a PMT based on the PAT/PMT according to a second copyright protection method; encrypters configured to encrypt PES payloads by managing independent sets of an encryption key and an initial vector for the respective PIDs; and a packet generating module configured to generate second packets based on encryption results. |
| US08897437B1 |
Method and system for improving call-participant behavior through game mechanics
A method for improving a call-participant behavior, the method includes receiving an intensity data signal and an intensity variation data signal related to an ongoing call, receiving a pitch data signal and a pitch variation data signal related to the ongoing call, receiving a tempo data signal and a tempo variation data signal related to the ongoing call, receiving a channel comparison data signal related to the ongoing call, generating a real-time call progress signal based on the intensity data signal, the intensity variation data signal, the pitch data signal, the pitch variation data signal, the tempo data signal, the tempo variation data signal, and the channel comparison data signal, and sending the real-time call progress signal to a user device. |
| US08897435B2 |
Method and system for enhanced conference call security
A method for controlling access, of a communication device, to a conference call, the method comprising determining contextual attributes related to the device, evaluating the contextual attributes against a set of access requirements and connecting the device to the conference call if one or more of the access requirements is satisfied. |
| US08897428B2 |
Managing recordings of communications sessions
A device for recording the content of live communications sessions allocates each session with a unique identifier which is also communicated to a server, exchange, switch or endpoint having control of that session. A log of events occurring in the session is updated with the unique identifier of the recorded content, and following the session, the log of events is communicated to the recording device, indexed under the unique identifier, and stored with the recorded content of the session itself. |
| US08897425B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for accessing call logs
Methods, systems, and products provide remote access to call logs upon request. An incoming call is processed and an address is retrieved that is associated with a called number. An electronic message is sent to the address to identify a calling number of the incoming call. A log of calls is updated with the incoming call. A reply electronic message is received from the address, and the log of calls is sent to the address. |
| US08897422B2 |
Network testing
The present invention provides a method of testing a transmission line from a copper access network. The transmission line is tested to generate values for a plurality of network parameters. Using previously determined test results, it is possible to calculate an estimate of the length of the transmission line based on the values of each of the measured parameters. These estimates of the transmission line length can then be used to compute a weighted average of the transmission line length. An inference of the condition of the transmission line can be made by comparing the estimates of the length of the transmission line with the weighted average length. |
| US08897419B1 |
Systems and methods for accelerating charged particle beams
Embodiments of micro-x-ray sources and methods for obtaining a micro-x-ray source are disclosed. |
| US08897418B2 |
X-ray apparatus
An X-ray apparatus includes a pixel-extracting section for extracting pixels determined in advance in each line of an image containing a grid moiré pattern, a FFT processing section for performing one-dimensional FFT to the extracted pixels, a peak-frequency detecting section for detecting a peak frequency from a frequency characteristic for each line having undergone FTT, a frequency-characteristic preparing section for preparing a frequency characteristic for extracting the grid moiré pattern in accordance with the detected peak-frequency, an inverse FFT processing section for performing inverse FFT to the frequency characteristic prepared by the frequency-characteristic preparing section, and an FIR filtering section for performing FIR filtering on the image with use of a value calculated by the inverse FFT processing section as an FIR filter coefficient. |
| US08897415B2 |
Material analysis based on imaging effective atomic numbers
Effective atomic numbers associated with pixels in a region are received. An effective atomic number is associated with each pixel in the region. X-ray data for the region is received, and an item within the region is identified from the x-ray data. Some of the pixels in the region are correlated with the item such that the item is associated with an effective atomic number. An image of the region is rendered. The pixels of the item have a display style based on the effective atomic number of the item. |
| US08897413B2 |
Dynamic adjustable source collimation during fly-by scanning
A medical imaging system (100) includes a radiation source (112) that rotates around an examination region about a longitudinal axis and emits radiation while translating in a direction of the longitudinal axis during a fly-by scan. A source collimator (114) collimates the emitted radiation during the fly-by scan to form a generally conical shaped radiation beam that traverses the examination region. The source collimator (114) dynamically varies collimation during the scan so as to increase and decrease a width of the radiation beam in the longitudinal axis direction during the scan. A detector array (122) detects radiation that traverses the examination region and generates signals indicative thereof. A reconstructor (126) reconstructs the signals to generate volumetric image data indicative of the examination region. |
| US08897410B2 |
Device for receiving a digital signal
The present invention concerns the field of digital signal receivers provided with means of synchronisation with the transmitter and more particularly digital synchronisation means. The invention describes a synchronisation method solely based on the measurement of the frame time and the bit time in accumulators. These measurements are used to adjust the sampling clock of the receiver. |
| US08897407B2 |
RF (including GNSS) signal interference mitigation system and method
An RF (e.g., GNSS) interference mitigation system and method uses a switchable bank of filters for selectively blocking signals in predetermined bandwidths based on detecting strong, interfering signals with an interference detection circuit including a sniffer antenna. A low-strength RF (e.g., GNSS) system can be combined with a spectrally-close high-strength, telecommunications receiver system for cooperative control. Alternatively, an RF receiver can detect tones, changes in DC bias or level changes to activate a filter selection switch. |
| US08897401B2 |
AGC maintaining analog peak value based on peak-to-average ratio
Automatic gain control in a receiver. A method for controlling operating range of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) by an automatic gain control circuit includes estimating a peak-to-average ratio corresponding to an analog signal from digital samples of the analog signal. The method includes determining a peak value corresponding to the analog signal based on the peak-to-average ratio. Further, the method includes maintaining magnitude of the analog signal at an input of the ADC and gain of the receiver based on the peak value. |
| US08897400B2 |
Suppression of interference in digital frequency synthesis, more particularly in a time reference of a navigation signal transmitting device
An arrangement and method for digital frequency synthesis. The arrangement includes a device for phase quantization structured and arranged to operate based on a reference clock and a phase increment value, and a device for amplitude quantization structured and arranged to operate based on a reference clock and a phase increment value. The arrangement also includes a device for noise shaping of a phase arranged in the signal path after the device for phase quantization, a device for noise shaping of an amplitude arranged in a signal path after the device for amplitude quantization, and a phase to amplitude converter. |
| US08897396B2 |
Pulse receiver and method for receiving burst signal
Provided is a pulse receiver capable of receiving a burst signal and decoding the burst signal with a bit error rate reduced to a target value or less by controlling a determination threshold such that decoding success rate is equal to or less than a predetermined value. A decode unit 140 decodes a pulse train 20 to information 30, counts the number of decoding successes for a predetermined time period and outputs the counted number (decoding success rate DR) to a control unit 150. The control unit 150 uses as a basis the decoding success rate DR communicated from the decode unit 140 to control the set value of reference voltage Vth used in the comparator 130. |
| US08897387B1 |
Optimization of partial response pulse shape filter
A method and system for configuring one or both of a transmitter pulse-shaping filter and a receiver pulse-shaping filter to generate a total partial response that incorporates a predetermined amount of inter-symbol interference (ISI), based on one or more defined performance-related variables and one or more set constraints that are applicable to one or both of the transmitter pulse-shaping filter and the receiver pulse-shaping filters. The predetermined amount of ISI is determined based on an estimation process during extraction of data from an output of the receiver pulse-shaping filter, such that performance of total partial response based communication matches or surpasses performance of communication incorporating filtering based on no or near-zero ISI. The configuring may comprise determining optimized filtering configuration, by applying an optimization process which is based on, at least in part, the one or more constraints and the one or more performance-related variables. |
| US08897383B1 |
Enhanced multipath environments for MIMO wireless networks
A wireless communication device to improve multipath environments for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless networks comprises a wireless communication transceiver and a processing system. The wireless communication transceiver is configured to receive MIMO performance information for a plurality of locations of a premises. The processing system is configured to process the MIMO performance information to determine individual ranks associated with each of the locations, wherein higher ones of the ranks indicate better MIMO performance, compare each of the individual ranks to a threshold to determine a group of suboptimal locations of the plurality of locations that have ranks falling below the threshold, and process the suboptimal locations with an in-building geometry of the premises to identify at least one location to install a scattering agent. |
| US08897381B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining an effective channel and feedback information
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining an effective channel and feedback information. The method for determining an effective channel comprises: selecting more than one basic column vectors for determining a precoding matrix; calculating products of channel row vectors and the basic column vectors; and determining the effective channel or a Hermitian matrix of the effective channel by using the products. It can be seen from above that with the calculation of products of channel row vectors and more than one basic column vectors determining a precoding matrix and determination of an effective channel or Hermitian matrixes of the effective channel by using the products, the equipment is enabled to lower the amount of calculation and the complexity of calculation, lower the power consumption of the equipment and reduce the circuit size needed in performing corresponding processing in determining an effective channel or Hermitian matrixes of the effective channel and in determining channel feedback information. |
| US08897380B2 |
Coping with distortion caused by wideband noise
A digital broadband broadcast receiver is configured to receive bits transmitted in transmission symbols, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. The reliability of the received bits is scaled with a non-linear scaling function which is in relation to the amount of interfered part of a received transmission symbol. In the scaling, a burst state information (BSI) and/or channel state information (CSI) method can be used. |
| US08897377B2 |
Transcoding multiple media elements for independent wireless delivery
Transcoding multiple media elements for independent wireless delivery. Respective media or multimedia elements are selectively and respectively encoded and/or transcoded. Such respective and selective processing of different media elements provides for their unbundled and independent communication to one or more other devices. In one instance, different respective overlays of a display (e.g., a computer, TV, PDA display, etc.) are respectively and selectively transcoded and/or encoded to generate different respective streams that may each be handled differently as a function of any number of parameters (e.g., media element type, content, communication channel characteristic, source proximity, priority, etc.). Different types of media elements include photo/image, video, graphics, text, audio, picture-in-picture, two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D), and/or other types of media elements as may be included within a given configuration of a display. Each respective encoding and/or transcoding may be particularly optimized or tailored for a given media element type. |
| US08897376B2 |
Data recording device, method, and program, data reproduction device, method, and program, recording medium, and data structure
A video stream is encoded with a prediction mode of which a picture later than an I picture in the display order is predicted from a picture earlier than the I picture in the display order and recorded on a record medium so that the video stream reproduced from the record medium is randomly accessible. When a video stream is encoded, the prediction mode of which a picture later than an I picture in the display order is predicted from a picture earlier than the I picture in the display order is prohibited. In addition, EP_map that correlates reproduction time information of an I picture to a packet number of the I picture is created and recorded on the record medium along with a packetized encoded stream. When the video stream is reproduced, EP_map is searched for a packet number corresponding to a designated reproduction time. Corresponding to the obtained packet number, decoding of an encoded stream reproduced from the record medium is controlled. As a result, a random access reproduction designated with a reproduction time is assured. |
| US08897373B2 |
Moving image distribution server, moving image reproduction apparatus, control method, and recording medium
Rendering processing is performed such that a distribution screen is rendered in rendering processing of a subsequent stage by referring to a Depth map generated by rendering processing of a preceding stage. A moving image distribution server selects the Depth map for coding determination during execution of rendering processing of the subsequent stage for a first screen, and determines for each set block whether to perform inter-frame coding by referring to a Depth map generated for a second screen rendered before the first screen. After rendering processing of the subsequent stage has ended for the first screen, the server performs coding in accordance with the determination result and sends the coded moving image data to an external device. The determination result is sent to the external device before generation of the coded moving image data of the first screen is completed. |
| US08897372B2 |
Task allocation device, task allocation method, and storage medium storing task allocation program
To reduce performance degradation due to a high-performance core's waiting for a processing result of a low-performance core in a multi-core processor including a plurality of cores with different running performance, included are a task pool that stores executable tasks for each computational core, a task scheduler, and a reference count analysis module that acquires hint information and a reference count estimation method from a running task and estimates a reference count of a task to be newly inserted into the task pool or a task existing in the task pool based on the specified method. The scheduler performs insertion and acquisition of a task by mainly using performance of the cores and the reference count. |
| US08897370B1 |
Bitrate video transcoding based on video coding complexity estimation
A system and method provides content-adaptive bitrate video transcoding of a source video for a video hosting service. The system is coupled to a video coding complexity engine and video rate-distortion modeling engine of the video hosting service. The system is configured to receive the video coding complexity score of the source video and a trained rate-distortion model and a scaling model. A target bitrate estimation module of the system is configured to calculate an initial target bitrate based on the video coding complexity using the trained rate-distortion model. A bitrate refinement module of the system is configured to adjust the initial target bitrate with respect to the resolution and/or frame rate of the transcoded source video. An adaptive video coder of the system is configured to transcode the source video with the adjusted target bitrate. |
| US08897368B2 |
Image coding device, image coding method, image coding integrated circuit and image coding program
An image coding device which codes input image data includes a coding flag generation unit which determines whether or not the input image data is image data included in data of a moving picture showing a motion of a predetermined motion amount or greater, and generates coding flag information which indicates a result of the determination. A coding method determination unit determines a coding method in which the input image data references coded image data that the coded image data indicates is the input image data included in the data of the moving picture that is closer to the input image data. An image coding unit compression-codes the input image data using the coding method determined by the coding method determination unit. |
| US08897366B2 |
Image coding method, image decoding method, image coding apparatus, and image decoding apparatus
An image coding method includes: deriving a candidate for a motion vector predictor from a neighboring motion vector; adding the candidate to a list; selecting a motion vector predictor from the list; coding a current block; and coding a current motion vector. In the deriving, the candidate is derived according to a first derivation scheme when each of a current reference picture and a neighboring reference picture is determined to be a long-term reference picture, and the candidate is derived according to a second derivation scheme when each of a current reference picture and a neighboring reference picture is determined to be a short-term reference picture. |
| US08897365B2 |
Video rate control processor for a video encoding process
A system for executing video encoding operations. The system includes a video encoder for encoding an incoming video stream into a plurality of macro blocks. A motion estimation engine is coupled to the video encoder for controlling the encoding of the macro blocks. A video rate control processor is coupled to the video encoder and coupled to the motion estimation engine. The video rate control processor receives a plurality of parameters from the video encoder that indicate an encoding complexity for a macro block and a video frame of the video stream and, upon receiving an indication from the motion estimation engine, computes a quantization parameter for the macro block. The quantization parameter is dynamically adjusted for the video stream to achieve a target bit rate. |
| US08897364B2 |
Method and device for sequence decoding with error concealment
The invention concerns a method for decoding a video sequence encoded according to a predictive format, which video sequence includes predicted images containing encoded residual data representing differences between the respective predicted image and a respective reference image in the video sequence. The method of the invention comprises, applying to a current image which contains at least one area which is to be reconstructed, the steps of: obtaining (E605) projected residual data for said at least one area to be reconstructed, from residual data of at least one image predicted from the current image, corresponding to a temporal projection of at least part of the at least one area to be reconstructed onto said at least one image predicted from the current image; and reconstructing (E606) at least part of said at least one area using the projected residual data obtained. |
| US08897352B2 |
Multipass approach for performing channel equalization training
A method comprises performing a first pass test over a plurality of sets of equalization coefficients to filter the plurality of sets of equalization coefficients to produce one or more filtered sets of equalization coefficients. Each filtered set of equalization coefficients meets a first predetermined threshold. The method also comprises performing a second pass test over the one or more filtered sets of equalization coefficients to determine a final set of equalization coefficients that meets a second predetermined threshold. The second pass test produces more accurate results than the first pass test. |
| US08897349B2 |
Determining transmitter impairments using offset local oscillators
Systems and methods for measuring transmitter and/or receiver I/Q impairments are disclosed, including iterative methods for measuring transmitter I/Q impairments using shared local oscillators, iterative methods for measuring transmitter I/Q impairments using intentionally-offset local oscillators, and methods for measuring receiver I/Q impairments. Also disclosed are methods for computing I/Q impairments from a sampled complex signal, methods for computing DC properties of a signal path between the transmitter and receiver, and methods for transforming I/Q impairments through a linear system. |
| US08897347B2 |
Alien interference removal in vectored DSL
A vectored DSL system reduces or eliminates correlated alien interference in active DSL lines in the vectored system by collecting pseudo signals from inactive lines that do not carry upstream DSL transmissions and/or from common-mode voltage signals from active lines. The collected pseudo signals contain in-domain interference, such as FEXT interference from the active DSL lines in the vectored system, and correlated alien interference. After removing the in-domain interference from the pseudo signals, the remaining alien interference data can be used to generate FEXT cancellation coefficients or the like that are used in DSL vectoring to remove the correlated alien interference from upstream DSL user signals from the active DSL lines. The generated FEXT cancellation coefficients are used in a manner analogous to in-domain FEXT data collected from the active lines during training, tracking, etc. |
| US08897346B2 |
Modem device and amplitude adjustment method
A modem device includes a modulation unit 12 that generates a modulated signal, a frequency conversion unit 15 that generates an intermediate frequency signal from an external input signal, and a demodulation unit 14 that demodulates the modulated or intermediate frequency signal and generates a reception signal. In a communication mode, the modulation unit 12 outputs the modulated signal to a external device 50, the frequency conversion unit 15 generates the intermediate frequency signal, and the demodulation unit 14 demodulates the intermediate frequency signal and generates the reception signal. In an adjustment mode, the modulation unit 12 outputs the modulated signal to the demodulation unit 14, and the demodulation unit 14 generates the reception signal from the modulated signal and adjusts an amplitude of the transmission signal based on the reception signal. |
| US08897345B2 |
Method and device for transmitting a signal using a transmission power mask
Method for transmitting a signal using a transmission power mask is disclosed. The signal is transmitted by a transceiver A and is connected to a transceiver B via at least one physical link; wherein the transmission power mask is adapted according to a transfer function relative to the impedance of the physical link, so as the power lost during signal transmission is taken into account. |
| US08897343B2 |
Diversity receiver and transceiver
A diversity receiver comprises a plurality of receiving paths connected to a receiver circuit. Each of the receiving paths comprises an antenna receiving a signal, connected to a matching network connected to a receive amplifier. The receiver circuit is connected to a signal level comparison circuit for providing a relative comparison value indicating one of the receiving paths receiving the signal with a relative maximum strength. The signal level comparison circuit comprises a comparator circuit connected to the receiver circuit receiving a currently received signal level, and to a logic control unit being arranged to select one of the receive paths to provide the currently received signal to the receiver circuit. |
| US08897340B2 |
Enhancement of the channel propagation matrix order and rank for a wireless channel
Enhancement of wireless Channel Order and rank (ECHO) systems and ECHO repeater devices for enhancement of a wireless propagation channel for point to point or point to multipoint radio configurations are disclosed. The enhancement may be used for MIMO communications channels. Aspects support a richer multipath environment to increase the rank of the channel propagation matrix and/or to increase the magnitude of the coefficients of the propagation matrix between two or more radios. Such enhancement is applicable to backhaul radios in terms of increased range or in the number of supportable information streams. The installation, provisioning, optimization, control, monitoring, and adaptation of such devices within a network of backhaul radios is also disclosed. Wireless links and control between IBR and ECHO devices, and between ECHO devices and other ECHO devices, are also disclosed. |
| US08897339B2 |
Method and arrangement of increasing impairment co-variance matrix estimation accuracy
A method and arrangement of increasing impairment co-variance matrix Ru estimation accuracy in downlink in a user equipment in a communication network system. De-spread is performed on HS-DSCH symbols to form a matrix X of de-spread symbols. The matrix X and channel estimates hc from CPiCH and modulation scheme information are used to form a matrix S of recovered symbols in hard value. The matrix X and the channel estimates hc, the modulation scheme information and the matrix S output are used to increase the estimation accuracy of the matrix S. The previous step is repeated until the output symbols are the same as the input symbols or the number of iterations reaches a pre-defined maximum value. The matrix X and the matrix S with increased estimation accuracy are used to form an impairment co-variance matrix Ru estimate. |
| US08897336B2 |
Communication apparatus and method
A communication apparatus and method for operating a communication apparatus are provided. The communication apparatus is configured to determine whether a sub-frequency band causing interference is present among sub-frequency bands included in a reception frequency band group, and to send to another communication apparatus an interference avoidance request signal which requests the other communication apparatus to transmit signals by use of remaining sub-frequency bands except the sub-frequency band causing interference, leading to simpler and more efficient interference avoidance. |
| US08897332B2 |
Circular optical cavity electronically switched between at least two distinct cavity modes
A laser cavity structure is disclosed which pertains to laser resonator geometries possessing circular symmetry, such as in the case of disk or spherical lasers. The disclosed invention utilizes a very-high finesse Bragg reflector (VHF-BR) thin film reflectors of many layer pairs of very small refractive index difference, the VHF-BR deposited on a surface of revolution, thereby forming an optical cavity. These dielectric reflectors are disposed in such a way as to allow selection of preferred low order modes and suppression of parasitic modes while allowing a high cavity Q factor for preferred modes. The invention disclosed, in its preferred embodiments, is seen as particularly useful in applications requiring high efficiency in the production and coupling of coherent radiation. This is accomplished in a cavity design that is relatively compact and economical. |
| US08897331B2 |
Lasing device
Upon starting the lasing device after having a stop state, gas retaining in the gas circulation path and the optical resonator is released through the gas release valve opened by the gas pressure controller. During a time calculated by the open-time calculator in response to the immediately preceding stop time of the lasing device, laser medium gas in the piping between the laser medium gas supply device and the gas supply valve is released, together with the retaining gas, through the gas supply valve opened by the gas pressure controller. The structure reduces costs by using decreased number of valves and suppresses consumption of laser medium gas. |
| US08897329B2 |
Group III nitride-based green-laser diodes and waveguide structures thereof
Group III nitride-based laser diodes comprise an n-side cladding layer formed of n-doped (Al,In)GaN, an n-side waveguide layer formed of n-doped (Al)InGaN, an active region, a p-side waveguide layer formed of p-doped (Al)InGaN, and a p-side cladding layer formed of p-doped (Al,In)GaN. Optical mode is shifted away from high acceptor concentrations in p-type layers through manipulation of indium concentration and thickness of the n-side waveguide layer. Dopant and compositional profiles of the p-side cladding layer and the p-side waveguide layer are tailored to reduce optical loss and increased wall plug efficiency. |
| US08897326B2 |
Pump energy wavelength stabilization
In a method, a gain medium is provided having an absorption coefficient that varies with wavelength. An absorption coefficient curve of the absorption coefficient or a range of wavelengths comprises peaks and valleys. A pump module is operated to output pump energy at an operating wavelength within one of the valleys, at which the absorption coefficient is approximately less than 40% of the absorption coefficient at an adjacent peak of the absorption coefficient curve defining the valley. The pump energy is directed through the gain medium. A portion of the pump energy is absorbed with the gain medium and laser light is emitted from the gain medium responsive to the absorbed pump energy. The non-absorbed pump energy (feedback pump energy) is fed back to the pump module. The operating wavelength of the pump energy is stabilized using the feedback pump energy. |
| US08897320B2 |
High data throughput WLAN frame format
A frame format for high data throughput wireless local area network transmissions includes a first preamble segment, a second preamble segment, and a variable length data segment. The first preamble segment includes at least one training sequence and a high throughput channel indication. The second preamble segment includes a high data throughput training sequence when the high throughput channel indication is set and includes a null segment when the high data throughput training sequence is not set. |
| US08897319B2 |
High speed embedded protocol for distributed control systems
A control network communication arrangement includes a second protocol embedded into a first protocol in a way that modules supporting the second protocol may be aware of and utilize the first protocol whereas modules supporting only the first protocol may not be aware of the second protocol. Operation of modules using the second protocol does not disturb operation of the modules not configured to use or understand the second protocol. By one approach, the messages sent using the second protocol will be seen as messages sent using the first protocol but not having a message necessary to understand or as needing a particular response. In another approach, modules using the second protocol can be configured to send message during transmission of first protocol messages by other modules, the second protocol messages being triggered off of expected aspects of the message sent under the first protocol. |
| US08897317B2 |
Distributed capacity based channel assignment for communcation systems
Apparatuses and methods for providing distributed capacity based channel assignment in a radio frequency base station servicing a local area. A method can include determining that an additional channel is needed, receiving reports from user equipment connected to the base station over the air interface indicating the gain in capacity due to the added channel, adding the new channel, receiving loss reports from one or more neighboring base stations indicating the loss in capacity and the interference caused to user equipments serviced by the neighboring base stations due to the use of the new channel. The method can also include comparing the gain in capacity to the loss of capacity by the worst user connected to the neighboring base stations due to the added channel and determining whether to continue to add the channel to increase capacity. |
| US08897315B1 |
Fabric traffic management in a network device
A network switch device includes a plurality of ingress processors, each ingress processor has a packet memory to store packets received via a plurality of ingress ports. A plurality of egress processors are coupled to the plurality of ingress processors via a switch fabric. Each egress processor has a plurality of egress ports. Each ingress processor is configured to create descriptors for packets received via ingress ports, each descriptor having a smaller size than the corresponding packet, store the packets in the packet memory, process each descriptor to determine at least the appropriate egress processor among the egress processors to which to forward the descriptor, transmit, via the switch fabric, descriptors to egress processors, and, in response to receiving PULL messages from the egress processors, transmit packets to the egress processors via the switch fabric. |
| US08897313B2 |
Out-of-band signaling support over standard optical SFP
An out-of-band to optical conversion component is provided that uses a transmit disable signal and a receive loss of signal (LOS) signal built into optical small form-factor pluggable transceiver and cable to pass the out-of-band protocol between serial attached SCSI enclosures. The transmit disable signal, when asserted, turns off the optical output, while the receive LOS signal detects the loss of signal. The out-of-band to optical conversion component sits in line on the serial attached SCSI data traffic and strips off the out-of-band signals from the serial attached SCSI expander so that only data flows over the optical cable. The out-of-band to optical conversion component sends the out-of-band signals to the other enclosure using the transmit disable pin on the small form-factor pluggable transceiver and cable. The other enclosure receives the message on the receive LOS signal and transmit it back onto the serial attached SCSI receive data pair. |
| US08897311B2 |
Dynamic discovery mechanisms via inter-domain routing protocol
In an embodiment, a method is provided at which it is used in a device. In this method, a logical identifier assigned to the device is identified and additionally, a mesh group identifier identifying a mesh group is identified. The logical identifier and the mesh group identifier are encoded in a routing message, which is used in an inter-domain routing protocol, and this routing message is transmitted to a reflector device in communication with the device. The reflector device is configured to transmit the routing message to a remote device included in the computer network. |
| US08897308B2 |
Node, a monitoring management method used for a node, and a transfer system, an input circuit and an output circuit
A node according to the present invention is used in an MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) network, and the node includes an input unit which receives an OAM (Operation Administration and Maintenance) frame including TTL (Time To Live) from outside of the node and an output unit which transmits an OAM frame to outside of the node, wherein the input unit sets the TTL to a specific value and transmits the received OAM frame to the output unit in case a termination destination which an OAM frame received from outside indicates is the node and the received OAM frame is to be transmitted to the output unit and the output unit terminates an OAM frame transmitted from the input unit. |
| US08897306B2 |
Path management control method, path management control program, path management controller and path management control system
