| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08949038B2 |
Controlling bitumen quality in solvent-assisted bitumen extraction
Described herein is a method of controlling bitumen quality in a process stream within a solvent-assisted bitumen extraction operation, for instance a hydrocarbon stream from a froth separation unit (FSU). Bitumen quality is a measure of the amount of selected contaminants in the process stream. Contaminants may include asphaltenes (comprising metal porphyrins), sulfur, and inorganic solids (comprising inorganic elements, e.g. Si, Al, Ti, Fe, Na, K, Mg, and Ca). First, the amounts of selected contaminants are measured. Next, these measured values are compared to maximum reference values. If one or more of these contaminants is higher than the maximum reference value, at least one variable of the solvent-assisted bitumen extraction is adjusted to improve bitumen quality. |
| US08949037B2 |
Method and system for detecting and monitoring emissions
A method and system for detecting, quantifying or characterizing emitting sources. According to an embodiment, an emission source is located by monitoring an area with one or more sensors, determining a plume, generating one or more candidates for the emission source, and using the plume to derive one or more characteristics associated with the emission source, and then locating the emission source based on agreement or convergence of the one or more characteristics. |
| US08949033B2 |
Method for quantification of neurotoxin
The present invention relates to a method for quantitatively measuring the muscular relaxing activity of a neurotoxin. Specifically, based on an extent of the activity of muscular relaxation of a neurotoxin from bacteria of Clostridium, the present invention relates to a method for quantification of the efficacy (potential and/or diffusion reaction) of a neurotoxin comprising the following steps of: (a) administering a neurotoxin to the hind leg muscle of one of hind legs of a non-human mammal; (b) applying electric stimulus to said non-human mammal; (c) measuring a compound muscle action potential (CMAP) by contraction of said hind leg muscle to which the neurotoxin is administered and/or of the hind leg muscle of the other hind leg to which the neurotoxin is not administered; and (d) taking amplitude data from the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) obtained by the measurement in step (c) and analyzing an extent of a decrease in amplitude to thereby quantify the efficacy of the muscular relaxing activity by the neurotoxin. In contrast to the mouse LD50 currently used as a potential unit of a botulinum toxin which is measurable at a level of only several units, the quantification method of the efficacy of a neurotoxin of the present invention allows for measurement at a level of as low as 0.01 to 1 unit and hence is a method with a high sensitivity, reproducibility and accuracy. |
| US08949030B2 |
Attenuating sea-surface ghost wave effects in seismic data
A method for processing seismic data. The method includes receiving the seismic data acquired by at least two receivers that are disposed at different depths. The method may then time-align the seismic data, collect a portion of the time-aligned seismic data into a gather and sum the collected time-aligned seismic data in the gather. After summing the collected time-aligned seismic data in the gather, the method may widen a spectrum of the summed seismic data and generate an image of subsurface formations in the earth based on the widened spectrum. |
| US08949025B2 |
GNSS positioning using pressure sensors
Systems, methods and devices for improving the accuracy of GNSS data are provided. Specifically, embodiments of the invention can advantageously use sensor input to improve the accuracy of position fixes. The use of physical sensors in navigation systems is deemed particularly advantageous, especially where altitude data derived from the pressure sensor is calibrated with and/or blended with GNSS altitude data. |
| US08949024B2 |
Vehicle localization using surface penetrating radar
Described are a method and a system for localization of a vehicle. The method includes the acquisition of SPR images of a subsurface region along a vehicle track. Acquired SPR images are compared to SPR images previously acquired for a subsurface region that at least partially overlaps the subsurface region along the vehicle track. In some embodiments, the comparison includes an image correlation procedure. Location data for the vehicle are determined based in part on location data for the SPR images previously acquired for the second subsurface region. Location data can be used to guide the vehicle along a desired path. The relatively static nature of features in the subsurface region provides the method with advantages over other sensor-based navigation systems that may be adversely affected by weather conditions, dynamic features and time-varying illumination. The method can be used in a variety of applications, including self-driving automobiles and autonomous platforms. |
| US08949019B2 |
Communication device, mobile terminal, medium, information generation method, and system
A communication device includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor executes a process including calculating an amount of electricity available in a second device while a first communication unit and a second communication unit with each other, determining a first generation unit to be a generation unit, when the amount of electricity thus calculated is smaller than a predetermined amount, out of the first generation unit that generates navigation information based on information acquired by an information acquisition unit and a second generation unit, and controlling the second device so as to stop supplying power to the second generation unit and to output the navigation information generated by the first generation unit when the first generation unit is determined. |
| US08949015B2 |
Apparatus and method for preventing collision between vessels
Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for preventing a collision between vessels. The apparatus includes a position information processing unit, an expected collision route calculation unit, an escape route calculation unit, and a control unit. The position information processing unit collects information about the position of a reference vessel using a mobile terminal and receives information about a counterpart vessel from a user. The expected collision route calculation unit calculates an expected collision route based on the information. The escape route calculation unit calculates escape routes if the possibility of a collision is above a set value. The control unit provides the escape routes, compares changes in actually measured positions of the vessels with the escape routes, and manages navigation on the results of the comparison between changes in the actually measured positions of the vessels and the escape routes. |
| US08949014B2 |
Systems and methods for presentation of probable wake turbulence
Systems and methods for improving the presentation of wake turbulence information. A processor located on an ownship receives position, heading and type information of another aircraft and position and heading information of the ownship. The processor determines if a possible wake condition exists from the other aircraft based on at least a portion of the received information and at least one predefined threshold and generates a wake icon if a wake condition is determined to exist. The wake condition exists when the ownship's altitude is below a first threshold altitude and above a second threshold altitude, wherein the first and second threshold altitudes are based on the other aircraft's altitude. |
| US08949010B2 |
Inverted pendulum type vehicle
An inverted pendulum type vehicle capable of making mounting and dismounting of an occupant smooth. A control device of an inverted pendulum type vehicle includes a control gain adjustment unit. The control gain adjustment unit changes the magnitude of the control gain used for motion control of an actuator device according to the tilting state of an occupant riding section in a situation where the stepping on of an occupant to the occupant riding section is executed or in a situation where the stepping off of the occupant from the occupant riding section is executed. |
| US08949009B2 |
Driver display of energy consumption as a monetary rate
A computer processor is embedded in a vehicle and a display device embedded in the vehicle is communicatively coupled to the computer processor. The computer executes logic to receive a price per unit of energy that is stored in the vehicle, compute an energy consumption rate of the vehicle over a time period, multiply the price per unit by the energy consumption rate to determine a cost of the energy consumption rate over the time period, and display the cost of the energy consumption rate for the time period on the display device in the vehicle. |
| US08949007B2 |
Start-up possibility determining apparatus and start-up possibility determining method
A start-up possibility determining apparatus that determines an engine-start-up possibility by driving a starter motor by power accumulated in a secondary battery includes a dynamic internal resistance measuring unit that measures an internal resistance of the secondary battery while the engine is being started up by the starter motor, a static internal resistance measuring unit that measures an internal resistance of the secondary battery when the engine is stopped, and a determining unit that determines an engine start-up possibility by the secondary battery, based on a value obtained by a product of a ratio between a first static internal resistance before or after the past engine start-up and a second static internal resistance within a predetermined time since a current time point and the dynamic internal resistance measured by the dynamic internal resistance measuring unit at the time of the engine start-up in the past. |
| US08949000B2 |
Control device and control method for internal combustion engine
A control device for an internal combustion engine performs rich control when a fuel cutoff operation is terminated and fuel supply to a combustion chamber is restarted, and the engine includes a plurality of the combustion chambers and a fuel supply cycle is repeated. The control device includes a controller configured to set a first moment and a second moment such that the fuel supply cycle which includes the first moment is different from the fuel supply cycle which includes the second moment, the first moment being a moment at which the rich control is started in a first combustion chamber of the plurality of combustion chambers, and the second moment being a moment at which the rich control is started in a second combustion chamber of the plurality of combustion chambers that is different from the first combustion chamber. |
| US08948994B2 |
Electromechanical braking system for an aircraft
The invention relates to an aircraft braking system having brakes with electromechanical braking actuators (103) adapted to press selectively against associated stacks of disks in order to generate a braking torque on associated wheels of the aircraft; at least one control module (130) receiving braking setpoints and responding by generating a braking command (121); and at least one power module (120) responding to the braking command by delivering AC power to the motors of actuators connected to the power module so that the motors develop a braking force corresponding to the braking setpoints. According to the invention, the control module includes a digital processor stage (131) and an analog processor unit (135). |
| US08948992B2 |
System and methods for limiting standing start acceleration control using driver monitoring system (driver attention monitor)
The present invention includes a system for limiting the acceleration of a vehicle. The system is operable to determine when the driver of the vehicle is not paying attention and upon making this determination, the system limits the available acceleration of the vehicle. The system includes a vehicle power source, a driver input such as an accelerator pedal, and a driver attention monitor, all three of which are in communication with an electronic control unit. |
| US08948991B2 |
Left-right wheel drive force distribution control apparatus for a vehicle
Upon determining than an over-steered state exits, a feedback control coefficient for a rear wheel total drive force is set to 0 and a feedback control coefficient for a rear wheel drive force difference is also set to 0 to impose a two-wheel drive state. As a result, it is possible to avoid a turn cruising instability caused by cruising in four-wheel drive in an over-steered state. Upon determining that an under-steered state exists, the feedback control coefficients are set such that four-wheel drive is allowed but a drive force difference is not set between the left and right rear wheels. As a result, when the under-steered state exists, excellent traction can be enjoyed by operating in four-wheel drive and the phenomenon of riding up a canted road surface due to a drive force difference set between the left and right rear wheels can be avoided. |
| US08948990B2 |
Parking assist control apparatus and control method
A parking assist control apparatus includes an obstacle detector that detects an obstacle around a vehicle; a parking operation assist unit that executes a parking operation assist for preventing a close approach between the obstacle and the vehicle when judges that a distance of the obstacle to the vehicle becomes equal-to or shorter-than a predetermined control start distance; a parking start judgment unit that judges a parking operation; a parking progress judgment unit that judges a parking progress degree during the parking operation judged by the parking start judgment unit; and a parking progress computing unit that reduces an assist control amount by the parking operation assist unit according to the parking progress degree judged by the parking progress judgment unit. According to the parking assist control apparatus, the parking operation assist for the obstacle around the vehicle can be executed more adequately. |
| US08948989B2 |
Transmission
A dual clutch automated manual transmission includes a first clutch and a second clutch, and a clutch torque capacity command value for a plurality of clutch actuators arranged to drive the first clutch and second clutch based on operation of a by-wire type of clutch lever, wherein the clutch torque capacity of the plurality of clutches is controlled. An operator can adjust a driving force by manually operating the clutch in the transmission in which a clutch operation is controlled automatically, such as an automatic transmission system, automated manual transmission system, or dual clutch automated manual transmission system, thereby improving drivability. |
| US08948987B2 |
Control device for vehicle
An internal combustion engine 1 at a standstill of a vehicle after cold starting can switch its combustion mode to a homogenous combustion mode or a stratified combustion mode. An operation range of the stratified combustion at the standstill of the vehicle after cold starting is expanded relative to an operation range of the homogenous combustion at the standstill of the vehicle after cold starting as an inclination of the vehicle decreases. With this technique, the operation range of the stratified combustion can be expanded while assuring an intake air negative pressure required for achieving the brake performance, so that HC reduction at the standstill of the vehicle after cold starting is obtained. |
| US08948984B2 |
Operator interface with tactile feedback
An operator interface assembly for a machine is disclosed. The operator interface assembly comprises a base, an operator input device operable to move in a first direction in relation to the base to a second position and a third position, a first biasing member including a first spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the first spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at a first position and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, a second biasing member including a second spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the second spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at the second position, the second position different than the first position, and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, and a position sensor. |
| US08948983B2 |
Working machine with variable displacement hydraulic pump
A working machine rendered to change in setting a maximum value of an absorption torque of hydraulic pump to a rather high value when the working machine is in a specified state, solves problems that, when an operation lever is being operated in an intermediate position of a lever stroke, there occurs a swinging in a machine body due to change-over of a maximum absorption torque setting value so that the operation lever is relatively moved with respect to the machine body to exert an influence on operability and the machine body acting violently. When the maximum absorption torque setting value is E2 position which is good fuel efficiency, upon detection of a full operation of either one or both of the travelling operation member and the boom operation member, controlling to automatically switch to E1 position of a maximum absorption torque larger than that of E2 position is performed. |
| US08948978B2 |
System and method for machine control
The disclosure describes a control system for controlling the movement of an implement associated with a machine. The control system includes a load sensor, a grade control system, an implement position sensor, and a controller. The load sensor is configured to generate a load signal indicative of a loading condition of the implement. The grade control system is configured to generate a desired implement position signal indicative of a desired implement position. The implement position sensor is configured to generate an implement position signal indicative of a position of the implement. The controller is configured to generate a machine control command to move the implement as a function of the load signal, the desired implement position signal, and the implement position signal. |
| US08948977B2 |
Systems and methods for machine implement control
A system for controlling an implement of a machine is disclosed. The system may have a machine velocity sensor that senses an actual machine velocity and a targeted machine velocity sensor that senses a targeted machine velocity. The system may also have a controller, and an actuator configured to move an implement responsive to commands received from the controller by an actuator controller. The controller may be configured to receive the actual machine velocity from the machine velocity sensor, receive the targeted machine velocity from the targeted machine velocity sensor, compare the actual machine velocity to the targeted machine velocity, and send a command to the actuator controller to shake the implement based on the comparison of the actual machine velocity to the targeted machine velocity. |
| US08948971B2 |
Steering control device
Disclosed is a steering control device capable of adjusting reference points of a plurality of motions, which are used for a steering operation in a steering operating unit, with high precision. In the steering control device, a control unit performs N-point learning under the condition that the absolute value of an operating amount in operation systems other than a target is smaller than a predetermined value (or substantially 0). This makes it possible to suppress the influence of operation systems other than the target on the steering of a vehicle M during N-point learning, making it possible to learn the N point in the operation system of the target with high precision. With this N-point learning for each target, even in an operation system which can be steered through a plurality of motions, it is possible to learn the N point of each motion with high precision. |
| US08948965B2 |
Electronic parking brake system, assistant starting method thereof for motor vehicle
An electronic parking brake system and assistant starting method thereof for a motor vehicle are provided, wherein, the electronic parking brake system receives a plurality of sensor signals indicative of vehicle condition and releases the electronic parking brake when any one of the plurality of sensor signals indicates a predetermined condition to assist the driver, the conditions including a relation between a torque transmitted by a clutch and a torque needed for starting the motor vehicle, an engine rotational speed being greater than an engine idle speed and simultaneous depression of the accelerator and clutch pedals, a starting trend, a detected engine rotational speed lower than a threshold value calculated according to a throttle opening data, and a detected rotational speed or angle of driving wheel greater than a predetermined threshold value, thereby providing a method and system adapted to accurately judge whether the brake can be automatically released. |
| US08948964B2 |
Vehicle control system for minimizing fuel consumption
A control unit of a vehicle control system estimates running-condition of a vehicle for a predetermined estimation period. A fuel-amount estimating portion estimates an engine condition related to a cooling efficiency, based on the estimated running condition. The control unit estimates multiple possible control patterns and calculates evaluation values related to the cooling efficiency for respective cases, in which a compressor is operated in accordance with each of the control patterns. The control unit selects one of control patterns to actually operate the compressor in accordance with the selected control pattern, so that fuel consuming amount can be reduced. |
| US08948961B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting a pedestrian impact
A method and an apparatus for detecting a pedestrian impact, at least three acceleration sensors being provided which are respectively mounted on the inner side of the bumper cladding and each generate a signal. The pedestrian impact is detected as a function of a time offset between at least two of the three signals. The impact location is identified on the basis of the at least one time offset. |
| US08948959B2 |
Method of determining the stress that should be applied to a tyre during an indoor endurance bench test
A method of determining the stress that should be applied to a tire during an indoor endurance bench test. The method includes the steps of driving a vehicle along a sample road route; measuring variations in the longitudinal speed and position of the vehicle during its journey along the sample road route; and calculating the inertial forces acting on the vehicle during its journey along the sample road route, on the basis of variations in the longitudinal speed and position of the vehicle. |
| US08948954B1 |
Modifying vehicle behavior based on confidence in lane estimation
Methods and systems for modifying vehicle behavior based on confidence in lane estimation are described. In an example, a computing device may be configured to receive lane information relating to locations of lane boundaries and may be configured to estimate a lane boundary on a road on which the vehicle is traveling, based on the lane information. The computing device also may be configured to determine a level of confidence for the estimated lane boundary, modify a driving behavior for the vehicle based on the level of confidence, and also may be configured to control the vehicle based on the modified driving behavior. |
| US08948953B2 |
Vehicle travel controlling apparatus
In a vehicle travel controlling apparatus including an automatic travel controlling ECU that controls a vehicle in a predetermined travel state by cooperation control of a vehicle driving amount and a vehicle braking amount, the automatic travel controlling ECU is provided with an automatic travel termination controlling unit. The automatic travel termination controlling unit obtains a brake fluid pressure during the cooperation control according to the vehicle driving amount during the cooperation control and a gradient of a road surface on which a vehicle is travelling. When the brake fluid pressure corresponding to a braking operation of a driver is more than the brake fluid pressure during the cooperation control, the automatic travel termination controlling unit terminates the cooperation control to switch operation to a braking operation according to the brake fluid pressure corresponding to the braking operation. |
| US08948952B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling vehicle
A vehicle incorporates an engine to which an engine-related component is attached, a battery charged with electric power supplied from an external power supply, and an electric motor as a driving source to which electric power is supplied from the battery. An ECU causes at least one of the engine-related component and the battery to be heated, using the electric power supplied from outside while the electric power is being supplied from outside, in accordance with a distance over which the vehicle can run by driving the electric motor alone and a distance to a destination. |
| US08948947B2 |
Moving body
A fuel cell vehicle is provided that can perform communicative filling only in a case in which it is possible to perform communicative filling appropriately. The vehicle includes: a pressure sensor and temperature sensor; a communication system that transmits data signals generated based on the outputs of these sensors; a battery; a lidded box that protects a hydrogen feed port; a lid switch; and a communicative filling ECU that activates the communication system after the lid has been opened. The ECU determines, based on the state of an activation prohibited flag, whether being a state in which activation of the system is not permitted in response to an opened-state of the lid having been detected. The ECU does not activate the system in a case of the flag being ON, and activates the system in a case of the flag being OFF. |
| US08948946B2 |
Hybrid thermal system with device-specific control logic
A thermal system includes fluid-cooled devices, a controller, and a thermal loop or loops each having a cooling actuator and fluid passages. The controller executes device-specific control logic to arbitrate between cooling requests having different relative priorities. The controller receives raw speed requests and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) limits for each device, and processes the raw speed requests and NVH limits to determine a relative cooling priority for each device. The controller outputs a speed command to the actuator(s) for each thermal loop in order to cool the devices at a level required by the device having the highest relative cooling priority. A vehicle includes a traction motor, a transmission that is selectively connected to the traction motor, fluid-cooled devices each in electrical communication with the motor, and a controller configured to execute the arbitration method noted above. |
| US08948943B2 |
Drive control system in series-hybrid vehicle
A drive control system in a series-hybrid utility vehicle comprises a motor for driving a wheel; a battery; an engine electric generator for generating the electric power charged into the battery; and a controller configured to estimate an SOC value of the battery, and control the motor and the engine electric generator in accordance with an HV mode or an EV mode; wherein when the estimated SOC value is less than a predetermined low threshold, the controller stops electric power supply from the battery to the motor; and when the estimated SOC value is less than a predetermined medium threshold greater than the predetermined low threshold, the controller sets the HV mode, and controls the motor and the engine electric generator such that a driving power of the motor is suppressed in a state where the motor is supplied with the electric power from the battery. |
| US08948942B2 |
Pre-emptive output torque reduction for a transient speed event and prioritization of inertia
A method to control an output torque of a powertrain in response to an incipient transient speed event within the powertrain includes determining an incipient transient speed event, determining a maximum output torque capability profile based upon the incipient transient speed event, determining a minimum value of the maximum output torque capability profile, and limiting the output torque to not greater than the minimum value of the maximum output torque capability profile until the incipient transient speed event is concluded. |
| US08948938B2 |
Fully parametrizable electronic alerts and procedures management system, intended for an aircraft
An alerts and procedures management system for an aircraft comprises a software kernel aboard the aircraft and a parameterization tool for the software kernel, which comprises a conversion module for converting a configuration file describing an operational need of the system into a database of binary parameters which is able to parameterize the software kernel. The software kernel comprises at least four elementary cells: a first cell for acquiring aircraft signals, a second cell for characterizing state variables of the aircraft, a third cell for computing at least one separate event, a fourth cell for scheduling the separate events for communication with the crew; each of the cells comprising a software engine parameterizable by the database. |
| US08948936B2 |
Vehicle management system using finite state machines
A system includes a plurality of actuators and a management system operably associated with the plurality electronic and mechanical devices. The management architecture includes interfaces configured to the entire electronics and mechanics to provide a parameter to a computer. The computer includes a control and management architecture using modular finite state flow designs configured to analyze the parameter. The computer with a plurality of finite state machines can conduct a plurality of control laws operably associated with one or more actuators for finite functions of mobility. The method includes matching the parameter with the finite state machine and controlling the actuator via control law operably associated with finite state machine. The method can therefore be achieved either manually, semi-autonomously and autonomously with seamless and switchless control using a central control computer with integration of electronic and mechanic sensors and devices. |
| US08948933B2 |
Multi core vehicle management system and method
A flight management system (FMS) including a plurality of FMS components that can include a civil FMS component and a tactical FMS component. Each FMS component can have a processor programmed to execute an FMS software product. The FMS can also include a multi core FMS manager configured to control a plurality of flight management systems and coupled to the plurality of FMS components. The multi core FMS manager can include a plurality of FMS managers, each coupled to one of the FMS components, and a platform interface manager coupled to an avionics system. Each FMS manager can be adapted to transmit flight management data to, and to receive flight management data from, the FMS component to which it is coupled. The platform interface manager can be adapted to provide each FMS component access to the avionics system, such that an aircraft operator can control each FMS component via the FMS. |
| US08948930B2 |
Method and system for operating a vehicle by monitoring the head orientation and/or viewing direction of an operator by means of a camera device of a mobile control device
A method for autonomously controlling a movement of a vehicle includes detecting a respective actual position of the vehicle in temporal succession; recording in temporal succession with a first camera device of a mobile control device images of an operator located outside the vehicle, the mobile control device being held by the operator; determining with an analysis device an actual head orientation and/or a viewing direction of the operator based on the recorded images; and interrupting or terminating the autonomously controlled movement of the vehicle in response to at least one of two instances, a first instance in which the actual head orientation and/or viewing direction of the operator cannot be detected, a second instance in which the head orientation and/or viewing direction of the operator deviates for longer than a predeterminable time period and/or by a predeterminable angle from the actual position of the vehicle. |
| US08948926B2 |
System for controlling vehicle parameters
A system is provided which is capable of controlling one or more parameters of a vehicle, such as vehicle speed or engine RPM. The system involves communication between a transmitter and a controller. The transmitter has memory containing information that corresponds to a vehicle parameter setting. The information is operatively transmitted from the transmitter to the controller. Once the controller receives the information, the vehicle parameter setting is identified by the controller. When the setting is identified, the controller may adjust at least one mechanism on the vehicle so as modify the vehicle parameter accordingly. One scenario in which the parameter modification is generally provided is if the controller determines that the vehicle parameter is exceeding the identified setting, which corresponds to the vehicle being operated at a level higher than that intended for the vehicle operator. |
| US08948925B2 |
Video processing device for determining video information status using analysis target specifying unit
To provide a technology of determining a status of image information based on the image information of images captured by an image capturing device. A video processing method to process video information of an image capturing device mounted on a moving body, includes detecting an analysis target from video information of images captured by the image capturing device, determining a status of the video information on the basis of information on the analysis target and outputting a result of the determination. |
| US08948922B2 |
Method for identifying operating conditions of a domestic appliance
In a method for identifying operating conditions of a domestic appliance, a temperature of an operating agent of the domestic appliance and/or of a component of the domestic appliance is detected by a temperature sensor. The ambient temperature is detected by the temperature sensor before the programming mode, in an initialization phase. At least one reference temperature value is defined that represents a critical value for the programming mode of the domestic appliance in respect of reliable and/or efficient operation. The programming mode is prevented from beginning as a function of the comparison of the measured ambient temperature with at least one reference temperature value. The programming mode is prevented from beginning until the ambient temperature has reached a value that is in an acceptable range in comparison with the reference temperature value. |
| US08948920B2 |
Controlling temperature in a refrigerated transport container
Temperature is controlled in a refrigerated transport container comprising a transport volume, a control unit, a cooling space, one or more fans providing air flow through the cooling space, where air passing through the cooling space passes a return air temperature sensor, a cooling unit, and a supply air temperature sensor. Supply air temperature (Tsup) is controlled to bring temperatures in the transport volume within a desired temperature range around a first temperature set point (Tset). The supply air temperature (Tsup) or a time-averaged function thereof is controlled to reach a temperature below the set point (Tset) during a first limited time period; and the supply air temperature (Tsup) is increased during a second limited time period following said first time period, so that the supply air temperature (Tsup) or a time-averaged function thereof at the end of said second time period is within said desired temperature range. |
| US08948919B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus
There are provided an electric energy meter with a transmission device that generates a pulse signal for measuring electric energy supplied to an outdoor unit, an input circuit for an external signal that receives the pulse signal, and a control unit that measures electric energy on the basis of the pulse signal, wherein the control unit includes a determination unit that determines, as an input port for the pulse signal, one of input ports that are not in use from among a plurality of input ports forming the input circuit for an external signal, and a calculation unit that calculates electric power, electric energy consumption, and energy consumption efficiency on the basis of the pulse signal. |
| US08948913B2 |
Method and apparatus for navigating robot
A method of navigating a robot includes creating a robot navigation map using a map database required for navigation of the robot; and creating a path on which no obstacle is located in the map database using the created robot navigation map. Further, the method of navigating the robot includes primarily controlling the robot so that the robot travels along the created path; and secondarily controlling the robot so that the robot avoids an obstacle on the path. |
| US08948912B2 |
Service providing system and service providing method
A service providing system according to an embodiment includes a robot unit, an interface that receives input of order input information, and a control unit that is connected to the robot unit and the interface, and causes the robot unit to execute an operation based on the order input information input with the interface. Furthermore, the service providing system receives input of the order input information with the interface, causes the robot unit to execute the processing operation based on the order input information input with the interface, and provides a product on which the processing operation has been performed by the robot unit. |
| US08948911B2 |
Control device and control method for controlling carriers in a machine
A control device (50) and a conveying method for conveying carriers (40 to 49) in a machine (1) are provided. The control device (50) comprises a determining unit (51) for determining the velocity of a carrier (40 to 49) in a first conveying device (10) in which carriers (40 to 49) are conveyed with magnetic force and with variable velocity for each carrier (40 to 49) from a first position to a second position different from the first position, and an evaluating unit (52) for evaluating the velocity of carriers (40 to 49) in a second conveying device (20) in which carriers (40 to 49) are conveyed from a second position to a third position different from the second position, wherein the determining unit (51) is arranged to determine the velocity of each carrier (40 to 49) in the first conveying device (10) on the basis of the evaluation result of the evaluating unit (52) so that the carriers (40 to 49) move continuously between the first and second conveying devices (10, 20). The control device (50) can be part of a conveying system (5) and/or a machine (1). |
| US08948909B2 |
Article loading system, article loading and carrying-out method
An article loading system for loading and carrying out, in one of a plurality of containers each having identification information, articles of plural types which correspond to the container, includes a holding shelf which temporarily holds the containers that are carried in, container placement units on each of which the container into which an article is to be loaded by a worker is placed, a transporting unit which transports an arbitrary container between the holding shelf and an arbitrary container placement unit, and a control unit programmed to control the transporting unit. |
| US08948908B2 |
Automated warehouse and article removal method
A clean stocker includes: a reticle rotatable rack separately storing reticles and a pod; an empty pod rotatable rack; a manual load port supplying to an operator a pod including a reticle; a pod-with-reticle rotatable rack temporarily storing the pod including the reticle; a detecting unit detecting an instruction sent from the operator; a pod opener for, when a first instruction is detected, obtaining (i) a reticle from the reticle rotatable rack and (ii) an empty pod from the empty pod rotatable rack, and placing the obtained reticle into the empty pod; and a pod transporting apparatus (i) putting on the pod-with-reticle rotatable rack the pod including the reticle, and (ii) when a second instruction is detected, transporting the pod including the reticle from the pod-with-reticle rotatable rack to the manual load port. |
| US08948907B2 |
Method for loading containers
A method for loading containers that involves intermittently shifting at least one first empty housing and one second empty housing of the containers between respective first and second rest positions. According to one embodiment the method involves calculating an available time td corresponding to the time necessary for an empty housing to reach a loading position of a manipulator and comparing the available time td with a positioning time necessary for the manipulator to collect from its current position each object to be loaded from a collecting area and depositing it in a loading position coinciding with the position of an empty housing of a container. The object to be collected and the delivery position of the object in an empty housing corresponds with a loading position of the manipulator in which the positioning time is closest to the available time td. |
| US08948905B2 |
Apparatus and method for positioning an electronic component and/or a carrier relative to a discharging device
An apparatus and a method for positioning electronic components to be transferred in relation to a discharging device. The discharging device includes a slide for at least one electronic component and a housing surrounding the slide. The electronic components are provided by a first carrier, which comprises a first side facing the discharging device and a second side facing away from the discharging device. An image data acquisition device captures image data of a region in which the slide is set up. A control determines positional data of the electronic component to be transferred and for generating control commands from the positional data. An actuator moves the first carrier and the discharging device in relation to each other in response to the control commands to change an offset between a longitudinal axis of the slide and a center axis of the electronic component. |
| US08948894B2 |
Method of selectively inserting an audio clip into a primary audio stream
A method of processing audio signals in which an audio signature of a primary audio stream is compared to a set of audio signatures corresponding to a series of separate audio clips is disclosed. One of the audio clips from the series of separate audio clips is selected for insertion into the primary audio stream such that the selected audio clip has an audio signature that most closely matches the audio signature of the primary audio stream. The matching and selecting steps are performed by at least one signal processing electronic device. |
| US08948891B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding/decoding multi-channel audio signal by using semantic information
A multi-channel audio signal encoding and decoding method and apparatus are provided. The multi-channel audio signal encoding method, the method including: obtaining semantic information for each channel; determining a degree of similarity between multi-channels based on the obtained semantic information for each channel; determining similar channels among the multi-channels based on the determined degree of similarity between the multi-channels; and determining spatial parameters between the similar channels and down-mixing audio signals of the similar channels. |
| US08948886B2 |
LED lighting system and controlling method using the same
A LED lighting system and a controlling method using the same is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a central controller extracts an ID information assigned to each of one or more LED lighting devices using a power line communication and classifies the extracted ID information into ID groups according to a user command by assigning a management information thereto to enable controlling of the one or more LED lighting devices based on the management information. |
| US08948879B2 |
Self-directing, transcutaneous stimulation electrode
A neurostimulation device is provided. The device has first and second physical electrode elements that cooperate to provide a plurality of virtual electrode pairs. The spacing between the physical elements, as well as the relative surface areas between the respective portions comprising the virtual pairs, is controlled to provide self-selecting and/or self-directing treatment capabilities. |
| US08948876B2 |
Apparatus and method for relieving pain using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Apparatus for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in humans, comprising a housing; stimulation means mounted within the housing for electrically stimulating nerves; an electrode array releasably mounted to the housing, connectable to the stimulation means, and comprising electrodes for electrical stimulation of nerves; control means mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the stimulation means for controlling the stimulation means; monitoring means mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the stimulation means for monitoring the stimulation means; user interface means mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the control means for controlling the stimulation means; display means mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the control means and the monitoring means for displaying the status of the stimulations means; and a strap attached to the housing and configured to hold the housing, stimulation means and electrode array at a specific anatomical location to treat pain. |
| US08948869B2 |
Criteria for optimal electrical resynchronization derived from multipolar leads or multiple electrodes during biventricular pacing
Generally, the disclosure is directed one or more methods or systems of cardiac pacing employing a right ventricular electrode and a plurality of left ventricular electrodes. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a first one of the left ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a second one of the ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Employing sums of the measured activation times to select one of the left ventricular electrodes for delivery of subsequent pacing pulses. |
| US08948867B2 |
Capture detection with cross chamber backup pacing
In connection with capture detection for a heart chamber with backup pacing in a contralateral heart chamber, a cardiac signal of the first heart chamber is sensed following delivery of a pacing pulse. The cardiac response of the first heart chamber to the pacing pulse is classified based on one or more features of the sensed cardiac signal. A backup pacing pulse is delivered to a second heart chamber contralateral to the first heart chamber. For example, the timing of the delivery of the backup pacing pulse may be based on the expected or detected timing of the features used to classify the cardiac pacing response. The backup pace may be delivered within a detection window used for sensing the features indicative of the cardiac pacing response. |
| US08948863B2 |
Photokinetic ocular drug delivery methods and apparatus
The present invention relates generally to transscleral, transcorneal, and transocular delivery of biologically active substances through the tissues, blood vessels and cellular membranes of the eyes of patients without causing damage to the cellular surface, tissue or membrane. The invention provides compositions and methods for enhanced transscleral, transcorneal and transocular delivery of biologically active substances using pulsed incoherent light, and particularly the transcleral, transcorneal or transocular delivery of high molecular weight biologically active substances to a patient using pulsed incoherent light. The invention further provides a device for the application of the pulsed incoherent light to cellular surfaces and membranes of the eye of a subject using those compositions and methods. |
| US08948862B2 |
Stimulatory effect estimation device, sleep depth estimation device, stimulatory effect estimation method, and vehicle control device
A stimulatory effect estimation device includes a stimulus generator 3 which applies a stimulus to a back seat passenger, an electroencephalogram 2 which measures the brain waves of the back seat passenger, a memory 4, and an ECU 5 which specifies the brain wave indexes of stimulatory effects which surface in response to the stimuli both when the passenger is awake and when the passenger is asleep from the brain waves measured by the electroencephalogram 2 when a stimulus is applied from the stimulus generator 3 while the passenger is awake and the brain waves measured by the electroencephalogram 2 when a stimulus is applied from the stimulus generator 3 while the passenger is asleep. The ECU 5 estimates stimulatory effects when the passenger is asleep from stimulatory effects when the passenger is awake using a conversion model for converting the stimulatory effect when the passenger is awake and the stimulatory effects when the passenger is asleep on the basis of the brain wave indexes which surface when the same stimulus is applied when the passenger is awake and when the passenger is asleep, and selects a stimulus which is applied to the back seat passenger on the basis of the relationship between the stimulatory effects and the changes in sleep depth. |
| US08948861B2 |
Methods and systems for determining optimum wake time
