Document Document Title
US08929583B2 Multi-function vibration actuator
A multifunction oscillatory actuator which performs acoustic reproduction by an acoustic reproduction section includes a diaphragm having a voice coil attached thereto and performs the occurrence of somesthetic oscillation by a magnetic circuit section having a magnet attached thereto, and in which the acoustic reproduction section and the magnetic circuit section are attached to a housing having a cylindrical shape, such that the magnetic circuit section is supported on an inner wall of the housing by a frame-shaped suspension.
US08929581B2 Headphone apparatus with a writing surface
A headphone apparatus is provided that may include a headphone and a writing surface. The headphone may include a headband, supports, and earpieces. The writing surface may be attached to a portion of the headphone. The writing surface may comprise a surface adapted to be written and erased on repeatedly, such as a dry-erase panel. The headphone apparatus may also include an eraser, which may be adapted to substantially and repeatedly erase what is written on the writing surface. The eraser may be slidably attached to at least a portion of the writing surface. Alternatively, the eraser may be attached to a portion of the headphone and/or the writing surface removably and/or via a flexible material. The headphone apparatus may further include a writing apparatus, which may be attached to a portion of the headphone apparatus and/or the writing surface removably and/or via a flexible material.
US08929578B2 Loudspeaker and electronic devices incorporating same
The invention provides, in some aspects, electronic devices with improved radiators (or “passive drivers”) comprising an elastomerically mounted mass in order to improve sound reproduction fidelity. The mass comprises a component of the device not normally used for such purpose—e.g., a battery—thereby, permitting size reductions while, at the same time, enhancing audio fidelity
US08929576B2 Method for tuning a hearing device using a percentile analysis, and tuning device
High-quality adjustment of a hearing apparatus, and in particular of a hearing aid, is accelerated. In the adjusting method, a percentile analysis is carried out in order to obtain at least one frequency response of the hearing apparatus. Any discrepancy between the frequency response and an intended gain characteristic is determined. The setting of the hearing apparatus is then changed, such that the discrepancy is reduced. In order to check the effect of the setting change, a current frequency response after variation of the setting is determined by providing a constant noise signal or a single sinusoidal sweep at the input of the hearing apparatus and level measurement at the output. This frequency response measurement can be carried out as a second step considerably more quickly than the very precise percentile analysis at the start of the process.
US08929575B2 Hearing enhancement systems and methods
Systems and methods for providing audio content and hearing-enhancement devices are provided. Systems and methods can be tailored to providing audio content to the hearing impaired, and can include evaluating a response profile of a listener; determining preferred ultrasonic signal parameters based on the listener's response profile; configuring an ultrasonic audio system according to the determined ultrasonic signal parameters; and using the ultrasonic audio system to transforming an audio signal into an ultrasonic pressure wave representing the audio signal.
US08929573B2 Powered headset accessory devices
A device for coupling to a connector on an ear cup of a headset includes a mating connector corresponding to the connector of the headset. The mating connector includes a crossover conductor coupled to a first and a second terminal within the mating connector. One or more accessory circuits is provided by the device, including a lamp configured to direct light onto a surface external to the device or a position detection circuit usable to adjust three-dimensional audio signals to account for the direction the user is looking.
US08929568B2 Bandwidth extension of a low band audio signal
Estimation of a high band extension of a low band audio signal includes the following steps: extracting (S1) a set of features of the low band audio signal; mapping (S2) extracted features to at least one high band parameter with generalized additive modeling; frequency shifting (S3) a copy of the low band audio signal into the high band; controlling (S4) the envelope of the frequency shifted copy of the low band audio signal by said at least one high band parameter.
US08929566B2 Audio processing in a portable listening device
The invention relates to a method of processing an audio signal in a portable listening device, the audio signal comprising a low frequency part having an LF-bandwidth ΔfLF and a high-frequency part having a HF-bandwidth ΔfHF. The invention further relates to a listening device and to a listening system. The object of the present invention is to improve performance or save power in a portable listening device. The problem is solved in that the method comprises a) providing an audio input signal consisting of said low frequency part having an LF-bandwidth ΔfLF; b) performing at least one signal processing step on the low frequency part of the audio signal; and c) performing a bandwidth extension process on said low frequency part of the audio signal to generate said high-frequency part of the audio signal, thereby generating or regenerating said audio output signal with a full bandwidth Δffull comprising said LF-bandwidth ΔfLF and said HF-bandwidth ΔfHF. An advantage of this is that power consumption is reduced. The invention may e.g. be used for portable communication device, mobile telephones or listening devices, such as a hearing aids, ear protection devices, headsets, head phones, etc.
US08929565B2 Output phase modulation entrainment containment for digital filters
Method and apparatus for entrainment containment in digital filters using output phase modulation. Phase change is gradually introduced into the acoustic feedback canceller loop to avoid entrainment of the feedback canceller filter. Various embodiments employing different output phase modulation approaches are set forth and time and frequency domain examples are provided. Additional method and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.
US08929564B2 Noise adaptive beamforming for microphone arrays
The subject disclosure is directed towards a noise adaptive beamformer that dynamically selects between microphone array channels, based upon noise energy floor levels that are measured when no actual signal (e.g., no speech) is present. When speech (or a similar desired signal) is detected, the beamformer selects which microphone signal to use in signal processing, e.g., corresponding to the lowest noise channel. Multiple channels may be selected, with their signals combined. The beamformer transitions back to the noise measurement phase when the actual signal is no longer detected, so that the beamformer dynamically adapts as noise levels change, including on a per-microphone basis, to account for microphone hardware differences, changing noise sources, and individual microphone deterioration.
US08929563B2 Wireless power transmission audio system and device on transmitting end and loudspeaker for use in such a system
The transmitter of a wireless power transmission audio system includes: a transmission signal generating section for generating a transmission signal comprised of an RF signal; a first resonant circuit which receives and sends out the transmission signal; a detecting section for sensing a variation in the transmission signal; and a transmission signal adjusting section. The loudspeaker of the system includes: a second resonant circuit for receiving the transmission signal by producing a magnetic field resonant coupling phenomenon; and an audio output section for reproducing the audio signal. At least one of the transmitter and the loudspeaker includes an impedance adjusting section which changes an impedance value on the transmission line of the transmission signal. When the impedance adjusting section changes the impedance value, the transmission signal adjusting section changes the signal waveform of the transmission signal.
US08929561B2 System and method for automated audio mix equalization and mix visualization
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for automatically analyzing, modifying, and mixing a plurality of audio signals. The modification of the audio signals takes place to avoid spectral collisions which occur when more than one signal simultaneously occupies one or more of the same frequency bands. The modifications mask out some signals to allow others to exist unaffected. Also disclosed herein is a method for displaying the identified spectral collisions superimposed on graphical waveform representations of the analyzed signals.
US08929556B2 Audio-signal processing device and method for processing audio signal
An audio-signal processing device that processes an audio signal and supplies the audio signal to an audio output unit includes a characteristic-component extraction unit that extracts at least a high frequency component contained in the audio signal as a characteristic component. The audio signal and the extracted characteristic component are supplied to the audio output unit so that a sound image of the extracted characteristic component is localized closer to a listener than a sound image of the audio signal.
US08929554B2 Secure multi-party communication with quantum key distribution managed by trusted authority
Techniques and tools for implementing protocols for secure multi-party communication after quantum key distribution (“QKD”) are described herein. In example implementations, a trusted authority facilitates secure communication between multiple user devices. The trusted authority distributes different quantum keys by QKD under trust relationships with different users. The trusted authority determines combination keys using the quantum keys and makes the combination keys available for distribution (e.g., for non-secret distribution over a public channel). The combination keys facilitate secure communication between two user devices even in the absence of QKD between the two user devices. With the protocols, benefits of QKD are extended to multi-party communication scenarios. In addition, the protocols can retain benefit of QKD even when a trusted authority is offline or a large group seeks to establish secure communication within the group.
US08929552B2 Electronic information and cryptographic key management system
Systems and methods of electronic information securement. The invention provides for the securement of electrical information and cryptographic keys through cryptographic key management systems providing for the confirmation that one or a plurality of cryptographic keys have been secured to the key management system. Confirmation provided by the key management system enables other systems to perform cryptographic and electronic information functions such as encryption, decryption, saving, and transferring of information. Further systems are provided having at least one client system, at least one cryptographic key management system, and at least one electronic information storage system, whereby the key management system enables functionality of the system after providing securement confirmation of keys and data.
US08929550B2 LPI/LPD communication systems
A node in a first network requests a communication channel from a second network. Upon receiving a channel assignment, nodes in the first network employ the assigned channel for communicating in a manner that is transparent to the second network. A transmitting node selects a decoy data signal as a carrier signal, synthesizes data-bearing channel distortions; and distorts the carrier signal with the channel distortions prior to transmission. An undistorted version of the decoy data may be transmitted to an intended receiver. The receiver distinguishes between the synthesized data-bearing channel distortions and natural channel distortions to decrypt the data. In a MIMO system, the transmitter generates a MIMO precoding matrix from a message to be sent to the receiver and multiplies the decoy data signal vector with the MIMO precoding matrix.
US08929543B2 Enhanced key management for SRNS relocation
A method comprises maintaining, in a first node serving a mobile terminal over a connection protected by at least one first key, said first key and information about the key management capabilities of the mobile terminal. Upon relocation of the mobile terminal to a second node the method includes: if, and only if, said key management capabilities indicate an enhanced key management capability supported by the mobile terminal, modifying, by said first node, the first key, thereby creating a second key, sending, from the first node to the second node, the second key, and transmitting to the second node the information about the key management capabilities of the mobile terminal.
US08929542B2 Cryptographic processing system, key generation device, key delegation device, encryption device, decryption device, cryptographic processing method, and cryptographic processing program
It is an object of this invention to implement a predicate encryption scheme with delegation capability. A cryptographic process is performed using dual vector spaces (dual distortion vector spaces) of a space V and a space V* paired through a pairing operation. An encryption device generates as a cipher vector a vector of the space V, the cipher vector being a vector in which transmission information is embedded. Using a predetermined vector of the space V* as a key vector, a decryption device performs the pairing operation on the cipher vector generated by the encryption device and the key vector to decrypt the cipher vector and to extract information concerning the transmission information. In particular, the encryption device and the decryption device perform the cryptographic process without using some dimensions of the space V and the space V*.
US08929540B2 Information processing apparatus, information recording medium manufacturing apparatus, information recording medium, method, and computer program
To provide a configuration in which a unit classification number corresponding to a content playback path is set based on various units. A unit classification number defining a playback path of content including encrypted data having different variations generated by encrypting a segment portion which forms the content by using a plurality of segment keys and encrypted content generated by encrypting a non-segment portion by a unit key is set based on various units, such as a content management unit and an index. In a CPS unit key file storing key generating information concerning CPS units as content management units, settings of unit classification numbers are indicated. Based on the CPS unit key file, a unit classification number to which content to be played back belongs can be obtained.
US08929535B1 Aural volume feedback in call center
An aural volume feedback system is implemented in a center having a plurality of agents working thereat. Each agent is situated at a work station for being in calling contact with a client. At the work station, a microphone transforms aural speech of the agent into an electrical format, and a volume detector samples the electrical format and generates based on the sampling an instantaneous volume level. The volume detector compares the generated volume level to a predetermined threshold to determine that the agent is speaking excessively loudly, and thereafter outputs a trigger signal. A feedback generator receives the trigger signal, and based thereon generates a feedback to be perceived by the offending agent at the work station, where the perceived feedback hopefully causes the offending agent to reduce the aural volume thereof.
US08929534B1 System, method, and computer readable medium for routing an agent to a preferred communications platform
A system, method, and computer readable medium for routing an agent to a preferred communications platform comprises accessing a server comprising a routing strategy, wherein the routing strategy consists of a site value, a project identification value, a project load value, and an attribute value of the agent, and wherein the site value takes precedent over the project identification value which takes precedent over the project load value which takes precedent over the attribute value of the agent, and routing the agent to the preferred environment based on a result of the routing strategy.
US08929533B2 Peer to peer contact center
A peer to peer contact center is provided by individual user terminals registering with a server which acts as a proxy to receive contacts from callers to the contact center. The server redirects the calls to individual terminals according to simple rules without subjecting the calls to any contact center treatment. The individual terminal receiving a call subjects the call to a contact center treatment while holding the call, and then determines from among the registered terminals the most suitable terminal for handling the call. The call is then transferred to the selected terminal. In this way the complex infrastructure of traditional contact centers is dispensed with and each individual terminal acts as a mini contact centre in respect of the calls distributed to it in a dumb or semi-dumb fashion by the server.
US08929530B1 Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for expedited access to conference calls
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for admitting conferees into a conference call. Methods to achieve the foregoing can comprise: transmitting an admission request from a user of a communications device to a server for admission to a conference call, the admission request including a unique identifier; storing data unique to the communications device in a data store; relaying the unique identifier from the server to the data store; comparing the unique identifier with the data unique to the communications device; and, when the unique identifier and the previously stored data match, connecting the user directly to the conference call which includes bypassing entry of at least one conference pass code by the user.
US08929526B2 Methods for retrieving content in a unified communications environment
Described are a system and method for processing content in a unified communications environment. As part of an electronic communication session between a first party electronic device and at least one second party electronic device, an identifier is received from the first party electronic device at the at least one second party electronic device. A search is performed for collaborative history data at the second party electronic device using the identifier. Data related to the electronic communication session and/or the collaborative history data is presented at the second party electronic device.
US08929522B2 System and method to customize a connection interface for multimodal connection to a telephone number
A system and method for customizing a connection interface that is displayed to a user and provides multiple modes for the user to connect to a telephone number. The multimodal connection interface may be triggered by a GUI event, such as the user selecting or pointing to a telephone number in a displayed web page. The connection interface provides multiple options for the user to connect to the phone number, such as by mobile phone or computer. In some embodiments, the system uses advertiser-defined rules to present a connection interface that includes additional details about the advertiser that is associated with the telephone number. In some embodiments, the system uses publisher-defined rules to present a connection interface that includes information about the advertiser as well as other related businesses.
US08929518B2 Information processing system, message server, and control method and control program thereof
A system according to the present invention includes a calling terminal that makes a call, a called terminal that can receive the call from the calling terminal, and a message server that stores in advance a plurality of messages correlated with call results to the called terminal from the calling terminal, selects a first message from the plurality of messages on the basis of the call results, and transmit the first message to the called terminal.
US08929515B2 Multiple-size support for X-ray window
An x-ray window including a support frame with a perimeter and an aperture. A plurality of ribs can extend across the aperture of the support frame and can be supported or carried by the support frame. Openings exist between ribs to allow transmission of x-rays through such openings with no attenuation of x-rays by the ribs. A film can be disposed over and span the ribs and openings. The ribs can have at least two different cross-sectional sizes including at least one larger sized rib with a cross-sectional area that is at least 5% larger than a cross-sectional area of at least one smaller sized rib.
US08929514B2 Rapidly switching dual energy X-ray source
A dual energy X-ray source for use in Homeland Security, Medical, Non-destructive Testing, and other markets includes a power supply, and a single x-ray tube. The X-ray tube includes two cathodes, and a single anode. The electrons from the cathodes travel predominantly along the axis of the x-ray tube, and impact the anode. The grid and/or focus coil direct the electrons so that electrons can pass by the cathode. The cathodes are kept at different potential, such that the tube can rapidly switch energies, and can rapidly switch output flux from each cathode.
US08929509B2 Four-sided imaging system and method for detection of contraband
The present invention provides a four-sided scanning system for vehicles that uses a combination of backscatter and transmission based X-ray imaging to achieve material discrimination. In one embodiment, the system is designed as a mobile, drive-through system, which can be folded and stowed in a truck and can be conveniently deployed at any place when required.
US08929508B1 Energy selective X-ray system with low noise
An apparatus or method for providing information about an object from x-ray radiation transmitted through the object. An embodiment comprises an x-ray source (10) positioned on one side of an object (50) an x-ray detector (102) positioned on the opposite side, and means for computing two or more information signals, which are substantially the line integrals of the basis set coefficients of the x-ray attenuation coefficient from the x-ray photons transmitted through said object at three or more regions of the x-ray energy spectrum. In one embodiment the means for computing the two or more information signals comprises a linear maximum likelihood estimator (122), a correction processor (142) to compute a correction to the linear maximum likelihood estimate (132), and an adder (152) to add the estimate and the correction to produce the two or more information signals (154).
US08929507B2 Method and system for substantially reducing ring artifact based upon ring statistics
The current invention is generally related to an image processing method and system for substantially reducing ring artifacts. Using the attenuation data, the ring artifacts are substantially prevented based upon two-step process, and the second ring artifact reduction step removes the undesirable rings based upon previously determined statistical data including mean and standard deviation.
US08929506B2 Shift register, driving circuit, and display apparatus
The present disclosure provides a shift register for delaying and outputting a received startup voltage and meanwhile outputting a voltage inverse to the delayed startup voltage. The shift register including: a voltage shifting module (21) for outputting from the second output terminal a voltage non-inverted to the startup voltage under the control of a second startup voltage signal; a voltage inverting module (22) for outputting from the first output terminal a voltage inverse to the startup voltage under the control of the voltage outputted from the voltage shifting module, and outputting from the first output terminal the voltage non-inverted to the startup voltage under the control of the first startup voltage signal or a third startup voltage signal; a voltage complementing module (23) for outputting from the second output terminal the voltage inverse to the startup voltage under the control of the voltage outputted from the voltage inverting module; and a voltage shifting control module (24) for controlling to turn off the voltage shifting module under the control of the third startup voltage signal. The present disclosure further provides a display apparatus adopting the above shift register and a corresponding method.
US08929505B2 Nuclear fission reactor, vented nuclear fission fuel module, methods therefor and a vented nuclear fission fuel module system
Disclosed embodiments include methods of assembling a vented nuclear fission fuel module. Given by way of non-limiting example and not of limitation, an illustrative method of assembling a vented nuclear fission fuel module includes receiving a nuclear fission fuel element capable of generating a gaseous fission product. A valve body is coupled to the nuclear fission fuel element, and the valve body defines a plenum therein for receiving the gaseous fission product. A valve is disposed in communication with the plenum for controllably venting the gaseous fission product from the plenum. A flexible diaphragm is coupled to the valve for moving the valve. A cap is mounted on the valve, and a manipulator extendable to the cap for manipulating the cap is received.
US08929502B2 High-frequency signal processing device and wireless communication system
To reduce the influence of a spurious in a high-frequency signal processing device and a wireless communication system each provided with a digital type PLL circuit. In a digital type PLL circuit including a digital phase comparator unit, a digital low-pass filter, a digital control oscillator unit, and a multi-module driver unit (frequency divider unit), the clock frequency of a clock signal in the digital phase comparator unit is configured selectably among a plurality of options. The clock frequency is selected among frequencies which are integer multiples of a reference frequency, in accordance with which frequency band of a standard is to be set for an oscillation output signal of the digital control oscillator unit.
US08929497B2 Dynamic deskew for bang-bang timing recovery in a communication system
Described embodiments calibrate a sampling phase adjustment of a receiver. An analog-to-digital converter generates samples of a received signal at a sample phase. A phase detector selects a window of n samples. If the window includes a Nyquist pattern, a bang-bang trap is enabled that iteratively, for each transition between a first consecutive bit and a second consecutive bit in the Nyquist pattern, samples the received signal at a zero crossing between the first and second consecutive bits and determines the transition polarity. Based on the transition polarity and the zero crossing sample value, the bang-bang trap determines whether the sample phase is correct. If Nyquist patterns are absent from the window, a margin phase detector determines a target voltage margin value and a voltage of a cursor bit of the window. Based on the target voltage margin and voltage, the margin phase detector determines whether the sample phase is correct.
US08929496B2 Receiver with enhanced clock and data recovery
A receiver device implements enhanced data reception with edge-based clock and data recovery such as with a flash analog-to-digital converter architecture. In an example embodiment, the device implements a first phase adjustment control loop, with for example, a bang-bang phase detector, that detects data transitions for adjusting sampling at an optimal edge time with an edge sampler by adjusting a phase of an edge clock of the sampler. This loop may further adjust sampling in received data intervals for optimal data reception by adjusting the phase of a data clock of a data sampler such a flash ADC. The device may also implement a second phase adjustment control loop with, for example, a baud-rate phase detector, that detects data intervals for further adjusting sampling at an optimal data time with the data sampler.
US08929495B2 Method for equalizing filterbank multicarrier (FBMC) modulations
A method for equalizing the received signal in communications based on filterbank multicarrier modulations and, more particularly, to such a method and system especially advantageous in situations where the channel frequency selectivity is exceptionally high. The method significantly improves the performance of traditional filterbank equalization algorithms based on finite impulse response filters at the output of the receive filterbank. Furthermore, the system consists of multiple parallel stages, the number of which can be tuned to achieve a good compromise between performance and computational complexity. Thanks to this modular structure, and to the fact that most of the architecture can be efficiently implemented using fast Fourier transforms, the system presents a very low computational complexity compared to more traditional equalizers for filterbank multicarrier modulations.
US08929491B2 Interference cancellation method with multiple data layer MIMO transmission
A method and apparatus are provided for cancelling interferences of a received MIMO RF signal. The method includes: receiving a signal y; an initial step of obtaining, from the received signal y, at least one data representative of the received signal, called decoded data; computing the decoded data as a function of at least one predetermined criterion, delivering feedback data and a feedback decision; and, as a function of the feedback decision, at least one iteration of the following steps: constructing a set of feedback symbols from the feedback data; obtaining, from the set of feedback symbols, at least one data representative of a feedback decoded signal, called feedback decoded data; computing the at least one feedback decoded data as a function of the at least one predetermined criterion, delivering the feedback data.
US08929489B2 Method of reducing the glare of a receiver within a system, in particular a geolocation system
A method of reducing the glare of at least one receiver within a system, in particular a geolocation system, the system including: at least one first emitter emitting at least a first signal modulated by a first code, at least a second emitter emitting at least one second signal modulated by a second code, which is repetitive and potentially variable, and a third signal out of phase with respect to the second signal, the third signal being modulated by the second code delayed by a first delay, and the receiver, the latter being configured so as to detect signals emitted by the first and second emitters and implementing, for the tracking of the first signal, a local signal.
US08929486B2 Polar receiver architecture and signal processing methods
Compressing a variable phase component of a received modulated signal with a second harmonic injection locking oscillator, and generating a delayed phase-compressed signal with a fundamental injection locking oscillator, and combining the phase-compressed signal and the delayed phase-compressed signal to obtain an estimated derivative of the variable phase component, and further processing the estimated derivative to recover data contained within the received modulated signal.
US08929485B2 System and method for broadcast pre-coding in a MIMO system
The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method for broadcast pre-coding in a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system. In one example, the method includes modulating a broadcast signal to create a stream of modulated symbols. Pre-coding is performed on each of the modulated symbols to break each modulated symbol into at least two pre-coded portions, and the two pre-coded portions of each modulated symbol are transmitted via at least two antennas.
US08929473B2 Combining baseband processing and radio frequency beam steering in wireless communication systems
A method and apparatus enable combined baseband (BB) and radio frequency (RF) processing of signals. The method includes receiving, by a receiver, channel estimation information for a channel between a transmitter and the receiver. The method includes identifying a plurality of paths in the channel based on the channel estimation information. The method includes calculating an RF precoding matrix for precoding one or more signals to be transmitted on each of the identified paths. The RF precoding matrix includes a phase shift for each of the identified paths. Additionally, the method includes calculating a BB precoding matrix for precoding the one or more signals by a BB precoding unit associated with the transmitter.
US08929472B1 Bit-level combining for MIMO systems with HARQ and/or repetition coding
Systems and methods are provided for decoding signal vectors in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, where the receiver has received one or more signal vectors from a common digital information sequence. Each received signal vector is decoded using, for example, a maximum-likelihood decoder to produce log-likelihood ratios. The results of the decoders are combined by addition to produce a final decoding estimate. In some embodiments, each of the received signals may be processed prior to decoding. The disclosed decoding scheme may utilize all received information without increasing hardware complexity.
US08929470B2 System and method for scrambling the phase of the carriers in a multicarrier communications system
A system and method that scrambles the phase characteristic of a carrier signal are described. The scrambling of the phase characteristic of each carrier signal includes associating a value with each carrier signal and computing a phase shift for each carrier signal based on the value associated with that carrier signal. The value is determined independently of any input bit value carried by that carrier signal. The phase shift computed for each carrier signal is combined with the phase characteristic of that carrier signal so as to substantially scramble the phase characteristic of the carrier signals. Bits of an input signal are modulated onto the carrier signals having the substantially scrambled phase characteristic to produce a transmission signal with a reduced PAR.
US08929468B1 Common-mode detection with magnetic bypass
An Ethernet cable connection system is disclosed. The system includes a magnetic package having a line interface to couple to a plurality of Ethernet line conductors, and a PHY interface to couple to a plurality of transceiver circuits corresponding to the line conductors. The magnetic package is operable to isolate the line conductors from the corresponding transceiver circuits. The system also includes a termination impedance network and a common-mode detection circuit. The termination impedance network is coupled to the magnetic package line interface. The common-mode detection circuit includes a sense impedance coupled to the termination impedance network that is operable to detect a common-mode signal associated with at least one of the plurality of Ethernet line conductors. A bypass path feeds the detected common-mode signal to the plurality of transceiver circuits without isolation by the magnetic package.
US08929467B1 Circuits and methods for one-wire communication bus of using pulse-edge for clock and pulse-duty-cycle for data
A one-wire communication bus for transferring a sequence of digital data from a transmitter to a receiver includes (a) an ECDD signal modulation circuit to create an electrical pulse train wherein each pulse's edge is used as clock signal and each pulse's duty cycle is used to represent digital value of zero and one; (b) an ECDD signal demodulation circuit to receive the ECDD pulse train using a group of sampling cells and to decode the sampled results using a majority voting circuit; (c) an electrical connection between a transmitter wherein the ECDD signal modulation circuit resides and a receiver wherein the ECDD signal demodulation circuit resides. Said ECDD signal is sent from the transmitter to the receiver through the electrical connection. Methods of creating the ECDD pulse train in the transmitter and decoding the ECDD pulse train in the receiver are also disclosed.
US08929466B2 Data receiving circuit and semiconductor device
A data receiving circuit that can accurately obtain a data signal corresponding to information data from a high speed high density transmitted signal, and a semiconductor device including the data receiving circuit. The amplitude of a first differential signal corresponding to a level difference between a pair of received differential signals, generated in a first differential stage, is amplified and binalized to obtain a received data signal. A second differential signal corresponding to the level difference between the received differential signals, and a third differential signal which is a phase-inverted signal of the second differential signal are generated in a second differential stage provided separately, and a current corresponding to the second differential signal and a current corresponding to the third differential signal are discharged into the respective ones of the pair of transmission lines, thereby suppressing the amplitudes of the received differential signals.
US08929464B2 Video entropy decoding with graceful degradation
A system and method are provided for gracefully degrading video quality in a video entropy decoding system. The method comprises: accepting a sequence of coded video frames; measuring the speed at which the video frames are decoded; in response to the decoding speed, varying the degree of data decoded in each macroblock (MB) of a frame; and, supplying decoded video data from every MB in the frame. Though the degree of data decoded in each MB of the frame may vary, predictions from a first MB in a frame can still be used to decode a second MB in the frame. That is, synchronization is maintained between the first and second MB. Varying the degree of data decoded in each MB of the frame includes: decoding a minimal amount of data in each MB in the frame; and, varying the level of decoding performed on each MB in the frame.
US08929462B2 System and method for implementing low-complexity multi-view video coding
A system and method for implementing low complexity multi-view video coding. According to various embodiments, single-loop decoding is applied to multi-view video coding. For N coded views, where only M of the N views are to be displayed, only those M views are required to be fully decoded and stored to a decoded picture buffer (DPB) when needed. Pictures of other views are only partially decoded or simply parsed and do not have to be stored into the DPB. Various embodiments also provide for an encoder that encodes multi-view video bitstreams in accordance with the single-loop decoding concept, as well as a decoder that utilizes single-loop decoding to decode and output on a subset of the encoded views from a multi-view bitstream.
US08929458B2 Compressed structure for slice groups in start code table
Presented herein is a compressed structure for writing slice group start codes into a start code table, for use with a video decoding system. One or more start codes are written to a start code table. The presentation time information is written to the start code table.
US08929457B2 System and method for replacing bitstream symbols with intermediate symbols
A system, method, and apparatus for decoding a bitstream are presented herein. Symbols in the bitstream are replaced with intermediate symbols by a preprocessor. In a video decoder, a video decompression engine is used to provide decoded frames at a constant rate. However, the frames are encoded as pictures with widely varying amounts of data in a bitstream. A preprocessor replaces symbols with intermediate symbols providing the same information in a different format. The intermediate symbols are preferably simpler for decoding.
US08929456B2 Video coding using compressive measurements
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for video coding using compressive measurements. The method includes receiving video data including frames, and determining at least one temporal structure based on a series of consecutive frames in the video data. The temporal structure includes a sub-block of video data from each frame in the series. The method further includes obtaining a measurement matrix, and generating a set of measurements by applying the measurement matrix to the at least one temporal structure. The measurement matrix includes an assigned pattern of pixel values and the set of measurements is coded data representing the at least one temporal structure.
US08929449B2 Motion vector detection apparatus, motion vector detection method, and computer-readable storage medium
A motion vector detection apparatus comprising, a memory for storing a reference image for motion prediction encoding, a unit for detecting a first motion vector by comparing the reference image with an encoding target block of a plurality of blocks obtained by dividing a field image, a converter for converting the field image into a frame image by performing interlace/progressive conversion, a unit for generating a reduced image by reducing the frame image, a frame memory for storing the reduced image, and a unit for detecting a second motion vector based on a reference reduced image and a reduced image of the encoding target block of reduced images stored in the frame memory, wherein the second motion vector detected with respect to the reduced image of the encoding target block is used to determine a search area for detecting the first motion vector.
US08929442B2 System and methods for video and audio data distribution
Data compression and decompression methods for compressing and decompressing data based on an actual or expected throughput (bandwidth) of a system. In one embodiment, a controller tracks and monitors the throughput (data storage and retrieval) of a data compression system and generates control signals to enable/disable different compression algorithms when, e.g., a bottleneck occurs so as to increase the throughput and eliminate the bottleneck.
US08929440B2 QP adaptive coefficients scanning and application
Entropy encoding is performed in the inventive apparatus and method in response to the scanning of transform coefficients following an initial scanning pattern selected on the basis of probability statistics of non-zero coefficients for each block position. These non-zero probability statistics are ranked for a given combination of coding characteristics within the current block to arrive at an initial scanning pattern. The same initial scanning pattern selection is performed in the decoder to allow the transform coefficients to be extracted in their proper order from encoded video data. The pattern selection is applicable to both intra prediction and inter prediction. Transform coefficients are more accurately ordered in response to the invention because in adapting pattern initialization to quantization step size, high-frequency basis functions are properly taken into account.
US08929438B2 Picture coding method, picture decoding method, picture coding apparatus, picture decoding apparatus, and program thereof
A picture coding method of the present invention codes a picture signal and a ratio of a number of luminance pixels and a number of chrominance pixels for the picture signal, and then one coding method out of at least two coding methods is selected depending on the ratio. Next, data related to a picture size is coded in accordance with the selected coding method. The data related to the picture size indicates a size of the picture corresponding to the picture signal or an output area, which is a pixel area to be outputted in decoding in a whole pixel area coded in the picture signal coding.
US08929437B2 Image coding method, image coding apparatus, image decoding method, image decoding apparatus, and image coding and decoding apparatus
The image coding method for coding an input image includes: converting, into a bin string, an offset value used in an offset process to be applied to a pixel value of a reconstructed image corresponding to the input image; and performing bypass arithmetic coding on the bin string using a fixed probability.
US08929432B2 Combination A/53 and A/153 receiver using a HIHO viterbi decoder
A broadcast and receiver system for performing content from combined A/53 and A/153 standard transmissions enabling simultaneous reception of both signal types with one device. A combination HDTV/Mobile DTV chip can be used that does not alter the legacy HDTV forward error correction (FEC) decoder and Mobile DTV standard transmissions may include extra training signals aiding the demodulation of legacy HDTV reception. Two separate Trellis decoders can be used: one for A/53 legacy HDTV decoding and the other for A/153 Mobile DTV decoding that uses a Hard Input Hard Output (HIHO) type of architecture. Separate Viterbi decoders are allocated for each block of data with a block Viterbi rotator to parse out/collect results of each Viterbi decoder. Each block has its convolutional encoder reset at the beginning. The second Trellis decoder operates serially so as not to disturb the A/53 HDTV data but could also be operated in parallel.
US08929430B2 Electro-magnetic interference reduction for switched signal systems
In one embodiment, a method receives a pulse width modulation signal. A value that is a function of the pulse width modulation signal is determined. The value is used to modulate a switching frequency of the pulse width modulation signal to generate a modulated pulse width modulation signal. The applied value reduces electro-magnetic interference from tones in the modulated pulse width modulation signal.
US08929428B2 Feed-forward equalization in a receiver
Embodiments are directed to feed-forward equalization. In some embodiments, a first circuit is configured to receive a signal transmitted over a channel as a differential pair, and a second circuit is configured to mirror the signal as at least a pre-cursor component comprising a first transistor of a first type of technology, a cursor component comprising a second transistor of a second type of technology, and a post-cursor component comprising a third transistor of the first type of technology.
US08929427B2 Method, apparatus, computer program and computer program distribution medium for a communication receiver
The invention relates to an apparatus comprising, a sampler configured to receive and sample a signal for producing signal samples; a first configured to receive or determinate a scaling factor for a reliability factor and to determine power or energy of an input signal of an interference canceller; a generator configured to generate an estimated replica of a transmitted desired signal by using the signal samples; a residual processor configured to subtract the estimated replica from the input signal of an interference canceller for generating a residual signal and to determine power or energy of the residual signal; and a divider configured to divide the power or energy of the residual signal by the power or energy of the input signal of an interference canceller and a multiplier configured to multiply a result of the division by the scaling factor of a reliability factor.