The path management controller 1 refers to resource information 131 including reservation statuses of working paths and advance reserved paths that are set in every link, so as to calculate a route for setting a new path and set this path in this calculated route. If the route for setting this new path cannot be obtained (1) because of a shortage of residual bandwidth of a link of interest, the path management controller 1 refers to the resource reservation information 131 of working paths and advance reserved paths and calculates an alternative route for another existing path used in the link of interest, and moves this path to the calculated alternative route. On the other hand, if the route for setting this new path cannot be obtained (2) because there is no continuous bandwidth sufficient for setting this new path in the link of interest, the path management controller 1 refers to the resource reservation information regarding working paths and advance reserved paths in the link of interest in the resource information 131, so as to execute the time slot rearrangement. |
| US08897305B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for providing emergency service in a wireless communication system
Apparatuses and methods for providing an emergency service in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes allocating a Connection IDentifier (CID) used to transmit the emergency service message, determining a Convergence Sublayer (CS) type for processing the emergency service message, generating a Downlink Channel Descriptor (DCD) message which comprises at least one of the allocated CID and information relating to the determined CS type, and transmitting the generated DCD message to a Mobile Station (MS). |
| US08897302B2 |
Transport protocol for anticipatory content
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for improving utilization of a communications system (e.g., a satellite communications system) are provided, using delayed reliability techniques as part of a multicast transport protocol. Embodiments may operate in a client-server context, in which the server-side of the communication link multicasts data to requesting users and to users where the data is being speculatively prepositioned. Requesting users may implement reliability checks to verify receipt of complete data in response to the request while user systems where data is being speculatively prepositioned may receive multicast reliability information in response to reliability requests from other users, but may not request replacement of missing or corrupted data themselves until a request is made for the data by that system. |
| US08897294B2 |
Interface switch for use with fibre channel fabrics in storage area networks
An interface switch which presents itself as switch to an enterprise fabric formed of the devices from the same manufacturer as the interface switch and that of a host or node to an enterprise fabric from a different manufacturer. This allows each enterprise fabric to remain in a higher performance operating mode. The multiplexing of multiple streams of traffic between the N_ports on the first enterprise fabric and the second enterprise fabric is accomplished by N_port Virtualization. The interface switch can be connected to multiple enterprise fabrics. All control traffic address mappings between virtual and physical addresses may be mediated and translated by the CPU of the interface switch and address mappings for data traffic performed at wire speed. Since the interface switch may preferably be a single conduit between the enterprise fabrics, it is also a good point to enforce perimeter defenses against attacks. |
| US08897289B2 |
Node system and supervisory node
A node system includes a first node, a second node, and a supervisory node which transmit frames while increasing or decreasing the cycle microtick count, and determines reduced cycle microtick counts by subtracting or adding a rate correction limit value from or to the cycle microtick count of the supervisory node when reception of the first frame transmitted by the first node stop and the cycle microtick count of the supervisory node when reception of the first and second frames stop. |
| US08897286B2 |
Method and system for synchronization in communication system
A method can be used for facilitating uplink synchronization between a first transceiver and a second transceiver within a cell in a multi-user cellular communication system. The first transceiver receives a signal for the uplink synchronization from the second transceiver. The signal includes a first signature sequence generated, at least in part, from a sequence with a zero-correlation zone. The first transceiver then performs a correlation of the signal for detection of the first signature sequence. |
| US08897285B2 |
Characterization of temporary identifiers in a wireless communication network
System(s), device(s), and method(s) are provided to characterize a temporary identifier for user equipment (UE) in telecommunication procedure(s) in a wireless communication network. Based on radio technology of at least one serving node that enables at least part of the telecommunication procedure(s), the UE generates a TI and a classifier that discloses the type of the TI. The classifier enables distinguishing a TI value in a first radio technology from a TI value in a second radio technology. In addition the classifier enables a serving node that receives the classifier to identify a logic address of a disparate serving node without restriction in backwards compatibility amongst radio protocols utilized by the wireless communication network. |
| US08897280B2 |
System and method for clear channel assessment that supports simultaneous transmission by multiple wireless protocols
System and method for performing clear channel assessment for simultaneous transmission in a device implementing multiple wireless protocols. The system may include first and second wireless protocol circuitry configured to generate first and second signals, respectively, for wireless transmission according to first and second wireless protocols, respectively. A first in-band signal strength threshold and a second in-band signal strength threshold may be maintained by the first wireless protocol circuitry. It may be determined whether the first or second in-band signal strength threshold should be used in performing the clear channel assessment. Clear channel assessment may be performed using the determined in-band signal strength threshold. Performing clear channel assessment may include comparing an ambient signal strength on a channel with the determined in-band signal strength threshold. The first wireless protocol circuitry may be configured to determine whether to wirelessly transmit first signals based on the clear channel assessment. |
| US08897274B2 |
Successive interference cancellation stacked branch VAMOS receivers
A receiver receives a desired radio sub-channel transmitted with an unwanted radio sub-channel by producing signal branches from a received radio signal by treating orthogonal components of the received signal separately and also by using one or both of oversampling and multiple receive antennas. Channel estimates for both the desired and unwanted radio sub-channels are produced for signal branches. The unwanted radio sub-channel bits are estimated from a non-stacked form of the received radio signal. The channel estimates and the estimate of the unwanted radio sub-channel bits are used to reconstruct unwanted radio sub-channel components separately for signal branches. Desired radio sub-channel signal branches are produced by subtracting a corresponding one of the reconstructed unwanted radio sub-channel components from signal branches. A non-stacked desired signal is produced by combining the desired radio sub-channel signal branches. The non-stacked desired signal is processed to receive the desired radio sub-channel. |
| US08897272B2 |
Radio communication system channel state information feedback method and device
A method for Channel State Information (CSI) feedback in a wireless communication system includes: determining parameters required for the CSI feedback in a first wireless communication system, so that a feedback structure of the first wireless communication system in Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) is based on a feedback structure of a second wireless communication system in the PUCCH; notifying the parameters to a user equipment; transmitting a Channel State Information Reference Symbol (CSI-RS) to the user equipment periodically, so that the user equipment calculates the CSI required to be fed back; and receiving the CSI fed back by the user equipment according to the feedback structure of the first wireless communication system in the PUCCH in response to the CSI-RS, wherein information fed back for each BP is information obtained by jointly encoding optimum subband Channel Quality Information (CQI) with optimum subband Pre-encoding Matrix Information (PMI) in the BP. |
| US08897271B2 |
Extended USF addressing space
The present invention relates to assigning addresses to communication devices in a radio access network and notifying communication devices of scheduled uplink transmission time periods. Related methods, communication devices and control units are disclosed. A method of assigning an address to a communication device in a radio access network for use in notification of scheduled uplink transmission time periods for the communication device is provided. The method comprises assigning to the communication device an uplink state flag (USF) value. Furthermore, the method comprises assigning to the communication device an extended USF (eUSF) value. The address assigned to the communication device is a combination of the assigned USF value and the assigned eUSF value. By means of the eUSF value, the normal address range provided by the USF is extended, thereby facilitating use of more communication devices in the radio access network. |
| US08897267B2 |
System and method for enabling softer handover by user equipment in a non-dedicated channel state
One feature provides for an apparatus, system, and method for enabling softer handover by a user equipment in a non-dedicated channel state, such as Cell_FACH state. A user equipment communicates with a base station via a first sector of the base station, and receives a preamble signature partition list. The user equipment determines that a second sector of the base station is available for softer handover, and selects a preamble signature from the preamble signature partition list corresponding to a softer handover configuration associated with the first sector and the second sector. The user equipment may then transmit a softer handover initiation message that includes the preamble signature while in a non-dedicated channel state, such as Cell_FACH. |
| US08897261B2 |
Predictive caching and tunneling for time-sensitive data delivery to roaming client devices
Techniques are provided for delivering data to a wireless client device in a wireless local area network via a plurality of access point devices as the wireless client device roams from one access point device to another. A wireless client device receives data communications (i.e., traffic) via a first wireless access point device in the wireless local area network. An impending roam of a wireless client device is detected. A set of one or more candidate wireless access point devices other than the first wireless access point device is determined to which the wireless client device may potentially roam. The one or more wireless access point devices in the set are assigned to a multicast group, and the traffic is sent to the multicast group. |
| US08897255B2 |
Dynamic VLANs in wireless networks
Systems and methods are described for managing a wireless network. Packets addressed to subscriber stations may be assigned a tag based on the base station at which the packet is received and the base station at which the subscriber station first entered the network. The tag can identify a media access address associated with subscriber equipment accessible through the subscriber station and an IP address associated with the subscriber equipment. The tag may be obtained from a table linking each of a plurality of virtual local area networks to one or more subscriber stations previously registered at a network base station. |
| US08897254B2 |
Apparatus, method and computer program product for selecting beam group and subset of beams in communication system
An apparatus and method for selecting a beam group and a subset of beams in a communication system are disclosed. The method includes: measuring channel state information (CSI) on a downlink from a base station (920); identifying a selected beam group out of a set of beam groups according to a wideband property of the CSI (930); identifying a selected subset of beams in the selected beam group according to at least one subband (940). Wherein the characteristic of the set of beam groups depends on a transmission rank and the number of beams in the selected subset of beams is equal to the transmission rank. The method further includes: generating encoded feedback information identifying the selected beam group and the selected subset of beams for each subband in a double codebook format (950), transmitting the encoded feedback information to the base station. A computer program product comprising the computer program code which is configured to cause the apparatus to implement above operations is also disclosed. |
| US08897251B2 |
Wireless communication base station apparatus and pilot signal disposing method
A base station device is provided with features in which multicast data can be prevented from deterioration in the accuracy of channel estimation due to interference of a unicast data pilot signal when multicast data and unicast data are multiplexed for transmission. In this device, a unicast pilot signal generating unit (105-1) generates a unicast data pilot signal, a multicast pilot signal generating unit (105-2) generates a multicast data pilot signal, a disposing unit (106) disposes a unicast data symbol, a multicast data symbol, the unicast data pilot signal, and the multicast pilot signal at either position on a two-dimensional plane comprised of a frequency axis and a time axis to output them to an IFFT unit (107). In this case, the disposing unit (106) disposes the multicast data pilot signal at a position on the two-dimensional plane comprised of the frequency axis and the time axis where the unicast data pilot signal does not interfere with it. |
| US08897250B2 |
Terminal apparatus and method for transmitting a response signal at a terminal
A radio communication mobile station device reduces the number of blind decoding processes at a mobile station without increasing overhead by report information. The device includes a judgment unit which judges a particular PUCCH to which a response signal corresponding to the downstream line data is to be allocated among a plurality of PUCCH, according to a CCE occupied by PDCCH allocated to a particular search space corresponding to a CCE aggregation size or the PDCCH to which allocation information destined to the local station is allocated among search spaces changing in accordance with the CFI value; and a control unit which controls a cyclic shift amount of a ZAC sequence of the response signal and a block-wise spread code sequence according to a correspondence between CCE occupied by PDCCH allocated to a particular search space and a particular PUCCH resource, the correspondence changing in accordance with the CFI value. |
| US08897249B2 |
Deployment of LTE UL system for arbitrary system bandwidths via PUCCH configuration
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, there is at least a method, apparatus, and computer program product to perform an over-provisioning of a radio resource including a periodic channel quality indicator resource in a predetermined way, and an allocating of the radio resource in such a manner that at least one of an effective system bandwidth is reduced and out-of-band emissions related to the allocated radio resource are taken into account. |
| US08897240B2 |
Methods and apparatus for physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) load control by physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) restrictions
Methods for scheduling downlink (DL) data on a downlink subframe from a base station directed to at least one wireless terminal in a wireless network are provided. The methods include selecting a control channel element (CCE) region for a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carried in a control region of the downlink subframe; determining whether a DL assignment corresponding to the DL data can be allocated on the selected CCE region based on a load imposed on a corresponding physical resource block (PRB) of a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) of a future uplink subframe that will carry an ACK/NACK response corresponding to the DL assignment; and allocating the DL assignment on the selected CCE region when it is determined that the DL assignment can be allocated. |
| US08897236B2 |
Physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) protection
According to certain aspects, resource blocks used for physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmissions may be allocated in a manner to manage interference in neighboring cells. According to certain aspects, one or more guard RBs may be utilized when transmitting PDSCH in a first cell an effort to reduce interference by transmissions in a second cell. |
| US08897233B2 |
Communication method and apparatus for controlling data transmission and retransmission of mobile station at base station
Disclosed is a communication method for controlling data transmission of a mobile station at a base station. The method comprises the steps of: determining, by the base station, a transmission operation to be performed by the mobile station in next transmission time interval based on HARQ and schedule result; sending, in a downlink by the base station, an ACK/NACK packet, an indicator indicating the type of the transmission by the mobile station and a resource use command for the used resource based on the determined transmission operation; receiving, by the mobile station, the ACK/NACK packet, the indicator and the resource use command sent from the base station, and performing respective transmission operations according to the received ACK/NACK packet, indicator and resource use command without using any data-associated signaling in an uplink. |
| US08897230B2 |
Cascaded base station apparatus and operation method thereof
A method and an apparatus are provided for operating a cascaded base station. Downlink data is received from a plurality of sub-base stations, each of the plurality of sub-base stations having at least one sector, and each of the at least one sector using at least one Frequency Allocation (FA). Data is extracted per FA from the downlink data. The data per sector is rearranged and re-mapped. The data per sector is transmitted to corresponding Remote Radio Units (RRUs). |
| US08897228B2 |
Mobile communication system, base station apparatus, mobile station apparatus and communication method
Based on a sounding reference signal, a base station apparatus performs efficient scheduling. The base station apparatus includes information for requesting the transmission of the sounding reference signal in a first downlink control information format or a second downlink control information format, and transmits the information to the mobile station apparatus, the mobile station apparatus transmits, based on detection of the information, the sounding reference signal to the base station apparatus, and a first parameter used for the transmission of the sounding reference signal based on the detection of the information included in the first downlink control information format and a second parameter used for the transmission of the sounding reference signal based on the detection of the information included in the second downlink control information format are individually set by a signal of a higher layer transmitted from the base station apparatus. |
| US08897224B2 |
Reducing public land mobile network PLMN search time
A method includes storing in a mobile communication terminal a definition of a set of frequency bands in which the terminal is capable of communicating, including at least first and second frequency bands. One or more combinations of at least portions of the frequency bands in the set, which cannot be allocated in proximity to one another due to interference, are determined in the terminal. A search is conducted in the terminal over the set of the frequency bands. Upon detecting a presence of a candidate wireless network in a first portion of the first frequency band, which cannot be allocated in proximity to at least a second portion of the second frequency band in accordance with the specification, at least the second portion is omitted from the search. |
| US08897223B2 |
Method and apparatus for communicating deliver of data packets to a user equipment in a wireless communication system
In a communication system (100) where a wireless relay node (RN) (114) relays data packets between a Node B (112) and a user equipment (UE) (102), the RN receives (608) a data packet from the Node B via a first wireless link (115), conveys (614) the received data packet to the UE via a second wireless link (120), determines (616) whether the UE is likely to handoff, and in response to determining that the UE is likely to handoff, delays conveying (620, 622) an acknowledgment of the data packet to the Node B until an acknowledgment has been received from the UE. In another embodiment, the RN may use a status report (720) to inform the Node B of data packets that have not been transmitted to the UE or that have been transmitted to the UE but for which an acknowledgement has not been received from the UE. |
| US08897221B2 |
Communication system, communication apparatus, communication method, and computer program
Space-division multiple access is optimally realized while avoiding inter-network interference.Time usage information for transmission sequence units is exchanged among different networks or non-adjacent equipment, and on the basis of this information, a station that initiates a transmission sequence unit disposes the start time of its own transmission sequence unit in a time slot which is not being used by an adjacent network or adjacent equipment. As a result, multiple wireless networks or wireless communication devices are able to utilize a channel by time division even in cases where exclusive placement of frequency channels is difficult, and efficient space-division multiple access can be realized. |
| US08897219B2 |
Method and user equipment for transmitting ranging signal, and method and base station for receiving ranging signal
A method and apparatus for transmitting a ranging signal, and a method and apparatus for receiving the ranging signal are disclosed. A ranging channel (RCH) for transmission of a ranging signal is allocated to the reuse-1 partition. However, the ranging channel (RCH) is allocated to the power-boosted reuse-3 partition only when there is no reuse-1 partition. |
| US08897217B2 |
Address space partitioning and filtering for discretionary wireless connection response
A system and method for providing wireless communications between a medical controller hub and an implant node are disclosed. The hub transmits signals to facilitate communication connections with the node. The signals include connection invitation polls with identification parameters. A node monitors the hub's transmissions for the connection invitation polls. When a poll is detected, the node compares the identification parameters to a list of preferred identification values. If the received identification parameter is on the preferred list, and the node and hub are not already connected, then the node responds to the connection invitation poll. If the received identification parameter is not on the preferred list, then the node continues to monitor hub transmissions for other connection invitation polls that include identification parameters that are on the preferred list. |
| US08897214B2 |
Apparatus and method for sharing information through presence service in a communication network
An apparatus is capable of sharing information through a presence service in a communication network and capable of providing presence information of a Mobile Station (MS). The apparatus extracts at least one of application information and contents indication information from an application in execution. Presence information is generated that includes at least one of the application information and the contents indication information, and transmitting the presence information to a presence server. |
| US08897213B2 |
System and method for communicating using an in-vehicle system
A system and method for communicating wirelessly from a mobile device to a remote receiver station is disclosed. The system includes a controller configured to monitor a status of the mobile device and, upon an initiation event, initiate a data transfer process to wirelessly communicate data to the remote receiver station. The system also includes a voice-band modem that, upon initiation of the data transfer process. The voice-band modem is configured to receive data for transfer to the remote receiver station, encode the data using a fountain code encoding protocol to form a series encoded packets, and repeatedly transmit the encoded packets until receiving an indication that the series of packets has been received at the receiving station. |
| US08897210B2 |
Method and apparatus for scheduling asynchronous transmissions
The present invention provides a method of scheduling asynchronous transmissions for a plurality of subscriber units. The method includes receiving information associated with a plurality of subscriber units that have uplink data to transmit, the information including uplink timing offset information associated with each of the subscriber units. Two or more subscriber units are then selected from a set of subscriber units having a timing offset differential, that is below a predetermined threshold, where the timing offset differential is the difference between the timing offset of a first subscriber unit and the timing offset of a second subscriber unit further selectively offset by a multiple of the transmission segment size, which minimizes the difference. The transmission segments, which are available for the uplink of data, are then allocated between the selected two or more subscriber units, which limits the number of transmission segments that have at least one of an overlap or a gap, and the amount of any overlap or gap, in order to minimize wasted scheduling opportunities. |
| US08897208B2 |
Space frequency block code signal processing and relaying system
A space frequency block code signal relaying system is provided. The space frequency block code signal relaying system includes a signal detecting unit which receives, via a radio channel, a source signal sent from a source station and detects the received signal; a relay signal generation unit which generates a relay signal corresponding with the source signal transmitted from the source station to a destination node based on the received signal, the source signal and the relay signal being signals encoded in a Space Frequency Block Code (SFBC) scheme; and a signal transmitting unit which transmits the relay signal to the destination node. |
| US08897207B2 |
Method for fade mitigation in a satellite communication network
In a satellite communication network, comprised of a central hub and a plurality of remote terminals, a multi-layered return channel (inbound) bandwidth design, for at least the purpose of mitigating rain fade effects. In addition, an allocation algorithm for allocating timeslots against capacity requests from remote terminals over a multi-layered return channel bandwidth design on a burst-by-burst basis. |
| US08897204B2 |
Method of performing a communication in a wireless communication system and an apparatus for the same
A method of communicating with a first network node by an user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system using three types of subframes is disclosed. The present invention comprises receiving information on the three types of subframes from the first network node; communicating with the first network node on a first type subframe, wherein a transmission of signals in a second network node is restricted; and communicating with the first network node on a second type subframe, wherein the transmission of signals in the second network node is not restricted, wherein no communication is performed with the first network node on a third type subframe. |
| US08897203B2 |
Physical uplink shared channel demodulation reference signal design for uplink coordinated transmission in type II relay using a punctured demodulation reference signal
A method is provided for providing an access node with a demodulation reference signal (DMRS). The method includes, when the UE and at least one relay node are present in a cell, the relay node transmitting the DMRS on a subset of a set of resource elements in which the UE transmits the DMRS. |
| US08897201B2 |
Method and device for acquiring contribution value of relay node
A method and an apparatus for acquiring a contribution value of a transfer node are disclosed. The method includes: acquiring charging information of a trust node which is in a trust network circumstance and joining in a session, and acquiring charging information of the transfer node which is in a distrust network circumstance and joining in the session; auditing the consistency of charging information between the transfer node and the trust node; computing the contribution value of the transfer node according to the auditing result and the charging information of the transfer node. The invention can effectively guarantee acquiring the contribution value of the transfer node truly and unfailingly in a distrust circumstance of network circumstance, and subsequently providing basis for rewarding the node which has contributed for transferring. |
| US08897198B2 |
Medical device wireless network architectures
An architecture for networked communications between a series of medical devices and a remote monitoring device. An interface circuit coupled to each medical device communicates with one of a plurality of relay modules via a wireless relay network. The relay modules communicate with the remote monitoring device over an internet-accessible wireless communication network. Each relay module includes a receiver coupled to the wireless relay network, a first transmitter coupled to the wireless relay network, a second transmitter coupled to the internet-accessible wireless communications network; and a controller. The controller determines a status of the internet-accessible wireless communications network. When the status indicates that the internet-accessible wireless communications network is accessible to the wireless relay module, the second transmitter is selected for transmitting medical device data. When the internet-accessible wireless communications network is not accessible, the first transmitter is selected for transmitting the data to another wireless relay module. |
| US08897197B2 |
Virtual access point using single service set identifiers
An Access Point (“AP”) apparatus comprising one or more processors containing program code. The program code may be configured to: (i) cause the AP to broadcast a beacon containing a single SSID identifying the AP; (ii) cause the AP to receive from the STA an query for network information for at least one network operator accessible through the AP; and (iii) cause the AP to send to the STA, for the at least one network operator, a network information description element, in response to the network information query. The AP providing the plural responses broadcasts only a single service set identification (“SSID”). |
| US08897188B2 |
Method and apparatus for discontinuous reception in user equipment for power savings
Methods and apparatuses to power off a modem receiver or components of the receiver at a time prior to the end of the frame based on data in the frame being received and properly decoded before the end of the frame. In an aspect, the apparatuses and methods provide power saving in a wireless device, and include receiving data within a frame at a user equipment, determining whether all payload packet data has been correctly decoded prior to an end of the frame, and powering down a receiver component for a portion of a remainder of the frame in response to determining that all payload packet data has been correctly decoded and where a first time period to a next scheduled overhead bit transmission period of a slot in the frame is greater than a second time period corresponding to a warm-up period for the receiver component. |
| US08897187B2 |
Method for transmitting control information and apparatus for same
A wireless communication system is disclosed. A method for transmitting uplink control information in a wireless communication system supporting carrier aggregation and operating in TDD includes: generating a first HARQ-ACK (hybrid automatic repeat request—acknowledgement) set for a first cell using a value M; generating a second HARQ-ACK set for a second cell using the value M; and transmitting a bit value corresponding to a third HARQ-ACK set including the first HARQ-ACK set and the second HARQ-ACK set in an uplink subframe n, wherein M=max(M1, M2), max(M1, M2) representing a value being equal to or larger than not smaller between M1 and M2, wherein M1 corresponds to the number of downlink subframes corresponding to the uplink subframe n in the first cell, and M2 corresponds to the number of downlink subframes corresponding to the uplink subframe n in the second cell, wherein the first cell and the second cell have different UL-DL configurations. |
| US08897185B2 |
Device, system and method of scheduling communications with a group of wireless communication units
Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of scheduling communications with a group of wireless communication devices. For example, a wireless communication unit may transmit at least one scheduling frame including an indication of a downlink period allocated for simultaneous transmission from the wireless communication unit to at least one group of a plurality of wireless communication devices, wherein the wireless communication unit is to simultaneously transmit a plurality of different wireless communication transmissions to the plurality of wireless communication devices of the group during the downlink period. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08897184B2 |
System and method for wireless communication in a backplane fabric architecture
A system and method of wirelessly communicating in a backplane mesh network is disclosed. A data message received from a first network device is handled at a first antenna system located in a first network device cabinet via a first network interface. The data message is wirelessly transmitted from a first millimeter wave antenna coupled to the first antenna system over a high speed backplane network to a second network device in a second device cabinet using emitted millimeter wave electromagnetic radiation. The data message is wirelessly received at a second millimeter wave antenna over the high speed backplane network using emitted millimeter wave electromagnetic radiation, wherein the received data message is handled by a second antenna system coupled to the second millimeter wave antenna. The received data message is sent, via a second network interface, from the second antenna system to the second network device. |
| US08897183B2 |
System and method for offloading data in a communication system
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a data packet transported on a backhaul link at a first network element; identifying whether the data packet is an upstream data packet; identifying whether the data packet matches an internet protocol (IP) access control list (ACL) or a tunnel endpoint identifier; performing a network address translation on the data packet; and offloading the data packet from the backhaul link. In certain implementations, the method can include identifying that the data packet does not match the IP ACL or the tunnel endpoint identifier; and communicating the data packet to a second network element. In other instances, the method can include identifying that the data packet is a downstream data packet; and restoring a tunnel header and tunnel identification based on an IP address of the data packet. |
| US08897174B2 |
Network configuration management
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for network configuration management. In some examples, a network configuration management system generates a difference network configuration for a managed network and identifies a network change case from the difference network configuration. The network configuration management system can further select a network change case application template and select a configuration file template. The network configuration management system can further generate device configuration file for a network device and store the device configuration file. In other examples, the network configuration management system generates device configuration files for a plurality of network devices. |
| US08897169B2 |
Discovery of conventional devices and bridges in hybrid communication networks
A hybrid network device can implement functionality for automatically detecting and locating legacy bridges in a communication network. In one embodiment, a first network device of a first class of network devices can determine that a second network device of a second class of network devices is communicatively located adjacent to at least one of a plurality of network interfaces of the first network device based, in part, on detecting that a packet originating from the second network device does not include a predetermined tag. The first network device can determine whether network segments associated with the first network device and a target network device are communicatively coupled via a network bridge device of the second class of network devices based on transmitting probe messages to the second network device and determining whether the target network device detected the probe messages. |