A system for determining optimum wake time is disclosed whereby the system comprising includes a receiver for receiving electroencephalogram (EEG) data. The system further includes a processor configured to generate at least one frequency band based on the EEG data received, wherein the processor is further configured to determine an optimum wake time based on a relative low point on the at least one frequency band. The system also includes an indicator configured to provide notification of the optimum wake time. |
| US08948856B2 |
Multi-channel cardiac measurements
An automatic method of determining local activation time (LAT) in multi-channel cardiac electrogram signals including a ventricular channel, a reference channel and a mapping channel wherein selection of at least one of a reference-channel activation and a mapping-channel activation is based on one or more activation times in the ventricular channel. |
| US08948846B2 |
Optical coherence tomography systems and methods
In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method that includes using an optical coherence tomography system to acquire a plurality of frames of a sample where each frame includes optical information about the composition of the sample through a section of the sample. The method further includes averaging over two or more of the frames to provide an image of the section of the sample where successive frames of the two or more frames are acquired with a time lapse of 0.05-0.7 seconds. Embodiments of the method may have unique advantages for endoscopic subcellular imaging. For example, they can enable subcellular imaging with low-NA optics (e.g., NA=0.25 or less) while providing morphological imaging of the underlying tissue up to 0.6 mm without focal tracking. |
| US08948845B2 |
System, methods, and instrumentation for image guided prostate treatment
The invention provides systems, methods, and instrumentation for aiding the performance of an image guided procedure of the anatomy of a patient such as, for example, the prostate. The invention includes a plurality of lumens therein and a balloon portion or other fixating portion. In some embodiments, the catheter includes a lumen for introducing a contrast agent visible to an imaging modality external to the anatomy of the patient. Image space data of the catheter within the anatomy of the patient may be obtained using the imaging modality. The catheter also includes at least a lumen for inserting a registration device for obtaining patient space data regarding the anatomy of the patient. Other lumens and/or other elements visible to the imaging modality may be used. The image space data may be registered to the patient space data for use during an image guided procedure to the anatomy of the patient. |
| US08948840B2 |
Non-invasive sensor for determining functional characteristics of the cornea, device including said sensor and use thereof
The present invention relates to a sensor and device incorporating said sensor for obtaining data useful to determine the functional characteristics of the cornea in a non-invasive manner, particularly for establishing a correlation between the impedance at different frequencies and the permeability of the endothelium and epithelium and stromal hydration level. |
| US08948839B1 |
Compression garments having stretchable and conductive ink
Garments having one or more stretchable conductive ink patterns thereon. Described herein are garments (including compression garments) having one or more highly stretchable conductive ink pattern formed of a composite of an insulative adhesive, a conductive ink, and an intermediate gradient zone between the adhesive and conductive ink. The conductive ink typically includes between about 40-60% conductive particles, between about 30-50% binder; between about 3-7% solvent; and between about 3-7% thickener. The stretchable conductive ink patterns may be stretched more than twice their length without breaking or rupturing. |
| US08948835B2 |
Systems and methods for determining blood oxygen saturation values using complex number encoding
The disclosure includes pulse oximetry systems and methods for determining point-by-point saturation values by encoding photoplethysmographs in the complex domain and processing the complex signals. The systems filter motion artifacts and other noise using a variety of techniques, including statistical analysis such as correlation, or phase filtering. |
| US08948833B2 |
Combination non-invasive and invasive bioparameter measuring device
In a combination invasive and non-invasive bioparameter monitoring device an invasive component measures the bioparameter and transmits the reading to the non-invasive component. The non-invasive component generates a bioparametric reading upon insertion by the patient of a body part. A digital processor processes a series over time of digital color images of the body part and represents the digital images as a signal over time that is converted to a learning vector using mathematical functions. A learning matrix is created. A coefficient of learning vector is deduced. From a new vector from non-invasive measurements, a new matrix of same size and structure is created. Using the coefficient of learning vector, a recognition matrix may be tested to measure the bioparameter non-invasively. The learning matrix may be expanded and kept regular. After a device is calibrated to the individual patient, universal calibration can be generated from sending data over the Internet. |
| US08948824B2 |
Electronic devices with clips
A portable electronic device may have a clip. The clip may be mounted to a housing using hinge structures. The hinge structures may bias the clip towards a closed position. The clip may be opened to attach the portable electronic device to an object. When in the closed position, the clip may lie flush with the exterior of the device housing. Clip biasing may be provided using a torsion spring, a coil spring, a ribbon spring, a clip with built-in biasing, a tension spring, or a compression spring. A coupling mechanism may be used to attach the clip to the housing. The coupling mechanism may include a ratcheting rotatable mechanism, a fixed attachment structure, a flexible attachment structure, a removable structure, or a structure that includes a spring bias adjustment mechanism. The device may have a button with a touch sensor array. |
| US08948821B2 |
Notification based on user context
Systems, methods, and devices enable management of notifications across mobile devices and the separation of the notification (e.g., an alarm) from the communication (e.g., an email or SMS message that was the subject of the alarm). By separately managing the manner of notification provided to the user from its associated communication (e.g., managing a vibration or ring announcing a text message separate from the text message itself), the various embodiments enable users to better manage their communications under a variety of circumstances. In the various embodiments, notifications may be managed based on various criteria, such as a communication sender's identity, user device settings, user activities, user device state, user calendar information, time, location, user history data, and/or communication type. |
| US08948817B2 |
Cellular communication system, communication unit and method for broadcast communication
A wireless serving communication unit comprises a signal processor, for receiving and processing a signal to be broadcast, and a number of transmitters operably coupled to the signal processor, for transmitting the broadcast signal in a plurality of sectorised cells to a wireless subscriber communication unit. The wireless serving communication unit comprises logic to replicate the processed signal into a plurality of replicated signals and logic introduce one or more delay(s) to one or more of the replicated processed signals, such that replicated broadcast signals having different delays are transmitted from a plurality of sectorised cells to one or more wireless subscriber communication unit. |
| US08948814B1 |
Methods, systems and apparatus for displaying the multimedia information from wireless communication networks
Video signals for a mobile terminal are converted to accommodate reproduction by an alternative display terminal. The video signal is processed to provide a converted video signal appropriate for an alternative display terminal that is separate from the mobile terminal. This converted video signal is then provided for the alternative display terminal to accommodate the corresponding video display on a screen provided by the alternative (e.g., external) display terminal. |
| US08948807B2 |
Coordinated power boost and power back-off
A system and method are provided for boosting power for a communications link between a base station and a user device, or user equipment, over a communications link channel in a cellular communications network. In one embodiment, the base station determines whether a communications link for a user device located within a sector of a cell served by the base station needs a power boost. If a power boost is needed, the base station provides a power boost for the communications link for the user device and, for each of one or more neighboring sectors that neighbor the sector in which the user device is located, coordinates the power boost in both frequency and time with a power backoff for a downlink to another user device located in a cell center area of the neighboring sector. |
| US08948805B2 |
Method and apparatus for reliable transmit power and timing control in wireless communication
Techniques for improving reliability of control information are described. A transmitter determines if improved reliability is applicable for at least one control symbol to be sent in a timeslot. The transmitter sends the control symbol(s) without improved reliability if deemed not applicable and with improved reliability if deemed applicable. A receiver receives the control symbol(s) and identifies each received control symbol as a reliable control symbol or an unreliable control symbol based on the received signal quality of the received control symbol and a threshold. The receiver adjusts a control loop based on reliable control symbols. The receiver also combines unreliable control symbols to obtain combined symbols and selectively adjusts the control loop based on the combined symbols. The control loop may be for transmit power or timing. |
| US08948798B2 |
Transmission control device, reception control device, and content transceiving system
A transmission control device may include an acquiring unit to acquire information indicating an orientation of a transmission apparatus. In addition, the device may include a control unit to control the transmission apparatus to transmit to a reception apparatus content of the transmission apparatus when an operation is performed to the transmission apparatus after the information indicating the orientation is acquired, the operation corresponding to the orientation. |
| US08948796B2 |
Mobile device message scheduler for reducing congestion
A method, device and system are provided for scheduling the delivery of messages from a wireless device in order to reduce congestion on the wireless network used by the wireless device. A message scheduler application operating on the wireless device intercepts messages being sent from at least one application running on the wireless device to a device layer for transmission, where intercepted messages are collected and held in a message queue for later transmission. The message scheduler monitors operation of the wireless device to detect the establishment of a communication connection, such as a voice call or packet data session, and causes the messages in the message queue to be transmitted from the wireless device utilizing logical channels assigned to the wireless device when setting up the communication connection that are different from the traffic channel assigned for the communication connection to transmit voice or data content. |
| US08948792B2 |
Moving body and system for managing inventory information of moving body
An object is to easily manage inventory information of an moving body such as a work machine at each physical distribution center substantially in real time, and an moving body 1 is provided with a positional information obtaining unit 22 for obtaining positional information of the moving body 1 at a predetermined timing, an operating state information obtaining unit 23 for obtaining operating state information of the moving body 1, and an inventory information output controller 24 for transmitting management information 37 which identifies the moving body 1, area information 35 which indicates an area in which the moving body 1 is located, and stay period information 38 in which this stays in the area to a management device 2 as the inventory information when the moving body 1 is located in any of one or more areas set in advance based on the positional information. |
| US08948789B2 |
Inferring a context from crowd-sourced activity data
Techniques are provided to infer a context associated with a mobile device based on aggregated data from a set of other mobile devices. The set of mobile devices can include mobile devices currently or previously near a location of the mobile device. Each mobile device in the set of other mobile devices can collect sensor data and infer a low-level context (e.g., “sitting” or “standing”). The low-level contexts can be aggregated. Based on the aggregated low-level contexts, a high-level context (e.g., “at a party” or “watching television”) associated with the mobile device can be inferred or a low-level context associated with the mobile device can be refined. |
| US08948787B2 |
Configuration of telephony services for phone based on user location
Telephony features for a phone are configured based on the location of a user of the phone. A system receives location data corresponding to a location of the phone. An operational mode is selected from stored operational modes based on the location data. The operational mode of the user phone is set to the selected mode. In one mode, a reply message is provided to the caller that is associated with the location of the phone. |
| US08948786B2 |
Determining a location of a mobile user terminal
Apparatus comprising a decision processing module arranged to determine whether a first mobile user terminal and a second mobile user terminal are within a relative geographic proximity of one another, in dependence on a property of intermediate network equipment of a packet-switched network to which the first and second mobile user terminals are operable to connect. The apparatus also comprises a location processing module arranged to obtain a geographic location of the second mobile user terminal and, on condition that the first and second user terminals are determined to be within the proximity determined by the decision module, to use the geographic location of the second mobile user terminal in estimating a geographic location of the first mobile user terminal. |
| US08948785B1 |
Method and system for managing mobile station location information
Mobile stations initiate location determination sessions, such as at predetermined time intervals, with a wireless telecommunications network. The wireless telecommunications network obtains the locations of the mobile stations as a result of the location determination sessions, and the mobile station locations are stored in one or more location registers. The location information stored in the location register(s) may then be used by location-based applications. For example, an application may request that the wireless telecommunications network provide a specified service to the mobile stations that are located in a specified zone according to the mobile station locations stored in the location register(s). |
| US08948781B2 |
Controlling operational states of a location sensing system of a mobile device
Methods, systems and apparatuses for controlling a location sensing system of a mobile device are disclosed. One method includes collecting location related information of the mobile device. The method further includes controllably setting the mobile device to operate in one of a high-power state, a low-power state, or a transitional state based on the collected location related information, wherein a satellite-based positioning system receiver of the mobile device generates location information in the transitional state and in the on-state, and the satellite-based positioning system receiver does not generate location information in the low-power state. When operating in the transitional state, the mobile device repeatedly checks the collected location related information and transitions to the low-power state or the high-power state based on the collected location related information. |
| US08948780B2 |
Method for collecting per call measurement data and mobility management device and base station thereof
A method for collecting per call measurement data PCMD is proposed in the present invention. The method comprises: when an instruction to activate a PCMD-related function is received, sending by a base station a message including an indication of whether the base station is capable of collecting the PCMD to a mobility management entity MME device; when an instruction to start PCMD collection is received, sending by the MME device a message including an indication of starting collecting the PCMD to at least one base station capable of collecting the PCMD; based on the received indication of starting collecting the PCMD, collecting by the base station the PCMD for at least one user equipment UE connection. A mobility management entity device and a base station for collecting the per call measurement data PCMD are also proposed in the present invention. |
| US08948779B1 |
Communication profiles for mobile devices based on historical characteristics
Systems, devices, methods, and software for operating a mobile communication device are provided herein. In a first example, a method of operating a mobile communication device is provided. The method includes monitoring a current movement of the mobile communication device, identifying a projected location of the mobile communication device based the current movement and past mobility information corresponding to past movement of the mobile communication device, and processing past performance information corresponding to past communication performance between the mobile communication device and a communication network at the projected location to determine a communication profile for wireless communications with the communication network at the projected location. |
| US08948776B2 |
Secondary user selection in cooperative sensing scheduling
Cooperative spectral channel sensing techniques are applied in a cognitive radio network (CRN). Network characteristics and target parameter thresholds can be determined. An overall number of secondary users (SUs) assigned to sense a number of primary user (PU) channels can be determined. Further, it can be determined how many SUs to assign to sense each PU channel. In one aspect, SUs are allowed to access to PU channels based on spectrum opportunities determined by the cooperative spectral channel sensing techniques. |
| US08948773B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing active set in a mobile communication system
A method is provided for managing active sets of a terminal that receives a pilot channel from a base station in a mobile communication system. Reception strength of the pilot channel is measured. It is checked whether the number of active sets being managed by the terminal is greater than or equal to the predetermined maximum number of supportable active sets. It is determined whether to transmit a pilot to the base station according to the checking result. |
| US08948772B2 |
Apparatus and method for requesting uplink radio resources
An example apparatus is provided that may provide for transmission of a first scheduling request and increment an alert counter upon transmitting the request. The apparatus may then determine if uplink resources have been received and, if not, provide for transmission of a second scheduling request. The apparatus may increment the alert counter in response to transmitting the second scheduling request. The apparatus may also provide for transmission of an indication that the alert counter has reached an alert counter threshold, in response to which, the apparatus may receive dummy uplink resources that may cause the alert counter to reset. |
| US08948771B2 |
Enhancements in channel reliability in scenarios operating on shared band
The present invention proposes methods and devices for mobile communication deployed on shared bands, which enhance reliability of channels such as control channels. According to an aspect thereof, at a communication terminal, a list of channels useable for communication is maintained, information on the usability of a currently used channel is obtained, and it is switched to one of the channels of the list of useable channels if the currently used channel becomes unusable. The invention encompasses also corresponding computer products as well as methods, devices and computer products residing at a network node. |
| US08948770B2 |
Cluster head assisted method for converting user terminal from D2D communication to cellular communication
The present invention discloses a cluster head assisted method for converting a user terminal from device-to-device (D2D) communication to cellular communication. When quality of a D2D link between a user terminal and a cluster head is lower than a predetermined threshold, if the user terminal has to leave the cluster but still expects to continue an original the service, the user terminal performs cell search and random access, and establishes a radio resource control (RRC) connection with a target base station of a cellular network. Switching from D2D communication to cellular communication is implemented with the assistance of the cluster head, and a communication manner after the switching is provided. The present invention implements mobile switching from D2D communication in distributed cluster communication to cellular communication, which can reduce route search delay and save wireless resources. |
| US08948766B2 |
Measurement reporting method for closed subscriber group cell and corresponding user equipment
A measurement reporting method for a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) cell and a corresponding User Equipment (UE) are provided in the present invention. The method comprises the following steps that: after detecting a neighboring accessible CSG cell which is not on a frequency in a measurement configuration, a UE in a connected state requests a network for a measurement configuration by reporting indication information which contains the frequency information of the accessible CSG cell and/or the bandwidth information of the accessible CSG cell. The present invention solves the problem about the measurement and reporting of a CSG cell by a UE, so that a network is able to make a decision in time according to a measurement report, satisfying the requirement of the UE on mobility. |
| US08948763B2 |
Method for allocating of at least one access point to a mobile terminal in a cellular network, corresponding terminal, mobile server and programs
A method is provided for allocating at least one access point to a mobile terminal in a cellular network formed by multiple cells each controlled by an access point, wherein the mobile terminals move about. The method includes the following steps: locating a mobile terminal inside a current cell; identifying, using the locating, a target cell with which the terminal is likely to be connected; transmitting in advance to the terminal a target context, comprising at least one identifier of the access point of the target cell; implementing a procedure for connecting said terminal to the access point of the target cell, based on predetermined cell modification criterion. |
| US08948758B2 |
Method and apparatus for frequency access restriction in cellular communications
A Network node provides information to a base station indicating a list of forbidden frequencies from which the base station may or may not offer services. The base station checks the received list of forbidden frequencies when considering whether to provide service to user equipments from a new tracking area or a certain access technology. The base station may also transmit a list of allowed frequencies or the list of forbidden frequencies to user equipments to be used thereof. By introducing the possibility to set an amount of frequencies as forbidden in the area and access restriction information of user equipments, operators would be able to offer services like home base station in a simple way to customers. |
| US08948747B2 |
Overlapping cells for wireless coverage
A system is provided for overlapping cells for wireless coverage in a cellular communication system. The system includes a beam-weight generator and beamformer coupled to the beam-weight generator. The beam-weight generator is configured to generate a plurality of beam weights including at least first and second sets of beam weights. And the beamformer is configured to apply the first and second sets of beam weights to signals in a cellular communication system. The cellular communication system provides coverage over a geographic region divided into cells arranged in overlapping first and second layers of cells having criteria optimized for communication by respective, distinct first and second types of user terminals. In this regard, the criteria are reflected in the first and second sets of beam weights. |
| US08948746B1 |
Enabling an extent of substantially simultaneous communication based on device prevalence
A RAN may determine a metric indicative of a prevalence of WCDs of a first type served by the RAN. WCDs of a second type may also be served by the RAN. WCDs of the first type may communicate with the RAN using a first air-interface or a second air-interface, and WCDs of the second type may communicate using the second air-interface. The RAN may engage in a first extent of communication with WCDs of the first type or the second type when using the second air-interface. The RAN may compare the metric to a threshold WCD prevalence, and based on the comparison, select a second extent of communication to engage in with WCDs of the first type or the second type. The RAN may receive a call setup request related to a particular WCD, and select at most the second extent of wireless coverage areas for the particular WCD. |
| US08948744B2 |
Spatio-temporal random voting scheme for cognitive networks
A spatio-temporal random voting scheme is provided that incorporates location distribution, spatial randomness, and temporal randomness in the collection of information from a plurality of sensing devices within the cognitive network. The region is divided into a plurality of sectors, where each sector is a portion of the region. A subset of sectors is selected from the plurality of sectors in the region to provide spatial randomness. A device is randomly selected from each sector in the subset of sectors to provide additional spatial randomness to the information collection process. Temporal randomness may be introduced by randomly selecting a timeslot within a sensing window period in which devices are to scan a frequency spectrum band to determine if a signal energy above a threshold is detected. Sensing reports are then collected from the selected sensing devices and used to determine whether the frequency spectrum band is available or in use. |
| US08948741B2 |
System and method of online radiation management and control of non-ionizing radiation sources
A computerized system for continuously monitoring the radiation coming from one or more radiation sources in a site, comprising: (a) a processing unit, for comparing radiation related data with regulation operational permits of the radiation sources, wherein the processing unit receives data files from the radiation sources and extracts from them the radiation related data; (b) a permits server for providing the regulation operational permits to the processing unit, wherein the permits server is connected to the processing unit; (c) an anomaly generator for receiving the compared radiated data from the processing unit, and generating an anomaly data file; wherein the anomaly file is utilized for managing and controlling the radiation sources, and detecting radiation anomaly in the site. |
| US08948735B2 |
Mobile termination roaming forwarding for mobile devices
A method for delivering a mobile terminated call to a mobile device communicating with a mobile switching center (MSC) in one example comprises steps of attempting to deliver the mobile terminated call to a mobile device, receiving a message that the mobile device is no longer in the location area served by the visiting MSC and forwarding the mobile terminated call to a different visiting MSC. The mobile terminated call is forwarded directly from one VMSC to another VMSC without requiring two potentially international calls to be placed serially from the GMSC to a VMSC. This method of Mobile Termination Roaming Forwarding can reduce substantial delay in call setup while saving network resources during establishment of the first call. |
| US08948733B2 |
Consumer registration via mobile device
Exemplary embodiments provide systems and methods to receive a transmission that is associated with an identification number and includes a number associated with a land line, determine a physical address based on the number associated with the land line, confirm the physical address that was determined, and associate the physical address with a user account, the user account being identified by the identification number. |
| US08948732B1 |
System and method for responding to service requests and facilitating communication between relevant parties
Various systems, methods, and computer program products for responding to service requests and facilitating communication between relevant parties are provided. The system may receive a request from a user, obtain a user location, identify a service provider such as an emergency response center based on the location, facilitate coordination of response efforts, and provide a page that is shared between various parties such as the user, contacts of the user, an operator, and a responder. The various parties may provide to the system inputs such as video to capture what is currently happening. The page may be updated with the inputs, include a status of the service request such as whether responders have been dispatched, and include a current location of the responders and other users. Using the page, various parties may obtain real-time situational awareness of an event that culminated in the service request and communicate with other users. |
| US08948731B2 |
Rating of message content for content control in wireless devices
Systems, methodologies, and devices are described that facilitate filtering content sent to a mobile device(s) by a content provider via a core network. A content provider can determine a content rating for content, and/or the core network and/or mobile device can determine or infer a content rating for unrated content from a content provider, based in part on predefined content rating criteria. A mobile device user can specify a desired content rating preference for the mobile device. A filter(s) respectively associated with the core network and/or mobile device can filter the content based in part on the content rating of the content and the content rating preference of the mobile device to which the content is being sent. Content that does not meet a content rating threshold can be filtered out and stored in a secure content folder accessible using a security code or discarded. |
| US08948730B2 |
Observation platform for using structured communications
Observation platform for using structured communications. A signal from a first communication device is received at a second communication device associated with a computer system, wherein a first characteristic of the signal corresponds to an audible source and a second characteristic of the signal corresponds to information indicative of a geographic position of the first communication device. A first user associated with the first communication device is recognized at the computer system. Context information for the signal is derived at the computer system associated with the second communication device. A copy of at least one characteristic of the signal is stored in a storage medium, wherein the copy of at least one characteristic of the signal is available for developing performance metrics. The signal is relayed to a destination derived from the context information. |
| US08948728B2 |
Method and apparatus for using a cellular network to facilitate access by a mobile device to a local wireless access point
A local wireless access capability is disclosed. A mobile device (MD) receives cellular service from a cellular service provider and is also configured to be able to access local wireless access points (LWAPs) of respective wireless hotspots. The MD detects one or more LWAPs. The MD determines access point information associated with each detected LWAP. The MD propagates the access point information toward a service provider controller (SPC) of the cellular service provider. The SPC determines, for each of one or more of the one or more detected LWAPs, whether the MD is authorized to access the LWAP. The SPC determines whether the MD is authorized to access an LWAP using the service information of the cellular service provider and the access point information associated with the LWAP. The SPC identifies one of the LWAPs to be accessed by the MD. The SPC provides credential data for the LWAP either to the MD (such that the MD may provide the credential information to the LWAP to access the LWAP) or to the LWAP (on behalf of the MD for authenticating the MD to the LWAP). The MD may then access the selected LWAP. |
| US08948721B2 |
Emergency notification system for a portable device
Systems and methods for providing alerts to end users of networked enabled portable devices are provided so that the end users are made aware when broadcast emergency alerts are issued. In various embodiments, a portable device is enabled to receive information about an emergency alert broadcast of which the user should be aware, e.g., from the EAS, and to notify the user of the emergency alert. The user can be automatically taken to the emergency alert information by having the portable device automatically tune to the emergency broadcast information, the user can optionally retrieve the emergency information by tuning to the emergency broadcast channel, and/or the user can otherwise be presented with a reference to the emergency data, such as a link to the information. |
| US08948715B2 |
Radio receiver with adaptive tuner
A mobile radio receiver for a vehicle. The mobile radio receiver includes a tuner front-end section, a location data port, a sensor port, and a data processing unit. The location data port is used for receiving tuner location data. The sensor port is used for receiving one or more sensor signals. The data processing unit is operably connected with the tuner front-end section, with the location data port, and with the sensor port. The data processing unit further comprises predetermined tuner location data and predetermined relationship data sets for determining a set of tuner front-end section parameters based on the sensor signals. The mobile radio receiver provides an operational mode, a checking mode, a tuner parameter adjustment mode, and a tuner parameter application mode. |
| US08948712B2 |
Via density and placement in radio frequency shielding applications
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to determining the location and/or density of vias that form part of an RF isolation structure of a packaged module and the resulting RF isolation structures. From electromagnetic interference (EMI) data, locations of where via density can be increased and/or decreased without significantly degrading the EMI performance of the RF isolation structure can be identified. In certain embodiments, one or more vias can be added and/or removed from a selected area of the packaged module based on the EMI data. |
| US08948710B2 |
Receiving device and semiconductor integrated circuit
In a receiving device, an oscillating section generates a local oscillating signal for performing frequency conversion of one reception target channel of channels in broadcasting in a first frequency band and channels in broadcasting in a second frequency band; a first receiving section generates a channel signal based on the local oscillating signal and a high-frequency signal in the first frequency band when the reception target channel is a channel in the first frequency band, and does not perform the generation when the reception target channel is a channel in the second frequency band; and second receiving section generates a channel signal based on the local oscillating signal and a high-frequency signal in the second frequency band when the reception target channel is a channel in the second frequency band, and does not perform the generation when the reception target channel is a channel in the first frequency band. |
| US08948709B2 |
Transmit/receive switch
A transceiver includes a first circuit having a connector for connection to an antenna and receiving circuitry, and a second circuit having transmitting circuitry. The first and second circuits are coupled using a balun, where the balun is arranged so that its unbalanced side is in the first circuit and its balanced side is in the second circuit. |
| US08948703B2 |
Evaluation device and method for providing a transceiver system with performance information thereof
An evaluation device is adapted for providing a transceiver system with performance information thereof. The transceiver system models a channel between a transmitter and a receiver thereof using Nakagami distribution with a fading parameter. The evaluation device includes a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) computing module, a capacity computing module, and an output module. The SNR computing module is operable to set an average SNR for the channel between the transmitter and the receiver, and to compute an expected value and variance of an effective SNR of the transceiver system according to the fading parameter and the average SNR. The capacity computing module is operable to compute an outage capacity of the transceiver system based upon the expected value and the variance of the effective SNR and a transmission outage parameter. The output module is operable to provide the transceiver system with the average SNR and the outage capacity. |
| US08948702B2 |
Antenna system and method for optimizing an RF signal
An antenna system and method utilize an evaluation branch circuit and an implementation branch circuit. These circuits are each connected to both a first antenna input and a second antenna input. An output of the evaluation branch circuit is in communication with a controller while an output of the implementation branch circuit is in communication with a receiver. Each branch circuit includes at least one signal conditioner to change an electrical characteristic of RF signals received from antennas via the antenna inputs. The evaluation branch circuit, controlled by the controller, changes the electrical characteristics of the RF signals in a variety of different ways to discover an optimized evaluation RF signal. Once the optimized evaluation RF signal is determined, the implementation branch circuit is controlled, by the controller, to produce an optimized implementation RF signal in accordance with that discovered by the evaluation branch circuit. |
| US08948701B2 |
Signaling power allocation parameters for uplink coordinated multipoint (CoMP)
A method for obtaining multiple path loss parameters by a user equipment (UE) is described. A radio resource control (RRC) signaling message is received from a serving eNode B. A first transmit power corresponding to a first reference signal is obtained from the RRC signaling message. A second transmit power corresponding to a second reference signal is obtained from the RRC signaling message. A first path loss parameter is calculated using the first transmit power. A second path loss parameter is calculated using the second transmit power. |
| US08948699B2 |
Method and arrangement for interference mitigation
In a method of interference mitigation in a multi user detection capable radio base station in a communication system, which radio base station comprises a set confined detection modules, at least one of which is capable of handling multiple user connections, first and at least a second subset of detection modules are formed from said set, wherein the second set comprises at least one interference mitigation capable detection module. Interference information from the first subset is communicated to the second subset, interference originating in user connections of the first subset are then mitigated from the user connections of the second subset. Subsequently, interference is mutually mitigated between the connections within the interference mitigation capable detection module. |
| US08948697B2 |
Wireless obtaining method for external data, electronic apparatus and application program
A wireless method for obtaining external data is comprised of an electronic apparatus, an external message and an external apparatus. The electronic apparatus reads an external message without physical contact and identifies a Media Access Control (MAC) Address of an external apparatus in accordance with the contactless message. The electronic apparatus establishes a wireless connection with the external apparatus directly using the identified MAC Address, and obtains necessary data from the external apparatus through the wireless connection. Therefore this wireless method circumvents the hassle for user to turn on and off a Bluetooth transmitting component of the electronic apparatus, select a connecting target, and establish the wireless connection with the external apparatus manually all together. |
| US08948696B2 |
Modulation circuit and semiconductor device including the same
An object of the present invention is to reduce the power consumption of a modulation circuit. The modulation circuit includes a load, a diode, and a transistor. An anode of the diode is electrically connected to one terminal of an antenna via the load; a cathode of the diode is electrically connected to one of a source and a drain of the transistor; the other of the source and the drain of the transistor is electrically connected to the other terminal of the antenna; and the transistor is controlled to be turned on or off in accordance with a signal input to a gate of the transistor. |
| US08948693B2 |
Mobile wireless communications device providing object reference data based upon near field communication (NFC) and related methods
A wireless communications system may include a near field communication (NFC) reference device configured to store object reference data for at least one object associated with a geographic location of the NFC device. The wireless communications system may also include a mobile wireless communications device that includes an NFC transceiver configured to communicate with the NFC device based upon proximity thereto, an image sensor, a display, and a controller. The controller may cooperate with the NFC transceiver, the image sensor, and the display. The controller may be configured to determine a sensed image from the image sensor. The controller may also be configured to select object reference data for the sensed image based upon communication with the NFC reference device, and display the object reference data and the sensed image on the display. |
| US08948692B2 |
Graphic notification feedback for indicating inductive coupling amongst devices
A computing device is operated to detect a signal generated from an inductive signal interface. The detected signal may be generated by the device's inductive signal interface being in operational proximity to an inductive signal interface of another device. A notification feedback is generated that confirms an event related to the first and second computing device inductively signaling one another. |
| US08948690B2 |
Doppler-nulling traveling-wave antenna relays for high-speed vehicular communications
An antenna relay system for facilitating wireless communication between mobile terminals on a high-speed rail vehicle and stationary base stations with substantially reduced Doppler shift effects comprises matched traveling wave directional antennas mounted to a high-speed rail vehicle and positioned collinearly alongside the railway. Both antennas continually transmit and receive at a fixed angle relative to the motion of the train so as to circumvent the Doppler shift. The signal transmitted or received by the stationary antenna is conducted to a nearest node for communication with an access network. |
| US08948688B2 |
Method and system for managing communications in a wireless communication network
The present invention relates to a method for managing communications in a wireless communications network having a mesh or “relay-based” communication mode operating according to a relay scheme. The network includes network devices defining transmission links between them. The method includes initially detecting a mobile obstacle within the network coverage area; dynamically tracking the detected obstacle by iteratively determining a monitoring area including the detected obstacle; selecting, from the transmission links, a subset of monitoring links belonging at least partly to the monitoring area and monitoring a perturbation level of the selected monitoring links to determine movement of the mobile obstacle in the coverage area; and dynamically adapting the relay scheme of the network based on the belonging or not belonging of the transmission links between network devices to the selected subset. |
| US08948679B2 |
Sheet conveyance device and image forming apparatus including same
A sheet conveyance device for conveying a recording medium includes a fixed roller, a movable roller, an urging member, and a shock absorber, and an image forming apparatus including the sheet conveyance device. The position of the fixed roller is fixed. The movable roller is disposed opposite the fixed roller to contact the fixed roller, thereby defining a nip. The urging member urges the movable member to contact the fixed roller in the absence of the recording medium in the nip and allows the movable member to separate from the fixed roller by an amount corresponding to a thickness of a recording medium when the recording medium enters the nip. The shock absorber absorbs displacement energy generated when the urging member urges the movable roller to contact the fixed roller again after the recording medium passes through the nip. |
| US08948678B2 |
Scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same
A scanning apparatus and an image forming apparatus having the same. The scanning apparatus includes: a main body having a scanning unit; a cover to open and close upon an upper surface of the main body; a hinge unit disposed on one of the main body and the cover so that the cover is rotatable with respect to the main body; a hinge accommodating unit disposed on the other of the main body and the cover to accommodate the hinge unit so that the cover is movable in an upward and downward direction with respect to the upper surface of the main body; and a movement restricting unit disposed on at least one of the hinge unit and the hinge accommodating unit to restrict a movement of the cover in the upward and downward direction. |
| US08948677B2 |
Protective agent block, method of manufacturing the same, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A protective agent block including metal soap; and boron nitride, wherein the weight ratio Mr of boron nitride to the metal soap is calculated from the relationship 1 based on Raman spectrum measured at each of multiple places on the protective agent block and the average of the measured weight ratios Mr ranges from 0.050 to 0.330 with a variation coefficient of 0.075 or less: Mr=(log(ABN/ASP)+1.3588)/7.7374 Relationship 1 where ABN represents a peak area in a range of from a wavenumber of 1377.837 cm−1 to 1354.695 cm−1 and ASP represents a peak area in a range of from a wavenumber of 1481.012 cm−1 to 1420.264 cm−1. |
| US08948676B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member to bear a toner image, a waste toner storage mechanism to store residual toner, and an intermediate transfer unit detachable from the image forming apparatus. The intermediate transfer unit includes an intermediate transfer member onto which the toner image is transferred, a cleaning device to remove residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer member after the toner image is transferred to a recording medium, and a connecting mechanism to connect the cleaning device and the waste toner storage mechanism. The connecting mechanism includes a movable connecting tube and a moving device to move the connecting tube between a first position at which the connecting tube engages the cleaning device and the waste toner storage mechanism, and the second position at which the connecting tube separates the cleaning device from the waste toner storage mechanism. |
| US08948675B2 |
Image pinning for substrate media handling
An apparatus for and method of handling substrate media in a marking device using toner. The apparatus including first and second rolls for handling the substrate media. The first roll applying pressure to the toner. After the application of pressure by the first roll, the toner remains partially unfused to the substrate media. The second roll subsequently engaging the pressed toner as the substrate media passes the second roll. The first roll and the second roll being disposed remotely from one another in a process handling direction of the substrate media. The method including the application of pressure to the unfused toner on the substrate media by a first roll. The method subsequently engages the pressed toner with a second roll for handling the substrate media. |
| US08948674B2 |
Fixing device