US08929425B2 Modbus repeater with self-adaptive baud rate and self-adaptive baud rate system and method
Disclosed are a self-adaptive baud rate system and method. The method includes: a) receiving first data and second data; b) judging whether or not a falling edge of a start bit in a synchronization code of the first data and second data is detected; c) if the falling edge is not detected, then return to step b); and if the falling edge is detected, then a first counting is started from a rising edge after the start bit based on a reference clock, and stopped at the next falling edge, and a first count value is obtained; and a second counting is started from the falling edge where the first counting was stopped, and stopped at the next rising edge, and a second count value is obtained; and d) acquiring a baud rate according to the relationships among the first count value and the second count value and a first threshold. By way of using a CPLD to detect the baud rate and encoding format of a Modbus data frame remotely according to the present application, there is no need to manually set the baud rate and encoding format locally. The function of remote auto-detection of the baud rate and encoding format can be achieved by the present application, and the materials and assembly costs of the rotary encoder are omitted.
US08929424B2 Periodic calibration for communication channels by drift tracking
A method and system that provides for execution of a first calibration sequence, such as upon initialization of a system, to establish an operation value, which utilizes an algorithm intended to be exhaustive, and executing a second calibration sequence from time to time, to measure drift in the parameter, and to update the operation value in response to the measured drift. The second calibration sequence utilizes less resources of the communication channel than does the first calibration sequence. In one embodiment, the first calibration sequence for measurement and convergence on the operation value utilizes long calibration patterns, such as codes that are greater than 30 bytes, or pseudorandom bit sequences having lengths of 2N−1 bits, where N is equal to or greater than 7, while the second calibration sequence utilizes short calibration patterns, such as fixed codes less than 16 bytes, and for example as short as 2 bytes long.
US08929423B2 Systems and methods for establishing a diagnostic transmission mode and communicating over the same
Upon detection of a trigger, such as the exceeding of an error threshold or the direction of a user, a diagnostic link system enters a diagnostic information transmission mode. This diagnostic information transmission mode allows for two modems to exchange diagnostic and/or test information that may not otherwise be exchangeable during normal communication. The diagnostic information transmission mode is initiated by transmitting an initiate diagnostic link mode message to a receiving modem accompanied by a cyclic redundancy check (CRC). The receiving modem determines, based on the CRC, if a robust communications channel is present. If a robust communications channel is present, the two modems can initiate exchange of the diagnostic and/or test information. Otherwise, the transmission power of the transmitting modem is increased and the initiate diagnostic link mode message re-transmitted to the receiving modem until the CRC is determined to be correct.
US08929421B2 Successive interference cancellation method and apparatus and detection method and apparatus using successive interference cancellation
A successive interference cancellation method includes: determining whether a current interfering user channel is a service cell channel of a service cell or a neighbor cell channel of a neighbor cell; correcting a phase rotation of a user signal of the neighbor channel when the interfering user channel is the neighbor cell channel; determining a tentative ruling for a user signal of the neighbor cell channel; restoring the phase rotation of the user signal of the neighbor cell channel; performing a signal reconstruction on the neighbor cell channel to obtain a reconstructed signal of the neighbor cell channel; removing the reconstructed signal of the neighbor cell channel from a reception signal to obtain a corrected signal, and completing successive interference cancellation on the current interfering user channel. With the above successive interference cancellation method, accuracy of successive interference cancellation as well as system detection performance is enhanced.
US08929420B2 Method and apparatus for frequency assignment in a frequency hopping mode of a wireless communication system
A frequency allocation method and apparatus using a mirroring-assisted frequency hopping pattern is provided for retransmission in a wireless communication system operating in a frequency hopping mode. A frequency mapping method for a wireless communication system operating in a frequency hopping mode includes determining whether or not mirroring is used in accordance with a number of packet transmissions; mapping a frequency resource for a packet transmission based on a result of the determination; and receiving a packet using the mapped frequency resource.
US08929417B2 Semiconductor interband lasers and method of forming
A semiconductor interband laser that includes a first cladding layer formed using a first high-doped semiconductor material having a first refractive index/permittivity and a second cladding layer formed using a second high-doped semiconductor material having a second refractive index/permittivity. The laser also includes a waveguide core having a waveguide core refractive index/permittivity, the waveguide core is positioned between the first and the second cladding layers. The waveguide core including an active region adapted to generate light based on interband transitions. The light being generated defines the lasing wavelength or the lasing frequency. The first refractive index and the second refractive index are lower than the waveguide core refractive index. The first cladding layer and/or the second cladding layers can also be formed using a metal.
US08929416B2 Group-III nitride semiconductor laser device, and method for fabricating group-III nitride semiconductor laser device
A III-nitride semiconductor laser device including: a laser structure including a support base and a semiconductor region, the support base including a hexagonal III-nitride semiconductor and having a semipolar primary surface, and the semiconductor region being provided on the semipolar primary surface of the support base; and an electrode provided on the semiconductor region of the laser structure, the semiconductor region including a first cladding layer, a second cladding layer, and an active layer.
US08929413B2 Laser gain module and method for producing such a module
According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a laser gain module (1) comprising: a laser rod (5) having a shaft and two optical interfaces (7, 9) facing each other, the rod (5) being used for longitudinal or quasi-longitudinal optical pumping; and a metal cooling body (3), at least one part of which is molded around the laser rod (5) in order to cover all of the surfaces other than the optical interfaces in such a way that the laser gain module (1) forms a solid body that cannot be disassembled at ambient temperature.
US08929411B1 Quantum dot detection
An apparatus comprises a laser system and a light sensor system. The laser system is associated with a housing and configured to generate a first laser beam and direct the first laser beam toward a surface of an object in which the surface has a plurality of quantum dots. The first laser beam is configured to cause the plurality of quantum dots to generate light. The laser system is further configured to generate a second laser beam and direct the second laser beam toward the light generated by the plurality of quantum dots. The second laser beam is configured to amplify a portion of the light generated by the plurality of quantum dots. The light sensor system is associated with the housing and configured to detect the portion of the light to form data.
US08929410B2 Ultraviolet laser device
An ultraviolet laser device comprises a laser beam output unit that outputs infra-red laser beams, and a wavelength conversion unit that wavelength converts the infra-red laser beams. The laser beam output unit comprises a first laser beam output unit that outputs a first infra-red laser beam whose wavelength is 1900-2000 nm, and a second laser beam output unit that outputs a second infra-red laser beam whose wavelength is 1000-1100 nm. The wavelength conversion unit comprises a first element series that the first infra-red light beam is incident upon and propagated through, and a second element series that the laser light propagated through the first element series and the second infra-red laser beam are incident upon, combined in, and propagated through, and constructed so that ultraviolet laser light is outputted, due to the first and second infra-red laser beams being wavelength converted by optical wavelength conversion elements.
US08929405B2 Method and apparatus for optimizing packet timing transport
There is provided a method of optimizing timing packet transport in a network node, the method comprising using a locally available stable frequency reference at the network node to provide a pre-determined network node transit time for timing packets in at least one direction into or out of the network node. There is also provided a network node comprising a locally available stable frequency reference and circuitry adapted to apply a pre-determined network node transit time, L, to all timing packets transiting the network node in at least one direction into or out of a network node dependent on the locally available stable frequency reference.
US08929403B2 Method and system for remote tuning and clock synchronization
The disclosed embodiments relate to a system for providing remote tuning and clock synchronization in a network. The system includes a device that receives a signal that includes a plurality of channels, a device that receives a user request indicative of a desire to view at least one of the plurality of channels, and a filter that filters the received signal and transmits a user signal corresponding to the at least one of the plurality of channels to the user. An alternative embodiment of the system includes a device that receives a signal that includes a plurality of packets, at least a portion of the plurality of packets comprising an embedded time stamp, a device that detects the at least a portion of the plurality of packets containing the embedded time stamp, and a device that computes an adjusted time stamp based on the embedded timestamp and a precision local clock and incorporates the adjusted timestamp into the at least a portion of the plurality of packets containing the embedded timestamp prior to transmitting the at least a portion of the plurality of packets to the network.
US08929401B2 Physical layer signalling for digital broadcast system
The present invention relates to a physical layer signalling in a digital broadcast network. In particular, for a digital broadcast network supporting a configuration with a plurality of physical layer pipes, a type indicator is signalled on physical layer for a pipe, the type indicator indicates the format of the input stream which may specify a transport stream, a generic stream or an IP stream. In addition, per physical layer pipe application of header and/or content compression to the user packet headers of the input stream is signalled. Another physical layer parameters are advantageously provided or extended in order to increase the flexibility and efficiency of the layer 1 signalling.
US08929399B2 Selectively multiplexing communication streams
In an embodiment, a network device obtains a plurality of data packets that are each associated with one of a plurality of different streams, wherein each of the plurality of obtained data packets includes a header portion with stream-specific routing information. The network device strips the stream-specific routing information from the plurality of obtained data packets to produce a plurality of stream-specific payload portions, which are merged into a shared payload portion of a stream-multiplexed data packet that includes common routing information for the plurality of streams in a common header portion. The network device transmits the stream-multiplexed packet to a target device, and the target device determines whether any of the plurality of different streams are relevant to the target UE based on stream-mapping information contained in the stream-multiplexed packet, and selectively decodes and processes the stream-specific payload portions corresponding based on the determination.
US08929398B2 Data frame for PLC having destination address in the PHY header
A method of powerline communications including a first node and at least a second node on a PLC channel in a PLC network. The first node sends a physical layer (PHY) data frame on the PLC channel including a preamble, PHY header, a MAC header and a MAC payload. The PHY header includes a destination address field having a destination address therein. The second node receives the data frame. The second node compares its network address to the destination address before decoding the MAC header and MAC payload, providing power savings by allowing the second node to not decode the MAC header or MAC payload if its network address does not match the destination address in the PHY header of the data frame.
US08929397B2 Efficient physical layer preamble format
A transmitter device includes a controller configured to generate a first field and a second field. The first field is at least one of a packet synchronization information field or a frame boundary indication field, the second field is a channel estimation field starting after the first field ends. The controller is configured to generate the second field at least in part by generating a first channel estimation sequence (CES) symbol and a second CES symbol. At least one of i) a sequence in the first field serves as a cyclic prefix of the first CES symbol, ii) a beginning portion of the second CES symbol serves as a cyclic postfix of the first CES symbol, or iii) an ending portion of the first CES symbol serves as a cyclic prefix of the second CES symbol.
US08929392B2 Method and apparatus for providing a home area network middleware interface
A method and apparatus for implementing a protocol-neutral middleware interface in a home area network. The method comprises receiving one or more data packets from a client device using a first communication protocol, and decoding the data packets into a set of platform independent data objects. The data packets are decoded into the platform independent data objects by utilizing a metadata mapping located within one or more field classes. The apparatus comprises a frame engine, and one or more field classes. The frame engine receives a data packet in a first communication protocol. The frame engine decodes the data packet into a set of platform independent data objects. The frame engine uses a metadata map contained within the one or more field classes to decode the data packet into the set of platform independent data objects.
US08929387B2 Cognitive radio communication system and operating method thereof
A cognitive radio communication network is provided. The cognitive radio communication network includes a cloud and a wireless communication network.A communication system accessing to a backbone network is provided. The communication system includes a cloud and a wireless communication network connected to the cloud, and having a plurality of cognitive radio access points and a plurality of users, wherein the cloud performs the functions of network management, power control, and radio resource management.
US08929386B2 Method and apparatus for establishing multipath in heterogeneous interface environment
A method of establishing a multipath in a heterogeneous interface environment among wireless nodes including a source node, a relay node, and a destination node which receives a message from the source node via the relay node, the method including: receiving a route request message by a wireless node; and associating at least two heterogeneous interfaces of the wireless node by using a destination node address in the route request message.
US08929383B2 Content capability clearing house systems and methods
A content capability clearing house that can act as a trusted and neutral mediator among network providers to manage rich content capabilities among multiple networks is provided. Content capabilities that can be brokered include, but are not limited to, quality of service and content screening. In an embodiment, a content capability clearing house includes a receiver that receives content capability request messages and other messages from network providers. A content capability request message includes a quality of service request and/or a subscriber profile request for use with content screening and subscriber specific advertisements. The present invention includes a series of methods for determining content capabilities for data transmission over a transaction between a content provider and a subscriber in which a content capability clearing house is used to efficiently broker and manage the capability among multiple network providers.
US08929379B2 High-speed CLD-based internal packet routing
A method of routing internal network traffic within a computing system comprises receiving a network packet at a configurable logic device (CLD), parsing the network packet to obtain a destination address, searching a predetermined range of a routing table wherein each row of the routing table specifies a range of possible destination addresses and routing information, identifying a matching row of the routing table wherein the destination address falls within the range of possible destination addresses of the matching row, and routing the packet according to the routing information.
US08929378B2 Apparatus for analyzing a data packet, a data packet processing system and a method
An apparatus and method for analyzing a data packet, where the first and second information is derived relating to the data packet. The first information relates to a type of the data packet, a standard to which the data packet conforms and/or which data item(s) is/are present in the data packet. The first information is used for identifying a function into which the second information is input to generate third, and this third information is output together with at least part of the data packet.
US08929377B2 Systems and methods for automatic rack detection
An embodiment system and method to provide rack awareness for a virtual machine running on a data center server. The virtual machine sends an address resolution protocol request message to a top-of-rack switch to identify a MAC address of the server physical port. The virtual machine receives a reply containing the MAC address of the top-of-rack switch physical port. The virtual machine sends an ICMP packet to the top-of-rack switch with a pre-selected un-routable IP address using the identified physical port MAC address. The virtual machine then receives a message from the top-of-rack switch providing a top-of-rack IP address. The virtual machine employs the top-of-rack IP address to identify the rack location of the server.
US08929376B2 Flow control using a local event ring in an island-based network flow processor
An island-based network flow processor (IB-NFP) integrated circuit includes islands organized in rows. A configurable mesh event bus extends through the islands and is configured to form a local event ring. The configurable mesh event bus is configured with configuration information received via a configurable mesh control bus. The local event ring involves event ring circuits and event ring segments. In one example, a packet is received onto a first island. If an amount of a processing resource (for example, memory buffer space) available to the first island is below a threshold, then an event packet is communicated from the first island to a second island via the local event ring. In response, the second island causes a third island to communicate via a command/push/pull data bus with the first island, thereby increasing the amount of the processing resource available to the first island for handing incoming packets.
US08929369B1 System and method for striping / mirroring data
A method and computer program product for defining a multicast group within a local area network. The multicast group includes a storage initiator device and a plurality of mirrored targets. Each mirrored target includes a plurality of storage targets. A write request for storing a data segment within the multicast group is received on the storage initiator device. The data segment is multicast to the plurality of mirrored targets included within the multicast group. A unique data chunk of the data segment is stored on each of the plurality of mirrored targets.
US08929366B2 Method and apparatus for transporting packets with specific traffic flows having strict packet ordering requirements over a network using multipath techniques
The method that is disclosed enables specific information network traffic flows to retain packet ordering in a packet network in which multipath techniques are used. In a common network usage a plurality of traffic flows may be aggregated into a larger traffic flow. In such a situation, a finest granularity of individual traffic flow is referred to as a microflow and an aggregation of traffic flows is referred to as a traffic aggregate. The traffic aggregate may take a path from an ordered set of nodes including a first network element referred to as an ingress node through zero or more intermediate network elements referred to as midpoint nodes, to a final network known as the egress node. The ordered set of nodes traversed by such a traffic aggregate is referred to as the path taken by that traffic flow. At any node prior to the egress, the traffic aggregate may be split among multiple links or lower layer paths in reaching the next node in the path. In such a circumstance, the traffic aggregate is split among the available links or lower layer paths. Techniques for splitting traffic are collectively referred to as multipath techniques, or more briefly as multipath. Individual links or lower layer paths within a multipath are referred to as component links. Individual traffic flows may be identified by various existing multipath techniques. A set of existing multipath techniques are able to keep all packets within a given microflow on the same component link. The method disclosed allows specific traffic aggregates within a larger traffic aggregate to be carried on a single component link while allowing other traffic aggregates within the larger traffic aggregate to be spread among multiple component links.
US08929360B2 Systems, methods, media, and means for hiding network topology
Systems, methods, media, and means for hiding network topology are provided. In some embodiments, methods for hiding network topology are provided, the methods including: receiving a message including topology information from a sender; removing at least part of the topology information; associating the removed topology information with an identifier; saving the topology information; sending the message to a receiver; receiving a response from the receiver; retrieving the removed topology information based on the identifier; inserting the removed topology information into the response; and sending the response to the sender.
US08929359B2 Configuring synchronous optical switches
A method (10) of configuring a synchronous optical switch to route received data cells. The synchronous optical switch comprises optical switch transmitter modules, each comprising tunable optical transmitters, optical switch receiver modules, each comprising optical receivers, and optical connections between the transmitter modules and receiver modules. For each optical switch transmitter module, the method: assigns (12) wavelengths associated with the received data cells to the transmitters such that each wavelength is assigned to a different transmitter; and generates (14) a control signal for controlling the operating wavelength of each transmitter. For each wavelength, the method: allocates (16) to each transmitter an optical connection such that each optical switch transmitter module has no more than one connection exiting it at said wavelength and each optical receiver module has no more than one connection entering it at said wavelength; and generates (18) a control signal for connecting each transmitter to the respective optical connection.
US08929356B2 Mobile user identification and tracking for load balancing in packet processing systems
Systems and methods are disclosed for mobile user identification and tracking for load balancing in packet processing systems. Packet processing systems, such as network tool optimizer (NTO) systems, are configured to receive packets associated with multiple mobile users, to extract user identification information from the packets, to store identity binding information for the mobile users, to track changes in identification information for mobile users within a communication system by analyzing control information within packets for the communication system, and to forward packets to one or more tool ports associated with the packet processing system. The packet processing systems disclosed thereby allow for user packets to be identified and sent to the same load-balanced network tool, even though the user identification information changes over time within the communication system. The disclosed embodiments are useful for a wide variety of mobile and/or non-mobile communication systems and related communication protocols.
US08929352B2 Method and apparatus for multi-carrier frequency division multiplexing transmission
A general frequency division multiplex (GFDM) transmission system is proposed. Vacant frequency ranges are detected and subsequently used for transmission, wherein a single carrier transmission system with cyclic prefixing is deployed. A corresponding transmitter and receiver are disclosed.
US08929347B2 Scheduling ahead for improving data transmission in case of measurement
An approach is provided for scheduling communication resources to minimize the effects of a measurement gap. The timing between a resource allocation grant for a communication link, corresponding data transmission, and associated error control transmissions is delayed to avoid transmitting data to or receiving data from a user equipment during a measurement gap.
US08929343B2 Method, computer program, receiver, and apparatus for determining a channel quality index
A method for determining a channel quality index in an OFDM receiver is disclosed. The method comprises receiving signals comprising reference signals from a serving cell and reference signals from neighboring cells; determining signal power of the reference signals from the serving cell and signal power of the reference signals from detected neighboring cells; and determining carrier-to-interference ratio to be the ratio between the signal power of the reference signals from the serving cell and the signal power of the reference signals from the detected neighboring cells. Carrier-to-interference ratio is used for adapting physical layer properties and/or for deciding on handover. A computer program and apparatuses for implementing the method are also disclosed.
US08929340B2 Method of changing a zone in a broadband wireless access system
The present invention relates to a broadband wireless access system, and more particularly, to a method of performing a zone change more promptly in a base station where an advanced terminal operates in a mix mode. A method for an advanced terminal (AMS) to perform a zone change in an advanced base station (mix mode ABS), which operates in a mix mode of a broadband wireless access system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: receiving a ranging response message (RNG-RSP) including system information on an advanced terminal supporting zone (MZone) from a legacy zone (LZone) of the advanced base station; and performing ranging in the advanced terminal supporting zone by using the system information.
US08929338B2 Method for processing data associated with idle mode signaling reduction in a wireless communication system
The technical features of this document provide a method and wireless apparatus for controlling a number of timers associated with ISR function. The method is applicable to a user equipment moving between different networks, i.e., different radio access networks such as 2G/3G and LTE. The method is associated with a deactivate timer which can be initiated following a periodic tracking area updating timer. The method comprises starting the deactivate ISR timer when the periodic tracking area updating timer expires and the mobility management back-off timer is running while the UE is in the coverage of LTE.
US08929337B2 Wireless base station, wireless communication system, and wireless communication method
A wireless base station includes a first receiving section which receives data from a plurality of terminals positioned within a wireless area in which data communication with a processing section on a network is performed by the wireless base station via a core network, a multiplexing controller which shares, with the processing section, first identification information allocated to a group and second identification information allocated to each of a plurality of member terminals constituting the group, and controls to determine whether a terminal serving as a source of the received data is a member terminal belonging to the group, based on the second identification information, and to multiplex, of the received data from the plurality of terminals, data from the terminal determined to be the member terminal belonging to the group, based on the first identification information, and a first sending section sends the multiplexed data to the core network.
US08929336B2 Method and device for handling handover of a communications service
The embodiments herein relate to method in a mobile management entity, referred to as MME, for enabling handover of a communication service between a circuit switched (CS) network and a packet switched (PS) network. The user equipment is located in the CS network and having a communications service in the CS network. Handling is improved by providing communication between the MME and a mobile switching centre server.
US08929334B2 Systems and methods for non-optimized handoff
Systems, methods and apparatus for non-optimized handoffs for wireless communication are provided. For example, the disclosure may be applied to enhance non-optimized handoff from a long-term evolution (LTE) network to an evolved high rate packet data (eHRPD) network. Systems, methods, and apparatus for reducing the interruption gap during handoffs from an LTE radio access network to an eHRPD network are also discussed. In one aspect, a method is provided for communicating information associated with a handoff of a wireless device from a source network to a target network. The method includes, during a period of data inactivity, attaching to a first network and creating a context therewith, the first network being a non-preferred network as compared to a second network. The method also include connecting to the second network based on the context created with the first network and while maintaining at least a partial context with the first network.
US08929328B2 Decoupling scanning from handoff for reduced delay over wireless LAN
Methods and systems for handing off a wireless client between access points wherein the scanning for access points is decoupled from the handing off, thus reducing the delay in handing off. Channel scan delay may be eliminated or reduced in some embodiments by scanning early (prior to actual handoff) and interleaving the channel scan with ongoing traffic in a non-intrusive way. A smart handoff trigger may be used in some embodiments that covers both uplink and downlink quality, and addresses link asymmetry problems. The methods or systems may be implemented in some embodiments in a software-only client-only solution without the need to modify the networks themselves or their access points.
US08929327B2 Reducing handoff latency for a mobile station
A mobile station is assisted to perform a handoff from a current access point in a current extended service set (ESS) to a new access point in a target ESS. A HandOver Mediator, possibly in conjunction with a handover server, performs an authentication process and an association process with an access point in the target ESS while masquerading as the mobile station. Parameters resulting from the authentication process and the association process are then passed to the mobile station and the mobile station can perform a handoff to the new access point.
US08929322B1 System and method for side lobe suppression using controlled signal cancellation
A system and method for selective suppression of sidelobe signals using controlled signal cancellation. An indication may be received from a single user equipment (UE) at each of two or more access points (APs) over the same channel. A relatively stronger power signal is received over a primary lobe of a communication beam of one of the APs and the relatively weaker power signal is received over a side lobe of a communication beam of another one of the APs. The efficacy of signal cancellation may be tested by turning signal cancellation on and off to measure the UE signals received at one of the APs. If interference is lower when signal cancellation is turned on, signal cancellation may be applied for continued communication with said UE to cancel side lobe signals and if interference is lower when signal cancellation is turned off, no signal cancellation may be applied.
US08929321B2 Communication system, method, base station, and communication device
A wireless communication system, using wireless base stations, and other devices, such as a relay node, interoperate with using spectrum aggregation and MIMO. Traffic usage is detected and based on channel utilization relative to capacity, spectrum aggregation is chosen over MIMO under certain conditions. On the other hand, under higher channel utilization system components switch to MIMO modes of operation to reduce demand on channel use, while providing good throughput for communications stations.
US08929316B2 Identifiers in a communication system
A process and system for controlling selection of which MS is to receive the next packet data transmission on a forward channel and selection of which plural MCS is to be used for the packet data transmissions on the forward channel. A process for controlling selection of MCS method to be used by a BTS to transmit data packets over a forward shared channel to a MS stores information at the BTS, the information containing MCS methods which may be selected to transmit data packets over the forward shared channel to the MS; receiving from the MS at the BTS a quality indication of transmission of data packets over the forward channel to the MS; and selecting a MCS method from a plurality of MCS methods which may be used to transmit data packets on the forward channel dependent upon the received quality indication.
US08929312B2 Dynamic resource management for orthogonal frequency division multiple access wireless networks
The disclosed subject matter relates to dynamic resource management for wireless network components with a wireless communications environment. Personal base stations can be deployed in a substantially uncoordinated manner resulting in conflicts among wireless radio resources. Dynamically assigning subchannel and dynamically allocating power for subchannels can reduce these conflicts. Dynamic resource management can employ combinatorial auction schema such that assignment of subchannels can be considerate of selecting a power level for performance and to minimize overlapping subchannel interference. In an aspect, several methods can be employed to reduce the computational complexity of the general integer programming problem presented. These several methods can include a Combinatorial Auction with Greedy Algorithm scheme, a Random Equal Subchannel Partition scheme, a Local Combinatorial Auction scheme, and a Neighbors' Poor Channels scheme.
US08929311B2 Signaling for legacy terminal operation in harmonized bands
Network nodes and methods therein for enabling use, in a cell, of different types of mobile terminals. A method in a network node (501) associated with the cell comprises supporting (302), at least part of, at least two frequency bands having a respective predefined frequency band indicator in said cell. The method further comprises signaling (304) information associated with said at least two frequency bands to UEs in the cell, thus enabling use of UEs operating in a respective different one of said at least two frequency bands in the cell.
US08929303B2 Control and data channels for advanced relay operation
A relay station in a wireless communication system is configured to relay communications between the base station and a plurality of subscriber stations. The relay station includes at least one antenna configured to transmit and receive data and control information. The relay station also includes a controller coupled to the antenna. The controller is configured to transmit control information to a subscriber station during a first set of symbols in a relay station to subscriber station (RS-to-SS) subframe. The controller also switches the antenna to a receive mode; and receives control information during a second set of symbols in the RS-to-SS subframe.
US08929301B2 Method and apparatus for simultaneously receiving on two carriers and performing discontinuous transmission and reception in dual cell high speed downlink packet access
A method and an apparatus for simultaneously receiving on two carriers and performing discontinuous transmission (DTX) and discontinuous reception (DRX) in dual cell high speed downlink packet access (DC-HSDPA) are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) receives a message for activating DRX for at least one of an anchor carrier and a supplementary carrier and applies the same DRX pattern to the anchor carrier and the supplementary carrier upon reception of the message. The message may be received via a high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCH) order. The WTRU may activate or de-activate the supplementary carrier based on the physical layer signal. Upon activation of the supplementary carrier, the WTRU may apply the same DRX pattern on both the anchor carrier and the supplementary carrier. The WTRU may flush a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) buffer associated with the supplementary carrier upon de-activation of the supplementary carrier.
US08929298B2 Method for processing radio protocol in mobile telecommunications systems and transmitter of mobile telecommunications
An apparatus and method for performing procedures (protocols) of a PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) layer and an RLC (radio layer in an E-UMTS (Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) which has evolved from UMTS, among radio protocols of a mobile communication system. The PDCP layer performs ciphering on data (i.e., PDCP SDU) received from an upper layer, generates an indicator discriminating ciphered data and non-ciphered data (i.e., an ROHC feedback packet directly generated by the PDCP layer), and transmits the same to a lower layer (i.e., MAC layer). A PDCP SN (Sequence Number) is defined as an algorithm for ciphering the data in the PDCP layer to perform ciphering in the PDCP layer.
US08929297B2 System and method of transmitting content from a mobile device to a wireless display
A method of transmitting content to a wireless display device is disclosed. The method may include receiving multimedia data, encoding the multimedia data, and writing encoded multimedia data into a first predetermined memory location of a shared memory. Further, the method may include encapsulating the encoded multimedia data and writing encapsulation data into a second predetermined memory location of the shared memory. The method may also include calculating error control encoding and writing the error control encoding into a third predetermined memory location of the shared memory. Further, the method may include transmitting the encoded multimedia data, the encapsulation data, and the error control encoding to the wireless display device.
US08929295B2 Radio equipment and radio base station
A useful technique for configuring radio equipment as networking radio equipment is provided. Networking radio equipment 3A connected to a first node via a first link and to a second node via a second link includes a first frame processing unit 31a, a second frame processing unit 31b, and a controller 33. The first frame processing unit 31a performs framing/deframing of a layer 1 frame flowing over the first link, and includes a first port that allows input/output of a layer 2 frame. The second frame processing unit 31b performs framing/deframing of a layer 1 frame flowing over the second link, and includes a second port that allows input/output of a layer 2 frame. The controller 33 controls the radio equipment 3A, and includes a control port that allows input/output of a layer 2 frame. A layer 2 switch 35 determines destination of the layer 2 frame.
US08929286B2 Communication appartus, communication method, computer program, and communication system
Even when the lengths of data items to be transmitted to users are not the same, the frames multiplexed at the same time finally have the same frame length and are transmitted.Even when the lengths of frames for the users are not the same at the time when a transmission request is received from a higher layer, a communication apparatus reconfigures at least two of the frames having short lengths into a frame having a long length through Aggregation so that the frames finally have the same frame length and transmits the frames at the same time in a multiplexed manner. On the transmitter side, the transmission power used per destination communication station can be increased due to a decrease in the total number of multiplexed frames. On the receiver side, an unstable AGC operation can be prevented.
US08929283B2 Coverage of private base station
A controller of a private base station receives data on a travel time depending on a propagation delay between a private base station and a user terminal. The controller outputs a control signal to a controllable amplifier for decreasing a transmission power of the private base station if the measured travel time is longer than a predetermined reference time or quality of service is lower than reference quality.
US08929276B2 Repeater WPS connection method and apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention provide a Repeater WPS connection method and apparatus, which relate to the field of wireless networks and can complete WPS connections of a Client side and an AP side of a Repeater device in one Repeater WPS PBC operation, thereby simplifying the flow of a WPS connection operation. The method of the present invention includes: when a WPS button on a wireless Repeater device is activated, first establishing a connection between a Client side of the Repeater device and an uplink AP device, and obtaining wireless configuration information of the uplink AP device; and synchronizing the wireless configuration information to an AP side of the Repeater device, and then establishing a connection between the AP side of the Repeater device and an STA device. The present invention is mainly applied in the process of the Repeater WPS connection.
US08929272B2 Relay method of wireless access systems and base station, relay device and replay system thereof
The present invention is directed to provide a relay method in a wireless access system, including comprising the following steps: in downlink direction, receiving downlink data from a base station, wherein the downlink data include control information for relay operation; constructing downlink data to be retransmitted; retransmitting the constructed downlink data to wireless communication terminals according to a profile specified by the control information; and, in uplink direction, receiving uplink data from the wireless communication terminals according to a profile specified by the control information; recovering the uplink data of the wireless communication terminals; and retransmitting the uplink data to the base station according to the profile specified by the control information. The present invention further provides the corresponding base station device, relay device and wireless relay system. Through the present invention, the base station is able to perform centralized control of the entire mobile multi-hop relay system, which effectively reduces the complexity of the relay device and can realize a transparent transportation with respect to wireless communication terminals.
US08929266B2 Method and apparatus for controlling sleep mode at mobile station in a packet-based communication system
A method and an apparatus dynamically controls a sleep mode in an MS in a packet-based communication system. A packet analyzer analyzes a type of a packet that the MS transmits or receives. A controller sets a timer to a timer value according to the analyzed type of the packet.
US08929265B2 System and method for allocating an anchoring point for a mobile terminal
A first network configured to connect a terminal to a home network during a time that the terminal is roaming within the first network. The first network includes a plurality of attachment points, wherein a first attachment point is configured to receive an attach request from the terminal, and wherein the attach request includes a request from the terminal for an IP address from an anchoring point within the home network. The first network further includes an Authentication/Authorization/Accounting server proxy configured to determine whether the terminal is authorized to attach to the first attachment point, wherein in response to the terminal being authorized to attach to the first attachment point, i) a first tunnel is created between the first attachment point and a second attachment point, and ii) a second tunnel is created between the second attachment point and the anchoring point within the home network.
US08929261B2 Resource selection for transmission of multiple ACK/NACK on PUCCH channel
In a method of operating a communication network (20) a time division duplex (TDD) frame (F) of information is communicated over a radio interface (32) between a wireless terminal (30) and a base station node (28). The method comprises the wireless terminal (30) receiving plural downlink (DL) subframes of the frame and, in response thereto, configuring a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) channel to comprise up to four acknowledgements by using only two PUCCH channel resources and using PUCCH format 1a or PUCCH format 1b. In an example embodiment a PUCCH channel resource is specified by a sequence utilized for transmission of at least part of the PUCCH channel and a cyclical shift applied to the sequence. The two sequences of the respective two PUCCH resources are orthogonal, and the cyclical shift of the two PUCCH resources can be in a frequency domain, a time domain, or both the frequency domain and the time domain.
US08929260B2 Communication module
A communication module includes: a plurality of receiving filters that are connected between an antenna terminal and a receiving terminal and have a receive band different from each other; and a passive circuit that is commonly connected to at least two of the plurality of receiving filters and makes a receive band of one of said at least two of the plurality of receiving filters suppressed when making another receive band of said at least two of the plurality of receiving filters transitable, wherein receiving terminals of said at least two of the plurality of receiving filters are commonalized through the passive circuit.
US08929258B1 Enhanced service levels for call-processing services
Service levels for call-processing are enhanced based on the subscriber status of at least one of the calling party and the called party. In one example, a calling party (caller) places a call to a called party (recipient). At least one of the parties subscribes to a call-processing service and the call normally would be processed according to a predetermined service level. However, the service level is enhanced in response to a subscriber status for at least one of the parties, and the call is processed according to the enhanced service level.
US08929255B2 System and method for input/output virtualization using virtualized switch aggregation zones
A network switch includes a first network port, a second network port, and a port virtualization module associated with the first network port. The port virtualization module determines that a device coupled to the first network port includes a first virtual network interface and provides a second virtual network interface on the first network port. The second virtual network interface is associated with the first virtual network interface. The network switch provides an aggregation zone including the second network port, the first virtual network interface, and the second virtual network interface.
US08929253B2 Virtual switching ports on high-bandwidth links
Method and apparatus for managing traffic of a switch include logically partitioning a physical port of the switch into a plurality of virtual ports. One or more virtual output queues are uniquely associated with each virtual port. Switching resources of the switch are assigned to each of the virtual ports. A source virtual port is derived from a frame arriving at the physical port. The frame is placed in a given one of the one or more virtual output queues uniquely associated with the source virtual port derived from the frame. A destination virtual port for the frame is determined. The frame is transferred from the virtual output queue in which the frame is placed to an egress queue associated with the destination virtual port and forwarded from the egress queue to a destination physical port of the switch.
