| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08989920B2 |
Travel information sensing and communication system
Driving condition monitoring system for a vehicle on a travel surface includes stationary mounting structures arranged proximate the travel surface, and sensors located in the mounting structures in a vicinity of the travel surface and apart from the travel surface. The sensors generate information about the travel surface or an environment around the travel surface. An arrangement on the vehicle or associated with the sensors initiates a transmission of the information generated by each sensor to the vehicle when the vehicle is proximate the sensor. |
| US08989917B2 |
System, method, and computer software code for controlling speed regulation of a remotely controlled powered system
A system for operating a remotely controlled powered system, the system including a feedforward element configured to provide information to the remotely controlled powered system to establish a velocity, and a feedback element configured to provide information from the remotely controlled powered system to the feedforward element. A method and a computer software code are further disclosed for operating the remotely controlled powered system. |
| US08989916B2 |
Vehicle signal lever proximity sensing for lane change intention detection with following recommendation to driver
A system includes a turn signal lever, at least one exterior sensor configured to detect a condition of an area surrounding a vehicle, and a display configured to display information about the condition of the area surrounding vehicle. The turn signal lever includes at least one sensor configured to detect a touch or a proximity of a user's finger or hand. The turn signal lever includes a top sensor and a bottom sensor, which are configured to distinguish between intended actuation of the lever by the user for a left turn or a right turn. The display is configured to display information indicating a degree of safety for performing the intended turn. |
| US08989905B2 |
Method and system for calculating and reporting slump in delivery vehicles
A system for managing a concrete delivery vehicle having a mixing drum 14 and hydraulic drive 16 for rotating the mixing drum, including a rotational sensor 20 configured to sense a rotational speed of the mixing drum, a hydraulic sensor 22 coupled to the hydraulic drive and configured to sense a hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum, a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the drum, and a communications port 26 configured to communicate a slump calculation to a status system 28 commonly used in the concrete industry, wherein the sensing of the rotational speed of the mixing drum is used to qualify a calculation of current slump based on the hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum. Temperature readings are further used to qualify or evaluate a load. Also, water purge connections facilitate cold weather operation. |
| US08989904B2 |
Robotic process logger
A method for controlling a robot includes the step of controlling operation of the robot with a robot controller executing a control program having a plurality of process instructions. Associated process data for each of predetermined ones of the process instructions executed by the robot controller is then collected. The collected process data is subsequently stored in a form uniquely identified by at least one unique identifier. The at least one unique identifier may include both the program identifier and the process instruction identifier. The collected process data may be stored on the robot controller. |
| US08989887B2 |
Use of prediction data in monitoring actual production targets
A method and system for the use of prediction data in monitoring actual production targets is described herein. In one embodiment, a process is provided to receive data from a plurality of source systems in a manufacturing facility and generate a prediction pertaining to a future state of the manufacturing facility based on the data received from the plurality of source systems. A recent state of the manufacturing facility is determined based on the data received from the plurality of source systems and a comparison between the recent state and the prediction is facilitated. |
| US08989885B2 |
Watermark generator, watermark decoder, method for providing a watermark signal in dependence on binary message data, method for providing binary message data in dependence on a watermarked signal and computer program using a two-dimensional bit spreading
A watermark generator for providing a watermark signal in dependence on binary message data includes an information processor configured to provide, in dependence on a single message bit of the binary message data, a 2-dimensional spread information representing the message bit in the form of a set of time-frequency-domain values. The watermark generator also includes a watermark signal provider configured to provide the watermark signal on the basis of the 2-dimensional spread information.A watermark detector, methods and computer programs are also described. |
| US08989884B2 |
Automatic audio configuration based on an audio output device
Techniques are provided for determining, at an audio processing device, whether to produce high quality or low quality audio output based on one or more factors. The one or more factors may include the type of output device (e.g., headphones, built-in speakers, or USB audio devices) that is connected to the audio processing device and whether certain operations (e.g., mixing and/or scaling) are to be performed on the decoded audio content. Thus, the highest quality audio output is produced based on current conditions of the audio system, which includes the output device. If the current conditions of the audio system indicate that producing high quality audio output does not yield sufficient perceived benefits, then the audio processing device may produce lower quality audio output. |
| US08989881B2 |
Apparatus and method for writing onto an audio CD, and audio CD
Parametric multichannel information is written onto a normal standard audio compact disc, e.g. in the user subchannels, so that the CD enables normal stereo reproduction with a normal reproduction device, or multichannel reproduction with a supplementary device which is easy to connect and which reads out both the stereo information and the parametric multichannel information from the audio CD actually conforming with the standard, and reconstructs more than two audio channels therefrom. |
| US08989880B2 |
Performance analytics based on real-time data for proximity and movement of objects