Provided is a fixing device including a transparent belt, a press roller that is rotated with being opposed to and contacting with the transparent belt, and transports a recording medium interposed therebetween, a press member-cum-optical system that contacts with the transparent belt from an opposite side to the press roller, forms a press region for pressing a toner image formed on the recording medium in cooperation with the press roller during transport of the recording medium, and collects laser light on the toner image in the press region in a transport direction of the recording medium, and a laser light irradiation unit that irradiates the press member-cum-optical system with laser light. |
| US08948672B2 |
Fixing device having plurality of fixation nip areas and image forming appartus having the same
A fixing device includes a rotatable body; a rotatable endless belt having inner and outer peripheral surfaces; a first presser portion within the inner peripheral surface and pressing the outer peripheral surface onto the rotatable body to form a first nip, through which a recording medium passes, between the endless belt and the rotatable body; and a second presser portion within the inner peripheral surface and pressing the outer peripheral surface onto the rotatable body to form a second nip through which the recording medium passes. The first nip decreases in length in a recording-medium transport direction from a central area toward opposite ends in an axial direction. The second nip increases in length in the transport direction from a central area toward opposite ends in the axial direction, and has an upstream edge, in the transport direction, whose central area protrudes upstream relative to the opposite ends. |
| US08948671B2 |
Fixing device having stably positioned nip plate
A fixing device for thermally fixing a developing agent image to a sheet includes: a flexible tubular member defining an axis extending in an axial direction; a heater; a nip plate configured to be in sliding contact with the tubular member and having an engaging portion; a backup member configured to nip the flexible tubular member in cooperation with the nip plate; and a stay configured to support the nip plate and having an end portion in the axial direction. The stay includes: a support portion configured to support the nip plate; a plurality of hook portions provided at the end portion to support the nip plate; and a protruding portion protruding toward the backup member and configured to engage the engaging portion such that the nip plate is restricted from moving in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the backup member confronts the nip plate. |
| US08948669B2 |
Transfer device and image forming apparatus
A transfer device includes a transfer roller that has a characteristic in which an electrical resistance is changed in accordance with a rotation speed, contacts a transferred body that moves in synchronization with movement of an image holding body holding a toner image, and transfers the toner image held by the image holding body on the transferred body by applying a transfer voltage to the transferred body; and a regulator that regulates the rotation speed of the transfer roller independently from the movement of the image holding body and the transferred body. |
| US08948668B2 |
Belt member feeding device and image forming apparatus provided with the same
A belt feeding apparatus has a rotatable belt, first and second belt stretching members, and a steering unit which has a rotatable portion rotatable with rotation of the belt, a frictional portion, and a supporting portion for supporting the rotatable portion. The frictional portion is provided with an inclined surface so that the distance between the rotational axis of the rotatable portion and the surface of the frictional portion increases toward an outside with respect to the direction of a rotational axis of the rotatable portion, and a length of the belt member with respect to the rotational axis direction of the rotatable portion is longer than a length of the rotatable portion and is shorter than a sum of the lengths of the rotatable portion and the frictional portions provided at respective ends, and the belt member contacts both of the frictional portions simultaneously. |
| US08948666B2 |
Developing device having thickness regulation blade
A developing device includes: a casing; a developing roller rotatably supported to the casing; a resiliently deformable blade supported to the casing; a regulation portion; and a covering portion. The developing roller is rotatable in a rotational direction and carries a layer of developer thereon. The blade extends in an axial direction of the developing roller and has one axial end portion formed with a through-hole, the blade having a first surface facing the developing roller and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The regulation portion is configured to be in contact with the developing roller to regulate a thickness of the layer of the developer carried on the developing roller. The covering portion is provided on the second surface and positioned to cover the through-hole. |
| US08948653B2 |
Image forming apparatus and developer container
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a developer container, an outlet, a first shutter, a cover member, a movable member, and a transmission member. The developer container is removably mountable relative to the apparatus body through an opening. The first shutter opens and closes the outlet. The cover member opens and closes the opening. The movable member is reciprocally movable in forward and reverse directions. The transmission member transmits action of the cover member to the movable member and is disposed between the cover member and the movable member. When the movable member is moved in the forward direction, the first shutter is closed. When the movable member is moved in the reverse direction, the first shutter is opened. In a terminal period of an opening operation of the cover member, a movement direction of the movable member is reversed from the forward direction to the reverse direction. |
| US08948652B2 |
Image forming apparatus and process unit that form images by using photosensitive bodies and developing units
In an image forming apparatus, photosensitive bodies are mounted in a first frame. Developing units are detachably mounted in the first frame. A second frame is movable relative to the first frame. Each developing unit is movable relative to the first frame between a separate position, at which a developing roller is separate from a photosensitive body, and a contact position, at which the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive body. The second frame moves relative to the first frame, thereby moving the developing units relative to the first frame between the separate positions and the contact positions. The second frame positions each developing unit relative to the first frame in a direction to move the developing roller toward the corresponding photosensitive body when the developing unit is in the contact position. |
| US08948651B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus having an improved structure of simply executing contact or separation between developing rollers and photoconductors is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a cover opening and closing a side of a main body, a photoconductor unit including a photoconductor, a laser scanning unit irradiating the photoconductor to form an electrostatic latent image and including a light source generating light and an optical window transmitting the light generated from the light source, a developing unit supplying a developer to the photoconductor and including a developing roller contacting or separated from the photoconductor, and a shutter unit operable in connection with the cover, opening the optical window when the cover closes the side of the main body, and closing the optical window when the cover opens the side of the main body. |
| US08948650B2 |
Toner cartridge having a shutter lock mechanism
A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. The housing has an exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir. A shutter is positioned at the exit port that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The shutter is biased toward the closed position. A linkage is operatively connected to the shutter to open the shutter upon being actuated by a first engagement feature in the image forming device. An interlock is operatively engaged with the linkage and biased toward a locked position preventing the linkage from opening the shutter. The interlock is movable to an unlocked position that is disengaged with the linkage when the interlock is actuated by a second engagement feature in the image forming device permitting the linkage to open the shutter. |
| US08948648B2 |
Developing device provided with sealing members assembled to thickness-regulation member
A developing device includes a casing having an opening extending in a first direction, a developing roller, a thickness-regulation member, an engagement portion and a sealing member. The thickness-regulation member includes a thin-plate member and a regulating portion. The thin-plate member is fixed to the casing and has a lateral end extending in a second direction. The regulating portion is fixed on the thin-plate member and has an end face extending in a direction. The engagement portion is fixed on the thin-plate member and positioned closer to the lateral end than the end face to the lateral end to provide a groove between the engagement portion and the end face. The sealing member is fitted in the groove and has a length in the first direction longer than a length of the groove prior to assembly of the sealing member into the groove. |
| US08948645B2 |
Optical scanning apparatus
An optical scanning apparatus including a deflection unit configured to deflect a light beam emitted from a light source so that the light beam scans on a photosensitive member, a casing which is configured to house the light source and the deflection unit inside the casing and which is provided with an aperture that transmits the light beam deflected by the deflection unit out from the casing, a first light transmission member provided on the aperture for dust-proofing an interior of the casing, which is configured to transmit the light beam incident on the aperture, and a support member configured to support a second light transmission member for transmitting a light beam that has been transmitted through the first light transmission member and dust-proofing the first light transmission member, wherein the second light transmission member is detachable from the support member. |
| US08948642B2 |
High-voltage power-supply apparatus, and image formation apparatus
A high-voltage power-supply apparatus comprises a controller configured to output a control signal containing a pulse with a variable drive frequency; a switching unit configured to be switched by the control signal and output a drive signal; a piezoelectric transducer having a predetermined resonant frequency, and configured to be driven by the drive signal and output a high-voltage output voltage; a current detector configured to detect an electric current of a load connected to an output side of the piezoelectric transducer and output a current-detection result; and a lower-limit-value setup unit configured to set a frequency lower limit value for the drive frequency of the controller. The controller is configured to vary the frequency lower limit value in accordance with the current-detection result. |
| US08948637B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a first image forming part that forms a first developer image representing an image by using a first developer; and a second image forming part that forms a second developer image serving as a base or covering of the first developer image by using a second developer. In a case where the first developer image and the second developer image are superimposed and formed on an image-formed body by the first image forming part and the second image forming part, amount of the first developer that is used to form the first developer image is increased as compared to a case where the first developer image is formed on the image-formed body by the first image forming part without being superimposed with the second developer image. |
| US08948636B2 |
Image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of charging rollers
A changing voltage is applied to a first charging roller. A voltage obtained by superimposing an alternating voltage on a direct voltage is applied to a second charging roller disposed on the downstream side of the first charging roller in the rotation direction of a photosensitive member. During image formation, the changing voltage applied to the first charging roller is changed so that the magnitude relationship between the potential of the photosensitive member which has been charged by using the first charging roller and which has reached a position at which the photosensitive member is charged by using the second charging roller and the direct voltage applied to the second charging roller is alternately switched. |
| US08948634B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a measurement unit configured to emit light to a measurement target, and measure reflected light from the measurement target; a white reference plate disposed at a position opposed to the measurement unit; an image forming unit configured to form a measurement image on a sheet; and a calculation unit configured to, based on a measurement value of the white reference plate and a measurement value of the measurement image by the measurement unit, calculate a spectral reflectivity of reflected light from the measurement image. The calculation unit is configured to, after correcting a variation due to color change of the white reference plate with respect to the measurement value of the white reference plate, calculate the spectral reflectivity. |
| US08948633B2 |
Wet-type image forming apparatus
A wet-type image forming apparatus includes a density detection unit and a charge amount control unit for controlling the charge amount of toner on a liquid developer carrier. An image forming unit forms patch images while the charge amount control unit successively changes the charge amount of toner on the liquid developer carrier in a state in which a development bias is held at a prescribed value. The density detection unit detects the image density of each patch image thereby detecting a range of the charge amount of toner in which the image density of the patch image is almost saturated. The charge amount of toner in normal image formation is set to be equal to or greater than the range of the charge amount of toner in which the image density of the patch image is almost saturated. |
| US08948632B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image formation correcting method
An image forming apparatus including: a photosensitive member; a conveying member; an exposure head; a developing unit; an image forming unit; a concentration sensor having a first detection width in a conveyance direction and a second detection width in an axial direction of the photosensitive member; and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the exposure head and the image forming unit to form a first image for correction, which includes a straight line part extending in the axial direction of the photosensitive member and having a length equal to or larger than the second detection width of the concentration sensor, on the conveying member, and wherein the control unit corrects a developing bias to be applied to the developing unit based on a detection result of the first image for correction by the concentration sensor. |
| US08948631B2 |
Image forming apparatus and density adjusting method
An image forming apparatus has a memory, an image forming unit, an intermediate transfer member, a density detector, a background density measurer, a test patch controlling unit and a density correcting unit. The density detector detects the density of the intermediate transfer member. The background density measurer stores background density, in the memory in correspondence with position information on the intermediate transfer member at a predetermined timing before a calibration for adjusting image formation density. The test patch controlling unit causes the image forming unit to form a test patch, on the intermediate transfer member while the intermediate transfer member is driven at a predetermined speed. The density correcting unit executes the calibration to adjust image formation density according to a difference between the background density stored in the memory when executing the calibration and corresponding to the position and density of the test patch. |
| US08948629B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes image carrier carrying latent image, developer carrier supplying developer on the image carrier, transfer part transferring the developer on the image carrier, cleaning blade removing attachment that attaches to a surface of the image carrier, internal environment detection part detecting an internal environmental temperature in the apparatus, developer disposal control part controlling disposal of developer from the developer carrier to the image carrier, and voltage control part controlling an applied voltage to the transfer part. Wherein, the developer disposal control part determines an absolute value of the applied voltage larger, which is applied to the transfer part during disposing the developer, where the internal environment temperature is high, and the voltage control part controls the applied voltage to the transfer part based on the absolute value of the voltage decided by the developer disposal control part. |
| US08948626B2 |
Cleaning device and electrophotographic apparatus
Provided is a cleaning device including a brush roll that removes residual toner remaining on a surface of a toner image carrier provided in an electrophotographic apparatus, and a pressure detector that contacts the surface of the brush roll with preload, and outputs a detected pressure value to a determination unit that is provided in the electrophotographic apparatus to determine the adhesion state of toner to the brush roll. |
| US08948624B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus provided with fixing device
A fixing device includes a fixing roller, a single heating member that heats the fixing roller, a pressure roller, a first temperature detecting element that detects the temperature of the contact region, of the fixing roller, that comes into contact with the recording paper transported, and a second temperature detecting element that detects the temperature of the noncontact region of the fixing roller. The fixing device carries out energization control of the heating member based on the temperature detected by the first temperature detecting element and stops energization control of the heating member when the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting element reaches a prescribed temperature. |
| US08948621B2 |
Management apparatus, image forming apparatus maintenance system including the same, and management method
A management apparatus communicates, via a communication network, with image forming apparatuses, and includes an information reception device that receives, from each of the image forming apparatuses via the network, prediction-use information useful for predicting a latent image carrier surface contamination level due to discharge products generated during charging, a contamination level prediction device that, on the basis of the received prediction-use information, predicts the latent image carrier surface contamination level of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the prediction-use information, and an instruction transmission device that, if the predicted latent image carrier surface contamination level exceeds a predetermined allowable range, transmits an execution instruction to execute a contamination reduction operation of reducing the contamination of the surface of the latent image carrier due to the discharge products to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the latent image carrier surface contamination level via the network. |
| US08948620B2 |
Image forming system and latent image carrier replacement time detection method
An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus, a physical property detector, a data storage device, and a latent image carrier replacement time detector. The image forming apparatus includes a replaceable latent image carrier, forms a latent image on a surface of the latent image carrier, develops the latent image into a visible image, and transfers the visible image onto a recording medium. The physical property detector detects predetermined physical properties of the image forming apparatus in a continuous manner or an intermittent manner. The data storage device stores, as a specific physical property, data on at least one of the detected physical properties, which changes before and after replacement of the latent image carrier. The latent image carrier replacement time detector detects, on the basis of changes over time of the stored specific physical property, a latent image carrier replacement time. |
| US08948617B2 |
Cartridge provided with pivotable member for new product detection
A cartridge includes: a casing for accommodating developer; a rotatable body rotatably provided at the casing; a pivot member; and a biasing member. The rotatable body is rotatable about a rotational axis, the rotatable body having an outer circumference defining a rotational path during rotation. The pivot member is disposed at the rotatable body at a position offset from the rotational axis and is pivotable about a pivot fulcrum extending in a direction parallel to a tangential direction of the rotational path. The pivot member being pivotably movable between an erect position in which the pivot member erects to form a first angle relative to the rotatable body and a collapsed position in which the pivot member pivots toward the rotatable body to form a second angle smaller than the first angle relative to the rotational body. The biasing member biases the pivot member toward the erect position. |
| US08948616B2 |
Image forming apparatus to discriminate toner cartridge
According to one embodiment, a toner cartridge includes a toner container to be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus body, a shutter to open and close a toner supply port of the toner container, and a key that indicates a type of the toner cartridge and allows the shutter to slide if the key coincides with a release part of the image forming apparatus body. |
| US08948612B2 |
System and method for generating soft decision reliability information from hard decisions in an optical signal receiver
A system and method for generating soft decision reliability information from hard decisions in an optical signal receiver. The receiver may include a digital signal processor including a symbol reliability function for generating symbol reliability information associated with symbols encoded on optical signal. The symbol reliability information may be generated as a function of the symbols and hard decision outputs associated with the symbols. |
| US08948608B1 |
Direct-coupled driver for mach-zehnder optical modulators
An optical modulator device directly-coupled to a driver circuit device. The optical modulator device can include a transmission line electrically coupled to an internal VDD, a first electrode electrically coupled to the transmission line, a second electrode electrically coupled to the first electrode and the transmission line. A wave guide can be operably coupled to the first and second electrodes, and a driver circuit device can be directly coupled to the transmission line and the first and second electrodes. This optical modulator and the driver circuit device can be configured without back termination. |
| US08948593B2 |
Optical network interconnect device
An optical network interconnect device interconnects a first WDM network for transmitting a WDM optical signal with first wavelength spacing and a second WDM network for transmitting a WDM optical signal with second wavelength spacing that is wider than the first wavelength spacing. The optical network interconnect device includes a filter to remove a wavelength component which is not used in the second WDM network from an WDM optical signal transferred from the first WDM network to the second WDM network. |
| US08948592B2 |
Method for auto-configuration of a wavelength selective switch in an optical network
The invention relates to a method for auto-configuring a wavelength selective switch (WSS) device having an output port and a plurality of input ports and coupled to a WSS controller. When connected to a WDM optical network, the WSS controller is programmed to utilize one or more optical channel monitors (OCM) coupled to the input and/or output ports to detect which of the wavelengths are present at the input ports. Wavelengths that are not detected on any input port are blocked by the WSS. Any wavelength detected as present at one and only one input port is switched by the WSS to the output port. If a wavelength is detected at two or more input ports, it is either blocked by the WSS at each of the input ports until user intervention, or is blocked at all but one of the input ports as defined by assigned port priorities. |
| US08948590B2 |
Modular kit of devices for variable distribution, mixing and monitoring of optical signals in the internet and other networks
Modular kit of devices for variable distribution, mixing and monitoring of optical signals in the Internet and other networks is formed by an optical module interconnected with a control electronic module of the electronic system with two redundant power supply sources, which is subsequently interconnected with the communication computer module equipped with the user communication interface and the machine communication interface. Optical module has N optical inputs and M optical outputs where N and M are non-zero natural numbers, and in total the optical module contains N×M of 2×2 type Mach-Zender interferometer optical switching elements. Each of them has two optical inputs, two optical outputs and one electric input. Optical switching elements are mutually interconnected in a grid. Control electronic module is formed by N×M pulse-width modulators connected via an interface module to the communication computer module and to the power supply distribution block. |
| US08948589B2 |
Apparatus and method for testing fibers in a PON
A manner of providing for testing of access fibers in a PON (passive optical network) using OTDR (optical time-domain reflectometry). According to the invention, a PON includes an optical splitter module having one or more optical couplers that combines downstream light from 1×N optical splitter directing the output of an OLT (optical line terminal) and a cyclic AWG (arrayed waveguide grating) for transmission toward one or more ONUs (optical network units). The splitter module is preferably formed on a single semiconductor chip, such as a PIC (photonic integrated circuit) chip and may reside in an outside plant of the PON. |
| US08948586B2 |
Method and apparatus for laser overlap detection
There are disclosed systems and methods for detecting whether an Optical Network Unit (ONU) in a network may be causing a communications interference due to laser overlap. In one embodiment, an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) selects a pair of ONUs suspected of possibly causing laser overlap. The OLT then grants a first window to a first ONU for transmitting a first message, and grants to another ONU different from the pair of ONUs a second window for transmitting a second message. If the first message is not received by the OLT, then the OLT indicates that the first ONU may be causing laser overlap. In another embodiment, the OLT grants to an ONU a window for transmitting a message to the OLT. If the message is not received by the OLT when expected, then the OLT indicates that the ONU may be causing laser overlap. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08948583B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method of controlling the same and camera
This invention provides an information processing apparatus for allowing a user to perform operation without any confusion concerning a device which implements a plurality of functions for one operation member in accordance with operation methods for the operation member. A system controller performs control to execute a predetermined function in response to the start of operation on an operation member and terminate execution of the predetermined function in response to the end of the operation. A timer function unit measures the time from the start of operation on the operation member. When a given operation finishes before the time measured by the timer function unit exceeds a predetermined time after the start of the operation, a notification about the operation method for the operation member is output. |
| US08948582B2 |
Heat medium heating device and vehicle air conditioner including the same
In a heat medium heating device 10 in which a heat exchange element 20 formed by stacking multiple flat heat exchange tubes 21 and multiple pairs of PTC heaters 26 in multiple layers is fastened and fixed into a casing 11 including heat medium outlet and inlet paths 15 and 16, connection portions 48 and 49 between a power supply HV harness and a control LV harness 44 are provided on an outer surface on one surface side where the heat medium outlet and inlet paths 15 and 16 of the casing 11 are provided, and a control substrate 33 that controls energization to the PTC heaters 26 is disposed on an inside on the same side as a surface on which the connection portions 48 and 49 of the casing 11 is provided. |
| US08948579B2 |
Infrared radiation cooker
Provided is an infrared radiation cooker in which heat from an infrared lamp is directly applied onto food being grilled, to thus cook the upper and inner parts of the food, as well as onto a rotatable pan, to thus simultaneously cook the lower part of the food. As a result, the food cooks evenly throughout without burning or creating residual odors from above to below as well as from outer to inner, and further the rotatable pan of respectively different structures can be selected depending on an intended cooking purpose, to thereby adjust height of the rotatable pan, which changes a heat intensity, to thus vary a cooking style, and which can be used to boil, grill or roast foods as one would like. |
| US08948577B2 |
Hand-held hot air device with a digital operating device with a universal operating element
The hand-held hot air device, preferably for the local heating of thermoplastic materials, with a housing that forms a wand-shaped handle part with air inlet openings, and with an air guidance tube that protrudes from the handle part and radially delimits an air canal, with an electric heating element contained in the air guidance tube and an electric motor with a fan wheel contained in the handle part, and with an electronic control system arranged inside the handle part with one semiconductor power switch each arranged upstream of both the heating element and the electric motor, and with a display screen and an operating device for the hand-held hot air device arranged on the outside of the handle part. The electronic control system is implemented as microprocessor control system, the display screen as an electronic digital display, and the operating device as a digital operating device, with the digital operating device comprising a single universal operating element that is movable in at least two directions relative to the handle part for the purpose of switching the hand-held hot air device on and/or off and for determining control data of the microprocessor control system. |
| US08948576B2 |
Compact air handler system
An air handler system comprising a cabinet housing a blower unit and a heat exchange unit. The blower unit and the heat exchange unit are located in a substantially same lateral dimension in the cabinet. The blower unit and the heat exchange unit are separated by a distance that provides for a substantially uniform flow of air through a vertically-orientated plane of the heat exchange unit when the blower unit is in operation. |
| US08948571B2 |
Receiver, shutter glasses, and communication system
A receiver allows controlling a device to be controlled such as a display device based on reference timing acquired from reception data without delay and with low power consumption, and includes: a communication device receiving data incoming intermittently; a first control circuit analyzing the data received by the communication device to identify the presence of a predetermined reference timing signal pattern in the data; and a timer for counting a clock from an initial value, generating a control signal for the device to be controlled according to a resulting count value, and if the count value reaches a predetermined interval value, resuming counting the clock at the initial value. The timer changes the initial value to reduce a count of the clock between the initial value and the interval value if the first control circuit identifies the predetermined reference timing signal pattern to be present. |
| US08948570B2 |
Video display system, video display method, and computer-readable medium
An image capturing system that records on a video recording unit a video captured by an image capturing apparatus and displays the video thus captured on a display unit comprises a change recording unit that records information of the time when, and the region where, a change of status occurs when the change detection unit detects such a change of status, and an extraction unit that extracts a partial region of video from the video thus recorded for displaying on the display unit. The extraction unit switches the video that is displayed on the display unit by extracting a video of the region of the change of status when the imaging time of the video that is displayed on the display unit reaches a time before a time prior to change that is preset, from the time when the change of status occurs. |
| US08948565B2 |
Method and system for utilizing storage in network video recorders
The subject matter discloses a method, comprising obtaining a current retention time of storage associated with a digital recorder; obtaining current bitrates of channels used to transmit video captured by edge devices communicating with the digital recorder. The method then determines change in compression rates to be allocated to at least a portion of the channels according to the current retention time and the current bitrates and transmits the change in compression rates to be allocated to the channels to edge devices communicating with the digital recorder. The method can be implemented in a system in which several digital recorders use the same storage. |
| US08948557B2 |
Universal remote radio unit fiber optic cable assembly
A fiber optic cable has a cable core that includes at least one optical fiber coupled to a fiber optic connector. A cable adapter sleeve is axially mounted on the cable core to surround the cable core, the cable adapter sleeve including a body portion that has a first outer diameter, a collar that has a second outer diameter that is greater than the first outer diameter, and a stop that has a third outer diameter that is greater than the first outer diameter. |
| US08948554B2 |
Slot-line waveguide optical switch system and method
A slot-line waveguide optical switch system and method are disclosed. An optical switch system can include a slot-line waveguide optical switch that includes a plurality of wall portions that are each formed from a high refractive-index material and that are arranged to form a channel portion comprising an electro-optic material interposed to extend between the plurality of wall portions. The channel portion can include an input channel to receive an input optical signal and plural output channels to receive the input optical signal from the input channel. A channel switching system can provide a voltage to an electrode coupled to a corresponding wall portion to change a relative refractive index in the output channels via the electro-optic material and thereby switch the input optical signal to one of the output channels. |
| US08948548B2 |
Polarization diverse demultiplexing
A method for demultiplexing an optical signal includes receiving a multi polarization optical signal, separating the multi polarization optical signal into a first polarization optical signal and a second polarization optical signal, rotating a polarization of the first polarization optical signal to match a polarization of the second polarization optical signal, routing the first polarization optical signal and the second polarization optical signal to a common demultiplexing device, outputting a channel of the first polarization optical signal and the second polarization optical signal to a common photodetector. |
| US08948546B2 |
Optical frequency shifter and optical modulator using the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a temperature-independent optical frequency shifter for generating sub-carriers with a miniaturizable configuration, as well as to provide an all-optical OFDM modulator using the same that is compact, has low temperature dependence, and is even compatible with different frequency grids. Provided is an optical frequency shifter and an optical modulator using the same, the optical frequency shifter comprises one input optical port, a 1-input, 2-output optical coupler optically connected thereto, two Mach-Zehnder modulation units individually optically connected to the two outputs thereof, a 2-input, 2-output optical coupler optically connected to the individual outputs thereof, and two output optical ports optically connected to the outputs thereof, wherein the two Mach-Zehnder modulation units are driven by periodic waveforms at the same frequency whose phases differ from each other by (2p+1)π/2 (p: integer). |
| US08948543B2 |
Exposure condition decision support system and method
A console of an X-ray imaging system functions as a query receiver and a retrieval section to support decision on an exposure condition. The query receiver receives a retrieval query such as an exposed body portion and an exposure direction. The retrieval section refers to an exposure date of image files having the same patient ID number, and calculates an exposure interval between a pair of prior and subsequent image files the exposure dates of which are the nearest to each other. The exposure interval is compared with a threshold value. If the exposure interval is less than the threshold value, neither image file is assigned as a model image file. If the exposure interval is the threshold value or more, the subsequent image file is assigned as the model image file. The retrieval section retrieves the image file matching the retrieval query out of the model image files. |
| US08948541B2 |
System and apparatus for media customization
An amusement park attraction including customizable media. The amusement park attraction includes at least one ride vehicle configured to seat one or more guests, the at least one ride vehicle including at least one first computing device with a display. Additionally, the amusement park attraction includes an imaging device positioned to capture at least one image of the at least one or more guests. The at least one first computing device is configured to display customized media comprising a stock media altered to include the at least one guest image. |
| US08948540B2 |
Optimized orthonormal system and method for reducing dimensionality of hyperspectral images
A method for reducing dimensionality of hyperspectral images includes receiving a hyperspectral image having a plurality of pixels. The method may further include establishing an orthonormal basis vector set comprising a plurality of mutually orthogonal normalized members. Each of the mutually orthogonal normalized members may be associated with one of the plurality of pixels of the hyperspectral image. The method may further include decomposing the hyperspectral image into a reduced dimensionality image, utilizing calculations performed while establishing said orthonormal basis vector set. A system configured to perform the method may also be provided. |
| US08948539B2 |
System and method for image improvement and enhancement
System and method for image improvement comprising providing a series of frames; summing pixel values to obtain frame intensity; computing average frame intensity; determining frame intensity deviation for each frame by subtracting average frame intensity from frame intensity; determining an array of average pixel values (AAPV) and subtracting AAPV from the pixel value arrays to determine positive or negative pixel deviation values; grouping frames in first or second groups depending positive or negative frame intensity deviation; selecting all pixel values having a positive or negative deviation value and creating subgroups of positive or negative pixel deviation value frames, multiplying the pixel deviation value frames in each subgroup by frame intensity deviation to create first product arrays, which are summed together and divided by total number of frames to obtain second product arrays for each subgroup; selecting one or more of second product arrays to generate an image. |
| US08948536B2 |
Dynamic contrast enhanced MR imaging with compressed sensing reconstruction
The present invention relates to a method of performing dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of an object (10) with signal separation for water and fat, the method comprising acquiring magnetic resonance datasets in the k-space using Dixon acquisition in a chemical shift encoding space and dynamic time resolution in a dynamic time space, wherein the dataset acquisition is performed employing undersampling, wherein the method further comprises: applying a compressed sensing reconstruction technique in the k-space, the chemical shift encoding space and the dynamic time space, said compressed sensing reconstruction resulting in reconstructed datasets, —performing Dixon reconstruction on the reconstructed datasets and dynamic contrast analysis on the Dixon reconstructed datasets. |
| US08948531B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus includes a viewing situation analyzing unit configured to obtain information representing a user's viewing situation of 3D content stored in a certain storage unit, and, based on a preset saving reference in accordance with a viewing situation of 3D content, determine a data reduction level of content data of the 3D content stored in the storage unit; and a data conversion unit configured to perform data compression of the content data of the 3D content stored in the storage unit in accordance with the determined data reduction level. |
| US08948526B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding binary image using adaptive template and method and apparatus for decoding the same
Provided are binary image encoding and decoding methods and binary image encoding and decoding apparatuses using an adaptive template. The binary image encoding method includes: applying a window having a predetermined size and shape to a predetermined number of previous pixels and peripheral pixels of the previous pixels, and acquiring correlations between the previous pixels and the peripheral pixels within the window; determining relative locations having high correlation with the previous pixels within the window based on the acquired correlations; generating a template based on the determined relative locations; and performing binary arithmetic encoding on a current pixel by using the generated template. |
| US08948525B2 |
Transferring system for huge and high quality images on network and method thereof
A transferring system for huge and high quality images on network and a method thereof are disclosed, wherein various individual image data are converted into high quality image data to be converted into layered image data, and classified into a plurality of sub cells, then stored in database as a compressed form. A client system connected to a server requires information, immediately downloads the required information, releases the compression, and then displays on a screen real time. In the present invention, a user can fast see only his wanted part since images of a newspaper and a magazine are converted as they were. Also, various additional information is provided with image, thereby providing multimedia digital publication services on wire or wireless network. |
| US08948524B2 |
Joint image compression method and apparatus
A joint image compression system and method compress a target image and a reference image under a selected transform to produce a compressed difference image. The joint image compression system includes a computer readable media and a computer program stored on the computer readable media. The computer program includes instructions that implement selecting a transform from among a plurality of transforms that includes a subset determined projective (SDP) transform, where the selected transform minimizes a cumulative mapping error (CME) for corresponding feature points in each of a target image and a reference image. The instructions further implement applying the selected transform to one of the target image and the reference image; forming a difference image under the selected transform and compressing the difference image to produce a compressed difference image. |
| US08948521B2 |
Method and apparatus for assessing image quality using quantization codes
Provided is a method for assessing image quality using quantization codes, which includes: filtering an original image and a distorted image; generating phase quantization codes from the filtering result; calculating a Hamming difference between the phase quantization code of the original image and the phase quantization code of the distorted image; and assessing image quality of the distorted image by using the calculated Hamming difference. According to the present disclosure, since pixel values of the original image and the distorted image are mapped onto a quantized complex plane and then binary code operation is performed, it is possible to easily implement image quality assessing hardware and also ensure excellent image quality assessing performance. |
| US08948520B2 |
Image categorization based on comparisons between images
In an example embodiment, a method is provided for image categorization. Here, images are displayed. In turn, a user input that describes a characteristic shared between the images from a comparison between the images is received. The user input may then be classified into categorization data. |
| US08948519B2 |
Linear mark detection system, linear mark detection method, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing linear mark detecting program
A linear mark detection system includes a filter value calculation unit, a filter value threshold processing unit, and a feature value output unit. The filter value calculation unit calculates, for each pixel of an image, filter values corresponding to each of a plurality of linear mark widths using pixel values inside and outside the linear mark. The filter value threshold processing unit selects the most suitable value from filter values corresponding to each of the plurality of linear mark widths as a feature value. The feature value output unit outputs, for each pixel of the image, the feature value computed by the filter value threshold processing function as the feature value corresponding to the linear mark. |
| US08948518B2 |
Scalable query for visual search
A system and a method for progressive queries, which are a sequence of queries for visual search of an image, sent from a sender to a receiver of a communication network, are disclosed. Queries based on a set of feature points and their associated locations of an image may be selected in sequence. A sender sends a first query to a receiver, wherein the first query comprises a number of feature points which is a subset of the set of feature points of the image invariant to rotation and scaling in creating the image. The sender receives a feedback from the receiver, wherein the feedback is generated by the receiver based on searching an image repository using information from the first query. The sender then decides whether there is a match of the image in the image repository based on the received feedback. |
| US08948516B2 |
Method for regenerating the background of digital images of a video stream
The invention relates to a method for regenerating the background of digital images of a video stream comprising steps consisting in: —setting an initial background image, —cutting the unit images of the video stream into blocks b (i, j, t) and of the background image into corresponding blocks Bo (i, j, t). The method is essentially characterized in that it further includes steps consisting in: —selecting one block Bo of the background image and/or b of the frame image, and •calculating the space correlation thereof, with: •at least one block Bo of the background image at a time (t), and/or at another time (t−a), and/or •at least one block b of the frame image at a time (t), and/or at another time (t−a), and/or—updating the background image according to the calculation of the space correlation. |
| US08948512B2 |
Methods, systems, and media for image processing using hierarchical expansion
Methods, systems, and media for image processing using hierarchical expansion are provided. More particularly, the hierarchical expansion can include a merge expansion and/or a refine expansion. In some embodiments, a method for image processing, comprising: receiving a plurality of images, wherein each of the plurality of images has one of a plurality of resolutions; for a first image from the plurality of images that has a first resolution, determining a first set of labels corresponding to each pixel of the first image; and for a second image from the plurality of images that has a second resolution, generating a second set of labels corresponding to each pixel of the second image based on the first set of labels. |
| US08948511B2 |
Automated document processing system