US08929251B2 Selecting a master processor from an ambiguous peer group
A distributed switch may include a plurality of special-purpose processors that control the different functions of the switch. To enable some special services, however, the distributed switch may need one of these processors to perform the role of a master. When a processor is powered on, the processor may publish a corresponding unique ID. Before electing the master, the special-purpose processors may use a discovery process to identify the network topology of the switch and evaluate the published IDs to determine which processor should be the master. If all the processors nominate the same master processor, then that processor is elected as the master and may finish configuring the distributed switch to enable the special services.
US08929249B2 System and method for virtual private local area network service to use the flow aware pseudowire
An apparatus comprising a provider edge (PE) coupled to a second PE and to a customer edge (CE) and configured to establish a Virtual Private Local Area Network (LAN) Service (VPLS) that is interconnected by either a flow aware pseudowire (PW) or a flow unaware PW and exchange a flow label indication with the second PE to enable using a flow label below a PW label on the label stack. Also disclosed is a network component comprising a processor configured to support a signaling protocol that indicates a capability to send, receive, or both a flow label over a PW configured for a Layer Two (Layer 2) Virtual Private Network (VPN), a transmitter configured to send a PW packet with a flow label to a peer network component, and a receiver configured to receive a PW packet either with a flow label or without a flow label.
US08929247B2 Device capable of notifying operation state change thereof through network and communication method of the device
A method of notifying an operation state change of a device, the method involving forming a network of devices used by a user and that perform network communication; when an operation state change of a first device in the network occurs, searching for at least one device currently being used by the user in the network of devices; and transmitting information regarding the operation state change of the first device to the at least one device, wherein the information regarding the operation state change of the first device is displayed on a display unit of the at least one device.
US08929244B2 Method and device for send beamforming and multiple user scheduling for multiple sector cooperative transmission in a multiple antenna system
A Tx beamforming method for multi-sector cooperative transmission in a multi-antenna system includes determining a transmission mode of sector boundary users according to a channel condition; determining a multi-sector cooperative Tx beam for supporting multiple users, based on the transmission mode of the user; determining a user combination for multi-sector cooperative beamforming by considering the determined multi-sector cooperative Tx beam; and performing sector cooperative Tx beamforming with the determined user combination. Thus, the overall system capacity can be enhanced.
US08929238B2 Subscriber record context objects
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: receiving a Diameter message at the DRA from an origin device, wherein the Diameter message is associated with a subscriber; establishing a subscriber record context object in response to receiving the Diameter message, wherein the subscriber record context object is associated with a subscriber record of the subscriber; evaluating a rule that includes a context object reference, wherein the evaluation includes accessing the subscriber record context object based on the context object reference; and transmitting a message based on the evaluation of the rule.
US08929235B2 Controlling CSI reporting in a LTE cellular communication network
The object of the present invention is to distribute the transmission of the CSI (Channel state information) reports among the different UEs, wherein the CSI reports are based on measurements on cell specific reference signals from the base station. This is achieved in a LTE cellular communication network by controlling the transmission of CSI reports from the UEs.
US08929234B1 Intermediate network bandwidth requirement determination
In a system and method of determining bandwidth requirements of an intermediate network between a first network and a second network, determining data throughput characteristics of each of a plurality of carriers in communication with the intermediate network, determining a load balancing efficiency metric based on the determined carrier data throughput characteristics, estimating a multiplexing factor based on the load balancing efficiency metric and a total number of the plurality of carriers, and determining an actual bandwidth requirement of the intermediate network based on the multiplexing factor and a theoretical maximum bandwidth of the intermediate network.
US08929231B2 Channel path display of a video network
A device may receive selection of a channel provided by a video network, determine equipment, of the video network, associated with the selected channel, determine status information of the associated equipment, determine port level details of the associated equipment, combine the associated equipment, the status information, and the port level details into a path for the selected channel, and provide the selected channel path to a user.
US08929229B2 Method allowing a monitoring system of the network of an operator to classify IP flows
A method is provided for allowing a monitoring system to classify, by entity, IP “accounting” elements passing through routers of a network of a service provider, these entities being arranged in different sites connected to the network. The method includes: each site is associated with an interface of a router to which that site is connected, and during analysis by the monitoring system of an accounting element originating from a router, information relating to the source interface and destination interface contained in this accounting element is used in order to identify the source and destination sites and to classify this accounting element with respect to the correct source or destination entity.
US08929225B2 Customer edge device problem identification
Systems, methods, and machine-readable and executable instructions are provided for customer edge device problem identification. Customer edge device problem identification can include obtaining a status of a connection between a provider edge (PE) device and a customer edge (CE) device. Customer edge device problem identification can also include determining whether the status of the connection is non-normal. Customer edge device problem identification can include sending an internet control message protocol (ICMP) echo request to the CE device in response to the status of the connection being non-normal. Customer edge device problem identification can include receiving an ICMP echo response from the CE device. Customer edge device problem identification can also include identifying a simple network management protocol (SNMP) problem that is associated with the CE device based upon the receipt of the ICMP echo response.
US08929223B2 System and method for controlling VoIP service
In a system to control a VoIP service, a user terminal performs a first registration procedure of a CSCF through a first P-CSCF using a first mobile IP allocated from a wireless LAN, monitors a signal intensity of the wireless LAN while receiving the VoIP service over the wireless LAN, and performs a second registration procedure through a second P-CSCF using a second mobile IP allocated from a wireless packet network upon booting if the signal intensity of the wireless LAN becomes weaker than a reference value. The CSCF sends a VoIP call to the second P-CSCF if the user terminal performs the second registration procedure and the user terminal then receives an incoming VoIP call.
US08929215B2 Special subframe allocation in heterogeneous network
A first base station provides overlapping coverage area with second base stations and third base stations. Second base stations allow regular access to wireless devices and configure a second plurality of special subframes. Second base stations configure the same set of subframes as the second plurality of special subframes. Third base stations allow regular access to a restricted subset of wireless devices and configure a third plurality of special subframes. At least two base stations in the third base stations configure different set of subframes as the second plurality of special subframes.
US08929206B2 Method of supervising a node in a communication system
A method of supervising a node in a communication system, the communication system comprising a OAM system, a Femto node controlled by the OAM system, and a first communication path between the node and the OAM system, the method comprising the steps of: determining that the node is unable to receive commands sent by the OAM system via the first communication path; establishing a second communication path between the node and the supervising entity via a cellular network; and sending a trigger message to the node via the second communication path to initiate a communication path set up on the first communication path towards the OAM system.
US08929203B2 Method and apparatus for supporting mismatch detection
The present invention relates to a method and a network node for service instance management in telecommunications network. According to the method a plurality of network paths are monitored. A number of network paths form a protection group associated with a service instance or group of service instances. The monitoring of the network paths includes periodic transmission of CCMs on the network paths. To facilitate detection of mismatches related to protection switching, some CCMs include a mismatch information element that specifies traffic status of a working network path and of a protection network path for a set of protection groups. The set of protections groups includes the protection groups which the monitored network path is a member of. A CCM that includes the mismatch information element also includes an indication bit that indicates presence of the mismatch information element in the CCM.
US08929195B1 Method and system of reusing walsh codes to increase forward channel capacity
Assigning CDMA channel codes in a multiple beam zone sector such that they may be reused within the same sector. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes configuring directional antennas in a cell sector to provide multiple beam zones in a cell sector and assigning channel codes for use within the beam zones such that each channel code is assigned for use in only one beam zone of any set of three consecutive beam zones in the cell sector. The reassignment is preferable conditioned upon the mobility status of the user. This effectively reduces the inter-user interference by ensuring at least two intervening beam zones are located between zones that are using the same channel codes, and that the second user is not mobile. The channel codes may be Walsh codes or quasi-orthogonal functions (QOFs).
US08929194B2 Sequence generation and transmission method based on time and frequency domain transmission unit
A method for generating/transmitting a transmission-unit symbol sequence is disclosed. In the case of transmission information, the information is modulated in time and frequency domains on the basis of a predetermined transmission unit (e.g., a transmission time interval TTI or slot), simultaneous transmission of the information is made, and then a transmission unit symbol is generated/transmitted. A transmission sequence is masked in each symbol contained in one transmission unit. Symbol-unit circular shift (cyclic shift) is applied to the masked result, so that transmission efficiency increases. A control signal transmission method for supporting a variety of formats and a signal transmission method based on a prime-length sequence are also provided.
US08929191B2 Base station device for wireless communication of OFDM signal including a synchronization control unit
While a clock generated by a built-in clock generator is used as a reference signal for determining a carrier frequency of a transmit signal, carrier frequency synchronization is achieved between base stations. A base station device is configured to perform wireless communication with a terminal device. In the base station device, accuracy of a carrier frequency of an OFDM signal is affected by accuracy of a clock frequency generated by a built-in clock generator 18. The base station device receives an OFDM signal transmitted from another base station device while transmission to the terminal device is stopped, estimates a carrier frequency offset of the OFDM signal, and corrects a carrier frequency of an OFDM signal to be transmitted to the terminal device.
US08929188B2 Content transmitting apparatus for transmitting content with copy control information, content identification information and content status information
A content transmitting apparatus and the like which execute copy control of content more securely than conventional, and can count copy number correctly according to the situation, even in the case where content transfer is interrupted are provided. The content reproducing apparatus for transmitting content that is digital copyrighted work including a plurality of content blocks includes: the content reproducing unit which reads out content and the like from the DVD; the control unit which repeats, for each of the plurality of content blocks, transmitting in parallel with the content blocks, the copy control information indicating copy permission of the content, the content identification information identifying content, and the content status information indicating status of the content blocks in the overall content; the data building unit; the transmission unit; and the like.
US08929187B2 Onboard optical disc device
When the temperature of a main CPU detected by a temperature sensor exceeds a set temperature, a sub CPU drives a drive unit of an optical disc under the condition where the operation of the main CPU is suspended to stop the rise in temperature caused by the main CPU. In this case, cooling of the main CPU advances by the wind based on the driving of the optical disc, and as a result, the suspension time of data reading from the optical disc or data writing to the optical disc until the main CPU restarts can be shortened.
US08929185B2 Optical disc recording device and optical disc recording method
Provided is an optical disc apparatus and an optical disc recording method, in which it is decided whether or not an optical disc recording medium is one of DVD-RW and DVD+RW when data is recorded in the medium. If it is decided that the medium is one of DVD-RW and DVD+RW, maximum length information is read out from a storage portion. The maximum length information contains a previously set maximum data length of data recorded to the medium by an optical pick-up portion in one recording operation. Data to be recorded is split into split data having a data length of the maximum data length or smaller. Further, an electric power value of a base electric power for controlling the semiconductor laser element to emit a laser beam with a bottom power is reset every recording operation of the split data.
US08929182B1 Optical media encoding with hybrid optical discs
A disc encoding system encodes a plurality of optical discs with identical data on a first portion and variable data on a second portion of each of the plurality of optical discs. A hybrid disc can include a first and a second portion. The hybrid disc enables encoding the identical data on the first portion using a disc pressing process in which a master disc is used to define a pressing pattern. The variable data can be written on the second portion using a disc burning process in which at least one laser is used to modify a reflective property of the hybrid optical disc material, such that at least some of the optical discs vary in content. In an embodiment, the identical data includes one of movies, games, software, or music and the variable data includes one of digital fingerprints, logo data, or advertisement content. The disc encoding system can use location identifiers to identify location in the second portion of the hybrid optical disc for burning varying data.
US08929180B1 Energy-assisted magnetic recording device having laser driving signal and magnetic write signal sharing same electrical conductor
A disk drive includes a write head that includes a slider, a write transducer disposed on the slider, and a laser device affixed to the slider. The write transducer is driven by a first electrical signal that is carried on at least one of a plurality of conductive traces of a laminated flexure to which the write head is attached. The laser device is driven by a second electrical signal that is also carried by the same at least one of the plurality of conductive traces. The first signal is characterized by a first frequency, and the second electrical signal is characterized by a second frequency that is different from the first frequency.
US08929179B2 Analog electronic timepiece having rotating display bodies and a detection unit detecting when a rotating display body is in a predetermined reference display mode
An analog electronic timepiece comprising: a plurality of rotating display bodies; a gear train mechanism; a drive control unit; a detection unit; and a delay cycle counting unit, wherein the delay cycle counting unit adds 1 to the number of delay cycles in a case where it is determined, for each detection cycle of a predetermined reference display mode, that the first rotating display body is stopped during a rotation cycle of the first rotating display body based on detection results by the detection unit at a first timing and at a second timing, and the drive control unit rotationally moves the first rotating display body for a number of times, the number corresponding to the number of delay cycles, in a case where the first rotating display body is capable of operating at the first timing.
US08929178B2 Sonar data collection system
A system that can be used for inspecting underwater structures. The system allows a user to gain a better understanding of the condition of an underwater structure. The system is a self-contained, modular system that can be operated by divers, coupled to an AUV, ROV or other host platform vehicle deployment platform, towed by a ship, pole mounted, or hull mounted. All of the components necessary to achieve the desired scanning functions are incorporated onto the self-contained, modular system. The system can include and fully utilize a 3D sonar system and an inertial navigation system. This combination of features permits the system to be used to, for example, generate 3D models of underwater structures, detect changes in underwater structures by comparing the generated 3D model against an a priori 3D model, and provide navigational updates to the host platform based on the observed features of an underwater structure.
US08929175B2 Method of marine time-lapse seismic surveying
A method of marine time-lapse seismic surveying of a subsurface formation, comprises providing a baseline survey, providing a monitor survey that includes information about changes in the subsurface relative to the baseline survey, recording a repeat survey so closely in time to one of either the baseline survey or the monitor survey that changes in the subsurface can be ignored but under different near-surface conditions from said one survey, computing a short-time survey difference between the repeat signals and signals comprising said one of either the baseline survey or the monitor survey, computing a monitor survey difference, matching the short-time survey difference and the monitor survey difference to derive a matched noise survey difference, subtracting the matched noise survey difference from the monitor survey difference, and outputting a noise suppressed survey difference based on the result of the subtraction.
US08929171B2 Voltage supply controller, nonvolatile memory device and memory system
A nonvolatile memory device includes a voltage supply controller (VSC) detecting a level of a power supply voltage and generating a first internal voltage in response thereto. The VSC provides the first internal voltage at a level equal to an external high voltage when a power supply voltage is normally supplied, but provides the first internal voltage at a level lower than the external high voltage when a power supply voltage is abnormally supplied.
US08929168B2 Sense amplifier voltage regulator
A memory is disclosed that includes a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of sense amplifiers for reading data of the memory cells, and a voltage regulator coupled to the plurality of sense amplifiers. The voltage regulator includes a reference sense amplifier, a current injector, and a current injector control circuit. The current injector control circuit controls an amount of current provided by the current injector to an output node of the voltage regulator based on a voltage of the reference sense amplifier.
US08929163B2 Input buffer apparatuses and methods
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed, including an apparatus with a first differential amplifier to amplify an input signal into a first output signal, a second differential amplifier to amplify the input signal into a second output signal that is complementary to the first output signal, and a feedback resistance coupled between the first output signal and the second output signal. Additional apparatuses and methods are described.
US08929162B1 Gating and sampling a data strobe signal using a shared enable signal
In a memory interface circuit (e.g., a programmable logic device), a clock or strobe (DQS) signal can be gated using a clock-like signal that can also be used to sample the DQS signal. Furthermore, both the rising and falling edges of the DQS signal can be sampled using the clock-like signal.
US08929153B1 Memory with multiple word line design
Disclosed are various apparatuses and methods for a memory with a multiple read word line design. A memory may include a plurality of bit cells arranged in a row, a first read word line connected to a first subset of the plurality of bit cells, and a second read word line connected to a second subset of the plurality of bit cells, wherein the first and second subsets are located in the same row of bit cells. A method may include asserting, during a first read operation, a first read word line connected to a first subset of a plurality of bit cells arranged in a row of bit cells, and asserting, during a second read operation, a second read word line connected to a second subset of the plurality of bit cells, wherein the first and second subsets are located in the same row of bit cells.
US08929149B2 Semiconductor memory device and method of operating the same
The semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell block including a plurality of memory cells, a peripheral circuit section configured to perform an erase loop including a supply operation supplying an erase voltage and an erase verification operation to erase data stored in the memory cells, a fail bit counter configured to count the number of memory cells not erased in an erase operation among the memory cells to generate a count signal based on a fail count corresponding to a counting result in the erase verification operation, and a controller configured to control the peripheral circuit section to set a new erase voltage by increasing an erase voltage, used in a previous erase loop, by a first step voltage or decreasing the erase voltage by a second step voltage based on the fail count, and perform the erase loop using the new erase voltage.
US08929148B2 Semiconductor memory device having improved erase characteristic of memory cells and erase method thereof
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory blocks configured to include memory cells, a voltage supply circuit configured to supply an erase voltage for an erase operation of a memory block selected from the memory blocks and supply an erase verify voltage and an erase pass voltage for an erase verify operation of the memory block selected from the memory blocks, and a control logic configured to group word lines per specific word lines, when the erase verify operation for the selected memory block is performed, and control the voltage supply circuit so that one or more of the erase verify voltage and the erase pass voltage rise whenever the erase verify operation is performed.
US08929134B2 Method of programming a flash memory by enhancing the channel voltage of a program-inhibit bit line with a boosted inhibit scheme
A method of programming a NAND flash memory cell string. The method includes a pre-boost stage configured to elevate channel voltage of a selected memory cell, and a boost stage is introduced after the pre-boost stage. The pre-boost stage has at least the following steps of biasing a bit line to a first voltage, biasing a string select transistor to a second voltage; and ramping down the string select transistor to the first voltage. In particular, the second voltage is higher than the first voltage.
US08929128B2 Storage device and writing method of the same
A storage device in which held voltage is prevented from decreasing due to feedthrough in writing data to the storage device at high voltage is provided. The storage device includes a write circuit, a bit line, a word line, a transistor, and a capacitor. A gate of the transistor is electrically connected to the word line. One of a source and a drain of the transistor is electrically connected to the bit line. The other of the source and the drain of the transistor is electrically connected to one terminal of the capacitor. The other terminal of the capacitor is electrically connected to a ground. The write circuit includes an element holding write voltage and a circuit gradually decreasing voltage from the element holding write voltage. The write voltage is output from the write circuit to the word line.
US08929126B2 Array voltage regulating technique to enable data operations on large cross-point memory arrays with resistive memory elements
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to semiconductors and memory technology, and more particularly, to systems, integrated circuits, and methods to preserve states of memory elements in association with data operations using variable access signal magnitudes for other memory elements, such as implemented in third dimensional memory technology. In some embodiments, a memory device can include a cross-point array with resistive memory elements. An access signal generator can modify a magnitude of a signal to generate a modified magnitude for the signal to access a resistive memory element associated with a word line and a subset of bit lines. A tracking signal generator is configured to track the modified magnitude of the signal and to apply a tracking signal to other resistive memory elements associated with other subsets of bit lines, the tracking signal having a magnitude at a differential amount from the modified magnitude of the signal.
US08929114B2 Three-level active neutral point clamped zero voltage switching converter
A main circuit of a three-level active neutral point clamped voltage source converter having a pair of additional main switches provides two paths between an output node and a neutral point in which one of the paths involves only switches of an inner pair of switches that are operated at a high frequency. An auxiliary circuit operating at a high frequency for only a brief period during each high frequency switching cycle selects the path involving only the inner switches and provides operation with zero voltage switching and avoids reverse recovery of diodes connected antiparallel with the main and additional main switches. Accordingly, turn-on switching losses in the main switches is avoided and the voltage source converter can be operated at increased frequency to allow reduction in size of magnetic components and full potential power transfer to be achieved.
US08929113B2 Capacitor discharger for power conversion system
A capacitor discharger applied to a power conversion system including a DC voltage source, a power conversion circuit having a pair of input terminals via which the DC voltage source is electrically connected to the power conversion circuit, and a capacitor electrically connected between the pair of input terminals of the power conversion circuit. The capacitor discharger includes a first series connection of resistive elements and a second series connection of resistive elements. In the capacitor discharger, a parallel connection of the first and second series connections of resistive elements is electrically connected between the pair of input terminals of the power conversion circuit. This can ensure a discharge path for discharging the capacitor even in the presence of an abnormality in a portion of the parallel connection of the first and second series connections of resistive elements.
US08929111B2 System and method for common-mode elimination in a multi-level converter
A multi-level converter includes a plurality of alternating current (AC) terminals connected to an AC source or load, at least three direct current (DC) terminals connected to a multi-level DC source or load, and a plurality of solid-state switches that are selectively turned On and Off to connect each of the plurality of AC terminals to one of the DC terminals. A controller provides PWM control signals to the solid-state switches. The controller utilizes space vector modulation to organize the various switching state configurations, and increments the switching states during a first half of the switching period and decrements the switching states during a second half of the switching period to center-align the PWM signals provided about the center of the switching period. The switching states utilized during the switching period dictate the PWM control signals provided to the plurality of switches employed in the three-level converter.
US08929108B2 Method and apparatus for controlling a grid-connected converter
A method and an apparatus for controlling a grid-connected converter which includes a boost converter, a buck converter, and a current source inverter having an output CL filter. An input of the buck converter input is connected to an output of the boost converter, and an input of the current source inverter is connected to an output of the buck converter. The method includes controlling a boost converter input voltage, controlling a boost converter output voltage through control of a buck converter output voltage, and controlling the current source inverter to produce an AC current from the buck converter output voltage. The apparatus implements the method.
US08929104B2 Flow control system
The present invention provides a new type flow control system comprising a valve control circuit and a power source circuit. Two terminals of the primary coil of the power source circuit transformer are respectively connected with two power source circuit FETs, the secondary coil of the power source circuit transformer is connected to the voltage output terminal of the power source circuit through a power source rectification circuit. The gates of the power source circuit FETs are connected with a switching regulator. The AC input terminal of the valve control circuit is connected with a valve control circuit transformer. The primary coil of the valve control circuit transformer is connected with a valve control circuit FET, the secondary coil of the transformer is connected to a mechanical valve through a valve control rectification circuit. A microcontroller outputs PWM signals to the gate of the valve control circuit FET.
US08929102B2 Sample and hold buffer
This relates to sampling a feedback signal representative of an output of a power converter. The sampling is performed using a buffer sampling circuit having three sample and hold stages coupled in series to sense and store the feedback signal. The first stage is coupled to sample and hold the feedback signal on a capacitor. If the output diode is conducting, the sampled signal is transferred to the second stage. If the output diode is conducting, the first stage will sample the feedback signal and the sampled signal will be transferred to be sampled and held by the second stage. When the output diode stops conducting, the sampled voltage held by the second stage is transferred to the third stage. The third stage stores the sampled voltage on a capacitor. As such, the controller may sample the feedback signal near the end of the output diode conduction time.
US08929100B2 Power converter enabling suppression of magnetic flux bias in a transformer of the converter
In an electrical power converter, an input circuit performs switching for converting a supply voltage of a power source to alternating-polarity voltage pulses which are applied to the primary winding of a transformer. Each voltage pulse is controlled (e.g., pulse width or amplitude is adjusted) based on a detected value of current flow in the primary winding, where the value has been detected an even-numbered plurality of voltage pulses previously. Any DC component of current flow in the primary winding, caused by manufacturing deviations between switching elements in the input circuit, can thereby be suppressed, and DC flux bias in the transformer thereby suppressed.
US08929095B2 Cable management apparatus
A cable management apparatus for managing a cable includes a mounting bracket slidably receiving the cable and fixing a rear end of the cable, a sliding bar slidably connected to the front end of the cable, and a rotating arm rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket and engaging with the cable. The sliding bar defines a guiding slot, which includes a driving portion extending slantingly relative to a sliding direction of the sliding bar. The rotating arm includes a rod slidably received in the guiding slot of the sliding bar. By sliding the sliding bar forward or rearward, the rod of the rotating arm slides along the driving portion of the guiding slot to rotate the rotating arm forward to stretch the cable or rotate the rotating arm rearward to wind up the cable.
US08929092B2 Circuit board, and semiconductor device having component mounted on circuit board
A circuit board includes an electric circuit having a wiring section and a pad section in the surface of an insulating base substrate. The electric circuit is configured such that a conductor is embedded in a circuit recess formed in the surface of the insulating base substrate, and the surface roughness of the conductor is different in the wiring section and the pad section of the electric circuit. In this case, it is preferable that the surface roughness of the conductor in the pad section is greater than the surface roughness of the conductor in the wiring section.
US08929089B2 Electronic circuit module component and method of manufacturing electronic circuit module component
An electronic circuit module component includes an electronic component, a substrate, a first resin, a second resin, a metal layer, and an opening. The electronic component is mounted on the substrate. The first resin has pores and is in contact with at least a part of the electronic component. The second resin covers a surface of the first resin and has porosity which is lower than that of the first resin. The metal layer covers the first resin and the second resin and is electrically connected to a ground of the substrate. The opening is provided in the metal layer and allows a part of the first resin to be exposed to an outside at least of the metal layer.
US08929086B2 Gel package structural enhancement of compression system board connections
A MCM system board uses a stiffener arrangement to enhance mechanical, thermo and electrical properties by incorporating an LGA compression connector in a computer system. The present designs of large scale computing systems (LSCS) in IBM use a MCM that is attached to a system board and held together by a stiffening frame. Due to the nature of the manufacturing of the system board, there can be significant gaps formed in the mounting area of the MCM between the board and the stiffener. A method is described that not only fills the void, it also, in addition promotes thermo conduction of excess heat away from the MCM and at the same time promotes enhanced electrical properties of the LGA connections of the MCM to the system board.
US08929085B2 Flexible electronic devices
Flexible electronic devices may be provided. A flexible electronic device may include a flexible display, a flexible housing and one or more flexible internal components configured to allow the flexible electronic device to be deformed. Flexible displays may include flexible display layers, flexible touch-sensitive layers, and flexible display cover layers. The flexible housing may be a multi-stable flexible housing having one or more stable positions. The flexible housing may include a configurable support structure that, when engaged, provides a rigid support structure for the flexible housing. The flexible internal components may include flexible batteries, flexible printed circuits or other flexible components. A flexible battery may include flexible and rigid portions or may include a lubricious separator layer that provides flexibility for the flexible battery. A flexible printed circuit may include flexible and rigid portions or openings that allow some rigid portions to flex with respect to other rigid portions.
US08929080B2 Immersion-cooling of selected electronic component(s) mounted to printed circuit board
A method is provided for pumped immersion-cooling of selected electronic components of an electronic system, such as a node or book of a multi-node rack. The method includes providing a housing assembly defining a compartment about the component(s) to be cooled, which is coupled to a first side of a printed circuit board. The assembly includes a first frame with an opening sized to accommodate the component(s), and a second frame. The first and second frames are sealed to opposite sides of the board via a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer, respectively. The printed circuit board is at least partially porous to a coolant to flow through the compartment, and the first frame, second frame, and first and second adhesive layers are non-porous with respect to the coolant, and provide a coolant-tight seal to the first and second sides of the printed circuit board.
US08929079B2 Electronic control device
An electronic control device comprises a circuit board having a heat generating part mounted thereon; a case for installing therein the circuit board, the case having a heat receiving portion that is in contact with the heat generating part; at least two first fixing units that are constructed and arranged to fix a peripheral portion of the circuit board to the case; and at least one second fixing unit that is arranged to fix a given area of the circuit board to the case while pressing the given area against the heat receiving portion through the heat generating part, the given area being an area where the heat generating part is placed.
US08929069B2 Electric vehicle charging system with robustness features and universal port
An electric vehicle supply equipment may include a first cover element including a well portion to accommodate a first circuitry, wherein the first circuitry includes a chimney stack that couples to a venting hole. Also, the electric vehicle supply equipment may include a second cover element including a recess portion to accommodate a second circuitry, wherein the second circuitry includes a charcoal filter that couples to the chimney stack to absorb impurities generated by the first circuitry and the second circuitry. Further, the electric vehicle supply equipment includes a universal/serial connection port configured to couple to peripheral devices, wherein the universal/serial connection port is an optical coupled connection.
US08929060B2 Audio visual enhancement apparatus
An apparatus of the present disclosure enhances the audio/visual experience of a portable digital device, and comprises a lens positioning slot, a lens storage compartment, a passive audio amplifier, a receiving station.
US08929059B2 Electric apparatus
According to one embodiment, the electronic apparatus includes a main body including a main body connector, a holder detachably mounted on the main body, the holder including a front supporter and a back supporter that are used to support an external apparatus and an opening between the front supporter and the back supporter, the main body connector exposed from the opening when the holder is on the main body, so that an external apparatus connector of the external apparatus is plugged to the main body connector to achieve an electrical connection when the external apparatus is inserted between the front supporter and the back supporter.
US08929052B2 Methods of processing semiconductor substrates, electrostatic carriers for retaining substrates for processing, and assemblies comprising electrostatic carriers having substrates electrostatically bonded thereto
A method of processing a substrate includes physically contacting an exposed conductive electrode of an electrostatic carrier with a conductor to electrostatically bond a substrate to the electrostatic carrier. The conductor is removed from physically contacting the exposed conductive electrode. Dielectric material is applied over the conductive electrode. The substrate is treated while it is electrostatically bonded to the electrostatic carrier. In one embodiment, a conductor is forced through dielectric material that is received over a conductive electrode of an electrostatic carrier to physically contact the conductor with the conductive electrode to electrostatically bond a substrate to the electrostatic carrier. After removing the conductor from the dielectric material, the substrate is treated while it is electrostatically bonded to the electrostatic carrier. Electrostatic carriers for retaining substrates for processing, and such assemblies, are also disclosed.
US08929049B2 Ion wind generator and ion wind generating device
Provided is an ion wind generator capable of diversifying either or both of the amount of wind or wind direction. An ion wind generator is provided with a first electrode, a second electrode having a downstream area which is arranged at a position in a plan view shifted from first electrode towards the positive side in the x direction, and a dielectric between the first electrode and the second electrode. In a plane view, the distance (d) in the x-direction from a downstream side edge of the first electrode to the downstream side edge of the downstream area differs in the y-direction which is perpendicular to the x-direction.
US08929045B2 Delay protection circuit and electronic device employing the same
A delay protection circuit is installed between a power supply unit and a load of an electronic device, and includes a first capacitor and second capacitors. The delay protection circuit allows the supply of electric power to the load by the PSU, and detects power being output by the PSU. If the power output by the PSU exceeds a rated power of the load, the first capacitor becomes chargeable by the PSU, and the load is electrically disconnected from the PSU once a voltage on the first capacitor achieves a predetermined voltage level. The second capacitors are also available for charging by the PSU according to a difference between the power being output by the PSU and the rated power of the load to provide automatic adjustability of a delay time for the voltage on the first capacitor to achieve the predetermined voltage.
US08929044B2 System and method for controlled overvoltage detection
An overvoltage detection system includes a sensed voltage; an active reference module that generates an active reference signal having a magnitude that varies inversely with a magnitude of the sensed voltage; and a timed trip module that includes a resistor and capacitor, and detects an overvoltage condition as a function of the sensed voltage, the active reference signal, and time.
US08929043B2 Over-voltage protection device for resonant wireless power reception device and method for controlling the over-voltage protection device
Provided is an over-voltage protection device for a resonant wireless power reception device. The over-voltage protection device includes a resonance signal receiver for receiving a wireless resonance signal transmitted from a wireless power transmission device, an over-voltage protector which is driven by a driver in an over-voltage protection operation to detune a resonance frequency of the reception device, thereby reducing reception power, the driver for driving the over-voltage protector according to a control signal in the over-voltage protection operation, and a controller for outputting the control signal for driving the over-voltage protector to the driver when it is determined that over-voltage occurs.
US08929039B2 Silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) clamp including metal insulator transition (MIT) resistor
Aspects of the invention provide for an electrostatic discharge (ESD) clamp. In one embodiment, the ESD clamp includes: a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR); and a trigger circuit for providing a tunable trigger voltage to turn on the SCR, the trigger circuit including a metal-insulator transition (MIT) material. The trigger circuit includes an MIT resistor that includes a width and a length that tunes the trigger voltage to a desired voltage.
US08929036B2 Arc fault circuit detection methods, systems, and apparatus including delay
In one aspect, a method of electrical arc fault detection when high frequency (e.g., RF noise) is present is disclosed. The method includes determining if first arcing criterion is met, determining if delay criterion is met, implementing a delay for a delay period if the delay criterion is met, and determining if second arcing criterion is met. If the second arcing criterion is met, then a trip signal may be sent to trip the circuit breaker. In another aspect, the method includes determining if first arcing criterion is met, starting delay period if the first arcing criterion is met, determining if delay criterion is met, and if the delay criterion is met, determining if second arcing criterion is met. An arc fault detection apparatus adapted to carry out the methods, and systems including the arc fault detection apparatus are disclosed, as are various other aspects.
US08929031B2 Spin torque oscillator, method of manufacturing the same, magnetic recording head, magnetic head assembly, and magnetic recording apparatus
According to one embodiment, there is provided a spin torque oscillator including an oscillation layer formed of a magnetic material, a spin injection layer formed of a magnetic material and configured to inject a spin into the oscillation layer, and a current confinement layer including an insulating portion formed of an oxide or a nitride and a conductive portion formed of a nonmagnetic metal and penetrating the insulating portion in a direction of stacking. The conductive portion of the current confinement layer is positioned near a central portion of a plane of a device region including the oscillation layer and the spin injection layer.
US08929027B1 Magnetic write head with tapered side gap for reduced far track interference
A magnetic write head for magnetic data recording that has a magnetic write pole and a magnetic side shield structure, wherein the flare angle and bevel angle of the write pole are different from the flare angle and bevel angle of the magnetic side shield structure. The magnetic side shield has a flare angle that is greater than that of the write pole, and has a bevel angle that is smaller than that of the write pole. This advantageously provides a strong write field, while also preventing adjacent track and far track interference. The write head can include a bi-layer non-magnetic side gap structure, wherein one layer of the bi-layer side gap structure has a uniform thickness and the other layer has a non-uniform thickness.
US08929025B2 Clamping device for a rotatable component of a machine including a balance hole configured to confine a counterweight
A clamping device for coupling a rotatable component of a machine with a shaft, including a balance hole configured to confine a counterweight. The clamping device includes a circular plate. The circular plate includes at least one fastener hole configured to accept a fastener, and at least one balance hole. The fastener is configured to fasten the clamping device to couple the component with the shaft. The balance hole includes a cavity configured to accept a counterweight. The counterweight is configured to balance the rotational motion of at least the circular plate when the shaft is rotated. Moreover, the cavity is configured to confine the counterweight to an end of the cavity by effects of rotation of the shaft on the counterweight when the shaft is rotated.