| US08897168B2 |
Systems and methods of communication using tunneled direct link setup (TDLS)
Systems and methods for improved communications using tunneled direct link setup are described herein. The systems and methods relate to discovery, link setup, channel switching, multicasting, link selection, and quality of service implemented in conjunction with tunneled direct link setup. |
| US08897163B2 |
Wireless communication method, base station, wireless communication system, and communication apparatus
Provided are a wireless communication method, a base station, a wireless communication system and a communication apparatus whereby an interference power is calculated from an estimated propagation channel estimation result and the transmission power is controlled based on the interference power or the interference is suppressed by controlling the directivity, thereby increasing the transmission capacity. A propagation channel estimation circuit performs propagation channel estimation from a response signal transmitted from a terminal station and estimates a propagation channel estimation result. An interference power calculation circuit measures each interference power from a signal of each sub-carrier received by each of wireless units, and calculates an interference power for each sub-carrier from the propagation channel estimation result estimated by the propagation channel estimation circuit. When the calculated interference power is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold, an interference suppression signal generation circuit changes the transmission power and generates an interference suppression signal. |
| US08897162B2 |
Method and apparatus for channel measurement
The present invention discloses a method for channel measurement which includes: determining the size of measured bandwidth of a terminal and the location of the measured bandwidth in system bandwidth; determining the size of a measured sub-band and/or the quantity or sizes of measured sub-band sets according to the measured bandwidth; sending the determined size of the measured bandwidth and the location of the measured bandwidth in the system bandwidth, and the size of the measured sub-band and/or the quantity or sizes of the measured sub-band sets to the terminal; receiving measurement results returned by the terminal. With the method provided in the present invention, invalid feedback is prevented and effectiveness and accuracy of channel measurement and feedback are improved. |
| US08897158B2 |
Method and system for on-demand adaptation of packet time-to-live in time-slotted barrage relay networks
Methods and systems for on-demand adaptation of packet time-to-live in time-slotted barrage relay networks are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes: transmitting a first packet from a first node in a wireless ad hoc network to a second node in the wireless ad hoc network; determining a first path distance, in terms of number of hops, from the first node to the second node, based on the first packet transmission; transmitting a second packet from the second node to the first node, wherein the second packet includes content representing the first path distance; and determining a time-to-live value for subsequent transfers from the first node to the second node, by taking into account the first path distance, wherein the time-to-live value limits the number of hops each packet is allowed to take in subsequent transfers from the first node to the second node. |
| US08897156B2 |
Method and apparatus for uplink synchronization control
The present invention discloses a method for uplink synchronization control, wherein network side and a user equipment (UE) maintain a timing alignment timer (TAT) for the UE, and maintain an uplink transmission timing adjustment amount for uplink component carriers, and the method includes following steps: the network side measuring uplink component carriers of the UE, and obtaining an uplink transmission TA amount of the uplink component carriers; and before the TAT expires, the network side transmitting to the UE an adjustment command comprising information of the uplink transmission TA amount for at least one of the uplink component carriers of the UE. Also disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention are a method for uplink synchronization control at the UE side, and a base station and a UE for implementing the above methods. The solution of the present invention enables accurate adjustment of the uplink synchronization for each component carrier in a carrier aggregation mechanism. |
| US08897151B2 |
Systematic framework for application protocol field extraction
A computer-implemented system is provided for implementing application protocol field extraction. The system includes: an automata generator configured to receive the extraction specification that specifies data elements to be extracted from data packets and generate a counting automaton; and a field extractor configured to receive a data flow and operates to extract data elements from the data packets in accordance with the counting automaton. The extraction specification is expressed in terms of a context-free grammar, where the grammar defines grammatical structures of data packets transmitted in accordance with an application protocol and includes counters used to chronicle parsing history of production rules comprising the grammar. |
| US08897150B2 |
Apparatus and method of discarding logged measurement in wireless communication system
A method of discarding logged measurements in a wireless communication system is provided. A user equipment in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected mode receives a Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) configuration from a base station and starts a validity timer upon receiving the MDT configuration. The user equipment in an RRC idle mode logs measurements based on the MDT configuration to collect logged measurements while the validity timer is running. When the validity timer is expired, the user equipment discards the MDT configuration and starts a conservation timer. When the conservation timer is expired, the logged measurements are discarded. |
| US08897146B2 |
Core services platform for wireless voice, data and messaging network services
A Core Service Platform (CSP) system is integrated with an operator network and IT system to provide services to subscribers and operators. Based on information collected from the operator network and IT system, the CSP system delivers alerts to a subscriber's device and provides offers to resolve the condition causing the alerts. The CSP system provides customized contextual offers to the subscriber's device based on contextual assessments of a subscriber's current context, such as time in contract, loyalty status, data and voice usage, value of customer, time, location and purchase history. The CSP system also provides an operator a suite of tools for the operator to manage its pricing, offers, campaigns and other subscriber-related issues. |
| US08897145B2 |
Method and apparatus for network OAM interworking
Network service providers have largely addressed the growth in demand for communications networks in two ways: employing faster and more robust communications protocols through equipment upgrades and increasing use of Operations, Administrations, and Management (OAM) procedures for improved network performance. Typically, OAM operations procedures used by a network protocol are unique to that protocol and are not compatible with other network protocols. Service providers with networks that use multiple communications protocols, such as networks using legacy and newly installed equipment, can have difficulty ensuring optimal performance due to non-compatible OAM operations. A method, and corresponding apparatus, for supporting OAM interworking between first and second communications protocols used in an interworking circuit of a communications network is disclosed. The method, or corresponding apparatus, allows network service providers to ensure optimal network performance in a manner that does not affect customer traffic, is transparent to customers, and can be seamlessly integrated into existing interworking network nodes. |
| US08897132B2 |
Enhanced random early discard for networked devices
Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to enhanced random early discard mechanisms implemented in various networked devices including end-systems such as servers and intermediate systems such as gateways and routers. In one implementation, the present invention enables a random early discard mechanism that intelligently biases the drop probabilities of select packets based on one or more application-aware and/or flow-aware metrics or state conditions. |
| US08897128B2 |
Congestion managment for fibre channel over ethernet over wide area networks
In general, techniques are described for mapping WAN conditions to appropriate back-pressure mechanisms at the WAN edges to improve the performance of delay and/or loss-sensitive applications. In one example, a system includes a wide area network having a provider edge (PE) router to establish a Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) pseudowire over the wide area network. A Lossless Ethernet network attaches, by an attachment circuit, to the FCoE pseudowire at the PE router. A Fiber Channel Fabric connects to the Lossless Ethernet network and to a storage device that provides data for transmission over the wide area network by the FCoE pseudowire. The PE router detects a defect in the FCoE pseudowire and, in response to detecting the defect in FCoE pseudowire, injects an FCoE flow control extension into the Lossless Ethernet network by the attachment circuit. |
| US08897127B2 |
Admission method, admission apparatus and communication system
An admission method, an admission apparatus, and a communication system are disclosed. The admission method includes: obtaining timeslot utilization efficiency R1 of a first User Equipment (UE) that needs to access a system and timeslot utilization efficiency R2 of a second UE that has accessed the system; judging whether the difference between R1 and R2 is greater than a first decision threshold; and allowing the first UE to access the system if determining that the difference between R1 and R2 is greater than the first decision threshold. The admission method provided herein is applicable to a communication system, and can improve the timeslot utilization efficiency and the throughput of the system. |
| US08897124B2 |
Shared channel structure, ARQ systems and methods
A wireless terminal adapted to function in a code division multiple access (CDMA) communications system is provided. The terminal includes a receiver adapted to receive frames having a slot structure in which there is a user identification channel and a shared channel, the shared channel having been transmitted using a plurality of Walsh codes, and containing content for either a plurality of voice users, a plurality of voice users and one high-rate data user, or only one high-rate data user. A slot of the shared channel contains content for a plurality of users which was transmitted in parallel using different Walsh code spaces for different users. The wireless terminal is adapted to decode the user identification channel to determine when a slot of the shared channel contains voice and/or high-rate data content for the wireless terminal. |
| US08897123B2 |
Radio communication terminal, base station, radio communication method and radio communication system
A radio communication terminal (100) includes a correction unit (154) configured to correct data signals by using reference signals included in a received frame from a base station (200), a determination unit (140) for determining whether it is possible to have good radio communication with the base station (200) based on a condition of radio communication with the base station (200), a transmission frame generation unit (110), upon determination that it is possible to perform good radio communication, for generating a transmission frame with a reduced number of reference signals as a notification signal, and a transmission unit (120) for transmitting the notification signal to the base station (200). The correction unit (154) corrects the data signal by using the reference signals included in the received frame in which at least one reference signal is replaced with the data signal, from the base station (200) corresponding to the notification signal. |
| US08897121B2 |
Frequency offset compensation and equalization method and device in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system
A method is disclosed for frequency offset compensation and equalization in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system. The method comprises: acquiring a channel estimation value h and a frequency offset value f at a reference symbol; acquiring a Toeplitz matrix M(f) based on the frequency offset value f; performing phase compensation on the channel estimation value h to obtain a channel estimation value h′ at a data symbol; and acquiring an estimation value of a transmitted symbol x based on M(f) and h′. A device is also disclosed for frequency offset compensation and equalization in the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system. The device comprises a channel estimation unit, a frequency offset acquisition unit, a channel compensation unit and an equalization estimation unit. |
| US08897118B1 |
Single carrier-frequency-division multiple access (SC-FDMA) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) 1/1a/1b detection
A method is provided for Single Carrier-Frequency-Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) format 1/1a/1b detection in a wireless communications receiver. The receiver accepts a plurality of multicarrier signals transmitted simultaneously from a plurality of transmitters, with overlapping carrier frequencies. For each multicarrier signal, a single tap measurement of time delay is performed using a Direction of Arrival (DoA) technique. In response to the single tap measurements, PUCCH 1/1a/1b format signals are detected. Prior to performing the single tap measurements, the multicarrier signals are decorrelated in the time domain, using corresponding orthogonal code covers. Subsequent to the single tap measurements, each multicarrier signal is decorrelated in the frequency domain, using a corresponding cyclic shift. Subsequent to decorrelating the multicarrier signals in the frequency domain, a Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test (GLRT) is performed for each decorrelated multicarrier signal. |
| US08897112B2 |
Information recording/reproduction device, cleaning tape, and optical pickup cleaning method
An information recording and reproduction device comprises an optical pickup that has an objective lens and records information to a tape-form medium or reproduces information from a tape-form medium using laser light; a tape threading component that allows the tape-form medium to be arranged opposite the objective lens; a controller that detects that the tape-form medium is a cleaning tape; a movement mechanism that operates so as to bring the tape-form medium and the objective lens into contact with each other, in response to the detection by the control unit; and a first drive mechanism that plays out the tape-form medium in a state in which the tape-form medium and the objective lens are in contact with each other. The information recording and reproduction device is capable of cleaning the optical pickup even with a tape-form medium. |
| US08897111B1 |
System and method for controlling a position of a lens of an optical disc drive to determine cleanliness of the lens
A system for determining a cleanliness of a lens of an optical disc drive. The system includes a controller configured to control movement of the lens of the optical disc drive between a first position and a second position relative to the optical disc. The first position is located a first distance from an outer surface of the optical disc and corresponds to a position causing the lens to focus light on a data layer of the optical disc. The second position is located a second distance, different than the first distance, from the outer surface and corresponds to a position causing the lens to focus light on the outer surface. The controller is further configured to receive a measurement of light reflected by the optical disc while the lens is in the second position and determine the cleanliness of the lens based on the measurement of the light. |
| US08897110B2 |
Method and apparatus for recording/reproducing on/from a recording medium
The present invention provides a recording medium reproducing method comprising the steps of: irradiating light onto a recording medium, the recording medium including a data image and a reference pattern, the reference pattern being divided by a plurality of fractional regions, the fractional regions being in invert, rotational and symmetrical relationship; determining information associated to data-image distortion based on the reference pattern; and correcting position of the data image based on the information relating to data-image distortion. |
| US08897109B2 |
Virtual repair of digital media
Embodiments described herein are directed to a virtual repair of digital media using a virtual repair service. Digital media stored on a digital media device is read using a media player. A request is received by a virtual repair unit from the media player to perform a virtual repair of a segment of unreadable digital content of the digital media. The virtual repair unit retrieves a readable copy of the digital content corresponding to the segment of unreadable digital content identified in the request from a media repository using the virtual repair unit. The virtual repair unit transmits the readable copy of the digital content to the media player for insertion into a buffer of the media player. |
| US08897106B2 |
Objective lens for optical pickup and optical pickup apparatus having the same
An objective lens for optical pickup and an optical pickup apparatus having the same are provided. The objective lens for optical pickup includes a light source side lens surface and a disc side lens surface. The light source side lens surface and the disc side lens surface each include an effective region disposed at a central region of the objective lens and a non-effective region disposed outside the effective region. An optical path changing element, disposed in the non-effective region of at least one of the light source side lens surface and the disc side lens surface, changes a path of light incident thereon. |
| US08897104B1 |
Method and system for performing off-disk measurements of laser-induced NFT protrusion in a heat assisted magnetic recording transducer
A method and system test a heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) transducer. The HAMR transducer is optically coupled to at least one laser and has an air-bearing surface. The HAMR transducer includes at least one waveguide, at least one near-field transducer (NFT) and a pole. A portion of the NFT(s) resides at the ABS. The laser(s) are optically coupled to the NFT(s). The method and system include energizing the laser(s) at power(s) while the HAMR transducer is not in proximity to a media. The method and system also include measuring an off-disk protrusion of the portion of the NFT(s) at the ABS while the laser(s) are energized and the HAMR transducer is not in proximity to the media. |
| US08897099B2 |
Electronic timepiece with internal antenna
A small electronic timepiece with an internal antenna can maintain high GPS reception performance and affords greater freedom developing different models. The timepiece has an outside case; a time display unit that displays time and that is disposed inside the outside case; a drive unit that drives the time display unit and that is disposed inside the outside case; and an antenna that is disposed around the drive unit inside the outside case, and includes an C-shaped or annular antenna element in contact with the dielectric base. The timepiece may include power supply nodes from which power is supplied to the antenna, one such node being disposed at one end of the C-shaped antenna element and the other being disposed at the other end of the C-shaped antenna element. The annular antenna element may be embedded in the dielectric base. |
| US08897094B2 |
Marine seismic data acquisition using designed non-uniform streamer spacing
The invention relates to an arrangement for seismic streamers used in the acquisition of seismic data in a marine environment where the spacing between each adjacent pair of streamers is not all the same. Some streamer spacings and/or receiver spacings are larger and some are smaller to provide a higher quality wavefield reconstruction when covering a larger total area or for a similar total area of seismic data acquisition while providing a wavefield that is optimally sampled by the receivers so that the wavefield reconstruction is suitable for subsurface imaging needs. |
| US08897092B2 |
Memory storage device, memory controller and controlling method
A controlling method for a memory storage device is provided. The method includes: disposing a rewriteable non-volatile memory module which is operated at a first working voltage in the memory storage device; and detecting whether the first working voltage is lower than a first voltage threshold. The method also includes: detecting whether a circuit component working voltage is lower than a circuit component voltage threshold; when the first working voltage is lower than the first voltage threshold, setting the memory storage device to stop executing commands from a host system and to stop giving commands to the rewriteable non-volatile memory module; and, when the circuit component working voltage is lower than the circuit component voltage threshold, enabling a reset signal to stop receiving and executing commands from the host system. Therefore, the method can effectively improve the stability of the memory storage device. |
| US08897087B2 |
Memory device and operating method of memory device and memory system
An operating method of a memory device includes entering a repair mode, receiving an active command and a fail address, and temporarily storing the received command and address, receiving a write command, and determining whether to perform a program operation, when the program operation is determined to be performed, programming the temporarily-stored fail address into a programmable storage unit, and receiving a precharge command before the programming of the temporarily-stored fail address is completed. |
| US08897082B2 |
Data transmission circuit and semiconductor memory device including the same
The data transmission circuit includes: a plurality of local bit line pairs through which data is read simultaneously; a plurality of voltage change detection circuits provided for the plurality of local bit line pairs; a global bit line pair; a plurality of column selection circuits configured to select one of the local bit line pairs and connect the selected local bit line pair to the global bit line pair; and a sense amplifier connected to the global bit line pair. The sense amplifier is controlled by a sense amplifier activation signal to which the outputs of the plurality of voltage change detection circuits are connected, whereby the voltage of a selected read data line pair is amplified using discharge of a non-selected read data line pair, to achieve high-speed read. |
| US08897081B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a pad configured to receive a first write data from outside of the semiconductor memory device, and a write circuit configured to generate a plurality of second write data which are to be written in memory cells of all banks to be tested in response to a test mode signal, data strobe signals, a write enable signal, and the first write data transferred through the pad. |
| US08897079B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor memory with bit line hierarchy
Local bit lines (LBL) are respectively provided for a plurality of sectors, corresponding to each of the global bit lines (GBL). Sector select transistors connect a LBL to a GBLector select lines control the on/off state of the sector select transistors for the corresponding sectors. A plurality of word lines (WL) intersect the local bit lines. Memory cells are located at the intersections between the LBL and the WL. Each memory cell connects a source line with the corresponding LBL and includes an n-channel transistor that is turned on/off by the corresponding WL. A precharge voltage is applied to a charging line. Charging transistors connect the LBL to the charging line. A charging gate line controls the on/off state of the charging transistors. |
| US08897078B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for improved read operation in memory
Various embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for reading an adjacent cell of a memory array in an electronic device to determine a threshold voltage value of the adjacent cell, the adjacent cell being adjacent a target cell, and reading the target cell of the memory array using a wordline voltage value based on the threshold voltage value of the adjacent cell. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are described. |
| US08897076B2 |
Non-volatile memory systems having at least one pair of memory cells
In a non-volatile memory system, a plurality of main memory cells for storing data is arranged in a data cell array and a plurality of reference memory cells is arranged in a reference cell array. The reference cell array includes first reference word lines connected to first reference memory cells and extending, second reference word lines connected to second reference memory cells and extending alternately with the first reference word lines, reference bit lines to which the first and the second reference memory cells are alternately connected in a line and a combined cell having a pair of the first and second reference memory cells and generating a reference signal for processing the data. The first and the second reference memory cells have different cell characteristics. The stability of the reference signal is improved irrespective of the differentiation of the first and the second reference memory cells. |
| US08897075B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of programming the same
A semiconductor memory device and a method of programming the same are provided which can improve the program accuracy by classifying cells depending on a program status of memory cells during a program operation to control a bit line program voltage. The method comprises classifying memory cells to be programmed based on program characteristics of the memory cells and sequentially providing word line program voltages having increasing voltage levels and bit line program voltages having decreasing voltage levels to the classified memory cells in a program operation, wherein differently classified two memory cells receive different bit line program voltages, respectively. |
| US08897073B2 |
NVM with charge pump and method therefor
A non-volatile memory device comprises an array of memory cells and a charge pump coupled to the memory cells. The charge pump is dynamically reconfigurable to operate in a bypass mode to provide a first voltage to the memory cells, a program mode to provide the first voltage to the memory cells, and an erase mode to provide a second voltage that has inverse polarity of the first voltage. |
| US08897071B2 |
Memory device biasing method and apparatus
Memory devices and methods are disclosed, such as those facilitating data line shielding by way of capacitive coupling with data lines coupled to a memory string source line. For example, alternating data lines are sensed while adjacent data lines are coupled to a common source line of the data lines being sensed. Data line shielding methods and apparatus disclosed can reduce effects of source line bounce occurring during a sense operation of a memory device. |
| US08897067B2 |
Nonvolatile memory cells and methods of making such cells
A memory cell can include at least a first programmable section coupled between a supply node and a first data node; a volatile storage circuit coupled to the first data node; and the programmable section includes a programmable transistor having a first source/drain (S/D) region shared with a first transistor, and a second S/D region shared with a second transistor; wherein the first S/D region has a different dopant diffusion profile than the second S/D region, and the programmable transistor has a charge storage structure formed between its control gate and its channel. Methods of forming such a memory cell are also disclosed. |
| US08897065B2 |
Efficient data storage in multi-plane memory devices
A method for data storage includes initially storing a sequence of data pages in a memory that includes multiple memory arrays, such that successive data pages in the sequence are stored in alternation in a first number of the memory arrays. The initially-stored data pages are rearranged in the memory so as to store the successive data pages in the sequence in a second number of the memory arrays, which is less than the first number. The rearranged data pages are read from the second number of the memory arrays. |
| US08897064B2 |
Compensation scheme for non-volatile memory
Methods for performing parallel voltage and current compensation during reading and/or writing of memory cells in a memory array are described. In some embodiments, the compensation may include adjusting a bit line voltage and/or bit line reference current applied to a memory cell based on a memory array zone, a bit line layer, and a memory cell direction associated with the memory cell. The compensation may include adjusting the bit line voltage and/or bit line reference current on a per memory cell basis depending on memory cell specific characteristics. In some embodiments, a read/write circuit for reading and/or writing a memory cell may select a bit line voltage from a plurality of bit line voltage options to be applied to the memory cell based on whether the memory cell has been characterized as a strong, weak, or typical memory cell. |
| US08897062B2 |
Memory programming for a phase change memory cell
Systems, methods, and devices for iteratively writing contents to memory locations are provided. A statistical model is used to determine a sequence of pulses to write desired contents to a memory location. The contents can be expressed as a resistance value in a range to store one or more bits in a memory cell. For phase change memory, an adaptive reset pulse and one or more annealing pulses are selected based on a desired resistance range. Reading the resistance value of the memory cell can provide feedback to determine adjustments in an overall pulse application strategy. The statistical model and a look up table can be used to select and modify pulses. Adaptively updating the statistical model and look up table may reduce the number of looping iterations to shift the resistance value of the memory cell into the desired resistance range. |
| US08897061B2 |
MTJ cell for an MRAM device and a manufacturing method thereof
An MTJ cell includes a first metal layer elongated in the X-direction; a second metal layer separated from the first metal layer and elongated in the Y-direction; a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) interposed between the overlapping parts of the first and second metal layers and having extended parts not covered by the second metal layer, the MTJ including a pinned layer, a barrier layer, and a storage layer sequentially laminated; and a yoke spanning across the second metal layer, with both ends in the X-direction contacting the top surface of the extended parts of the storage layer not covered by the second metal layer, either directly or through an insulator. The planar shapes of the MTJ and the yoke possess a quantum easy axis in the X-direction and Y-direction, respectively. |
| US08897056B2 |
Pillar-shaped nonvolatile memory and method of fabrication
A pillar-shaped memory cell is provided that includes a steering element, and a non-volatile state change element coupled in series with the steering element. Other aspects are also provided. |
| US08897052B2 |
Memory architecture
A DDR SDRAM where unidirectional row logic is associated with and connected to a single memory array instead of being associated with and connected to multiple memory arrays. The unidirectional row logic is located in the outward periphery of its associated array, but is not within a throat region between two arrays. The location of the row logic allows the throat region to include more bidirectional IO circuitry and signal lines servicing two arrays, which increases the performance of the SDRAM. In addition, separate power bussing is employed for the memory arrays and IO circuitry. This prevents noise from the arrays from affecting the IO circuitry and signal lines of the throat region and vice versa. |
| US08897051B2 |
Semiconductor storage device and method for producing the same
A semiconductor storage device 100 includes a controller package 110 having a BGA terminal on a bottom surface thereof; and one or a plurality of memory packages 120 each including a plurality of semiconductor storage elements and mounted on the controller package. The controller package includes a bottom substrate having the BGA terminal on a bottom surface thereof; a power supply IC, mounted on the bottom substrate, for supplying a plurality of power supplies; and a controller mounted on the bottom substrate and operable by the plurality of power supplies supplied from the power supply IC. The controller provides an interface with an external system via the BGA terminal and controls a read operation from the semiconductor storage elements and a write operation to the semiconductor storage elements. |
| US08897049B2 |
Semiconductor device and memory device including semiconductor device
To provide a semiconductor device whose power can be turned off without the need for a peripheral circuit for data to escape temporarily and in which stored data is not lost even in an off state of the power of the device, and a memory device including the semiconductor device. In a holding circuit of the semiconductor device, a transistor that includes a semiconductor layer (at least a channel formation region) including an oxide semiconductor material with which small off-state current can be achieved is used. Further, the semiconductor device includes a switching element which enables a comparison circuit in which comparison between data stored in the holding circuit and reference data input from the outside does not need to be performed to become forcibly inactive. |
| US08897046B2 |
DC voltage conversion module, semiconductor module, and method of making semiconductor module
A DC voltage conversion module includes a substrate, an input terminal, an output terminal, a ground terminal, a DC voltage conversion control element mounted on the substrate, a coil mounted on the substrate and connected to the DC voltage conversion control element and the output terminal, an input-side capacitor mounted on the substrate and connected to the input terminal and the ground terminal, and an output-side capacitor mounted on the substrate and connected to the output terminal and the ground terminal. The input terminal, the output terminal and the ground terminal project in a predetermined projecting direction parallel to each other. The ground terminal is arranged between the input terminal and the output terminal in a direction perpendicular to the projecting direction. |
| US08897045B2 |
Pilot control of a voltage source converter
An apparatus for controlling a converter has an ignition unit connected to power semiconductors in the converter and provides control signals for actuating the semiconductors. The apparatus has a control unit whose input is connected to measuring sensors providing actual values and whose output side is connected to the ignition unit. The control unit provides a reference variable for the ignition unit based on setpoint values and the actual values and the ignition unit actuates the power semiconductors such that the actual value corresponds to at least one of the setpoint values. A pilot unit has an output connected to the ignition unit and measures for calculating a step change reference variable for the ignition unit on the basis of at least one of the setpoint values. The ignition unit actuates the power semiconductors based on the step change reference variable. |
| US08897044B2 |
Electronic device having complete power-saving mechanism
An electronic device including a power switch, a switch unit, a power supply unit and a control unit is provided. Two power ends of the power switch are connected in parallel with two connecting terminals of the switch unit. The power supply unit generates a system voltage by a power come from the power switch or the switch unit. When the two power ends of the power switch are conducted for a predetermined time, the power is provided to the power supply unit and the electronic device starts up. Furthermore, the control unit controls the switch unit to conduct the two connecting terminals, so that the power is still provided to the power supply unit through the switch unit after the two power ends are disconnected. When the electronic device is shut down, the control unit controls the switch unit to disconnect the two connecting terminals. |
| US08897042B2 |
Power source system and control circuit
A power source system including power-factor modifying circuits to modify a power factor of supplied electric power, a time difference circuit to output start signals for instructing the power-factor modifying circuits to start an operation to the power-factor modifying circuits at specified time intervals, and a control circuit to supply the electric power to the power-factor modifying circuit to start the power-factor modifying circuit when the power-factor modifying circuit acquires the start signal output from the time difference circuit. |