An automated document processing system is configured to normalize zones obtained from a document, and to extract articles from the normalized zones. In one configuration, the system receives at least one zone from the document, and applies at least one zone-breaking factor, thereby creating normalized sub-zones within which text lines are consistent with the at least one zone-breaking factor. The normalized sub-zones may be evaluated to obtain a reading order. Adjacent sub-zones are joined if text similarity exceeds a threshold value. Weakly joined sub-zones are separated where indicated by a topic vectors analysis of the weakly joined sub-zones. |
| US08948510B2 |
Method for merging the regions in the image/video
The present invention relates to a method for merging regions in the image/video, capable of merging plural of image regions into an image merging region. In the disclosed method, these image regions are first sequenced basing on their compactness value. Then, one of these image regions is designated as a reference image region, and a merging test process is executed by merging the reference image region with one of the nearby image regions thereof in sequence, for forming a temporal image merging region. Later, the compactness value of the temporal image merging region is compared with the compactness value of the two consisting image regions thereof, respectively. When the compactness value of the temporal image merging region is larger than either one of the compactness value of the two consisting image regions thereof, the temporal image merging region is designated as an image merging region. |
| US08948506B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, and program
A device and method for generating RGB arrangement data from an imaging signal by a photograph imaging device having an RGBW arrangement are provided. An edge detection unit analyzes an output signal in the RGBW arrangement from the imaging device, and thus obtains edge information corresponding to each pixel, and a texture detection unit generates texture information. Furthermore, a parameter calculation unit performs an interpolation process of converting an application pixel position according to the edge direction corresponding to a conversion pixel. A blend process unit inputs a parameter which the parameter calculation unit generates, edge information and texture information, and determines a conversion pixel value by performing a blend process by changing a blend ratio of the parameter which the parameter calculation unit calculates, according to the edge information corresponding to the conversion pixel and the texture information. |
| US08948503B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, and image pickup device
Disclosed herein is an image processing device including a subband dividing section configured to perform subband division of image data of a color whose pixel positions are alternately shifted from each other, the image data being included in image data output from an image pickup element of a pixel arrangement in which the pixel positions of at least one color of three primary colors are alternately shifted from each other in one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, with pixels of two upper and lower lines adjacent to each other or pixels of two left and right columns adjacent to each other as a unit. |
| US08948499B1 |
Method for online learning and recognition of visual behaviors
Described is a system for object and behavior recognition which utilizes a collection of modules which, when integrated, can automatically recognize, learn, and adapt to simple and complex visual behaviors. An object recognition module utilizes a cooperative swarm algorithm to classify an object in a domain. A graph-based object representation module is configured to use a graphical model to represent a spatial organization of the object within the domain. Additionally, a reasoning and recognition engine module consists of two sub-modules: a knowledge sub-module and a behavior recognition sub-module. The knowledge sub-module utilizes a Bayesian network, while the behavior recognition sub-module consists of layers of adaptive resonance theory clustering networks and a layer of a sustained temporal order recurrent temporal order network. The described invention has applications in video forensics, data mining, and intelligent video archiving. |
| US08948496B2 |
Dynamic transfer of three-dimensional image data
A method for transferring volumetric image data from a server to at least one client comprising: transforming said volumetric images into a hierarchical representation comprising a plurality of coefficients, said hierarchical representation comprising a plurality of levels of essentially non-redundant data, wherein a level of said hierarchical representation comprises transform data sufficient to reconstruct said images at a resolution corresponding to said level; partitioning said coefficients into a plurality of voxels, each voxel comprising “n” coefficients in a horizontal direction, “m” coefficients in a vertical direction, and “P” coefficients in a depth direction; requesting, from a client to a server, transform data in the form of voxels from one or more levels of said hierarchical representation necessary to reconstruct at least a portion of said source volume; transferring, from a client to a server, a request for coefficients of at least a portion of said volumetric image; transferring, from said server to said client, at least one voxel in response to said request; and reconstructing, at said client, volumetric views of said volume images from said transferred at least one voxel. |
| US08948487B2 |
Non-rigid 2D/3D registration of coronary artery models with live fluoroscopy images
A method for non-rigid registration of digital 3D coronary artery models with 2D fluoroscopic images during a cardiac intervention includes providing a digitized 3D centerline representation of a coronary artery tree that comprises a set of S segments composed of QS 3D control points, globally aligning the 3D centerline to at least two 2D fluoroscopic images, and non-rigidly registering the 3D centerline to the at least two 2D fluoroscopic images by minimizing an energy functional that includes a summation of square differences between reconstructed centerline points and registered centerline points, a summation of squared 3D registration vectors, a summation of squared derivative 3D registration vectors, and a myocardial branch energy. The non-rigid registration of the 3D centerline is represented as a set of 3D translation vectors rs,q that are applied to corresponding centerline points xs,q in a coordinate system of the 3D centerline. |
| US08948486B2 |
Method to process radiological images
A method to process radiological images is provided. The method comprises partitioning a radiological image of a region to be treated into a superimposition of layers, the region to be treated comprising at least one first structure and a second structure, wherein one layer solely comprises part of the first structure to be isolated from the remainder of the image, the layer solely comprising that part of the first structure to be isolated from the remainder of the image being determined by means of a parametric model of the first structure. The method further comprises determining an image of the region to be treated from the layering thus obtained, in which the isolated part of the first structure is omitted. |
| US08948480B2 |
Image reconstruction using redundant Haar wavelets
A method for image reconstruction includes receiving under-sampled k-space data, determining a data fidelity term of a first image of the under-sampled k-space data in view of a second image of the under-sampled k-space data, wherein a time component separated the first image and the second image, determining a spatial penalization on redundant Haar wavelet coefficients of the first image in view of the second image, and optimizing the first image according the data fidelity term and the spatial penalization, wherein the spatial penalization selectively penalizes temporal coefficients and an optimized image of the first image is output. |
| US08948479B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method and computer readable recording device
An image processing device includes: a feature data calculator configured to calculate the feature data of each pixel in an image; an approximate shape calculator configured to calculate an approximate shape approximating a profile of a distribution area in which the feature data is distributed in a feature space having the feature data as an element; and an abnormal area detector configured to detect an abnormal area in the image based on the approximate shape and the profile of the distribution area. |
| US08948476B2 |
Determination of cardiac geometry responsive to doppler based imaging of blood flow characteristics
A system and method for identifying a location of a physical structure in a body is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit configured to register a first image of a portion of the body in a three-dimensional coordinate system. The electronic control unit is further configured to identify the location of the physical structure in the three-dimensional coordinate system responsive to flow of a fluid shown in the image. The fluid may comprise blood. In one embodiment, the electronic control unit is further configured to generate a second image, such as a three dimensional model, incorporating a representation of the physical structure within a larger physical environment in the three-dimensional coordinate system. |
| US08948473B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
A plurality of sets each including part information representing a human body part and a schema image serving as the schematic view of the human body part are held. A captured image representing the interior of the body of a patient is acquired. Hierarchical structure information is acquired, which contains part information globally representing a part corresponding to a designated portion on the captured image and part information locally representing the part corresponding to the designated portion. A set including the part information contained in the hierarchical structure information is acquired. A schema image included in the acquired set is output. |
| US08948470B2 |
Photographing apparatus, method and program
Processing for judging whether a face is included in a frame is performed, in a predetermined interval, on each of frames included in a moving image of a subject, displayed on a monitor, until the judgment becomes positive. If it is judged that a face is included in a frame, the facial position is detected in the frame, and stored. Then, judgment is made as to whether a face is included in the next frame after predetermined time. If the judgment is positive, the facial position is detected. The previously stored facial position is replaced by the newly detected facial position, and the newly detected facial position is stored. These processes are repeated until photographing operation is performed by operating a release unit. |
| US08948468B2 |
Modification of viewing parameters for digital images using face detection information
A method of modifying the viewing parameters of digital images using face detection for achieving a desired spatial parameters based on one or more sub-groups of pixels that correspond to one or more facial features of the face. Such methods may be used for animating still images, automating and streamlining application such as the creation of slide shows and screen savers of images containing faces. |
| US08948466B2 |
Biometric identification and verification
In real biometric systems, false match rates and false non-match rates of 0% do not exist. There is always some probability that a purported match is false, and that a genuine match is not identified. The performance of biometric systems is often expressed in part in terms of their false match rate and false non-match rate, with the equal error rate being when the two are equal. There is a tradeoff between the FMR and FNMR in biometric systems which can be adjusted by changing a matching threshold. This matching threshold can be automatically, dynamically and/or user adjusted so that a biometric system of interest can achieve a desired FMR and FNMR. |
| US08948462B2 |
Texture identification
Technologies are generally described for determining a texture of an object. In some examples, a method for determining a texture of an object includes receiving a two-dimensional image representative of a surface of the object, estimating a three-dimensional (3D) projection of the image, transforming the 3D projection into a frequency domain, projecting the 3D projection in the frequency domain onto a spherical co-ordinate system, and determining the texture of the surface by analyzing spectral signatures extracted from the 3D projection on the spherical co-ordinate system. |
| US08948459B2 |
Image capture and identification system and process
A digital image of the object is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object. |
| US08948451B2 |
Information presentation device, information presentation method, information presentation system, information registration device, information registration method, information registration system, and program
An information presentation device includes an object information acquiring unit and an information presentation control unit. The object information acquiring unit acquires object identification information and relative positional information on the relative position between an object and a camera. The object identification information and the relative positional information are obtained by performing processing for detecting and identifying the object for image data. The information presentation control unit controls presentation of information on the basis of the object identification information and the relative positional information. |
| US08948450B2 |
Method and system for automatic object detection and subsequent object tracking in accordance with the object shape
A method and system for automatic object detection and subsequent object tracking in accordance with the object shape in digital video systems having at least one camera for recording and transmitting video sequences. In accordance with the method and system, an object detection algorithm based on a Gaussian mixture model and expanded object tracking based on Mean-Shift are combined with each other in object detection. The object detection is expanded in accordance with a model of the background by improved removal of shadows, the binary mask generated in this way is used to create an asymmetric filter core, and then the actual algorithm for the shape-adaptive object tracking, expanded by a segmentation step for adapting the shape, is initialized, and therefore a determination at least of the object shape or object contour or the orientation of the object in space is made possible. |
| US08948449B2 |
Selecting visible regions in nighttime images for performing clear path detection
A method provides for determining visible regions in a captured image during a nighttime lighting condition. An image is captured from an image capture device mounted to a vehicle. An intensity histogram of the captured image is generated. An intensity threshold is applied to the intensity histogram for identifying visible candidate regions of a path of travel. The intensity threshold is determined from a training technique that utilizes a plurality of training-based captured images of various scenes. An objective function is used to determine objective function values for each correlating intensity value of each training-based captured image. The objective function values and associated intensity values for each of the training-based captured images are processed for identifying a minimum objective function value and associated optimum intensity threshold for identifying the visible candidate regions of the captured image. |
| US08948448B2 |
Method and apparatus for trajectory estimation, and method for segmentation
A trajectory estimation apparatus includes: an image acceptance unit which accepts images that are temporally sequential and included in the video; a hierarchical subregion generating unit which generates subregions at hierarchical levels by performing hierarchical segmentation on each of the images accepted by the image acceptance unit such that, among subregions belonging to hierarchical levels different from each other, a spatially larger subregion includes spatially smaller subregions; and a representative trajectory estimation unit which estimates, as a representative trajectory, a trajectory, in the video, of a subregion included in a certain image, by searching for a subregion that is most similar to the subregion included in the certain image, across hierarchical levels in an image different from the certain image. |
| US08948446B2 |
Vision based zero velocity and zero attitude rate update
A method comprises receiving a first frame from at least one imaging device, receiving a second frame from the at least one imaging device, analyzing at least a portion of the first frame and at least a portion of the second frame, and indicating when at least one of a zero velocity update and a zero attitude update should be performed based on at least in part on the analysis of the at least a portion of the first frame and the at least a portion of the second frame. The first frame is captured at a first vantage point and the second frame is captured at a second vantage point. |
| US08948445B2 |
Embedding visual information in a two-dimensional bar code
A two dimensional barcode containing encoded information can be embedded with an image with a high visual quality. The encoded information within the barcode is meaningful to machines, while the image is meaningful to humans. The two dimensional barcode embedded with the image is designed such that machines can decode the information encoded within the two dimensional barcode even with the distortion from the image. The subject application describes various systems, methods and devices that can facilitate embedding the image within the two dimensional barcode, detecting the two dimensional barcode embedded with the image within a practical environment, and decoding the encoded information from the two dimensional barcode even with the distortion from the image. |
| US08948439B2 |
Acoustic conversion device and acoustic conversion device assembly method
An acoustic conversion device includes: a driving unit including a pair of magnets disposed so as to face each other, a yoke to which the pair of magnets are attached, a coil to which driving current is supplied, a vibrating portion which vibrates when driving current is supplied to the coil, and an armature disposed between the pair of magnets with the vibrating portion being passed through the coil; and a diaphragm unit including a diaphragm, and a beam portion for propagating the vibration of the vibrating portion to the diaphragm; with a coil attachment portion to which the coil is attached, located in a state in parallel with the vibrating portion, being provided to the armature. |
| US08948437B2 |
Audio speaker assembly including 360° speaker rod such as for incorporating into a watercraft and including portable support module with remote cloud storage and retrieval capabilities
An audio speaker assembly for providing a 360° all around audio output. A speaker rod includes an upper audio output portion and a lower extending insertion tube portion. A holder includes a longitudinally extending inner passageway for receiving the rod in inserting fashion, with an electrical output signal representative of a succeeding audio output being communicated to the holder and rod. |
| US08948436B2 |
Loudspeaker system
The present invention comprises a loudspeaker system that includes a loudspeaker and a detachable mount. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker and mount include electrical connectors that are engaged when the loudspeaker is attached to the mount. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker and mount comprise mating mounting structures that support the loudspeaker on the mount when the mounting structure of the loudspeaker is engaged with the mounting structure of the mount. In one or more embodiments, mating electrical connectors are incorporated in the mounting structures such that engaging the mounting structures simultaneously engages the electrical connectors. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker comprises a locking mechanism that positively retains the loudspeaker on the mount. In one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism is hidden behind a flexible grill of the loudspeaker such that pressing on a corresponding location on the grill releases the locking mechanism allowing the loudspeaker to be detached from the mount. In one or more embodiments, the mount is configured to be mountable to a standard US or European electrical wiring box. In one or more embodiments, the mating mounting structures are configured to be engageable with a reduced amount of travel. In one or more embodiments, multiple configurations of the mount are provided that allow the loudspeaker to be mounted with a variety of orientations with respect to the mounting surface. |
| US08948431B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling an electronic system
According to a first aspect, a method of controlling an electronic system includes the step of receiving by a first device a plurality of receivable wireless signals that are intended to control functions of a second device. The first device transmits a wireless signal that prevents a subset of the plurality of receivable wireless signals from controlling the second device. |
| US08948430B2 |
Hearing aid with an elongate member
A hearing aid includes a housing for accommodation of a signal processor for processing an audio signal into a processed audio signal compensating a hearing loss, and a receiver that is connected to an output of the signal processor for converting the processed audio signal into a sound signal, wherein the housing extends through a central part of an earpiece part, and is coupled to the earpiece part, the earpiece part configured to be placed in an ear canal of a user. |
| US08948428B2 |
Hearing aid with histogram based sound environment classification
A hearing aid includes a microphone and an A/D converter for provision of a digital input signal in response to a sound signal received at the microphone in a sound environment, a processor that is configured to process the digital input signal in accordance with a signal processing algorithm to generate a processed output signal, a sound environment detector for determination of the sound environment based at least in part on the digital input signal, and for providing an output for selection of the signal processing algorithm, the sound environment detector including (1) a feature extractor for determination of histogram values of the digital input signal in a plurality of frequency bands, (2) an environment classifier configured for classifying the sound environment into a number of environmental classes based at least in part on the determined histogram values from at least two of the plurality of frequency bands, and (3) a parameter map for the provision of the output for the selection of the signal processing algorithm, and a D/A converter and an output transducer for conversion of the processed output signal to an acoustic output signal. |
| US08948427B2 |
Hearing aid fitting procedure and processing based on subjective space representation
A system for hearing assistance devices to assist hearing aid fitting applied to individual differences in hearing impairment. The system is also usable for assisting fitting and use of hearing assistance devices for listeners of music. The method uses a subjective space approach to reduce the dimensionality of the fitting problem and a non-linear regression technology to interpolate among hearing aid parameter settings. This listener-driven method provides not only a technique for preferred aid fitting, but also information on individual differences and the effects of gain compensation on different musical styles. |
| US08948420B2 |
MEMS microphone
A MEMS microphone. The MEMS microphone includes a substrate, a transducer support that includes or supports a transducer, a housing, and an acoustic channel. The transducer support resides on the substrate. The housing surrounds the transducer support and includes an acoustic aperture. The acoustic channel couples the acoustic aperture to the transducer, and isolates the transducer from an interior area of the MEMS microphone. |
| US08948416B2 |
Wireless telephone having multiple microphones
The present invention is directed to a wireless telephone having a first microphone and a second microphone and a method for processing audio signal in a wireless telephone having a first microphone and a second microphone. The wireless telephone includes a first microphone, a second microphone, and a signal processor. The first microphone outputs a first audio signal, the first audio signal comprising a voice component and a background noise component. The second microphone outputs a second audio signal. The signal processor increases a ratio of the voice component to the noise component of the first audio signal based on the content of at least one of the first audio signal and the second audio signal to produce a third audio signal. |
| US08948414B2 |
Providing audible signals to a driver
A method for providing audible signals (such as speech) to a driver of a vehicle which appear to originate from a virtual sound source in front of the driver, so that it will feel normal for the driver to respond interactively by speaking without turning the head to the source of the audible signal. The driver's head position is estimated according to data provided by sensors in the driver's seat, and this position data, together with acoustical characteristics of the vehicle interior, is used to derive a transfer function for filtering electrical audible signals to the loudspeakers to simulate a virtual sound source in front of the driver. |
| US08948412B2 |
Automatic detection of the wearing style of a convertible headset
A system for adjusting an audio setting for a headset, comprises a communications device, a detachable headband containing a detectable element that can be coupled to the communications device, a sensor coupled to the communications device configured to determine whether the headband is coupled to the communications device and a processor configured to adjust the audio setting for the headset to a headband mode when the headband is coupled to the communications device. The processor may also adjust the audio setting of the headset to a non-headband mode based on the sensor detecting the headband being disconnected from the communications device. |
| US08948411B1 |
Ergonomic tubular anechoic chambers for use with a communication device and related methods
Disclosed, in general, are devices that provide an air-tight chamber over a sound source while absorbing all fields of sounds from the sound source. In general, the devices feature: an anechoic chamber that is configured to receive a sound source in an air-tight manner; and an anechoic channel that is in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere. Suitably, the anechoic chamber is adapted to capture air containing sound energy generated by the sound source, and distribute the air about an internal surface area on the inside of the chamber, wherein the internal surface area is sufficiently large to dampen or otherwise absorb the sounds energy. Preferably, the air is directed from the anechoic chamber through an anechoic channel extending therefrom to the ambient to further dampen or absorb the sound energy. In one configuration, the outer wall of the apparatus is configured to reflect ambient sounds. |
| US08948406B2 |
Signal processing method, encoding apparatus using the signal processing method, decoding apparatus using the signal processing method, and information storage medium
Provided is a signal processing method for processing a bitstream, an information storage medium including the bitstream, an encoding apparatus, and a decoding apparatus. The signal processing method includes: receiving a bitstream including additional information; extracting first information which is information associated with extraction of the additional information and is included in at least one of additional bitstream information, a skip field, and auxiliary data bits, which are included in the bitstream; and extracting and decoding the additional information by using the first information. |
| US08948405B2 |
Binaural multi-channel decoder in the context of non-energy-conserving upmix rules
A multi-channel decoder for generating a binaural signal from a downmix signal using upmix rule information on an energy-error introducing upmix rule for calculating a gain factor based on the upmix rule information and characteristics of head related transfer function based filters corresponding to upmix channels. The one or more gain factors are used by a filter processor for filtering the downmix signal so that an energy corrected binaural signal having a left binaural channel and a right binaural channel is obtained. |
| US08948404B2 |
Apparatus and method encoding/decoding with phase information and residual information
Provided is an apparatus and method of encoding and decoding multiple channel signals based upon phase information and one or more residual signals. |
| US08948402B1 |
System and method for estimating channel condition based on filtered pilot energy signal
A receiver may estimate a channel condition based on a difference between a pilot energy signal and a filtered pilot energy signal. The receiver may further switch to a stereophonic mode when both the difference and an energy level of the pilot energy signal satisfy a predetermined requirement of the receiver, and switch to a monophonic mode when either the difference or the energy level of the pilot energy signal fail to satisfy the predetermined requirement of the receiver. |
| US08948400B2 |
Host device
the host device being configured to receive, from a key issuer who issued the medium device key (Kmd_i) and the medium device key certificate, a host device key (Khd_i) and a host device certificate (Certhost), the host device being configured to execute authentication with the information recording device using the host device key (Khd_i) and the host device certificate (Certhost), the host device being configured to receive second controller identification information (IDcntr) from the information recording device, the second controller identification information being generated by executing a one-way function calculation based on the controller key (Kc) and the first controller identification information (IDcu), and the host device being configured to decrypt the encrypted content data stored in the information recording device, in response to reception of the second controller identification information (IDcntr) from the information recording device. |
| US08948399B2 |
Dynamic key management
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive a public key associated with a public/private key pair at a key distribution handler, after a new workload and an associated key agent are created within a network of nodes. The associated key agent may be used to generate the key pair. Additional activity may include distributing, by the key distribution handler, the public key to other key agents associated with permitted workloads operating in the network. The public key may be used to overwrite or delete prior public keys for an authenticated workload identity associated with the new workload. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08948397B2 |
Major management apparatus, authorized management apparatus, electronic apparatus for delegated key management, and key management methods thereof
A major management apparatus, an authorized management apparatus, an electronic apparatus for delegated key management and key management methods thereof are provided. The major management apparatus generates a first delegation deployment message and a second delegation deployment message, which are transmitted to the authorized management apparatus and the electronic apparatus, respectively. The authorized management apparatus encrypts an original key management message into a key management message by an authorization key included in the first delegation deployment message. The original key management message includes an operation code and a key identity. The electronic apparatus decrypts the key management message into the original key management message by the authorization key included in the second delegation deployment message. The electronic apparatus selects an application key according to the key identity and operates the application key based on the operation code. |
| US08948396B2 |
Method for a communication device to operate with multiple key management facilities
A method for operating with KMFs includes a communication device having a memory device: receiving a designation of a primary KMF for the communication device, wherein only one primary KMF is designated for the communication device at any given time instance; receiving a designation of a secondary KMF for the communication device; storing, within the memory device, a first and a second set of crypto groups, wherein each crypto group within each set of crypto groups comprises at least one keyset, wherein each set of crypto groups is associated, within the memory device, to only one KMF identifier; associating, within the memory device, the first set of crypto groups to an identifier for the primary KMF; and associating, within the memory device, the second set of crypto groups to an identifier for the secondary KMF. |
| US08948386B2 |
Authentication of a mobile device by a network and key generation
There are disclosed systems and methods for authenticating a mobile device by a network and/or for generating one or more keys that can be used for securely transmitting data between the mobile device and the network. In one embodiment, the following operations are performed by a mobile device: (i) the mobile device participates in at least a portion of a key agreement protocol with a network to compute a secret value; (ii) the mobile device obtains a response value derived from the secret value; and (iii) the mobile device sends the response value to a verification entity for use in authenticating the mobile device. There are also disclosed systems and methods for authenticating a network by a mobile device. |
| US08948383B2 |
Printing system, printing method, terminal, and computer-readable storage medium for computer program
A printing system is provided with a terminal sending print data; a printer performing printing based on the print data; and a transfer device transferring the print data to the printer responding to a request from the printer. The terminal includes a transmission portion configured to, when communication with the transfer device is possible, send the print data to the transfer device, and configured to, when the communication is impossible, send the print data in association with a command for authentication print to the printer without via the transfer device. The printer includes a requesting portion configured to, when user authentication of a user of the terminal is successful, request the print data from the transfer device, and a printing portion configured to, when the user authentication is successful, perform the printing based on the print data received from the transfer device or the terminal. |
| US08948382B2 |
Secure protocol for peer-to-peer network
A wireless computing device operating as a controller of a peer-to-peer group configured to generate unique master keys for each device joining the group. The wireless computing device may use the unique master keys to selectively remove remote devices from the group such that the remote device cannot later rejoin the group. Other remote devices, each possessing a master key that remains valid, can disconnect from the group and later reconnect to the group without express user action. To support such behavior, the wireless device may provide a user interface through which a user may manage connected remote devices by providing commands to selectively disconnect or remove remote devices from the group. |
| US08948379B2 |
Architecture of an open local area network for audio service support between users of partitioned domains
The invention relates to a system for data exchange between at least two communication networks using the IP Internet protocol, a first network having a security level N1 higher than the security network N2 of a second network, and several terminals being connected to the first and second networks, characterised in that it comprises at least the following members: means for marking the flows based on their security level, a gateway between the first network (1) and the network (2) for carrying out a protocol interruption, and means for filtering the data flows suitable for checking the marking and to give authorisation for the broadcasting of the flow based on the relevancy between the marker and the sensitivity level of the communication, and visual means on the terminal for indicating to the user whether or not he communicates on a secured media. |
| US08948376B2 |
Format-preserving encryption via rotating block encryption
Methods and systems are described for format-preserving encryption. Format-preserving encryption on an entire format F may be achieved by performing format-preserving encryption on one or more subsets of F and then applying one or more permutation rounds in such a way that all elements of F enter a subset to be encrypted. A predetermined number of encryption rounds and a predetermined number of permutation rounds may be interleaved until all elements are thoroughly mixed. The resultant output data may be saved in a database in the same format as the original input data, meet all constraints of the database, and pass all validity checks applied by software supporting the database. |
| US08948375B2 |
Systems for embedding information in data strings
A data processing system is provided that includes applications, databases, encryption engines, and decryption engines. Encryption and decryption engines may be used to perform format-preserving encryption on data strings stored in a database. Applications may be used to embed information in data strings. Information may be embedded by using a character set that is larger than a character set being used by a data string. A data string may be converted into a larger character set, analogous to converting a number from a lower base to higher base. Such a conversion may shorten a data string, allowing information to be embedded as appended characters. |
| US08948373B2 |
System and methods for outbound dialing in multi-campaign and blended environment of virtual contact center
A method for determining a number of calls to generate for a specific outbound campaign in an automated contact center based upon a prediction of agent occupancy in a future time period, wherein the automated contact center processes one or more outbound campaigns. The estimates a total number of outbound agents available to the one or more outbound campaigns. By using the total number of outbound agents, an effective number of agents for the specific outbound campaign is determined according to a ratio. The effective number of agents is used to determine a number of outbound calls to generate for the specific outbound campaign according to a dialing method. Calls are then generated for the specific outbound campaign based upon the determined number of outbound calls to generate. |
| US08948371B2 |
System and method for managing hold times during automated call processing
A system and method for managing hold times during automated call processing is provided. A call is received from a caller and assigned to a call session. Data is obtained from the caller and evaluated for caller attributes related to the call session. Hold times are identified during the call session. Response content is customized for at least one of the hold times using the caller attributes. The customized response content is provided to the caller during that hold time. |
| US08948370B2 |
System and method for telephone call routing using a relational routing matrix
A system, method, apparatus, means, and computer program code is provided wherein a telephone call is received. A telephone call routing matrix is accessed, from a relational database platform, to select a service representative for the received telephone call. It may then be arranged for the received telephone call to be routed in accordance with the selected service representative. |
| US08948369B2 |
Method and system for optimizing performance within a contact center
A method and system for improving performance within a contact center are provided. The method includes monitoring one or more Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) corresponding to the contact center having one or more agents associated thereto. The method further includes determining a weighted sum of the KPIs based on a weight assigned to each key performance indicator. Further, the method includes modifying one or more parameters within the contact center to improve the weighted sum of the KPIs when the weighted sum of the KPIs crosses beyond a threshold level. |
| US08948368B2 |
System and method for storing call recordings in a call center
A system and method for storing call recordings in a call center is provided. Incoming calls to a call center are monitored. Retention criteria are obtained and ordered by importance. The retention criteria are applied to each of the calls. Those calls that match at least one of the retention criteria are identified. The identified calls that include one of a single highly important criteria and two or more less important criteria are selected for retaining in the call center. Recordings of the selected calls are stored in the call center. |
| US08948365B2 |
Systems and methods for providing answering services
The present invention includes a method and system for the management and routing of telecommunications information on data and telephone lines. In one exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a flexible system whereby business information is correlated to a user's telephone number is provided. In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an on-line answering service in which the identification information of the called party can be maintained during call forwarding and/or diversion. In another exemplary embodiment, the identification information of the user called can be detected by the answering system. In addition, in another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides answering services access to information about the called party as well as the calling party in order to facilitate the answering services' responses on behalf of their users. |
| US08948364B2 |
Communication management feature
A method for screening incoming communications includes the steps of receiving an incoming communication intended for a communication device or a recipient and identifying a sender of the communication and a communication type, which can includes an email. The method also includes the steps of identifying screening settings based on the sender and the communication type and determining whether the communication is allowed in accordance with the identified settings. Further, the method includes the steps of notifying a recipient of the communication, if the communication is allowed. In addition, the method includes the step of processing the communication without notifying a recipient, if the communication is not allowed. |
| US08948362B1 |
Increasing the likelihood that a conference call will occur
Methods and products are provided for facilitating a conference call. One embodiment includes receiving an incoming call from a participant who is to participate in the conference call but who does not have authority to start the call, identifying a chairperson who does have authority to start the conference call, and automatically notifying the chairperson that the participant is waiting for the conference call to begin. |
| US08948359B1 |
Extension monitoring in a distributed telephony system
A telephony system is presented that enables one user to monitor another user's extension and perform functions on calls destined for the other user's extension. The system includes a server with a telephony management software (TMS) unit, a telephony application programming interface (TAPI) unit, and an application unit. The application unit includes a control module, association module, presentation module, park module, monitoring device interface module, and storage interface module. A server sends information to a monitoring device regarding the status of a monitored extension and calls offering on that extension. A server also enables a user to navigate through multiple calls offering and park a selected call. |
| US08948357B2 |
Method and system for non-traditional directory assistance
A directory assistance service includes a database and an interface module. The database stores a set of audio advertisements, and the audio advertisements are priced based on a tiered pricing model. The interface module is in communication with the database and receives a directory assistance request from a caller, plays the caller one or more audio advertisements from the database, and charges an advertiser for playing the audio advertisements based on the tiered pricing model. |
| US08948352B2 |
Multi-channel interactive message response system
The current application is directed to a multi-channel interactive message response system that allows for interaction between users and the multi-channel interactive message response system through many different types of devices, communications protocols, and communications media. The multi-channel interactive message response system, in one implementation, is implemented within an automated communications system that organizes and facilitates information exchange between members of organizations and between organizations and individuals outside the organizations. |
| US08948351B2 |
Methods, systems and computer program products for enhanced call screening
This disclosure details the implementation of methods, systems and computer program products for enhanced call screening (hereinafter, “ECS”). ECS systems implement a live call screening application whereby users may hear voicemail messages in real time as they are being recorded, decide whether or not they wish to talk to the caller leaving the message, and engage the caller in two-way communications by indicating interest in doing so. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed, comprising: receiving a voicemail recording phase indicator, wherein the voicemail recording phase indicator indicates initiation of a recording phase for an incoming voice message by a voicemail server; establishing a communicative connection between the voicemail server and a call recipient device in response to the voicemail recording phase indicator; instructing transmission of a data stream from the voicemail server to the call recipient device via the communicative connection, the data stream comprising the incoming voice message in real-time recording progress. |
| US08948349B2 |
Communication apparatus and control method thereof
In a communication apparatus including a base unit provided with an answering machine function and a cordless handset wirelessly connected to the base unit, a wireless unit that communications with a setting unit that sets the answering machine function and the cordless handset requests the setting unit to set the answering machine function, if the wireless unit receives a command to set the answering machine function from the cordless handset while a communication control unit that detects an incoming call on an outside line is detecting an incoming call on an outside line. |
| US08948345B2 |
X-ray tube high voltage sensing resistor
A high voltage sensing resistor disposed on a cylinder that at least partially surrounds an evacuated enclosure of an x-ray tube. |
| US08948336B2 |
Shift register and driving method thereof, gate driving apparatus and display apparatus
A shift register and driving method thereof, a gate driving apparatus and a display apparatus, the shift register comprises a pulling-up unit(21), a precharging and resetting unit(22), an output signal terminal at present stage(OUTPUT), a pulling-down unit(23), an input terminal connected to an output signal terminal of a shift register at previous stage(OUTF), an input terminal connected to an output signal terminal of a shift register at next stage(OUTL), and a scan control signal input terminal(INPUT), wherein: the precharging and resetting unit(22) precharges a gate of a first thin film transistor(T1) included in the pulling-up unit(21) and resets its potential; the pulling-down unit(23) pulls down a potential at the gate of the first thin film transistor(T1) and the output signal at present stage after the precharging and resetting unit(22) resets the potential at the gate of the first thin film transistor(T1), so that the pulling-up unit(21) is turned off and the output signal at present stage is at a low level. The present shift register realizes a bidirectional gate driving scan from up to down or from down to up by a conversion control for high-low levels of input signals. |
| US08948335B2 |
System for dampening vibration
An embodiment of the present invention takes the form of a system that may reduce the level of flow-induced vibration (FIV) experienced by a jet pump assembly or other similar object within a pressure vessel. Essentially, an embodiment of the present invention may reduce the slip-joint leakage, which may be a cause of the FIVs, by adding a flow-limiting component to an outlet of the slip joint. This component may take the form of a collar, channel, and/or other component that may be connectable to a component of the jet pump assembly. After installation, an embodiment of the present invention may lower the amplitude of, and/or change the frequency of, the FIVs experienced by the jet pump assembly. |
| US08948334B2 |
System and method for testing the steam system of a boiling water reactor