US08929020B2 Linear recording device for executing optimum writing upon receipt of series of commands including mixed read and write commands and method and program thereof
A tape drive is provided, which executes an optimum writing method even when overwrite is intervened between mixed read and write operations. When an overwrite command is received while executing the mixed operations, which writes to a predetermined tape position, when a tape position to overwrite on is encountered before the append-written data ending position of the tape (tape EOD), the overwritten tape position is regarded as the append-written data ending position of the tape (tape EOD) to update the tape EOD by the overwritten tape position. When a tape position to overwrite is encountered after the append-written data ending position of the tape (tape EOD), the overwritten tape position is updated by the append-written data ending position of a non-volatile memory (non-volatile EOD). The updating the EODs enhances the performance of the mixed read and write operations even when an overwrite command is intervening.
US08929015B2 Data writing method and program for tape drive
One embodiment includes a method for writing data to a tape in a tape drive while data successively accumulated in the buffer of a file system is transferred to the tape drive. The method includes detecting a wrap turn when data is being written to the tape; allocating buffer space including a storage capacity exceeding the amount of data to be stored in the buffer during the wrap turn; successively accumulating write data in the buffer space instead of the buffer during the wrap turn; resuming the accumulation of write data in the buffer after the wrap turn has been completed; and releasing the buffer space after the write data accumulated in the buffer space has been transferred to the tape drive.
US08929011B1 Sync mark system for two dimensional magnetic recording
A data processing system includes an analog to digital converter operable to sample an analog signal obtained from a magnetic storage medium to yield digital samples, and a sync mark detector operable to search for a particular one of a number of sync marks in the digital samples. Each of the data tracks on the magnetic storage medium is associated with one of the sync marks. The sync mark on each of the data tracks has a different pattern than the sync marks on neighboring tracks.
US08929009B2 Irregular low density parity check decoder with low syndrome error handling
A data processing system is disclosed including a data decoder circuit, an error handling circuit and a syndrome checker circuit. The data decoder circuit is operable to apply a data decode algorithm to a decoder input to yield a decoded output, and to calculate a syndrome indicating an error level for the decoded output. The error handling circuit is operable to determine whether any errors in the decoded output involve user data bits. The syndrome checker circuit is operable to trigger the error handling circuit based at least in part on the syndrome.
US08929008B1 Systems and methods for testing magnetic media disks during manufacturing using sliders with temperature sensors
Systems and methods for testing magnetic media disks during manufacturing using sliders with temperature sensors are provided. One such method involves scanning a surface of a selected disk of a plurality of magnetic media disks using a slider including a magnetic transducer and a temperature sensor, counting a number of the surfaces scanned, determining, during the scanning, whether a threshold crossing event has occurred by determining whether a signal from the temperature sensor signal is not within a preselected range, counting, during the scanning, a number of threshold crossing events, storing, if the number of threshold crossing events is greater than a preselected events limit, the number of surfaces scanned, stopping, if the number of surfaces scanned is greater than a surfaces scanned threshold, the scanning, and returning, if the number of surfaces scanned is less than or equal to the surfaces scanned threshold, to scan a next selected disk.
US08929006B2 Pivotally connected structure allowing lens replacement and lens angle adjustment
The present invention is to provide a pivotally connected structure, which includes a positioning frame having one end threadedly connectable with a front side of a camera lens; a pivotally connecting frame having one end pivotally connectable with the other end of the positioning frame, and provided therein with a receiving space which is configured for receiving a lens (e.g., protective lens, ND filter, or polarizer); and an engaging frame having one end provided with a pressing ring and having an outer periphery formed with a second curved surface which is pivotally connectable with a first curved surface provided within the other end of the pivotally connecting frame; such that the pressing ring presses against the periphery of the lens and thereby positions the lens in the receiving space, and the angle of the lens with respect to the camera lens can be adjusted by rotating the pivotally connecting frame.
US08929005B2 Voice coil motor
A VCM is disclosed, the motor including a stator including a first driving unit, a rotor arranged inside the stator, including a second driving unit responding to the first driving unit and mounted therein with a lens, a base fixing the stator, and an elastic member coupled to the rotor to float the rotor from the base in a case a driving signal for driving the first and second driving units is not applied to the first and second driving units.
US08929000B2 Mobile device and optical imaging lens thereof
Present embodiments provide for a mobile device and an optical imaging lens thereof. The optical imaging lens comprises four lens elements positioned in an order from the object side to the image side. Through controlling the convex or concave shape of the surfaces of the lens elements, the thickness of the at least one lens element, an air gap between two lens elements, and a sum of all air gaps between all four lens elements along the optical axis satisfying the relations: (T3/G34)>4 and (Gaa/T3)>1, wherein T3 is the thickness of the third lens element, G34 is the air gap between the third lens element and the fourth lens element, and Gaa is the sum of all air gaps between all four lens elements, the optical imaging lens shows better optical characteristics and the total length of the optical imaging lens is shortened.
US08928999B1 Ultra-wide-angle imaging lens assembly with five lenses
An imaging lens assembly comprises a fixing diaphragm and an optical set including five lenses. An arranging order from an object side to an image side is: a first lens; a second lens; a third lens having a lens with a positive refractive power defined near the optical axis and a convex surface directed toward the image side; a fourth lens having a lens with a positive refractive power defined near the optical axis and a convex surface directed toward the image side; and a fifth lens having a concave surface with a corrugated contour directed toward the image side and disposed near the optical axis. At least one surface of the five lenses is aspheric. By the concatenation between the lenses and the adapted curvature radius, thickness, interval, refractivity, and Abbe numbers, the assembly attains a big diaphragm with ultra-wide-angle, a shorter height, and a better optical aberration.
US08928998B2 Wide-angle image lens with high resolution
A wide-angle image lens, in the order from the object side to the image side thereof, includes a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens and an image plane. The wide-angle image lens satisfies the formulas: D/TTL>1.16;D/L>1.17;Z/Y>0, wherein D is the maximum image diameter of the wide-angle image plane; TTL is the total length of the wide-angle image lens; L is a distance from an outmost edge of an image surface of the fifth lens to an optical axis of the wide-angle image lens; Z is a distance from a central point of the objective surface of the fourth lens to an outmost edge of the image surface of the fourth lens, Y is a distance from the outmost edge of the image surface of the fourth lens to the optical axis.
US08928997B2 Lens barrel and image pickup apparatus
A lens barrel includes a cam ring configured to be rotatably driven, a lens holding cylinder provided on an outer circumference of the cam ring and configured to hold a lens, and a barrier cylinder configured to hold a lens barrier, the barrier cylinder includes a cylinder portion, a first protrusion which extends from the cylinder portion toward an image plane side, and a cam engagement portion which is engaged with a cam groove of the cam ring, the lens holding cylinder includes a cylinder portion and a second protrusion which extends from the cylinder portion toward the image plane side, and the second protrusion of the lens holding cylinder is arranged so as to overlap with the cam engagement portion of the barrier cylinder in a radial direction orthogonal to an optical axis direction.
US08928994B2 Lens barrel and imaging device
The lens barrel has a first lens unit that is disposed at the object side and changeable between a first state, a spacing of the lenses is a predetermined spacing, and a second state, the spacing of the lenses is narrower than in the first state; a second lens unit that is disposed at the image side and capable of changing a focusing state by moving along the optical axis; a restricting member that restricts the change of the first lens unit from the first state to the second state; and driving unit that, in a state in which the change to the second state is restricted by the restricting member, moves the second lens unit toward the image side, wherein the restricting member releases the restriction in association with a completion of the movement of the second lens unit by the driving means.
US08928993B2 Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus using the same
A zoom lens comprises in order from an object side a first lens unit having a positive refractive power. The first lens unit consist one positive lens. The zoom lens satisfies the following conditional expressions (1) and (2). Fno(W)<2.7  (1) 3.1
US08928991B2 Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
In a zoom lens including a positive first lens unit, negative second lens unit, positive third lens unit, and positive fourth lens unit, the fourth lens unit includes a 41 lens group, a 42 lens group, and a 43 lens group. the lateral magnification of the third lens unit at a wide-angle end when an infinite object is focused, the focal length of the fourth lens unit, the lens configuration length of the fourth lens unit, the air interval between the 41 and 42 lens groups, the air interval between the 42 and 43 lens groups, the focal length of the 42 lens group, the average values of the Abbe constants and partial dispersion ratios of positive lens of the 42 lens group, the average values of the Abbe constants and partial dispersion ratios of negative lenses of the 42 lens group, and the like are appropriately set.
US08928990B2 Image blur correction apparatus and imaging apparatus
Provided is an image blur correction apparatus including a lens unit including at least one lens, and being turnable in a first direction and a second direction, a fixed member turnably supporting the lens unit in the first direction and the second direction, a first drive unit including a pair of first thrust generation units that applies thrust and is positioned on opposite sides sandwiching one of the first supporting and second supporting axe, a second drive unit including a pair of second thrust generation units that applies thrust and is positioned on opposite sides sandwiching another of the first and second supporting axe, a pair of first detection units being positioned on opposite sides sandwiching one of the first and second supporting axe, and a pair of second detection units being positioned on opposite sides sandwiching another of the first and second supporting axe.
US08928987B2 Microscope objective lens
A microscope objective lens satisfies the following conditional expressions (1) and (2). 0.05
US08928985B2 Image blur correction device and imaging apparatus
An image blur correction device includes a lens unit having at least one lens and rotationally moving in a first direction which is a rotation direction of a first fulcrum axis and in a second direction which is a rotation direction of a second fulcrum axis relative to an outer casing, a first driving motor which causes the lens unit to pivot in the first direction, and a second driving motor which causes the lens unit to pivot in the second direction. An auxiliary axis is disposed opposite to the first driving motor with interposing of the lens unit, the lens unit pivots in the first direction and in the second direction by the rotation of output axes of the first and second driving motors, and each output axis is rotatably supported by a pair of first bearings and each auxiliary axis is rotatably supported by a second bearing.
US08928983B2 Display apparatus, moving body, and method for mounting display apparatus
According to one embodiment, a display apparatus projects a light flux including image information toward one eye. The apparatus includes an image formation unit and a projection unit. The image formation unit is configured to emit the light flux. The projection unit includes a projection region limiting unit and a semi-transmissive reflective unit. The projection region limiting unit is configured to limit a width of the light flux emitted from the image formation unit. The semi-transmissive reflective unit is configured to reflect the light flux emitted from the projection region limiting unit. A distance between the semi-transmissive reflective unit and an imaging plane of the light flux is not more than 250 mm.
US08928976B2 Resin composition and optical film formed by using the same
Provided are a resin composition and an optical film formed by using the same, and more particularly, a resin composition including 85 to 95 parts by weight of a matrix copolymer resin including an alkyl(meth)acrylate-based unit, an acryl-based unit containing a benzene ring, and a (meth)acrylic acid unit, and 5 to 15 parts by weight of a polymer resin having a molecular weight range of 150,000 to 1,000,000 and an optical film formed by using the composition. A resin composition according to the present invention may provide a protective film for a polarizing plate having excellent heat resistance and toughness as well as excellent optical properties, and thus, an optical film formed by using the resin composition of the present invention may be used in information electronic devices such as display devices for various applications.
US08928974B2 Inverted microscope
Provided is an inverted microscope 1 comprising an objective optical system 2 that collects light from a specimen A; an image-forming optical system 3 that images the light from the specimen A that has been collected by the objective optical system 2 to form an intermediate image; a relay optical system 6 that relays the intermediate image B of the specimen A formed by the image-forming optical system 3; a binocular lens barrel 5 that splits the light from the relay optical system 6; a pair of ocular optical systems 4 that image, in a magnified manner, the intermediate images that have been split by the binocular lens barrel 5 on eyes E of an observer as virtual images; wherein the following conditional expressions are satisfied: K=(Fntl/Ftl)×βRL  (1), Fne=Fe×K  (2), and 0.3
US08928971B2 High-power optical fibre laser
A high-power optical fiber laser includes: an oscillator (1); a pumping laser (5) able to emit a high-power pumping optical radiation beam; and a signal-amplifying optical fiber (3) able to receive the optical source signal and the high-power pumping optical radiation beam so as to generate a high-power laser beam. The pumping laser includes a plurality of pumping multimode laser diodes (7a-7f) and a laser cavity, the laser cavity including a double-clad fiber (4) including: a neodymium-doped monomode waveguide; a fiber Bragg grating (9) forming one end of the laser cavity; and a fiber reflector (11) forming the other end of the laser cavity, the monomodefiber laser being able to generate a laser radiation beam when it is optically pumped by a pumping radiation beam originating from the plurality of pumping laser diodes in order for the laser cavity to emit a high-power pumping laser radiation beam.
US08928969B2 Spatio-optical directional light modulator
A novel spatio-optical directional light modulator with no moving parts is introduced. This directional light modulator can be used to create 2D/3D switchable displays of various sizes for mobile to large screen TV. The inherently fast modulation capability of this new directional light modulator increases the achievable viewing angle, resolution, and realism of the 3D image created by the display.
US08928960B2 Control device controlling amount of colorant based on linear correlations between difference ratios and offsets
A control device performs: acquiring an optical measured scan value; setting a measured offset using the measured scan value by reference to predetermined correlations; and determining a control value using the measured offset amount. The control value is used for controlling an amount of colorant to be ejected during printing. In the predetermined correlations, a first pair of scan values is associated with a first pair of offsets. A second pair of scan values is associated with a second pair of offsets. The first and second pair has a first and second scan difference between the scan values, respectively. The first and second pair of offsets has a first and second offset difference between the offsets, respectively. The first scan difference is different from the second scan difference. The first offset difference is same as the second offset difference.
US08928958B2 Image reading device including an optical unit for reading a document image, image forming apparatus therewith, and optical unit for reading a document image
An image reading device has an optical unit and a rail portion formed of sheet metal. The optical unit is scanned in the sub scanning direction to read an image on a document on a contact glass. The rail portion slidably supports the optical unit. The optical unit has a sliding portion which slides on the rail portion while making contact therewith, and at least one pair of gripping portions which grip the rail portion. The surface of the sliding portion has a substantially arc-shaped cross section. The rail portion has two inclined surfaces that make contact with the substantially arc-shaped surface at two points.
US08928955B2 Linear light source apparatus and image reading apparatus
A linear light source device illuminates a document properly, and an image reading device includes such a light source device. The light source device includes a light source and a light-guiding member. The light-guiding member introduces the light emitted from the light source from one end portion in x-direction, cause the light to travel in x-direction, and emits the light from a light exit portion at one end in z-direction, which is orthogonal to x-direction. The light-guiding member includes, at the other end in z-direction, a light-reflecting portion that reflects light to the light exit portion. One end face of the light-guiding member in y-direction, which is orthogonal to x- and z-directions, is inclined so as to become closer to the other end face in y-direction with decreasing distance from the light exit portion in z-direction. This allows light to easily travel to the light-reflecting portion.
US08928952B2 Scanning apparatus
A scanning apparatus includes a scanning module, a calibration plate, and a driving module. The calibration plate includes a first background region for calibrating the brightness of the scanning module and a second background region for intensifying an edge of a document to be scanned. The driving module is used for driving movement of the calibration plate. As a consequence, the scanning light beam from the scanning module is projected onto the first background region or the second background region of the calibration plate. Under this circumstance, the purposes of calibrating the brightness and increasing the image processing efficiency are both achieved. Moreover, since the calibration plate is driven by the driving module to be moved in the direction parallel with said scanning light beam, the purpose of dynamically adjusting the brightness can be achieved.
US08928950B2 Controlling device for controlling scan performing unit
A controlling device for controlling a scan performing unit may determine a specific optical resolution from among a plurality of optical resolutions by utilizing specific information given from a user, cause the scan performing unit to perform a scan of a document in accordance with the specific optical resolution, perform an analysis of scan data obtained by the scan of the document, determine an output resolution based on a result of the analysis of the scan data, converting the scan data indicating the specific optical resolution into image data indicating the output resolution in a case where the output resolution is not identical to the specific optical resolution, and create a file including the image data indicating the output resolution.
US08928949B1 Method and apparatus for minimizing gray level variation within each symbol in Microtext
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for minimizing gray level variation in microtext are disclosed. For example, the method calculates a gray value of each one of a plurality of symbols of a first set of symbols comprising a plurality of symbols, identifies a reference symbol of the first set of symbols, determines a reference gray value of the reference symbol and adjusts the gray value of one or more of the plurality of symbols of the first set of symbols to be equivalent to the reference gray value.
US08928942B2 Image forming device, density correction method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing program
An image forming device includes a density correction unit that corrects density based on a density detection value of the density correction pattern; a first density correction pattern generating unit that generates a first density correction pattern having low resolution; and a second density correction pattern generating unit that generates a second density correction pattern having high resolution. When a first density detection value of the first density correction pattern is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the density correction unit corrects the density by determining a density correction reflection rate, based on the first density detection value. When the first density detection value is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold value, the density correction unit corrects the density by determining the density correction reflection rate, based on a second density detection value of the second density correction pattern.
US08928938B2 Image forming apparatus, image forming method and recording medium
Provided is an image forming apparatus including an image forming section for forming a test image including a plurality of patterns in which at least one pattern is more easily affected by a variation factor for density than another pattern, an accepting section for accepting an amount of adjustment for density, and an adjusting section for adjusting density of an image to be formed by the image forming section based on the amount of adjustment for density accepted by the accepting section.
US08928937B2 Method and system for assigning color values to primary colors and secondary colors for color rendering in an inkjet printer
A method enables primary color values for pixel to be processed before the pixel is rendered. The method includes allocating non-black primary colors as being under black, secondary colors, or tertiary colors.
US08928936B2 Red-green-blue to monochrome color conversion
Systems and associated methods provide for converting an RGB color image to a grayscale image via a lookup table of correction values. The lookup table is generated and used to compensate for errors in converting the color image to the grayscale image. The lookup table is generated by generating a reference image having pixels with color values in the RGB color space, converting a first copy of the reference image to a grayscale reference image via interpolation, and converting a second copy of the reference image to an intermediate image. The intermediate image comprises chrominance and luminance values (e.g., YCbCR or YCgCo). The chrominance values are removed from the intermediate image. The intermediate image is then compared to the grayscale reference image to generate the correction values. The lookup table may then be applied to a grayscale image that has been converted from the RGB color image.
US08928935B2 Color accuracy check
A system and method for color accuracy checking is discussed. In one embodiment, areas within a document are selected for color-checking. A confirmation is made that a second printing of the document has color values which deviate within tolerances from color values of a first printing of the document within each of the selected areas.
US08928930B2 Image forming apparatus and method of printing reduction image thereof
A method reducing an image size of an image printed by an image forming apparatus includes determining whether a line width of an unprintable line will be compensated when it is determined that there is the unprintable line, rendering an object based on image data in which a result of determining whether the line width will be compensated is reflected, and performing a reduction printing operation of the object based on the rendering result.
US08928924B2 Printing system, printing control apparatus, control method of printing control apparatus, and program
A printing control apparatus configured to transmit a received job to an image processing apparatus transmits, in a case where, after receiving information indicating that preparation for transition to a power saving status is completed from the image processing apparatus, determination is made that a job to be preferentially transmitted to the image processing apparatus exists among the plurality of received jobs stored in a storage unit, the job to the image processing apparatus with priority over a job stored in the storage unit before the job.
US08928921B2 Print system, print server, control method, and storage medium
A print server receives an email, which has been transmitted from a mobile terminal device and in which a printer is designated as the print output destination for an attached file to the email, from a mail server, stores the received email in a storage unit, and executes print processing of print data for the attached file to the email. The print server manages the email and identification information about a reply mail in association with each other and transmits the reply mail to the mobile terminal device. The mobile terminal device provides a reprint instruction for the attached file by replying the email. The print server performs print processing of the attached file to an email managed in association with the identification information about the reply mail included in the replied email.
US08928920B2 Multi-color banner pages for print job finishing workflows
A print job includes instructions to print markings and perform finishing operations on a first type of media. Systems and methods determine print job characteristics of the print job based on data within the print job, and select a different type of media on which banner pages will be printed (e.g., “second types of media” that is different from the first type of media used for the print job pages). The banner pages contain human and/or computer readable instructions to perform the finishing operations. The media type used for the “second type of media” is based on the print job characteristics of the print job. The print markings are printed on the first type of media, and the banner pages are printed on the second type of media.
US08928907B2 Method of sensing connection of USB device in power save mode and image forming apparatus for performing the same
An image forming apparatus includes a main controller, a universal serial bus (USB) interface to which an external USB device is connected, a voltage bus (VBUS) power supply to supply power to the USB interface through the VBUS line, a voltage change detector to output a wake-up signal to the main controller if a voltage change occurs on the VBUS line, a USB host controller to perform data communication with the USB device connected through the USB interface, and an image forming job performing unit to perform an image forming job according to control by the main controller.
US08928903B2 Image forming apparatus
A CPU perform the steps of: (a) causing a compression/decompression processor to decompress the compressed data of one of three bands in the data area except for the first block in the band, and storing decompressed bitmap data in the data area; (b) rasterizing each of the intermediate data blocks in the band and synthesizing the rasterized data and the decompressed bitmap data in the band; and (c) causing the compression/decompression processor to compress the synthesized bitmap data and storing the compressed data in the data area. The CPU performs the steps (a) to (c) in different respective tasks in parallel, and performs the steps (a) to (c) along the order of (a), (b), (c) for each of the intermediate code blocks in each of the bands while using the 1st to the 3rd bitmap data area in turn for each of the steps (a) to (c).
US08928890B2 System for optical coherence tomography with different optical properties of specimen and reference objectives
The invention relates to a system for optical coherence tomography having an interferometer (20) which has a beam splitter (24), a reflector (25), an illumination arm (21), a specimen arm (22) and a reference arm (23).In order to increase the compactness of the system with at the same time a high image quality a specimen objective is provided in the specimen arm (22) of the interferometer (20) by means of which light is focussed into a focus lying in or on the specimen (1). Moreover, in the reference arm (23) of the interferometer (20) a reference objective is provided by means of which light is focussed onto the reflector (25). The optical properties of the specimen objective differ from the optical properties of the reference objective.
US08928889B2 Arrangements and methods for providing multimodality microscopic imaging of one or more biological structures
Method and apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be provided. For example, first data associated with a first signal received from at least one region of at least one sample can be provided based on a first modality, and second data associated with a second signal received from the at least one sample can be provided based on a second modality which is different from the first modality. Third data associated with a reference can be received. Further data can be generated based on the first, second and third data. In addition, third data associated with a second signal received from the at least one sample can be obtained. Each of the third data can be based on a further modality which is different from the first modality and the second modality, and the further data can be further determined based on the third data. Further, the first modality can be a spectral-encoded modality, and the second modality can be a non-spectral-encoding modality.
US08928885B1 Gas detection system using semiconductor laser with feedback compensation by gas reference cavity
A gas detection system using a semiconductor laser with a reference gas cavity compensation is provided, said system comprising a first light source emitting a first beam of a first wavelength as a detection beam; a second light source emitting a second beam of a second wavelength, which is different from the first wavelength, as a reference beam; a first wavelength division multiplexer connected with said first light source and said second light source; a broadband coupler connected with said first wavelength division multiplexer; a reference gas chamber, which is introduced with reference gas of the same composition as that of the gas to be detected and of a known concentration; a detection gas chamber, which is introduced with the gas to be detected.
US08928882B2 Measurement apparatus, exposure apparatus, and device fabrication method
The present invention provides a measurement apparatus which measures a position of a second object relative to a first object, the apparatus including a first measurement unit which includes a diffraction grating provided on the first object, and a first head and a second head provided on the second object, and is configured to measure the position of the second object relative to the first object by the first head or the second head, and a processing unit configured to perform a process of obtaining the position of the second object relative to the first object.
US08928881B2 Cytometer with automatic continuous alignment correction
A system and method for performing flow cytometry is disclosed wherein the alignment of the light source with respect to the sensing region of the fluid stream is continuously controlled using a feedback control loop. An imaging apparatus is provided that images the system along the optical axis, between the field stop and the sensing region. In an embodiment, the cytometer includes a field stop having an H-shaped aperture and light diverters over the ends of the aperture that divert a portion of the light to peripheral detectors.
US08928879B2 Dynamic coded filter gas detection
A device for detecting gas concentrations includes a movable coded filter. An optical element is positioned to receive gas filtered light and spectrally separate the gas filtered light. A photo detector is positioned to receive the spectrally separated light through slits in the moveable coded filter to provide an AC signal representative of a selected gas.
US08928877B2 Sample cell for fluid analysis system
Systems and method are disclosed for determining a concentration of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in a fluid (e.g., blood). The system can draw blood from a patient and deliver the blood to a sample cell. A centrifuge motor can spin the sample cell to separate the fluid into a plurality of components (plasma, red blood cells, etc.). A particular component of the fluid (e.g., plasma) may be positioned at a sample portion of the sample cell after centrifuging such that the concentration of the analyte is measured in the particular component of the fluid (e.g., plasma). The sample cell can include a cuvette that has two window pieces sandwiched between two clamshell pieces, and where the sample portion of the sample cell is defined by a gap between the window pieces.
US08928874B2 Method for identifying abnormal spectral profiles measured by a chromatic confocal range sensor
A method for operating a chromatic range sensor (CRS) system to identify abnormal spectral profiles arising from light reflected from more than one portion of a workpiece surface is provided. The method comprises: providing a CRS system comprising: an optical element, a light source, and CRS electronics comprising a CRS wavelength detector; operating the CRS system to receive an output spectral profile from a measurement point on a workpiece surface and provide corresponding output spectral profile data; analyzing the output spectral profile data to provide a peak region asymmetry characterization; and providing a corresponding abnormality indicator if the peak region asymmetry characterization indicates that the peak region is abnormally asymmetric.
US08928873B2 Sensors, systems and methods for position sensing
Various systems and methods for estimating the position of a radiation source in three-dimensional space, together with sensors for use in such systems are described. In some embodiments, the systems include a plurality of radiation sensors. The three-dimensional position of the radiation source is estimated relative to each sensor using an aperture that casts shadows on a radiation detector as a function of the incident angle of the incoming radiation. In some embodiments, the ratio of a reference radiation intensity to a measured radiation intensity is used to estimate direction of the radiation source relative to the sensor. When the angular position of the radiation source is estimated relative to two sensors, the position of the radiation source in three dimensions can be triangulated based on the known relative positions of the two sensors.
US08928871B2 Reflective mask
According to a flare measuring method in an embodiment, a reflective mask, in which one reflective coordinate in a slit direction in a mask surface is determined when one scanning coordinate is determined, is placed on a scanner that includes a reflective projection optical system. Moreover, a light intensity of the exposure light is measured by performing a scanning exposure on an illuminance sensor moved to a predetermined position in the slit direction in a slit imaging plane. Then, an amount of flare at an intra-slit position corresponding to a position of the illuminance sensor in the slit direction is calculated by using a light intensity of exposure light received from an intra-slit position that does not correspond to the position of the illuminance sensor in the slit direction in the exposure light.
US08928869B2 Dynamic headlamp aim buy-off window
A method for aiming headlamps on a vehicle achieves a reduced variation in beam heights without making any changes to existing test equipment. A cutoff height of a first headlamp is measured. The first headlamp is adjusted until a first measured cutoff height is within a predetermined range centered on a predetermined fixed height. A cutoff height of a second headlamp is measured. The second headlamp is adjusted until a second measured cutoff height is within the predetermined range centered on the first measured cutoff height.
US08928867B2 Spectroscopy using nanopore cavities
A system for assisting in spectrally characterizing or detecting a sample using radiation at a predetermined wavelength or in a predetermined wavelength range is disclosed. In one aspect, the system includes a substrate having a nanopore for excitation of plasmons. The nanopore provides a window through the substrate, wherein a smallest window opening of the window has an average length (L) and an average width (W) both being substantially smaller than 2 μm. The nanopore supports highly confined surface plasmon polaritons and at specific wavelengths resonances are observed, when the conditions for a standing wave are fulfilled. This leads to strong field enhancements and enables single molecule spectroscopy.
US08928861B2 Lithographic apparatus
A lithographic apparatus includes an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam; a support constructed to support a patterning device, the device being capable of imparting the beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam; a substrate table constructed to hold a substrate; a stage system to position the table relative to a reference structure; a projection system configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate; an optical measurement system including a sensor part and an optical part, the optical part being configured to optically interact with the patterned radiation beam and to transmit a result from the interaction as output to the sensor part, wherein the optical part is arranged on the table, and the sensor part is arranged on the stage system or the reference structure.
US08928860B2 Lithographic apparatus having a chuck with a visco-elastic damping layer
A lithographic apparatus includes an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam, a support constructed to support a patterning device, the patterning device being capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam, a substrate table constructed to hold a substrate, a projection system configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate, a chuck configured to hold and position an object, for example, the patterning device onto the support or the substrate onto the substrate table, the chuck including a base and a constraining layer. A damping layer including a viscoelastic material is provided between the base and the constraining layer.
US08928858B2 Projection exposure apparatus with optimized adjustment possibility
A microlithography projection objective includes an optical element, a manipulator configured to manipulate the optical element, and a control unit configured to control the manipulator. The control unit includes a first device configured to control movement of the manipulator, a memory comprising an upper bound for a range of movement of the manipulator, and a second device configured to generate a merit function based on a square of a root mean square (RMS) of at least one error and configured to minimize the merit function subordinate to the upper bound for the range of movement of the manipulator.
US08928857B2 Lithographic apparatus and method of operating the apparatus
A lithographic apparatus comprising a projection system, and a liquid confinement structure configured to at least partly confine immersion liquid to an immersion space defined by the projection system, the liquid confinement structure and a substrate and/or substrate table is disclosed wherein a measure is taken to reduce the effect of droplets and/or a liquid film on the last element of the projection system.
US08928855B2 Lithographic apparatus comprising an internal sensor and a mini-reactor, and method for treating a sensing surface of the internal sensor
A lithographic apparatus includes a projection system constructed and arranged to project a beam of radiation onto a target portion of a substrate, an internal sensor having a sensing surface, and a mini-reactor movable with respect to the sensor. The mini-reactor includes an inlet for a hydrogen containing gas, a hydrogen radical generator, and an outlet for a hydrogen radical containing gas. The mini-reactor is constructed and arranged to create a local mini-environment comprising hydrogen radicals to treat the sensing surface.
US08928853B2 Method and system for repairing flat panel display
The present invention provides a method and system for repairing flat panel display, which repairing hot pixels of the flat panel display by femtosecond laser. The flat panel display comprises a LCD module and a color filter disposed on the top of the LCD module, wherein the surface of the color filter corresponding to the LCD module further has a color photoresist layer. The femtosecond laser is projected onto the color photoresist layer corresponding to the hot pixels such that a phenomenon of nonlinear multiple photons absorption can be occurred to change property of the color photoresist layer so as to transform the hot pixels into dead pixels.
US08928851B2 Heat treatment apparatus and method for LCD cells
Disclosed herein are heat treatment apparatuses and methods for liquid crystal display (LCD) cells, which are capable of rapidly transferring heat to liquid crystals injected into an LCD cell, not only to reduce the time taken for the liquid crystals to be changed into a liquid phase, but also to physically promote diffusion of the liquid crystals, thereby achieving a more uniform distribution of the liquid crystals. The apparatus includes a liquid bath, in which a liquid is contained as a medium to transfer heat to the liquid crystals in the LCD cells, a loading device to load or unload the LCD cells into/from the liquid bath, a heater installed in the liquid bath, the heater heating the liquid contained in the liquid bath and transfer heat to the liquid crystals, and a sound wave transmitter installed in the liquid bath and transmitting sound waves to the liquid crystals.
US08928848B2 Pixel structure comprising a first pixel electrode having a plurality of first branches and a second pixel electrode having a plurality of second branches
A pixel structure including a substrate, a scan line, a first data line, a second data line, a first pixel unit and a second pixel unit is provided. The first pixel unit includes a first active device and a first pixel electrode. The first active device is electrically connected to the scan line and the first data line. The first pixel electrode electrically connected to the first active device and has a plurality of first branches. The first branches outwardly extend from a center of the first pixel unit, and a projection of the first branches are separated from a projection of the adjacent first data line projecting onto the substrate, and the first pixel electrode is apart from the adjacent first data line with a distance. The second pixel unit located between the first data line and the second data line.
US08928847B2 Liquid crystal display device
The liquid crystal display device includes a pixel structure provided with a large wall formed along a long side of a pixel with a rectangular plane, a small wall formed at a center of the pixel and extending in the same direction as the large wall, a wall electrode formed on a wall surface of the large wall, a plane electrode formed between the small and large walls, in which the wall electrode and the plane electrode form a pixel electrode, and a common electrode formed on a surface of the small wall. The large wall has a part with an increased thickness at an end part of the pixel. The wall electrode is bent toward the center of the pixel. This structure prevents decrease of reverse twist of liquid crystal at an end part of the pixel as well as generation of domain, thus improving transmittance of the screen.
US08928846B2 Liquid crystal display device having dielectric film over and in contact with wall-like structures
An object is to provide a liquid crystal display device a driving voltage of which is reduced, which is formed using a liquid crystal material exhibiting a blue phase, and which enables higher contrast. In a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal layer exhibiting a blue phase, a first wall-like structure body is formed over a first electrode layer (pixel electrode layer), a second wall-like structure body is provided over a second electrode layer (common electrode layer), and a dielectric film covers them. The dielectric film is an insulator having a higher dielectric constant than the first wall-like structure body, the second wall-like structure body, and a liquid crystal material used for the liquid crystal layer, and is provided so as to protrude in the liquid crystal layer.
US08928844B2 Pixel unit and liquid crystal display panel
The present invention discloses a pixel unit and has: a gate line; a source line; a drain line; an active element electrically connected to the gate line, the source line and the drain line; a pixel electrode including a main trunk and multiple stripped electrodes, and the main trunk is electrically connected to the drain line, the main trunk has a first predetermined angle with respect to a first polarization axis or a second polarization axis, and the main trunk at least has two segments, an end of each of the strip electrodes is connected to the main trunk and each of the strip electrodes has a second predetermined angle with respect to the main trunk. The present invention further discloses a liquid crystal display panel.