| US08897028B2 |
Circuit module
In a circuit module, a conductive partition is defined by a plurality of conductive chips provided on a component mounting surface. The component mounting surface is divided into a first block and a second block by the conductive partition. The shape of the conductive partition can be freely changed in accordance with the size of a circuit board and the arrangement of electronic components in the first block and the second block by changing the positions of the conductive chips and the number of conductive chips. Electromagnetic interference between the first block and the second block is prevented by the conductive partition. |
| US08897026B2 |
Locking assembly and electronic device using the same
A locking assembly includes a guiding post and a hollow locking member. The guiding post includes a locking portion. A clamp hook is formed on a flange of the locking portion. The locking member includes an opening end. The locking member sleeves on the locking portion of the locking member, in which at least one clamping depression is formed on an inner wall of the locking member corresponding to the clamp hook, and the clamp hook is clamped in one clamping depression. |
| US08897025B2 |
Ultrasonic sensor
An ultrasonic sensor includes a transceiver block having a transceiver device for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and a circuit board mounted with an electronic circuit for processing ultrasonic signals transmitted and received through the transceiver device. A housing of the ultrasonic sensor has an opening and a communication hole, and the circuit board is stored into the housing through the opening. The transceiver block is attached to the housing. An electric connector extends through the communication hole of the housing to electrically interconnect the transceiver device and the electronic circuit of the circuit board; and a cover member closes the opening of the housing. The communication hole is sealed by a filler material. |
| US08897023B2 |
Motor controller assembly with capacitor thermal isolation
An electrical assembly for a motor controller is disclosed that includes an electrical lead. The electrical lead has a conductive trace within an insulating material and that extends a length between first and second ends. An electrical pad is in electrical continuity with and extends from the conductive trace through the insulating material at the first end. The pad includes an aperture providing a securing feature. An electrical component is supported by and integral with the second end, in one example. The electrical component is in electrical continuity with the conductive trace at the second end. A bus bar provides a joint having a first cross-sectional area. The electrical lead is flexible and is removably secured to the joint by the securing feature to provide electrical continuity from a capacitor to the bus bar. The flexible electrical lead has a second cross-sectional area substantially less than the first cross-sectional area. |
| US08897022B2 |
Fixing mechanism and electronic device having the same
A fixing mechanism for fixing a magnetic element on a base wall includes a frame, a retaining member, and a blocker. The frame is adapted to be connected to and is adapted to cooperate with the base wall to define a receiving space for receiving the magnetic element, and an opening communicating with the receiving space for entry of the magnetic element into the receiving space along a first assembly direction. The retaining member is adapted to be connected to the base wall in proximity to the frame. The blocker is engaged to the retaining member, and blocks the opening. |
| US08897019B1 |
Circuit module
There is provided a circuit module, including: a circuit substrate including a mount surface; a mounting component mounted on the mount surface; a sealing body that is formed on the mount surface, covers the mounting component, and includes a trench formed from a main surface of the sealing body toward the mount surface, the trench including a first trench portion extending in one of a parallel direction and an orthogonal direction with respect to a direction parallel to the main surface and a second trench portion that is connected to the first trench portion, is parallel to the main surface, and extends in a direction that is not parallel nor orthogonal to the first trench portion; and a shield that covers the sealing body and includes an inner shield portion formed inside the trench and an outer shield portion provided on the main surface and the inner shield portion. |
| US08897016B2 |
Heat removal in compact computing systems
A low profile heat removal system suitable for removing excess heat generated by a component operating in a compact computing environment is disclosed. |
| US08897012B2 |
Electronic device and heat dissipation module thereof
The disclosure provides an electronic device and a heat dissipation module having an imaginary structural plane. The heat dissipation module includes a fin assembly, a connecting part and a heat pipe. The fin assembly is disposed on the structural plane and includes a plurality of fin elements extending along a first direction. The connecting part is connected to the fin elements. The fin elements are connected to each other via the connecting part. At least one portion of the connecting part is connected to at least one portion of the heat pipe, and the connecting part and the heat pipe both extend along a second direction. The fin assembly and the connecting part are integrated and formed into one piece by die casting. The first direction and the second direction form a first included angle greater than 0 degree. |
| US08897010B2 |
High performance liquid cooled heatsink for IGBT modules
A heat sink assembly includes a base plate coupled to a first side of an electronic device. A plurality of fins extend from the base plate and are positioned within a housing. The housing includes a first manifold defining a plurality of first passages and a second manifold defining a plurality of second passages in fluid communication with the plurality of first passages. At least one of the plurality of first passages extends between an adjacent pair of the plurality of second passages and is oriented to channel fluid toward at least one of the plurality of fins. |
| US08897008B2 |
Information handling system low profile pluggable cooling fan and connector
A connection arm couples to a cooling fan main body to enclose wires extending from the main body to an end of the connection arm that holds a plug of the wires in a position aligned with a circuit board cooling fan socket. Wires enclosed in the connection arm slip through a slot along the side of the connection arm and are protected from view by a cable cover disposed along the top surface of the cooling fan and connection arm. |
| US08897006B2 |
Cooling technique for a storage system
First and second units are mounted on a rear side of a housing of a storage system. Either of the first and second units includes a fan. The rear side of the housing includes an upper-tier portion defining an upper-tier opening, and a lower-tier portion defining a lower-tier opening, and the housing further includes a boundary portion that is a boundary between the upper-tier portion and the lower-tier portion, and a shutter unit. The boundary portion includes a first through hole that is a through hole connecting an upper-tier passage and a lower-tier passage. When the fan is operating, if the first unit is removed from the upper-tier portion, the shutter unit blocks the upper-tier passage, and if the second unit is removed from the lower-tier portion, the shutter unit blocks the lower-tier passage. |
| US08896993B2 |
Input device layers and nesting
Input device layer and nesting techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a pressure sensitive key assembly including a substrate having a plurality of hardware elements secured to a surface. The input device also includes one or more layers disposed proximal to the surface, the one or more layers having respective openings configured to nest the one or more hardware elements therein. |
| US08896989B2 |
System for providing power and control signals to devices
A system for providing power and control to devices is described. The system includes a distribution box having connection points to receive power from a power supply and connection points to receive control instructions from a control system. The distribution box includes a plurality of output connection points to provide power and control instructions to the devices of the system. Each output connection point of the distribution box uses the same configuration of power and control conductors. Each device in the system uses a connection box with a connection point that can have the same configuration of power and control conductors as the distribution box. A plurality of cables are configured to connect the connection point on the connection box to a corresponding output connection point on the distribution box. |
| US08896980B2 |
Wind turbine blade with an integrated lightning conductor
A method is provided for manufacturing a wind turbine rotor blade in which the blade is formed as a laminated structure by laying a composite material of fibre reinforcement material and/or core material in a mould defining the shape of the blade; evacuating the mould after laying the composite material; introducing a liquid polymer into the evacuated mould and wetting the composite material; curing the liquid polymer after the composite material has been wetted; and removing the mould after curing the liquid. At least one lightning conductor is integrated into the composite material before wetting it with the liquid polymer. Moreover, a wind turbine rotor blade made from a single laminated structure is provided with at least one lightning conductor is integrated into the laminated structure. |
| US08896978B2 |
Integrated circuit with automatic deactivation upon exceeding a specific ion linear energy transfer (LET) value
Integrated circuits as well as fabrication and operating methods are presented in which user circuitry of the IC is selectively disabled in response to detection of a single event latchup condition in a sensing circuit that is prone to latchup in response to ionic radiation at a specific linear energy transfer level. |
| US08896976B2 |
Inverter protection device
There is provide an inverter protection device including: a reference voltage obtaining unit obtaining a reference voltage signal based on output current from an inverter module; a filtering unit removing noise from the reference voltage signal to output the filtered signal; a sensing unit sensing the filtered signal through a sensing terminal; an electrostatic discharge diode provided between the sensing terminal and a ground; and a bypass unit provided between one terminal of the electrostatic discharge diode and the ground. |
| US08896974B2 |
Thin film magnetic head with side layers under compression stress
A thin film magnetic head includes a spin valve film that includes a magnetization free layer, a magnetization pinned layer and a non-magnetic spacer layer that is disposed between the magnetization free and pinned layers, and a pair of side layers that are disposed at both sides of the spin valve film in a track width direction and at least in the vicinity of the magnetization free layer and the magnetization pinned layer. Each of the side layers has a bias magnetic field application layer that includes a soft magnetic layer and applies a bias magnetic field in the track width direction to the magnetization free layer, and a gap layer that is positioned between the spin valve film and the bias magnetic field application layer, and the side layers have compression stresses at least in the vicinity of the magnetization pinned layer. |
| US08896972B2 |
Magnetic read head with a read function feature
In some examples, a system comprising a data storage member including a magnetic storage medium, the magnetic storage medium having a plurality of magnetic bit domains aligned on at least one data track, where a transition boundary between respective magnetic bit domains defines a transition curvature. The system may further comprise a magnetic read head including a first shield layer, a second shield layer, and a read sensor stack provided proximate to the first and second shield layers, where the magnetic read head senses a magnetic field of each of the plurality of magnetic bit domains according to a read playback sensitivity function. In some examples, the shield layers and read sensor stack may be configured to provide a reader playback sensitivity function that substantially corresponds to the shape of the respective magnetic bit domains. |
| US08896969B1 |
Two-motor co-located gimbal-based dual stage actuation disk drive suspensions with motor stiffeners
Various embodiments concern a dual stage actuation flexure. The dual stage actuation flexure comprises a flexure having a gimbal. The gimbal comprising a pair of spring arms, a tongue between the spring arms, and a pair of linkages respectively connecting the pair of spring arms to the tongue. The dual stage actuation flexure further comprises a pair of motors mounted on the gimbal and a pair of stiffeners respectively mounted on the motors. The dual stage actuation flexure further comprises a slider mounting. Electrical activation of the motors bends the pair of linkages to move the slider mounting about a tracking axis while the stiffeners limit the degree of bending of the motors during the electrical activation. |
| US08896963B2 |
Spindle motor and hard disk drive including the same
There are provided a spindle motor and a hard disk drive including the same. The spindle motor includes: a sleeve installed on a base member and having a circulation hole; a shaft inserted into the sleeve; a rotor hub installed on an upper end of the shaft; and a thrust member installed in an installation groove formed in an upper portion of the sleeve and forming a connection part, the connection part allowing the circulation hole to be in communication with a sealing part formed by the sleeve and the rotor hub and having a liquid-vapor interface of a lubricating fluid disposed therein, wherein the connection part is formed between the sleeve and the thrust member in a circumferential direction, and at least any one part of a radial outer portion of the connection part has an axial gap smaller than that of another part thereof in the circumferential direction. |
| US08896962B2 |
Spindle motor and hard disk drive including the same
There are provided a spindle motor and a hard disk drive including the same. The spindle motor includes: a sleeve installed on a base member and having a circulation hole; a shaft inserted into the sleeve; a rotor hub installed on an upper end portion of the shaft; and a thrust member installed in an installation groove formed in an upper portion of the sleeve and forming a connection part, the connection part allowing the circulation hole to be in communication with a sealing part formed by the sleeve and the rotor hub and having a liquid-vapor interface disposed therein, wherein the connection part is formed between the sleeve and the thrust member in a circumferential direction, and at least any one part of the connection part has a radial gap wider than that of another part thereof in the circumferential direction. |
| US08896953B2 |
Disk storage apparatus and method for shingled magnetic recording
According to one embodiment, a disk storage apparatus includes a storage device, a writing controller, and a controller. The storage device includes a nonvolatile cache area in which a part of consecutive data is temporarily stored. The writing controller is configured to write the consecutive data in a recording area on a disk by an SMR method, the recording area being different from the cache area. The controller is configured to write the part of the data to the cache area, to invalidate data corresponding to logical addresses of the part of the data and recorded in the recording area on the disk, and to set a recording area with the invalidated data recorded therein to be an update recording area in which new data is recordable. |
| US08896948B2 |
Customizing a range of acceptable tape dimensional stability write conditions
Described are embodiments of an invention for customizing the range of acceptable write conditions to a tape of a tape cartridge that contracts or expands laterally based on environmental conditions. The tape drive utilizes servo information to determine if the tape has expanded or contracted from the nominal dimension and to determine the magnitude of the expansion or contraction. In the case of expansion, the magnitude of the determined expansion and the stored maximum amount of contraction must be below a predetermined threshold value to allow a write. In the case of contraction, the magnitude of the determined contraction and the stored magnitude of expansion must be below the same predetermined threshold value to allow a write. If the determined magnitude of contraction or expansion is greater than the stored magnitude of contraction or expansion, respectively, then the new extreme is stored. |
| US08896946B2 |
Color filter, applications thereof and method for manufacturing the same
A color filter suitable for being disposed on a substrate is provided. The color filter includes a plurality of pixel units separately disposed on the substrate so as to define a plurality of blank regions thereon. A color display apparatus applying the color filter is also provided, wherein the color display apparatus includes a driving circuit substrate, the color filter and a display medium layer. The color filter is disposed on the driving circuit substrate. The display medium layer is disposed between the driving circuit substrate and the color filter. |
| US08896942B2 |
Zoom lens system and image pickup apparatus
A zoom lens system and an image pickup apparatus including the same are provided. The zoom lens system includes a first lens group having a positive refractive power, a second lens group having a negative refractive power, a third lens group having a positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having a positive refractive power, and a fifth lens group having a positive refractive power, which are arranged in an order from an object side. When zooming is performed from a wide angle position to a telephoto position, the first lens group, the third lens group and the fifth lens group remain fixed and the second lens group and the fourth lens group move. |
| US08896934B2 |
Zoom lens barrel assembly and capturing apparatus including the same
A zoom lens barrel assembly includes: a first zoom ring that supports a first lens group; a first guide ring, of which the first zoom ring is disposed on an inner side, is cam-connected to the first zoom ring to cause the first lens group to move linearly along an optical axis direction by rotation; a second zoom ring that supports a second lens group and is cam-connected to the first guide ring to move linearly along the optical axis direction; a second guide ring cam-connected to the first guide ring and configured to move linearly along the optical axis direction to rotate the first guide ring; a second cylinder configured to move linearly along the optical axis direction together with the second zoom ring while being rotated; and an external cylinder including a third lens group and is cam-connected to the second cylinder to cause the second cylinder to rotate. |
| US08896931B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus
A zoom lens includes a first lens group having a positive refracting power and normally fixed in position, a second lens group having a negative refracting power and movable along an optical axis, and a third lens group having a positive refracting power and normally fixed in position, disposed in order from the object side to the image side. Two thirds or more of lenses of the first to third lens groups are formed from a resin material. The zoom lens satisfies the following conditional expressions (1) and (2): 4.0 |
| US08896925B2 |
Micro-lens array sheet and backlight unit comprising the same
The present invention relates to a microlens array sheet with enhanced optical performance, and a backlight unit having same, and more specifically, to a microlens array sheet and a backlight unit having same, the microlens array sheet comprising: a base portion; and a plurality of microlenses formed on one surface of the base portion, wherein the plurality of microlenses have an irregular array, and the standard deviation of the distance between the mid points of two microlenses adjacent to each other is, 2-20% of the average pitch(p) between microlenses adjacent from the mid point of a selected microlens after selecting one of the microlenses. |
| US08896922B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a transparent active element array substrate and a color display layer. The transparent active element array substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The color display layer disposed on the first surface of the transparent active element array substrate. |
| US08896921B2 |
Wire grid type polarization structures, methods of manufacturing wire grid type polarization structures, and organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays having wire grid type polarization structures
A wire grid type polarization structure is disclosed. In one aspect, the polarization structure includes a retardation layer and a plurality of nanowires formed on the retardation layer. Each of the nanowires includes a wire core and a shell enclosing the wire core. The wire cores include metal nanoparticles embedded therein. The metal nanoparticles may absorb the visible lights effectively, so that the wire grid type polarization structure may have a desired polarization characteristic. |
| US08896915B2 |
Axial walk off multi-pass amplifiers
The various laser architectures described herein provide increased gain of optical energy as well as compensation of optical phase distortions in a thin disk gain medium. An optical amplifier presented herein provides for scalable high energy extraction and gains based on a number of passes of the signal beam through a gain medium. Multiple, spatially separate, optical paths may also be passed through the same gain region to provide gain clearing by splitting off a small percentage of an output pulse and sending it back through the amplifier along a slightly different path. By clearing out the residual gain, uniform signal amplitudes can be obtained. |
| US08896914B2 |
Optical amplifying device
An optical amplifying device includes an optical system including a first end and a second end, the optical system configured to receive signal light through the first end, to lead the received signal light to an optical amplifying medium, and to output the signal light amplified by the optical amplifying medium through the second end, the optical system including a first optical isolator and a second optical isolator which are arranged on respective sides of the optical amplifying medium, wherein with respect to a direction in which the signal light propagates, each of the first optical isolator and the second optical isolator is capable of allowing light propagating in the same direction to pass therethrough and blocking light propagating in the opposite direction, and the first optical isolator and the second optical isolator have different center isolation wavelengths for the light propagating in the opposite direction. |
| US08896913B1 |
Method and system for compact, multi-pass pulsed laser amplifier
A laser amplifier includes an input aperture operable to receive laser radiation having a first polarization, an output aperture coupled to the input aperture by an optical path, and a polarizer disposed along an optical path. A transmission axis of the polarizer is aligned with the first polarization. The laser amplifier also includes n optical switch disposed along the optical path. The optical switch is operable to pass the laser radiation when operated in a first state and to reflect the laser radiation when operated in a second state. The laser amplifier further includes an optical gain element disposed along the optical path and a polarization rotation device disposed along the optical path. |
| US08896912B2 |
Chirped quasi phase-matched optical parametric amplifier/difference frequency generator (CQPM OPA/DFG)-based optical tuning method, apparatus, and applications
A method for wavelength tunable output from a broadband spectrum using a quasi phase-matched optical parametric amplifier/difference frequency generator (CQPM OPA/DFG)-based apparatus involves changing the relative timing of a pump pulse with respect to a seed pulse. The temporal variation varies the location of the spatial/temporal overlap of the spectrally narrow pump pulse over the spectrally broad seed spectrum occurring within the CQPM nonlinear medium. This overlap position determines the portion of the seed pulse that is phase-matched as the signal in the OPA or the seed for DFG. Piezo-electric fiber stretchers may be employed to vary the relative pulse timing and enables tuning of the output from the OPA or DFG without the use of any moving parts. Associated apparatus is disclosed. |
| US08896911B2 |
Laser system
The present invention is a laser system including a DFB laser 10 emitting a laser light 50, a semiconductor optical amplifier 20 that modulates an intensity of the laser light, and a harmonic generation element 30 that converts the laser light modulated to a visible light 54 that is a harmonic of the laser light. According to the present invention, it is possible to employ the highly efficient harmonic generation element capable of modulating the intensity of the laser light and to reduce power consumption. |
| US08896909B2 |
Method and device scanning a two-dimensional brush through an acousto-optic deflector (AOD) having an extended field in a scanning direction
The technology disclosed relates to improved acousto-optic deflectors (AODs). In particular, it relates to compensation for subtle effects not previously addressed by AOD designers. A shifting center of gravity is described and addressed using advanced power equalisation strategies. Denser writing brushes are provided by using a two-dimensional array of beams with corrections for factors such as angle of incidence at the AOD interface. The compensation and dense brush features can be used separately or in combination. |
| US08896908B2 |
Electrophoretic device, method of manufacturing the same, and display unit
An electrophoretic device includes: in an insulating liquid, a plurality of electrophoretic particles; and a porous layer formed of a fibrous structure, the fibrous structure including a plurality of non-migrating particles. The fibrous structure is configured of superposed fibers extending in an identical direction or different directions, and includes a cross-linking section in which the fibers are linked to each other in part or all of contact points between the fibers. |
| US08896906B2 |
Inks including block copolymer grafted pigments via azide chemistry
Pigment based inks are provided. The inks include a non-polar carrier fluid; and a surface-functionalized pigment particle including a nitrogen-inked moiety to the surface of the pigment particle through a nitrogen link at one end of the nitrogen-linked moiety and a block copolymer having at least two blocks attached at another end, the pigment particle suspended in the non-polar carrier fluid. A combination of an electronic display and an electronic ink employing the pigment and a process for making the pigment-based inks are also provided. |
| US08896904B2 |
Electrowetting display device
A method for making a support plate for an electrowetting device includes providing the support plate with a hydrophobic layer; arranging a pattern of hydrophilic material on the hydrophobic layer; and removing a surface layer of the hydrophobic layer by a solvent. The electrowetting device may include a support plate with a hydrophobic layer having a thickness, and a pattern of hydrophilic material arranged on a first area of the hydrophobic layer, the thickness of the hydrophobic layer being larger within the first area than outside the first area. |
| US08896903B2 |
Method for making electrowetting display device
The present invention relates to a method of making an electrowetting display device having a plurality of picture elements, each picture element being defined by walls surrounding a display region, the plurality of picture elements covering a first area of a support plate. The method comprises the steps of: applying a hydrophobic layer covering at least the first area; lowering the hydrophobicity of the hydrophobic layer over a second area substantially outside the display regions; forming the walls on the hydrophobic layer over the first area. The present invention further relates to an electrowetting display device. |
| US08896898B2 |
Optical deflector, optical scanning apparatus, and image forming apparatus
An optical deflector including a rotary member supported by a bearing shaft and rotatively driven by a motor for deflecting a plurality of laser beams separated from each other in a rotational axis direction of the rotary member is disclosed. The optical deflector includes a polygon mirror having four sides arranged about the rotational axis direction. Each of the four sides is a continuous plane having a plurality of effective reflection areas separated from each other in the rotational axis direction. |
| US08896894B2 |
Method for forming structured microdots
A method of making structured microdots (154) for printing plate registration includes forming a first plurality of square spots (156) less than or equal to 11 microns; wherein a first group (157) of the first plurality of square spots is formed in a first pattern (158); and wherein the first pattern is less than or equal to 66 microns and comprises a first microdot. |
| US08896892B2 |
System and method for color calibration of a color printing system with recording media brightness compensation
A method allows an end user to calibrate a color reproduction device with recording media brightness compensation. A color reproduction device includes a device for converting the native color values of the scanner into a device independent color space, a test target, the desired values of each patch of the test target and a printing device. The method includes printing the test target and scanning it with a scanner that forms a part of the color reproduction device. The device compares the desired values with the values obtained from scanning the printed test target to obtain a set of adjustment values to compensate for drift in the output of the color reproduction device. The compensation includes compensation for utilizing a recording media that does not have the same white characteristics as the recording media that was used to generate the scanner profile used in converting the scanner dependent color space values to a device independent color space values. |
| US08896880B2 |
Imaging data stream method and apparatus for full-color support
A method and apparatus for providing extensions to an LCDS imaging data stream. An LCDS imaging data stream is modified utilizing existing constructs of the imaging data stream in order to provide extensions to the imaging data stream for full-color rendering capabilities without re-writing or converting the imaging data stream into another format. Modifying an LCDS imaging data stream generally includes modifying one or more palettes associated with the imaging data stream to include a full color standardized approach to specifying colors, configuring one or more ink values associated with the imaging data stream with a full color palette, configuring a convenience specification associated with the imaging data stream to include at least one full-color space, and providing a variable color form capability for the imaging data stream in place of a palette syntax associated with the imaging data stream in order to provide a convenience feature for a user of the imaging data stream. |
| US08896875B2 |
Systems and methods for enabling and implementing real-time facsimile over internet protocol
Systems and methods are provided for real-time communication (e.g., fax, voice, video) via an IP Network even if a firewall or other restriction element is present or encountered. The real-time nature of the communication is ensured by preestablishing a communication session between a transfer client and a transfer server, between which the firewall or other restriction element is located. Following the preestablishment of the communication session, transmission control messages are exchanged between the transfer server and the transfer client via the preestablished communication session. The preestablished communication session prevents the firewall or other restriction element from blocking or delaying traffic (e.g., fax, voice, video traffic). The preestablished communication session establishes a full duplex communication link without restriction of or by the firewall or other communication restriction element. Accordingly, the firewall or restriction element considers traffic originating from outside of the portion of the IP network where the firewall is located to be in response to a request from the inside the IP Network. Thus, the firewall or restriction element will not act to block or delay the traffic from entry. |
| US08896870B2 |
Image forming system, image forming apparatus, external terminal, and recording medium
An image forming system comprises an image forming apparatus and an external terminal. The image forming apparatus has a receiving part for receiving operation input information on an operation input into an operation screen from the external terminal, a specifying part for specifying a first program to which an execution instruction is given through the operation screen on the basis of the operation input information, a determination part for determining a second program having the same function as that of the first program as an execution object program on the condition that the second program is installed in the external terminal, and a notification part for notifying the external terminal that the second program is determined as the execution object program. The external terminal executes a processing in accordance with the second program and displays a result of the processing executed in accordance with the second program. |
| US08896865B2 |
Printing system, workflow management method for printing system, and program therefor
A printing system includes a post-processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus. The post-processing apparatus applies post processing to a sheet material output from a printing apparatus related to execution of a print job. The information processing apparatus manages a print workflow that associates an operation executed by the post-processing apparatus with a first operation performed by a worker managing the first operation or a serviceman maintaining the printing apparatus. The apparatus generates a print workflow, acquires operation information related to a component to be replaced in the print job, and determines whether the component needs to be replaced during the execution of the print job. In response to determining that the component needs to be replaced, the apparatus distinguishes whether the component characteristic affects image quality or bookkeeping quality, decides an operation position, and updates the print workflow by incorporating the component replacement operation into the operation position. |
| US08896864B2 |
Image processing system, image processing method, image processing server, and recording medium
A plurality of image processing servers in charge of a first-order service individually transmit their server selection information to a plurality of image processing servers in charge of a second-order service, and those in charge of the second-order service individually select one of those in charge of the first-order service as the most preferred server based on the server selection information received therefrom. Similarly, a plurality of image processing servers in charge of a third-order service individually select one of those in charge of the second-order service as the most preferred server based on the server selection information of those in charge of the second-order service received therefrom. Also similarly, an image forming apparatus selects one of a plurality of image processing servers in charge of the final service as the most preferred server based on the server selection information of those in charge of the final service received therefrom. |
| US08896863B2 |
System and method of modeling customer demand in a print production environment
A method of determining one or more performance metrics associated with a print shop may include identifying one or more historical print jobs from a historical print job database. Each historical print job may include a historical print job type and historical job content information. The method may include generating, by a computing device, one or more synthetic print jobs based on the historical job type and historical job content information associated with the identified historical print jobs, and determining, by the computing device, one or more performance metrics associated with processing the one or more synthetic print jobs by a print shop. |
| US08896861B2 |
Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes: a document reading unit; a storage storing a user ID and viewing limiting information indicating whether or not viewing of image data is permitted or not, in association with each other for each user; a control unit activating the document reading unit when authentication based on the user ID is successful; and a limiting information adding unit for adding, to the image data, authentication requesting data indicating that authentication is necessary for viewing the image data, in accordance with the viewing limiting information associated with the authenticated user ID. |