A system and method for predicting acoustic loads expected on a boiling water reactor (BWR) may include a BWR scale model, a test fixture for generating air flow in the scale model, and one or measurement devices for monitoring system behavior to predict how acoustic loads may affect plant operation for the BWR being evaluated. |
| US08948332B2 |
Method of static phase offset correction for a linear phase detector
A method for calibrating a clock and data recovery circuit may include configuring a phase detector as a bang-bang phase detector. The bang-bang phase detector may be used to determine a phase difference between a sampling clock provided by an interpolator and a calibration signal. The phase detector may also be configured as a linear phase detector. While using the linear phase detector, a linear phase detector parameter may be adjusted such that the phase difference between the calibration signal and the sampling clock is zero, while keeping the phase of the sampling clock fixed. |
| US08948330B1 |
Systems and methods for performing variable structure timing recovery
In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, systems and methods are provided for aligning signals in a timing recovery system. In certain implementations, a coarse phase error indicative of a phase offset between a reference signal and a signal is identified. The signal is transformed based at least in part on the coarse phase error, and operation of a phase-locked loop is initiated based at least in part on the coarse phase error. |
| US08948326B2 |
Circuit architecture for I/Q mismatch mitigation in direct conversion receivers
An electrical circuit includes a local oscillator configured to generate a first reference signal and a second reference signal having a predetermined phase shift with the first reference signal, an I-channel mixer configured to inject the first reference signal to an incoming signal and generate a first output, a compensation mixer configured to multiply the first output with a constant factor to generate a second output, a first low pass filter configured to approximately attenuate frequencies in the second output to generate a third output, and a first correcting filter configured to filter the third output to generate a fourth output. The first correcting filter is configured to reduce a channel impulse response mismatch between the first low pass filter and a second low pass filter, which is configured to attenuate frequencies in a Q-channel of the incoming signal. In specific embodiments, the phase shift includes 45°. |
| US08948325B1 |
Method and apparatus for digital post-distortion compensation of signal non-linearities
A method and apparatus to digitally remove in-band non-linear signal distortion caused by a radio frequency (RF)/intermediate frequency (IF) receiver circuit that has non-linearities, which are further affected by low-IF ADC sample aliasing. |
| US08948323B2 |
Method and device for suppressing interference in communication networks using frequency switched transmit diversity coding
Devices and methods for suppressing interference in inter-cell and intra-cell network communication. First and second received signals are received at a communication device, the first and second received signals comprising, respectively, reference signals and data signals. Estimated channel vectors are calculated from the first received signals, and estimated data covariance matrices are calculated from the second received signals. A plurality of combining weight vectors are determined based on the estimated channel vectors and the estimated data covariance matrices. The second received signals are then combined with the plurality of combining weight vectors to obtain a plurality of combined signals, wherein interference in the second received signals has been suppressed in the plurality of combined signals. |
| US08948317B2 |
Receiver apparatus, reception method, communication system, and communication method
A receiver apparatus includes a channel estimator (b106) to perform channel estimation. The channel estimator includes an interim channel impulse estimating unit (b106-1) that calculates an interim channel impulse response estimation value, a path extracting unit (b106-3) that extracts a path for use in calculation of a channel impulse response estimation value from among paths forming the interim channel impulse response estimation values, a channel impulse response estimating unit (b106-4) that calculates the channel impulse response estimation value using the path extracted by the path extracting unit, and a frequency response estimating unit (b106-5) that converts the channel impulse response estimation value into a frequency response estimation value by time-frequency transforming the channel impulse response estimation value. In this way, a receiver apparatus capable of performing accurate channel estimation results. |
| US08948315B2 |
Receiver comprising a device for correcting doppler effect
A OFDM digital communication receiver having channel estimate and correction means and inter carrier interference cancellation means based on the use of a temporal digital filter comprising a set of digital coefficients. The receiver includes n Look-Up Tables LUT(n), each corresponding to a given set of digital coefficients and an entry pointer. |
| US08948313B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting a symbol decision threshold at a receiver in a communication network
A method and apparatus for adjusting a symbol decision threshold at a receiver in a communication network enables the receiver to be adapted to more correctly receive symbols as transmitted by a transmitter. In one embodiment, a received bit imbalance is detected by a receiver prior to error correction and after error correction to determine whether an error component of the received signal contains larger numbers of ones or larger numbers of zeros. Where the transmitter scrambles the signal prior to transmission, the receiver will also scramble the signal after error correction and prior to counting the number of zeros or ones. Any imbalance between the number of transmitted and received ones or zeros is used as feedback to adjust threshold values used by detectors to fine tune the manner in which the receiver interprets incoming signals. |
| US08948312B2 |
Wideband interference mitigation for devices with multiple receivers
Certain disclosed embodiments pertain to suppressing interference in a wireless communication system. For example, a method of suppressing interference can include receiving one or more first signals including components from a plurality of sub-channels. Each of the first signals can be converted into a respective plurality of first sub-band frequency components. A respective spatial filter can be determined for each frequency sub-band using one or more corresponding first sub-band components for each respective spatial filter. One or more second signals including components from the plurality of sub-channels can be received. Each of the second signals can be converted into a respective plurality of second sub-band frequency components. A corresponding plurality of filtered sub-band components can be generated by applying the respective spatial filters to the corresponding second sub-band components for each of the second signals. |
| US08948311B2 |
Receiver and method for determining a time measure depending on a time of arrival of a pulse signal
A receiver for determining a time measure depending on a time of arrival of a pulse signal having a sequence of pulses from a transmitter includes an integrator having a variable and controllable integration window, extending from a starting point to an integrator sampling point, an integrator controller for controlling the integration window in a time-successive way so that the sampling points of successive integration windows are changed by a time delay from a current integration window to a later integration window, wherein the time delay is smaller than half of the integration window, and an output processor for generating the time measure as an indication indicating which later integration window has a sampled integrator value exceeding a threshold or being larger than a sampled integrator value for a timely preceding or timely succeeding integration window. |
| US08948310B2 |
Use of RDS data to select matching network
Devices and methods for dynamically selecting a matching network for an antenna are provided. In one example, an electronic device capable of selecting such a matching network may include an antenna, several selectable matching networks, a radio receiver, and matching network control circuitry. The radio receiver may couple to the antenna via one of the selectable matching networks to receive a radio signal with both an analog and digital component. The matching network control circuitry may select the matching network from among the several selectable matching networks based at least in part on a characteristic of the digital component of the radio signal. |
| US08948307B2 |
Ask signal generator
According to one embodiment, an ASK signal generator includes a differential oscillator, a first modulator, a second modulator, a first transmission line, a second transmission line and an impedance adjustment circuit. The differential oscillator generates first and second signals having an opposite phase, and outputs the first and second signals from first and second output terminals. The first modulator connected to the first output terminal is set in the normally off state. The second modulator connected to the second output terminal is turned on or off according to a digital signal. The first and second transmission lines connected to the first and second output terminals have a length equal to a ¼ wavelength of the oscillation frequency of the differential oscillator. The impedance adjustment circuit is operated together with the second modulator according to the digital signal. |
| US08948305B2 |
Transmission method, transmission apparatus, reception method and reception apparatus
All data symbols used in data transmission of a modulated signal are precoded by hopping between precoding matrices so that the precoding matrix used to precode each data symbol and the precoding matrices used to precode data symbols that are adjacent to the data symbol in the frequency domain and the time domain all differ. A modulated signal with such data symbols arranged therein is transmitted. |
| US08948304B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving data in a communication or broadcasting system using linear block code
Provided is a method for transmitting data in a communication or broadcasting system using a linear block code by generating a codeword by encoding input information data bits, interleaving the codeword; outputting modulation signal-constituting bits by bit-mapping the interleaved codeword using a bit-mapping table predetermined depending on a modulation scheme and a coding rate, outputting a modulation signal by modulating the modulation signal-constituting bits and transmitting the modulation signal via a transmit antenna. |
| US08948295B1 |
Preamble generating device, preamble generating method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a program
A first calculator generates first computational data by reordering elements in at least one of either a real data sequence or an imaginary data sequence constituting a data sequence having a number of elements determined according to a number of elements in a preamble model. A second calculator generates second computational data in which elements of data obtained by applying a fast Fourier transform to the first computational data are spaced apart by a designated number of elements. A preamble generator generates a preamble by multiplying each element of the second computational data by an element of the preamble model at a same position as the each element. A preamble determiner determines on the preamble as a preamble of the transmit signal in a case in which a peak-to-average power ratio of data obtained by applying an inverse fast Fourier transform to the preamble matches a predetermined criterion. |
| US08948293B2 |
Downlink multiple input multiple output enhancements for single-cell with remote radio heads
A base station selects a subset of at least one geographically separated antennas for each of the plurality of user equipments. The base station forms at least layer of data stream including modulated symbols, precodes the data stream via multiplication with the NT-by-N precoding matrix where N is the number of said layers and NT is the number of transmit antenna elements and transmits the precoded layers of data stream to the user equipment via the selected geographically separated antennas. The base station signals the subset of the plurality of geographically separated antennas via higher layer Radio Resource Control or via a down link grant mechanism. The base station optionally does not signal the subset of the plurality of geographically separated antennas to the corresponding mobile user equipment. |
| US08948292B1 |
Phase angle mapping for phase modulation
In determining an angle for a phase modulation scheme, a key is generated from a prescribed set of bits contained in a symbol. The symbols have an in-phase (I) data word and a quadrature phase (Q) data word that identify coordinates of the symbols in a complex number plane. An angle is retrieved from a memory table from a storage location identified by the key. Each angle in the memory table is established in accordance with constraints under which the memory table was populated so as to be mapped to a phase angle identifying other coordinates in the complex number plane that are within a specified neighborhood about the coordinates of each of the symbols. A signal is generated to convey the symbols as phase differentials at each sample time between a reference phase and the phase angle. |
| US08948289B2 |
Method and device for codebook generation and downlink signal transmission in a wireless communication system supporting multiple antennas
The present invention relates to a method in which a base station transmits a downlink signal using 8 antennas may comprise the steps of: mapping a downlink signal to N (1≦N≦4) layers; precoding the signal mapped to the N layers, by using a specific precoding matrix selected from a pre-stored codebook; subjecting the precoded signal to processing for OFDM symbol generation; and transmitting OFDM symbols through 8 antennas. The pre-stored codebook may comprise precoding matrices for the respective ranks corresponding to N, the pre-stored codebook may consist of 16 codebook indexes, and a portion of the precoding matrices for high ranks in the 16 codebook indexes may be generated from the precoding matrices for low ranks. |
| US08948288B2 |
Generation and use of LDCs in wireless communication systems
A method for generating a Linear Dispersion Code (LDC) for use in a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) communication system in which M transmit antennas are used to transmit a codeword over T time slots, each codeword encoding Q constellation symbols, is provided. The method includes determining M, T and Q, wherein M, T and Q are real numbers, generating a first matrix having 2Q columns and a predefined number m of rows, each column including a plurality of elements, each element being a real number within a respective predefined range for the respective row, deriving a second matrix having 2Q columns and m rows from the first matrix such that the elements of one row of the second matrix are dependent upon the corresponding elements of a corresponding row of the first matrix, and upon M and T, and deriving a set of 2Q LDC dispersion matrices, each including dimensions T×M, from the second matrix. |
| US08948287B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data in broadcasting system
Methods and apparatus are provided for transmitting data in a broadcasting system. Input data is encoded by an encoder. A first demultiplexer generates first transmission symbols using the encoded data. The first transmission symbols are modulated, and the modulated first transmission symbols are transmitted. A second demultiplexer generates second transmission symbols using at least a portion of the encoded data. The second transmission symbols are modulated and the modulated second transmission symbols are transmitted. |
| US08948283B2 |
Sounding packet format for long range WLAN
In a method for generating a null data packet (NDP) sounding packet for transmission via a communication channel, a signal field and one or more long training fields are generated. The signal field and the long training fields are modulated using a plurality of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. Symbol duration of each OFDM symbol of the plurality of OFDM symbols is at least 8 μs. The NDP sounding packet is generated to include the plurality of OFDM symbols. The NDP sounding packet omits a data payload portion. |
| US08948282B2 |
Mapping a transmission stream in a virtual baseband to a physical baseband with equalization
Embodiments include processes, systems, and devices for reshaping virtual baseband signals for transmission on non-contiguous and variable portions of a physical baseband, such as a white space frequency band. In the transmission path, a spectrum virtualization layer maps a plurality of transmission components associated with a transmission symbol produced by a physical layer protocol to sub-carriers of the allocated physical frequency band. The spectrum virtualization layer then outputs a physical transmission symbol composed of time-domain samples derived from the mapped frequency components and a cyclic prefix. In the receive path, a time-domain symbol received on the physical baseband is reshaped and equalized by the virtual spectrum layer in order to recompose a time-domain samples of a transmission stream in the virtual baseband. |
| US08948281B2 |
Method and apparatus for scheduling in multiple-input multiple-output communication system
In a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) communication system, a serving evolved Node B (eNB) receives a channel covariance matrix of the serving eNB and a channel covariance matrix for a first neighbor eNB with the highest interference among neighbor eNBs, from a User Equipment (UE). Received signal power information is generated for each subband-beam pair. Interference signal power information is generated for each subband-beam pair for the first neighbor eNB. The generated interference signal power information is exchanged with the first neighbor eNB for each subband-beam pair. Beam coordination information indicating a use status of each beam in each subband is generated for the UE, using the interference signal power information of the first neighbor eNB. The generated beam coordination information is exchanged with the neighbor eNB. Scheduling is performed on the UE using the generated beam coordination information and the beam coordination information of the first neighbor eNB. |
| US08948279B2 |
Interrogator and interrogation system employing the same
A control and processing system for use with an interrogator and an interrogation system employing the same. In one embodiment, the control and processing system includes a correlation subsystem having a correlator that correlates a reference code with a reply code from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and provides a correlation signal therefrom. The control and processing system also includes a decision subsystem that verifies a presence of the RFID tag as a function of the correlation signal. |
| US08948276B2 |
Semiconductor device and data transmission method
In a semiconductor device, a transmitting circuit generates a delayed data signal and a first delayed retransmission request signal by delaying a data signal and a first retransmission request signal, respectively, and outputs a pulse signal at an edge of the delayed data signal and the first delayed retransmission request signal and prohibits output of the pulse signal at an edge of the first delayed retransmission request signal during a specified period across an edge of the delayed data signal. |
| US08948273B2 |
Method and apparatus for wired signal transmission
A method and apparatus for high quality signal transmission, which utilizes normal-mode current flow and produces an audio output signal with suppression of normal-mode voltage amplitude, comprising transmitting an audio input signal source though (1) a buffer amplifier; (2) a modulated current source; (3) a pair of wires; (4) a current transformer; and (5) a receiver amplifier for said current transformer. |
| US08948270B2 |
Power and computational load management techniques in video processing
Techniques for power and computational load management in video processing and decoding are provided. In one configuration, an apparatus comprising a processor having a set of instructions operative to extract and compile information from a data stream having video is provided. The processor is operative to prioritize a set of parsing or decoding operations to process the data stream referred to as power management (PM) sequences based on the information and calculate projections of at least one of power and computational loading for each of the prioritized PM sequences. |
| US08948263B2 |
Read/write separation in video request manager
A video request manager comprises a first state machine. The first state machine commands a memory controller to fetch reference pixels for a first portion of a picture. The second state machine commands a memory controller to write a second portion of the picture. |
| US08948258B2 |
Video coding with large macroblocks
Techniques are described for encoding and decoding digital video data using macroblocks that are larger than the macroblocks prescribed by conventional video encoding and decoding standards. For example, the techniques include encoding and decoding a video stream using macroblocks comprising greater than 16×16 pixels. In one example, an apparatus includes a video encoder configured to encode a coded unit comprising a plurality of video blocks, wherein at least one of the plurality of video blocks comprises a size of more than 16×16 pixels and to generate syntax information for the coded unit that includes a maximum size value, wherein the maximum size value indicates a size of a largest one of the plurality of video blocks in the coded unit. The syntax information may also include a minimum size value. In this manner, the encoder may indicate to a decoder the proper syntax decoder to apply to the coded unit. |
| US08948256B2 |
Reference picture list management syntax for multiple view video coding
A picture reference list ordering process is defined for a multiview coder for coding moving pictures, where the picture list has the coding order of reference pictures used to code a picture specified in relationship to whether a picture to be coded is associated with a view. The ordering of the picture list will therefore change the coding order of the reference pictures in the picture reference list depending on the temporal relationships the reference pictures have with the picture to be coded and views associated with the reference picture. |
| US08948254B2 |
Video signal transmitting device, video signal transmitting method, video signal receiving device, and video signal receiving method
ObjectTo transmit well a video signal of a desired bit rate within a transfer bit rate of a transfer path.Solving MeansA control unit 111 controls the operation of data compression units 121-1 through 121-n and switch unit 122. When the bit rate BR of a non-compressed video signal output from a codec 117 is within the transfer bit rate BR2 of an HDMI transfer path, the control unit 111 supplies the non-compressed video signal output from the codec 117 to the HDMI transmitting unit 102 as a video signal to be transmitted. On the other hand, when the bit rate BR1 is greater than the bit rate BR2, the control unit 111 selects a compression method that can be handled on the receiving side performs compression processing so that the bit rate BR1 becomes lower than the bit rate BR2, and supplies the compression video signal to the HDMI transmitting unit 102 as a video signal to be transmitted. Also, the control unit 111 transmits compression information (control information of the switch unit 122 and data compression units 121-1 through 121-n). |
| US08948252B2 |
Moving picture transmission apparatus, moving picture transmission system, moving picture transmission method, and program
In a moving picture in which data corresponding to one picture is required for display, data corresponding to one picture is divided into line blocks including a predetermined number of pixel lines and captured as block data. A compression rate of each block data is dynamically set according to a capture point in time of each block data. Each block data is compressed at the set compression rate and transmitted to a reception apparatus through a transmission path. On a plurality of block data, a series of processes including the capture and the transmission of each block data is performed in parallel while shifting only a time required for the capture. Block data that is late in start order of the capture, among the data corresponding to one picture, is set to be lower in compression rate than block data that is early in start order of the capture. |
| US08948250B2 |
Systems and methods for video/multimedia rendering, composition, and user-interactivity
An interactive video/multimedia application (IVM application) may specify one or more media assets for playback. The IVM application may define the rendering, composition, and interactivity of one or more the assets, such as video. Video multimedia application data (IVMA data may) be used to define the behavior of the IVM application. The IVMA data may be embodied as a standalone file in a text or binary, compressed format. Alternatively, the IVMA data may be embedded within other media content. A video asset used in the IVM application may include embedded, content-aware metadata that is tightly coupled to the asset. The IVM application may reference the content-aware metadata embedded within the asset to define the rendering and composition of application display elements and user-interactivity features. The interactive video/multimedia application (defined by the video and multimedia application data) may be presented to a viewer in a player application. |
| US08948248B2 |
Tiered signal decoding and signal reconstruction
A decoder decodes a first set of data and utilizes the first set of decoded data to reconstruct the signal according to a first level of quality. The decoder further decodes a second set of data and identifies an upsample operation specified by the second set of decoded data. The decoder applies the upsample operation identified in the second set of decoded data to the reconstructed signal at the first level of quality to reconstruct the signal at a second, higher level of quality. To enhance the reconstructed signal, the decoder retrieves residual data from the second set of decoded data. The residual data indicates how to modify the reconstructed signal at the second level of quality subsequent to application of the upsampling operation as discussed above. The decoder then modifies the reconstructed signal at the second level of quality as specified by the residual data. |
| US08948244B2 |
Image-processing apparatus and method
An image-processing apparatus is configured to read encoded video data from a recording medium, decode the encoded video data, and re-encode the decoded video data. Further, the image-processing apparatus is configured to record information about a viewing-operation-history relating to the encoded video data and determine a target bit rate of the re-encoding based on the information about the viewing-operation-history. An image-processing method includes reading encoded video data from a recording medium, decoding the encoded video data, detecting information about a viewing-operation history relating to the encoded video data, re-encoding decoded video data obtained at the decoding step, and determining a target bit rate of the re-encoding performed at the encoding step based on the information about the viewing-operation-history. |
| US08948242B2 |
Encoding device and method and multimedia apparatus including the encoding device
An encoding device and method of using a bit rate control method which accurately predicts a target bit amount, provides excellent quality, and is applicable to a real-time environment through a simple mechanism, and a multimedia apparatus including the encoding device. The encoding device includes a group-of-pictures (GOP)-based bit assigning unit for assigning a GOP-based bit amount targetGOP, a macroblock-based bit assigning unit for assigning a macroblock-based bit amount for all macroblocks included in the GOP, a quantizing device for checking a current buffer state, determining a quantization parameter (QP) by using an alternating current (AC) coefficient obtained by transforming a macroblock if a buffer occupancy rate is lower than a predetermined limit rate, and performing quantization by using the determined QP, and a variable length coding (VLC) unit for performing VLC. |
| US08948236B2 |
Radio terminal device, radio base station device, radio ranging system, and radio ranging method
Disclosed are a radio terminal device and the like, which achieve an improvement in the accuracy of ranging between a UWB reader and a UWB tag regardless of whether an active method or a semi-passive method. In a terminal (300), a timing control unit (340) outputs, to a transmission amplifier (350), a control signal for performing on-off control such that on the basis of the reception timing of a pulse signal transmitted from a base station (200) and a representative value of a circuit delay time required from when a reception pulse signal is received until a transmission pulse signal generated in response to a detection signal of the reception pulse signal is transmitted, the transmission amplifier (350) amplifies a reradiation pulse generated in response to a detection signal of the pulse signal transmitted from the base station (200); and a re-reradiation pulse generated in response to a detection signal of the reradiation pulse. |
| US08948221B2 |
External cavity wideband tunable laser with dual laser gain media coupled by a thin film filter including
The invention relates to an external cavity wideband tunable laser with dual laser gain media coupled by a thin film filter. The laser comprises: a first laser gain medium, a first laser cavity end mirror arranged on the first laser gain medium, a first intracavity collimating lens, an active optical phase modulator, a tunable acousto-optic filter, an intracavity reflection mirror, an etalon and a total reflection mirror, which are all arranged sequentially inside the laser cavity. The laser further comprises a second laser gain medium, a second laser cavity end mirror arranged on the second laser gain medium, a second intracavity collimating lens, a thin film optical filter for coupling the output light beams emitted from the first laser gain medium and the second laser gain medium, a radio frequency signal source, pumping sources for the two laser gain media, an active optical phase modulator drive source and a laser drive control circuit. The invention expands the output spectrum range of a single tunable laser and is capable of covering C and L spectrum bands. The laser has reliable performance with stable output and compact size, low cost for volume production and easy installation. |
| US08948220B2 |
Wavelength-stabilized microcrystal laser
A microcrystal laser assembly including a gain-crystal includes a frame having a high thermal conductivity. The frame has a base with two spaced apart portions extending from the base. The gain-crystal has a resonator output minor on one surface thereof. The gain-crystal is supported on the spaced-apart portions of the frame in the space therebetween. Another resonator minor is supported in that space, spaced apart from the output mirror, on a pedestal attached to the base of the frame. The pedestal and the frame have different CTE. Varying the frame temperature varies the spacing between the resonator minors depending on the CTE difference between the pedestal and the frame. |
| US08948219B2 |
Laser system with nonlinear compression
The invention relates to a laser system with a passively Q-switched laser 1, a spectrally widening element 3, and a compression element 4. Laser systems of this kind are utilized for generating ultra-short laser pulses. Systems, mode-coupled solid-state lasers known from prior art allow for generating laser pulses in the sub-10 ps range only with complicated and alignment-sensitive free-beam arrangements. Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to create a laser system that generates pulse durations of less than 10 ps and which is simple and compact to produce at the same time. In order to achieve this object, the present invention proposes that the passively Q-switched laser 1 is provided with a longitudinally monomode output radiation which is spectrally widened by means of the spectrally widening element 3 by self-phase modulation and is temporally compressed by the compression element 4. |
| US08948216B1 |
Use of previously buffered state information to decode in an hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) transmission mode
In the various embodiments, decoders, methods, systems and devices exploit state information associated with transmitted packets to facilitate decoding operations. Specifically, in at least some embodiments, packets are received by a receiver. If the packet is unable to be decoded because of corruption, state information associated with that packet is buffered at the receiver and used for subsequent decoding. A retransmitted packet is then received, checked for corruption and, if not corrupted, is decoded leveraging the previously-buffered state information associated with the corrupted packet. In an event that one or more retransmitted packets are corrupted, this process can be repeated a number of times. |
| US08948212B2 |
Memory controller with circuitry to set memory device-specific reference voltages
An integrated circuit device includes a transmitter circuit operable to transmit a timing signal over a first wire to a DRAM. The DRAM receives a first signal having a balanced number of logical zero-to-one transitions and one-to-zero transitions and samples the first signal at a rising edge of the timing signal to produce a respective sampled value. The device further includes a receiver circuit to receive the respective sampled value from the DRAM over a plurality of wires separate from the first wire. In a first mode, the transmitter circuit repeatedly transmits incrementally offset versions of the timing signal to the DRAM until sampled values received from the DRAM change from a logical zero to a logical one or vice versa; and in a second mode, it transmits write data over the plurality of wires to the DRAM according to a write timing offset generated based on the sampled values. |
| US08948205B2 |
Method and apparatus for mapping and de-mapping in an optical transport network
The embodiments of the present invention disclose method and apparatus for mapping and de-mapping in an optical transport network, where the mapping method includes: constructing an Optical Channel Data Tributary Unit (ODTU) according to an amount M of time slots of a High Order Optical Channel Payload Unit (HO OPU) to be occupied by a Low Order Optical Channel Data Unit (LO ODU); mapping the LO ODU to a payload area of the ODTU in a M-byte granularity; encapsulating overhead information to the overhead area of the ODTU; and multiplexing the ODTU, which has been mapped the LO ODU and encapsulated with the overhead information, to the HO OPU, so as to provide a high-efficient and universal mode for mapping the LO ODU to the HO OPU. |
| US08948192B2 |
Data switch
A data switch for an integrated circuit comprising at least one link for receiving input data packets from an independently modulated spread spectrum clock (SSC) enabled source having predetermined spread spectrum link clock frequency characteristics, and at least one output for transmitting the data packets after passage through the switch, the switch further comprising at least one receive buffer having a link side and a core side for receiving the SSC modulated input data packets from the link, at least one transmit buffer and a core clock, wherein the core clock operates at a given frequency between predetermined error limits determined by oscillation accuracy alone and is not SSC-enabled, the core clock frequency being set at a level at least as high as the highest link clock frequency such that the receive buffer cannot be filled faster from its link side than it can be emptied from its core side. |
| US08948191B2 |
Intelligent traffic quota management
A network element acts as a gateway to a data network for a subscriber end station. The network element includes control plane operable to communicate with a first network processing unit (NPU) and a second NPU, which are operable to communicate with the subscriber end station. The control plane includes a quota management module, which determines a quota amount to be assigned to the first NPU and the second NPU. The quota management module assigns a portion of the quota amount to the first NPU and another portion of the quota amount to the second NPU. The quota management module may determine to change the distribution of an unconsumed quota amount between the first NPU and the second NPU, determine the unconsumed quota amount, and assign a portion of the unconsumed quota amount to the first NPU and another portion of the unconsumed quota amount to the second NPU. |
| US08948189B2 |
System and method for scheduling reservation requests for a communication network
A process for scheduling reservation requests among a plurality of nodes on a network, includes examining a level of network communication activity of a first node to determine whether the first node is active; allocating a reservation request to the first node, but only if the first node is determined to be active; and repeating the process of examining and allocating for one or more subsequent nodes on the network. In one embodiment, the process can utilize thresholds to determine whether a network device is active and the thresholds can be based on, for example, recent network activity for the node being evaluated. |
| US08948184B2 |
Embedded system development platform
A modular development platform is described which enables creation of reliable, compact, physically robust and power efficient embedded device prototypes. The platform consists of a base module which holds a processor and one or more peripheral modules each having an interface element. The base module and the peripheral modules may be electrically and/or physically connected together. The base module communicates with peripheral modules using packets of data with an addressing portion which identifies the peripheral module that is the intended recipient of the data packet. |
| US08948183B2 |
Enterprise collection bus
Systems and methods are presented to collect raw data from a plurality of servers and nodes on a network. A Distributed Enterprise Collection Bus (DECB) architecture is employed at various points on a network. The DECB comprises a collector unit that is protocol agnostic, an orchestration unit, a rule database, a filtering unit, and a distribution unit. Packets of raw data such as Call Detail Records (CDRs) generated by switching centers are received, and distributed to relevant destinations. Relevant destinations include data warehouses, mediation, analytics, etc. The goal is to alleviate collection and filtration duties of the source and destination. |
| US08948182B1 |
Method and system for verification
Aspects of the disclosure provide a method. The method includes receiving a first processed transaction unit output from an egress port of a first design of a switching device. The first processed transaction unit corresponds to a transaction unit that enters the first design by an ingress port. The method further includes extracting a property in the first processed transaction unit, determining the ingress port based on stored property-ingress port association information, identifying a memory element configured to store processed transaction units output from a second design of the switching device based on the ingress port and the egress port, and comparing the first processed transaction unit with a second processed transaction unit from the memory element. |
| US08948179B2 |
Method of multiprotocol label switching encapsulation for united router farm forwarding
A network component for supporting packet forwarding in a United Router Farm (URF), the network component comprising a processor configured to receive a packet, encapsulate the packet using a URF header comprising a URF Layer Two (L2) header that indicates Media Access Control (MAC) addresses of current and next hops, an outer label that indicates a tunnel to a destination node in the URF, and an inner label that indicates an egress port on the destination node, and send the packet to a next hop in the URF after encapsulating the packet. |
| US08948177B2 |
Policy based routing
According to an example, a method for policy based routing may include receiving a data packet, and generating a weight table including an index corresponding to a weight based distribution of a plurality of redirect hosts. The method may further include generating a hash table including an index corresponding to a random distribution of the weight based distribution, using an IP address of the data packet to determine a corresponding index value in the hash table index, determining an availability status of a redirect host of the plurality of redirect hosts corresponding to the index value, and routing, by a processor, the data packet to the redirect host if the availability status is determined to be available. |
| US08948176B1 |
Distributed fibre channel forwarder
A distributed Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) Forwarder (FCF) and a distributed Fiber Channel Switch are described. The Distributed FCF is realized by instantiating respective connections between at least one Controlling FCF and a plurality of FCoE Data-Plane Forwarder (FDF) devices and between individual FDF devices. The Distributed FC Switch is realized by instantiating respective connections between at least one Controlling Switch and a plurality of FC Data-Plane Forwarder (FCDF) devices and between individual FCDF devices. The components of the distributed FCF or Switch are collectively represented by a single Domain identifier (Domain_ID), and thus the distributed FCF or Switch appears to outside entities as a non-distributed FCF or Switch. |
| US08948169B2 |
Mechanism for E-VPN interoperability with VPLS
In one embodiment, a network device in a set of network devices obtains a pseudowire label for a Provider Edge (PE) device, where the pseudowire label corresponds to a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) on the PE device. In addition, the network device obtains a set of one or more MAC addresses reachable via the PE device, wherein the set of network devices support Ethernet Virtual Private Network (E-VPN) and are in the same redundancy group such that the set of network devices are coupled to the same customer edge device. The network device stores the pseudowire label in association with the set of one or more MAC addresses. The network device uses the pseudowire label to encapsulate traffic associated with the VLAN that is received from the customer edge device and destined to the set of MAC addresses reachable via the PE device. |
| US08948165B2 |
IP telephony on a home network device
In one embodiment, a method for providing voice communications in a packet switched network protocol through a home network is provided, the method comprising: receiving, at a first home network device, an incoming call in the packet switched network protocol; notifying a second home network device of the incoming call; receiving an indication from the second home network device that the second home network device accepts the call; and forwarding the incoming call to the second home network device. |
| US08948164B2 |
Terminal, method and system for performing combination service using terminal capability version
A terminal, method and system for providing a CS service, a SIP-based service, or a CSI service, are provided. According to an embodiment, the terminal includes a controller to receive a terminal capability version of at least one target terminal, to compare the received terminal capability version with a previously stored terminal capability version of the at least one target terminal, and to determine whether to request for terminal capability information of the at least one target terminal based on the comparison result, wherein the terminal capability version identifies a version of capabilities of the at least one target terminal. |
| US08948163B2 |
Method for managing voice calls during packet-switched sessions, and mobile communications network implementing the method
A method of managing circuit-switched calls in a mobile communications network supporting packet-switched sessions is performed as follows: upon reception by the mobile communications network of a circuit-switched call for a user of the mobile communication network, the network ascertains whether the user is engaged in a packet-switched session. In the affirmative case, the network closes the packet-switched data exchange session prior to attempting to route the call to the user. |
| US08948160B1 |
Controlling services in a circuit-switched network from a packet network
The present invention relates to providing services for circuit-switched calls from an Internet Protocol (IP) based packet network. In essence, a call originating from or intended for a subscriber that is served by a telephony switch, such as an end office or mobile switching center, in a circuit-switched network is intercepted and routed by the telephony switch to a service node via a subscriber emulator. The subscriber emulator acts as a liaison between the telephony switch of the circuit-switched network and the service node of the packet network. Preferably, the subscriber emulator presents itself to the service node as a user agent, which acts on behalf of a subscriber that is served the telephony switch. The service node provides any requisite processing of the call to implement services for the call. |
| US08948158B2 |
Methods of multiple point HSDPA transmission in single or different frequencies
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for uplink control feedback design in relation to the high speed dedicated physical control channel (HS-DPCCH). First uplink data may be transmitted on a HS-DPCCH to a first serving cell and a second serving cell, where the first serving cell may be used as a timing reference cell for the uplink transmission. The first serving cell may be associated with a first NodeB and the second serving cell may be associated with a second NodeB. First downlink data may be received from the first serving cell and second downlink data may be received from the second serving cell. A timing reference for uplink transmission may be changed such that the second serving cell may be used as the timing reference cell. Second uplink data may be transmitted on the HS-DPCCH using the second serving cell as the timing reference cell. |
| US08948157B2 |
Method and apparatus for distributed synchronization in femtocell networks
Aspects disclosed herein relate to facilitating synchronizing frequency and/or timing of a wireless network. In an example, with a femto node configured to receive one or more signals from one or more anchor sources, determine that at least one of the one or more signals are received at least at a threshold signal quality, determine whether a difference in a local frequency and/or a local timing is within a threshold difference to a signal frequency and/or a signal timing determined based on the at least one of the one or more signals, and advertise an anchor status where the difference is within the threshold difference. |
| US08948156B2 |
Method and system for generating timed events in a radio frame in an E-UTRA/LTE UE receiver
A mobile device coupled to a common system clock receives a signal comprising a primary synchronization sequence (PSS) and a secondary synchronization sequence (SSS) in a radio frame. Sample counts are generated for timed events based on corresponding operating bandwidths. The timed events are detected at modulo sample counts of the generated sample counts according to corresponding operating bandwidths. PSS symbol timing determined via the PSS synchronization is aligned to the generated sample counts based on corresponding operating bandwidth. The generated sample counts are bit-shifted relative to the aligned PSS symbol timing for other timed events based on corresponding operating bandwidths. The one or more timed events are determined via performing modulo counting after the bit-shifting. Timing operations are performed at the determined timed events and the determined one or more timed events are refined, accordingly. |
| US08948147B2 |
Method and apparatus for enabling enhanced CQI update frequency
A method and apparatus for facilitating downlink data transmission in a TD-SCDMA system is provided. The method may comprise receiving, from a Node B, a channel quality indicator (CQI) request, wherein the CQI request is not associated with a payload transmission. |
| US08948146B2 |
Femtocell, femtocell gateway and access rejection method thereof
A femtocell, a femtocell gateway and an access rejection method thereof are provided. A wireless network system comprises a wireless device, a plurality of the femtocells, the femtocell gateway and a core network server. The wireless device has a Subscriber Identification and the core network server stores a Closed Subscribers Group Identification of the femtocells. The femtocell gateway receives an access rejection message corresponding to the Subscriber Identification of the wireless device from the core network server, and transmits the access rejection message to the femtocells. Each femtocell records the Subscriber Identification in a rejection list thereof, and it is capable of adding/deleting Subscriber Identifications in its rejection list. When each femtocell receives the Subscriber Identification of the wireless device again and determines that the Subscriber Identification has been recorded in the rejection list thereof, each femtocell immediately terminates a wireless connection from the wireless device. |