US08928841B2 Backlight device for liquid crystal display and method of fabricating the same
A backlight device for a liquid crystal display includes a substrate, and a plurality of white, red, green, and blue light emitting diodes arranged on the substrate.
US08928840B2 LCD module and LCD device
The invention provides an LCD module and an LCD device. The LCD module includes a backlight module, and an LCD panel arranged above the backlight module; the backlight module includes a backplane, and an optical film(s); a side wall(s) of the backplane is provided with a limit structure which is integrated with the backplane, and the edge of the LCD panel is butted on the limit structure. In the invention, because the corresponding limit structure is arranged on the side wall of the backplane to limit the degree of freedom of the LCD panel in the plane direction of the panel surface, the rubber frame is not required to limit the degree of freedom of the LCD panel in the plane direction of the panel surface; thus, the structure of the rubber frame is simplified, the material of the rubber frame is saved, and the processing cost is saved.
US08928836B2 Backlight module and liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a backlight module and a liquid crystal display device. The backlight module which comprises a waveguide including a light exiting surface, and a side surface adjoining the light-exiting surface. An optical film includes a main portion disposed on the existing surface of the waveguide, and a skirt extends from a peripheral of the main portion and adjoining to the side surface of the light-exiting surface. A backboard includes a base and an upright extending from peripheral of the base, the waveguide is disposed on the base, and the upright is spaced with the skirt; and wherein a retaining device is supportably arranged between the upright and the skirt so as to press the skirt onto the side surface of the waveguide. The present invention can effectively reduce the estate of the backboard, and is beneficial to the design narrow-border of liquid crystal display device.
US08928834B2 Printed circuit board and liquid crystal display module
A printed circuit board (PCB) and an LCD (liquid crystal display) module are disclosed. The PCB comprises at least one magnetic hole and at least one magnetic element, and the at least one magnetic element is fixedly disposed in the at least one magnetic hole. The LCD module comprises a backplate and a PCB. The PCB is fixed to the backplate by means of at least one magnetic element, and comprises at least one magnetic hole and the at least one magnetic element fixedly disposed in the at least one magnetic hole. The PCB and the LCD module of the present disclosure can improve the efficiency of fixing and assembling the PCB of the LCD module, make it convenient to re-process and assemble the LCD module and reduce the complexity of the backplate structure. Thereby, the production efficiency is greatly improved.
US08928831B2 TFT-LCD array substrate and manufacturing method thereof
A thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) array substrate and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The TFT-LCD array substrate comprises a gate line and a data line. A pixel electrode and a thin film transistor (TFT) are formed in a pixel region defined by intersecting of the gate line and the data line. A light-blocking layer is formed over a TFT channel region of the thin film transistor.
US08928830B2 Liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal display which includes a liquid crystal layer between a TFT substrate and a counter substrate, a gate electrode, a gate insulator and a semiconductor layer are laminated. A pixel electrode is formed on the gate insulator and metal source and drain electrodes are formed on the semiconductor layer and gate insulator. At least upper surfaces of the source and drain electrode contain Mo. The source is directly laminated on a portion of the pixel electrode, which portion is disposed on the gate insulating film.
US08928828B2 Array substrate, manufacturing method thereof, liquid crystal panel, and display device
The embodiments of the present invention disclose an array substrate and manufacturing method thereof, and a display device. The array substrate provided in an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a substrate, and a gate metal layer, an active layer and a source/drain metal layer formed on the substrate; wherein, on at least one side of the gate metal layer, there is formed an isolation buffer layer, and/or, on at least one side of the source/drain metal layer, there is formed an isolation buffer layer; furthermore, the isolation buffer layer is made of molybdenum oxide.
US08928824B2 Liquid crystal lens unit and stereoscopic display
A polarizer film is used for converting polarized light from a backlight module into light along a first direction. Multiple electrodes are disposed on a transparent substrate. Each electrode extends along a second direction different from the first direction. An alignment of liquid crystal molecules varies according to voltage applied on the electrodes. A retard unit is disposed between the transparent substrate and the polarizer film and used for converting the polarized light into light along a third direction different from the first and second direction. A polarization direction of the emitted light is perpendicular to an alignment of an electrode layer. In this way, an optical axis of the liquid crystal molecules matches the polarization direction of the light from the retard unit when voltage is not applied. So, the maximal lens power is attained with decreasing the cost resulted from the decreased thickness of the liquid crystal layer.
US08928823B2 3D display device adopting half-source driving structure
The present invention discloses a 3D display device adopting a half-source driving structure. The 3D display device includes a liquid crystal display panel. Gate lines and data lines of the liquid crystal panel are crossed with each other and define multiple pixel regions. Each gate line is bent to have a plurality of arched portions that each arched portion corresponds in position to one pixel region and forms an accommodating area. A switching element in each one of the pixel regions is mounted in the corresponding accommodating area and connected to a pixel electrode. Because the accommodating areas formed by the gate lines can accommodate switching elements, light-exiting positions of the pixel electrodes in adjacent pixel regions can be in line with each other to avoid a color washout problem when the phase retarder film is mounted with a positional error.
US08928820B2 Television tuner to capture a cable spectrum
A method includes receiving a request to tune to a first desired television channel of a cable spectrum provided in a radio frequency (RF) signal received in a multi-tuner circuit configured to receive and process the entire cable spectrum, determining a channel of the channels including the first desired television channel, disabling the channels other than the determined channel, and processing the RF signal in the determined channel.
US08928818B2 Electronic device, display method, and storage medium
According to one embodiment, an electronic device is connectable to a display and includes a television receiver configured to receive television broadcasting and to output a video signal. The electronic device starts up at least a part of the television receiver when the electronic device is connected to a commercial power source. The electronic device starts to output the video signal from the television receiver to the display when it is detected that a power switch is turned on.
US08928814B2 Method and apparatus for detecting motion vector
Provided is a motion vector detecting apparatus capable of detecting a motion vector based on each of front and rear frames as a starting point while restraining an increase of a circuit scale. A starting pixel generation unit generates starting pixel data based on pixel data in a frame f0 or a frame f1. A search range pixel generation unit generates search range pixel data based on pixel data in the frame f1 or the frame f0. Switches alternately switch the frames f0 and f1 at every line. A motion vector selection unit generates alternately a motion vector based on the frame f0 as a starting point and a motion vector based on the frame f1 as a starting point. A correlation comparing unit selects one motion vector having higher correlation between the motion vectors.
US08928803B2 Solid state apparatus
A solid state apparatus comprising, a printed circuit board having a first and a second surface that are opposite surfaces, a semiconductor chip for imaging arranged on the first surface, a sealing resin arranged to cover the printed circuit board and the semiconductor chip, and a translucent member arranged on the sealing resin, the solid state apparatus having a first region located inward of an outer edge of the semiconductor chip, and a second region located outward of the outer edge, the printed circuit board comprising, on the first surface, a first terminal electrically connected to the semiconductor chip, and comprising, on the second surface, a second terminal electrically connected to the first terminal within the printed circuit board, the second terminal being arranged in the first region.
US08928800B2 Imaging device
An imaging device comprises a lens barrel including an optical system that collects light from a predetermined viewing area and that defines an optical axis; an imaging unit that receives the light collected by the optical system and generates image data, the image data defining a main image that includes a determined sub area; a ring-shaped operation ring that is provided on an outer circumference of the lens barrel and that is manually rotatable about the optical axis of the optical system; and an area change unit that changes at least one of (A) a size of the determined sub area, or (B) a position of the determined sub area, responsive to a manual operation of the operation ring.
US08928790B2 Solid-state imaging apparatus
Provided is a solid-state imaging apparatus that is capable of preventing a harmful influence due to noise generated in a control line. The solid-state imaging apparatus includes: a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion unit for photoelectric converting to generate a signal; control lines for supplying control signals for driving the pixels; driving buffers for driving the control lines; and switching units for switching between a first path for supplying power source voltages from power source circuits to power source terminals of the driving buffers and a second path for supplying power source voltages from capacitors to the power source terminals of the driving buffers.
US08928785B2 Imaging device and storage medium storing an imaging program
An imaging apparatus and image capture program are provided that enable an image processing section compatible with a Bayer array to be employed without modification even in cases in which an image pickup device is employed that is provided with a color filter of an array other than a Bayer array.An imaging apparatus (10) includes a color filter (30) having repeatedly disposed 6×6 pixel basic array patterns C, a drive section (22) that drives an image pickup device (14) so as to thin and read pixel data only of pixels on lines at predetermined positions in the vertical direction, and a pixel conversion processing section (18) that converts pixel data of each line thinned and read from the image pickup device (14) into Bayer array pixel data that is in a Bayer array pattern.
US08928783B2 Imaging apparatus including switchable edge extraction
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging lens configured to form a target optical image of a target, an imaging device configured to acquire a captured image by converting the target optical image formed by the imaging lens into image data by an imaging element, an image processor configured to perform image processing on the captured image acquired by the imaging device, and an image display configured to display an image obtained through the image processor, wherein the image processor has an edge extraction unit, a display processor, and a mode selection unit.
US08928782B2 Image processing device and image capture device
A first distortion correction unit generates one first output pixel based on two input pixels that are adjacent in a first direction out of a plurality of input pixels included in image data pieces of a captured frame. A second distortion correction unit generates one second output pixel based on two first output pixels that are adjacent in a second direction different from the first direction. The second distortion correction unit successively reads two first output pixels adjacent in the second direction from a storage unit based on input coordinates, which correspond to coordinate values of second output pixels, and generates the one second output pixel by applying linear interpolation processing to the read two first output pixels based on interpolation coefficient.
US08928779B2 Image pickup apparatus, image pickup system, and control method thereof
An image pickup apparatus includes a detection unit in which a matrix of pixels converts radiation or light into analog electrical signals, a reading circuit configured to perform signal processing operation by reading the analog electric signals on a row-by-row basis, an A/D converter configured to convert a pixel signal output from the reading circuit into pixel data, and a correction processing unit configured to correct the pixel data. A control unit performs control processing so that the reading circuit outputs reset signals to the A/D converter in a period in which the signal processing operation of a predetermined row is performed, the A/D converter converts the reset signals into pieces of reset data in the period, and the correction processing unit averages the pieces of reset data output from the A/D converter and performs subtraction with the averaged reset data and the pixel data output from the A/D converter.
US08928778B2 Camera device, image processing system, image processing method and image processing program
A camera device includes an imaging unit generating an imaging area image in which an imaging area is captured from above, and a display-image generation unit generating a display image of an imaging object moving in the imaging area by use of an clipped image clipped from the imaging area image. In this case, an clipping reference position P corresponding to the imaging object in the imaging area image is determined, and a reference distance r between an imaging reference position O corresponding to the imaging unit and the clipping reference position P in the imaging area image is calculated. When the reference distance r is short, a rotation angle θNEW for rotating the clipped image in generating the display image is calculated based on a reference angle θ corresponding to an inclination of the imaging object in the imaging area image and the reference distance r.
US08928777B2 Apparatus and method for generating motion blur in mobile terminal
An apparatus and a method for generating a motion blur in a mobile terminal are provided. It is determined whether motion halting occurs during video shooting. If the motion halting occurs, a motion vector of each block between first and second consecutive images where the motion halting has occurred is estimated. A motion blur is generated on the second image using the motion vector of each block, and the motion-blurred image is displayed on a display unit.
US08928775B2 Apparatus and method for processing image by using characteristic of light source
A method and an apparatus are provided for processing an image of an image signal projected through a digital camera lens. The apparatus includes an image sensor module to transform an optical signal projected through the digital camera lens into an electric signal, to generate and output an image signal. The apparatus includes a light receiving module to receive a light source, wherein the light receiving module is disposed close to the image sensor module. The apparatus also includes a light source characteristic detector to detect a frequency of the light source received by the light receiving module. The apparatus further includes an auto color adjustment controller to identify a kind of light source based on the frequency of the light source, and control a white balance gain of the image signal based on the kind of the light source.
US08928772B2 Controlling the sharpness of a digital image
A method for selecting a digital image having controlled sharpness characteristics from a set of candidate digital images of a common scene, each digital image having different sharpness characteristics. An image segmentation process is used to segment each of the candidate digital images into a subject region and a background region. For each candidate digital image the subject and background regions are analyzed to determine an associated subject and background sharpness levels. An output digital image is selected by comparing the determined subject and background sharpness levels to respective aim subject and background sharpness levels. In some embodiments, the aim subject and background sharpness levels are defined in accordance with a scene type classification.
US08928770B2 Multi-subject imaging device and imaging method
It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging device and terminal device that recommend a preferred image to a user. A terminal device having a photography function captures a plurality of images, identifies a plurality of subjects in each of the captured images, acquires a photographic degree of suitability for each of the identified subjects, calculates an evaluation value for each captured image based on the number of subjects in the captured image having a photographic degree of suitability of at least a predetermined threshold, and displays the captured images, displaying one of the captured images so as to be distinguishable from other captured images based on the evaluation value.
US08928769B2 Method for image processing of high-bit depth sensors
High-bit depth sensors often capture more information then can be displayed on a commercially available display. Due to this, image processing systems and methods are disclosed to ensure that as much information as possible is presented to a user in a meaningful and statistically significant manner. The image processing systems and methods disclosed herein allow a user to view and process data that would otherwise be invisible to the user.
US08928768B2 Image processing device and computer-readable computer program product containing image processing program
An image processing device includes: an evaluation unit that evaluates a plurality of images by designating predetermined image characteristics as an evaluation index; an image processing unit that executes image processing, which will affect the evaluation index, on at least one image among the plurality of images; and an image selection unit that selects an image with superiority in an evaluation value calculated in correspondence to the evaluation index, among the plurality of images evaluated by the evaluation unit by factoring in application of the image processing by the image processing unit.
US08928765B2 Noise reduction based on motion sensors
A method for reducing noise in a sequence of frames may include generating a transformed frame from an input frame according to a perspective transform of a transform matrix, wherein the transform matrix corrects for motion associated with input frame. A determination may be made to identify pixels in the transformed frame that have a difference with corresponding pixels in a neighboring frame below a threshold. An output frame may be generated by adjusting pixels in the transformed frame that are identified to have the difference with the corresponding pixels in the neighboring frame below the threshold.
US08928764B2 Method and device for correcting user's hand tremor in imaging device
A method for correcting a user's tremor of an imaging device includes determining intensities of tremors of a plurality of temporary images, comparing the intensities of tremors with a reference value, and selecting a temporary image having an tremor intensity equal to or less than the reference value from the plurality of temporary images.
US08928763B2 Detecting and correcting blur and defocusing
Detecting blur and defocusing in images is described. After detection, correction algorithms are applied. Detection provides an image processing system with parameters related to a blur (e.g., direction, strength) and noise levels, or may trigger a message to a user to re-take a photograph. Detection involves finding and analyzing edges of objects instead of an entire image. Disclosed detector may be used for OCR purposes, blur and defocusing detection in photographic and scanning devices, video cameras, print quality control systems, computer vision. Detection of blur and defocusing of an image involve second derivatives of image brightness. Object edges are detected. For points on edges, profiles of second derivative are obtained in the direction of the gradient. Statistics are gathered about parameters of profiles in various directions. By analyzing statistics, image distortions and their type (e.g., blur, defocusing), the strength of distortion, the direction of the blur are detected.
US08928762B2 Digital photographing apparatus and method of controlling sleep mode thereof
In an embodiment, when a sleep mode is turned off, if vibration less than a limit value occurs, the sleep mode is turned on and a hand shake correction unit is turned off so that power consumption may be reduced. Moreover, when the sleep mode is turned on, if vibration greater than a limit value occurs, the sleep mode is turned off and the hand shake correction unit is turned on so that an image blur does not occur. In another embodiment, when the sleep mode is turned off, if vibration less than a limit value occurs, the hand shake correction unit is turned on in the state where the sleep mode is turned on and a HPF is turned on so that an image blur is prevented from occurring due to a shock caused by pushing a release button or shock caused by opening or closing a shutter.
US08928760B2 Receiving content and approving content for transmission
User imaging terminals (such as mobile phones with camera or video functionality) may be used to take images that are used to create an image stream of an event. In one implementation, a device may receive the images and transmit the images to one or more second users. The device may receive indications, from the second users, of whether the images are approved by the second users for incorporation into an image stream; and generate the image stream, based on the images that are approved by the second users. The image stream may be transmitted to one or more display devices.
US08928754B2 Security system and method
A computing system displays current real-time images of an area monitored by a camera. The computing system includes a motion detection unit. The motion detection unit determines a number of varied pixels in the real-time image compared with a previous image, and to determine a ratio of pixels of the number of the varied pixels to a total number of pixels in the real-time image. If the ratio is greater than a predefined number, the computing system increments an abnormal pixel count by one. If the abnormal pixel count is greater than a maximum abnormal pixel number, the computing system starts an alarm device connected to the computing system.
US08928751B2 Compression of earth observation satellite images
A method of acquiring, compressing and transmitting satellite images, characterized in that in a systematic manner: an image is acquired (101); (102) the image is processed by an image preprocessing step providing a value characteristic of the image and an image preprocessed by recognizing predetermined natural objects in the acquired image and replacing the natural objects by standard objects; the characteristic value is compared (103) with a table of values, each value of which is associated with a compression algorithm; the compression algorithm corresponding to the characteristic value is implemented (104) by compression elements for compressing the image; the compressed image is transmitted (105) to a remote image reception device by transmission elements.
US08928750B2 Method for reducing the number of scanning steps in an airborne reconnaissance system, and a reconnaissance system operating according to said method
An airborne reconnaissance system which comprises: (a) A focal plane array positioned at a focal plane of an optical unit, said focal plane array having an area A, and comprises a plurality of optical pixels sensitive to light; (b) Optical unit for acquiring light rays from a terrain portion, said optical unit comprises a plurality of optical components that are positioned along an optical path, and designed to maneuver said light rays to produce at the focal plane an image of said terrain portion, said image having an area which is several times larger than the focal plane array area A; (c) At least one light diversion optical component along said optical path which, for each acquired terrain portion image, switches between several n states, thereby causing in each state different diversion of said light rays within said path, thereby to impinge in each state another fraction of the terrain image on said focal plane array; and (d) Capturing means for recording in each state of the at least one light diversion optical component the portion of the terrain image which is impinged on the focal plane array.
US08928747B2 Interactive hair grooming apparatus, system, and method
The present invention relates to an intelligent interactive apparatus, system and method that aligns with grooming tools such as hair clippers or trimmers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hair clipper having an attached imaging apparatus assembly that is linked to a display output device allowing for more intelligent and consistent hair grooming views and overall control. The clipper imaging apparatus assembly of the present invention allows for an intelligent interactive system wherein the method used makes a user capable of a more accurate hair grooming experience. The present invention's system is linked by superimposed hair design overlays, and an interactive imaging apparatus for an improved viewing method. The imaging device enables a more accurate grooming experience using an imaging sensor that intelligently follows a grid mapping axis process using predictive analytics to reduce grooming errors and difficulty.
US08928743B2 Radio signal transmitter, stereoscopic image glasses, and image display system
A radio signal transmitter receives, from an image display device (i) synchronizing signals for switching between displaying a right-eye image and displaying a left-eye image on the image display device and (ii) liquid crystal shutter control data indicating which image is displayed, and transmits the synchronizing signals and the liquid crystal shutter control data to stereoscopic image glasses. The radio signal transmitter includes: a period detecting section that detects a period of each of the synchronizing signals; and a period data storage section in which the period is stored as period data. The radio signal transmitter is configured such that the period data in the period data storage section is updated every time the period of each of the synchronizing signals is detected. This makes it possible to provide a radio signal transmitter, stereoscopic image glasses, and an image display system that achieve a reduction in power consumption.
US08928742B2 Apparatus and method for processing image and apparatus and method for displaying using the same
A display apparatus, display method, image processing apparatus, and image processing method which are capable of allowing a stereoscopic image to be recognized exactly by a left eye and a right eye. The display apparatus includes: an image signal receiving unit which receives an image signal; an image signal processing unit which generates a scanning signal for scanning a left eye image signal and a right eye image signal of the image signal alternately and for scanning a part of the left eye image signal or a part of the right eye image signal between a section for scanning the left eye image signal and a section for scanning the right eye image signal; and an image output unit which displays the image signal according to the scanning signal.
US08928738B2 Adapter and corresponding methods for adding 3D function to a 2D digital camera
A combination of a 3D optical adapter and corresponding digital process methods attached and updated to a conventional 2D digital camera so the digital camera can capture, save and transfer 3D stereoscopic digital images as well.
US08928735B2 Combined lighting, projection, and image capture without video feedback
A “Concurrent Projector-Camera” uses an image projection device in combination with one or more cameras to enable various techniques that provide visually flicker-free projection of images or video, while real-time image or video capture is occurring in that same space. The Concurrent Projector-Camera provides this projection in a manner that eliminates video feedback into the real-time image or video capture. More specifically, the Concurrent Projector-Camera dynamically synchronizes a combination of projector lighting (or light-control points) on-state temporal compression in combination with on-state temporal shifting during each image frame projection to open a “capture time slot” for image capture during which no image is being projected. This capture time slot represents a tradeoff between image capture time and decreased brightness of the projected image. Examples of image projection devices include LED-LCD based projection devices, DLP-based projection devices using LED or laser illumination in combination with micromirror arrays, etc.
US08928734B2 Method and system for free-view relighting of dynamic scene based on photometric stereo
A method and a related system of free-view relighting for a dynamic scene based on photometric stereo, the method including the steps of: 1) performing multi-view dynamic videos of an object using a multi-view camera array under a predetermined controllable varying illumination; 2) obtaining a three-dimensional shape model and surface reflectance peculiarities of the object; 3) obtaining a static relighted three-dimensional model of the object and a three-dimensional trajectory of the object; 4) obtaining a dynamic relighted three-dimensional model; and 5) performing a free-view dependent rendering to the dynamic relighted three-dimensional model of the object.
US08928726B2 Videoconferencing system with context sensitive wake features
System and method involving user interfaces and remote control devices. These user interfaces may be particularly useful for providing an intuitive and user friendly interaction between a user and a device or application using a display, e.g., at a “10 foot” interaction level. The user interfaces may be specifically designed for interaction using a simple remote control device having a limited number of inputs. For example, the simple remote control may include directional inputs (e.g., up, down, left, right), a confirmation input (e.g., ok), and possibly a mute input. The user interface may be customized based on current user activity or other contexts (e.g., based on current or previous states), the user logging in (e.g., using a communication device), etc. Additionally, the user interface may allow the user to adjust cameras whose video are not currently displayed, rejoin previously left videoconferences, and/or any of a variety of desirable actions.
US08928723B2 Mobile terminal and control method thereof
A mobile terminal capable of recognizing at least one of the presence or absence of a user and a location of the user are provided. The mobile terminal includes: a terminal main body; a user tracking unit configured to recognize at least one of the presence or absence of a user and a location of the user within a certain range based on the terminal main body; and a controller configured to generate a control signal for controlling a function of the terminal based on at least one of the presence or absence of the user or the user location.
US08928715B2 Light source driver, light source-driving method, image-forming apparatus, light source-driving circuit, and optical scanner
A light source driver includes a controller which outputs an undershoot current in synchronization with lighting complete timing in lighting information, wherein the controller is configured to output the undershoot current such that a voltage in a light source when the output of the undershoot current is complete is equal to a voltage in the light source before being turned on.
US08928713B2 Optical writing device having a correction value information generating unit, image forming apparatus, and method of controlling optical writing device thereof
An optical writing device includes: a photosensitive element whose surface relatively moves with respect to a light source by rotation; a pixel information acquiring unit that acquires pixel information of an image to be formed on the photosensitive element as an electrostatic latent image; a line pixel information storing unit that stores the pixel information for every main scanning line; a light emission control unit that causes a light source to emit light based on the pixel information; a rotation position recognizing unit that recognizes a rotation position of the photosensitive element; and a light quantity control unit that controls a light quantity of the light source based on the pixel information of every one main scanning line in accordance with the rotation position, with reference to correction value information in which the rotation position and information related to a correction of the light quantity are associated.
US08928711B2 Apparatus, system and method for automated detection of signaling in a print head
The present invention is and includes an apparatus, system and method for providing an automated detection of thermal history control signal scheme and an automated switching circuit to select a converter circuit that changes one type of thermal history control signals from a thermal printer to another type for receipt by the driver ICs on a thermal printhead.
US08928709B2 Optical scanner and image forming apparatus including same
An optical scanner includes a light source, an optical part, an enclosure, and a retainer. The light source projects light against a target. The optical part is disposed on a light path between the light source and the target. The enclosure houses the light source and the optical part. The retainer is fixed to the enclosure and includes a plurality of optical part mounts of identical shape and different sizes. The optical part is adhered to one of the plurality of optical part mounts.
US08928706B2 Method for driving liquid crystal display device
A low-resolution image is displayed at high resolution and power consumption is reduced. Resolution is made higher by super-resolution processing. Then, display is performed with the luminance of a backlight controlled by local dimming after the super-resolution processing. By controlling the luminance of the backlight, power consumption can be reduced. Further, by performing the local dimming after the super-resolution processing, accurate display can be performed.
US08928704B2 Array substrate and liquid crystal device with the same
An array substrate is disclosed. Data lines directly pass through the area where a secondary pixel electrode is located to input data signals to the secondary pixel electrode. First scanning lines, second scanning lines and switches are arranged between the adjacent pixels in an up-down direction. The area between the pixels is a dark area corresponding to an opaque area. Under a 3D display mode, a difference of the default voltages exists between a main pixel electrode and a secondary pixel electrode. In addition, a liquid crystal display is provided. By adopting the above design, the crosstalk and the color shift under the 3D display mode may be reduced. In addition, the reliability of the liquid crystal panel may be enhanced.
US08928700B1 Simultaneous zoom in windows on a touch sensitive device
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a technique for generating simultaneous zoom in windows on a touch sensitive device. A first portion of the user content is zooming into by touching the display screen in a proximity of the first portion using the touch input device while retaining an original zoom size of a first remaining portion of the user content. A second portion of the user content from the first remaining portion is zoomed into by touching the display screen in a proximity of the second portion using the touch input device while retaining a zoomed in first portion and an original zoom size of a second remaining portion of the of the first remaining portion, the original zoom size of the first and the second remaining portions being the same.
US08928695B2 Formatting of one or more persistent augmentations in an augmented view in response to multiple input factors
Computationally implemented methods and systems include presenting a first augmented view of a first scene from a real environment, the first augmented view to be presented including one or more persistent augmentations in a first one or more formats, the inclusion of the one or more persistent augmentations in the first augmented view being independent of presence of one or more visual cues in the actual view of the first scene from the real environment, obtaining an actual view of a second scene from the real environment that is different from the actual view of the first scene, and presenting a second augmented view of the second scene from the real environment, the second augmented view to be presented including the one or more persistent augmentations in a second one or more formats that is based, at least in part, on multiple input factors.
US08928693B2 Methods, apparatus and systems for generating image-processed searchable electronic records of underground facility locate and/or marking operations
Managing and displaying information relating to a locate operation and/or a marking operation to detect and/or mark a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility. First information relating to the locate operation and/or the marking operation is electronically received, wherein the first information includes image information. The image information is processed to improve at least one aspect of an image represented by the image information and thereby provide improved image information. Based at least in part on the improved image information, at least one electronic manifest is generated that documents a performance of the locate operation and/or the marking operation.
US08928692B2 Image processing apparatus, method for displaying pop-up window, and computer-readable storage medium for computer program
An image processing apparatus includes a display device that displays a plurality of windows having hierarchy levels in such a manner that a low-level window overlaps a high-level window, each of the plurality of windows containing a first object to close the subject window and one or more second objects to select items; an extraction portion that extracts, from one or more second objects in the high-level window, a selection candidate object that is likely to be selected by a user after the low-level window is closed; and a control portion that controls, when the extraction portion extracts the selection candidate object, the display device in such a manner that the first object in the low-level window overlaps the selection candidate object, or the first object in the low-level window is disposed close to the selection candidate object.
US08928680B1 Method and system for sharing a buffer between a graphics processing unit and a media encoder
A program module executing in a first process space of a mobile computing device receives a buffer request from a graphics driver running in a second process space of the mobile computing device, wherein the second process space is isolated from the first process space. The program module assigns a buffer to the graphics driver to store image data processed by a graphical processing unit (GPU) controlled by the graphics driver. The program module receives a release of the buffer from the graphics driver. The program module assigns the buffer to a media encoder driver for a hardware media encoder to encode the image data in the buffer into a file.
US08928679B2 Work distribution for higher primitive rates
A system, method and a computer program product are provided for distributing prim groups for parallel processing in a single clock cycle. A work distributor divides a draw call for primitive processing into a plurality of prim groups according to a prim group size. The work distributor then distributes the plurality of prim groups to a plurality of shader engines for parallel processing of the plurality of prim groups during a clock cycle. The size of a prim group and a number of prim groups are scaled to the plurality of shader engines.
US08928677B2 Low latency concurrent computation
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for performing low latency computation on a parallel processing subsystem. A low latency functional node is exposed to an operating system. The low latency functional node and a generic functional node are configured to target the same underlying processor resource within the parallel processing subsystem. The operating system stores low latency tasks generated by a user application within a low latency command buffer associated with the low latency functional node. The parallel processing subsystem advantageously executes tasks from the low latency command buffer prior to completing execution of tasks in the generic command buffer, thereby reducing completion latency for the low latency tasks.
US08928674B1 Combining multiple session content for animation libraries
A computer-implemented method includes comparing content captured during one session and content captured during another session. A surface feature of an object represented in the content of one session corresponds to a surface feature of an object represented in the content of the other session. The method also includes substantially aligning the surface features of the sessions and combining the aligned content.
US08928671B2 Recording and analyzing data on a 3D avatar
In particular embodiments, a method includes generating a 3D display of an avatar of a person, where the avatar can receive inputs identifying a type of a physiological event, a location of the physiological event in or on a person's body in three spatial dimensions, a time range of the physiological event, a quality of the physiological event, and rendering the physiological event on the avatar based on the inputs.
US08928669B2 OSD display control program product, OSD display control method, and OSD display device
An OSD display control program product controlling OSD display of an image display device having a display screen, wherein the image display device includes a region ratio storage section storing, as region ratio information, the ratio of the pixel number of a region to the total pixel number of the display screen, the region in which the OSD display is performed, and the OSD display control program product makes a computer of the image display device realize: a total pixel number input step of inputting the total pixel number of the display screen as total pixel number information; a region ratio input step of inputting the region ratio information from the region ratio storage section; and a region pixel number determination step of determining, based on the total pixel number information and the region ratio information, the pixel number of the region in which the OSD display is performed.
US08928660B2 Progressive mesh decoding apparatus and method
A progressive mesh decoding apparatus, a progressive mesh decoding method and a computer readable recording medium using the same are provided. In the progressive mesh decoding method, a first desired resolution mesh is progressively reconstructed from a base mesh through vertex addition. Vertex level information indicating a resolution level of a mesh corresponding to a predetermined process of the first desired resolution mesh reconstructing process is recorded for respective vertices added at the predetermined process. In response to a second desired resolution mesh having a second desired resolution level lower than the first desired resolution level being requested, the second desired resolution mesh is reconstructed by deleting vertices from the first desired resolution mesh, wherein vertices to be deleted in a predetermined process of the second desired resolution mesh reconstructing process are determined based on the vertex level information.
US08928659B2 Telepresence systems with viewer perspective adjustment
Described herein is a telepresence system where a real-time a virtual hologram of a user is displayed at a remote display screen and is rendered from a vantage point that is different than the vantage point from which images of the user are captured via a video camera. The virtual hologram is based at least in part upon data acquired from a sensor unit at the location of the user. The sensor unit includes a color video camera that captures 2-D images of the user including surface features of the user. The sensor unit also includes a depth sensor that captures 3-D geometry data indicative of the relative position of surfaces on the user in 3-D space. The virtual hologram is rendered to orientate the gaze of the eyes of the virtual hologram towards the eyes of a second user viewing the remote display screen.
US08928658B2 Photon mapping on graphics hardware using kd-trees
Described is a technology by which a GPU-based photon mapping mechanism/algorithm uses a kd-tree to render arbitrary dynamic scenes. For each frame, the mechanism emits and traces a set of photons into the scene. When a photon hits a surface, it can either be reflected, transmitted, or absorbed based on the surface material. Once photon tracing is done, a kd-tree is built for the stored photons. To estimate the radiance value at an arbitrary surface point, the k-nearest photons are located and filtered. The photon tracing and photon kd-tree construction, as well as the radiance estimation using k-nearest neighbor (KNN) searches are performed on graphics hardware, e.g., a GPU. In one example, only caustic photons are traced, whereby a photon is terminated and stored once it hits a diffuse surface.
US08928650B2 Display panel and 3D display device
The present invention provides a display panel and a 3D display device. The display panel comprising: a first substrate comprising multiple data lines, multiple scan lines, and multiple pixel units, wherein the pixel unit comprising three sub-pixel units, and each of the sub-pixel units electrically connects to the same data line sequentially, and each of the sub-pixel units electrically connects to the corresponding scan line, and the scan line corresponding to at least one of the sub-pixel unit and the scan line corresponding to the first sub-pixel unit of the adjacent next pixel unit are disposed side by side; and a second substrate disposed correspondingly to the first substrate and comprising a first black matrix disposed correspondingly to the scan lines. In the present invention, the scan lines corresponding to the multiple sub-pixels are disposed side by side such that increasing the width of the first black matrix between adjacent pixel units and vertical viewing angle and do not reduce the aperture ratio.
US08928649B2 Display medium and display apparatus
The present invention provides a display medium including a pair of substrates; pixel electrodes disposed on one of the pair of substrates; a common electrode disposed on the other substrate of the pair of substrates; and a display layer, the common electrode includes two or more common electrode layers containing a first common electrode layer and a second common electrode layer which being disposed across a gap in a thickness direction, and electrical voltages thereof being controlled independently of each other, the first common electrode layer containing at least one electrode unit and at least one non-electrode area corresponding to a disposition of the pixel electrodes, and the second common electrode layer containing at least one second electrode unit, the at least one second electrode layer completely overlapping with at least the at least one non-electrode area of the first common electrode layer in a thickness direction.
US08928646B2 Capacitive-load driving circuit and plasma display apparatus using the same
A plasma display apparatus including a capacitive load and a driving circuit is provided. The plasma display apparatus includes a driving power source supplying a drive voltage to the capacitive load and a reference potential terminal supplying a reference potential to the capacitive load. A drive IC is coupled to the driving power source.