| US08896860B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting image production device-related information to a remote service facility
A method and apparatus for transmitting image production device-related information to a remote service facility is disclosed. The method may include receiving a request to transmit image production device-related information to a remote service facility, image production device-related information being at least one of registration information, diagnostic information, account information, copy count information, alert information, fault information, configuration information, and update information, receiving the image production device-related information, encoding the image production device-related information into one or more machine-readable markings, generating a paper user interface that includes the one or more machine-readable markings, receiving a transmission mode selection, and transmitting the paper user interface to the remote service facility using the selected transmission mode. |
| US08896857B2 |
Content receipt via email addresses
In one embodiment, first content is received, via an email address from which printable content is received from a plurality of computing devices, from a network-connected computing device. The first content is stored. An access code is sent to the publisher device. The code is received from a network-connected printer. The code is compared to a database or registry that associates the access code with the first content. The first content is caused to be rendered. The rendered first content is sent to the printer for printing. |
| US08896856B2 |
Image processing apparatus, control method therefor, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus comprising, a detector unit configured to detect an event that a user logged in to the image processing apparatus logs out, an query unit configured to be operable when said detector unit detects the event, to query the user whether or not to change a setting of a job under execution, and a control unit configured to be operable when the setting of the job is to be changed as a result of the query made by said query unit, to change the setting of the job and then perform a logout, and, when the setting of the job is not to be changed as a result of the query made by said query unit, to restrict the logout. |
| US08896849B2 |
Method for determining a set of optical imaging functions for three-dimensional flow measurement
The invention relates to a method for determining a set of optical imaging functions that describe the imaging of a measuring volume onto each of a plurality of detector surfaces on which the measuring volume can be imaged at in each case a different observation angle by means of detection optics. In addition to the assignment of in each case one image position (x, y) to each volume position (X, Y, Z), the method according to the invention envisages that the shape of the image of a punctiform particle in the measuring volume be described by shape parameter values (a, b, 100 , I) and that the corresponding set of shape parameter values be assigned to each volume position (X, Y. Z) for each detector surface. |
| US08896843B2 |
Method for speckle mitigation in an interferometric distance meter by determining a pointing direction
A method for speckle mitigation in an interferometric distance meter comprises the steps of transmitting optical radiation with at least one wavelength λ to a target to be surveyed, receiving a portion of the optical radiation scattered back by the target in an optical axis (OA), wherein the optical radiation forms a speckle field, converting the received optical radiation into at least one received signal, determining a true distance to the target from the received signal by absolute or incremental interferometric distance measurements. In the method the true pointing direction relative to the optical axis (OA) is determined, wherein the distance error due to speckle effects is corrected. |
| US08896838B2 |
Systems, methods and computer-accessible medium which provide microscopic images of at least one anatomical structure at a particular resolution
Exemplary embodiments of probes, apparatus, systems and methods can be provided which provide at least one electro-magnetic radiation to at least one sample. For example, a plurality of axicon lenses can be provided which are configured to provide the electro-magnetic radiation(s) having at least partially annulus shape. In addition or alternatively, at least one optical arrangement can be provided which is configured to forward at least one radiation to the sample therethrough having at least partially circularly-symmetric pattern. For example, at least one first portion of the radiation transmitted through a circular section of the pattern can have an optical path-length that is different from an optical path-length of at least one second portion of the radiation transmitted through at least one other section of the pattern. |
| US08896834B2 |
Optical gas sensor
In the optical gas sensor of the application, a three-dimensional reaction chamber structure is used to replace the traditional simple structure, so that the performance of the gas sensor can be enhanced in a wafer-level size. Besides, a light source, a reaction chamber and a light detector are integrated into one wafer in an exemplary embodiment, so as to achieve the wafer-level integration. In addition, the optical gas sensor can detect various gases simultaneously and has wide application in fields such as home environment monitoring, industrial safety, and disease diagnosis and treatment. |
| US08896831B2 |
Method and device for the validation of contamination and cleaning in a system
A method for the determination of the degree of contamination of an examination object, such as a system for filling liquid foodstuffs, or a component or subsection of a system, in particular a pipe, including measuring a property distribution of a first examination medium before and after passage through the examination object. |
| US08896830B2 |
Devices and systems including a boost device
A device for mass spectroscopy comprising a chamber configured to provide an atomization source, a boost device configured to provide radio frequency energy to the chamber, and a mass analyzer in fluid communication with the chamber and configured to separate species based on mass-to-charge ratios is disclosed. In certain examples, a boost device may be used with a flame or plasma to provide additional energy to a flame or plasma to enhance desolvation, atomization, and/or ionization. |
| US08896828B2 |
Optical inspection of containers
An apparatus and method for inspecting a container having a mouth, and a base with a punt opposite of the container mouth. Light energy is directed into the container and through the container mouth, using at least one light source, and light energy transmitted through the container mouth is sensed. The at least one light source is disposed on at least one side of the container so that the light energy is directed through a side wall of the container and onto the punt of the container base such that at least a portion of the light energy is reflected off the punt to extend through the container mouth to the light sensor. |
| US08896825B2 |
Optical inspector
An optical inspector includes a radiating source, a time varying beam reflector, a telecentric scan lens, a first and second lens, a field stop, and a detector. The radiating source irradiates a first position of on the time varying beam reflector with a source beam. The time varying beam reflector directs the source beam to the telecentric scan lens, which in turn directs the source beam to a sample. The first lens focuses scattered radiation from the sample to generate multiple scan lines at a first focal plane. The field stop is positioned at the first focal plane to block one or more scan lines at the first focal plane. The scan line not blocked by the field stop propagates to the second lens. The second lens de-scans the scan line and generates a point of scattered radiation at a second focal plane where the detector input is located. |
| US08896824B2 |
Optical characteristic measuring apparatus
An optical characteristic measuring apparatus includes a hemispheric portion having a reflective surface on its inner wall, and a plane portion arranged to close an opening of the hemispheric portion and having a reflective surface on an inner-wall side of the hemispheric portion. The plane portion includes a first window occupying a range including a substantial center of curvature of the hemispheric portion for attaching a light source to the first window. At least one of the hemispheric portion and the plane portion includes a plurality of second windows arranged in accordance with a predetermined rule for extracting light from inside the hemispheric portion. |
| US08896819B2 |
Device for optically scanning and measuring an environment
In a device for optically scanning and measuring an environment, where the device is a laser scanner having a light emitter which, by a rotary mirror, emits an emission light beam, with a light receiver which receives a reception light beam, which, after passing the rotary mirror and a receiver lens which has an optical axis, is reflected from an object in the environment of the laser scanner. The laser scanner also includes a control and evaluation unit which, for a multitude of measuring points, determines the distance to the object. Also, a rear mirror is provided on the optical axis behind the receiver lens, where the rear mirror reflects towards the receiver lens the reception light beam which is refracted by the receiver lens. |
| US08896818B2 |
Lidar system
Methods and systems for using spectrally separated light pulses to collect more LIDAR information are presented. In one embodiment, a monochromatic pulse is transmitted to collect range information and a white pulse is transmitted a short time afterwards to collect spectral responsivity information or color of the target. In another embodiment, the white light pulse is used to collect both range and spectral responsivity information of the target. In another embodiment, the spectral separated laser is spatially spread in order to collect range information over more than one point at a time. |
| US08896810B2 |
Liquid immersion scanning exposure system using an immersion liquid confined within a lens hood
A liquid immersion scanning exposure system utilizes an immersion liquid confined within a watertight lens hood having a base portion formed from a solid optical element. During operation, a bottom portion of a lens assembly is disposed within the immersion liquid and the solid optical element is placed upon a photoresist material or layer (to be patterned). The lens assembly moves laterally through the immersion liquid parallel to the photoresist material. Because the solid optical element separates the immersion liquid from the photoresist material and does not move relative to the photoresist material, the photoresist material does not contact with the immersion liquid and the solid optical element and is not susceptible to damage or scratching by the solid optical element. |
| US08896804B2 |
Method and device for termination detection of optical alignment of liquid crystal material
The present invention provides a method for termination detection of optical alignment of liquid crystal material, which includes: under influence of electrical field, irradiating light on liquid crystal material so that reactive monomers in liquid crystal material polymerizing; detecting a residual amount or a thickness change value of the reactive monomers in liquid crystal material to determine detected residual amount of reactive monomers or thickness change value in liquid crystal box reaching a default value; when reaching default value, terminating optical alignment of liquid crystal material. The present invention also provides a device for termination detection of optical alignment of liquid crystal material. Through detecting termination of optical alignment, the present invention realizes automatic control of irradiation time in optical alignment to reduce the effect of individual glass substrate variation on optical alignment to avoid affecting reaction process of alignment on reactive monomer. |
| US08896803B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
In accordance with a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device including, in a picture element, a first sub-picture-element region where a threshold voltage of the transmittance-applied voltage characteristic is Vth1 and a second sub-picture-element region where a threshold voltage of the transmittance-applied voltage characteristic is Vth2, liquid crystal, which polymerizable components are added to, is filled into the space between a first and a second substrates; thereafter, a voltage V1 slightly higher than the threshold voltage Vth1 is applied to a liquid crystal layer, and is held for a certain length of time; subsequently, a voltage V2 slightly higher than the threshold voltage Vth2 is applied to the liquid crystal layer, and is held for a certain length of time; additionally, a voltage V3 higher than a white-displaying voltage which is applied while the liquid crystal display device is in actual use is applied to the liquid crystal layer, and is held for a certain length of time; then, the polymerizable components are polymerized by irradiation of ultraviolet light; and thus polymers are formed in the liquid crystal layer. |
| US08896801B2 |
Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof
Provided is a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display includes: a substrate; a gate line, a common electrode line and a data line formed on the substrate; an insulating layer formed on the gate line, the common electrode line and the data line; a pixel electrode formed on the insulating layer; a microcavity formed on the pixel electrode and including a liquid crystal injection hole; a common electrode formed on the microcavity; a support member formed on the common electrode; and a capping layer formed on the support member and covering the liquid crystal injection hole, in which the common electrode line and the common electrode are connected to each other through a contact hole formed in a passivation layer. |
| US08896796B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel
A liquid crystal display panel including a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer and an electrode structure is provided. The liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The electrode structure is disposed on the first substrate and comprises a first and a second sub-electrodes. The first and the second sub-electrodes are separated from each other and respectively comprises first and second branch portions. The first branch portion comprises a plurality of first branch electrodes. Two adjacent first branch electrodes are substantially parallel to each other and separated from each other by a first interval. The second branch portion comprises a plurality of second branch electrodes. Two adjacent second branch electrodes are substantially parallel to each other and separated from each other by a second interval. |
| US08896792B2 |
Liquid crystal display device comprising a reactive mesogen that fixes liquid crystal molecules to form a liquid crystal domain
A display device that prevents occurrence of a phenomenon where a boundary portion of a pixel region becomes dark, and a method of manufacturing the same. The display device includes a first substrate arrangement including a domain forming layer having a depression pattern for forming a liquid crystal domain in a pixel region, and a pixel electrode arranged on the domain forming layer, a second substrate arrangement including a common electrode arranged on an entire surface facing the first substrate arrangement, a liquid crystal layer arranged between the first and second substrate arrangements and including a plurality of liquid crystal molecules and a reactive mesogen (RM) to fix the liquid crystal molecules to form the liquid crystal domain, a sealant arranged between the first and second substrate arrangements to adhere the first and second substrate arrangement together and a light blocker arranged between the sealant and the liquid crystal layer to block light incident from an external side of the sealant. |
| US08896788B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display comprises a display module comprising a liquid crystal panel and an LED array providing light to the liquid crystal panel, a connection board comprising a first transistor part for driving a part of the LED array, and a driver board comprising a second transistor part for driving another part of the LED array and first and second driving parts that control the second transistor part and the first transistor part formed on the connection board. |
| US08896784B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A LCD is provided. The LCD device includes a cover bottom, a light guide panel, a liquid crystal panel, a LED assembly, a guide panel, and a case top. The light guide panel is disposed at the cover bottom. The liquid crystal panel is disposed over the light guide panel to display an image. The LED assembly is disposed at a lateral side of the light guide panel in the cover bottom to irradiate light to a side of the light guide panel. The guide panel guides the light guide panel and supporting the liquid crystal panel, a slide hole, into which the LED assembly is inserted, being formed in the guide panel. The slide hole cover covers the slide hole. The case top is coupled to the cover bottom, and surrounds a top of the liquid crystal panel. |
| US08896783B2 |
Frameless liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a frameless liquid crystal display device, which includes a rear enclosure, a backlight module arranged inside the rear enclosure, a mold frame arranged on the backlight module and fixedly coupled to the rear enclosure, a liquid crystal display panel arranged on the mold frame, and a surface decoration arranged at a lower end of the liquid crystal display panel and mounted to the mold frame. The liquid crystal display panel is coupled to the mold frame by coupling sections, each of which includes a rectangular plate, an engagement section, and a connection section that connects the rectangular plate and the engagement section. The mold frame forms retention slots corresponding to the coupling sections and each of the retention slots including first and openings and a channel communicating with the first and second openings. The first opening is greater than the second opening. |
| US08896781B2 |
Display device and display module
This display device includes a display portion, a first frame including an engaging protrusion portion, and a second frame including an engaging hole, while the engaging protrusion portion of the first frame includes a first engaging portion engaging with the engaging hole to regulate movement of the first frame in a second direction separating from the second frame and a second engaging portion engaging with the engaging hole to regulate movement of the first frame in a fourth direction opposite to a first direction with respect to the second frame. |
| US08896779B2 |
Laser oscillation device
Provided is a laser oscillation device. A second substrate is disposed above a first substrate in such a manner that a wedge cell is formed between the first and second substrates. A liquid crystal layer is formed by two or more liquid crystals which are injected into the wedge cell and have different pitches. Therefore, a consecutive wavelength-variable lasing process is possible in a certain wavelength region. |
| US08896778B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
It is an object to provide a liquid crystal display device including a thin film transistor with high electric characteristics and high reliability. As for a liquid crystal display device including an inverted staggered thin film transistor of a channel stop type, the inverted staggered thin film transistor includes a gate electrode, a gate insulating film over the gate electrode, a microcrystalline semiconductor film including a channel formation region over the gate insulating film, a buffer layer over the microcrystalline semiconductor film, and a channel protective layer which is formed over the buffer layer so as to overlap with the channel formation region of the microcrystalline semiconductor film. |
| US08896776B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention has a pixel which includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a first resistor, a second resistor, a first liquid crystal element, and a second liquid crystal element. A pixel electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a signal line through the first switch. The pixel electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a pixel electrode of the second liquid crystal element through the second switch and the first resistor. The pixel electrode of the second liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a Cs line through the third switch and the second resistor. A common electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a common electrode of the second liquid crystal element. |
| US08896774B2 |
Optical film, polarizing plate and image display device
To provide an optical film which may be used as a λ/4 plate and may provide a display device which has specific optical characteristics, may be manufactured with high productivity and has an excellent 3D-display performance. To provide a 3D-display device having a physical properties having excellent antireflective property and light fastness with high productivity. An optical film having at least one optically anisotropic layer, wherein an in-plane retardation. Re at an arbitrary wavelength in a visible light region is 80 nm to 201 nm, an Nz value represented by the following equation is 0.1 to 0.9, and when the in-plane retardations at wavelengths of 450 nm, 550 nm and 650 nm are referred to as Re450, Re550 and Re650, respectively, Re450/Re550 is 1.18 or less and Re650/Re550 is 0.93 or more. Nz=0.5+Rth/Re (Rth: a retardation in a thickness direction) |
| US08896773B2 |
Array substrate and liquid crystal display panel
The present invention provides an array of FPR 3D liquid crystal display, including a plurality of pixel units and circuit affecting on the pixel unit. The pixel unit is divided into main pixel area and sub pixel area, and the circuit is paid out between pixel units. The present invention also provides an FPR 3D liquid crystal display panel. As such, the present invention can improve opening ratio and penetration ratio of liquid crystal display panel in 3D display mode to increase luminance of liquid crystal display panel. |
| US08896772B2 |
Optical variation device, optical assembly and method for manufacturing such a device
An optical variation device includes a liquid-crystal element having optical properties that control the propagation of light and two substrate plates arranged on either side of the liquid-crystal element. The two substrate plates are covered respectively with first and second control electrodes. Each electrode has a substantially central opening referred to as the optical aperture. The device also has a layer of a material arranged between the electrodes and filling the optical aperture. The material has a surface resistivity of 10 kΩ/square to 10 GΩ/square and at least the first electrode is divided into a plurality of portions forming sub-electrodes suitable for simultaneously receiving different potentials. |
| US08896768B1 |
Mounting systems for digital media players
Mounting systems can attach a digital media player to a television. Mounting systems can include a base, sidewalls, and hooks configured to enter vents of the television. Hooks can include a front portion that protrudes away from the base and into a vent of the television such that the hook attaches the base to the television. |
| US08896763B1 |
Television and method for switching television channels
A method for switching channels is applied in a television. A currently watched channel is set as a favorite channel. A return method for switching back to the favorite channel is set according to user input. A comparison object is set according to the set return method and user input. The television is switched from the favorite channel to a different channel. A time for switching back to the favorite channel is determined to whether or not arrive according to the set comparison object and the currently received content of the favorite channel. The television is switched back to the favorite channel when the time for switching back to the favorite channel arrives. |
| US08896761B2 |
Television receiver and electronic device
According to one embodiment, a television receiver includes: a housing; a circuit board; a flexible printed wiring board comprising a base layer, a conductive layer, and a protective layer. The circuit board is installed in the housing. The flexible printed wiring board is configured to be electrically connected to the circuit board. The base layer includes a first surface and a second surface positioned on an opposite side of the first surface. The conductive layer is provided on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the base layer. The protective layer is configured to cover the base layer and the conductive layer, and includes an outer edge portion positioned on an outside of a periphery portion of the base layer. |
| US08896759B2 |
Method to increase the accuracy of phase correlation motion estimation in low-bit-precision circumstances
A method and system to improve the performance of phase correlation motion estimation for low-bit-precision implementation are described herein. Phase correlation uses the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) with operations with infinite-precision constants. Since physical implementations use finite-precision arithmetic, there is some loss in precision relative to the ideal infinite-precision case. In low-complexity implementations, it is desirable to use as few bits as possible, and if the precision is too low, the performance of traditional phase correlation suffers. A pre-processing technique is applied to the data prior to taking the FFT, which minimizes the negative effects of finite precision in the FFT and allows high quality results from phase correlation. The pre-processing step is a content-dependent contrast adjustment that maps the range of the input images' pixel values to the range of input values for the FFT. There is no post-processing required after the FFT to compensate for the pre-processing step. |
| US08896758B2 |
Video signal processing circuit, video signal processing method, display device, and electronic apparatus
A video signal processing circuit includes: a control unit that calculates a luminance integrated value on the basis of an input video signal and performs luminance control for the video signal on the basis of the calculated luminance integrated value, wherein the control unit calculates the luminance integrated value at a period shorter than time equivalent to one frame. |
| US08896753B2 |
Control of light emission at different brightnesses corresponding to operation mode
A camera-mounted cellular phone (1) comprises a camera sensor (3) which picks up an image, a switch (2) which is configured to switch and set at least equal to or more than two operation modes each corresponding to an image-pickup distance from the camera sensor (3) to an object, and an LED (4) which emits light together with an image-pickup. At the time of image-pickup, an image-pickup operation is performed by controlling a focal point of the camera sensor (3) in accordance with an operation mode switched and set by the switch (2), and the luminous brightness of the LED (4) is controlled in accordance with the operation mode switched and set. |
| US08896752B2 |
Illumination system for enhancing the appearance of an object and method thereof
A system for enhancing the appearance of an object comprises an illumination device (5) for providing enhancement illumination and a light recording device (1) for recording the reflection by the object of illumination on the object. A reference illumination is mixed (8) with the enhancement illumination. The information in the reflected light is filtered (9) to filter the reflection data (1) due to the reference illumination. These data are used for calculating the enhancement illumination in a processor (3). |
| US08896751B2 |
Digital photographing apparatus and method of controlling the same
A digital photographing apparatus and a method of controlling the same. A continuous shooting speed of the digital photographing apparatus may be improved by simultaneously performing a shutter operation and a read out operation of image data. A disclosed method of controlling a digital photographing apparatus includes displaying an image signal input through an image pickup device as a live view image, performing a first operation by driving a shutter, reading data from the image pickup device, and performing a second operation by driving the shutter during a time period overlapping the reading of the data. |
| US08896735B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and camera system
A solid-state imaging device includes: a pixel unit in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix pattern; and a pixel signal read-out unit including an AD conversion unit performing AD conversion of a pixel signal read out from the pixel unit, wherein each pixel included in the pixel unit includes division pixels divided into regions in which photosensitivity levels or electric charge accumulating amounts are different from one another, wherein the pixel signal reading unit includes a normal read-out mode and a multiple read-out mode, and wherein the AD conversion unit acquires a pixel signal of one pixel by adding the division pixel signals read out in accordance with the read-out mode while performing AD conversion for the division pixel signals. |
| US08896734B2 |
Solid-state image sensor, method of manufacturing the same, and camera
A solid-state image sensor includes a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor region of a second conductivity type that is arranged to contact a lower face of the first semiconductor region and functions as a charge accumulation region, a third semiconductor region including side faces surrounded by the second semiconductor region, a fourth semiconductor region of the second conductivity type that is arranged apart from the second semiconductor region, and a transfer gate that forms a channel to transfer charges accumulated in the second semiconductor region to the fourth semiconductor region. The third semiconductor region is one of a semiconductor region of the first conductivity type and a semiconductor region of the second conductivity type whose impurity concentration is lower than that in the second semiconductor region. |
| US08896731B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and camera module
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a pixel interpolation unit. The pixel interpolation unit includes a calculating unit that adds, to a first frequency band component, a second frequency band component in a direction in which the amount of change in the sensitivity level value of an acquired color component is determined to be small. The second frequency band component is in a frequency band higher than the first frequency band component. |
| US08896730B2 |
Method of operating a CMOS imager using color interpolation
An imager has first and second photosensitive sites and an interpolator located in a semiconductor substrate. The first photosensitive site is configured to receive light having a spectral component, and the second photosensitive site is configured to measure the level of the spectral component in light received by the second photosensitive site. The interpolator is configured to estimate the level of the spectral component in the light received by the first photosensitive site based on the measurement by the second photosensitive site. |
| US08896729B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus has an input unit for inputting an image captured by an image sensor, a shading correction amount calculation unit for calculating per pixel a shading correction amount to be applied to the image inputted from the input unit, a γ correction gain calculation unit for calculating a γ correction gain depending on the shading correction amount and pixel values of the image sensor pixels, and a gain correction unit for applying gain correction to the pixel values based on the γ correction gain, wherein shading correction and γ correction are performed simultaneously by the gain correction with the gain correction unit. |
| US08896727B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method, and computer-readable recording medium having image processing program recorded thereon
An object is to improve noise reduction. Provided are an image-capturing-mode selecting portion (104) that selects one image-capturing mode from a plurality of image-capturing modes; and a noise-reduction processing portion (110) that performs noise-reduction processing for input image signals by employing, in the case in which the image-capturing mode selected by the image-capturing-mode selecting portion (104) is a specific image-capturing mode, an applied noise model in which a noise model employed for a predetermined signal-value region differs from a reference noise model determined on the basis of properties of an image-acquisition element. |
| US08896725B2 |
Image capture device with contemporaneous reference image capture mechanism
A hand-held or otherwise portable or spatial or temporal performance-based image capture device includes one or more lenses, an aperture and a main sensor for capturing an original main image. A secondary sensor and optical system are for capturing a reference image that has temporal and spatial overlap with the original image. The device performs an image processing method including capturing the main image with the main sensor and the reference image with the secondary sensor, and utilizing information from the reference image to enhance the main image. The main and secondary sensors are contained together within a housing. |
| US08896722B2 |
Image data processing apparatus and electronic camera
An image data processing apparatus includes a data size conversion device that changes a data size of an image data at an optional ratio, the image data has a plurality of pixels each of which includes any one of a plurality of color components, and the plurality of color components being arranged in a specific order. The data size conversion device newly calculates a value of color component of each pixel after changing the data size based upon values of color components of a plurality of same color pixels before changing the data size, while maintaining the order of arrangement of the plurality of color components. |
| US08896717B2 |
Methods for deploying video monitoring applications and services across heterogeneous networks
Methods for the deployment of an image servicing platform over a mobile wireless network ate described. A mobile multimedia service controller (MMSC) includes a video gateway that is capable of transcoding among different video formats supported by an imaging service platform. The MMSC can be connected over a network to a download server that provides updates to a transcoder application and a video image application. |
| US08896714B2 |
Image pickup apparatus and image shake correction method
A system controller sets an optical correction ratio, which is a distribution ratio in which a shake angle detected by a gyro sensor is distributed to optical shake correction, in accordance with an optical zoom magnification and controls a prism driver to correct the shake angle multiplied by the optical correction ratio by the optical shake correction, and also controls a read controller to correct the rest of the angle by electronic shake correction. |
| US08896713B2 |
Motion-based video stabilization
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for stabilizing video frames based on information from a motion sensor are described. In general, digital video stabilization techniques are disclosed for generating and applying image-specific transformations to individual frames (images) in a video sequence after, rather than before, the image has been captured. The transformations may be used to counter-balance or compensate for unwanted jitter occurring during video capture due to, for example, a person's hand shaking. |
| US08896712B2 |
Determining and correcting for imaging device motion during an exposure
A system and method for determining and correcting for imaging device motion during an exposure is provided. According to various embodiments of the present invention, multiple sets of image pixels are defined on an image sensor, where each set of pixels is at least partially contained in the output image area of the image sensor. Signals from each set of image pixels are read out once or more during an exposure, motion estimates are computed using signal readouts from one or more sets of image pixels, and signal readouts from one or more sets of the image pixels are processed to form the final output image. |
| US08896711B2 |
Anti-vibration actuator and lens unit and camera furnished with same
The present invention is an anti-vibration actuator (10) for moving an image stabilizing lens (16), having: a fixed portion (12); a movable portion (14) to which an image stabilizing lens is attached; a movable support member (18) for supporting this movable portion so that it is movable within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the image stabilizing lens; drive coils (20) attached to one of either the fixed portion or the movable portion; drive magnets (22) attached to the other of either the fixed portion or the movable portion so as to respectively face these drive coils; and at least one yoke (26) disposed on the side of the drive coils not facing the drive magnets; whereby magnetic force suppressing cutouts (26a) are provided on the yoke in a position overlapping the drive coils in order to suppress magnetic force received from the drive coils. |