| US08948145B2 |
Wireless mobile communication device with autonomous Wi-Fi control based on usage of battery in device
A wireless mobile communication device may include a Wi-Fi data communication system, an operational condition detection system, and a Wi-Fi activation system. The operational condition detection system may include a battery use detector. The operational condition detection system may be configured to detect an operational condition of the wireless mobile communication device, other than actuation of a user-operated control, including when the battery use detector detects that the wireless mobile communication device is not operating on battery power or is operating while the battery is being charged. The Wi-Fi activation system may be configured to autonomously turn power on to the Wi-Fi data communication system upon detection of an operational condition of the wireless mobile communication device by the operational condition detection system, other than actuation of a user-operated control, including when the battery use detector detects that the wireless mobile communication device is not operating on battery power or is operating while the battery is being charged. |
| US08948144B1 |
System and method for creating a preferential ad-hoc network
A system and method are provided for identifying participants for a preferential ad-hoc network using a peer-to-peer (P2P) network and then establishing the ad-hoc network with the identified participants. In general, an initiating peer node provides a request for participants for an ad-hoc network to the P2P network, wherein the request includes content information describing content stored at the initiating peer node. The content information is used by the peer nodes receiving the request to determine whether to join the ad-hock network. The peer nodes receiving the request that decide to join the ad-hoc network respond to the initiating peer node via the P2P network. All or select ones of the peer nodes responding to the request are identified as the participants for the ad-hoc network. Once the participants are identified, the initiating peer node dynamically establishes the ad-hoc network with the identified participants. |
| US08948143B2 |
Scrambled transmission method and device thereof
Disclosed are a scrambling transmission method and device thereof. The method comprises: a user terminal generates the message to be sent and modulates the message to be sent to generate the data modulation symbols; the user terminal scrambles the data modulation symbol using the cell-specific scrambling sequence, to generate the scrambled data modulation symbols; and the user terminal sending the scrambled data modulation symbols via a DFT-S-OFDM transmission structure with a time domain spreading. The present invention can reduce the interference among different user terminal data on the same resource in adjacent cells, thus improve the detection performance of uplink control signals. |
| US08948137B2 |
Internetworking of cellular radio networks and wireless data networks
A method is disclosed for assisting a handover of a data session from a first routing path, associated with a first access network, to an alternative routing path, associated with an alternative access network. Data is routed over the first access network to a UT by binding a session identifier to a first routing identifier. The session identifier and the first routing identifier are defined in accordance with a standard protocol routing scheme of the first access network. The method comprises receiving a capability message uniquely identifying the UT according to both a standard protocol routing scheme of said first access network, and an alternative standard protocol routing scheme of said alternative access network. The method further comprises creating an alternative routing identifier complying with the alternative standard protocol routing scheme, associating the alternative routing identifier with the UT, and associating the session identifier with the alternative routing identifier. |
| US08948134B2 |
Techniques for establishing a communication handoff threshold using user feedback
Examples are disclosed for user feedback to enable a handoff profile for a dual-mode hybrid mobile device. In some examples communication link handoff logic may be executed by the processor component to receive user feedback during a test voice call mediated with a call server, the user feedback pertaining to one or more Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication link parameters for the communication link between the hybrid mobile device and the call server. The communication link parameters are correlated with a call quality threshold based on the user feedback and a handoff profile is established for the hybrid mobile device based on the call quality thresholds, the handoff profile operative to establish criteria for switching the VoIP communication link to a communication link over a different network. |
| US08948128B2 |
Method and apparatus for handover by changing zones in a wireless communication system
A method for a terminal to perform a handover including transmitting a ranging request message, containing a field requesting a zone change from a first type of terminal support zone to a second type of terminal support zone of the second type of target base station, to the second type of target base station via the first type of terminal support zone; receiving a ranging response message, containing a field indicating the omission of a capability negotiation message in the event of network reentry, from the second type of target base station via the first type of terminal support zone; and transmitting a second type of capability request message to the second type of target base station via the second type of terminal support zone. |
| US08948127B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program for supporting a session identifier in case of a transfer between different radio access networks
A method and application server for supporting a communication established between a first mobile terminal towards a telecommunications network that includes first and second radio access networks. When a session setup is initiated with respect to the first mobile terminal, the application server receives a session identifier. The application server enters the identifier into an identifier list comprising one or more identifiers for identifying sessions with respect to the first mobile terminal. If the application server receives an indication of a session transfer from the first radio access network to the second radio access network, the application server provides the identifier list to the second radio access network in response to the indication. |
| US08948123B2 |
Enhanced control signals multiplexed with data signals
According to one embodiment, a method includes scheduling at least one time and at least one set of subcarrier frequencies to be used to transmit each of a plurality of data signals. Control signals may be addressed to at least one endpoint and may indicate at least one time and at least one set of subcarrier frequencies to be used to transmit one or more of the data signals to the at least one endpoint. For each control signal, at least one time and at least one set of frequencies selected from the frequency range to be used to transmit the control signal may be scheduled. At least one of the plurality of control signals and at least one of the plurality of data signals are scheduled to be transmitted simultaneously by the transceiver. The data signals and the control signals are transmitted to the plurality of endpoints. |
| US08948121B2 |
Method and device for transmitting a downlink reference signal in a wireless communication system supporting multiple antennas
A method for a base station to transmit a channel-state-information reference signal for up to 8 antenna ports includes mapping, in accordance with a predetermined pattern, the channel-state-information reference signal for up to 8 antenna ports onto a data region of a downlink subframe having an extended cyclic prefix (CP) structure, and transmitting the downlink subframe onto which the channel-state-information reference signal for up to 8 antenna ports has been mapped; and, in the predetermined pattern, the channel-state-information reference signal for up to 8 antenna ports in mapped onto 2 OFDM symbols on the data region of the downlink subframe, with a definition for mapping onto at least one of 4 subcarrier wave positions in each of the 2 OFDM symbols, and the 4 subcarrier wave positions defined in the predetermined pattern can be disposed at 3 subcarrier wave intervals. |
| US08948120B2 |
Exploiting hybrid-channel information for downlink multi-user scheduling
A method for determining an optimal network utilization maximization in a communication system with wireless links in which current and coarse channel state information CSI is available from all users, along with a limited amount of fine CSI by way of a frame based entails a scheduling and feedback under which a virtual queue is associated with each user with virtual rates being determined at start of each frame and policy of each frame being determined by solving a decision process. |
| US08948117B2 |
Control channel signaling using a common signaling field for transport format and redundancy version
The invention relates to a method for providing control signalling associated to a protocol data unit conveying user data in a mobile communication system and to the control channel signal. The invention also provides a mobile station and a base station and their respective operation in view of the newly defined control channel signals. To reduce the control channel overhead, the invention suggests defining a common field for the transport format and redundancy version in the control channel information format. According to one approach, the common field is used to jointly encode transport format and redundancy version therein. According to another aspect, one shared field is provided on the control channel signal that indicates either a transport format or a redundancy version depending of whether the control channel signal relates to an initial transmission or a retransmission. In another embodiment, further enhancements to a HARQ protocol are suggested for addressing certain error cases. |
| US08948110B2 |
Apparatus and method for scheduling in carrier aggregated communication systems based on a transmit-receive-frequency gap band
An apparatus, method, system and computer program product is configured for avoiding base station self-interference due to transmit intermodulation in carrier aggregated communication systems. Physical downlink communication channels are allocated to respective component carriers per time interval according to a communication service in which communication is performed on an aggregation of component carriers of one or more frequency band such that component carriers to be used for transmission are separated from component carriers to be used for receiving by a transmit-receive-frequency gap band. However, not all available component carriers to be used for transmission are allocated in the same time interval. Rather, in each time interval, the physical downlink communication channels to be allocated for transmission are allocated to the available component carriers to be used for transmission such that, in each frequency band, the overall emission spectrum does not reach beyond the transmit-receive-frequency gap band. |
| US08948108B2 |
Resource reservation in multiple accesses
The present invention relates to a method for enabling resource allocation for a service data flow between a user equipment (14) and a gateway in a multiple access environment. The method comprises the steps of:—A resource reservation device (10,19) receives reservation instructions from a policy control node (13). The reservation instructions require dedicated access resources to be reserved for the service data flow.—The resource reservation device (10,19) reports the result of the resource reservation required by the reservation instructions to the policy control node (13). What particularly characterize the method are the steps of:—The resource reservation device (10,19) requests reservation of the resources required by the reservation instructions in a plurality of accesses (11,12).—The resource reservation device (10,19) reports the selected single access (11,12) that enables the requested resources to the policy control node (13). This is reported when the access (11,12) is selected. |
| US08948105B2 |
Method and system for dynamic adjustment of downlink/uplink allocation ratio in LTE/TDD system
A method and system for dynamic adjustment of downlink/uplink resource allocation ratio in a long-term evolution (LTE) time division duplex (TDD) system is disclosed. The method includes replacing at least one uplink subframe in a subframe pattern with at least one of a mute subframe and a mute uplink pilot timeslot (UpPTS), within a geographical guard area that isolates at least two areas having different TDD allocation patterns. The method further includes scheduling an uplink transmission from at least one mobile terminal such that the at least one of the mute subframe and the mute UpPTS are unused. A simple solution or a TDD configuration index substitution solution, or any combination thereof, may be used to control the uplink transmission involving a mute subframe or a mute UpPTS. |
| US08948104B2 |
Method and apparatus for feedback in multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) communication system
Provided is a feedback method and apparatus in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system. A terminal may determine a preferred pre-coding matrix for a neighboring terminal, based on a reference rank determined by a base station and a preferred pre-coding matrix of the terminal. The terminal may calculate a channel quality indicator (CQI) based on the preferred precoding matrix for the neighboring terminal, and may feed the CQI back to the base station. |
| US08948101B2 |
Client-server communications in mobile radio communications device
The invention provides for a method of communication within a mobile radio communications device between a chip-card in server mode and any one or more of a plurality of clients each having the same IP address, the method including the steps of creating for each of the clients a socket, wherein each socket is bound to a client port allocated by the device, associating a client identifier to each of the bound client ports, and making each said client identifier available to the chip-card whereby the chip card can distinguish between messages from the plurality of clients. |
| US08948095B2 |
Interference management in a wireless communication system using frequency selective transmission
Interference that occurs during wireless communication may be managed by determination of a selected transmit waveform exhibiting a preferred channel quality. A method, apparatus and medium of communication determine a transmit waveform from among a plurality of allocated waveforms of an unplanned access point to an associated access terminal. The transmit waveform exhibiting a highest channel quality with an associated access terminal over others of the plurality of allocated waveforms is determined. Signals are transmitted according to the transmit waveform from the unplanned access point to the associated access terminal. |
| US08948088B2 |
Method for transmitting a sounding reference signal in a wireless communication system, and apparatus for same
The present invention relates to a method in which user equipment transmits a non-periodic sounding reference signal in a wireless communication system. In detail, the method comprises: a step of receiving a downlink control channel from a base station; a step of decoding a downlink control information (DCI) format contained in the downlink control channel; a step of checking a non-periodic sounding reference signal transmission instruction in the DCI format; and a step of transmitting a non-periodic sounding reference signal to the base station in accordance with the transmission instruction. Preferably, if the downlink control channel is received via an nth subframe, the non-periodic sounding reference signal is transmitted via an (n+k)th subframe (where k≦4). |
| US08948084B2 |
Systems and methods for data path control in a wireless network
In various embodiments, the data plane may be abstracted from a control plane in a wireless network such as WiMax, WiFi, LTE or the like. In some embodiments, a method comprises a receiving control data at a control server from a source device, generating routing instructions at the control server regarding routing network data based on the control data, providing the routing instructions to a routing device, configuring the routing device based on the routing instructions, receiving network data from the source device, and routing the network data from the source device to a target device using the configured routing device. |
| US08948078B2 |
Apparatus and methods for relay-assisted uplink communication
A relay device for supporting communications between a terminal device and a base station in a wireless communications system is described. The relay device comprises a transceiver arranged to at least receive an access request message from the terminal device; and a control processor operably coupled to the transceiver and arranged to process the access request message, extract information and determine therefrom a power delta value that is not based on a determination of pathloss between the relay device and the terminal device, generate a control element comprising the power delta value; and for relaying at least the control element to the base station. The control processor is further arranged to receive subsequently at least one physical uplink channel message from the terminal device wherein a transmit power level of the at least one physical uplink channel message is based at least on the power delta value. |
| US08948077B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing interference handling overhead
Various methods for managing interference handling overhead are provided. One example method includes generating interference overload indication information and causing the interference overload information to be transmitted on a broadcast channel for relay nodes, wherein the transmission via the broadcast channel indicates that the interference overload indication information is for a donor cell. Similar and related example methods and example apparatuses are also provided. Additional example methods and apparatuses are also provided. |
| US08948076B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving reference signal in wireless communication system
Methods and apparatus are provided for transmitting processing reference signals in a mobile communication system. A base station determines a reference signal pattern comprising at least one resource element, generates a bitmap indicator indicating whether zero transmission power is assigned to the at least one resource element of the reference signal pattern, and transmits the reference signal pattern and the bitmap indicator to a terminal. The terminal receives the reference signal pattern and the bitmap indicator, and processes a reference signal extracted according to the reference signal pattern and the bitmap indicator. |
| US08948075B2 |
Apparatus and method for supporting different system in a broadband wireless communication system using multi-hop relay scheme
An apparatus and method for supporting a different system in a broadband wireless communication system using a multi-hop relay scheme are provided. A DownLink/UpLink (DL/UL) frame of a Base Station (BS) includes a legacy access zone for communicating with a legacy Mobile Station (MS), a relay zone for communicating with a legacy Relay Station (RS), and a new zone for communicating with a new MS. A DL/UL frame of an RS includes a legacy access zone for communicating with a legacy MS and a legacy relay zone for communicating with a new BS by legacy standards. |
| US08948068B2 |
Wireless station, interference avoidance method, and system for interference avoidance
A wireless station in a second communication system, with at least a portion of a first frequency band used in a first communication system and a portion of a second frequency band used in the second communication system being shared or neighboring, the wireless station including a waveform characteristic quantity extracting unit that extracts a waveform characteristic quantity which shows a statistical characteristic of a signal received from the first communication system; a communication parameter determining unit that determines communication parameters to be used for the wireless station in the second communication system depending on a determination result of whether the extracted waveform characteristic quantity is of a predetermined waveform characteristic quantity for reducing an interference; and a transmission and reception unit that transmits and receives a wireless communication signal in the second communication system in accordance with the determined communication parameters. |
| US08948066B2 |
Method for performing a HARQ process and apparatus using same
The present description relates to a method for performing a HARQ process operation in a wireless communication system and to an apparatus using the method. A base station device which performs a HARQ process operation comprises a transmitter which transmits to a relay an uplink (UL) grant in a downlink backhaul subframe n which is a subframe having an index n among the allocated downlink backhaul subframes, and transmits, if downlink data sent from the relay in accordance with the uplink grant is not successfully received, a non-acknowledgement (NACK) signal in a downlink backhaul subframe n+N which is a downlink backhaul subframe that comes after N which is a predetermined number of HARQ processes counted from the downlink backhaul subframe n among the allocated downlink backhaul subframes. |
| US08948064B2 |
Method and apparatus for long range private broadband wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for long range private broadband wireless communication system is provided. The communication system provides bi-directional Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) data communication between a Network Operating Center (NOC) and many Subscriber Stations (SS) which may be either Mobile Stations (MS) or Fixed Stations (FS) or both. The system infrastructure consists of Base Stations (BSs) which may be located at the PLMR tower sites and backhaul communication infrastructure connecting the BSs to the Network Operating Center (NOC). The system infrastructure at the NOC includes a central router, a Network Management System (NMS) server, a DHCP server, a TOD server, an AAA server and may also include a Base Station Controller (BSC). |
| US08948063B2 |
Method and system for real-time calibration and reporting of processing delay
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for estimating transmit chain and receive chain processing delays by a first wireless device. In a particular implementation, a first signal may be wirelessly transmitted from a first wireless device and at least a portion of the first signal may be received by a receiver of the first wireless device during transmission of the first signal. A first transmit processing delay and a first receive processing delay associated with the first signal may be measured or determined based at least in part on the receipt of the at least a portion of the first signal during the transmission of the first signal. |
| US08948059B2 |
Conference endpoint controlling audio volume of a remote device
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for improved audio, video, and data conferencing. The present invention provides a conferencing system comprising a plurality of endpoints communicating data including audio data and control data according to a communication protocol. A local conference endpoint may control or be controlled by a remote conference endpoint. Data comprising control signals may be exchanged between the local endpoint and remote endpoint via various communication protocols. In other embodiments, the present invention provides for improved bridge architecture for controlling functions of conference endpoints including controlling functions of the bridge. |
| US08948054B2 |
System and method for discovering multipoint endpoints in a network environment
An example method is provided and may include multicasting a discovery packet in an overlay network, which includes a Layer 2 scheme over a Layer 3 network; and identifying endpoints based on their respective responses to the discovery packet, where the endpoints are coupled across a multicast backbone. In more specific embodiments, the method may include identifying disconnected endpoints in the overlay network based on a lack of responses from the disconnected endpoints. |
| US08948052B2 |
Topology aware MANET for mobile networks
Systems and methods provide adaptability in a mobile ad hoc network (MANET), based on an existing protocol, such as adaptive hybrid domain routing (AHDR). The systems and methods are especially suited for fast changing topologies that may change after a reactive route discovery has been completed. |
| US08948049B2 |
Method and systems for determining path of a virtual connection through a network
Networks and devices may communicate with each other using virtual connections. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented model is generated and includes a representation of the path of a virtual connection. The path of a virtual connection, such as an IP tunnel, is traced between its source and destination. The physical connection corresponding to such IP tunnels are found by tracing through the device configuration and routing tables at routers in the network. The path between the source and destination devices is traced until the path is terminated at the destination device, or at an interface to an external network. If the path ends at an external network, the path is traced from the destination device toward the source device until a corresponding interface to the external network is reached. |
| US08948047B2 |
Device managing apparatus and program thereof
A device managing apparatus that can easily communicate under a proper communication configuration, through a network may be provided. A managing apparatus is provided with a storage and a controller (management program). The storage stores multiple different communication configurations. The controller controls the communication with the device. The controller carries out the following processes: (1) repeating a communication trial toward the device using one of stored communication configurations that are stored in the device managing apparatus, in which the communication configuration to be used is changed for each communication trial; (2) monitoring a response which is sent to the device managing apparatus from the device in a case where the communication trial has succeeded; and (3) displaying a plurality of areas, each of which is linked to each of the stored communication configurations; and displaying a symbol image representing the device in the area that is linked to the communication configuration with which the communication trial has succeeded. By using the device managing apparatus, the user can easily recognize, at a glance of the screen, devices at which the same communication configurations are set. |
| US08948046B2 |
Routing method and system for a wireless network
A method and system for selecting a route in a wireless network for the transmission of a data packet between wireless nodes in said network using a modified link-state routing algorithm wherein only a limited number of broadcast messages are generated to synchronize the link-state database throughout the wireless network. A subset of nodes called portal nodes within the network are elected to do the broadcasting for the entire network. Each portal node broadcasts an announcement of its identity to all of the wireless nodes. Each wireless node responds to these broadcasts to select one of the portal nodes as its root portal node. It then identifies a unicast route back to its root portal node, and sends a link-state register message to this portal node. These link-state register messages received by each portal node are aggregated by them and are broadcast to each of the wireless nodes for storage. When a data packet is thereafter received by a wireless node from a neighboring node, it detects if the data packet satisfies one of a plurality of predetermined conditions and rebroadcasts the data packet to neighboring wireless nodes if none of the conditions is satisfied. |
| US08948045B2 |
Communication system and method of configuring a communication interface
A network element has one or more logical communication interfaces each of which has a data set defining parameters for the interface. A data storage medium stores a profile containing information for an interface, the profile having a profile identifier for identifying the profile. The data set associated with an interface includes a profile identifier for enabling the communication interface to access information in the profile by referring to the profile identifier. The profile may include information relating to neighbor discovery communications between one network element and another, and the same profile may be accessed by any number of interfaces. |
| US08948043B2 |
Method and apparatus for normalizing cellular communications network data
A method, computer readable medium and apparatus for normalizing cellular communications network data are disclosed. For example, the method collects a data packet from the cellular communications network, modifies a time stamp of the data packet in accordance with a promotion delay time from the time stamp of the data packet to create a normalized data packet and processes the normalized data packet to optimize state machine configurations. |
| US08948042B2 |
Predictive caching of IP data
Disclosed is a technique for predictively caching IP content data for a mobile device. In the mobile device, a content request is sent to an intelligent cache server over an IP network, the content request indicative of recurring IP content data of interest to the mobile device. The intelligent cache server retrieves the requested IP content data from content servers and queues the requested IP content data in a buffer associated with the mobile device. A notification message is sent to the mobile device indicating that the requested IP content is queued. The mobile device determines whether it is connected to a non-cellular IP network access point and automatically downloads the queued IP content data from the intelligent cache server when connected to a non-cellular IP network. The IP content data is stored in a cache memory in the mobile device. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08948032B1 |
Pseudowire packet loss measurement
In general, techniques are described for measuring service-specific packet data unit (PDU) loss for individual pseudowires that interconnect two or more L2 customer networks in a L2 virtual private network (L2VPN), such as a VPLS instance. In one example of the techniques, for every pseudowire of a VPLS instance pseudowire mesh, a pseudowire label policer at each of the pseudowire endpoints maintains respective counters for the number of PDUs transmitted and received at the endpoint. The pseudowire label policer may identify service-specific PDUs transmitted and received over individual pseudowires of the VPLS instance by mapping pseudowire labels for the PDUs to the VPLS instance. |
| US08948030B2 |
Transmitting node B load status information in a self organising network
The application relates to wireless transmission of load status information for load balancing among Home Node Bs (HNB) or Local Area Node Bs (LNB) for which an X2 interface is not available. In particular, an LNB may pretend to be a user equipment with a specific predefined user equipment ID value. A neighboring LNB which receives a data packet with this user equipment ID value knows that the data packet contains load information monitored, by a neighboring LNB. |
| US08948027B2 |
Method and system for wireless network management
Methods and systems for wireless network management are described. In one embodiment, a radio measurement of a characteristic of a wireless access technology may be taken. The wireless access technology may enable data communication through a wireless network when connected to an access point. A report may be transmitted through an alternate access technology. The report may be based on the radio measurement. Additional methods and systems are disclosed. |
| US08948023B2 |
Enhancing mtrace to detect failure in multicast diverse paths
In one embodiment, a network device may receive an mtrace query, where the mtrace query identifies two or more multicast routing paths. The network device may generate two or more mtrace requests using at least a portion of information obtained from the mtrace query such that each of the two or more mtrace requests identifies a different one of the two or more multicast routing paths. The network device may send each of the two or more mtrace requests via a different one of the two or more multicast routing paths. The network device may then receive at least one response including information pertaining to the two or more multicast routing paths. |
| US08948021B2 |
Methods and apparatus to monitor border gateway protocol sessions
Example methods and apparatus to monitor border gateway protocol sessions are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes detecting a failure of a first BGP session, initiating a sustained-down timer and a reset-timer in response to detecting the failure, identifying a sustained-down condition in response to the sustained-down timer exceeding a first time threshold, identifying a flapping condition in response to counting a threshold number of BGP failures and corresponding BGP re-establishments during a second time threshold of the reset-timer, and identifying a continuous flapping condition in response to detecting the flapping condition consecutively for a threshold number of instances. |
| US08948019B2 |
System and method for preventing intrusion of abnormal GTP packet
Provided are a system and method for preventing the intrusion of an abnormal GPRS tunneling protocol (GTP) packet. The system includes: a system management unit including a monitoring unit which monitors a state of the system and a mode changing unit which changes an operation mode of the system based on the state of the system; a packet capture unit including a packet management unit which stores information about a GTP packet based on the operation mode of the system and a detection result checking unit which determines whether to drop the GTP packet; and a packet detection unit including a packet parsing unit which parses the information about the GTP packet and a packet analysis unit which analyzes the parsed information about the GTP packet, wherein the operation mode of the system is an intrusion prevention system (IPS) mode or a bypass mode. |
| US08948017B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting management information in wireless local area network system
A method of transmitting management information in wireless local area network system is provided, The method includes transmitting, to a station, a frame including a BSS load in-formation element, the BSS load element including a multi user(MU) multiple input multiple output(MIMO) capable STA count field and a spatial stream utility field, wherein the MUMIMO capable STA count field indicates the total number of STAs with MU reception capability currently associated with the candidate BSS and the Spatial Stream Utility field indicates under utilized spatial streams for busy time of wireless medium. |
| US08948016B2 |
Communication network monitoring
Techniques described herein generally include methods, devices and systems related to monitoring a flow of data packets in a communication network. Some example devices may include one or more of a stream capture unit, and/or an analyzer. The stream capture unit can be coupled to a communication network, and configured to monitor a flow of data packets associated with communication steams in the communication network, and identify a first stream of data packets and a second stream of data packets from the monitored flow of data packets. The first stream and the second stream are associated with a single destination. The analyzer can be coupled to the stream capture unit and configured to identify an event associated with from the first stream identified by the stream capture unit, identify information related to the identified event from the second stream identified by the stream capture unit, and determine a response based on the event and the information related to the event. |
| US08948004B2 |
Fault tolerant communication in a trill network
Each of first and second bridges of a data network having respective external links to an external node implement a network bridge component that forwards traffic inside the network and a virtual bridge component that forwards traffic outside of the network. A virtual bridge is formed including the virtual bridge components of the first and second bridges and an interswitch link (ISL) between the virtual bridge components of the first and second bridges. Data frames are redirected via the ISL in response to a link-down condition of one of the external links. |
| US08947992B2 |
Combined echo and crosstalk cancellation
Combined echo and crosstalk cancellation is provided. Frequency domain adaptive filters are used to remove or reduce the effects of echo and crosstalk for a multi-channel and full-duplex communications system. Data from each transmit channel is buffered and converted to the frequency domain. The frequency domain data is multiplied by crosstalk coefficients to obtain a frequency domain correction signal for each channel. Adaptation of the crosstalk coefficients is based on correlations between the error signals and the data from each of the transmit channels. A single frequency domain transform engine, such as a Fast Fourier Transform engine, is employed for all calculations to save power and area. |
| US08947988B2 |
Efficient access to storage devices with usage bitmaps
Upon receiving a request to allocate a storage region, a storage device may initialize the contents of the storage device to default values (e.g., zero) in order to avoid problems arising from unknown data stored in the locations of the storage region (e.g., upon writing a data set to a location involved in a mirroring relationship, uninitialized data in the corresponding mirror location may result in a mismatch that jeopardizes the written data). However, initializing the storage device may be time-consuming and inefficient. Instead, a usage bitmap may be generated that, for respective location sets of the storage region, indicates whether values exist in the location. A read request may be fulfilled by examining the usage bitmap to determine whether values exist in the specified location, and if not, the default value may be returned without accessing the storage device. Other efficiencies may also be achieved using the usage bitmap. |
| US08947983B2 |
Dial for a timepiece
Dial (1) for a timepiece (100) comprising a front face (2) which forms a visible display surface and is opposite a back face (3), characterized in that the dial includes, either at least one cavity (4) extending into at least one portion of the thickness of said dial (1) between said visible surface (2) and said back surface (3), or at least one peripheral surface (40) extending into at least one portion of the thickness of said dial (1) between said visible surface (2) and said back surface (3). At least one said cavity (4) or at least one peripheral surface (40) includes at least one undercut surface (5), extending into at least one portion of the thickness of said dial (1) between said visible surface (2) and said back face (3). |
| US08947982B2 |
Method and apparatus for setting alarm in portable terminal
A method and apparatus for setting an alarm in a portable terminal are provided. The method includes receiving a message for requesting the setting of the alarm from a peer terminal, confirming a right of the peer terminal to set an alarm, determining, if the peer terminal has the right to set the alarm, an alarm generation time according to a transmission time of the alarm setting request message, and setting the alarm for the alarm generation time. |
| US08947981B2 |
Attenuating mass for an ultrasonic sensor, use of epoxy resin
Temperature stability at the temperatures prevailing in a motor and stability that is required over an entire temperature range are provided by an attenuating mass. This enables continuous use at temperatures of approximately 150° C. while providing ultrasonic attenuation at low temperatures. |
| US08947979B2 |
Transducer mounting blocks and method of use thereof
A mounting block for fastening equipment such as a sonar transducer onto the hull or transom of a boat which consists of a flat body portion formed into a predetermined size and shape, the body further having a front face and a back face, the back face further having one or more channel grooves for retaining an adhesive, the channel grooves further having internal surfaces to provide mechanical grip to the hardened adhesive thereby preventing mechanical separation between sonar transducer or other equipment and the mounting block. |
| US08947978B2 |
System and method for estimating the direction of arrival of a sound
A system and method for estimating the direction of arrival of sounds. One method including the steps of: forming a reference signal; detecting sound with two or more spatially separated, directional or spatially separated directional, microphones to produce two or more output signals; calculating the relationships between each of the two or more output signals and the reference signal; and estimating the direction of arrival based on differences between the relationships. |
| US08947975B2 |
Time-variable gain for correction of fluid attenuation in downhole acoustic tools
An apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided that in one embodiment may include at least one transmitter configured to generate acoustic signals in the wellbore, at least one receiver configured to receive acoustic signals from a formation surrounding the wellbore in response to the transmitted acoustic signal and also configured to provide electrical signals representative of the received acoustic signals, a circuit configured to apply a time-variable gain to the electrical signals to amplify the electrical signals, and a processor configured to process the amplified electrical signals and provide a property of interest. |
| US08947973B2 |
Active detection of marine mammals during seismic surveying
An embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure for conducting a marine survey includes towing a survey spread comprising a plurality of receivers and an energy source along a selected course; emitting a signal from an energy source; receiving backscattered acoustic signals at the receivers; and actively detecting a cetacean from the received data. |
| US08947968B2 |
Memory having power saving mode
A memory has a normal mode and a power saving mode. The memory has bitline precharge circuitry which during the normal mode selectively couples a pair of bitlines to a precharge node to charge the bitlines to a given voltage level. During the power saving mode the bitlines are isolated from the precharge node. Voltage control circuitry is provided to maintain the precharge node at a first voltage level during the normal mode and at a second voltage level less than the first voltage level during the power saving mode. By reducing the voltage level at the precharge node during the power saving mode, the amount of inrush current occurring when switching from power saving mode to normal mode can be reduced, and this enables the wakeup time to be reduced when returning from power saving mode to normal mode. |
| US08947966B2 |
Power gated memory device with power state indication
A memory device comprises one or more power gates and state signaling circuitry. Each of the one or more power gates is configurable such that a respective portion of the memory device is powered down. The state signaling circuitry is operative to produce a power state output signal indicative of when the one or more power gates are configured such that the memory device is fully powered up. |
| US08947964B2 |
Current sense amplifiers, memory devices and methods
A current sense amplifier may include one or more clamping circuits coupled between differential output nodes of the amplifier. The clamping circuits may be enabled during at least a portion of the time that the sense amplifier is sensing the state of a memory cell coupled to a differential input of the sense amplifier. The clamping circuits may be disabled during the time that the sense amplifier is sensing the state of a memory cell at different times in a staggered manner. The clamping circuits may be effecting in making the current sense amplifier less sensitive to noise signals. |
| US08947958B2 |
Latent slow bit detection for non-volatile memory
In accordance with at least one embodiment, a non-volatile memory (NVM) and method is disclosed for detecting latent slow erase bits. At least a portion of an array of NVM cells is erased with a reduced erase bias. The reduced erase bias has a reduced level relative to a normal erase bias. A least erased bit (LEB) threshold voltage level of the least erased bit (LEB) is determined. An erase verify is performed at an adjusted erase verify read threshold voltage level. The adjusted erase verify read threshold voltage level is a predetermined amount lower than the LEB read threshold voltage level. A number of failing bits is determined. The failing bits are bits with a threshold voltage above the adjusted erase verify level. The NVM is rejected in response to the number of failing bits being less than a failing bits threshold. |
| US08947953B2 |
Bit cell internal voltage control
Among other things, techniques for facilitating a write operation to a bit cell are provided. A pulse generator initializes lowering of an internal voltage level associated with a bit cell that is to be written to by a write operation. In this way, the bit cell is placed into a writeable voltage state, such that a potential of the bit cell can be overcome by the write operation. A voltage detector sends a reset signal to the pulse generator based upon the pulse generator lowering the internal voltage level past a reset trigger level. Responsive to receiving the reset signal, the pulse generator initializes charging of the internal voltage level to an original voltage level. In this way, the lowering of the internal voltage level is controlled so that one or more other bit cells are not affected (e.g., suffer data retention failure) by the relatively lower internal voltage level. |
| US08947952B2 |
Input-output line sense amplifier having adjustable output drive capability
An input-output line sense amplifier configured to drive input data signals over an input-output signal line to an output driver circuit, the input-output line sense amplifier having an output driver stage having a plurality of different programmable output drive capacities to tailor the output drive of the sense amplifier. |
| US08947951B2 |
Semiconductor memory devices
A semiconductor memory device includes at least one memory cell connected to an internal voltage line that receives a cell power supply voltage and a write assist circuit connected to the internal voltage line. The write assist circuit lowers a level of the cell power supply voltage to a target level during a first period of a write operation on the memory cell and maintains the level of the cell power supply voltage at the target level during a second period of the write operation based on a write assist control signal. The second period succeeds the first period. |
| US08947949B2 |
Mode changing circuitry
A circuit includes a memory cell having a ground reference node, a switch coupled to the ground reference node, and a mode changing circuit having an output coupled to the switch. The mode changing circuit is configured to change a logic state of the output between a first output logic state and a second output logic state in response to a change in an operational voltage and/or temperature, thereby set the memory cell in a first mode in which the ground reference node is at first reference level or in a second mode in which the ground reference node is at a second reference level different from the first reference level. |
| US08947944B2 |
Program cycle skip evaluation before write operations in non-volatile memory
A non-volatile memory system is disclosed that evaluates during a read before write operation whether to skip programming of portions of group of memory cells during a subsequent write operation. By evaluating skip information during a read before write operation, the write operation can be expedited. The additional overhead for evaluating skip information is consumed during the read before write operation. By performing a skip evaluation during the read before write operation, a full analysis of the availability of skipping programming for memory cells can be performed. Skip evaluations in different embodiments may be performed for entire bay address cycles, column address cycles, and/or sense amplifier address cycles. In some embodiments, some skip evaluations are performed during read before write operations while others are deferred to the write operation. In this manner, the number of data latches for storing skip information can be decreased. |
| US08947943B2 |