US08928643B2 Means and circuit to shorten the optical response time of liquid crystal displays
An active matrix liquid crystal display is addressed by a voltage larger than the voltage needed for the desired grey shades. A special control circuit is added to each pixel in the display in order to generate a decaying e-function as a boosting voltage for an accelerated transition into the desired grey scale. After the completed decay of this: e-function the driving voltage needed for the desired grey scale is provided by the control circuit.
US08928637B1 Non-mouse devices that function via mouse-like messages
Method and system for generating and processing multiple independent input data streams based on a high priority OS message framework such as an OS provided framework for processing mouse-messages. Multiple input devices generate motion that is sensed by motion sensors located on one or more motion sources, quantify the sensed motion, and provide resulting input data to a computer via one or more communication ports. One or more software subroutines process the provided data, separating them into multiple independent input streams according to their sources, and sending the streams to listening applications. The subroutines are preferably integrated at a low level of the OS architecture, thereby enabling low-latency, fully-functional high priority processing of the input data.
US08928634B2 Active electromagnetic pen
An active electromagnetic pen includes a pen body, a pen tip, a pressure detecting module and a power supply module. The pen body has an opening on one end thereof. The pen tip is disposed at the opening of the pen body. The pen tip has a tip end and a plane end opposite to the tip end. The tip end is disposed in the pen body, and the plane end is extended to outside of the pen body through the opening. The pressure detecting module is disposed in the pen body and includes a plurality of pressure detecting elements. The pressure detecting elements are respectively connected to different locations of the plane end of the pen tip. The power supply module is disposed in the pen body and is electrically connected to the pressure detecting module.
US08928633B2 Information processing system and electronic pen
An information processing system includes an electronic pen, a position detection unit configured to detect the position of a pen tip of the electronic pen and to acquire positional information indicating the position of the pen tip of the electronic pen, a modification ID storage unit configured to store a modification ID for identifying modification of the position indicated by the positional information, a modification ID updating unit configured to update the modification ID, and a reception device including a storage unit and a registration processing unit configured to register the modification ID stored by the modification ID storage unit and the positional information acquired by the position detection unit in the storage unit as associated information.
US08928630B2 Mobile device and method for processing an acoustic signal
A mobile device and method for processing an acoustic signal are provided. The mobile device may calculate a position of an inputted touch and recognize a character from the calculated position. The mobile device may perform a function corresponding to the recognized character, or display the position of the touch.
US08928629B2 Self-adjusting photosensitive touch circuit and display device thereof
The present invention relates to a self-adjusting photosensitive touch circuit, which includes a light-sensing component, a variable capacitor and a switch component. The light-sensing component is for sensing a touch status and receives a first control signal. The light-sensing component is enabled by a level of the first control signal. The variable capacitor is electrically coupled to the light-sensing component. A capacitance of the variable capacitor is altered along with a voltage difference between two terminals of the variable capacitor. The switch component is electrically coupled to the variable capacitor, and receives a second control signal. The switch component is enabled by a level of the second control signal. Therefore, a range of the gate voltage difference of the light-sensing component can be increased, so as to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the light-sensing component. Moreover, the present invention also relates to a display device thereof.
US08928622B2 Demodulation method and system with low common noise and high SNR for a low-power differential sensing capacitive touch panel
In a demodulation system for a low-power differential-sensing capacitive touch panel, the capacitive touch panel has n first conductor lines in a first direction and m second conductor lines in a second direction, and a mutual capacitance is generated at each intersection of the n first conductor lines and the m second conductor lines. The demodulation system has a signal generator, a detection circuit, a programmable gain amplifier, an analog to digital converter. During a driving cycle, the signal generator generates a pair of differential driving signals to drive two of the first conductor lines in the first direction for eliminating common noises of the two first conductor lines and avoiding the common noises from being amplified by the programmable gain amplifier.
US08928621B2 User interface system and method
One embodiment of the user interface system comprises: A tactile layer defining a tactile surface touchable by a user and plurality of deformable regions operable between a retracted state, wherein the deformable regions are flush with an undeformable region of the tactile layer; and an expanded state, wherein the deformable regions are proud of the undeformable region. A substrate joined to the undeformable region and defining a fluid port per deformable region and a fluid channel. A displacement device displacing the fluid through the fluid channel and the fluid ports to transition the deformable regions from the retracted state to the expanded state. A first and a second pressure sensor detecting changes in fluid pressure within the fluid due to a force applied to a particular deformable region. A processor determining the particular deformable region to be location of the input force based upon the detected fluid pressure changes.
US08928619B1 Flexible touch sensitive display device and control method thereof
Disclosed is a control method of a flexible display device, the method including sensing a state of the flexible display device, detecting touch input at a first position of the flexible display device, correcting position information, regarding the touch input detected at the first position, to a second position when the flexible display device is in a flat state, and correcting position information, regarding the touch input detected at the first position, to a third position when the flexible display device is in a first bent state, a distance between the first position and the third position being less than a distance between the first position and the second position.
US08928615B2 Oscilloscope with touch control and touch control operating method of displaying waveform thereof
An oscilloscope with touch control has a touch screen display unit and a waveform processing and sampling unit. The touch screen display unit is connected to the waveform processing and sampling unit and has a touch control module and a display module. The touch control module detects a touch gesture and converts the touch gesture into a set of waveform processing parameters. The waveform processing and sampling unit has at least one signal input port to receive at least one external signal to be tested, processes the signal to be tested into a corresponding waveform image, and outputs the waveform image to the display module. Accordingly, the touch screen display unit enables the operation and display of the waveform thereon and provides more space originally occupied by conventional knobs so that the display module can be enlarged or the oscilloscope can be miniaturized.
US08928613B2 Touch control system for touch panel
A touch control system for a touch panel includes a touch panel receiving pressures or electric signals on a surface thereof; a touch track for an image on a display screen being defined; a logic unit generating different actions corresponding to the touch tracks so that an image on a screen changes based on the actions from the logic unit; an image processor receiving instructions about the actions from the logic unit so that the image on the display screen will act based on the instructions; and wherein the logic unit divides an image on the display screen into an image moving area and an image size change area when an initial point of the touch track is at the image moving area, the image moves. When the initial point of the touch track is at the image size change area, the size of the image is changed.
US08928612B2 Mobile terminal and control method thereof
A mobile terminal capable of moving a page displayed on a display unit according to a touch input, and a control method thereof are provided. The mobile terminal including a display unit formed to allow for a touch input, includes a sensing unit configured to sense an object touched on the display unit and monitor a first movement of the object, and a controller configured to move a page displayed on the display unit according to a first ongoing direction, in response to a second movement of the object continued from the first movement, when the first movement corresponds to the first ongoing direction of the first movement and moves, while satisfying a pre-set reference within a reference region including a start point of the first movement.
US08928610B2 Information display device and document data editing method
Provided are an information display device and a character string converting method that improve operability at the time of changing a character string on a display screen.The information display device is configured to have: a display screen 12 for displaying a character string; a touch panel controller 27 that detects an operation position; a character string selecting part 34 that, when two different operation positions are detected, on the basis of a result of the detection of the operation positions, selects a character string on the display screen 12; and a character string converting part 36 that, when a distance between the two operation positions is changed, converts the character string selected by the character string selecting part 34 depending on whether the change is a change that causes the distance between the operation positions to be narrowed or enlarged. For example, the character string converting part 36 converts a full-width character in the character string to a half-width character in the case where the change in distance between the two operation positions is the change that causes the distance between the operation positions to be narrowed, and converts a half-width character in the character string to a full-width character in the case where the change is the change that causes the distance between the operation positions to be enlarged.
US08928608B2 Touch screen, touch system and method for positioning a touch object in touch system
A touch screen, a touch system and a method for positioning a touch object in a touch system are disclosed. The touch screen comprises an infrared pair tube array, wherein said infrared pair tube array is disposed on an edge of said touch screen. By introducing the infrared pair tube array, the touch screen of the present invention eliminates invalid touch areas in the existing touch screen and avoids false touch points in multipoint positioning.
US08928604B2 Gesture detection zones
A system and method for utilizing a gesture-based user interface. A system includes an operator input device and a processor. The operator input device detects gestures and multiple simultaneous touch points. An input area of the operator input device includes a plurality of gesture detection zones. The processor is coupled to the operator input device. The processor executes a gesture recognition software program that processes inputs from the input device. The gesture recognition program causes the processor to recognize a primary gesture and a simultaneous secondary gesture, and to perform a processing function based, at least in part, on the primary gesture and a gesture detection zone in which the secondary gesture is detected.
US08928602B1 Methods and apparatus for object tracking on a hand-held device
A handheld device includes a housing, a display, a MEMS magnetic field sensor disposed within the housing, wherein the MEMS magnetic field sensor is configured to sense a plurality of perturbations in magnetic fields in response to a perturbation source when the user displaces the perturbation source proximate to the handheld device, and a processor disposed within the housing and coupled to the MEMS magnetic field sensor and to the display, wherein the processor is programmed to receive the plurality of perturbations in magnetic fields, wherein the processor is programmed to determine a plurality of spatial locations in at least two-dimensions in response to the plurality of perturbations, and wherein the processor is programmed output an indication of the plurality of spatial locations on the display.
US08928600B2 Transaction terminal
A transaction terminal which includes a projector instead of a liquid crystal display. The transaction terminal includes a projector for projecting images of transaction screens on a surface during a transaction, an input device for recording operator selections in the transaction screens during the transaction, and a computer for generating the images of the transaction screens, for displaying the screens via the projector, and for processing the operator selections during the transaction.
US08928595B2 Touch screen calibration sensor
A touchscreen may be calibrated using a second sensor that may be placed around the periphery of the touchscreen in a known position with respect to the touchscreen. The second sensor may be incorporated into a bezel and may have one or more sensor elements. The second sensor may be used to sense the position of a user's finger or stylus when the user touches an object on the touchscreen display, and the second sensor output may be used to update a calibration factor based on the position of the displayed object. The second sensor may be used to periodically recalibrate the touchscreen any time an object is selected in proximity to the second sensor.
US08928593B2 Selecting and updating location of virtual keyboard in a GUI layout in response to orientation change of a portable device
A method of controlling the location of a virtual keyboard in a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on a display screen of a handheld electronic device is disclosed, the method comprising: monitoring for change in device orientation, wherein the device orientation comprising a left hand device orientation and a right hand device orientation; and updating location of the virtual keyboard in the GUI in response to detection of device orientation change.
US08928591B2 Techniques for providing a user interface having bi-directional writing tools
A computer-implemented technique includes determining, at a computing device including one or more processors, one or more scripts in which a user is capable of inputting text. The technique includes determining, at the computing device, whether at least one of the one or more scripts is a script having a right-to-left (RTL) writing directionality. The technique also includes automatically outputting, at the computing device: (i) a first user interface when at least one of the one or more scripts is a script having an RTL writing directionality, wherein the first user interface is configured to allow the user to adjust the writing directionality at the computing device, or (ii) a second user interface when none of the one or more scripts is a script having an RTL writing directionality, wherein the second user interface is not configured to allow the user to adjust the writing directionality at the computing device.
US08928589B2 Virtual keyboards and methods of providing the same
The present disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for providing virtual keyboards. In one aspect, a system includes a camera, a display, a video feature extraction module and a gesture pattern matching module. The camera captures a sequence of images containing a finger of a user, and the display displays each image combined with a virtual keyboard having a plurality of virtual keys. The video feature extraction module detects motion of the finger in the sequence of images relative to virtual sensors of the virtual keys, and determines sensor actuation data based on the detected motion relative to the virtual sensors. The gesture pattern matching module uses the sensor actuation data to recognize a gesture.
US08928588B2 Touch-type key input apparatus
A touch press key inputting device includes: a plurality of character keys 21˜32 with at least 2 characters displayed on the surface of each key; an input judging means 72 for sensing the character keys touched and the first touched points in the area of the character keys, performing a movement longer than a specified length originally touched, and judging a moving direction in touch press inputting; a character selecting and outputting means 73 for selecting and outputting the characters displayed in the moving direction, corresponding to the moving direction judged by the input judging means, relative to the reference positions of the character keys. Since the characters on the positions are selected and output corresponding to the touch press inputting operations of the characters displayed on the key surfaces of respective character keys 21˜32, the inputting operations can be directly sensed and easily assured, and the inputting operability is improved.
US08928582B2 Method for adaptive interaction with a legacy software application
Methods are disclosed to support adaptive interaction with legacy software applications, without a need for rewriting those applications. The methods are for use with an interactive electronic system including a processor, a display, and an input device with user-manipulated controls. When the legacy application is executed, a supplemental software program, such as a plugin, is also executed and is utilized in order to identify currently relevant interactive features of the legacy application during execution. Functionality is dynamically assigned to the various user-manipulated controls based on the identified features. In one embodiment, detection of objects (particularly the user's hands) proximate to the input controls is also employed in determining the assignment of functionality and/or in displaying a visual representation to the user of the available interactive choices. In another embodiment, the user-manipulated input controls are dynamically and physically reconfigured under control of the processor based on the identified features.
US08928581B2 Force feedback system including multi-tasking graphical host environment
A force feedback system provides components for use in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback interface device. An architecture for a host computer allows multi-tasking application programs to interface with the force feedback device without conflicts. One embodiment of a force feedback device provides both relative position reporting and absolute position reporting to allow great flexibility. A different device embodiment provides relative position reporting device allowing maximum compatibility with existing software. Information such as ballistic parameters and screen size sent from the host to the force feedback device allow accurate mouse positions and graphical object positions to be determined in the force feedback environment. Force feedback effects and structures are further described, such as events and enclosures.
US08928580B2 Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a body including a flexible portion, a display unit provided to the body, a sensing unit provided to the body and generating an electric signal in response to bending of the body, and a controller recognizing the electric signal and controlling the display unit according to the electric signal generated by the bending of the body.
US08928578B2 Cursor adjustment in ambient light
A method of assisting discovering a cursor on an electronic display is disclosed. In general, if a cursor moves from one display region to another and there is a difference in ambient light, a cursor adjustment may need to be executed. In another embodiment, the method may look to see if a user is moving the cursor in a fashion to locate the cursor in which case a cursor adjustment should be executed. If three cursor inputs are in successively opposite directions or have opposite acceleration and are received within a brief period of time, the cursor adjustment may be executed.
US08928577B1 Method and apparatus for single-step user generated notes on a personal digital assistant
A method and system for generating an electronic note on a handheld electronic device. Specifically, the present invention allows a user to push one button on the handheld device to gain access to a cleared screen where ideas, telephone numbers, etc. can be written down directly on the screen in the user's own handwriting in the form of a note. Additionally, the note is automatically time and date stamped. Furthermore, a title associated with the note is displayed concurrently with the note and can be modified using digitized alphanumeric characters. Moreover, the note is automatically stored in the handheld electronic device. Also, an alarm, associated with a particular time and date relative to the electronic device, can be electronically assigned to the note. At the particular time and date associated with the alarm, the alarm is automatically triggered, and the note is automatically displayed on the handheld electronic device.
US08928576B2 Electrophoretic display device, driving method thereof, and electronic apparatus
The electrophoretic display device in which an electrophoretic element is interposed between a pair of substrates includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are formed in each pixel on one substrate, and an opposing electrode that is formed on another substrate, and faces the first electrode and the second electrode through the electrophoretic element. Here, a gradation is displayed due to a difference in potential between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08928575B2 Electrophoretic display device, electronic apparatus, and method of driving electrophoretic display device
An electrophoretic display device includes a common electrode, pixel electrodes, and a disperse system of electrophoretic particles. A transistor supplies one of the pixel electrodes with a first potential or a second potential higher than the first potential. During a first period, a control portion supplies a third potential to the gate electrode to turn on the transistor, supplies the first potential to a signal line or the common electrode, and supplies the second potential to the other line. During a second period, the control portion supplies a fourth potential higher than the third potential to the gate electrode to turn off the transistor, and supplies the first potential to both the signal line and the common electrode so that the pixel electrode potential substantially reaches the common electrode potential. The third potential is lower than the second potential and the fourth potential is higher than the first potential.
US08928574B2 Liquid crystal display device
Provided is a liquid crystal display device wherein it is possible to specifically prevent the pseudo contouring of an area in which an image having a large motion vector is displayed, such as a telop area. A telop area (R1) (an example of a component image area) in which the motion vector is set in advance and which has a magnitude greater than or equal to a predetermined magnitude is detected. The intermittent lighting timing of an illumination portion is controlled in a manner such that the turn-off period having a predetermined length is set between the point in which the detected telop area (R1) writes a video signal to a liquid crystal element and the point in which the liquid crystal element responds.
US08928573B2 Shift register, gate driver on array panel and gate driving method
The embodiment of the present invention discloses a shift register for reducing the power consumption during driving. The shift register includes a protection circuit, a retaining circuit, an output circuit, a first driving circuit, a second driving circuit, a resetting circuit, a timing control terminal, a first power supply terminal, a second power supply terminal, a third power supply terminal and a fourth power supply terminal. The embodiment of the present invention further discloses a Gate driver On Array (GOA) panel and a method for gate driving.
US08928571B2 Driving method including charge sharing and related liquid crystal display device
A driving method for a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) device is used for reducing power consumption of the LCD device. The driving method includes determining a driving approach of the LCD device, and performing corresponding charge sharing on a plurality of data channels according to the driving approach. The driving approach of the LCD device is determined according to a latch data (LD) signal and a polarity signal.
US08928567B2 Switchable viewing angle display
A switchable viewing angle display method is provided, using arrayed microlenses and a waveguide pipe with selectable light extraction positions. The method provides a front panel array of display pixels. Also provided is an array of microlenses underlying the array of display pixels. Each microlens has a focal point and each microlens is associated with a corresponding block of display pixels. A backlight panel has an edge-coupled waveguide pipe with an optical input connected to a column of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The backlight panel includes an array extraction pixels, each extraction pixel underlying a corresponding microlens, and the backlight panel also includes a planar mirror underlying the waveguide pipe. In response to a display viewing angle change command, a waveguide pipe's light extraction position is selected, which is the distance between the extraction pixels and their corresponding microlenses, and the display viewing angle is changed.
US08928566B2 Display panel driving method, display apparatus, display panel driving apparatus and electronic apparatus
In the present invention, there is provided a display panel driving method of the type wherein the total light emitting period length within a one-field period is controlled to variably control the peak luminance level of a display panel, the driving method including a step of variably controlling, where the one-field period has N light emitting periods disposed therein, N being equal to or greater than 2, the light emitting period length of a particular one of the light emitting periods and the other light emitting period or periods to provide a difference in luminance between the particular light emitting period and the other light emitting period or periods so that the particular light emitting period is visually observed as the center of light emission.
US08928563B2 Display device
A display device includes: a pixel array unit with pixel circuits disposed in matrix form, the pixel circuit including a driving transistor, an electro-optic element, a storage-capacitor, and a sampling transistor, with the electro-optic element emitting light by generating a driving current based on information stored in the storage-capacitor at the driving transistor to be applied to the electro-optic element; and a control unit, of which the output stage includes a buffer transistor, to output a pulse signal for driving the pixel array unit from the buffer transistor; wherein the pixel array unit and the control unit are formed with long laser beam irradiation to be scanned in the vertical direction; and with the control unit, buffer transistors for outputting a pulse signal for sampling to an input video signal to each signal line are arrayed in a column in the longitudinal direction of the laser beam irradiation.
US08928555B2 Privacy display
A display device can include a housing, a processor, and a display assembly. The processor can be arranged within the housing. The display assembly can be operably coupled to the processor and arranged within the housing. The display assembly can include a first display, a privacy filter, and a second display. The first display can output a first portion of the display. The second display can output a second portion of the display. The privacy filter and the first and second displays can be arranged such that the first portion of the display assembly is filtered by the privacy filter to be viewable in a first viewable arc. The second portion of the display assembly can be viewable in a second viewable arc that is different than the first viewable arc. The first and second displays can be LCD's.
US08928554B2 Mobile image display system
A mobile image display system includes multiple movable panels, each including a video display. Using a position sensor, the system knows when a particular panel reaches a position in which the displayed image is distorted due to overlapping or misalignment of the panels. Then, a central processing unit provides the panels in the region where distortion is present with a modified image to correct for this distortion. Additionally, the panels may include light and/or weight sensors. In response to these sensors, an image in any location the carousel can be revised in response to the presence of an article such as a suitcase.
US08928546B1 Ultra-wideband, omni-directional, low distortion coaxial antenna
An antenna for producing an omni-directional pattern, and using all frequencies of a frequency range simultaneously, is provided with first and second electrically conductive elements disposed coaxially relative to a central axis. The first element has a first surface of revolution about the axis, the first surface of revolution tapering radially outwardly while extending axially away from the second element to terminate at a first axial end of the first element. The second element has a second surface of revolution about the axis, the second surface of revolution tapering radially outwardly while extending axially toward the first element to terminate at a first axial end of the second element. The first and second surfaces of revolution overlap one another radially and axially, and are mutually non-conformal.
US08928544B2 Wideband circularly polarized hybrid dielectric resonator antenna
The present invention provides a dielectric resonator antenna comprising: a dielectric resonator; a ground plane, operatively coupled with the dielectric resonator, the ground plane having four slots; and a substrate, operatively coupled to the ground plane, having a feeding network consisting of four microstrip lines; wherein the four slots are constructed and geometrically arranged to ensure proper circular polarization and coupling to the dielectric resonator; and wherein the antenna feeding network combines the four microstrip lines with a 90 degree phase difference to generate circular polarization over a wide frequency band.
US08928542B2 Backhaul radio with an aperture-fed antenna assembly
Directive gain antenna elements implemented with an aperture-fed patch array antenna assembly are described. A feed network for the aperture-fed patch array may include offset apertures and may also include meandering feed lines. Scalable aperture shapes and orientations that can be used with antennas operating at any frequency and with dual orthogonal polarizations are also disclosed. Directive gain antenna elements implemented with arrays of orthogonal reflected dipoles are also described with optimal feed networks and parasitic elements to achieve desired directive gain characteristics. Such arrayed dipole antennas feature dual orthogonal polarizations with assembly tabs that lower cost and improve reliability. Backhaul radios that incorporate said antennas are also disclosed.
US08928539B2 Antenna unit and radio communication device
An antenna unit and a radio communication device are provided. An antenna unit has a monopole antenna section and a loop antenna section. The monopole antenna section includes a linear radiating electrode that resonates at a first frequency and has an electrical length of one-quarter of the wave length corresponding to the first frequency. The loop antenna section includes a radiating electrode that resonates at a second frequency, is vertically erected on a non-ground region, and connected to a feed line. A proximal end of the radiating electrode of the loop antenna section is connected to an intermediate portion of the feed line, and a distal end thereof is connected to a ground region. The electrical length of the radiating electrode of the loop antenna section is one-half of the wave length of the second frequency.
US08928537B2 Multiband antenna
A multiband antenna (200) comprising a substrate (202) and at least one conductive plate (204) on the substrate (202). The at least one conductive plate (204) defines a first conductive region (206), a second conductive region (208) and a third conductive region (210). The first, second and third conductive regions (206, 208, 210) are configured so as to define a first gap (212) between the first conductive region (206) and the second conductive region (208); and a second gap (214) between the second conductive region (208) and the third conductive region (210). The multiband antenna also comprises a feeding port (230) comprising a signal terminal (230a). The signal terminal (230a) is configured to couple the second conductive region (208) to a first connecting element for conducting transmit or receive signals.
US08928536B2 Impedance tuning of transmitting and receiving antennas
The present disclosure relates to impedance tuning of transmitting and receiving antennas.
US08928526B2 Determining effective isotropic radiated power of a satellite communications system
Techniques for monitoring transmission performance of a satellite communications systems are provided, including techniques for measuring the primary contributors to the end-to-end SNR, including the uplink SNR, the downlink SNR, and the C/I for each link in the network. These individual measurements are used to estimate satellite effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP), satellite antenna gain-to-noise-temperature (G/T), and loss due to an Earth Terminal pointing error. The EIRP, satellite antenna G/T and loss due to Earth terminal pointing error may then be used to determine operating parameters for the satellite communications network that enable the network to operate more efficiently.
US08928523B2 Method and radar apparatus for detecting target object
Disclosed is a method and a radar apparatus for transmitting a transmission signal at a controlled timing in order to avoid signal interference, thereby exactly detecting a target object without misrecognition.
US08928520B2 Track fan remote control system
A system using a remote control to provide independent control of power to one or more track fans and track lights, as well as control of speed of rotation of each fan, and brightness of each light across one or more tracks of various types. The remote control also allows groups of track fans and/or track lights to be controlled together, and allows the controlled track fans and track lights to be attached to different tracks.
US08928519B2 Based-band to radio frequency up-converter
A base band to frequency up-converter is described wherein the base band to frequency up-converter comprises a first input for receiving a first base band signal of first base band samples and a second input for receiving a second base band signal of second base band samples and an output for providing up-converted radio signal samples. The base-band to radio frequency up-converter further comprises a phase converter for converting the first base band signal of first base band samples and the second base band signal of second base band samples into a first intermediate signal of first intermediate samples, a second intermediate signal of second intermediate samples, and a third intermediate signal of third intermediate samples. The intermediate samples are then up-converted into radio signal samples.
US08928518B1 Charge-redistribution SAR ADC with sample-independent reference current
A charge redistribution SAR analog-to-digital converter includes a source of a reference voltage, a digital-to-analog converter, and a reset circuit. The digital-to-analog converter includes converter stages that range in significance from most significant to least significant. Each converter stage includes respective capacitors and switches. The switches are controllable to selectively connect the capacitors to the reference voltage or to ground. The capacitors of the converter stages are weighted in capacitance in accordance with significance of the converter stage. The reset circuit is to control the switches to reset the converter stages with a temporal offset between at least two of the converter stages. The temporal offset between the at least two of the converter stages reduces the dependence of the charge drawn from the reference voltage source during each conversion cycle on the sample of an analog input signal converted to a digital value during the conversion cycle.
US08928510B1 Photonic analog to digital conversion method
A method can be for use in a photonic analog to digital converter, a first optical signal and a radio frequency signal. The method modulates the first optical signal based on the radio frequency signal, quantizes one or more of phase, quadrature, and amplitude coordinates of the modulated signal, and provides the quantized coordinates to one or more electronic analog to digital converters.
US08928508B2 ADC calibration
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) including a plurality of comparators connected to the ADC. The ADC further includes a first pair of terminals and a second pair of terminals connected to each of the plurality of comparators. The ADC further includes a first pair of switches coupled to each of the first pair of terminals and a second pair of switches coupled to each of the second pair of terminals, where the first and second pair of switches are configured to alternate a corresponding comparator between normal operation and a calibration configuration. Comparators other than the corresponding comparator are configured for normal operation if the corresponding comparator is configured to be calibrated.
US08928503B2 Data encoding methods, data decoding methods, data reconstruction methods, data encoding devices, data decoding devices, and data reconstruction devices
In an embodiment, a data encoding method may be provided. The data encoding method may include: inputting data to be encoded; determining a polynomial so that an evaluation of the polynomial at a sum of a first supporting point of the polynomial and a second supporting point of the polynomial corresponds to the sum of an evaluation of the polynomial at the first supporting point and an evaluation of the polynomial at the second supporting point, wherein coefficients of the polynomial are determined based on the data to be encoded; and generating a plurality of encoded data items by evaluating the polynomial at a plurality of supporting points.
US08928502B2 Keyboard and method text entry
A keyboard for entry of text characters is described. The keyboard comprises: a plurality of keys and a processing means for detecting when at least one of the plurality of keys is pressed. Each of the plurality of keys has an indicia marked on its surface. When the processor detects that two or more of the plurality of keys have been pressed within a predetermined time period of each other, data corresponding to a text character visually resembling the combination of the indicia marked on the two or more of the plurality of keys is output. A corresponding method of text entry is also described. The output from the keyboard visually resembles the combination of the indicia on the keys. This enables a user to use the keyboard without requiring special training, or to learn particular key combinations.
US08928499B2 Input device with multiple sets of input keys
An input device is disclosed that includes keys on a first surface and a second surface of the input device. At least some of the keys are operably coupled to a matrix including a switch for each key therein. When one of the keys is pressed, the corresponding switch is activated to provide a signal indicative thereof.
US08928497B2 Method and device for monitoring avionics systems connected to a shared medium
A method monitors at least one avionic system connected to a communication medium that includes at least one active communication switch component. The method includes determining a state of the switch component and evaluating an indicator of a state of the communication medium from the state of the switch component and from a predetermined modeling of communication flows of the communication medium. The method also includes selecting and activating an alarm according to the evaluated state of the communication medium and according to a predetermined modeling of consequences of the evaluated state of the communication medium on a function of the at least one avionic system. A corresponding device and a method for determining conditions for alarm activation are also disclosed.
US08928495B2 Systems and methods for telematics monitoring and communications
Certain example embodiments of the disclosed technology may include systems and methods for telematics monitoring. An example method is provided that includes receiving, at a mobile computing device, and from a Vehicle Identification Unit (VIU), identification (ID) data representing a first vehicle. The method further includes receiving, by the mobile computing device, sensor data from one or more sensors associated with the mobile computing device. Certain embodiments may further include receiving, at an Operational Measurement Unit (OMU), an operation indication associated with the first vehicle. The OMU may include an operational measurement component configured to advance an operational count in response to receiving the operation indication. Certain example embodiments may include transmitting telematics data by the mobile computing device. In certain embodiments, the telematics data may include least a portion of one or more of the ID data, the sensor data, and/or the operational count data.
US08928491B2 Data collection using a headset jack of an electronic device
To collect data, an electronic device transmits a signal on an output channel of the headset jack to provide an excitation signal to a sensor for measuring a physical quantity. A signal from the sensor is received via an input channel of the headset jack of the electronic device. Data based on the received signal may be sent from the electronic device to a remote location for further processing. The data may be used to detect a physical condition, e.g., a temperature, humidity, soil moisture, sound, vibration, pressure, motion, and/or pollutants.
US08928490B2 Meter apparatus, metering network, and metering method thereof
A meter apparatus, a metering network, and a metering method thereof are provided. The meter apparatus includes a pulse generator, an optical sensor, a spinning disc, and a magnetic sensor. The pulse generator is configured to generate a number of pulses proportional to an amount of a consumed resource. The optical sensor is configured to detect the number of pulses to generate a first signal, and transmit the first signal to a meter reader. The spinning disc is configured to produce an amount of rotation proportional to the amount of the consumed resource. The magnetic sensor is configured to detect the amount of the rotation to generate a second signal, and transmit the second signal to the meter reader.
US08928489B2 Ping server
Techniques and systems are described that assist in predicting, diagnosing, and/or managing an incident in a utility service area. A communication system is provided in the service area to communicate with nodes of the service area. Nodes of the service area may communicate with the communication system using a variety of different communication technologies and/or communication protocols. In some instances, the communication system may detect a communication technology and/or a communication protocol used by a node.
US08928488B2 Signal propagation across gaps
In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to monitor a first condition associated with transmitting or receiving a signal in a formation or on a drill string, or both, over a first selected interval of a drill string located down hole; to monitor a second condition associated with transmitting or receiving the signal in the formation or on the drill string or both, over a second selected interval of the drill string; to compare the first condition to the second condition to provide a comparison result; and based on the comparison result, to select one of the first selected interval or the second selected interval to transmit or receive the signal in the formation or on the drill string, or both. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08928483B2 Automated attendance tracking and event notification
A system is configured to receive information associated with a location of a user device; retrieve information associated with a location at which a user, of the user device, is to be during a period of time; determine whether to assign, to the user device, a late status or an absent status based on the location of the user device, the assigned location, and the period of time; assign a late status when the location of the user device does not match the assigned location when the period of time begins; send, to another user device, a notification that the user device is late to the assigned location based on the assigning of the late status; assign an absent status when the location of the user device does not match the assigned location during the period of time; and send to the other user device, another notification that the user device was absent from the assigned location based on the assigning of the absent status.
US08928478B2 Emergency alert system and method
An electronic device, computer-implemented method, and computer program product for providing emergency alerts are disclosed. The invention employs an emergency alert message, which directs end users to take some particular action like evacuating an identified geographic area. The invention further employs a geographic area message, which is based on a particular geographic area within which all persons should receive the emergency alert message. The invention utilizes an electronic device that receives both the emergency alert message and the geographic area message. The electronic device determines whether it is located within the geographic area of concern, and if so, presents the emergency alert message to the end user.
US08928474B2 Charge display unit
A charged-amount display part displays a battery charge rate of an entire battery pack according to kinds of charge sources. An example of displaying the battery charge rate in the form of a bar chart is shown. A speed display part displays a vehicle speed of a running electric vehicle. The running cost display part displays a running cost calculated based on consumed electric power of the battery.
US08928471B2 Methods and systems related to remote tamper detection
Remote tamper detection. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: tracking location of an asset by an onboard device mechanically coupled to the asset, the onboard device electrically coupled to a source of power of the asset, and the onboard device receiving power from the asset; detecting a loss of power provided to the onboard device, the loss of power indicative of tampering with the onboard device, and the detecting by the onboard device; and sending a message by wireless transmission, the message indicative of tampering with the onboard device, and the sending by the onboard device during the loss of power.
US08928469B2 Automatic fueling notification
A system that notifies the operator, during refueling, when the fuel tank of a vehicle has been filled to contain a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount may include but is not limited to a full condition, an amount that is calculated to satisfy a specific trip, etc. The system may include one or more fuel sensors that can detect conditions of the fuel delivery system, such as the quantity of fuel residing in the tank. The system further includes a controller and an output device. During a refill event, the controller receives the data from the one or more sensors, processes the data, and causes the output device to notify the operator when the tank is filled with the predetermined amount of fuel. The notification can be audible, such as the horn honking, visual, such as lights flashing, or tactile, such as the vehicle seat vibrates.
US08928466B2 Semiconductor device
A protection circuit is designed to operate when the level of a DC power supply potential which is generated in a rectifier circuit is equal to or greater than a predetermined level (a reference level), so as to decrease the level of the generated DC power supply potential. On the other hand, the protection circuit is designed not to operate when the DC power supply potential which is generated in the rectifier circuit is equal to or less than the predetermined level (the reference level), so as to use the generated DC power supply potential without change. A transistor of the protection circuit includes an oxide semiconductor layer, which enables a reduction in the off-state current of the transistor and a reduction in power consumption of the protection circuit.