| US08896709B2 |
Method and system for image and metadata management
A method and system for image and metadata management are described in which a server may communicate with multiple cameras from a single photographic session or shoot. The server may receive a digital image from one of the cameras and may attach metadata to the digital image. The digital image may also have embedded metadata as a result of the image capture process in the camera. The attached metadata may comprise session-specific metadata created in connection with the photographic session and stored in the server prior to the digital image being received. The attached metadata may comprise location-specific metadata that may be provided to the server by a photographer through a wireless device. The server may transmit the digital image and its metadata to one or both of a social media outlet and a website. The server may enable an approval and selection process of the digital image for transmission. |
| US08896708B2 |
Systems and methods for determining, storing, and using metadata for video media content
Certain embodiments provide methods and systems that link a video recording device and a processing device to enhance video media content development workflow and enable a variety of features. For example, a video camera may send all or a portion of a recorded video to a separate computer that can determine information to be associated with the recorded video. In some embodiments, the computer extracts information from the recorded video to be embedded or otherwise associated with the recorded video as metadata. In some cases, the computer retrieves information from other sources such as Internet websites for association with the recorded video. In some embodiments, the computer sends the information back to the camera where it is associated with the recorded video stored at the camera. In some embodiments, the computer provides the recorded video and information to other locations and parties, for example, to a director remotely overseeing filming. |
| US08896703B2 |
Superresolution enhancment of peripheral regions in nonlinear lens geometries
A technique of enhancing a scene containing one or more off-center peripheral regions within an initial distorted image captured with a large field of view includes determining and extracting an off-center region of interest (hereinafter “ROI”) within the image. Geometric correction is applied to reconstruct the off-center ROI into a rectangular or otherwise undistorted or less distorted frame of reference as a reconstructed ROI. A quality of reconstructed pixels is determined within the reconstructed ROI. One or more additional initially distorted images is/are acquired, and matching additional ROIs are extracted and reconstructed to combine with reduced quality pixels of the first reconstructed ROI using a super-resolution technique to provide one or more enhanced ROIs. |
| US08896699B2 |
Image synthesis device
Disclosed is an image synthesis device including an area determining unit 3 for selecting a vehicle-mounted camera 1 used for generation of a bird's-eye view image viewed from an arbitrary point of view from vehicle-mounted cameras 1a to 1d mounted at different positions, and for determining an area corresponding to the bird's-eye view image in an image captured by the vehicle-mounted camera 1, and an input video signal control unit 4 for receiving image data about the area determined by the area determining unit 3, the image data being included in image data showing the image captured by the vehicle-mounted camera 1, to store the image data in an input frame buffer 5, in which an image processing device 6 generates a bird's-eye view image from the image data stored in the input frame buffer 5. |
| US08896697B2 |
Video motion compensation and stabilization gimbaled imaging system
A system and method for compensating for image distortions formed by the motion of a computerized camera system mounted on a moving platform. The camera system includes a camera, wherein the camera acquires a plurality of image frames including images of the environment viewed from within the field of view of the camera. The distortion is formed in the acquired image frame, during and in between image acquisitions. During the image acquisition the camera may be maneuvered in space, typically, in the pan and tilt axis. The method includes the steps of providing camera maneuvering signals, providing sensors for detecting other motions of the camera, computing the pre acquisition aggregated motion vector of the camera, thereby determining the pre acquisition image distortion, and compensating for the determined pre acquisition image distortion by an equivalent vector, in a direction opposite to the direction of the pre acquisition aggregated motion vector. |
| US08896691B2 |
Surveillance device and method
A surveillance device is disclosed, comprising an interface and a controller coupled with the interface. The interface is coupled with a communication device to receive an image data transmitted from an image capturing device through the communication device. The controller generates a control signal according to the image data and transmits the control signal to the image capturing device for adjusting one or more transmission parameters and/or image capturing parameters of the image capturing device. |
| US08896690B2 |
Image acquisition system and method for distance determination using an image recording system
A vehicle-based image acquisition system having an image sensor that has a characteristic curve assembled from linear segments. The system includes an arrangement for determining the distance of luminous objects imaged by the image sensor. |
| US08896688B2 |
Determining position in a projection capture system
In one example, a projection capture system includes: a visible light projector to project a pattern on to a surface of a GUI control object placed on or above a work surface; a visible light camera to capture an image of the pattern projected on to the surface of the control object; and a controller operatively connected to the projector and the camera. Programming on the controller determines (1) a lateral position of the pattern relative to a reference position associated with the work surface based on the pattern image captured by the camera and (2) a height of the pattern above the work surface based on the lateral position of the pattern. |
| US08896676B2 |
Method and system for determining transmittance intervals in 3D shutter eyewear based on display panel response time
A 3D video viewing shutter device receives display response time from a 3D video display device for determining shutter open and close times. Response time may correspond to display type, a particular display and/or a change in pixel illumination levels between frames. The shutter device receives response information during device initialization and/or corresponding to changing pixel illumination levels. A sequence of 3D frames may comprise a pattern of left frames, right frames, blank frames and/or frames comprising a combination of left and right frames. Based on display device and/or shutter device response times, the shutter device may extend shutter transmittance time during a frame display interval into a blank frame interval. Transmittance may be enabled during display of blank frames subsequent to left or right frames. The shutter device and display device may communicate via a wireless link for example, via a Bluetooth wireless link utilizing Bluetooth clocks. |
| US08896671B2 |
Apparatus and method for capturing images
An apparatus is provided for capturing images including a base, and image capture adjustment mechanism, a first camera, and a second camera. The base is constructed and arranged to support an alignable array of cameras. The image capture adjustment mechanism is disposed relative to the base for adjusting an image capture line of sight for a camera relative to the base. The first camera is carried by the base, operably coupled with the image capture adjustment mechanism, and has an image capture device. The first camera has a line of sight defining a first field of view adjustable with the image capture adjustment mechanism relative to the base. The second camera is carried by the base and has an image capture device. The second camera has a line of sight defining a second field of view extending beyond a range of the field of view for the first camera in order to produce a field of view that is greater than the field of view provided by the first camera. A method is also provided. |
| US08896670B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, and program
An image processing device includes a distance data analysis unit that analyzes subject distance information with the partial region units of captured images having different viewpoints, and a data generation unit that determines whether a recorded image or an output image is set to a two-dimensional image or set to a three-dimensional image depending on the analysis result, and generates the recorded or output image based on the determination result, wherein the data generation unit determines a recall level of stereoscopic vision in three-dimensional display based on the analysis result, and if it is determined that the recall level of stereoscopic vision is low, generates a two-dimensional image as the recorded or output image, and if it is determined that the recall level of stereoscopic vision is high, generates a three-dimensional image as the recorded or output image. |
| US08896668B2 |
Combining data from multiple image sensors
A method of combining data from multiple sensors is disclosed. The method includes receiving lines of image data at an image processor having an input for a single camera. Each line of the image data includes first line data from a first image captured by a first camera and second line data from a second image captured by a second camera. The method also includes generating an output frame having a first section corresponding to line data of the first image and having a second section corresponding to line data of the second image. The first section and the second section are configured to be used to generate a three-dimensional (3D) image format or a 3D video format. |
| US08896666B2 |
Three-dimensional measuring device and board inspection device
A board inspection device includes an irradiation device for irradiating light on a printed circuit board, a CCD camera for imaging the irradiated part of the circuit board. First image processing is performed for a first exposure time such that an inspection target region is free of brightness saturation, and second image processing is performed using a second exposure time corresponding to the insufficiency of the first exposure time relative to a certain exposure time appropriate for measurement of a measurement standard region. Thereafter, image data for three-dimensional measurement is prepared for the inspection target region using the value of image data obtained by the first image processing, and image data for three-dimensional measurement is prepared for the measurement standard region using a value obtained by summing the image data value acquired by the second image processing and the image data value acquired by the first image processing. |
| US08896659B2 |
Integrating preset callback into conference calls
In an example embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus comprising an interface and conferencing logic coupled with the interface. The conferencing logic is operable to receive via the interface data representative of a conference call for a meeting, the data representative of the meeting comprises data representative of a meeting time and data representative of a meeting participant. The conferencing logic is operable to receive via the interface data representative of a callback number and data representative of a callback time from the meeting participant. The conferencing logic is operable to initiate communications with the meeting participant at the callback time at the callback number. The conferencing logic is operable to couple the meeting participant with the conference call upon establishing communications. |
| US08896658B2 |
Interface for voice communications
There is provided an interface viewable on a display for a communications apparatus used during a session for voice communications between at least two parties. The interface includes at least one edge of the display having a row of objects, each object of the row being for representing each of the at least two parties; and a main portion of the display being for showing the object of the party speaking at a particular point in time, with a plurality of the objects being shown when a plurality of the parties are speaking at the particular point in time. Advantageously, the object of the speaking party is shown on the main portion when the speaking party's voice is detected by the speaking party's communications apparatus, a host server receiving information from the speaking party's communications apparatus to aid in displaying the object of the speaking party at the particular point in time. Alternatively, the object of the speaking party may also undergo a change of state, such as, for example, a blinking effect, a single occurrence resizing effect, a transitional blurring effect, a repeated resizing effect, and any combination of the aforementioned. |
| US08896657B2 |
Scene video switch system and scene video switch method
Disclosed are a scene video switch system and a scene video switch method. The system comprises an input unit configured to input an image currently captured by a video capture unit to serve as a current image; a detection unit configured to detect all of interesting elements and latent elements in the current image so as to determine a maximum possible existing area of the interesting elements; a state switch unit configured to carry out, by using a predetermined finite state machine, switching between scene states of the maximum possible existing area according to predetermined different scene states and switching conditions; and a display unit configured to extract, based on a current scene state switched by the state switch unit, an area of concern coinciding with the current scene state from the maximum possible existing area to serve as a scene video for display. |
| US08896655B2 |
System and method for providing depth adaptive video conferencing
A method is provided in one example and includes capturing panoramic image data through a first camera in a camera cluster, and capturing close-up image data through a second camera included as part of a spaced array of cameras. The presence of a user in a field of view of the second camera can be detected. The close-up image data and the panoramic image data can be combined to form a combined image. In more specific embodiments, the detecting includes evaluating a distance between the user and the second camera. The combined image can reflect a removal of a portion of panoramic image data associated with the user in a video conferencing environment. |
| US08896652B2 |
System and method for real-time video communications
Systems and methods for video communication services are presented herein. In particular, systems and methods in which multiple participants can simultaneously create and share video in real-time are presented herein. Other systems and methods are also presented herein. |
| US08896651B2 |
Portable devices as videoconferencing peripherals
A videoconferencing system has a videoconferencing unit that use portable devices as peripherals for the system. The portable devices obtain near-end audio and send the audio to the videoconferencing unit via a wireless connection. In turn, the videoconferencing unit sends the near-end audio from the loudest portable device along with near-end video to the far-end. The portable devices can control the videoconferencing unit and can initially establish the videoconference by connecting with the far-end and then transferring operations to the videoconferencing unit. To deal with acoustic coupling between the unit's loudspeaker and the portable device's microphone, the unit uses an echo canceller that is compensated for differences in the clocks used in the A/D and D/A converters of the loudspeaker and microphone. |
| US08896647B2 |
Method and device for producing colour images by way of a UV laser on pigmented substrates, and products produced as a result
A method is described for producing a character, pattern, symbol and/or image (8) on a substrate (2) by way of pigment particles (1) which are arranged thereon and lose their color effect under the action of a laser (23), wherein different pigment particles (1) with at least three different color effects are arranged on and/or in the substrate (2). The invention is distinguished by the following method steps: (a) production of a color chart (14), in which the individual color effect of individual pigment particles (1) or individual clusters of pigment particles is contained as a function of their spatial coordinate on and/or in the substrate (2); (b) spatially resolved irradiation, which changes the color effect of only individual pigment particles (1) or individual clusters of pigment particles, by way of a laser (23) at a single frequency on the basis of the color chart (14) in order to produce a resulting color effect. Furthermore, the present invention relates to substrates, in particular security documents, produced using a method of this type, and devices for carrying out methods of this type. |
| US08896644B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus has a pair of bearings 38 having: two surfaces 38a and 38b which support both edge portions of a conveying roller 40; driven rollers 42 which press the conveying roller 40 in the direction where extension lines of the two surfaces 38a and 38b cross; and further, an intermediate bearing 47 which presses the conveying roller 40 in the direction of a point where the extension lines of the two surfaces 38a and 38b cross. |
| US08896641B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display device and method of driving the same
An organic light emitting display device includes: a display panel including red, green, blue, and white (RGBW) subpixels; a first data conversion unit configured to convert red, green, and blue (RGB) data signals into RGBW data signals; an average picture level calculation unit configured to calculate an average picture level (APL) for the RGB data signals; a peak luminance controller configured to control luminance of at least one frame by using the APL and a look-up table; and a data compensation unit configured to perform a compensation operation on at least one of the RGB data signals in response to color coordinates of white (W) data signals among the RGBW data signals output from the first data conversion unit being different from a target value. |
| US08896639B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
An object of the present invention is to provide a small-sized active matrix type liquid crystal display device that may achieve large-sized display, high precision, high resolution and multi-gray scales. According to the present invention, gray scale display is performed by combining time ratio gray scale and voltage gray scale in a liquid crystal display device which performs display in OCB mode. In doing so, one frame is divided into subframes corresponding to the number of bit for the time ratio gray scale. Initialize voltage is applied onto the liquid crystal upon display of a subframe. |
| US08896638B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and backlight control method
An initial light control value calculation section calculates the backlight's initial light control value K0 according to brightness of an inputted image signal for each area. A black area measurement section measures a black area S by obtaining ratio of the number of pixels satisfying Y≦Y0 (Y: brightness signal level, Y0: black level threshold) in the screen. A minimum light control value output section determines a minimum light control value Kmin based on comparison between the measured black area S and a black area threshold S0 and outputs a maximum value permissible for the light control value as the value Kmin when the black area S is the threshold value S0 or less. An LED control signal calculation section outputs a control signal to LED light sources based on a light control value K1 as the higher one of K0 and Kmin. |
| US08896635B2 |
Display device
A display device includes first transistors provided for every scanning line and second transistors having a first electrode connected to each scanning line and a second electrode to which a reference potential is inputted. A first electrode of the first transistor is connected to any one of gate lines belonging to a first group. A control electrode of the first transistor is connected to any one of gate lines belonging to a second group. A control electrode of the second transistor is connected to any one of reverse gate lines belonging to a second group. A scanning line drive circuit intermittently outputs, when the scanning line drive circuit outputs a non-selective scanning voltage to any one of the gate lines belonging to the second group, a selective reversal scanning voltage to a reverse gate line corresponding to the gate line in the reverse gate lines belonging to the second group. |
| US08896631B2 |
Hyper parallax transformation matrix based on user eye positions
A method for displaying a 3D image in virtual reality. The method includes defining a hyper parallax transformation matrix based on user eye position, applying the hyper parallax transformation matrix to a scene graph, and displaying hyper parallax of the 3D image. A realistic simulation of parallax of said 3D image is exaggerated. |
| US08896628B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, and program
There is provided an image processing device including: a data storage unit storing feature data indicating a feature of appearance of one or more physical objects; an environment map building unit for building an environment map based on an input image obtained by imaging a real space and the feature data, the environment map representing a position of a physical object present in the real space; a control unit for acquiring procedure data for a set of procedures of operation to be performed in the real space, the procedure data defining a correspondence between a direction for each procedure and position information designating a position at which the direction is to be displayed; and a superimposing unit for generating an output image by superimposing the direction for each procedure at a position in the input image determined based on the environment map and the position information, using the procedure data. |
| US08896626B2 |
Image capturing apparatus, image processing apparatus, control method thereof and program
An image processing apparatus includes: a specific sound detecting section which detects a specific sound generated during motion of a specific motion conducted by a target object included in an image group including a plurality of images which continues in a time-series manner; a synthetic image generating section which generates a synthetic image representing transitions of the specific motion; a determination range setting section which sets, as a determination range, a range in the time axis for determination on the generation of the synthetic image on the basis of a user manipulation; and a control section which controls the synthetic image generating section to generate the synthetic image in a case where the specific sound is detected in the set determination range, and not to generate the synthetic image in a case where the specific sound is not detected in the set determination range. |
| US08896622B2 |
Methods and apparatus for marker-based stylistic rendering
Methods and apparatus for marker-based stylistic rendering may be used to automatically synthesize the stylistic range of various stylistic rendering techniques. An image processing pipeline may automatically generate stylistic images, such as Hedcut stipple images. Using virtual markers to determine locations in the image to which physical markers are to be attached, the tone of an original source image may be automatically reproduced via placement of stipple dots or other physical markers, while at the same time allowing for stylistic refinement of placement and appearance of the physical markers, e.g. along strong features in the source image. |
| US08896614B2 |
Method and apparatus for browsing images
The present invention relates to a method for browsing images and an Image browser. The browsing is performed on a display of an electronic device having an image cache and includes the acts of determining an image, from accessible images not already stored in the image cache, being more likely to be displayed during the browsing than one image already stored in the image cache, storing the determined image in the image cache, shifting images presented on the display in response to a user input and at an image shifting rate of S. Said shifting images includes reading image data from the image cache and present the image on the display. The image browser includes a display, a dynamic Graphic User Interface, GUI, generator arranged to present images in accordance with a specific layout and to shift images at a specific image shifting rate S, an image cache arranged to temporarily store a plurality of images for use by the dynamic GUI generator, an access to a data storage, and an image retriever arranged to retrieve an image from the data storage and place it in the cache in case of the image retriever discovers an image in the data storage that is not present in the image cache and that is more likely to be displayed than one of the images present in the image cache. The image shifting rate S is frequently updated and is proportional to the present number of images in the image cache that are likely kept for browsing. |
| US08896611B2 |
Bi-directional data transmission system and method
A bidirectional data transmission system and the transmitting method thereof are disclosed. A video graphics array interface or an interface including a display data channel is utilized in the bidirectional data transmission to transmit data in bi-direction. |
| US08896605B2 |
Providing an ellipsoid having a characteristic based on local correlation of attributes
Data records are grouped into clusters according to attributes of the data records to be correlated. At least two of the clusters that satisfy a proximity criterion are merged. At least one ellipsoid is created for presentation in a scatter plot visualization based on the grouping and merging, the ellipsoid including pixels representing multiple corresponding data records. The ellipsoid has a characteristic based on a corresponding local correlation of the attributes of the data records represented by the ellipsoid. The characteristic of the ellipsoid is adjusted based on a direction of the local correlation. |
| US08896601B1 |
Projecting geographic data from a spherical surface to two-dimensional cartesian space
A method for projecting geographic data (e.g., latitude and longitude coordinates) from a spherical surface onto a two-dimensional Cartesian space is provided. Such a capability can employ a coordinate testing and transformation method to map the projected geographic data within the two-dimensional Cartesian space so that distances measured on the spherical surface remain relatively consistent with distances measured in the two-dimensional Cartesian space. Further, this capability allows for the use of efficient search algorithms to find projected geographic points within a particular geographic search area. |
| US08896600B2 |
Icon shading based upon light intensity and location
Illustrated is a system and method to use a photometer to receive a light vector, the photometer to determine intensity of the light vector. The system and method also uses a processor to determine a location of a light source that generates the tight vector. Additionally, the system and method uses a touch-sensitive screen to display an icon pixel shaded based upon the intensity of the light vector and the location of the light source. |
| US08896597B2 |
System and method for modifying geometric relationships in a solid model
A system, method, and computer program for modifying a solid model representation that is manipulated in a computer having software instructions for design, comprising: a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a memory, a processor, a user input device, and a display device; a computer generated geometric model stored in the memory in the memory of the computer system; and wherein the computer system receives user input and accesses at least one data file having a plurality of geometric model definitions that define a geometric model; converts the geometric model definitions into a geometric representation of the geometric model; calculates a plurality of geometric conditions between at least one geometry identified by a user and the geometric model to create a set of constraints; and calculates a modified geometric model with a modified geometry according the set of constraints to display to the user; and appropriate means and computer-readable instructions. |
| US08896596B2 |
Image signal processing apparatus, image signal processing method, program, and image signal processing system
An image signal processing apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives a display signal including an image signal containing both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images and a region information in each predetermined unit in the image signal and separates the image signal and the region information from the display signal, a display control unit that generates a first display control information for controlling rendering positions of the first and second regions in the image signal according to the region information and a second display control information for selectively displaying a three-dimensional image in a region corresponding to the rendering position of the second region based on the region information, and a processing unit that generates a display image signal indicating an image where the first and second region are arranged according to the first display control information based on the image signal and the first display control information. |
| US08896593B2 |
Producing three-dimensional graphics
A system includes a computing device for producing a representation of a graphical element on a two dimensional set of image points. A metric value is calculated for each image point in the two dimensional set of image points. The computer device is configured to assign a visual property to image point in the two dimensional set of image points based upon the corresponding metric value. The computing device is also configured to present the assigned visual properties of the two dimensional set of image points as being offset from another two dimensional set of image points to provide a three dimensional appearance of the graphical element. |
| US08896585B2 |
Display device and driving method thereof
A display device includes a display unit including a plurality of scan lines, a plurality of data lines to which a plurality of compensation data signals are transmitted, a plurality of light emitting signal lines, and a plurality of pixels respectively connected to the plurality of scan lines, the plurality of data lines, and the plurality of light emitting signal lines, and a data driver generating a data voltage corresponding to a image data signal, and converting the data voltage to the compensation data signal. The data driver includes a compensator generating the compensation data signal in accordance with a feedback voltage. The feedback voltage is determined by a degree of deterioration associated with each pixel, and increases with an increasing deterioration degree of the pixel. |
| US08896578B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of controlling the same
A mobile terminal is presented. The mobile terminal includes an elongated body having a central axis and being structured to form an outer side having a circumference, an end portion located at one end of the elongated body, a touch screen coupled to the body, a projector positioned at the end portion and being configured to project an image onto a surface, and a camera coupled to the elongated body and being positioned to capture at least a portion of the image projected onto the surface. |
| US08896574B2 |
Optical touch apparatus
The invention provides an optical touch apparatus. The optical touch apparatus includes at least one optical path unit and at least one light sensing unit. The at least one optical path unit is located on a first side of a display unit of the optical touch apparatus and used to receive at least one directional incident light, the at least one directional incident light is focused to form an image in an imaging region through at least one refraction in the at least one optical path unit. The at least one light sensing unit is located at a relative position of the at least one optical path unit, and used to generate a sensing result according to the image in the imaging region. |
| US08896573B1 |
Line spacing in mesh designs for touch sensors
An apparatus includes a touch sensor that includes a mesh of multiple first and second lines of conductive material extending across a display, where the display includes multiple pixels. The first lines are substantially parallel to each other, and the second lines are substantially parallel to each other. Each of the pixels has a first pixel pitch (PPx) along a first axis and a second pixel pitch (PPy) along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The first pixel pitch is equal to a distance between corresponding features of two adjacent pixels along the first axis, and the second pixel pitch is equal to a distance between corresponding features of two adjacent pixels along the second axis. The first and second lines extend across the display at first and second angles, respectively, relative to the first axis. |
| US08896569B2 |
Electrostatic capacity type touch screen panel
A touch screen panel is disclosed. The touch screen panel includes a substrate; a plurality of first electrode serials arranged on the substrate; a plurality of second electrode serials arranged to cross over the first electrode serials; and an insulation layer formed at the intersections of the first and second electrode serials and to electrically insulate the first and second electrode serials, wherein each of the first electrode serials comprises a plurality of first electrode patterns and second connection patterns for connecting neighboring first electrode patterns, each of the second electrode serials comprises a plurality of second electrode patterns and first connection patterns for connecting neighboring second electrode patterns, and each of the first electrode patterns comprises a lower layer formed on the substrate and an upper layer formed on the lower layer, and the second connection pattern connects neighboring first electrode pattern upper layers. |
| US08896563B2 |
Electronic device with wrap around display
A consumer electronic product includes at least a transparent housing and a flexible display assembly enclosed within the transparent housing. In the described embodiment, the flexible display assembly is configured to present visual content at any portion of the transparent housing. |
| US08896556B2 |
Time-based touch interface
A user device with a touch-sensitive display presents a user interface with multiple content options and detects, on the touch-sensitive display, a touch indicating selection of one of the multiple content options. The user device monitors a duration of the touch. The user device presents a first set of selectable options, associated with the one of the multiple content options, in response to determining that the duration of the touch exceeds the first time threshold, and presents a second set of selectable options, associated with the one of the multiple content options, in response to determining that the duration of the touch exceeds the second time threshold. |
| US08896554B2 |
Data retrieval apparatus and data retrieval method
According to an aspect, a data retrieval apparatus includes a display unit, a detector, and a control unit. The display unit displays a group including a plurality of data on a display screen. Each of data is associated with a relevance ratio to search criteria. The detector detects movement of the group on the display screen. The control unit calculates a rate according to a degree of the movement of the group detected by the detector, and extracts the data from the group based on a comparison between the calculated rate and the relevance ratio. |
| US08896553B1 |
Hybrid sensor module
A hybrid sensor module and methods of operating the same are provided. In one embodiment, the hybrid sensor module includes: (i) a touch sensor configured to sense motion of an object in proximity to a surface of the touch sensor; (ii) an optical navigation sensor (ONS) configured to illuminate the object through the surface of the touch sensor and to sense motion of the object based on light returned from the object; and (iii) a controller electrically coupled to the touch sensor and the ONS to process the sensed motion of the object and to generate an output signal in response to the sensed motion, wherein the controller is configured to dynamically adjust a tracking resolution of the hybrid sensor module based on a characteristic of the sensed motion. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08896551B2 |