Memory system and control method therefor
A memory system includes a plurality of memory devices having data terminals that are commonly connected to a memory controller. Each of the memory devices includes a data output circuit that outputs read data that is read from a memory cell array in response to a read command to the data terminal, and an output-timing adjustment circuit that adjusts an output timing of read data that is output from the data output circuit. The memory controller sets an adjustment amount of adjustment performed by an output-timing adjustment circuit such that delay times from when the read command is issued until when the read data is received match in the memory devices, by issuing a setting command to each of the memory devices. |
| US08947939B2 |
Low voltage programming in NAND flash
A memory device includes a plurality of memory cells arranged in series in the semiconductor body, such as a NAND string, having a plurality of word lines. A selected memory cell is programmed by hot carrier injection. The program operation is based on metering a flow of carriers between a first semiconductor body region on a first side of the selected cell in the NAND string and a second semiconductor body region on a second side of the selected cell. A program potential higher than a hot carrier injection barrier level is applied to the selected cell, and then the drain to source voltage across the selected cell and the flow of carriers in the selected cell reach a level sufficient to support hot carrier injection, which is controlled by a switch cell adjacent the selected cell. |
| US08947938B2 |
Two-transistor non-volatile memory cell and related program and read methods
A memory device includes an N-channel transistor and a P-channel transistor. A word line is electrically connected to a drain terminal of the N-channel transistor, and a source terminal of the P-channel transistor. A first bit line is electrically connected to a source terminal of the N-channel transistor. A second bit line is electrically connected to a drain terminal of the P-channel transistor. Gate terminals of the N-channel transistor and the P-channel transistor are electrically connected and floating. |
| US08947935B2 |
Integrated circuit and apparatuses including the same
An integrated includes a memory cell, a bit line connected to the memory cell, a boosting circuit to boost the bit line up to a boosting voltage during a pre-charge operation pre-charging the bit line, and a regulation circuit connected between the bit line and an output terminal and determines a logic level of the output terminal according to the voltage of the bit line. |
| US08947934B2 |
Sharing local control lines across multiple planes in a memory device
Memory devices, methods for accessing a memory cell, and memory systems are disclosed. One such memory device includes a plurality of planes of memory cells. Each plane of memory cells includes series strings of memory cells that each have a select gate drain transistor. Control gates of corresponding select gates are coupled together by a shared local control line. Each of a plurality of global control lines are coupled to their corresponding local control line with only a single global select gate. |
| US08947929B1 |
Flash-based soft information generation
The present disclosure describes techniques for flash-based soft information generation. In some aspects a flash-memory device includes a soft information generator configured to determine soft information for a data value stored by a flash-memory cell. The soft information includes fewer bits than a number of data bits read from the flash-memory cell from which the soft information is generated. When the flash-memory device transfers the soft information to a memory controller, fewer bits per data value are transferred. By so doing, an efficiency of a data link between the flash memory device and the memory controller may be improved. |
| US08947924B2 |
Data readout circuit of phase change memory
A data readout circuit of phase change memory, relating to one or more phase change memory cells, wherein each phase change memory cell is connected to the control circuit by bit line and word line; said data readout circuit comprises: a clamp voltage generating circuit, used to generate a clamp voltage; a precharge circuit, used to fast charge bit line under the control of a clamp voltage; a clamped current generating circuit, used to generate a clamped current to keep bit line at clamped state under the control of a clamp voltage; a clamped current operation circuit, used to perform subtraction and multiplication on clamped current to increase the difference of clamped current between high resistance state and low resistance state; a sense amplifier circuit, used to compare the operated clamped current and the reference current and output the readout result. Compared with the prior art, the data readout circuit of phase change memory provided by the present invention can effectively enhance the data readout speed, decrease the misreading window between high resistance state and low resistance state, reduce the crosstalk of data readout, and improve the reliability of data readout. |
| US08947922B2 |
Method and apparatus for reading a magnetic tunnel junction using a sequence of short pulses
A magnetic random access memory (MRAM) array having a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) to be read using a magnetic state of the MTJ, the MTJ being read by applying a current there through. Further, the MRAM array has a reference MTJ, a sense amplifier coupled to the MTJ and the reference MTJ, the sense amplifier operable to compare the voltage of the MTJ to the reference MTJ in determining the state of the MTJ; a first capacitor coupled to the sense amplifier at a first end and to ground at a second end; and a second capacitor coupled to the sense amplifier at a first end and to ground at a second end, the first capacitor storing the, wherein short voltage pulses are applied to the first end of each of the first and second capacitors when reading the MTJ thereby makes the current flowing through the MTJ there through for small time intervals thereby avoiding read disturbance to the MTJ. |
| US08947918B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array, a buffer configured to hold data input to an input/output circuit and to hold data read from the memory cell array, and a controller configured to receive a first command and an address from the outside and to read data, in response to the first command, from a memory cell group coupled to a selected word line designated by the address to the buffer. The controller receives a second command which is input after the first command and indicates a last command of a group of commands including write commands and/or read commands, and starts a write operation from the buffer to the memory cell array in response to the second command. |
| US08947915B2 |
Thermal spin torqure transfer magnetoresistive random access memory
A thermal spin torque transfer magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) apparatus includes a magnetic tunnel junction and a tunnel junction programming circuit. The magnetic tunnel junction includes a reference layer having a fixed magnetic polarity, a tunnel barrier layer, and a free layer on an opposite side of the tunnel barrier layer from the reference layer. The free layer includes a first layer having a first Curie temperature and a second layer having a second Curie temperature different from the first Curie temperature. The tunnel junction programming circuit is configured to apply a current through the magnetic tunnel junction to generate a write temperature in the magnetic tunnel junction and to write to the free layer of the magnetic tunnel junction. |
| US08947907B1 |
Current source circuits and methods for mass write and testing of programmable impedance elements
An integrated circuit device can include a plurality of memory cells, each including at least one element programmable between different impedance states by application of a voltage or current; a plurality of bit line groups, each bit line group including multiple bit lines, each bit line being coupled to multiple memory cells; a plurality of current source circuits coupled to the bit line groups, each current source circuit configured to couple the bit lines of its respective group to at least a first bias node or a second bias node. |
| US08947903B2 |
Memory chip with more than one type of memory cell
A semiconductor memory chip that has word lines driven by respective word line drivers and bit lines to carry signals to respective bit line amplifiers/drivers with memory cells at intersections of the word lines and bit lines memory cells. The semiconductor memory chip including various memory cell types, the type of memory cell at an intersection based on a position of the intersection among the word lines and bit lines. |
| US08947900B2 |
Stable SRAM cell
SRAM cells and SRAM cell arrays are described. In one embodiment, an SRAM cell includes a first inverter and a second inverter cross-coupled with the first inverter to form a first data storage node and a complimentary second data storage node for latching a value. The SRAM cell further includes a first pass-gate transistor and a switch transistor. A first source/drain of the first pass-gate transistor is coupled to the first data storage node, and a second source/drain of the first pass-gate transistor is coupled to a first bit line. The first source/drain of the switch transistor is coupled to the gate of the first pass-gate transistor. |
| US08947897B2 |
Current-source power converting apparatus
A current-source power converting apparatus in an embodiment includes a current-reference generating unit, a polarity determining unit, a PWM-pulse-signal generating unit, and a drive-signal generating unit. The current-reference generating unit outputs a phase current reference and a line-to-line current reference. The polarity determining unit determines a polarity of the phase current reference. The PWM-pulse-signal generating unit generates a PWM pulse signal by comparing the line-to-line current reference and a carrier signal. The drive-signal generating unit generates a drive signal that drives each of a plurality of switching elements, based on the PWM pulse signal and a polarity of the phase current reference. |
| US08947883B2 |
Low profile wire bonded USB device
A low profile USB flash memory device, and methods of forming same, are disclosed. The USB flash memory device includes an integrated circuit memory portion and a USB connector. The memory portion and the USB connector may be integrally formed on the same substrate. The USB flash memory device includes a substrate on which is mounted one or more flash memory die, a controller die, passive components and an LED for indicating when the memory is being accessed. In contrast to prior art USB memory devices which used TSOP packages mounted on a printed circuit board, the semiconductor die of the present invention are affixed to the substrate and wire bonded in a SIP configuration. Omitting the encapsulated TSOP packages allows a reduction in the overall thickness of the USB flash memory device. |
| US08947881B2 |
Housing for an on-board electronic card
A housing (1) for at least one electronic card (2), designed for the aeronautics field, of the type having a standardized width and including two lateral guides designed to work together with slides provided on the inner surfaces of an electronics bay, includes two half-shells, upper (4) and lower (5), pressed together at the lateral guides; the lower half-shell includes at least one bearing area (10) forming the housing for electronic cards; elements (19) for pressing each electronic card (2) in each corresponding housing and for pressing at least one heat sink (16) against the upper surface of at least one electronic card; the function of the body (5) is to take into account the mechanical stresses linked to the electronic cards hosted within the housing, and the function of the cover (4) is to ensure adequate thermal conductivity to allow heat produced by an electronic card in operation to be dissipated. |
| US08947879B2 |
Portable computer server enclosure
A container that holds rack mountable electronics equipment includes a plurality of rack enclosures and a corresponding plurality of enclosure cooling units. Each rack enclosure is movably mounted in the container such it can move from a position abutting a front of an enclosure cooling unit to a maintenance and access position spaced apart from the enclosure cooling unit. Each enclosure cooling unit is capable of providing varying amounts of cool air to the rack enclosure it abuts, so that the interior of each rack enclosure can be maintained at a different temperature. |
| US08947875B2 |
Portable device
A portable device includes a first unit including a guide member with a groove; a second unit including a sliding member that slides in the groove of each guide member; and a shield member that shields a boundary portion formed when the second unit is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first unit in an extended state. The groove of the guide member includes a curved section that makes the first unit incline at a predetermined angle with respect to the second unit. One end of the shield member is rotatably supported at an end of the second unit, and the other end is slidably engaged with the groove of the guide member. |
| US08947873B2 |
Immersion-cooled and conduction-cooled electronic system
A cooled electronic system and cooling method are provided, where an electronics board having a plurality of electronic components mounted to the board is cooled by an apparatus which includes an immersion-cooled electronic component section and a conduction-cooled electronic component section. The immersion-cooled section includes an enclosure at least partially surrounding and forming a compartment about multiple electronic components of the electronic components mounted to the electronics board, and a fluid disposed within the compartment. The multiple electronic components are, at least in part, immersed within the fluid to facilitate immersion-cooling of those components. The conduction-cooled electronic component section includes at least one electronic component of the electronic components mounted to the electronics board, and the at least one electronic component is indirectly liquid-cooled, at least in part, via conduction of heat from the at least one electronic component. |
| US08947870B2 |
Sliding and rotating apparatus and device having same
Disclosed is a sliding and rotating apparatus for connecting two components of a device, such as a portable electronic media player, and a device having the same. The apparatus provides has a base member, a sliding member, and a rotating member. The sliding member is coupled to the base member so as to permit sliding thereon in a first linear direction and between first and second positions, and the rotating member rotationally coupled to the sliding member. The rotating member and base member are configured such that when the sliding member is forced into the second position the rotating member is rotated in a first angular direction. The apparatus also may contain a sliding mechanism that biases the apparatus in either the first or second position. |
| US08947867B2 |
Sliding-type electronic apparatus with strengthening force structure
A sliding-type electronic apparatus with a strengthening force structure includes a body served as a system terminal and an upper cover disposed on the body and having a surface configured with a touch screen. A sliding and cover-lifting member constituted by a sliding rail, a sliding member and a pivot shaft device is at least disposed between the body and the upper cover. In a normal state, a supporting device, together with the sliding and cover-lifting member, is horizontally and supportively placed in a preset concave chamber space of the body. The auxiliary supporting devices can be formed as an inclined auxiliary support structure on the rear surface of the upper cover when the upper cover is lifted, thereby effectively increasing the screen touch resistance to inhibit screen wobble in an operation process and to promote the support effect and operation stability of the screen. |
| US08947865B2 |
Mobile terminal device
A mobile terminal device includes a case that forms a storage space for storing a component and that includes an open section at a first surface, a display module that is stored in the open section of the case and that includes a display surface for allowing information to be displayed thereon adjacent to the first surface, a plate that is fixed to an inner surface of the case and that partitions the storage space into a space for storing the display module and a space for storing a component other than the display module, a panel that covers the open section of the case and that supports the display module such that the display module is sandwiched between the panel and the plate, and an adhesive that adheres the panel and a surrounding region of the open section of the case. |
| US08947864B2 |
Flexible hinge and removable attachment
Fabric outer layer techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes, an input portion having one or more keys configured to generate signals to be processed by a computing device as inputs, a connection portion that is configured to be removable attachable to the computing device and including at least one communication contact configured to form a communicative coupling with the computing device to communicate the generated signals, a flexible hinge that is configured to flexibly and communicatively connect the connection portion to the input portion, and first and second outer fabric layers that are configured to act as an outer surface of the one or more keys of the input portion and the flexible hinge and are physically secured to the connection portion. |
| US08947861B2 |
Tablet computer
A tablet computer is composed of a tablet component and a keyboard component. The tablet component houses all of the essential hardware of tablet computer including the central processing unit (CPU), the memory, the power supply, and a touch screen display. The keyboard component is a simple peripheral device that offers no computing functionality unless connected with the tablet component. The tablet component and keyboard component can mate to form a notebook-type computer. The tablet component and keyboard component can mate in an orientation allowing use of only a tablet computing user interface. The tablet component is removable from the keyboard component and functions independently as a tablet computing device. The keyboard component has a counterbalance armature to oppose the moment of inertia due to the changing center of mass of the tablet computer as the tablet component is moved from a closed to an open position. |
| US08947860B2 |
Lightweight audio system for automotive applications and method
A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration. The major components and subassemblies are self-fixturing during the final assembly process, eliminating the need for dedicated tools, fixtures and assembly equipment. The major components and subassemblies self-interconnect by integral guide and connection features effecting “slide lock” and “snap lock” self-interconnection. The radio architecture includes improved push buttons employing 4-bar living hinge linkage and front loaded decorative trim buttons. |
| US08947859B2 |
Modular power distributor
A power distributor for use in vehicles is provided. The power distributor includes a base module having a central power feed and at least two universal modules, thereby forming a modular structure of the power distributor. The universal modules have defined geometries and are mechanically and electrically removably connectable to corresponding locations on the base module. Each universal module includes at least one electrical component. The base module includes a printed circuit board having at least one of current conducting paths and at least one bus bar. The base module comprises contact connectors for connection to loads of the vehicle. An electrical component is also provided as a semi-finished product for further processing in vehicles. The electrical component includes a bus bar and a lamellar contact attached thereto. |
| US08947858B2 |
Crimped leadwire for improved contact with anodes of a solid electrolytic capacitor
A capacitor containing a solid electrolytic capacitor element that includes a sintered porous anode body and an anode lead assembly is provided. The lead assembly is electrically connected to the anode body for connection to an anode termination. The lead assembly contains at least a first lead wire comprising at least one notch that is located on an embedded portion of the first lead wire. The at least one notch can be formed by crimping the lead wire prior to embedding the lead wire within the anode body. The at least one lead wire is embedded within the anode body and extends from a surface of the anode body in a longitudinal direction. The resulting geometry of the lead wire increases the points of contact between the anode body and the lead wire after post-sintering shrinkage of the anode body to improve the electrical capabilities of the solid electrolytic capacitor. |
| US08947846B2 |
Device for protecting piping from lightning
A device for protecting piping from lightning. The piping includes tubular metal sections connected to each other by connection parts, a first portion of the connection parts being plastic material parts and a second portion of the connection parts being metal parts. |
| US08947845B2 |
Solid state protector module
A protector module for use with a communication system, such as a telephone system having a tip line and a ring line, includes a base member and a plurality of electrically conductive pins mounted on the base member. A first electrical contact is fixedly mounted on the top surface of the base member and is in electrical communication with one of the tip line and the ring line. A movable second electrical contact is connected to a ground pin mounted on the base member and is situated in alignment with the first electrical contact. A solder pellet, which may melt in high current, long duration power surges, and a solid state device, are positioned between the first and second electrical contacts. |
| US08947843B2 |
Fast breaker failure detection for HVDC circuit breakers
A breaker failure detection device for a direct current (DC) circuit breaker (200) is provided. The circuit breaker comprises a circuit breaking element (204) and a non-linear resistor, e.g., a surge arrester (205), connected in parallel. The breaker failure detection device comprises a current sensor (212, 213, 214, 215), for measuring a current commutating from the circuit breaking element (204), and a breaker failure detection unit (211). The breaker failure detection unit (211) is arranged for comparing the measured current to desired values and deciding that an internal commutation process of the circuit breaker (200) does not proceed as desired if the measured current deviates from the desired values. The present invention makes use of an understanding that an improved detection of breaker failures may be achieved by monitoring the internal commutation process of the circuit breaker. Further, a method of breaker failure detection is provided. |
| US08947839B2 |
Enhanced immunity from electrostatic discharge
Enhanced electrostatic discharge (“ESD”) protection for an integrated circuit is described. An embodiment relates generally to a circuit for protection against ESD. The circuit has an input/output node and a driver. The driver has a first transistor and a second transistor. A first source/drain node of the first transistor is coupled to the input/output node. A second source/drain node of the first transistor forms a first interior node capable of accumulating charge when electrically floating. A first current flow control circuit is coupled to a discharge node and the second source/drain node of the first transistor. The first current flow control circuit is electrically oriented in a bias direction for allowing accumulated charge to discharge from the first interior node via the first current flow control circuit to the discharge node. |
| US08947835B2 |
Tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) read sensor with a long diffusion path and ex-situ interfaces in a sense layer structure
The invention provides a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) read sensor with a long diffusion path and ex-situ interfaces in a sense layer structure. The sense layer structure comprises a first sense layer preferably formed of a ferromagnetic Co—Fe film, a second sense layer preferably formed of a ferromagnetic Co—Fe—B film, and a third sense layer preferably formed of a ferromagnetic Ni—Fe film. The sense layer structure has a long diffusion path (defined as a total thickness of the first and second sense layers) and ex-situ interfaces for suppressing unwanted diffusions of Ni atoms. Alternatively, the sense layer structure comprises a first sense layer preferably formed of a ferromagnetic Co—Fe film, a second sense layer preferably formed of a ferromagnetic Co—Fe—B film, a third sense layer preferably formed of a ferromagnetic Co—Fe—B—Hf film, and a fourth sense layer preferably formed of a ferromagnetic Ni—Fe film. |
| US08947834B2 |
Method and apparatus for chemical-mechanical polishing
In accordance with certain embodiments, a method can be utilized that includes depositing a backfill material layer over a reader stack; depositing a chemical-mechanical-polishing stop layer above the layer of backfill material; and depositing a sacrificial layer on top of the chemical-mechanical-polishing stop layer. |
| US08947830B1 |
Method of forming electrical connections from solder posts
A method for forming an electrical interconnection between a slider pad and a suspension pad that is adjacent to and positioned at an angle relative to the slider pad, which includes the steps of forming a solder bump on a first surface of the slider pad, reshaping the solder bump into a protrusion having an ellipsoidal shape that extends from the slider pad and contacts the suspension pad, and applying a laser to the ellipsoidal protrusion to reflow the solder bump while simultaneously applying a downward pressure to the solder bump in order to form a solder fillet between the slider pad and the suspension pad. |
| US08947827B1 |
Stitched pole having a tapered tip
In one general embodiment, a magnetic head includes a stitch pole; and a main pole formed adjacent the stitch pole, wherein an end region of the stitch pole closest to an air bearing surface of the head tapers towards the main pole. In another general embodiment, a magnetic head includes a stitch pole being a laminate of at least two magnetic layers separated by a nonmagnetic layer; and a main pole formed adjacent the stitch pole. An end region of the stitch pole closest to an air bearing surface of the head tapers towards the main pole. An average angle of the taper of the end region of the stitch pole is between about 20 and about 45 degrees. Such head may be implemented in a data storage system. |
| US08947826B2 |
Surface treatment method to develop a durable wear resistant overcoat for magnetic recording systems
A durable wear-resistant coating consists of an atomically mixed layer on the surface of the head or media which is developed by bombardment of the surface with energetic C ions with optimized parameters. This mixed layer is covered with a hard DLC overcoat. This mixed interlayer is able to strongly bond the overcoat to the head or media substrate and improve the tribological properties of the overcoat. In this method a very thin layer of a carbide former material can be used as an interlayer before bombarding the surface with C ions which provides a composite interlayer containing C and species from interlayer and substrate. This composite interlayer bonds the DLC overact to the ceramic substrate of the head or the metallic substrate of the media. This interlayer by itself is protective enough to protect the head media of the hard drives against wear and corrosion. |
| US08947825B2 |
Low cost high performance hard drive base
The present invention relates to a HDD base comprising: at least two anchor formations for anchoring at least two parts of a HDD; and a rigid member configured to retain anchor formations in a fixed position relative to each other. |
| US08947821B1 |
Detecting a servo pattern using a data channel in a magnetic tape drive
According to one embodiment, a system for processing data includes an equalizer configured to use servo coefficients for processing servo data and data coefficients for processing non-servo data, wherein the equalizer includes a finite impulse response (FIR) filter configured to process data read with a magnetic tape channel using the servo coefficients to generate equalized data, one or more low-pass filters with aggressive frequency characteristics configured to filter the equalized data to output filtered data, the one or more low-pass filters with aggressive frequency characteristics being configured to remove high frequency noise from the equalized data, a peak detector configured to process peaks in a waveform of the filtered data, and at least one servo pattern detector configured to detect a servo pattern in the filtered data. Other systems and methods for processing data are described in more embodiments. |
| US08947813B2 |
Emergency power off (EPO) island for saving critical data to non-volatile memory
Approaches for an emergency power off (EPO) power island, for saving critical data to non-volatile memory in the event of an EPO condition, for use in a hard-disk drive (HDD) storage device. The EPO power island includes a controller for detecting an EPO condition. A voltage regulator supplies power from spindle motor back EMF only to the EPO power island and to the non-volatile memory. Thus, the remainder of the hard drive controller (HDC) is isolated from the EPO power island so that it will not corrupt the data as the HDC's power supply is decaying. Using the power provided by the voltage regulator, the EPO power island transfers critical data from a memory internal to the island to a non-volatile memory external to the island, such as to a flash memory chip. |
| US08947810B1 |
Bit-locked interface for magnetic recording
Techniques are provided for performing bit-locked operations on media. A first control signal is received from a first source, and a second control signal is generated at a second source in response to receiving the first control signal. The media is accessed according to the second control signal. One or more synchronization markers are located during the accessing of the media, and bit-level synchronization between the second source and the media is achieved based, at least partially, on the one or more synchronization markers. A control operation is performed on the media with bit-level synchrony between the second source and the media. |
| US08947809B2 |
Encoding scheme for bit patterned media
A bit patterned media (BPM) encoded recordable medium includes a servo control field including servo bits. Each servo bit is represented by a servo bit pattern of dots and gaps on the recordable medium. In the servo bit patterns, substantially no two dots are placed immediately next to one another, and substantially all servo bit patterns start with a gap and/or substantially all servo bit patterns end with a gap. |
| US08947805B1 |
Low complexity inter-track interference cancellation receiver for magnetic multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) channel
A receiver utilizes a plurality of read elements, each generating a read-back signal in response to a data track positioned beneath the read element. The plurality of read-back signals are each provided to at least one space-time interference cancellation filter, which generates a filtered output that maximizes a signal associated with one of the plurality of data tracks. The filtered output is provided to a one-dimensional Viterbi detector, which is configured to generate in response an output representative of a data sequence written to one of the plurality of data tracks. |
| US08947803B1 |
Data storage device and data erasing method
A data storage device includes a recording medium including a data region for recording data and a nonvolatile recording unit distinct from the data region. In response to a request for executing erase processing with respect to the recording medium, first time information corresponding to initiation of the erase processing in the nonvolatile recording unit is stored, the erase processing after storing the first time information is executed, and second time information corresponding to completion of the erase processing is stored in the nonvolatile recording unit. |
| US08947801B1 |
Multi-track asymmetric read-back signal correction
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward an apparatus, such as a disc drive, including a disc having multiple tracks, a magneto-resistive transducer assembly, and multiple-track signal correction circuitry. The multiple-track signal correction circuitry compensates for asymmetry in a readback signal of read data stored in at least one of multiple tracks based on different correction coefficients for respective ones of the multiple tracks. |
| US08947796B2 |
Telecentric optical assembly
The present disclosure provides a telecentric optical assembly comprising a first portion of a telecentric optical link including a first kinematic mount having alignment structures, where the first kinematic mount can be attached to a first substrate having a first array of active optical elements; and a second portion of the telecentric optical link including a second kinematic mount having recesses configured to mate with the alignment structures, where the second kinematic mount can be attached to a second substrate having a second array of active optical elements. Additionally, the first and second kinematic mounts, when mated, can align optical beams between the first array of active optical elements and the second array of active optical elements. |
| US08947791B2 |
Large aperture zoom optical system and image pickup apparatus
A large aperture zoom optical system and an image pickup apparatus have a five-lens-group arrangement of positive-negative-positive-negative-positive refractive powers. At the time of zooming, the fifth lens group is fixed, and at least the second lens group, the third lens group and the fourth lens group are moved. The third lens group for use in focusing is composed of a single lens element. |
| US08947790B2 |
Imaging lens assembly
An imaging lens assembly includes five lens elements with refractive power, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element and a fifth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The second lens element has positive refractive power. The third lens element has refractive power. The fourth lens element with refractive power has a concave image-side surface, wherein both of an object-side surface and the image-side surface of the fourth lens element are aspheric. The fifth lens element with refractive power has a concave image-side surface, wherein at least one inflection point is formed on the image-side surface of the fifth lens element, and both of an object-side surface and the image-side surface of the fifth lens element are aspheric. |
| US08947782B2 |
Wavelength variable interference filter, optical module, and light analyzer
A wavelength variable interference filter includes: a first movable mirror disposed on a first substrate; a second movable mirror disposed so as to be opposed to the first movable mirror with a predetermined gap interposed therebetween; and an electrostatic actuator which varies the length of the gap between the mirrors. The first substrate has a first movable portion on which the first movable mirror is disposed, and a first linkage portion which holds the first movable portion in such a manner that the first movable portion can shift in the thickness direction of the substrate. The second substrate has a second movable portion on which the second movable mirror is disposed, and a second linkage portion which holds the second movable portion in such a manner that the second movable portion can shift in the thickness direction of the substrate. |
| US08947774B2 |
Catadioptric optical system and image pickup apparatus having the same
A catadioptric optical system includes a first imaging optical system that includes a catadioptric part that collects a light beam from an object to form an intermediate image of the object, and a second imaging optical system that includes a refractive part that images the intermediate image on an image plane. The first imaging optical system includes a first optical element, a second optical element, and a negative lens in an optical path between the first and second optical elements, and the first and second optical elements are disposed so that reflection parts of the first and second optical element face each other. A power φn of the negative lens, radii of curvature R1n and R2n of lens surfaces of the negative lens at an object side and an image side, respectively, and a power φ1 of the first imaging optical system are appropriately set. |
| US08947770B2 |
Systems and methods for measuring power levels in an optical device
An apparatus for monitoring optical equipment in an optical circuit is disclosed in which the apparatus may include an optical device situated to receive an optical input signal and to reflect a portion of the energy of the received optical input signal, thereby providing a reflected input signal; a first photodiode located along a path of the reflected input signal, and operable to receive optical energy from the reflected optical input signal and from ambient optical power; a second photodiode located substantially outside the reflection path of the optical input signal; and means for calculating a magnitude of a power level of the optical input signal from values of outputs from the first and second photodiodes. |
| US08947769B1 |
Tunable three level terahertz magnon laser generator with antenna
An apparatus for tunable generation of terahertz photons is provided. The apparatus comprises a three level magnon laser, an injection means, a terahertz antenna, and a tuning means. The terahertz antenna further comprises a magnon gain medium that supports generation of nonequilibrium magnons. The magnon gain medium is selected from the group consisting of: a ferromagnetic semiconductor; a dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS); a half-metallic ferromagnet (HMF); and a ferromagnetic conductor, with a gap in the density of states of the minority electrons around the Fermi energy. |
| US08947768B2 |
Master oscillator—power amplifier systems
The invention provides fiber-optic light sources such as cladding-pumped master oscillator—power amplifier (MOPA) systems which use double-clad optical fibers (DCF). The inner cladding of the first DCF used in the master oscillator section has a circular cross-section in order to enable the formation of low loss optical splices in the integrated MOPA structure. The inner cladding of the second DCF in the output amplifier section has a shaped non-circular cross-section in order to enhance the absorption of the pump light in the doped core of the second DCF. |
| US08947767B2 |
Excitation light source for raman amplification, raman amplifier, and optical transmission system
An excitation light source, for Raman amplification, includes a polarization beam splitter (PBS) for splitting a laser beam from an excitation laser into two polarization components, and a polarization beam combiner (PBC) for combining the two polarization components, and a time difference generator provided between PBS and PBC. The time difference generator generates a difference in propagation time between the two polarization components. |
| US08947764B1 |
High-speed photonic modulator designs
An optical device includes a microdisk optical resonator element. The microdisk resonator element is formed on a substrate and has upper and lower portions respectively distal and proximal the substrate. An arcuate semiconductor contact region partially surrounds the microdisk resonator element. A first modulator electrode is centrally formed on the upper portion of the microdisk resonator element, and a second modulator electrode is formed on the arcuate contact region. A laminar semiconductor region smaller in thickness than the microdisk resonator element separates the arcuate contact region from the microdisk resonator element and is formed on the substrate so as to electrically connect the arcuate contact region to the lower portion of the microdisk resonator element. |
| US08947760B2 |
Thermotropic optical shutter incorporating coatable polarizers
A thermotropic optical shutter device incorporates coatable, thin-film polarizers with a thermotropic depolarizer. The coatable polarizers provide a mechanism for adjusting the polarizer properties (i.e., absorption, reflection, or diffusion) by changing the thickness of the coating. For example, a thicker film may have a higher relative polarizing efficiency while a thinner film may have a lower relative polarizing efficiency. Using the same base materials and manufacturing process, the contrast ratio and other properties of a thermotropic or thermochromic shutter device (e.g., a liquid crystal-based smart window film) may be adjusted in real time on the manufacturing line. |
| US08947758B2 |
Electrochromic mirrors and other electrooptic devices
This invention focuses on automotive electrochromic (EC) mirrors. There are several ways to improve the attribute of this product and also use superior processing methods. This invention improves on busbars which are used to power these devices. This discloses novel busbar designs, materials and busbar deposition methods. This invention also addresses the composition of transparent conductor coatings which can be used in an advantageous configuration for third surface mirrors, and corrosion resistant reflective coating compositions for EC mirrors. Processing methods to deposit coatings for third surface mirrors are also disclosed. Insignias may also be incorporated in EC mirrors by using conductive materials deposited on the second surface of an EC mirror configuration that is formed by two substrates. |
| US08947755B2 |
Optical scanning device and image display apparatus
An optical scanning device includes a rotationally-moving mirror on which a reflection plane is provided in a rotationally-movable manner, and a sealing unit over which a light-transmissive cover is provided, a first plane of the light-transmissive cover, a second plane of the light-transmissive cover, and the reflection plane of the rotationally-moving mirror within a rotationally-moving range being non-parallel to each other, the first plane being on the opposite side to the side of the rotationally-moving mirror, the second plane being on the side of the rotationally-moving mirror. |
| US08947753B2 |
Imaging device for an image reading apparatus, and image reading method
An imaging device includes a plurality of light-receiving units configured to perform photoelectric conversion for different colors, respectively, each light light-receiving unit including a plurality of pixels; a plurality of output units provided for the light-receiving units, each output unit sequentially converting charges of the respective pixels produced by the photoelectric conversion into voltages and sequentially outputting the voltages; a switching unit configured to switch between signal paths so as to alternate output of the voltage between the output units in accordance with a switching signal input from an external device; and an electric-potential applying unit configured to apply an offset potential to the voltages output by the output units until a predetermined time has elapsed since switching between the signal paths by the switching unit. |
| US08947751B2 |
Image reading device and image forming apparatus
An image reading device, which can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes an image pickup device, a transparent member, a traveling body, and a housing. The traveling body includes a light source to emit light and guides the light reflected from a surface of the document to the image pickup device while moving in a sub scanning direction along the document surface on the transparent member. The housing accommodates the image pickup device and the traveling body, and includes a base member including a rectangular bottom surface and a side surface, and a rail member including a rail surface and a first vertical surface. The rail member further includes a fixing part that is a surface to be fixed to the bottom surface of the base member and to extend from one end of the rail member in the sub scanning direction to the other end. |
| US08947749B2 |
Image reading apparatus, control method of image reading apparatus, and storage medium
A method includes reading an image of a document obtained by a reading unit exposing the document to light with an exposure unit, causing the reading unit to perform first reading processing for reading first information obtained by causing the exposure unit to perform exposure with a first light amount, and second reading processing for reading second information obtained by causing the exposure unit to perform exposure with a second light amount that is smaller than the first light amount while no document is placed at a reading position of the reading unit, and detecting a foreign matter existing at the reading position according to a difference between the first and second information. |
| US08947747B2 |
Erecting equal-magnification lens array plate and image reading device
An image reading device includes: a document table on which a document G is placed; a line light source configured to illuminate the document G; an erecting equal-magnification lens array plate configured to receive light reflected from the document G and form an erect equal-magnification image on a predetermined image plane; and a line image sensor configured to receive the erect equal-magnification image formed by the erecting equal-magnification lens array plate. The erecting equal-magnification lens array plate includes: first and second lens array plates formed with a plurality of lenses on both sides thereof; a first shielding member provided on the first outer side surface of the first lens array plate; and a light-shielding wall provided upright on the top surface of the first light-shielding member and configured to shield light reflected by the document table. |
| US08947744B2 |
Spectral visible edge marking for steganography or watermarking
A print media (200) comprises paper or other substrate, on which image content, whether text or images are printed with accompanying hidden data (220). The image content is printed with one or more normal printing process visible colorants (340), while the hidden data (220) is printed with spectral edge markers (320). The spectral edge marker materials (320) have a substantial spectral absorption just outside the human visible spectrum, and only slight visible absorption, which is masked by the visible colorants (340). Although the hidden data is nominally visually imperceptible, an image capture device (250) having a visible spectral response that extends into a spectral region just outside the visible spectrum where the spectral edge marker absorption occurs, can then detect the hidden data. |
| US08947743B2 |
Parallel rip processing for sheet images that include graphics defined by a job ticket
Systems and methods are provided for processing a logical page in parallel with graphics for the sheet that are defined in a job ticket. The system includes multiple parallel Raster Image Processors (RIPs) and a control system. The control system receives print data and a job ticket, identifies a graphic that is associated with a logical page and defined in the job ticket, and transmits the logical page to a parallel RIP for processing. The parallel RIP determines page dimensions from the logical page, transmits the page dimensions, and rasterizes the logical page. The control system determines a location for the graphic based upon the transmitted page dimensions, and directs another RIP to rasterize the graphic in order to generate a rasterized graphic in parallel with the RIP that is rasterizing the logical page. |
| US08947742B2 |
Image forming apparatus for increasing combined-color reproduction accuracy for superimposed colors
A control device mounted in an image forming apparatus includes a region searching for unit searching for a region adapted to measure colors in an image; a color measurement unit configured to measure colors of the superimposed color toner image in the region; a storage unit storing measured colors and densities proportional to area ratios of primary color toner images in the superimposed color toner image in the region; and a correction amount determination unit determine correction amounts corresponding to the setting values expressing the tone reproduction curves to minimize the difference between the measured colors and the reference colors. |
| US08947739B2 |
Printing condition setting apparatus, printing condition setting method, and non-transitory storage medium
Color conversion conditions corresponding to medium types belonging to the same group as a selected representative type are collectively updated based on calibration results. It is judged whether or not there is a fluctuating factor concerning color reproduction characteristics between a print medium that is used at present in the calibration and a print medium that was used in the past. If a fluctuating factor is determined to exist, then only the color converting condition corresponding to the representative type is updated. |
| US08947737B2 |
Image processing that generates and density corrects ink amount data