US08928465B2 Aftermarket module arrangement and method for communicating over a vehicle bus
An aftermarket module arrangement for installation into a vehicle having a vehicle bus and an electric power source is disclosed herein. The arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a module configured to communicatively couple with the vehicle bus and to electrically couple with the electric power source via a first electric power line, and further configured to engage in power line communications over the first electric power line. The arrangement further includes an aftermarket module configured to electrically couple with the electric power source over a second electric power line and to engage in power line communications over the second electric power line. The aftermarket module is further configured to communicatively couple with the module via power line communications and to communicate over the vehicle bus through the module.
US08928460B2 Device for locating objects by RFID communication
The invention relates to the locating and identifying of objects with radiofrequency communication by inductive coupling, without electrical contact, between a reader and a tag. The device includes an array of N fixed RFID markers of RFID tag type, with inductive antennas placed at known positions, N being an integer greater than 1 and an RFID tag reader provided with a fixed reading inductive antenna passing in proximity to the N markers. The position of the N markers with respect to the inductive reading antenna is such that the mutual inductance between the inductive antenna of any marker and the inductive reading antenna is zero when no object to be located is present in the vicinity of the array of markers, and nonzero when an RFID tag is present in the vicinity of the marker considered. A coupling is established in the presence of a mobile tag in proximity to a marker.
US08928457B2 Smart interlock system and working method thereof
A smart interlock system and a working method thereof. The smart interlock system includes a lock (1), an unlocking device (2) and a logic generator (3). The logic generator (3) comprises a logic generation module and a logic communication module. The logic generation module generates identity identification logic and state identification logic of the lock, and the two kinds of logic are sent to the unlocking device (2) through the logic communication module. The lock (1) comprises a lock tongue (102), a lock head (106) and an identity and state converting module (104). The unlocking device (2) comprises an unlocking module for starting the lock head to move, an identity identifying module (201) and a communication module. The identity identifying module (201) of the unlocking device identifies the identity of the lock, receives an identity label information which is transferred from the identity and state converting module (104) of the lock, recognizes the state of the lock tongue (102), and judges whether to unlock the lock or not according to the identity identification logic and state identification logic of the lock which are received from the logic generator (3). The smart interlock system works flexibly and enables electric anti-misoperation to be reliable and intelligent.
US08928456B2 Wireless device operable cash drawer
Cash drawers that are operated by wireless devices are disclosed. A cash drawer illustratively includes a communication interface that receives commands from a wireless device, and a controller that process the command received from the wireless device. The cash drawer may optionally include a reader that reads an identifier associated with the wireless device. The reader is illustratively an RFID reader and the identifier is an RFID tag associated with the wireless device. Alternatively, the reader is an NFC reader and the identifier is an NFC chip associated with the wireless device. In another embodiment, the cash drawer includes an identifier that is configured to be read by a wireless device. The identifier is illustratively either barcode, an RFID tag, or an NFC chip. The cash drawer may also include an indicator that identifies when the wireless device is authorized to operate the cash drawer.
US08928454B2 Computer room security
This invention relates to a fastener system, in particular a system for improving computer room security, that reduces energy consumption. This invention provides a fastener system comprising at least one fastener for fastening a first element to a second element, the at least one fastener having a sensor to determine status of that fastener; a trigger box having an LED panel; a junction box capable of receiving and relaying authorization access; and an IP-connected control appliance with relay input/output for access control applications. This invention is particularly useful within server racks.
US08928453B2 Mechatronic locking apparatus
The mechatronic locking apparatus comprises a control circuit (4), from which information signals can be transmitted to a control circuit (6) of the lock cylinder (2) using a first communication path (5). A security key (3) has at least one second communication path (7) for storing and/or processing access data. The two communication paths (5, 7) are connected to said control circuit (4) of the security key (3). The first communication path (5) preferably uses an electrical contact in the lock cylinder (2). The second communication path (7) comprises a transponder (8). The first communication path (5) may also be used for power supply purposes.
US08928442B2 Inductive component equipped with a liquid cooling and a method for manufacturing an inductive component
The object of the invention is an inductive component equipped with a liquid cooling and a method for manufacturing an inductive component. The inductive component comprises at least a core (2) assembled from separate structural elements (8, 8a, 8b), a winding (5), and connection means (7) as well as ducts (9) integrated into the core (2) for the purpose of liquid cooling. Each structural element (8, 8a, 8b) comprises an aperture (9a, 13, 18) made in the manufacturing phase of the structural element (8, 8a, 8b), which aperture extends through the structural element and is a short part of the duct (9) intended for the purpose of liquid cooling.
US08928431B2 Wideband analog lowpass filter
A low pass filter includes an RF input terminal, an RF output terminal, a plurality of inductors coupled in series between the RF input and output terminals, at least one electrically tunable capacitor coupled between ground and a node of one of the inductors. At least one of the inductors includes a winding, and a resistance and a capacitance coupled in series across a portion of the winding to enhance the out of band rejection of the low pass filter.
US08928429B2 Multiple-way ring cavity power combiner and divider
Multiple-way ring cavity power combiners and power dividers are disclosed. In one aspect, the disclosed ring cavity power combiners and power dividers can support a large number of devices by providing a large number of power-combining or power-dividing ports. In another aspect, the disclosed embodiments describe implementations employing a ring cavity that result in demonstrated performance characteristics suitable for UWB applications. Advantages provided include suppressing higher order modes and low losses among other advantages.
US08928427B2 Reducing coupling coefficient variation using intended width mismatch
A coupler is presented that has high-directivity and low coupling coefficient variation. The coupler includes a first trace with a first edge substantially parallel to a second edge and substantially equal in length to the second edge. The first trace includes a third edge substantially parallel to a fourth edge. The fourth edge is divided into three segments. The outer segments are a first distance from the third edge. The middle segment is a second distance from the third edge. Further, the coupler includes a second trace, which includes a first edge substantially parallel to a second edge and substantially equal in length to the second edge. The second trace includes a third edge substantially parallel to a fourth edge. The fourth edge is divided into three segments. The outer segments are a first distance from the third edge. The middle segment is a second distance from the third edge.
US08928425B1 Common mode detector for a communication system
A circuit for a wireline system is disclosed. In an embodiment, the circuit includes a twisted pair channel. The twisted pair channel delivers a differential signal that includes a converter mode component. The circuit includes at least one transformer coupled to the twisted pair channel and a transceiver coupled to the at least one transformer. The circuit further includes a common mode detection coupled to the transceiver for detecting a common mode component. In an embodiment, the circuit detects the common mode component. Accordingly, with common mode component detection capability, the common mode component of the differential can be analyzed for characterization purposes as well as for potential improvement in the system performance signal.
US08928412B2 Precise current source circuit for bias supply of RF MMIC gain block amplifier application
A current source circuit includes a first transistor Q1, a second transistor Q2, a first resistor R1, and a second resistor R2. The first transistor Q1 has a first terminal (collector) coupled with the supply voltage (VCC), a second terminal (base) coupled with the first resistor R1, and a third terminal (emitter) coupled with the second resistor R2. The second transistor Q2 has a first terminal coupled with the second terminal of the first transistor Q1, a second terminal coupled with the third terminal of the first transistor Q1, and a third terminal coupled with the filtering circuit 39. The first resistor R1 is coupled between the supply voltage and a second terminal of the first transistor Q1. The second resistor R2 is coupled between a third terminal of the first transistor Q1 and the filtering circuit 39.
US08928409B1 Trans-capacitance amplifier with picoAmperes input biasing and large output swing
According to some embodiments, a trans-capacitance amplifier is exhibiting an input current of the biasing in the range of picoAmperes while allowing large output swings. The trans-capacitance amplifier comprises an operational amplifier, a feedback capacitor, circuitry to DC bias and to AC ground the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier, and circuitry to DC bias the inverting input of the operational amplifier. According to some embodiments, the circuitry to bias the inverting input comprises a cascade of degenerated differential pairs. The first transistor of the first pair and the second transistor of the last pair have an active load. The cascade of differential pairs and the active load create a trans-conductance amplifier with a very low equivalent trans-conductance. According to some embodiments, the same invention applies to a differential trans-capacitance amplifier.
US08928404B2 Amplifier performance stabilization through preparatory phase
A method and related systems for amplifier performance stabilization of a digitally predistorted RF power amplifier are disclosed. The characteristics of power amplifiers change as a function of temperature making adaptive digital predistortion highly problematic during initial application of an RF signal to a power amplifier. Embodiments disclose a method and systems in which the power amplifier is taken through a preparatory phase before the RF signal is applied to the power amplifier and the digital predistortion calculation starts. This is achieved by increasing the quiescent current of the power stages beyond nominal values for a rapid warm up and readjusting to its normal bias point when the radio frequency signal is applied and the digital predistortion is turned on.
US08928402B2 N way Doherty amplifier
A device including a Doherty amplifier, the Doherty amplifier having an amplifier input and output. At least one main amplifier is coupled to the input via a main input impedance and to the output via a main output impedance and additional amplifiers, each amplifier being coupled to the input via respective additional input impedances. Each additional amplifier has a respective additional amplifier output coupled to a respective pair of additional impedances connected in series and having a respective connection node between them. The device also has a first additional amplifier having their respective additional impedances coupled between its respective output and the amplifier output, the pair of additional impedances having first and second impedances, the first impedance being connected to the respective additional amplifier output and to the connection node, the second impedance being coupled between their respective connection node and the connection node of the previous additional amplifier.
US08928401B2 Amplifier with filtering
Signals are processed to facilitate the mitigation and/or cancellation of undesirable components within the signal. As consistent with one or more embodiments, input/delay circuits offset the phase of an input signal, as presented to respective amplifiers. The phase offset is used, upon combination of the outputs of the respective amplifiers, to cancel the undesirable components of the signal. Such an approach may, for example, involve phase offset in a digital domain, with correction upon combination of the signals as presented in an analog domain.
US08928400B2 Semiconductor device having first and second demodulation circuits for wireless communication
A device receives ASK signals by using an ASK signal receiving circuit that is different from an ASK signal receiving circuit for R/W mode, when an NFC-enabled semiconductor device operates in a mode other than the R/W mode. An ASK signal receiving circuit for 100% ASK is provided on the side of a pair of transmitting terminals. This arrangement eliminates the influence of an ESD provided within an ASK signal receiving circuit for 10% ASK coupled to a pair of receiving terminals. There is no need for management of threshold values that are different according to type of ASK and it is possible to support different modulation schemes by a smaller circuit configuration.
US08928399B2 Semiconductor device having stacked chips
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes chips and a first selection circuit. Each of the chips has at least first and second vias for transmitting at least first and second address signals, these chips are stacked to be electrically connected via the first and second vias. The first selection circuit is provided in each chip, includes a logic circuit that selects a chip based on at least the first and second address signals, and supplies a result of operating the first and second address signals to the subsequent chip.
US08928395B2 Voltage generator
A voltage generator adapted for a flash memory is disclosed. The voltage generator includes a charge pump circuit and a voltage regulator. The charge pump circuit includes at least one charge pump unit having a voltage receiving terminal and a voltage transmitting terminal. The voltage receiving terminal receives a reference voltage and the voltage transmitting terminal generates an output voltage. The charge pump unit includes first and second voltage transmitting channels and first and second capacitors. The first and second voltage transmitting channels are turned on or off according first and second control signals, respectively. The first and second capacitors receive the first and second pump enabling signals, respectively. The voltage regulator outputs a regulated output voltage according to the output voltage.
US08928392B2 No-power normally closed analog switch
This document discusses, among other things, a switching device and method configured to receive a signal at a signal input, to provide the signal at an output in a first state without an applied voltage at a first control input, and to isolate the signal from the output in a second state with an applied voltage at the first control input. In an example, the switching device can include first, second, and third transistors, wherein the source of the first transistor is coupled to the drain of the second transistor and to the gate of the third transistor, wherein the signal input is coupled to the drain of the first transistor and to the drain of the third transistor, and wherein the output is coupled to the source of the third transistor.
US08928388B2 Self-activating adjustable power limiter
A fast response time, self-activating, adjustable threshold limiter including a limiting element LE, a first coupling element CE1 electrically connected from a signal node of LE to a control input of LE, and a second coupling element CE2 electrically connected from the control input of LE to a nominal node of LE. An initial bias (control) voltage is also supplied to the control input of LE to dynamically control the limiting threshold for the limiter.
US08928385B2 Methods of controlling clocks in system on chip including function blocks, systems on chips and semiconductor systems including the same
A system-on-chip includes a clock controller configured to decrease an operating frequency of at least one function block based on a change in an operating state of the at least one function block from an active state to an idle state. In a method of operating a system-on-chip including at least one function block, an operating frequency of the at least one function block is decreased based on a change in an operating state of the at least one function block from an active state to an idle state. The decreased operating frequency is greater than zero.
US08928384B2 Programmable delay generator and cascaded interpolator
A programmable delay generator and a cascaded interpolator are provided. The cascaded interpolator includes a set of interpolator stages, each having two signal inputs and two signal outputs, configured to receive two input signals having two different phases and to generate two output signals that have a phase separation equal to a fraction of a phase separation of the two input signals; and a phase converter connected to a last stage of the plurality of single-bit interpolator stages, configured to convert the two output signals into a single final output signal of a given phase.
US08928376B2 System and method for an accuracy-enhanced DLL during a measure initialization mode
A clock generator having a delay locked loop and a delay control circuit. The delay locked loop receives an input clock signal and adjusts an adjustable delay circuit to generate an output clock signal that is synchronized with received input clock signal. The delay control circuit coupled to the delay locked loop generates a control signal to initialize the delay measure operation to adjust the adjustable delay circuit, after comparing the phase difference of the input clock signal and the output clock signal. The delay control circuit further generates a start measure control signal to start measuring a delay applied to the measurement signal propagating through the adjustable delay circuit, and generates a stop measure control signal to stop the delay measurement of the measurement signal. The delay adjustment of the delay locked loop is then adjusted to apply the delay measurement when synchronizing the input and output clock signals.
US08928362B2 Semiconductor device and electronic apparatus using the same
The transistor suffers the variation caused in threshold voltage or mobility due to gathering of the factors of the variation in gate insulator film resulting from a difference in manufacture process or substrate used and of the variation in channel-region crystal state. The present invention provides an electric circuit having an arrangement such that both electrodes of a capacitance element can hold a gate-to-source voltage of a particular transistor. The invention provides an electric circuit having a function capable of setting a potential difference at between the both electrodes of the capacitance element by the use of a constant-current source.
US08928359B2 Charge distribution
A charge distributor comprises a charge generator configured to output a charge, a current conveyor, and a plurality of output stages. The current conveyor is configured to receive the charge from the charge generator as an input and to couple this charge to a plurality of output stages. A first output stage, of the plurality of output stages, comprises a plurality of current mirrors. The plurality of current mirrors is configured to mirror and scale the charge received from the current conveyor into a scaled mirrored charge. The first output stage is configured to provide the scaled mirrored charge as an output.
US08928357B1 Sense amplifier with cross-coupled transistor pair
A sense amplifier is provided. The sense amplifier comprises a first and second cross-coupled transistor pairs, a first and second current sources, a first digital input transistor, and a second digital input transistor. The first and second ends of the first cross-coupled transistor pair are coupled to an operating voltage, the first and second back gate ends of the first cross-coupled transistor pair are coupled to a first and second output ends respectively. The first and second back gate ends of the first cross-coupled transistor pair are coupled to a first and second output ends respectively, and the first and second ends of the first cross-coupled transistor pair are coupled to a first digital input end and second digital input end respectively.
US08928347B2 Integrated circuits having accessible and inaccessible physically unclonable functions
An integrated circuit substrate of an aspect includes a plurality of exposed electrical contacts. The integrated circuit substrate also includes an inaccessible set of Physically Unclonable Function (PUF) cells to generate an inaccessible set of PUF bits that are not accessible through the exposed electrical contacts. The integrated circuit substrate also includes an accessible set of PUF cells to generate an accessible set of PUF bits that are accessible through the exposed electrical contacts. Other apparatus, methods, and systems are also disclosed.
US08928345B2 Measuring coupler using strip conductor technology
A test coupler for supplying a device under test with test signals contains a first coaxial connector, a waveguide port, and a first strip conductor. Test signals of a lower frequency range are supplied to the first coaxial connector. Test signals of an upper frequency range are supplied to the waveguide port. The test coupler guides the test signals on the first strip conductor to the device under test.
US08928344B2 Compliant printed circuit socket diagnostic tool
Diagnostic tools for testing integrated circuit (IC) devices, and a method of making the same. The first diagnostic tool includes a first compliant printed circuit with a plurality of contact pads configured to form an electrical interconnect at a first interface between proximal ends of contact members in the socket and contact pads on a printed circuit board (PCB). A plurality of printed conductive traces electrically couple to a plurality of the contact pads on the first compliant printed circuit. A plurality of electrical devices are printed on the first compliant printed circuit at a location external to the first interface. The electrical devices are electrically coupled to the conductive traces and programmed to provide one or more of continuity testing at the first interface or functionality of the IC devices. A second diagnostic tool includes a second compliant printed circuit electrically coupled to a surrogate IC device.
US08928339B2 Methods and systems for automated measurement of electrical bonds
A structure is described that includes a first faying surface, a second faying surface for creating an electrical bond with the first faying surface, and a sensor operatively placed proximate the first faying surface and the second faying surface. The sensor includes a current port for injecting a fixed current through the electrical bond, a voltage port for sensing a voltage across the electrical bond induced by the fixed current, a processing device programmed to determine a resistance of the electrical bond based on the fixed current and sensed voltage, and a wireless interface for transmitting at least one of the sensed voltage and the determined resistance to an external device.
US08928338B2 Self diagnostics of a particulate matter sensor
A particulate matter sensor includes first and second electrodes spaced from each other with a bias resistor connected between the first and second electrodes. The particulate matter sensor allows an open circuit fault condition in the sensor or in the connectors or wiring to the sensor to be detected. A sensing system using the particulate matter sensor and a method for diagnosing faults in a sensing system are also provided.
US08928337B2 Device for measuring electrical current and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices for measuring electrical current and related systems and methods for forming and using such devices. According to certain embodiments, devices according to the present disclosure may comprise Rogowski coils. Also disclosed are systems and methods for forming a current measuring device using a bobbin that may allow for the use of a continuous length of wire for all windings associated with the current measuring device. Automated manufacturing techniques may be utilized to facilitate the manufacture of devices for measuring electrical current and/or may reduce the cost of such devices. Various embodiments disclosed herein include the use of a bobbin that may be selectively configured between a linear configuration and a closed configuration. One or more current sensors disclosed herein may be utilized in connection with a motor management relay or other type of intelligent electronic device.
US08928336B2 Proximity switch having sensitivity control and method therefor
A vehicle proximity switch and method are provided having sensitivity control based on a user selected sensitivity input. The switch includes a proximity sensor such, as a capacitive sensor, installed in a vehicle and providing a sense activation field. The proximity switch also includes control circuitry for processing the sense activation field to sense user activation of the switch by comparing the sense activation field to a threshold. The proximity switch further includes a user sensitivity input for receiving a user selected sensitivity input. The control circuitry controls sensitivity of the comparison based on the user selected sensitivity input.
US08928328B2 Testing device for solid oxide fuel cell
A testing device for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is disclosed. The testing device which combines the original cell housing with a four-point probe equipment is set for measuring SOFC MEA. The current collectors on anode and cathode in the original cell housing are respectively replaced by four independent probe units. They are not only to collect current but also to become measuring probes. Therefore, the lateral impedance of anode and cathode can be measured. Furthermore, the local characteristics are examined by open circuit voltage (OCV), I-V curve, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The results show that the lateral impedance is substantially varied with temperatures. The distributions of OCV, current density, EIS and cell voltage in long-term test at the center of the cell are different from the edge.
US08928324B2 In-line and broadside marine electromagnetic surveying
Methods for geophysical surveying include disposing an electromagnetic source and first and second receiver electrodes in water; actuating the source; and detecting a responsive electromagnetic field by measuring a potential difference between the first and second receiver electrodes, wherein: the electromagnetic source defines a source dipole axis; the first and second receiver electrodes define a receiver dipole axis; and the source dipole axis is not substantially parallel to the receiver dipole axis. Systems for geophysical surveying include a first source electrode on a first source cable; a second source electrode on a different second source cable, the first and second source electrodes forming an electromagnetic source and defining a source dipole axis; a first receiver electrode on a first receiver cable; a second receiver electrode on a different second receiver cable, the first and second receiver electrodes defining a receiver dipole axis not substantially parallel to the source dipole axis.
US08928322B2 Method and apparatus for determining formation water saturation during drilling
A method for determining water saturation in a subsurface formation include determining an invasion depth in the formation from a plurality of measurements made within a wellbore drilled through the formation. The measurements have different lateral depths of investigation into the formation. Carbon and oxygen in the formation are measured at substantially a same longitudinal position as at a position of the determining the invasion depth. The measured carbon and oxygen and the invasion depth are used to determine the water saturation in a substantially uninvaded part of the formation.
US08928319B2 Magnetic resonance method and apparatus to correct image distortions in diffusion-weighted imaging
In a magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus and an operating method for the apparatus, image distortions are corrected that occur in exposures of diffusion-weighted MR images of an examination subject.A diffusion-weighted image is acquired using a first acquisition process.Another diffusion-weighted reference image is acquired using a second acquisition process that is different than the first acquisition process.The second acquisition process causes significantly smaller eddy current-dependent image distortions than the first acquisition process given the same b-value.Correction parameters to correct the image distortions of the diffusion-weighted image are determined by comparing the diffusion-weighted image with the reference image in order to determine the correction parameters such that the diffusion-weighted image can be converted into the reference image with the aid of the correction parameters.
US08928316B2 Method and apparatus for non-destructive evaluation of materials
Methods and apparatus for characterizing composite materials for manufacturing quality assurance (QA), periodic inspection during the useful life, or for forensic analysis/material testing. System are provided that relate eddy-current sensor responses to the fiber layup of a composite structure, the presence of impact damage on a composite structure with or without a metal liner, volumetric stress within the composite, fiber tow density, and other NDE inspection requirements. Also provided are systems that determine electromagnetic material properties and material dimensions of composite materials from capacitive sensor inspection measurements. These properties are related to the presence of buried defects in non-conductive composite materials, moisture ingress, aging of the material due to service or environmental/thermal exposure, or changes in manufacturing quality.
US08928310B2 Magnetoelectronic angle sensor, in particular a reluctance resolver
The present invention relates to a reluctance resolver (100) with an at least partially soft magnetic stator (104) and an at least partially soft magnetic rotor (102) which oppose each other by forming an air gap. The magnetic resistance in the air gap changes periodically on account of a configuration of the rotor that varies over the circumference. The angle sensor has a magnetic flux transmitter which is arranged on the stator and generates a predefined magnetic flux distribution in the air gap via at least one pair of poles. Furthermore, a magnetic flux receiver, which measures the intensity of the magnetic field via at least two pairs of signal poles arranged offset from one another at an angle, is arranged on the stator, wherein an angle value for a position of the rotor in relation to the stator can be derived from the two receiver signals. According to the invention, the stator (104) has distributed over the circumference a large number of teeth (110) which are separated from one another by grooves, and the magnetic flux transmitter comprises at least two primary windings which are arranged in such a way that at least one of the teeth carries no primary windings.
US08928303B2 Apparatus and methods for transient compensation of switching power regulators
Apparatus and methods for generating a drive signal of a switching signal are disclosed. A first circuit receives an oscillating reference signal, a first compensation signal, a second compensation signal, and a third compensation signal. The first compensation signal is indicative of an error between an output voltage of a power converter and a reference voltage. The second compensation signal is indicative of the error relative to a threshold. The third compensation signal is indicative of an output current of the power converter. The first circuit generates a comparison signal having a waveform including pulses having durations based at least partly on a combination of the periodic reference signal, the first compensation signal, the second compensation signal, and the third compensation signal. A second circuit receives a clock signal and the comparison signal and generates a drive signal for activation and deactivation of a driver transistor.
US08928302B2 Step-up/down type power supply circuit
A first added signal that is acquired by adding a reference current signal that is in proportion to a current flowing through an inductance element, a slope compensation signal and a voltage difference signal that is in proportion to a difference between an input voltage and an output voltage and a second added signal that is acquired by adding the reference current signal and the slope compensation signal are compared with a difference signal of a voltage that is in proportion to the output voltage and a predetermined reference voltage, and pulse widths of driving pulse signals of a step-down switching circuit and a step-up switching circuit are controlled as a result of the comparison.
US08928299B2 Low power switching DC-DC converter and method of the same
A low power DC-DC converter includes a converter stage coupled to an input node, and having a low side switch and a rectifier switch. A peak current detector senses a current at the low side switch and a zero current detector senses a current at the rectifier switch. It is configured to set the low side switch to a non-conductive state and the rectifier switch to a conductive state if the peak current detector detects a predetermined peak current. It is configured to set the rectifier switch to a non-conductive state if the zero current detector detects zero current at the rectifier switch. A time interval between subsequent current peaks is triggered by a charge comparator receiving an average current fed to the low side and rectifier switches from the input node and a reference current coupled to the charge comparator by a reference current source.
US08928297B2 Ćuk based current source
Disclosed is a Ćuk based current source, a control circuit for a Ćuk based current source, and a method for providing a current.
US08928296B2 High power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) and low dropout regulator
A low dropout voltage regulator (LDO) includes first and second amplifiers and a current mirror. The first amplifier includes a first input receiving a reference voltage and a second input receiving a voltage proportional to an output of the LDO. The current mirror includes an input current at a first end of the current mirror to an output current at a second end of the current mirror, the input current controlled by an output of the first amplifier and the output current being supplied to the output of the LDO. The second amplifier includes a first input coupled to the first end of the current mirror and a second input coupled to the second end of the current mirror.
US08928294B2 Step-up switching power supply
A hysteresis control step-up switching power supply includes a switching element. Current flowing through the switching element does not continue to increase indefinitely. The switching element is turned off when a detected value of an output voltage increases to a reference voltage, or when the output of a current detector circuit that detects that a current flowing through the switching element increases to a reference current value.
US08928293B1 Systems for wound field synchronous machines with zero speed rotor position detection during start for motoring and improved transient response for generation
An electrical machine includes a stator having a main armature winding, an exciter field winding, and a transformer primary winding. A rotor is operatively connected to rotate relative to the stator, wherein the rotor includes an exciter armature winding operatively connected to the exciter armature winding for field excitation therebetween, a main field winding operatively connected to the main armature winding for field excitation therebetween, and a transformer secondary winding operatively connected to the transformer primary winding to form a rotating transformer. A generator control unit is operatively connected to the main armature winding, exciter field winding, and transformer primary winding to control the main armature and exciter field windings based on excitation in the primary winding received from the transformer secondary winding.
US08928292B2 Multiple voltage generator and voltage regulation methodology for power dense integrated power systems
An integrated power system suitable for simultaneously powering marine propulsion and service loads. The system includes: (a) at least one generator configured with at least first and second armature windings configured to output respective first and second alternating current power signals of different voltages, the at least two armature windings positioned within the same stator slots so that they magnetically couple; (b) at least first and second rectifier circuits coupled to said generator to convert said first and second alternating current power signals into first and second direct current power signals; and (c) a first load to which said first direct current power signal is coupled and a second load to which said second direct current power signal is coupled.
US08928291B2 Electric rotary machine for motor vehicle
An alternator has rectifying module groups. The rectifying module groups form a bridge circuit. The rectifying module groups have a load dump protection judgment section for monitoring an output voltage of rectifying module groups. When the monitored output voltage exceeds a first threshold voltage, the load dump protection judgment section provides to a control section an instruction to turn on MOS transistors in a lower arm of the bridge circuit at a time when a predetermined delay time has elapsed. When a second threshold voltage is lower than the first threshold voltage and the monitored output voltage becomes less than the second threshold voltage after the monitored output voltage exceeds the first threshold voltage, the load dump protection judgment section provides to the control circuit an instruction to turn on the MOS transistors in the lower arm after the MOS transistors are turned off during a predetermined time length.
US08928289B1 Power management of device with modular components
Managing power in an electronic device to enhance battery performance includes various elements. One aspect includes automatically accelerating discharge of a battery below a threshold prior to recharging the battery. Another aspect includes measuring power requirements of modular components to create an order for use in power distribution. For example, a modular component with a highest power requirement might be charged first. In another example, power might be transferred first from a modular component with a lowest power requirement.
US08928288B2 Controller, controller network and control method
A controller, a controller network and a method for controlling a charging/discharging that easily make SOC of secondary batteries close to a target value are provided. An ordering index including difference ΔSOCm═SOCt-SOCm between the target value SOCt of SOC (state of charge) and a calculated value SOCm of SOC as a main factor is reflected to an order of charging priority and an order of discharging priority of NaS battery. In addition, charging power is allocated to secondary batteries in descending manner of order of discharging priority and discharging power is allocated to the secondary batteries in descending manner order of discharging priority.
US08928287B2 Control apparatus, control apparatus network and control method
A first upper limit and a second upper limit of emission power are set in each of the NaS batteries. The second upper limit is maximum value of the emission power for maintaining the temperature of the NaS battery at an upper limit temperature or less. In allocation of the emission power to each of the NaS batteries, each of the NaS batteries is separated into a preferential virtual battery to which a non-excess of the emission power that does not exceed the second upper limit is allocated and non-preferential virtual battery to which an excess of the emission power that exceeds the second upper limit is allocated, and after the emission power is allocated to all the preferential virtual batteries, the emission power is allocated to each of the non-preferential virtual batteries.
US08928285B2 Charging of secondary cells (accumulators) with regulated input current
Stated is a charging-current regulating device for charging an energy storage device for a field device, and for regulating a charging current for the energy storage device, wherein regulating the charging current for the energy storage device takes place in such a manner that a limiting value relating to an input current of the field device is not exceeded. Regulating the charging current may take place in such a manner that energy storage takes place as quickly as possible and without overloading an input protection circuit of the field device.
US08928284B2 Variable wireless power transmission
Exemplary embodiments are directed to variable power wireless power transmission. A method may include conveying wireless power to a device at a first power level during a time period. The method may further include conveying wireless power to one or more other devices at a second, different power level during another time period.
US08928283B2 Electricity storage system having a plurality of series-connected storage cells
An electricity storage system includes a plurality of storage modules connected in series, each storage module including a single storage cell or a plurality of storage cells connected in series, an isolation transformer and a rectifying circuit that are associated with each of the storage modules, the isolation transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a voltage balancing circuit that generates an alternating current by switching a direct-current power source, the primary windings of the isolation transformers being all connected in parallel and connected to an output end of the voltage balancing circuit by a common wiring, the secondary windings of the isolation transformers being connected to the corresponding storage modules via the respective rectifying circuits, the alternating current being supplied to the primary winding of each of the isolation transformers.
US08928282B2 Control system for assembled battery
The present invention is a control system for an assembled battery that controls an assembled battery comprising a plurality of cells, including: a bypass circuit connected in parallel to each cell of the cells, and comprising a switching element and a resistor connected in series; and a control circuit that controls a bypass current flowing in the bypass circuit by opening and closing the switching element, in order to discharge the cell; wherein the bypass circuit is set so that a current of a same magnitude as a self-discharge current in a predetermined overcharged states of the cell flow in the bypass circuit.
US08928275B2 Wireless energy transfer
An apparatus (200) comprising monitoring circuitry (230) configured to monitor a resonant frequency of a supply source (100), a receiving component (211a), and a control unit (220) configured to vary a resonant frequency of said receiving component (211a), wherein the apparatus (200) is configured to vary the resonant frequency of said receiving component (211a) in dependence upon the resonant frequency of said supply source (100).
US08928274B2 Battery module and method for determining battery ID and temperature
A battery module for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The battery module is connected with the portable electronic device with at least three contacts. The battery module includes a battery, a recognition circuit, and a thermal sensing circuit. The recognition circuit has an energy storage element and a current limiting element, and the thermal sensing circuit has a switch and a thermal sensing element. The thermal sensing element varies its electric parameter in accordance with the temperature of the battery module. With the charging curve of charging the energy storage element by way of the current limiting element, the portable electronic device can determine a battery type, and the thermal sensing circuit is then initiated to acquire the thermal information of the battery module.
US08928272B2 Method for controlling charging voltage of 12V auxiliary battery for hybrid vehicle
The present invention provides a method for controlling a charging voltage of a 12V auxiliary battery for a hybrid vehicle, which can (1) improve charging efficiency of an auxiliary battery by increasing the output voltage of a DC-DC converter during cold start when the outside air temperature is low, (2) improve the charging efficiency of the auxiliary battery by increasing or decreasing the output power of the DC-DC converter according to the state of charge of the auxiliary battery and by increasing the output voltage of the DC-DC converter when many electrical loads are turned on, and (3) allow the DC-DC converter to provide continuous power supply for charging the auxiliary battery by turning on a main switch disposed between a high voltage battery and the DC-DC converter based on a reverse power conversion operation of the DC-DC converter even in the case where the voltage of the auxiliary battery falls below 9V.
US08928270B2 Electric motor system and motor control method
An electric motor system includes a brushless direct-current motor, a driver circuit, a position sensor, and a control circuit. The motor has an output shaft for transmitting torque. The driver circuit supplies power to the motor according to a control signal input thereto. The position sensor measures an angular, rotational position of the motor shaft. The control circuit controls operation of the motor. The control circuit includes a position sensor terminal, a reference terminal, a differential calculator, a controller, and a gain adjuster. The position sensor terminal receives a feedback signal. The reference terminal receives a reference signal. The differential calculator generates an error signal representing a difference between the measured and targeted rotational positions. The controller generates the control signal based on the error signal through a combination of control actions. The gain adjuster is connected to the controller to adjust a gain of each control action.
US08928268B2 Signal duty detecting apparatus and motor driving apparatus having the same
There are provided a signal duty detecting apparatus detecting a duty of a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal by counting a signal, among signals present in a preset period of the PWM signal, having a predetermined level or higher and a motor driving apparatus having the same. The signal duty detecting apparatus includes: a level detector detecting levels of an input signal; a counter counting the levels detected by the level detector; and a duty calculator calculating a duty of the input signal based on the levels counted by the counter.
US08928266B1 High efficiency electric motor drive system
An electric drive system includes a motor output shaft rotating on a motor axis and a first electric motor. The system includes an epicyclical gear that includes a sun gear, a ring gear, a plurality of planet gears and a carrier. The sun gear, the ring gear and the carrier gear of the epicyclical gear all rotate on the motor axis, and the carrier gear is connected to the motor output shaft via a first flange. The system also includes a second electric motor interposed between the first electric motor and the epicyclical gear. The second motor shaft has a hollow center along the motor axis and the first motor shaft extends through the hollow center of the second motor shaft and is connected to the sun gear. The system also includes a second flange. The second flange connects the second motor shaft to the carrier. The first flange and the second flange are located at opposite sides of the epicyclical gear.