System and method for improving recognition of a touch keyboard of an electronic device
A system and a method for improving recognition of a touch keyboard in an electronic device include setting a fuzzy set corresponding to each virtual key of the touch keyboard displayed on a touch panel. The improving method further includes receiving coordinates of a touch point on the touch panel, confirming a touched virtual key corresponding to the touched coordinates and executing a function of the touched virtual key. The improving method further confirming one or more adjacent virtual keys of the touched virtual key, and revising a fuzzy set of the received virtual key or a fuzzy set of an adjacent virtual key, if a backspace virtual key and the adjacent virtual key have been touched in turn after the touched virtual key. |
| US08896546B2 |
High integrity touch screen system
A high integrity touch screen system includes, but is not limited to, a display screen, a first sensor array to detect a touch on the display screen and to generate a first set of touch position coordinates, a first processor connected to the first sensor array and configured to receive the first set of touch position coordinates, a second sensor array to detect the touch on the display screen and to generate a second set of touch position coordinates and a second processor connected to the second sensor array and configured to receive the second set of touch position coordinates. The first processor and the second processor cooperate to compare the first set of touch position coordinates with the second set of touch position coordinates and to invalidate the touch when the first set of touch position coordinates and the second set of touch position coordinates do not substantially coincide. |
| US08896540B2 |
Character input device and character input method
According to an aspect, a character input device includes a display unit, an input detecting unit, and a control unit. The display unit displays a screen having a character entry area and a virtual keyboard. The virtual keyboard includes a plurality of keys each of which corresponds to a character. The input detecting unit detects a touch by an operator. The control unit detects a key selection operation and an input determination operation through the input detecting unit. Upon detecting the key selection operation for the first key, the control unit displays the first key in the character entry area as a character to be input. Upon detecting the input determination operation, the control unit displays the first character in the character entry area as an input character. |
| US08896536B2 |
Methods and systems for contactlessly controlling electronic devices according to signals from a digital camera and a sensor module
An embodiment of a method for contactlessly controlling an electronic apparatus, performed by a processor of the electronic apparatus. A camera module of the electronic apparatus is turned on to capture a series of images upon detecting that an object is in close proximity to the electronic apparatus. A contactless control procedure is performed while the camera module thereof is in use. The control operation comprises determining a control operation according to the captured images; performing the control operation to an electronic device of the electronic apparatus upon obtaining an instruction based on analyzing the captured images; and turning off the camera module responsive to not obtaining an instruction within a predetermined time period. |
| US08896534B2 |
Spatially-correlated multi-display human-machine interface
A human-machine interface involves plural spatially-coherent visual presentation surfaces at least some of which are movable by a person. Plural windows or portholes into a virtual space, at least some of which are handheld and movable, are provided by using handheld and other display devices. Aspects of multi-dimensional spatiality of the moveable window (e.g., relative to another window) are determined and used to generate images. As one example, the moveable window can present a first person perspective “porthole” view into the virtual space, this porthole view changing based on aspects of the moveable window's spatiality in multi-dimensional space relative to a stationary window. A display can present an image of a virtual space, and an additional, moveable display can present an additional image of the same virtual space. |
| US08896528B2 |
Control device, input device, control system, handheld device, and control method
A control device includes: a receiver for receiving first information regarding the movement of a casing, and second information regarding whether to reflect the first information on the movement of coordinate values; a storage unit for storing a whole-screen region including a real-screen region, and a virtual-screen region set around the real-screen region; a generator for generating the coordinate values within the whole-screen region based on the first information; a switcher for switching a first state in which the coordinate values are movable, and a second state in which the coordinate values are immovable, based on the second information; a determining unit for determining which of the real-screen region or the virtual-screen region the coordinate values belong to; and a coordinate-value control unit for controlling the coordinate values so as to move the coordinate values within the virtual-screen region to the position of predetermined coordinate values within the real-screen region. |
| US08896524B2 |
Context-dependent haptic confirmation system
A haptic confirmation system is provided that produces a confirmation haptic effect in response to a user interaction with a user interface element, where the confirmation haptic effect is based on context metadata. The context metadata is mapped to one or more haptic parameters. A haptic signal is generated based on the one or more haptic parameters. The haptic signal is sent to an actuator configured to receive the haptic signal. The actuator utilized the haptic signal to generate the confirmation haptic effect. |
| US08896517B2 |
Integrated backlight driving chip and LED backlight device
An integrated backlight driving chip for driving a light-emitting diode backlight module includes a scaler circuit and a backlight driving circuit. The scaler circuit includes a digital control unit for generating a digital control signal, and a variable reference voltage generation unit for generating a reference voltage. The backlight driving circuit is coupled to the digital control unit, the variable reference voltage generation unit, and the LED backlight module, for generating a backlight driving signal according to the digital control signal and the reference voltage so as to drive the LED backlight module. |
| US08896514B2 |
Display device for varying different scan ratios for displaying moving and still images and a driving method thereof
A display device including a display panel displaying a still image and a moving image and a signal controller controlling signals to drive the display panel, wherein the signal controller includes a frame memory storing image data of the still image and providing the image data to the display panel, and the display panel is driven with a first scan ratio when displaying the moving image and is driven with a second scan ratio that is lower than the first scan ratio when displaying the still image. |
| US08896513B2 |
Gamma bus amplifier offset cancellation
The present disclosure generally relates to gamma bus wiring techniques that saves space in a display such as a liquid crystal display. In certain embodiments, a voltage offset associated with gamma bus amplifiers configured to provide analog voltage levels to a pixel may reduce at least some of the visual performance characteristics of the attached display when it transitions between different voltage values provided by different gamma bus amplifiers. The voltage offsets associated with the gamma bus amplifiers may be distributed between multiplexers that are coupled to gamma bus amplifiers by interlacing the wires routed from a resistor string to the multiplexers. |
| US08896512B2 |
Display device for active storage pixel inversion and method of driving the same
A pixel circuit for a display includes a pixel storage node for storing and presenting a pixel voltage to a pixel display element, a cell storage node for storing the data on the pixel storage node, and a first storage capacitor and a second storage capacitor each including a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode of the first storage capacitor is operatively coupled to the pixel storage node and the first electrode of the second storage capacitor operatively coupled to the cell storage node. The second electrode of the first and second storage capacitors is operatively coupled to a respective different one of first and second independent voltage signal lines. The pixel circuit further includes a pixel write circuit configured to write the pixel voltage to the pixel storage node during a data write cycle, and to provide respective voltage signals to the first and second independent voltage signal lines, each of the respective voltage signals being changed during the data write cycle in order to increase or reduce the pixel voltage. |
| US08896509B2 |
Liquid crystal display device including data converting part and method of driving the same
A liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal panel including a pixel having red, green, blue and white sub-pixels; a mode selector selecting one from an RGB mode and an RGBW mode as a driving mode; an RGBW mode signal generating part performing a color correction on RGB input data corresponding to the pixel and converting the RGB input data into RGBW data in the RGBW mode; and an output controlling part outputting RGBW output data by performing a gamma conversion on the RGBW data in the RGBW mode and outputting the RGB input data and a W data for turning off the W sub-pixel as the RGBW output data in the RGB mode. |
| US08896505B2 |
Display with pixel arrangement
A display, including a substrate having a display area including first and second non-overlapping pixel groups and a gutter located between the first and second pixel groups, the gutter having a dimension in a first direction separating the first and second pixel groups, and each pixel group includes a plurality of pixels, each pixel having three or more differently colored sub-pixels; and wherein the pixel centers of the pixels in each pixel group are arranged in a regular two-dimensional array having one dimension parallel to the first direction, and wherein the pixels within a pixel group are separated by an inter-pixel separation in the first direction; and one or more electrical elements arranged within the gutter, each subpixel being connected to one of the one or more electrical elements, wherein the gutter dimension is greater than the inter-pixel separation, so that artifacts in a displayed image are reduced. |
| US08896504B2 |
Organic light emitting display and method of driving the same
An organic light emitting display capable of reducing power consumption in a standby mode to increase the use time of a battery and a method of driving the same. The organic light emitting display includes a pixel unit for displaying an image by utilizing a plurality of frames and in accordance with data signals and scan signals; a data driver for outputting the data signals; a scan driver for outputting the scan signals; and a controller for controlling the data driver and the scan driver so that, in at least one frame of the plurality of frames, the scan signals are not transmitted to the pixel unit. |
| US08896503B2 |
Image display apparatus and method for driving the same
The present invention sets power supply drive signals DS[1] and DS[2] at a power supply voltage Vcc in a timesharing for odd lines and their subsequent even lines and sets a write signal WS to correspond to the time division setting, thereby sharing a scan line of the write signal WS between the odd lines and the subsequent even lines. |
| US08896500B2 |
Head-mounted display device and control method for the head-mounted display device
A head-mounted display device that is mounted on the head of an observer and forms a virtual image before the eyes of the observer includes: a display device that forms an image, which is the source of image light, from image data; a light source that emits the image light representing the formed image; a light guide unit that forms a virtual image from the emitted image light; and a display control unit that turns off the light source and changes the head-mounted display device to a suspension mode when a suspension request is received from the outside. |
| US08896496B2 |
Configurable antenna element
A configurable antenna element comprises a conductor encased in a foam substrate with a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to a surface of the foam substrate for application of the configurable antenna to a surface. |
| US08896495B2 |
Method for direct connection of MMIC amplifiers to balanced antenna aperture
A MMIC amplifier is directly connected to the balanced feed points at the aperture of an antenna to eliminate the distance between electronics coupled to the antenna and the antenna itself, such that interfaces, components and connection lines which introduce losses and parasitic effects that degrade system performance are eliminated due the direct connection. Expanding the aperture of the antenna to accommodate the direct connection of a MMIC amplifier to balanced feed points of an antenna has been found to have no deleterious effects on antenna performance. Moreover, when coupling the MMIC amplifier to an unbalanced coaxial line, any associated ripple is minimized due to the direct connection. |
| US08896494B2 |
Hanging type monopole wideband antenna
A present invention relates to a monopole wideband antenna, that is a wall mounted handing type antenna capable of providing easy frequency adjustment and operating at broad frequency band range. Moreover, the monopole wideband antenna of the invention can be applied in various electronic devices, and is advantageous in its low cost and small size since it can be fabricated directly using a means of print formation upon a circuitboard. |
| US08896489B2 |
Antenna
An apparatus including an antenna; a first antenna carrier forming a first support substrate for a first portion of the antenna; and a different second antenna carrier forming a second support substrate for a second portion of the antenna. The first and second antenna carriers are coupled to each other. The antenna extends across a joint between the first and second antenna carriers. |
| US08896485B2 |
System and method for automatically generating and updating real time navigation waypoint
Method and system to guide people around urban environments indoor and outdoor, provide real time accurate update of way points information to the user navigation system and or to his cellular phone via FM-RDS according to the user location, The information will display on the existing cellular phone or Bluetooth device and interface to existing GPS navigation system. |
| US08896484B2 |
Dynamic radiation pattern antenna system
The present invention relates to a dynamic radiation pattern diversity antenna system comprising a transmission line, a plurality of varactor diodes, and a radiation pattern control unit. The transmission line defines a plurality of unit cells. Each varactor diode is electrically connected to a corresponding unit cell. The radiation pattern control unit is electrically connected to each of the plurality of varactor diodes, and controls the electrical actuation thereof. Upon electrical actuation of the varactor diodes, each unit cell radiates at an angle corresponding to a voltage applied to the corresponding varactor diode. |
| US08896477B2 |
Time-to-digital converter
An edge detector includes flip-flops receiving phase signals of a ring oscillator, a resetter canceling the reset states of the flip-flops at the edge timing of an input signal, and a logical operator performing a logical operation on output signals of the flip-flops. A phase state detector detects a phase state of the ring oscillator occurring at the edge timing of the input signal based on the output signals of the flip-flops. A time-to-digital converter converts an edge interval between the input signal and an output signal of the logical operator into a digital value. A latch latches a value of a counter counting the number of cycles of an output signal of the ring oscillator, at the edge timing of the input signal. An operator calculates a digital value of a received signal from output signals of the latch, the phase state detector, and the time-to-digital converter. |
| US08896475B2 |
Continuous-time oversampling pipeline analog-to-digital converter
A converter may include multiple converter stages connected in series. Each converter stage may receive a clock signal and an analog input signal, and may generate an analog output signal and a digital output signal. Each converter stages may include an encoder generating the digital output signal, a decoder generating a reconstructed signal, a delaying converter generating a delayed signal, and an amplifier generating a residue signal, wherein the delayed signal may be a continuous current signal. |
| US08896468B2 |
Control method for a road toll system
Control devices and methods for a road toll system that is based on vehicle-based on-board units, using recording vehicles, control vehicles and a violation server, wherein the recording vehicle reads out a toll parameter from the on-board unit of a passing vehicle via a DSRC radio interface, compares it to a shape parameter of the vehicle detected by a sensor, and based thereon, in case of inconsistency, generates a violation data record and transmits it to the violation server, wherein the control vehicle registers the position or surroundings thereof in the violation server, and the violation server makes available to a control vehicle such violation data records, the locations of the violations of which are within the surroundings of a position of the control vehicle, wherein the control vehicle issues an alert message when it detects a violating vehicle in the surroundings, and wherein, during the transmission of a violation data record from the recording vehicle to the violation server and/or from the violation server to the control vehicle, the violation data record is divided into a TCP part and a UDP part. |
| US08896466B2 |
Method of displaying an image on a screen of an aircraft
In one aspect of the method for displaying an image on a screen of a cockpit of an aircraft, control means: control a first display on the screen of an image comprising a background; and then control a second display so that, in at least one zone of the image that is determined independently of the background, the background presents a non-zero second mean luminance that is less than a first mean luminance that it presented during the first display. In another aspect, the control means control the display on the screen of an image comprising a background in such a manner, that at least in a zone of the image that is determined independently of the background, the background presents non-zero mean luminance that is less than mean luminance of the remainder of the background. |
| US08896463B2 |
Fixed network for an automatic utility meter reading system
A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors. |
| US08896458B2 |
Method and apparatus for converting a displacement of a magnetic object into a directly perceptible signal, instrument incorporating this apparatus
This method of converting a displacement of a magnetic object into a signal directly perceptible by a human being, comprises: —the acquisition (32) of a temporal succession of measurements of a magnetic field modified by the displacements of the object during a sliding time window of predetermined duration, —the construction (34) on the basis of this acquired temporal succession of measurements of several signals each representing a characteristic of the measured magnetic field dependent on a corresponding characteristic of the displacement of the object, and —the adjustment (50) of several parameters of the directly perceptible signal as a function of the signals so as to render these characteristics directly perceptible. |
| US08896456B2 |
Seat location system
A method and apparatus for indicating a seat location. An indicator is activated for a seat in a passenger cabin when a passenger leaves the seat. The indicator indicates a location of the seat when activated. |
| US08896451B2 |
Beetle sensing device and method of use
Improved beam-interruption type pest detection devices adaptable to mounting on known pest traps utilizing a focused reflective optical sensor providing reduced clogging risk, increased sensitivity, increased sensing consistency and reduced energy consumption, and which can be electronically networked providing improved pest detection, analysis, and management. |
| US08896448B2 |
Method and apparatus for mapping radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to network addresses
An approach is provided for mapping a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to a network routable address. |
| US08896444B1 |
System and method for casino table operation
A system includes a gaming table, at least one light sensor, an electronic system, and a central computer. The gaming table includes a tabletop covered by a fabric. The at least one light sensor is positioned in proximity to a player position at the gaming table. In addition, the at least one light sensor is positioned beneath the fabric to detect light intensity through the fabric. The electronic system is communicably coupled to the at least one light sensor. Furthermore, the electronic system is operable to detect changes in light intensity at the at least one light sensor. The central computer is communicably coupled to the electronic system. Additionally, the central computer is operable to perform at least one operation based on a status of the at least one light sensor. |
| US08896443B2 |
Devices and methods for detecting environmental circumstances and responding with designated communication actions
Provided are a wireless communication device and a communication device control method that include a set of templates corresponding to a plurality of potential environmental circumstances. The templates may be stored in a database in the computer readable memory of the communication device. At predetermined intervals, a suite of environmental sensors integral to the communication device may periodically sample the user's environment. The user's environmental circumstances may be derived or inferred by an analysis module based on the output of the suite of environmental sensors and then may be compared to the templates to determine a matching template. An action script is then executed based at least partially on the matching template which may include the contacting of a responding party. |
| US08896440B2 |
Event-triggered dynamic landmark creation system and method
An event-triggered dynamic landmark creation system includes a management system and tracking devices attached to mobile objects. Each tracking device is configured to wirelessly transmit information pertaining to current time, identification and location of tracking devices, and status of mobile objects. The management system is configured to wirelessly communicate with each tracking device and is operable: to receive information transmitted from each tracking device; in response to occurrence of an initial event respecting status of a first mobile object, to create a non-physical dynamic landmark about the first mobile object relative to location of a first tracking device attached thereto; and in response to occurrence of successive subsequent events respecting location of a second tracking device attached to a second mobile object, to record a visit of the second mobile object within the dynamic landmark about the location of the first mobile. |
| US08896438B2 |
Mobile surveillance
In some embodiments, a technique for logging an item encountered by a mobile device comprises automatically detecting an item in an uncontrolled environment, extracting an identity associated with the item, logging an encounter, wherein the encounter includes the identity, and deleting the encounter after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, wherein the encounter is not marked as relevant. |
| US08896435B2 |
Systems and methods for automated monitoring with flexible operator control
A monitoring service is described that allows flexible response through operators taken from a group of chosen individuals. When an alarm state is triggered the chosen individuals may act collaboratively as operators to manage alarm conditions for a particular user. |
| US08896432B2 |
Cooperative event data record system and method
A cooperative event data record system includes an in-car system working cooperatively with a communication system. The in-car system has a communication module, a cooperative event record processing unit and an impact determination module. The cooperative event record processing unit connects to the communication module, the impact determination module and an event data record unit. The impact determination module transmits a signal to the cooperative event record processing unit. The communication module transmits a request from the cooperative event record processing unit to a communication module element of the communication system, and receives a response from the communication module element. According to the response, the cooperative event record processing unit stores at least a video data to the event data record unit, or retrieves video data from the event data record unit. |
| US08896426B1 |
Graphical user interface for programming universal remote control devices
A universal remote control (URC) is programmed to control a particular type and make of electronic consumer device using a graphical user interface. A plurality of images is displayed on the user interface. Each image of the plurality of images is a digital photograph of an electronic consumer device or a remote control device usable to control the corresponding electronic consumer device. A user selects the digital photograph of the particular type and make of electronic consumer device or its corresponding remote control device. Codeset information associated with the selected device is transmitted to the URC such that the URC is programmed to control the selected device. If the codeset information is a codeset identifier, then it is displayed on the user interface. The user enters the codeset identifier into the URC such that the URC is programmed to control the selected device. |
| US08896424B2 |
Dosing system and method for the dosing of a medium
A dosing system and a method for dosing a medium, having a dosing control unit (4), at least one exchangeable container (2) containing a medium to be dosed, and a dosing valve (3, 3′) that can be connected to the container (2), wherein at least one part of the dosing valve (3, 3′) that comes into contact with the medium is designed as an exchangeable system component (7, 10) and has a machine-readable code for identification purposes, wherein at least one container (2), as an exchangeable system component (2), has a machine-readable code for identification purposes, wherein the exchangeable parts (2, 7, 10, 19) that come into contact with the medium are designed as disposable parts, and wherein the dosing control unit (4) is connected with a communication unit (5) to read the codes, and wherein the communication unit (5) has a unique read connection (22) to each exchangeable system component (2, 7, 10, 19) or its code. |
| US08896423B2 |
Physiological sensor system with automatic authentication and validation by means of a Radio Frequency Identification protocol with an integrated RFID interrogator system
This invention relates to a physiological sensor which acquires pre-programmed data from an electrode or an electrode array using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The source of the sensor may be authenticated by means of a wireless interface between an RFID transponder affixed to the electrode array, and an RFID interrogator embedded in the patient interface cable. The criteria for use are then verified to ensure that they are met by the electrode array before beginning signal acquisition. If the criteria are not met, a message is provided to the user via the monitor. |
| US08896420B2 |
RFID tag, operating method of RFID tag and operating method between RFID tag and RFID reader
An RFID tag including a transmitting/receiving unit, a memory and a control unit. A first identification code, a second identification code, a password, and a set of data are stored in the memory. If the set of data is under protection, the set of data is accessible only when a verification procedure corresponding to the password is successfully performed. If the transmitting/receiving unit receives a request for accessing the second identification code, the control unit shall check whether the request includes the first identification code. As long as the checking result of the control unit is yes, even if the set of data is under protection and the verification procedure fails or the verification procedure is not successfully performed, the control unit shall still transmit the second identification code via the transmitting/receiving unit. |
| US08896416B1 |
Utilizing a mobile device to operate an electronic locking mechanism
One or more media is provided for performing a method of operating an electronic locking mechanism. Initially, a request from a requesting mobile device is received at a computing device via a sensing device. The request includes an identifier utilized in an initial validation sequence having the following steps: identifying a device identity according to the identifier, transmitting the device identity with a request that a message be communicated to a target mobile device, and determining validation data. Upon receiving the request, a communications network identifies the target mobile device, based on the device identity, and communicates a message with validation data therein. The mobile device conveys authentication information to the computing device, where the authentication information is based on the validation data. The computing device compares the authentication information against the determined validation data to determine whether the targeted mobile device is authorized to operate the electronic locking mechanism. |
| US08896414B2 |
Updating scenes in remote controllers of a home control system
The invention relates to synchronizing settings in a home control system such as settings for lighting scenes in a lighting system with a plurality of light units. A basic idea of the invention is to synchronize settings such as lighting scene settings in a home control system with a network of devices such as light units and multiple control devices for controlling the network devices. An embodiment of the invention provides a device (Sync) for synchronizing settings in a home control system comprising a memory (12) for storing settings of one or more of devices (L1-L9) of the home control system, a communication unit (14) for receiving signals (16) from and transmitting signals (18) to control devices (RC3-RC 4) of the home control system, and a processor (10) for synchronizing stored settings in the home control system upon receipt of a signal (16) from a control device (RC3, RC4) of the home control system by transmitting a synchronization signal (18). Thus, all control devices may have access to all settings. Particularly, a user may control all settings with one control devices and does not have to remember which settings are stored in which control device. |
| US08896413B2 |
System and method for interactive appliance control
A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance. |
| US08896408B2 |
Composite resistors
A composite resistor includes a thin film resistor element having a first temperature coefficient of resistance and a metal resistor element having a second temperature coefficient of resistance. A portion of the metal resistor element overlaps a portion of the thin film resistor element such that the portion of the metal resistor element is in thermal communication with the portion of the thin film resistor element to compensate for a resistance drift arising during operation of the composite resistor. |
| US08896401B1 |
Calibration and tuning using compact multi frequency-range impedance tuners
A calibration and impedance synthesis method applies to automatic multi frequency-range electro-mechanical impedance tuner which cover frequencies from a low megahertz to a high gigahertz range; this is possible by cascading a high frequency tuner module with one or two low frequency tuner modules; the low frequency module(s) are made using either “variable phase shifter-capacitor” or “multi-capacitor-transmission line tuner” structures. The high frequency module is a single, double or triple probe slide screw tuner, with the individual probes covering adjacent frequency bands. Calibration is measuring S-parameters of each tuner module on a VNA, cascading in memory and saving in cal-files. Tuning employs search routines in calibration data base targeting the closest calibrated point versus a user defined impedance. |
| US08896399B2 |
Acoustic wave device and module including a dielectric film with an inclined upper surface
An acoustic wave device includes: a substrate; a dielectric film formed on the substrate; opposing comb-shaped electrodes located between the substrate and the dielectric film, each of the opposing comb-shaped electrodes including an electrode finger, wherein at least one of the substrate and the dielectric film is a piezoelectric substance, an upper surface of the dielectric film, which is located above a gap between a tip of an electrode finger of one of the opposing comb-shaped electrodes and the other of the opposing comb-shaped electrodes, is inclined against an upper surface of the substrate in an extension direction of the electrode finger, and an inclination angle of the upper surface of the dielectric film against the upper surface of the substrate is equal to or larger than 30° and equal to or smaller than 50°. |
| US08896397B2 |
Surface acoustic wave device and method of adjusting LC component of surface acoustic wave device
A surface acoustic wave device comprises a piezoelectric substrate (1), at least one inter-digital transducers (IDT) (2) provided on the piezoelectric substrate, at least one elongated electrode pad (4) electrically connected to the IDT, and at least one stud bump (5) disposed on the electrode pad such that an LC component of the surface acoustic wave device has a predetermined value. |
| US08896390B2 |
Circuit of inductance/capacitance (LC) voltage-control oscillator
A circuit of inductance/capacitance (LC) voltage control oscillator (VCO) includes an LC VCO unit, a peak detector and a processing unit. The LC VCO unit receives a current control signal and outputs an oscillating voltage signal. The peak detector receives the oscillating voltage signal to obtain an averaged voltage value. The processing unit receives the averaged voltage value to accordingly output the current control signal and feedback to the LC VCO unit. The processing unit also detects whether or not the averaged voltage value has reached to a saturation state and a corresponding critical current. After the current control signal reaches to the critical current, the current control signal is set within a variance range near the critical current. |
| US08896383B2 |
Enhanced pulse frequency modulation (PFM) control mode for switching regulators
A variable supply rail generator is described. The variable supply rail generator includes a regulator configured to use an estimated load current for a power amplifier to optimize efficiency. The variable supply rail generator also includes a power amplifier controller. The power amplifier controller provides the estimated load current to the regulator. |
| US08896380B2 |
High frequency amplifier
A high frequency amplifier is characterized wherein a power amplification element and at least one of temperature compensation elements are adjacently provided on a first semiconductor layer, a first wiring pattern connected to the power amplification element, a second wiring pattern connected to the temperature compensation element, and a ground electrode are provided on at least one of second semiconductor layers existing in layers different from the first semiconductor layer, and the ground electrode is formed on the second semiconductor layer corresponding to a region that substantially projects a crevice part on which the temperature compensation element and the power amplification element are provided, on the same plane as the first semiconductor element. |
| US08896377B1 |
Apparatus for common mode suppression
An apparatus is provided that includes first and second ICs configured to communicate using a plurality of differential signal lines. The apparatus includes a common mode suppression circuit having a plurality of common mode voltage adjustment circuits, each configured to provide a low impedance path for common mode signals and a high impedance path for differential AC signaling, thereby suppressing the effect of common mode transients between the voltage domains. The plurality of common mode voltage adjustment circuits each have components that are impedance matched up to an impedance-tolerance specification. The common mode suppression circuit also includes an AC coupling circuit configured to be less dependent on impedance mismatch, beyond the impedance-tolerance specification, by cross coupling the impedance differentials from each of the differential signal lines through the AC coupling circuit and to one of the common mode voltage adjustment circuits. |
| US08896375B2 |