An image processing device adjusts black separately from chromatic colors and applies density adjustment capable of controlling the amount of color material according to the density. Such image processing device, capable of communicating with an image recording device, includes a color conversion unit that converts image data expressed in a first color space to color material amount data expressed in a second color space used by an image recording device; a density adjustment unit that increases or decreases the color material amount data based on a specified adjustment value; a dot breakdown unit that converts the increased or decreased color material amount data to dot quantity data expressed as a dot quantity for each of different sizes of dots formed by the image recording device; and a halftone process unit that converts the dot quantity data to data denoting whether or not the dots are formed. |
| US08947735B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method for performing error diffusion processing for each region of an image
When the pixel of interest exists at a pixel position where reference of an error buffer is necessary, a quantization error generated in a region having undergone error diffusion processing is obtained from the error buffer. A quantization error generated in error diffusion processing in a region containing the pixel of interest is obtained from an error memory. Diffusion errors are calculated from the quantization errors using an error diffusion matrix. The value of the pixel of interest and the diffusion errors are added, and the addition value is quantized into the quantization value of the pixel of interest. The difference between the quantization value and the addition value is calculated as a quantization error to be stored in the error memory. When the pixel of interest exists at a pixel position where write in the error buffer is necessary, the quantization error is stored in the error buffer. |
| US08947733B2 |
Color conversion apparatus, color conversion method, and recording medium
Device color signals are converted such that a total amount of used color materials in the first image area, in which image granularity is more important, is not reduced from a total amount before the device color signals are converted, and/or such that a total amount of used color materials in the second image area, in which cost of the used color materials is more important, is not increased from a total amount before the device color signals are converted. |
| US08947731B2 |
Imaging unit, color measuring device, image forming apparatus, color measuring system, and color measuring method
An imaging unit includes a frame having an opening; a sensor unit that captures, via the opening, a subject located outside the frame; a reference chart unit that is arranged on the frame and is captured by the sensor unit together with the subject; and a cover member that covers the opening. |
| US08947727B2 |
Image processing system, image processing method therefor, and storage medium
An image processing system comprising: a color conversion unit configured to perform color conversion from color data in a first color space into color data in a second color space by using a color profile; a correction unit configured to perform correction for the color data in the second color space by using correction data; a printing unit configured to print on a printing medium in accordance with the color data in the second color space that is corrected by the correction unit; a first changing unit configured to change the color profile; a second changing unit configured to change the correction data; and a selection unit configured to select, based on a color measurement result of a color chart for correcting a color of an image printed on the printing medium, one of processes including change of the color profile and change of the correction data. |
| US08947726B2 |
Method for image-display
A screen image displaying image-data items in list form is displayed over a predetermined time period. Then, the display color of an image-data item of the image-data items, the image-data item corresponding to predetermined classification information, is changed so that the image-data item can be differentiated from other image-data items. Consequently, a user can clearly identify the classification of the image-data items and easily find an image-data item satisfying a condition without performing a complicated operation. |
| US08947725B2 |
Printer
A label printer prints a QR code on print areas (labels) sequentially arranged along a sheet of paper while maintaining the QR code in a state in which its data can be restored. The label printer determines, in the course of separating the printed label and suspending and resuming movement of the paper and while printing on each label of the paper, whether or not both of two finder patterns aligned along one side of the QR code in a following print area are at a position to be printed when a boundary portion between a leading label that has been printed and the following label reaches a cut position. A print operation correcting control controls printing when both of two finder patterns aligned along one side of the QR code are in position to be printed, but not printed at the same time. |
| US08947724B2 |
Image capturing unit, color measuring device, image forming device, color measuring system, and color measuring method
An image capturing unit includes a sensor section that images a predetermined range including a subject; a reference chart section that is imaged by the sensor section with the subject; and an illumination light source that illuminates the subject and the reference chart section. The illumination light source is arranged at a position where a mirror reflection region that mirror reflects light entering from the illumination light source to the sensor section is outside a region of the subject and the reference chart section. |
| US08947721B2 |
Image forming apparatus, backup and restore processing method
An image forming apparatus operates according to setting information, and includes a storage unit for storing the setting information; an interface for connecting a portable storage medium; a processing unit for reading/writing the setting information from/to the storage unit, and reading/writing the setting information from/to the portable storage medium via the interface, and a log creating unit for creating a first processing result log indicating a first processing result of a reading/writing process when the processing unit reads the setting information from the storage unit and writes the setting information in the portable storage medium, and storing the first processing result log, and creating a second processing result log indicating a second processing result of a reading/writing process when the processing unit reads the setting information from the portable storage medium and writes the setting information in the storage unit, and storing the second processing result log. |
| US08947717B2 |
Print data processing apparatus
A print data processing apparatus is provided which includes: a generation unit configured to generate image information and attribute information from print data; a conversion unit configured to convert an attribute of a first area included in the attribute information, wherein an attribute of a second area included in the attribute information is not converted; a compression unit configured to compress the image information and the attribute information in which the attribute of the first area has been converted by the conversion unit; an area information generation unit configured to generate area information indicating the first area having the converted attribute; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the image information compressed by the compression unit, the attribute information compressed by the compression unit, and the area information generated by the area information generation unit, to a printing apparatus as transfer data. |
| US08947712B2 |
Image data processing device, program, and management device that are able to manage various types of information in a centralized manner
An image data processing device may be configured to be used in a system. The system may comprise the image data processing device, a management device and a plurality of electronic devices. The image data processing device may comprise a communication unit configured to communicate with the electronic device by using the first communication scheme. The image data processing device may cause, in a case where the communication unit receives the judgment information from the electronic device, a storing unit to store the received judgment information. The image data processing device may execute the image data processing in a case where it is determined that the processor is able to execute the image data processing based on the judgment information stored by the storing unit. |
| US08947710B2 |
Image processing apparatus that performs reproduction synchronization of moving image between the same and mobile information terminal, method of controlling image processing apparatus, storage medium, and image processing system
An image processing apparatus capable of facilitating synchronization of a maintenance moving image between an image processing apparatus and a mobile information terminal, thereby making it possible to more efficiently show the moving image to a user who performs a maintenance operation. The mobile information terminal is registered as a distribution destination of the moving image. The moving image for current reproduction and display on the apparatus and information of the reproduction position of the moving image are distributed to the terminal to thereby cause the terminal to reproduce and display the moving image from the position. The position is changed based on information of a change in the reproduction position received from the terminal. When the position is changed on the image apparatus, information of a change in the position is transmitted to the terminal, to thereby cause the terminal to change the position. |
| US08947709B2 |
Printing apparatus which is capable of editing printing data, and a printing method for use with the printing apparatus
A printing apparatus, including a user input unit which receives a first user command to initiate a printing operation, a display unit which displays information relating to the printing operation, a printing unit which performs printing with respect to printing data, and a controller which controls the display unit to display reference information of the printing data before the printing, and which controls the printing unit to perform the printing according to a second user command. |
| US08947701B2 |
Server apparatus, terminal apparatus, and printing system and data conversion method thereof
For a web application requiring a time to execute processing, it is necessary to maintain Internet connection between a web browser and the web application until the processing is completed. Conventionally, the connection is maintained by causing the web browser to inquire a web application server about the execution state of the processing at regular intervals. In this case, however, the web browser cannot execute another different web application until the processing in the web application server is completed. In this invention, a web application server provides processing of converting from document data into print data as a software process asynchronous to a web application and the web application only accepts an execution request for the conversion processing. |
| US08947698B2 |
Moving a portion of a print job from one printer queue to another printer queue
One or more methods, systems and computer program products enables selectable management and queuing of print jobs across multiple available printers available to a device generating the print job. One or more embodiments present a smart print queue with document level view and printer-level transfer of queued print jobs. |
| US08947697B2 |
Printing DIRECT2D-rendered items
Technology described herein is directed to converting display-rendering instructions (e.g., DIRECT2D) into print-rendering instructions (e.g., EMF, WMF, XPS, and SVG). For example, a request to print an item (e.g., document) is received, the item being displayable on an output device when display-rendering instructions are executed. A print render target is created that includes an instructions converter. The display-rendering instructions are routed to the print render target. The instructions converter maps the display-rendering instructions to the print-rendering instructions, which are usable to print the item. |
| US08947696B1 |
Apparatuses, methods and systems for rich internet/cloud printing and print product traffic control management
This disclosure details the implementation of apparatuses, methods and systems for a Rich Internet Printing and Print product traffic control Manager (hereinafter, “Manager”). The high volume and varied makeup of modern printing needs may render some confused as to the best printing mode for a given job. Often, individuals will settle into a routine of using the same printer, printing mode, printing service, and/or the like for all jobs regardless of whether a different printing method may be preferable or more nearly suited to the job at hand. The Manager may serve as an intermediary agency to direct print jobs to one or more particular printing methods, internal or external document production agencies, printers, and/or the like that are deemed most suitable for the printing job at hand. In an embodiment, the Manager may comprise a single print driver that may be installed on a local computer system. Once installed, a Manager print option may appear among the other printer options in a print menu. By selecting the Manager print option and issuing a print command, a user may direct his or her print job directly to the Manager for analysis and routing to an appropriate printing method, printer, agency, and/or the like. |
| US08947678B2 |
Method for correcting three-dimensional measurements of a spherically mounted retroreflector
A method of measuring spherically mounted retroreflector (SMR) with a 3D coordinate measurement device such as a laser tracker. The SMR includes an open-air cube corner retroreflector having a vertex point located near a sphere center of the SMR. Measurements of the SMR to the vertex point are moved to the SMR sphere center by accounting for SMR depth error and SMR runout error. |
| US08947676B2 |
Aspheric surface measuring method, aspheric surface measuring apparatus, optical element producing apparatus and optical element
The method includes: measuring a first wavefront of a reference light on a sensor by using the sensor; calculating a second wavefront of the reference light on the sensor by using a parameter of an optical system; changing an optical system parameter in calculation such that a difference between rotationally symmetric components of the first and second wavefronts becomes smaller; calculating, by using the changed parameter, a magnification distribution of rays of the reference light between on the sensor and on a sensor conjugate surface; measuring a first ray angle distribution of the reference light by using the sensor, and measuring a second ray angle distribution of a measurement light by using the light-receiving sensor. The method calculates the profile of the measurement object aspheric surface by using the profile of the reference aspheric surface, the first and second ray angle distributions and the magnification distribution. |
| US08947673B2 |
Estimating thickness based on number of peaks between two peaks in scanning white light interferometry
Disclosed is a method of measuring thickness or a surface profile of a thin film layer formed on a base layer through a white light scanning interferometry, the method including: preparing simulation interference signals corresponding to thicknesses by assuming a plurality of sample thin film layers different in thickness from one another and simulating interference signals with respect to the respective sample thin film layers; acquiring a real interference signal with respect to an optical-axis direction of entering the thin film layer by illuminating the thin film layer with white light; preparing a plurality of estimated thicknesses that the thin film layer may have on the basis of the real interference signal; comparing whether the simulation interference signal having thickness corresponding to the estimated thickness is substantially matched with the real interference signal; and determining the thickness of the simulation interference signal substantially matched with the real interference signal as the thickness of the thin film layer. |
| US08947671B2 |
Method and system for detecting optical ring resonator resonance frequencies and free spectral range to reduce the number of lasers in a resonator fiber optic gyroscope
A resonator fiber optic gyroscope (RFOG) is provided. The RFOG includes a gyroscope resonator having a clockwise input port and a counter-clockwise input port; a first laser configured to couple a clockwise optical beam into to the clockwise input port; a clockwise Pound-Drever-Hall modulation generator to modulate the clockwise optical beam with a resonance tracking modulation before the clockwise optical beam is coupled into the clockwise input port; bias correction electronics; FSR-detection-and-servo electronics including a switch communicatively coupled to the clockwise Pound-Drever-Hall modulation generator; a clockwise transmission detector configured to receive an optical beam output from the counter-clockwise input port and output signals to the bias correction electronics and the FSR-detection-and-servo electronics; and a second laser configured to couple a counter-clockwise optical beam into to the counter-clockwise input port, wherein the FSR of the gyroscope resonator is measured based on the Pound-Drever-Hall modulation of the clockwise optical beam. |
| US08947669B2 |
Optical gas detector
A gas detector including: an assembly of two coaxial parabolic reflective caps having opposite concavities, and a wafer arranged in the focal plane of the two caps, at the center of this focal plane, comprising, back-to-back: a diverging light emitter directed towards the first cap and a light receiver directed towards the second cap, wherein the two caps are distant substantially by the sum of their focal distances plus the thickness of the wafer. |
| US08947667B2 |
Spectrophotometer
The spectrophotometer of the present invention measures a spectral reflectance of an object to be measured to thereby determine a color value of the object to be measured based on a color-matching function of an XYZ color system and the spectral reflectance. The spectrophotometer includes an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the object to be measured with light having a spectral intensity distribution in which a relative intensity at a wavelength at which the value of z reaches its peak in the color-matching function is equal to or greater than 0.5. |
| US08947664B2 |
Apparatus and method for aligning a wafer's backside to a wafer's frontside
Structures of a backside of a wafer can be aligned to structures of a frontside of the wafer for a lithographic treatment of the backside. The wafer is transparent for electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength. The wafer is placed on a wafer stage such that the frontside is facing the wafer stage and the backside is facing alignment optics. The backside is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation of the specific wavelength in a dark-field configuration, such that the electromagnetic radiation propagates through the wafer towards three-dimensional structures of a three-dimensional alignment target located at the frontside or inside the wafer and is scattered at the three-dimensional structures. The scattered electromagnetic radiation is captured with the alignment optics, and the backside is aligned to the frontside of the wafer based on the scattered electromagnetic radiation. |
| US08947660B2 |
Method and device for carrying out an optical comparison between at least two samples, preferably by comparing sections that can be selected
An improved method and an improved device for carrying out an optical comparison between at least two samples, preferably by comparing sections that can be selected, is characterized by the following characteristics: the sample (UR, LE, I) that is to be examined and is characterized by a non-uniformity in the structure and/or color is illuminated by diffused light; from the light reflected by the sample (UR, LE, I) to be examined, an interference spectrum is created by means of a spectrometer; the interference spectrum created by the spectrometer is depicted on a camera; the interference spectrum obtained in this way and/or values of the sample (I) to be examined derived therefrom are used as sample values which are compared to sample values of a reference sample (UR, LE) obtained accordingly. |
| US08947656B2 |
Smartphone biosensor
A mobile computing device that includes an image sensor may be used to detect the result of a biomolecular assay. The biomolecular assay may be performed in an optical assay medium that provides an optical output in response to light from a light source, with the optical output indicating result. A wavelength-dispersive element may be used to disperse the optical output into spatially-separated wavelength components. The mobile computing device may be positioned relative to the wavelength-dispersive element such that different wavelength components are received at different locations on the image sensor. With the mobile computing device positioned in this way, the image sensor may be used to obtain one or more images that include the separated wavelength components of the optical output. A wavelength spectrum of the optical output may be determined from the one or more images, and the result may be determined from the wavelength spectrum. |
| US08947646B2 |
Photoelectric conversion element, light receiving device, light receiving system, and distance measuring device
A first photoelectric conversion element for detecting light and converting the light into photoelectrons comprises one buried photodiode formed in a semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of MOS diodes each having an electrode formed on the semiconductor substrate with an insulator interposed therebetween. The buried photodiode has a comb shape, in which a plurality of diverging portions are disposed to diverge from one portion, when viewed from the top thereof, and the respective electrodes of the MOS diodes are disposed so as to be nested between the plurality of diverging portions of the buried photodiode when viewed from the tops thereof. |
| US08947643B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and method controlling parameter drift by performing multiple patterning passes on reference substrate
A method produces at least one monitor wafer for a lithographic apparatus. The monitor wafer is for use in combination with a scanning control module to periodically retrieve measurements defining a baseline from the monitor wafer, thereby determining parameter drift from the baseline. In doing this, allowance and/or correction can be to be made for the drift. The baseline is determined by initially exposing the monitor wafer(s) using the lithographic apparatus to perform multiple exposure passes on each of the monitor wafer(s). An associated lithographic apparatus is also disclosed. |
| US08947639B2 |
Exposure method and apparatus measuring position of movable body based on information on flatness of encoder grating section
A drive unit drives a wafer stage in a Y-axis direction based on a measurement value of an encoder that measures position information of the wafer stage in the Y-axis direction and based on information on the flatness of a scale that is measured by the encoder. In this case, the drive unit can drive the wafer stage in a predetermined direction based on a measurement value after correction in which a measurement error caused by the flatness of the scale included in the measurement value of the encoder is corrected based on the information on the flatness of the scale. Accordingly, the wafer stage can be driven with high accuracy in a predetermined direction using the encoder, without being affected by the unevenness of the scale. |
| US08947630B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A method controls scanning function of a lithographic apparatus. A monitor wafer is exposed to determine baseline control parameters pertaining to the scanning function. The baseline control parameters are retrieved from the monitor wafer. Parameter drift is determined from the baseline control parameters. Compensation is performed based on the determination. A different parameterization is used for control of the scanning control module than for communication between the scanning control module and the lithographic apparatus. |
| US08947629B2 |
Cleaning device, a lithographic apparatus and a lithographic apparatus cleaning method
An immersion lithographic projection apparatus having a megasonic transducer configured to clean a surface and a method of using megasonic waves through a liquid to clean a surface of an immersion lithographic projection apparatus are disclosed. A flow, desirably a radial flow, is induced in the liquid. |
| US08947622B2 |
Apparatus and method of fabricating alignment layer for liquid crystal display using a nano pattern mold
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for fabricating an alignment layer for liquid crystal displays, capable of shortening process time, preventing scratches of alignment layers and decreasing black luminance. The method includes coating an alignment agent on a substrate, arranging a nano pattern mold with a groove and a protrusion to contact the alignment agent, pre-curing the alignment agent, separating the nano pattern mold from the alignment agent, and hard-curing the alignment agent separated from the nano pattern mold to form an alignment layer. |
| US08947619B2 |
Photoluminescence color display comprising quantum dots material and a wavelength selective filter that allows passage of excitation radiation and prevents passage of light generated by photoluminescence materials
A photoluminescence color display comprises a display panel that displays red, green and blue pixel areas, an excitation source operable to generate excitation radiation for operating the display, and a photoluminescence color-element plate. The color-element plate comprises at least one photoluminescence material, such as a phosphor material or quantum dots, that is operable to emit light corresponding to red, green and blue pixel areas of the display in response to said excitation radiation. Additionally, the photo-luminescence color display comprises a wavelength selective filter that is provided between the color-element plate and the excitation source. The filter has a transmission characteristic that allows the passage of excitation radiation from the excitation source to excite the at least one photoluminescence material whilst preventing the passage of photoluminescence light back to the excitation source thereby prevent cross contamination of light among the different pixel areas of the display. |
| US08947617B2 |
Backlight assembly and liquid crystal display
Disclosed herein are a backlight assembly and a liquid crystal display (LCD) having the same, wherein the backlight assembly includes a light guide panel having a plurality of lateral sides; and a plurality of light source units each emitting light to a respective lateral side of the plurality of lateral sides, wherein at least two lateral sides of the plurality of lateral sides, which receive light emitted from two respective light source units of the plurality of light source units, are neighboring lateral sides, and wherein at least one lateral side is longer than an incident surface which receives light emitted from the light source unit. |
| US08947609B2 |
Active matrix driving display device and image displaying method using the same
LCD device includes two substrates, a first and second color filters, two liquid crystal layers. The first color filters are formed on portions of the second substrate corresponding to border area The second color filters are formed on portions of the second substrate corresponding to the display area except the border area. A first liquid crystal layer between the first and the second substrate is comprised in border area, and a zero electric field is formed on the first liquid crystal layer so as to completely transmit light incident into the first liquid crystal layer therethrough. A borderline having various colors can be displayed by forming various patterns of color filters having various colors on portions of the second substrate corresponding to the border area under normally white mode, thereby producing picture frame effect while images are displayed on the screen. |
| US08947607B2 |
Active matrix substrate and display device
A storage capacitor counter electrode (22) provided on an active matrix substrate (100) includes a first portion (22b) creating a storage capacitance with a storage capacitor bus line (12), a second portion (22a) interposed between the first portion (22b) and a drain electrode (24), and a third portion (22c) being provided opposite from the second portion (22a) with the first portion (22b) sandwiched therebetween and protruding from the first portion (22b). The third portion (22c) is disposed so as not to overlie any pixel electrode other than a pixel electrode (30) that is electrically connected to the drain electrode (24). |
| US08947605B2 |
Image data placement method for a time multiplexed autostereoscopic display
An autostereoscopic display in which image data, in the form of grey level information for red, green, and blue components of pixels in multiple images representing multiple perspective views of a scene, are recombined into a second set of images generally consisting of parts of all the original multiple perspective images, arranged within the second set of images in such a way that a 3D image is seen when the second set of images are displayed in sequence. |
| US08947604B2 |
Cholesteric liquid crystal writing tablet with spacer controlled sensitivity
A cholesteric liquid crystal writing tablet includes a first substrate that is transparent and flexible on which a writing pressure is applied and a second substrate spaced apart from the first substrate. One electrically conductive layer is in contact with the first substrate and is transparent and another of the electrically conductive layers is in contact with the second substrate. The electrically conductive layers are separated from each other by a cell gap. Cholesteric liquid crystal material is disposed between the electrically conductive layers. Spacers are disposed in the liquid crystal material that control the cell gap. The spacers have a size and concentration in the liquid crystal material that restricts flow of the liquid crystal material when the cell gap is reduced upon application of the writing pressure. |
| US08947600B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for detecting scene changes in a video
A method, system and computer-readable media for detecting scene changes in a video that includes providing by one or more computing devices a plurality of passes through the video where a plurality of detected scenes from a first pass in a conventional method are identified and a second pass through the detected scenes are provided by the computing device. A plurality of scene boundary differences corresponding to the detected scenes, a fixed average, and a varying average are computed by the computing device. The scene boundary difference is compared with the fixed average and the varying average and if the scene boundary difference is less than the fixed average and the varying average, the detected scenes are combined else the detected scene being an abrupt scene change is determined. The steps of computing a varying average to combining the detected scenes are repeated by the computing device. |
| US08947593B2 |
Solid-state image sensing apparatus and electronic apparatus to improve image quality of an image
A solid-state image sensing apparatus includes a solid-state image sensing device, signal processing circuit device, and a multi-layer wiring package. The solid-state image sensing device has a pixel in an image sensing area thereof. The pixel receives incident light and generate a signal electric charge. The signal processing circuit device is arranged to face the image sensing area and applies signal processing to a signal output from the solid-state image sensing device. The multi-layer wiring package has wiring layers, the solid-state image sensing device, and the signal processing circuit device. Each of the wiring layers is laminated via an insulator. The multi-layer wiring package is formed such that a first wiring layer provided between the solid-state image sensing device and the signal processing circuit device has a greater thickness than second wiring layers and has heat conductivity higher than or equal to heat conductivity of the second wiring layers. |
| US08947591B2 |
Solid-state imaging unit, method of manufacturing solid-state imaging unit, and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging unit includes: a solid-state imaging device mounted on a substrate; a bonding wire which electrically connects a pad formed on the solid-state imaging device and a lead formed on the substrate; a frame member having a frame shape which surrounds side portions of the solid-state imaging device; and an optical member having optical transparency and mounted on the frame member so as to face an imaging surface of the solid-state imaging device, wherein the frame member has a leg portion which protrudes from an optical member side toward the imaging surface of the solid-state imaging device, and the frame member and the solid-state imaging device are integrally fixed to each other in a state where the leg portion comes into contact with an intermediate area which is located between an imaging area and a pad forming area on the imaging surface. |
| US08947590B2 |
Vision system camera with mount for multiple lens types
This invention provides a vision system housing having a front plate assembly that accommodates a plurality of lens mount types. The front plate includes a central aperture that is located at a predetermined axial (camera axis) distance from a plane of an image sensor. The aperture is stepped from a wider diameter adjacent to the front to a narrower diameter more adjacent to the sensor. This arrangement enables threaded mounting of a plurality of lens mount types, for example M12 and C-Mount. The exterior (front) surface of the front plate includes threaded holes and a removable spring clip arrangement constructed to accommodate a liquid lens positioned over the aperture with an associated lens assembly mounted within the aperture and in optical communication with the liquid lens. The lens is operated using an electrical connection provided by a cable that interconnects with a multi-pin socket positioned on the front plate. |
| US08947589B1 |
Imaging device
An imaging device includes a communication part that transmits an image data to an external display device, an outer barrel, an imaging element, and first and second coupling parts that are configured to be coupled to an installation device which is attachable to and detachable from the display device. The first and second coupling parts are disposed at a rear surface part of the outer barrel, and a storage part that stores a battery is provided between the first coupling part and the second coupling part in the rear surface part of the outer barrel. |
| US08947588B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, image processing program
A flash detection unit calculates a line average luminance of each line of the current screen of image data and a screen average luminance of a past screen at least one screen before the current screen and compares the calculated line average luminance with the calculated screen average luminance to detect whether the current screen includes a line of high luminance due to a flash. A holding unit holds the past screen of the image data. A flash correction unit, if it is detected that some lines of the current screen have high luminance, replaces the lines having high luminance in the current screen with corresponding lines of the past screen held in the holding unit to correct the image data. |
| US08947587B2 |
Imaging device holding structure and imaging device
A holding structure 100 for an image pickup device includes a back-incident type image pickup device 1 and a holding member 51 that holds the image pickup element 1, and the image pickup device 1 has an image pickup element 11 that performs imaging and a wiring board 12 electrically connected to the image pickup element 11. The holding member 51 is freely attachably and detachably attached to a side face 27 of the wiring board 12, at each of the opposing side faces 27a, 27a in the wiring board 12, a to-be-fitted portion 28 is formed, and the to-be-fitted portion 28 and a fitting portion 54 formed at the holding member 51 are fitted together. This relieves, even when an impact is applied to the image pickup device 1 during an inspection, delivery, etc., the impact to be applied to the wiring board 12 and the image pickup element 11 by the holding member 51 while suppressing the holding member 51 from coming off. Further, handling of the image pickup device 1 is facilitated, and an unnecessary impact to be applied to the image pickup device 1 is suppressed. |
| US08947584B2 |
Apparatus, and associated method, for a camera module of electronic device
A camera module is provided for an electronic device, such as a wireless mobile station or standalone device. The camera module includes a low F-stop lens assembly that is translatable into a desired position. An image of a subject is provided to an EDOF assembly, including a sensor assembly, and an extended-depth-of-field processor. The extended-depth-of-field processor provides for formation of a resultant, recorded image that exhibits improved depth of field characteristics. |
| US08947580B2 |
Auto focusing apparatus and control method
The invention includes steps of setting a main area set within the frame of a photographed image signal, and a plurality of auxiliary areas each of which is smaller than the main area, selecting one or a plurality of focus detection areas from the main area and the auxiliary areas in accordance with the in-focus position of a focus lens based on the focus signals of the main area and the auxiliary areas, and controlling the focus lens to move to the in-focus position of the focus lens in the focus detection area selected in the selecting step. |
| US08947578B2 |
Apparatus and method of capturing image
An apparatus for capturing an image of a scene including an image capturing unit and a data processing unit. The image capturing unit may generate light field data and may include a first optical having at least two portions with at least two different fields of view, a sensing unit having a plurality of photosensors, and a second optical unit interposed between the first optical unit and the sensing unit. The data processing unit may perform at least one of change of view of the image and refocusing the generated light field data. The sensing unit may be configured to obtain an image with at least two magnifications corresponding to regions of the scene. |
| US08947574B2 |
Imaging device and imaging method and program
An imaging device includes a display on which a captured image of a subject is displayed, a first corrector to correct a first parameter related to shooting of the subject, a second corrector to correct a second parameter related to image processing to the captured image, and an automatic correction controller to determine a correction amount for the second parameter on the basis of a correction amount for the first parameter corrected by the first corrector, and control the second corrector to correct the second parameter by the determined correction amount. |
| US08947570B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system providing a rectilinear pixel grid with radially scaled pixels
Pixels in an imaging device pixel array are sized according to their geographic location in the pixel array to compensate for various optical characteristics/issues. In one example, pixel size is increased according to the distance of the pixel from the x-axis and/or the y-axis of the pixel array to correct for lens shading. |
| US08947567B2 |
Image pickup apparatus having photoelectric conversion function
An image pickup apparatus that makes it possible to achieve both high picture quality and a wide dynamic range is provided. Each pixel unit included in the image pickup apparatus includes: four photodiodes; four transfer transistors; a charge storage portion (four floating diffusions) for storing electric charges generated at the photodiodes; an amplification transistor; a select transistor; and a reset transistor. The image pickup apparatus further includes multiple coupling transistors. Each coupling transistor couples together the charge storage portions of two pixel units of the pixel units. A scanning circuit switches on or off the coupling transistors according to read mode. |
| US08947558B2 |
Digital photographing apparatus for multi-photography data and control method thereof
A method of controlling a digital photographing apparatus includes obtaining first data and second data from a single event, storing the first and second data as multi-photography data, and generating a multi-photography folder that includes a first image corresponding to the first data and a second image corresponding to the second data. |
| US08947552B2 |
Method and device with camera for capturing an image based on detection of the image
A portable telephone is provided with a camera module (13) for outputting a captured image as image information, a memory (105) for storing the image information, a face registration unit (504) for holding information relating to a face image, a face extraction unit (501), a face parameter extraction unit (502), and a matching determination unit (505) which serve as the configuration for detecting the face image held in the face registration unit (504) from the captured image, and an image-capturing control unit (506) for executing control processing for image capturing. The image-capturing control unit (506) stores the image information in the memory (105) on the basis of the fact that after the face image held in the face registration unit (504) is detected, the face image becomes undetected, and the face image is then detected again. |
| US08947548B2 |
Camera body and interchangeable lens
A camera body at which an interchangeable lens, holding a plurality of sets of optical characteristics data, each expressing specific optical characteristics in one of a plurality of representation formats, can be detachably mounted, includes: an identification information reception unit that receives lens-side identification information from the interchangeable lens, which indicates the plurality of representation formats; an identification information storage unit in which body-side identification information indicating each representation format that the camera body is capable of recognizing among the plurality of representation formats, is stored; a selection unit that selects a single representation format included in both the lens-side and the body-side identification information, among the plurality of representation formats; a request unit that issues a request to the interchangeable lens for the optical characteristics data corresponding to the selected representation format; and an optical characteristics reception unit that receives the requested optical characteristics data from the interchangeable lens. |
| US08947541B2 |
Lens apparatus controllable via multiple control sources and image pickup system including the lens apparatus
A lens apparatus includes: a switch for switching between single and plural modes for using lens apparatus singularly and plurally, respectively; a communication unit to communicate with external device; a unit to set all elements to first state in single mode and set the respective elements to second or third state in plural mode; a control source output unit to output, for each state of the elements, control source information for determining a control command to drive the element; and a unit to determine a command for controlling drive of the elements based on the control source information determined by the control source output portion, wherein in the second state, control commands for corresponding elements are output to other lens apparatuses through the communication unit, and in the third state, the control source output portion outputs control source information different from that in the first and second states. |
| US08947535B2 |
Transaction management for racing entertainment
A system and method are provided to perform operations for racing entertainment, including providing each of multiple racers with a device to capture images and sounds as perceived by the racer during a race, obtaining information pertaining to each of multiple users such as account information and selection of a racer whom the user wants to got connection with, managing transactions, processing the images and sounds, and transmitting the processed images and sounds from the racer to a client terminal of the user who selected the racer. The present system and method may be configured to allow users to play a racing game based on the captured images and sounds by actual racers. |
| US08947528B2 |
Container-classification identification using directional-antenna RFID
A classification of a container is identified using a mobile station including an image capture device and an RFID reader having a reader antenna. The container has two RFID tags affixed thereto at respective, different locations. Each tag has a directional antenna steered in a different direction, so that a reader location is defined in the intersection of the antenna propagation patterns. Using the image capture device, one or more images of the container are captured. A controller determines, using the captured image data, whether the mobile station is in a candidate reader location. When the mobile station is in the candidate reader location, the RFID reader attempts to read both tags. If both tags are read while the mobile station is in the candidate reader location, the controller determines the classification of the container is a classification corresponding to the candidate reader location. |
| US08947518B2 |
Cell observing apparatus and cell incubation method
User's time and labor required for performing manipulations with respect to cells which exist in an incubation container, are reduced. To achieve the above, a cell observing apparatus includes an observation stage supporting an incubation container that houses cells, a micro imaging optical system forming, on an imaging device for micro imaging, an image of the cell in the incubation container disposed at an observing position of the observation stage, a macro imaging optical system forming, on an imaging device for macro imaging, an image of an area wider than that captured by the micro imaging optical system in the incubation container, and a controlling unit controlling an operation of a manipulation needle that manipulates the cells in the incubation container, in which the micro imaging optical system is disposed on a side facing the macro imaging optical system with the observation stage being located therebetween. |
| US08947512B1 |
User wearable viewing devices
An apparatus includes a user wearable viewing device for assisting the user to view a representation of three dimensional content. The user wearable viewing device is assigned a unique identifier to provide a private viewing experience for the user. |
| US08947510B2 |
Functional imaging of cells with optical projection tomography
A method for 3D imaging of a biologic object (1) in an optical tomography system where a subcellular structure of a biological object (1) is labeled by introducing at least one nanoparticle-biomarker. The labeled biological object (1) is moved relatively to a microscope objective (62) to present varying angles of view and the labeled biological object (1) is illuminated with radiation having wavelengths between 150 nm and 900 nm. Radiation transmitted through the labeled biological object (1) and the microscope objective (62) within at least one wavelength bands is sensed with a color camera, or with a set of at least four monochrome cameras. A plurality of cross-sectional images of the biological object (1) from the sensed radiation is formed and reconstructed to make a 3D image of the labeled biological object (1). |
| US08947502B2 |
In camera implementation of selecting and stitching frames for panoramic imagery
A system, method, and computer program product for selecting qualifying frames from an image sequence for use in subsequent stitching into a composite panoramic image are disclosed. Incoming frames from any source may be cropped and downscaled prior to evaluation against qualifying criteria relating to image overlap and local motion. Qualifying images are saved and/or output. The resulting panoramic image generally uses fewer qualifying images and appears smoother and has fewer artifacts than those of the prior art. The qualifying criterion for image overlap is a predetermined overlap margin or percentage between a current image and a previous image from the sequence. The qualifying criterion for image motion includes a maximum amount of local motion, often due to passing objects. The embodiments may process incoming images in real time or from stored sequences. Problems may trigger user warnings. |
| US08947501B2 |
Scene enhancements in off-center peripheral regions for nonlinear lens geometries
A technique of enhancing a scene containing one or more off-center peripheral regions within an initial distorted image captured with a large field of view includes determining and extracting an off-center region of interest (hereinafter “ROI”) within the image. Geometric correction is applied to reconstruct the off-center ROI into a rectangular frame of reference as a reconstructed ROI. A quality of reconstructed pixels is determined within the reconstructed ROI. Image analysis is selectively applied to the reconstructed ROI based on the quality of the reconstructed pixels. |