US08928263B2 Control apparatus in motor drive system and method of controlling motor drive system
A control apparatus in a motor drive system includes a magnet temperature acquiring device and a step-up ratio determining device. The magnet temperature acquiring device is configured to estimate or detect a temperature of a permanent magnet provided in a rotor or a stator of a motor of the motor drive system. The motor drive system includes a power supplying device to output direct current voltage, and a voltage step-up device to increase, at a certain step-up ratio, the direct current voltage which is output from the power supplying device. The step-up ratio determining device is configured to determine the certain step-up ratio in accordance with the temperature of the permanent magnet estimated or detected by the magnet temperature acquiring device.
US08928259B2 Modular stacked DC architecture traction system and method of making same
A modular stacked DC architecture for traction system includes a propulsion system includes an electric drive, a direct current (DC) link electrically coupled to the electric drive, and a first DC-DC converter coupled to the DC link. A first energy storage device (ESD) is electrically coupled to the first DC-DC converter, and a second DC-DC converter is coupled to the DC link and to the first DC-DC converter. The system also includes a second energy storage device electrically coupled to the second DC-DC converter and a controller coupled to the first and second DC-DC converters and configured to control a transfer of energy between the first ESD and the DC link via the first and second DC-DC converters.
US08928258B2 Vibration control device and method
A vibration control device and method, wherein the vibration control device includes a first driving unit for vibrating the vibration control device up and down, a second driving unit for moving the vibration control device left or right, and a control unit for controlling the first driving unit and the second driving unit, upon an occurrence of an event. The controller controls the second driving unit to move the vibration control device at a time when the first driving unit vibrates the vibration control device off of a surface.
US08928257B2 Lighting control device
A lighting control device controls a turn-on state and a turn-off state of a lighting apparatus in a room where an air-conditioning apparatus is provided. In the lighting control device, a temperature sensing section is provided in the air-conditioning apparatus and senses temperature of the room to allow the air-conditioning apparatus to perform air-conditioning control such that the sensed temperature of the room lies within a preset temperature range. A temperature acquisition section acquires the sensed temperature. A determination section determines that a switching condition for switching the lighting apparatus has been met, when the acquired sensed temperature coincides, within a preset tolerance range, with a criterion temperature which is set separately from the preset temperature range on the basis of a body temperature of a person. A switching section switches the lighting apparatus between the turn-on state and the turn-off state, when determined that the switching condition has been met.
US08928256B2 Method and system for light array thermal slope detection
A system and method for operating one or more light emitting devices is disclosed. In one example, the light emitting devices may be deactivated in response to a rate of temperature rise of the light emitting devices. The system and method further include a way of reducing false positive indications of light emitting device.
US08928255B2 Dynamic step dimming interface
A dynamic step dimming interface is provided that allows a ballast to energize a lamp in a dim mode or a normal mode. The ballast includes a lamp controller that energizes the lamp using an oscillating current. The oscillating current is also provided to a voltage monitor, which indicates the voltage level of the oscillating current, and to a rectifier, which provides an output indicative of the oscillating current. The rectifier is responsive to user input indicating whether the dim mode or the normal mode is to be used. A processing circuit receives the voltage level from the voltage monitor and provides a mode command to the ballast, indicating the lamp mode, based on inputs received, and provides a reference voltage to a comparator. The comparator receives the rectifier output and the reference voltage, and generates a voltage indicative of a power level of the lamp for the processing circuit.
US08928254B2 Light emitting diode driver
A driver circuit for driving light emitting diodes (LEDs). The driver circuit includes: a string of LEDs divided into n groups, the n groups of LEDs being electrically connected to each other in series, a downstream end of group m−1 being electrically connected to the upstream end of group m, where m is a positive number equal to or less than n. The driver circuit also includes a plurality of current regulating circuits, each of the current regulating circuits being coupled to the downstream end of a corresponding group at one end and coupled to the ground at the other end and including a sensor amplifier and a cascode having first and second transistors, each sensor amplifier being coupled to a different voltage source for providing a different reference voltage thereto.
US08928253B2 Method for generating light with a desired light colour by means of light-emitting diodes
The invention relates to a method for generating light with a desired light color by using at least one light-emitting diode emitting red r-LED, at least one light-emitting diode emitting green g-LED, at least one light-emitting diode emitting blue b-LED and at least one light-emitting diode emitting white w-LED. In order to improve the CRI value, according to the invention it is proposed that weighting values ascertained according to the RGB algorithm and further weighting values ascertained according to the RGBW algorithm be combined together by using a correction factor.
US08928252B2 Voltage converter for supplying a semiconductor light source, in particular a LED lamp
An embodiment of the disclosure relates to a voltage converter for supplying a semiconductor light source and having at least an input terminal connected to a power supply reference, namely an AC mains voltage reference, and an output terminal providing a current signal to said semiconductor light source, the converter being also connected to a voltage reference and comprising at least a step-down block inserted between a switching node and to the output terminal and connected to the voltage reference and an input block connected to the input terminal, as well as to a first input node and to a first output node of a control circuit, in turn connected to the switching node and to the voltage reference. The input block is a pre-regulator input block and comprises at least a switching component connected to the input terminal and to a capacitive block, in turn inserted between a second input node of the control circuit and the voltage reference, such a switching component having a control terminal connected to the first output node.
US08928251B2 Light emitting diode driver
A driver circuit for driving light emitting diodes (LEDs). The driver circuit includes a string of LEDs divided into n groups and the n groups of LEDs is electrically connected to each other in series, where a downstream end of group m−1 is electrically connected to the upstream end of group m. The driver circuit also includes a power source coupled to an upstream end of group 1 and provides an input voltage. The driver circuit further includes current regulating circuits, where each of the current regulating circuits is coupled to the downstream end of the corresponding group at one end and coupled to a ground at the other end. Each of the current regulating circuits includes a sensor amplifier and a cascode having first and second transistors. The driver circuit also includes detectors, where each of the detectors detects a source voltage of the first transistor.
US08928250B2 Method and circuit for LED load managment
A light fixture includes a driver circuit that fully defines operational characteristics for operation outside of “Nominal Operation” of the driver circuit. The driver circuit increases a target current or set point when the current of the light source (i.e., output current of the driver circuit) or the voltage of the light source (i.e., output voltage of the driver circuit) is below a minimum operating current or minimum operating voltage of the driver circuit regardless of a command current level of the driver circuit. The driver circuit implements a soft start ramp up scheme having a default rate of increase for a set point or target current. After a shutdown, the driver circuit periodically attempts to restart operation by increasing the set point or target current from zero (i.e., shutdown) at a reduced rate as compared to the default rate.
US08928249B2 Reducing lumen variability over a range of color temperatures of an output of tunable-white LED lighting devices
A system provides white light having a selectable spectral characteristic (e.g. a selectable color temperature, delta uv, and intensity) using a combination of sources (e.g. LEDs) emitting light of three, four, five, or six different characteristics, for example, one or more white LEDs, and one or more LEDs of each of three primary colors, plus cyan and royal blue. A controller maintains a desired spectral characteristic, e.g. for white light at a selected point on or within a desired range of the black body curve. In addition, the controller provides selectable adjustments for values of the spectral characteristics, while maintaining substantially constant overall output intensity for the light output of White LEDs, thereby achieving Maximum Utilization.
US08928246B2 Detection circuit for keyboard cable
One embodiment of a display backlight driver integrated circuit can be configured for operation in at least two different ways. A first method transfers data from an EEPROM to hardware registers prior to regular operation. A second method also transfers data from an EEPROM to registers. However, hardware registers can be overwritten with data accepted from a control bus, prior to regular operation. A keyboard driver IC can detect the presence or absence of a cable to an LED. If the cable is absent, the driver IC will not supply power for the LED. One embodiment of a keyboard and display backlight control system can be configured to allow substantially independent operation.
US08928245B2 Driving circuit and its method of light emitting diode
A driving circuit comprising a control unit, a current control unit, a pulse width modulation control unit and a current driving unit is described. The control unit provides a first control signal and a second control signal. The current control unit is connected to the control unit, and converts a reference current into a plurality of current setting signals based on a data signal and the first control signal. The pulse width modulation control unit is connected to the control unit and outputs a pulse signal based on the data signal and the second control signal. The current driving unit is connected to the pulse width modulation control unit and drives the light emitting diode based on a driving current, wherein the control unit generates a continuous conduction time in a predetermined operation period based on the pulse signal and the current setting signals.
US08928243B2 Light driving system and method
A light driving system is provided that includes a light dimmer that receives an AC input signal and provides a dimmer output signal that includes a fast rising leading edge, a rectifier that receives the dimmer output signal and provide a rectified dimmer output signal and an AC/DC converter that filters the rectified dimmer output signal to provide a DC input signal that is employed to drive a light. The light driving system also comprises a protection circuit that limits current to the AC/DC converter during the fast rising leading edge of the dimmer output signal.
US08928242B2 Dimmer for light emitting diodes and fluorescent bulbs
A dimmer system for a luminaire is provided. The dimmer system has a dimmer that receives a first current and supplies a reduced-magnitude current. The dimmer system also has a boosting system that receives the reduced-magnitude current and supplies a boosted current to a light source or lamp if the reduced-magnitude current is being received in conjunction with the initial turn-on of the dimmer. The boosted current can be provided for a predetermined period of time. The boosted current can also be provided as pulses of boosted current interspersed with pulses of the reduced-magnitude current. The boosted current can have the magnitude of the first current or range from 70% to 100% of the first current.
US08928239B1 Driving LEDs in LCD backlight
A backlight driver includes current sources that are connected between LED strings and a number of bias voltages. There can be any number of different bias voltages, each at a ground potential or higher voltage. The bias voltage is selected for a particular LED string in order to reduce a current drop across the current source. This reduces the power consumption of the current source and LED string. Heat dissipation is also reduced.
US08928238B2 Supplemental dimming circuit for electronic LED driver
A supplemental dimming circuit for an electronic led driver comprising a universal control section has a VCC3 startup and low conduction period circuit for providing a current during start-up and during low conduction periods; a CC hold current circuit for providing a hold current for the dimmer at low conduction periods; a latch circuit for providing a current draw latch on; and a PWM synchronized dimming circuit for providing a PWM signal dependent on the conduction period of the dimmer in real time. The supplemental dimming circuit also has a socket and a plug. The universal control section is on a daughter board that is pluggable to the socket. The VCC3 startup and low conduction period circuit creates a low AC voltage dummy load, which is a resistive load. The CC hold current circuit creates a low AC current dummy load that is a constant current load.
US08928236B1 LED driver circuit with unified controller
A constant current LED driver circuit includes a unified controller operable to control start up peripheral circuits and control power output of the driver circuit. The unified controller initializes, starts driver circuit components in a predetermined order, and controls operation to prevent runaway operation, failure to start, and nuisance shut downs. Additionally, due to centralized operational condition monitoring, the controller can detect conditions that would cause unnecessary shut downs and prevent such nuisance shutdowns. The unified controller enables fast, finite control over switches of a DC-to-DC converter of the driver circuit to improve output current and voltage control, improving closed loop responsiveness and operation of the DC-to-DC converter.
US08928234B2 Lighting apparatus
A lighting apparatus is disclosed. The lighting apparatus is capable of achieving improved aesthetics by irradiating mood lighting into a storage container and also, of functioning to display a variety of status information about the storage container to the outside and to sterilize the interior of the storage container.
US08928233B1 Light emitting diode control circuit with carrier signal control and package structure for the same and system for the same
A light emitting diode control circuit with carrier signal control includes a signal coupling unit, an operational amplifier, a demodulation unit, an identification and control logic unit, a counting and shift-registering unit, a data register, an output register, at least a current output unit, an address encoding unit, an address register, a voltage regulator and an oscillator. The efficiency of the present invention is to reduce the transmission lines of the light emitting diode lamp. Therefore, the cost of the light emitting diode lamp is reducing.
US08928232B2 Lighting network with autonomous commissioning
Networked intelligent lighting devices and other elements connected to the network of a lighting system are readily adaptable to desirable networking arrangements as well as logical functional groups, for example by each storing communication provisioning data and/or configuration data for logically associating system elements into one or more groupings or sub-networks. The exemplary systems and system elements may also enable such enhanced network arrangement via autonomous discovery and device commissioning.
US08928230B2 Cold plasma treatment devices and associated methods
A cold plasma treatment device for delivery of a cold plasma to patient treatment area. Gas is fed to a gas compartment where it is energized by an electrode coupled to a pulse source to thereby generate a cold plasma. A dielectric barrier is sandwiched between the gas compartment and the electrode to form a dielectric barrier discharge device. The cold plasma exits the gas compartment via a bottom member having a plurality of holes. Gases that can be used include noble gases such as helium or combinations of noble gases.
US08928226B1 Combination LED fog lamp and daytime running lamp
A combination lamp for use in a vehicle includes a number of reflector modules, with each reflector module including a reflector, a first light emitting diode (“LED”) positioned at a focus of the reflector, and a second LED offset from the focus of the reflector. The lamp may also include another reflector module having a reflector and a single, common LED positioned at a focus of the reflector. When the first LEDs and the common LED are energized, the combination lamp produces a first light pattern. When the second LEDs and the common LED are energized, the combination lamp produces a second light pattern. The first light pattern may be a fog lamp light pattern, and the second light pattern may be a daytime running lamp light pattern. The combination lamp may include four, five, or more reflector modules, including the one reflector module having the single, common LED.
US08928224B2 Lamp
There is provided a lamp capable of informing a user that the LED lamp is at the end of its productive life and urging the user to replace the lamp reliably with a simple configuration. The lamp includes: a light emitting diode (1) as a light source; and a driving circuit (3) that turns on the light emitting diode (1) by an alternating-current or direct-current power source. The lamp further includes a life detecting element (2) that turns off the light emitting diode (1) following the occurrence of insulation deterioration in a resin material when the light emitting diode (1) has been operated for a predetermined time.
US08928222B2 Organic electroluminescent display device and method and apparatus of manufacturing the same
A an organic electroluminescent display device includes an array substrate including a driving thin film transistor in a pixel region on a first substrate; an opposing substrate including an organic electroluminescent diode in the pixel region on a second substrate; an adhesive layer filling a space between the array substrate and the opposing substrate; and a connection spacer to electrically connect the organic electroluminescent diode with the driving thin film transistor.
US08928219B2 Lighting device with spectral converter
In one embodiment, a light-emitting device having a body, a reflector, a light source die, and a spectral converter is disclosed. The spectral converter may be formed adjacent to, but distanced away from, the light source die. The spectral converter may be configured to spectrally adjust a portion of the light output having a predetermined spectral content. In another embodiment, a system for illumination having a plurality of lighting assemblies is disclosed. Each of the lighting assemblies comprises a spectral converter configured to spectrally adjust a portion of the light output so that the plurality of lighting assemblies are configured to emit substantially similar spectral output. In yet another embodiment, a lighting apparatus having the spectral converter is disclosed.
US08928218B2 Dielectric barrier discharge lamp and fabrication method thereof
A dielectric barrier discharge lamp includes a lamp tube, a discharge gas, a support member, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The lamp tube has a first and a second sealed end. The discharge gas is filled in the lamp tube. The support member is disposed at the first sealed end and extended toward the inside of the lamp tube. The support member has an accommodating space with its opening facing the inside of the lamp tube. The first electrode is disposed in the lamp tube. A first terminal of the first electrode passes through the opening of the accommodating space. A gap exists between an end of the first terminal of the first electrode and a closed end of the accommodating space. A second terminal of the first electrode penetrates and is closely fitted with the second sealed end. The second electrode is disposed outside the lamp tube.
US08928217B2 Organic light emitting display device and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed is an organic light emitting display device improving light efficiency by forming a metal layer having a nanometer thickness on a protective layer formed in order to protect the organic light emitting diode.
US08928214B2 Ignition plug
An ignition plug, wherein, when a relative density of a portion of an insulator, which is positioned between a radial virtual plane including a front end of the insulator and a radial virtual plane including a front end of a portion of the insulator which is in contact with a metal shell or the plate packing, is referred to as A (%), and a relative density of a portion of the insulator, which is positioned between the radial virtual plane including the front end of the portion of the insulator which is in contact with the metal shell or the plate packing and a radial virtual plane including a center of a resistor in an axial direction, is referred to as B (%), the following equations are satisfied: 93.90≦A, and 0.10≦A−B≦0.90.
US08928213B2 Spark plug for internal-combustion engine
A spark plug for an internal-combustion engine. The spark plug includes a central electrode, an insulator that holds the central electrode inside, a housing that holds the insulator inside, a ground electrode that forms a spark gap with the central electrode. The ground electrode includes a ground base member connected to the housing, and a ground protrusion protruding from a confronting face of the ground base member confronting the central electrode. The ground protrusion has a diameter of 0.9 to 1.4 mm. The spark plug is configured to satisfy θ≧−53R+49, where R [mm] is a curvature radius of a base member corner and θ[degrees] is an angle formed by a shortest connecting line between the base member corner and a protrusion corner and a plane perpendicular to an axial direction of the ground protrusion.
US08928211B2 360-degree projection LED bulb structure
A 360-degree projection LED bulb includes a bulb holder, a transparent bulb seat, a transparent bulb shell, an upper luminosity module, a heat dissipating seat, and a plurality of sidelight luminosity modules. The upper luminosity module includes upper LEDs supported within an upper end of the transparent bulb seat and can be driven to project light beams towards the transparent bulb shell. The heat dissipating seat is engaged on a lower end face of an upper LED substrate of the upper luminosity module and includes side walls formed as an annular polygon. Each sidelight luminosity module is mounted on an associated side wall and includes a lateral LED substrate and at least one lateral LED disposed on the lateral LED substrate. Each lateral LED can be driven to radiate horizontally and downward via the transparent bulb seat. As such, the LED bulb realizes wide-angle radiation effect and superior cooling effect.
US08928210B2 System for attachment of an electrode into an inductively coupled plasma source
An inductively coupled plasma charged particle source for focused ion beam systems includes a plasma reaction chamber with a removably attached source electrode. A fastening mechanism connects the source electrode with the plasma reaction chamber and allows for a heat-conductive, vacuum seal to form. With a removable source electrode, improved serviceability and reuse of the plasma source tube are now possible.
US08928207B2 Tuning-fork type quartz-crystal vibrating pieces and piezoelectric devices having low crystal impedance
Tuning-fork type quartz-crystal vibrating pieces are disclosed, of which the vibration frequency can be adjusted without increasing CI. An exemplary piezoelectric device has a pair of vibrating arms extending in a predetermined direction from a first edge of a base. Respective first grooves are defined in a first principal surface of the vibrating arms. The first grooves extend in the predetermined direction, and have first excitation electrodes extending from a back-edge surface but not completely to a front-edge surface of the grooves. Respective second grooves are defined in a second principal surface, opposite the first principal surface, of the vibrating arms. The second grooves extend in the predetermined direction, and have second excitation electrodes extending from a back-edge surface completely to a front-edge surface of the second grooves.
US08928205B2 Actuator
An actuator, which can include piezoelectric material, is provided in the form of a single-layer or multi-layer flat plate. At least one layer has two electrodes spaced from each other by means of a separating area and arranged opposite each other both on the upper face of the at least one layer and on the lower face of the at least one layer. The electrodes of the upper face are arranged at an offset from the electrodes of the lower face. A motor is also provided to include the actuator and a movable element to be driven by means of the actuator.
US08928203B2 Capacitive electromechanical transducer
The present invention relates to an electromechanical transducer capable of arbitrarily varying the amount of deflection of a vibrating membrane for every element.The electromechanical transducer includes a plurality of elements including at least one cell that includes a first electrode and a second electrode opposed to the first electrode with a gap sandwiched therebetween and a direct-current voltage applying unit configured to be provided for each element and to separately apply a direct-current voltage to the first electrodes in each element. The first electrodes and the second electrodes are electrically separated for every element.
US08928198B2 Brushless PM machine construction enabling low coercivity magnets
The present disclosure provides a brushless permanent magnet machine which includes an essentially circular shaped rotor, and a pair of magnets arranged in the rotor. The magnets are each U-shaped and have a thickness direction extending along a contour of the corresponding magnet between the opposite poles of the corresponding magnet, respectively. The magnets are each composed of a non-rare earth material having a lower coercivity than a rare earth material. A direction of magnetization of each of the pair of magnets is parallel to the thickness direction of the corresponding magnet. The present disclosure also provides a method of manufacturing such a brushless permanent magnet machine.
US08928193B2 Stepping motor for meter
A stepping motor for a meter to rotate a pointer of a meter, the stepping motor for a meter includes: a rotor part having: a cylindrical magnet; and a rotational shaft, which is hollow and made of a resin, and which is molded on an inner periphery of the cylindrical magnet and is coaxial with the cylindrical magnet; a stator part that contains the rotor part therein and has an excitation coil; a front plate made of a resin, and an end plate made of a resin, wherein a fixing part to fix the cylindrical magnet is molded when molding the rotational shaft, and wherein the cylindrical magnet is fixed by the fixing part so that the cylindrical magnet and the rotational shaft are integrated.
US08928190B2 System and method for activating an isolated device
Disclosed is a system and method for controlling the activation of isolated circuitry, and more particularly complete discharge devices for batteries, and similar circuits that are enclosed within sealed housings.
US08928187B2 Operating control device and operating method
An operating control device for adjusting the power of a heating device has a rotary knob that has an off position in which said rotary knob is deactivated, and a working position into which said knob can be brought to adjust the power. The working position is predetermined by a lock-in position, and the rotary knob can be rotated over a working angle of a rotation range in at least one direction of rotation from the working position counter to a counterforce that rises as the angle of rotation increases. The operating control device can detect the angle of rotation and uses a control system of the operating control device for adjusting the power. The control system is configured in such a manner that the power is adjusted more rapidly as the angle of rotation increases.
US08928181B2 Method and apparatus for transmission of energy and data
In a method and in an apparatus for transmission of energy and data, with a primary side, on which an amplifier is arranged, with a secondary side, on which a data source, e.g. a measuring sensor, is arranged, and with a plug-together assembly inductively coupling, galvanically completely isolated, the primary side and the secondary side, to minimize power losses and disturbing influences of fluctuating parameters, power from the plug-together assembly and from the amplifier, preferably a Class-E-amplifier, is controlled to a predeterminable, desired value. For this, a microcontroller taps the primary voltage on the primary winding and produces for the amplifier a controlled operating voltage as well as a controlled operating frequency, in order to keep the working point of the amplifier always in the optimal region.
US08928180B2 Power supply circuit
A power supply circuit is disclosed in embodiments of the present invention, which includes: a voltage output device, configured to generate an output voltage; a parasitic resistance, connected between an output end of the voltage output device and an external load, where two ends of the parasitic resistance generate a voltage drop; and a compensation circuit, connected to the output end of the voltage output device and configured to generate a compensation voltage, where the compensation voltage is loaded onto the voltage output device, so as to offset the voltage drop generated by the parasitic resistance, so that a voltage obtained at an input end of the load is roughly equal to the output voltage generated by the voltage output device. The circuit is applicable to improving load regulation of a power supply.
US08928179B2 No break power transfer for power generating system
A method for no break power transfer in a variable frequency power generating system, the power generating system comprising a first bus connected to a first generator and a second bus connected to a second generator includes configuring a power transfer device to output power that is synchronized to match a voltage and a frequency of the second bus to the second bus; reconfiguring the power transfer device to output power that is synchronized to match a voltage and a frequency of the first bus to the second bus; and closing a tie switch located between the first bus and the second bus.
US08928178B2 Isolated operation detection device
With a method whereby reactive power is changed from a fluctuating output to a constant output by a frequency rise or fall monitor circuit stage level being exceeded, and an isolated operation is detected, a problem occurs with a small scale grid in that, as the frequency is liable to fluctuate due to a load fluctuation, there is liable to be a false detection of an isolated operation. In contrast, an abnormal frequency stage detection can be performed such that the frequency at a point when the rising edge of a reactive power fluctuation is detected, and the frequency at a point when the falling edge is detected, are detected sequentially, and an abnormal frequency stage detection is recognized when the order of the difference between the current detection value and the previous detection value is “increase”, “decrease”, “increase”.
US08928176B2 Energy storage system
An energy storage system has a reduced number of capacitors for storing energy such as renewable energy, thereby reducing cost and improving stability of the system. The energy storage system is configured to store power from a power generating unit, and includes: a storage capacitor having a first end electrically coupled to one end of the power generating unit; a secondary battery having a first terminal electrically coupled to a second end of the storage capacitor, and a second terminal electrically coupled to another end of the power generating unit; and a first converter configured to selectively couple the storage capacitor and the secondary battery to a load.
US08928175B2 Junction box, energy system and method for controlling the same
A junction box for connecting a power supply unit is disclosed. The junction box includes a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, a serial carrier interface module, and a control module. The first connection terminal and the second terminal are utilized to connect the junction box and another junction box in a serial connection. The serial carrier interface module is electrically coupled to the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal for the transmission of a carrier and a DC power, which is provided from the power supply unit. The control module is electrically coupled to the serial carrier interface module for receiving the carrier and for controlling of the transmission of the DC power according to the carrier. A power system which employs the junction boxes and a method for controlling the power system are also disclosed.
US08928174B2 Battery control apparatus, battery control method, and vehicle
A battery control apparatus comprising a battery circuit in which a plurality of batteries are connected to each other; a plurality of first switches that switch whether the batteries are connected in series or connected in parallel; a voltage detecting section that detects a maximum voltage output by the battery circuit; and a switch control section that, when the maximum voltage of the battery circuit occurring when the batteries are connected in parallel is less than or equal to a first threshold value, controls the first switches to connect at least a portion of the batteries in series.
US08928170B2 Digital two way automatic communication system (TWACS) outbound receiver and method
A receiver and method for a transponder of a two-way automatic communications system (TWACS) used by an electrical utility in which analog outbound messages are sent from the utility to a consumer and inbound, reply messages are sent from the consumer to the utility. The receiver and method enable a transponder to detect the outbound messages and include A/D conversion and digital processing for demodulating a digitized signal and providing the outbound message.
US08928169B2 Energy generation apparatus and method
An energy generation apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base, a sidewall enclosing a perimeter of the base to define a first volume, and a tube having a first end and a second end. The base includes a solar energy collection surface. The first end of the tube is disposed in the first volume adjacent the base, and the second end of the tube is disposed in a second volume outside of the first volume. The apparatus also includes a fluid flow initiator to initiate a flow of a fluid from the first volume to the second volume through the tube when the fluid in the first volume has been heated by the solar energy collection surface to generate a super-adiabatic lapse rate.
US08928157B2 Encapsulation techniques for leadless semiconductor packages
An encapsulation technique for leadless semiconductor packages entails: (a) attaching a plurality of dice (411) to die pads in cavities (41-45, 51-55) of a leadframe, the cavities arranged in a matrix of columns and rows; (b) electrically connecting the dice to a plurality of conducting portions (412-414) of the leadframe; and (c) longitudinally injecting molding material into the cavities along the columns via a plurality of longitudinal gates (46-49, 56-59) of the leadframe to package the dice in the cavities, the longitudinal gates situated between the cavities along the columns.
US08928155B2 Detector structure for imaging applications and related method of manufacture
A hybrid pixel detector structure including a plurality of detector entities, each detector entity including at least one read-out element, such as a read-out ASIC, and an overlapping substantially edgeless radiation sensitive detector volume, these two being electrically coupled utilizing a number of conductive elements in between, further including a substrate, such as a circuit board, or multiple substrates such as one per detector entity, for accommodating the plurality of detector entities, wherein the substantially edgeless detector volume of at least one detector entity of the plurality includes an overhang portion outside the overlap between the detector volume and the read-out element, and the read-out element of at least one other detector entity of the plurality includes an extension portion, also outside the overlap, with a number of electrical coupling elements to electrically couple to the substrate, such as conductors and/or electronics thereof. A corresponding method of manufacture is presented.
US08928154B2 Semiconductor module
A semiconductor module may include a circuit substrate with a first die on the circuit substrate and a second die on the first die. The first die may include at least one first data input/output pad on a first peripheral portion of the first die and at least one first control/address pad on a third peripheral portion, the third peripheral portion being separate from the first peripheral portion of the first die. The second die may include at least one second data input/output pad on a second peripheral portion and at least one second control/address pad on a fourth peripheral portion. The second peripheral portion of the second die is not overlapped with the first peripheral portion of the first die in plan view. The fourth peripheral portion of the second die overlaps at least a portion of the third peripheral portion of the first die.
US08928140B2 Method of manufacturing an electronic system
A method of manufacturing an electronic system. One embodiment provides a semiconductor chip having a first main face and a second main face opposite to the first main face. A mask is applied to the first main face of the semiconductor chip. A compound is applied to the first main face of the semiconductor chip. The compound includes electronically conductive particles. The semiconductor chip is coupled to a carrier with the compound facing the carrier.
US08928138B2 Complete power management system implemented in a single surface mount package
A complete power management system implemented in a single surface mount package. The system may be drawn to a DC to DC converter system and includes, in a leadless surface mount package, a driver/controller, a MOSFET transistor, passive components (e.g., inductor, capacitor, resistor), and optionally a diode. The MOSFET transistor may be replaced with an insulated gate bipolar transistor, IGBT in various embodiments. The system may also be a power management system, a smart power module or a motion control system. The passive components may be connected between the leadframe connections. The active components may be coupled to the leadframe using metal clip bonding techniques. In one embodiment, an exposed metal bottom may act as an effective heat sink.
US08928135B2 Power semiconductor module with connecting devices
A power semiconductor module having a housing with first connecting devices for arrangement on an external cooling component, at least one substrate carrier with power-electronics circuit arrangements constructed thereon and electrical terminal elements extending therefrom to second connecting devices for connection to external power lines, wherein the first and/or the second connecting devices are constructed as essentially hollow cylindrical metallic molded die-cast parts which are connected to the housing by injection molding.
US08928134B2 Package on package bonding structure and method for forming the same
The described embodiments of mechanisms of forming a die package and package on package (PoP) structure involve forming a solder paste layer over metal balls of external connectors of a die package. The solder paste layer protects the metal balls from oxidation. In addition, the solder paste layer enables solder to solder bonding with another die package. Further, the solder paste layer moves an intermetallic compound (IMC) layer formed between the solder paste layer and the metal balls below a surface of a molding compound of the die package. Having the IMC layer below the surface strengthens the bonding structure between the two die packages.
US08928132B2 Semiconductor package having through silicon via (TSV) interposer and method of manufacturing the semiconductor package
A semiconductor package having a reduced size by including an interposer having through substrate vias (TSVs), the semiconductor package may comprise a lower semiconductor package which includes a lower base substrate, an interposer with TSVs on the lower base substrate, and a lower semiconductor chip on the interposer and electrically connected to the interposer. The semiconductor package may include an upper semiconductor package on the lower semiconductor package including an upper semiconductor chip and package connecting members on the interposer and electrically connect the upper semiconductor package to the interposer. An exterior molding member may be provided.
US08928129B2 Semiconductor packaging for a memory device and a fabricating method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a semiconductor chip, a first molding member and a metal layer. The substrate includes a first ground pad formed therein, the first ground pad having a first exposed surface exposed at a first surface of the substrate. The semiconductor chip is formed on the first surface of the substrate. The first molding member is formed on the first surface of the substrate and covers the semiconductor chip while not covering the first exposed surface. The metal layer covers the first molding member and extends to lateral surfaces of the substrate while contacting the first exposed surface.
US08928125B2 Interconnects having sealing structures to enable selective metal capping layers
Methods of fabricating a capped interconnect for a microelectronic device which includes a sealing feature for any gaps between a capping layer and an interconnect and structures formed therefrom. The sealing features improve encapsulation of the interconnect, which substantially reduces or prevents electromigration and/or diffusion of conductive material from the capped interconnect.
US08928123B2 Through via structure including a conductive portion and aligned solder portion
A substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposed to each other. A blind hole is formed in the substrate extending from the first surface at a location for each through via. Each blind hole is filled with a conductive filler; a deepest part of each filler forming a bump portion made of a solder material. Part of the substrate extending from the second surface is removed to have at least the bump portions protrude from the substrate. The non-protruding part of each filler defines the corresponding via and the bump portion defines the corresponding solder bump.
US08928120B1 Wafer edge protection structure
Among other things, one or more wafer edge protection structures and techniques for forming such wafer edge protection structures are provided. A substrate of a semiconductor wafer comprises an edge, such as a beveled wafer edge portion, that is susceptible to Epi growth which results in undesirable particle contamination of the semiconductor wafer. Accordingly, a wafer edge protection structure is formed over the beveled wafer edge portion. The wafer edge protection structure comprises an Epi growth resistant material, such as an amorphous material, a non-crystalline material, oxide, or other material. In this way, the wafer edge protection structure mitigates Epi growth on the beveled wafer edge portion, where the Epi growth increases a likelihood of particle contamination from cracking or peeling of an Epi film resulting from the Epi growth. The wafer edge protection structure thus mitigates at least some contamination of the wafer.
US08928119B2 Three dimensional structure memory
A Three-Dimensional Structure (3DS) Memory allows for physical separation of the memory circuits and the control logic circuit onto different layers such that each layer may be separately optimized. One control logic circuit suffices for several memory circuits, reducing cost. Fabrication of 3DS memory involves thinning of the memory circuit to less than 50 μm in thickness and bonding the circuit to a circuit stack while still in wafer substrate form. Fine-grain high density inter-layer vertical bus connections are used. The 3DS memory manufacturing method enables several performance and physical size efficiencies, and is implemented with established semiconductor processing techniques.
US08928118B2 Processes and structures for IC fabrication
The present invention discloses methods and apparatuses for the separations of IC fabrication and assembling of separated IC components to form complete IC structures. In an embodiment, the present fabrication separation of an IC structure into multiple discrete components can take advantages of dedicated IC fabrication facilities and achieve more cost effective products. In another embodiment, the present chip assembling provides high density interconnect wires between bond pads, enabling cost-effective assembling of small chip components. In an aspect, the present process provides multiple interconnect wires in the form of a ribbon between the bond pads, and then subsequently separates the ribbon into multiple individual interconnect wires.
US08928114B2 Through-assembly via modules and methods for forming the same
A discrete Through-Assembly Via (TAV) module includes a substrate, and vias extending from a surface of the substrate into the substrate. The TAV module is free from conductive features in contact with one end of each of the conductive vias.