Efficiency improved envelope amplifier using dual switching amplifiers
Provided is a hybrid envelope amplifier having improved efficiency, and more particularly, to an envelope amplifier using a dual switching amplifier and having improved efficiency in which power consumption is reduced by controlling a switching current of a switching region according to a magnitude of an envelope input signal, thereby improving efficiency compared to a conventional hybrid envelope amplifier. The envelope amplifier using a dual switching amplifier and having improved efficiency comprises a linear amplifier and a switching amplifier, wherein the switching amplifier includes two or more switching stages that are selectively operated according to a magnitude of an input signal. |
| US08896373B2 |
Wideband Doherty amplifier network
The present invention is directed to an amplifier system that includes a main amplifier configured to amplify and a peak amplifier that operates only in a high power mode. An impedance matching network is coupled to at least the peak power amplifier. An impedance transformation device is coupled to at least a portion of the impedance matching network. The impedance transformation device is configured as a balun in the high power mode. The balun includes a first input and second input coupled to the main amplifier and the peak amplifier respectively. The impedance transformation device is configured as an unbalanced line impedance transformer in the low power mode because the predetermined output impedance substantially grounds the second input. The Doherty device is characterized by an impedance transformation ratio of at least 4:1 and a relative bandwidth greater than or equal to 40%. |
| US08896371B2 |
Reconfigurable high-order integrated circuit filters
Voltage and current mode reconfigurable nth-order filters (RNOFs), fabricated in a 0.18 μm CMOS process, utilize an inverse-follow-the-leader-feedback (IFLF) signal path with summed outputs, resulting in a follow-the-leader-feedback-summed-outputs (FLF-SO) filter topology. The FLF-SO filter uses multi-output current amplifiers (CAs). Inverse-follow-the-leader-feedback-summed-outputs (IFLF-SO) and inverse-follow-the-leader-feedback-distributed-outputs (IFLF-DI) structures are realized by employing 3n+4 transconductance amplifiers (TCAs) for voltage mode processing and two TCAs for current mode signals. A plurality of programmable current division networks (CDNs) tune a digitally controlled current follower (DCCF). A multi-output Digitally Controlled Current Amplifier (MDCCA) controls gain by providing independent filter coefficient control. Forward path output gains are set to unity. Alternatively, a multi-output digitally controlled CCII block (MDCCCII) uses CCII in the first stage. Such filters provide independent tuning of both numerator as well as denominator coefficients and are reconfigurable without the need of switches due to CDNs setting undesired output current to zero. |
| US08896368B2 |
Method for modulating the impedance of an antenna circuit
An electromagnetic transponder includes an antenna circuit, a load, and a charge pump transistor having a current path coupled between the antenna circuit and the load. During operation, a retromodulated signal is transmitted at a first level by biasing the charge pump transistor during a first time period such that an impedance of the antenna circuit has a first impedance value and current flows from the antenna circuit to the load. A retromodulated signal at a second level is transmitted by biasing the charge pump transistor during a second time period such that the impedance of the antenna circuit has a second impedance value different than the first impedance value and current flows from the antenna circuit to the load. The retromodulated signals are transmitted at the first and second levels in a sequence determined to transmit information from the electromagnetic transponder. |
| US08896366B2 |
Internal voltage generation circuit of semiconductor device and method for operating the same
A semiconductor device includes a power supply voltage level/slope detection unit configured to detect a level of a power supply voltage and a slope of a power supply voltage curve, and output a power supply voltage level/slope detection signal, a pumping voltage detection unit configured to detect a level of a pumping voltage based on a reference pumping level to output a pumping detection signal, an oscillation signal generation unit configured to generate an oscillation signal in response to the pumping detection signal and the power supply voltage level/slope detection signal, and a pumping unit configured to generate the pumping voltage by performing a charge pumping operation in response to the oscillation signal. |
| US08896365B2 |
Semiconductor switch having reverse voltage application circuit and power supply device including the same
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor switch includes a main element including a switching element and an antiparallel diode, and a reverse voltage application circuit. The reverse voltage application circuit includes an auxiliary electric-power supply, a high-speed free wheeling diode, an auxiliary element, and a capacitor. The high-speed free wheeling diode comprises a plurality of diodes connected in series. |
| US08896364B2 |
Reliability in semiconductor device control
A gate control device for a semiconductor device includes at least one power supply module, at least one optical communication interface for receiving optical signals from two valve control units and converting them to electric signals for supply to a corresponding power supply module, where in normal operations mode one valve control unit is an active valve control unit and the other is a standby valve control unit, where the optical signal of an active unit energizes the gate control device and provides semiconductor device controlling data, a semiconductor device control module and a reliability control module that performs selection of active valve control unit. |
| US08896357B2 |
Integrated processor and CDR circuit
A system may include a clock and data recovery circuit that includes one or more analog components. The system may also include a digital control circuit configured to control the clock and data recovery circuit. The digital control circuit and the clock and data recovery circuit may be formed on a single substrate. |
| US08896356B1 |
Ramp control with programmable parameters
A ramp output control device includes a driver configured to receive at least two inputs from a microcontroller. The driver includes a time duration register configured to store a current clock count until a preset time duration is reached. The driver also includes a ramp output register configured to store a current output value at an output of the device. The driver also includes a calculation block configured to determine whether to increase the current output value at the output based on the at least two inputs. |
| US08896353B2 |
Method and apparatus for constant output impedance, variable pre-emphasis drive
A population of drivers is provided in parallel to a driver output and a population of pre-emphasis path drivers is provided in parallel to the driver output. The population of drivers is updated and the population of pre-emphasis path drivers is updated in an inverse relation to the updating of the population of pre-emphasis path drivers. Optionally, the population of drivers has an initial value of n and the population of pre-emphasis path drivers has an initial value of m, and the sum of n and m is P. Optionally, the updated population of n is n′ and the updated population of m is m′, and n′ is approximately equal to P−m′. |
| US08896350B2 |
Sampling circuit and sampling method
A sampling circuit and a sampling method are provided, where the sampling circuit includes a first delay chain, a second delay chain, and a half-speed binary-phase detector. The first delay chain is used to delay an input signal according to an up signal and a down signal, so as to generate a first delay signal; and the second delay chain is used to delay the first delay signal according to a preset delay value, so as to generate a second delay signal. The half-speed binary-phase detector is used to sample a data signal according to edge trigger of the first delay signal and that of the second delay signal, and generate an output signal, an up signal, and a down signal according to a sampling result of the data signal. |
| US08896346B1 |
Self-modifying FPGA for anti-tamper applications
A self-modifying FPGA system includes an FPGA and a configuration memory coupled to the FPGA for providing the FPGA with configuration data including SAFE configuration data and dormant configuration data. The SAFE configuration data is initially loaded to the FPGA and the FPGA is configured to a safe operating mode. Upon a determination to proceed to a next step of self modification, dormant configuration data contained in the configuration memory is loaded into the FPGA and the FPGA is configured to a secure operating mode. |
| US08896341B2 |
Integrated circuit device, calibration module, and method therefor
An integrated circuit device comprising at least one calibration module for calibrating an impedance of at least one on-die interconnect line driver in order to adaptively match an impedance between the at least one on-die interconnect line driver and at least one on-die interconnect line conjugated thereto. The at least one calibration module is arranged to receive an indication of an output signal of the at least one line driver, compare the received indication of an output signal to a reference signal and detect a presence or an absence of a voltage overshoot of the output signal of the at least one line driver, and upon detection of a presence or an absence of a voltage overshoot of the output signal of the at least one line driver, cause the adjustment of power supply of the at least one line driver, to be decreased or increased correspondingly. |
| US08896339B2 |
Method for testing semiconductor wafer
A semiconductor wafer includes semiconductor chips divided by a dicing line, one of the semiconductor chips including terminals of an identical potential; a wiring located on the dicing line, and electrically connecting the terminals to each other; and a pad electrically connected through the wiring to the terminals, wherein the pad is located entirely on the semiconductor chip and is not present on the dicing line. |
| US08896336B2 |
Testing techniques for through-device vias
Techniques for testing an electronic device with through-device vias can include using a probe card assembly with probes for contacting connection structures of the electronic device including ends of through-device vias of the electronic device. A pair of the probes can be electrically connected in the probe card assembly and can thus contact and form a direct return loop from one through-device via to another through-device via of a pair of the through-device vias with which the pair of probes is in contact. The electronic device can include test circuitry for driving a test signal onto the one of the through-device vias and a receiver for detecting the test signal on the other of the through-device vias. |
| US08896334B2 |
System for measuring soft starter current and method of making same
A system for measuring soft starter current includes a current monitoring system including a controller and a current transfer device that includes a first thyristor and a first conductor coupled to the first thyristor and configured to convey a first current flowing through the first thyristor, wherein the first current includes current flowing through the first thyristor when the first thyristor is in an off state. The system also includes a first current sensor configured to sense the first current and a first current measurement circuit coupled to the first current sensor and coupleable to the controller and configured to output a first output value to the controller representative of the first current flowing through the first thyristor. The controller is configured to determine an impending inoperability of the first thyristor based on the first current and alert a user if the first current indicates the impending inoperability. |
| US08896333B2 |
Automatic test equipment control device
A shutdown apparatus and method for use in conjunction with automatic test equipment (ATE) is provided. A unit under test (UUT) is inserted into an ATE receiver that couples the UUT to at least one electronic device during test and extracted from the ATE receiver after test. The shutdown apparatus comprises an electro-mechanical interface that inserts the UUT into the receiver prior to test and extracts the UUT from the receiver after test A shutdown module is coupled to the electronic device and to the electro-mechanical interface and connects the electronic device to the receiver after insertion of the UUT into the receiver and disconnects the electronic device from the receiver prior to extraction of the UUT from the receiver. |
| US08896327B2 |
Current mirror self-capacitance measurement
In one embodiment, a method includes applying a first current to a capacitance of a touch sensor. The application of the first current to the capacitance for a first amount of time modifies the voltage at the capacitance from the reference voltage level to a first pre-determined voltage level. The method also includes applying a second current to an integration capacitor. The second current is proportional to the first current. The application of the second current to the integration capacitor for the first amount of time modifies the voltage at the integration capacitor from the reference voltage level to a first charging voltage level. The method also includes determining whether a touch input to the touch sensor has occurred based on the first charging voltage level. |
| US08896326B2 |
Occupant detection and classification system
An occupant detection system includes a controller, a sensing electrode, and a shield electrode, the electrodes disposed in a vehicle seat. The controller is electrically coupled to the sensing electrode and shield electrode by a sensing circuit. The controller is configured to send an input signal to the sensing electrode, the shield electrode, or both and measures current, impedance, or capacitance values to determine the presence of an object on the seat, to classify the object, or both. |
| US08896311B2 |
Measurement device and measurement method
A measuring instrument and a measurement method which measures, using magnetic resonance, images such as a functional image, a morphologic image of an object to be measured eliminate the influences of the moving speed of the object to be measured during moving, thereby obtaining a precise measured image. The instrument comprises: the first and second external magnetic field generation devices which generate magnetic fields for exciting the magnetic resonance of a mouse (M) as a living body to be measured; a turntable which rotates and moves the mouse (M) as an object to be measured, thereby moving the mouse (M) in the magnetic fields of the first and second external magnetic field generation devices; an OMRI measurement processing unit and an MRI measurement processing unit which obtain measured image signals within the mouse (M) by phase encoding while applying a gradient magnetic field in the moving direction (y) of the mouse (M) without stopping during the movement by the turntable; and a measured signal correction unit which corrects the measured image signal (S (k., ky)), thereby obtaining a corrected image signal (S′ (k., ky)) wherein influence of movement in y-direction is corrected. |
| US08896308B2 |
Self-shielded gradient coil
Gradient coil assemblies for horizontal magnetic resonance imaging systems (MRIs) and methods of their manufacture. Some embodiments may be used with open MRIs and can be used with an instrument placed in the gap of the MRI. In general, concentrations of conductors or radially oriented conductors may be moved away from the gap of the MRI so as to reduce eddy currents that may be induced in any instrument placed within the gap. Systems for directly cooling primary gradient and shield coils may be utilized and various coil supporting structures may be used to assist in coil alignment or to facilitate use of an instrument in the MRI gap. |
| US08896305B2 |
Permanent or variable alternating magnetic field circulation sensor, and current sensor implementing such a sensor
A permanent or variable magnetic field circulation sensor including apparatus for magnetic excitation further including at least one elongated excitation coil extending around an elongated supple magnetic core and including a supple magnetic material with low relative magnetic permeability having a supple or flexible matrix in which magnetic particles are dispersed, an excitation current generation unit coupled to the excitation coil to generate an excitation magnetic field in the core over substantially the entire length of the coil, apparatus for measurement including: at least one magnetic measuring transducer magnetically coupled to the apparatus for magnetic excitation, a measuring unit connected to the magnetic measuring transducer and suitable for providing a measurement of magnetic field circulation in the core. |
| US08896303B2 |
Low offset vertical Hall device and current spinning method
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a vertical Hall-effect device. The device includes at least two supply terminals arranged to supply electrical energy to the first Hall-effect region; and at least one Hall signal terminal arranged to provide a first Hall signal from the first Hall-effect region. The first Hall signal is indicative of a magnetic field which is parallel to the surface of the semiconductor substrate and which acts on the first Hall-effect region. One or more of the at least two supply terminals or one or more of the at least one Hall signal terminal comprises a force contact and a sense contact. |
| US08896301B2 |
Portable electronic device adapted to compensate for gyroscope bias
According to one aspect, there is provided a method for compensating for gyroscope bias on a portable electronic device having a gyroscope, and at least one of an accelerometer and a magnetometer. The method includes determining a first attitude matrix and a second attitude matrix using data from the accelerometer and the magnetometer, determining a difference between the first attitude matrix and the second attitude matrix, estimating a rotational velocity based on the difference between the first attitude matrix and the second attitude matrix, and compensating for an output from the gyroscope to generate a compensated output that compensates for the gyroscope bias using the estimated rotational velocity. |
| US08896298B2 |
Rotation detection device and manufacturing method for the same
A rotation detector component detects a rotational state of a rotor and sends a rotational detection signal. A signal transmission component is electrically connected with a lead frame of the rotation detector component to transmit the rotational detection signal to an external device. A body portion holds the rotation detector component and a part of the signal transmission component. The body portion is integrally molded of a first resin to cover a joint portion between the lead frame and the signal transmission component, the rotation detector component, and a part of the signal transmission component. The rotation detector component has corners including at least two exposed corners, which are exposed from the body portion. |
| US08896296B2 |
Relative angle sensing device with a hinged cable harness component
A hinged electric cable harness component is provided for use with a relative angle sensing device that has a sensor that is contained in a housing that includes a communication hole. The hinged electric cable harness component includes an electric cable holding member that is fitted with the communication hole of the housing and holds an electric cable. The hinged electric cable harness component also includes an outer component that is arranged at a position outside the electric cable holding member in the communication hole of the housing, and that has, at inside thereof, a penetration hole through which the electric cable passes. The outer component has a pair of opening and closing components that is joined by a hinge and opens and closes the penetration hole by relative rotation. |
| US08896295B2 |
Magnetic field sensor having multiple sensing elements and a programmable misalignment adjustment device for misalignment detection and correction in current sensing and other applications
A sensor with multiple magnetic field sensing elements for use in current sensing and other applications is presented. The sensor includes an arrangement of two or more magnetic field sensing elements to sense magnetic field associated with a target. The sensor further includes circuitry to generate a sensor output signal based on sensing of at least one of the magnetic field sensing elements of the arrangement. Also included is a programmable misalignment adjustment block to control the circuitry to generate the output signal with compensation for misalignment between the sensor and the target. The programmable misalignment adjustment block can be programmed to select measurement of one of the two or more magnetic field sensing elements, or alternatively, a mathematical combination of measurements of the two or more magnetic field sensing elements, for generating the sensor output signal when a test of the sensor indicates a misalignment. |
| US08896289B2 |
Circuit and method of signal detection
A circuit includes an input stage, a comparison stage, and a calibration stage. The input stage is configured to receive a first input signal, to generate a first reference signal, and to generate a second reference signal. The comparison stage is configured to generate a first comparison output signal in response to the first reference signal and a third reference signal and to generate a second comparison output signal in response to the second reference signal and a fourth reference signal. The calibration stage is configured to generate a detection signal responsive to the presence of the first comparison output signal and the second comparison output signal having a signal frequency within a predetermined frequency band. |
| US08896287B2 |
Cable identification using a unique signal carried on an external conductor
A cable identification system is provided. The cable identification system includes a cable having a plurality of conductors with an electrical connector secured to at least one end. All but one of the conductors are enclosed in a shield conductor. The remaining additional conductor is positioned external to the outer surface of the shield conductor. The electrical connector is adapted to connect the plurality of conductors to a mating connector. The cable identification system further includes a signal generator adapted to connect the electrical connector to the mating connector. The signal generator is configured to generate and transmit a unique signal over the additional conductor in the cable. The cable identification system further includes a portable device configured to detect the unique signal when positioned adjacent the cable at any point along the cable. |
| US08896284B2 |
DC-DC converter using internal ripple with the DCM function
A DC-DC converter, having an input voltage and an output voltage, includes an inductor and a switch switching the input voltage to an input side of the inductor, where a feedback path controlling initiation of closing the switch includes capacitive coupling of the voltage at the input side of the inductor. |
| US08896283B2 |
Synchronous switching power converter with zero current detection, and method thereof
The synchronous switching power converter comprises an inductor; a down bridge transistor; and a zero current detection circuit comprising a zero current comparator for receiving a fixed comparing level at a negative input end for comparison to change state of a comparing result; a delay unit, for delaying the comparing result to change state of a turn off signal according to a compensation voltage, to turn off the down bridge transistor when determining current on the inductor is zero; a transient state adjusting circuit for indicating a transient period when detecting state of the turn off signal is changed; and an integrator for integrating the compensation voltage by analog manner to adjust value of the compensation voltage and providing to the delay unit within the transient period; wherein the zero current comparator determines the integrator to integrate positively or negatively within the transient period. |
| US08896277B2 |
Voltage regulator
Provided is a voltage regulator including a soft-start circuit having a small area and capable of suppressing an inrush current by causing a reference voltage circuit to rise gently with time. In the soft-start circuit, a capacitor is connected to an output of a reference voltage circuit driven by a constant current of a constant current circuit, and hence the soft-start circuit can raise a reference voltage gently to prevent an inrush current with a small area. After the end of a soft-start period, the constant current circuit is disconnected, and the reference voltage circuit is driven by a power source. Thus, the operation becomes stable. |
| US08896276B1 |
Boost-buck DC-DC converter
A DC-DC converter, capable of operation in either a boost or buck mode, includes a voltage source connected to an input switch through an inductive element such that a closed loop is formed. The DC-DC converter includes a switching network that receives one or more clock signals from an external clock source. The switching network has a first terminal connected to the inductive element, a second terminal connected to a first capacitor, and a third terminal connected to a second capacitor, wherein the switching network enables charging of the first capacitor and the second capacitor based on one or more clock signals such that the first capacitor and the second capacitor are charged alternately. The DC-DC converter includes a filter connected to a fourth terminal of the switching network, wherein the first capacitor and the second capacitor discharge alternately based on the one or more clock signals through the filter. |
| US08896273B2 |
Battery apparatus for controlling plural batteries and control method of plural batteries
Lower order control devices control plural battery cells configuring plural battery modules. An input terminal of the low order control device in the highest potential, an output terminal of the low order control device in the lowest potential, and a high order control device are connected by isolating units, photocouplers. Diodes which prevent a discharge current of the battery cells in the battery modules are disposed between the output terminal of the low order control device and the battery cells in the battery module on the low potential side. Terminals related to input/output of a signal are electrically connected without isolating among the plural low order control devices. |
| US08896268B2 |
Charge/discharge control circuit and battery assembly
There is provided a charge/discharge control circuit and a battery assembly including an accurate overcurrent protecting circuit with low consumption current characteristics. The charge/discharge control circuit comprises a current protecting circuit including: a reference voltage circuit having a reference transistor for detecting overcurrent flowing through a control transistor to turn it on, and a constant current circuit; and a comparison circuit for comparing voltage on the reference voltage circuit with voltage generated by overcurrent flowing through the control transistor, wherein when no overcurrent flows, the electric current flowing through the reference voltage circuit is interrupted to reduce power consumption. |
| US08896267B2 |
Charging control device, vehicle including the same and charging control method
A charging schedule creation unit creates a charging schedule of a power storage device by an external power supply. A charging control unit executes charging control of the power storage device in accordance with the charging schedule. A condition determination unit turns on a charging continuation flag to be output to the charging control unit when a predetermined charging continuation permitting condition holds in the case where charging is not completed in accordance with the charging schedule. When the charging continuation flag is on, the charging control unit executes charging control such that charging is continued even after a charging end timing in accordance with the charging schedule. |
| US08896262B2 |
Transportable electricity generation unit and method for generating electricity using said unit
This invention relates to a transportable electricity generation unit (30) suitable to supply electric power to an external load (51). Said electricity generation unit (30) comprises: a photovoltaic generation unit (1) and/or an aerogenerator generating a first electric power (P1), a water electrolyzer (4) connected to said photovoltaic generation unit (1) and/or aerogenerator, said electrolyzer being capable of producing hydrogen by electrolysis of water; a tank (3) to store the hydrogen deriving from said electrolysis of water; a fuel cell unit (2) fed with the hydrogen produced by said electrolyzer (4) or stored in said tank (3), said fuel cell (2) generating a second electric power (P2), a battery accumulator unit (5); an electronic power control device (8) comprising means for controlling the flow of said first electric power (P1) and said second and third electric power (P2, P3) to said external load (51), controlling the flow of said first electric power (P1) to said water electrolyzer (4), and for controlling production and storage of hydrogen. |
| US08896253B2 |
Control circuit for fan
A control circuit for a fan includes a fan controller, a switch controller, and a frequency detector. When a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal output pin of the fan controller outputs PWM signals, the frequency detector outputs a high level signal, connecting an input pin of the switch controller to an output pin of the switch controller. The fan receives the PWM signal. When the PWM signal output pin of the fan controller does not output PWM signals, the frequency detector outputs a low level signal, such that the output pin of the switch controller does not output any signal. In this state, the fan receives a high level signal through a resistor and a power supply, enabling the fan to continue operating. |
| US08896251B2 |
Self-diagnostics within power electronics
This disclosure relates to diagnosing a power electronic device by itself and extending the diagnostics to an electric machine coupled with the power electronic device and deployed at an operational site. The power electronic device can power and control the electric machine. The diagnostics can include testing the status of the power electronic device, and monitoring hardware changes in the electric machine. The diagnostics can be performed within the power electronic device on demand, periodically, or both. In some instances, the self-diagnostics can evaluate whether components are defective or wired incorrectly, characterized by wrong inductance, and/or resistance, for example. In some implementations, the power electronic device includes a digital signal processing unit for the self-diagnostics and a data record system for recording and troubleshooting errors related to load performance and/or parameters. |
| US08896250B2 |
Methods to avoid a single point of failure
A method to avoid a single point of failure in a system that includes at least two monitoring devices, at least two power supplies and a switching device coupled between the monitoring devices and the power supplies. The method includes performing a test that can determine if two monitoring devices are receiving power from the power supply, generating an error code and varying a position of one or more switches in a switching device based on the error code. |
| US08896241B2 |
Controlled motion system
A controlled motion system having a plurality of movers controlled as they travel along both smart and simple sections of a track. The controlled motion system comprises a control system for controlling the speed of a mover as it travels along a simple section, and permits the pitch or distance between movers to increase or decrease as they travel along a simple section. In a preferred embodiment the controlled motion system includes at least one coupling feature having a driving feature on a simple section for engaging and operably driving a driven feature on each mover such that positive control of each mover is maintained throughout its transition from a smart section to a simple section. |
| US08896232B2 |
Wireless lighting control system
A lighting device includes a DC/DC power converter, a controller/processor electrically connected to the DC/DC power converter, a light emitting diode (LED) current control circuit communicably coupled to the controller/processor and electrically connected to the DC/DC power converter, and two or more LEDs comprising at least a first color LED and a second color LED electrically connected to the LED current control circuit. The LED current control circuit provides an on/off signal having a cycle time to each LED in response to one or more control signals received from the controller/processor such that the two or more LEDs produce a blended light having a specified color based on how long each LED is turned ON and/or OFF during the cycle time. |
| US08896231B2 |
Systems and methods of applying bleed circuits in LED lamps
A bleed circuit is applied to a transformer based on a bleed-on time and a bleed-off time determined by monitoring an output voltage waveform of the transformer. |
| US08896228B2 |
Light emitting diode circuits for general lighting
Improved circuits minimize, or eliminate, energy losses in the supply of energy to control LEDs. Diodes and a capacitor reduce or eliminate LED blinking, and create smooth and continuous, infinitely variable dimming. The components are added to supply power to each LED during the half of the AC cycle where it would normally be turned off. A first added diode allows an added capacitor to charge during the half cycle that the original diode is turned on, but does not allow the other half cycle to discharge the added capacitor. When the added capacitor is charged enough to turn on the original diode, it stays on throughout the AC cycle. The same relationship exists between the second added diode, the added capacitor and the second original diode. Zener diodes protect the LEDs from voltage surges/spikes by shunting current around LEDs when the voltage exceeds the Zener diode's breakdown voltage. |
| US08896227B2 |
Directly driven high efficiency LED circuit
A system for directly driving light emitting diodes (LEDs). A string of LEDs is coupled across an input voltage and includes a plurality of separate groups of LEDs. Each of a plurality of switches is coupled in parallel with an associated one of the groups of LEDs for controlling current flow through the associated group of LEDs in response to a control signal from a controller circuit. A switch protection circuit is associated with at least one of the switches. The switch protection circuit is configured to place the switch into a conducting state in the event of failure of an LED in the associated group of LEDs. |
| US08896223B2 |
Light emitting diode driving device
A LED driving device comprises a rectification circuit, a holding current circuit and a driving circuit to drive and linearly regulates an illumination brightness of at least one LED by utilizing level variation of current magnitude. The rectification circuit rectifies and outputs a rectified voltage to the holding current circuit and the driving circuit by filtering impulses via a filter after receiving an alternating current voltage. The driving circuit outputs a driving current filtered by a filter capacitor to the LED, and the driving current is sensed by a sensing resistor to allow the holding current circuit outputting a holding current to the rectification circuit such that the whole circuit power can be improved to reduce problems of noise interference and twinkling. |
| US08896222B2 |
Power supply device and luminaire
According to one embodiment, a power supply device includes a rectifying circuit configured to rectify an alternating-current power supply and a power-supply-voltage converting section. The power-supply-voltage converting section includes a plurality of power-supply-voltage converting circuits provided between the rectifying circuit and a plurality of output sections to which loads are respectively connected. Switching elements configured to convert a power supply voltage rectified by the rectifying circuit and supply the power supply voltage to the loads are provided in the plurality of power-supply-voltage converting circuits. The switching elements of the plurality of power-supply-voltage converting circuits are set to at least two different switching frequencies and turned on and off with the respective switching frequencies fixed. |
| US08896221B2 |
Lighting device for semiconductor light emitting element and illumination apparatus including same
A lighting device for a semiconductor light emitting element includes a series circuit of two switching elements which are alternately turned on, the series circuit being connected to a direct current (DC) input power source and a reactance circuit connected between a connection node of the two switching elements and one end of the DC input power source through a capacitor, an output of the reactance circuit being supplied to the semiconductor light emitting element through a rectifier circuit. A dimming operation of the semiconductor light emitting element is performed by varying a ratio of ON periods of the two switching elements. |