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for providing performance analytics using dynamics/kinetics models based on role data or weather data and real time data on movement and proximity of tagged objects. In one embodiment, a method is provided for monitoring a participant that at least includes correlating at least one tag to the participant; receiving blink data transmitted by the at least one tag; and determining tag location data based on the blink data. The method further includes receiving participant role data; comparing the tag location data to participant dynamics/kinetics models based at least in part on the participant role data; and determining participant location data based on the comparing the tag location data to the participant dynamics/kinetics models. |
| US08989876B2 |
Situational awareness for teleoperation of a remote vehicle
A method for improving situational awareness for teleoperation of a remote vehicle by creating a 3D map display of an area around the remote vehicle comprises: receiving an original image from a stereo vision camera and utilizing the original image to perform visual odometry to determine the x, y, z, roll, pitch, and yaw for the original image; applying a fill-in algorithm to the original image to fill in an estimated depth for areas of the original image for which no depth data is available, which creates an enhanced depth image; combining the enhanced depth image with the x, y, z, roll, pitch, and yaw for the original image to create the 3D map display of the area around the remote vehicle; and displaying the 3D map display on an operator control unit used to control the remote vehicle. |
| US08989874B2 |
Bioelectrode
A bioelectrode comprising: a skin-side, electrically conducting adhesive layer and a flexible electrical connecting cable which in an electrically insulating cable sheath includes at least one electrical conductor, wherein fitted at the electrode-side end of the connecting cable is a preassembled electrical conducting element electrically connected to the electrical conductor of the connecting cable, wherein the preassembled electrical conducting element is electrically connected in the installed condition to the skin-side, electrically conducting adhesive layer. |
| US08989873B2 |
Intravascular medical device with advancable electrode
Implantable medical devices and methods use an intravascular implantable medical device having an elongated housing module to contain one or more circuitry components. An opening is defined through the elongated housing module. A lead, including at least one electrode, is coupled towards the distal end of the elongated housing module and at least a portion of the at least one electrode is in a stowed position within the opening defined through the elongated housing module during implant of the implantable medical device. The at least one electrode is advanceable from the stowed position to a location distal of the distal end of the elongated housing module. |
| US08989868B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling energy delivery as a function of degree of coupling
A device for delivering energy as a function of degree coupling may include an external unit configured for location external to a body of a subject and at least one processor associated with the implant unit and configured for electrical communication with a power source. The device may further include a primary antenna associated with the at least one processor. The processor may be configured to determine a degree of coupling between the primary antenna and a secondary antenna associated with the implant unit, and regulate delivery of power to the implant unit based on the degree of coupling between the primary antenna and the secondary antenna. |
| US08989866B2 |
System and methods for assessing the neuromuscular pathway prior to nerve testing
The present invention involves a system and methods for assessing the state of the neuromuscular pathway to ensure further nerve tests aimed at detecting at least one of a breach in a pedicle wall, nerve proximity, nerve direction, and nerve pathology, are not conducted when neuromuscular blockade levels may decrease the reliability of the results. |
| US08989861B2 |
Stimulation therapy for bladder dysfunction
A medical system may include a control module and a therapy delivery module configured to generate and deliver electrical stimulation therapy to a patient. The control module may be configured to control the therapy delivery module to deliver electrical stimulation at a first stimulation intensity for a first time period, to deliver electrical stimulation at a second stimulation intensity for a second time period immediately following the first time period, and to deliver electrical stimulation at the first stimulation intensity for a third time period immediately following the second time period. The second stimulation intensity may be less than the first stimulation intensity. The electrical stimulation may elicit a first inhibitory physiological response during the first time period and a second inhibitory physiological response during the second time period. The second inhibitory physiological response may be greater than the first inhibitory physiological response. |
| US08989858B2 |
Implant system for chemical modulation of neural activity
Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by repetitively blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with chemical blocking agents are disclosed. Implantable systems for delivery of chemical blocking agents are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of chemical blocking agents and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed. |
| US08989852B2 |
Systems and methods for use by implantable medical devices for detecting and discriminating stroke and cardiac ischemia using electrocardiac signals
Techniques are provided for detecting and distinguishing stroke and cardiac ischemia based on electrocardiac signals. In one example, the device senses atrial and ventricular signals within the patient along a set of unipolar sensing vectors and identifies certain morphological features within the signals such as PR intervals, ST intervals, QT intervals, T-waves, etc. The device detects changes, if any, within the morphological features such as significant shifts in ST interval elevation or an inversion in T-wave shape, which are indicative of stroke or cardiac ischemia. By selectively comparing changes detected along different unipolar sensing vectors, the device distinguishes or discriminates stroke from cardiac ischemia within the patient. The discrimination may be corroborated using various physiological and hemodynamic parameters. In some examples, the device further identifies the location of the ischemia within the heart. In still other examples, the device detects cardiac ischemia occurring during stroke. |
| US08989849B2 |
Rotating optical catheter tip for optical coherence tomography
The present invention relates to a rotating catheter tip for optical coherence tomography based on the use of an optical fiber that does not rotate, that is enclosed in a catheter, which has a tip rotates under the influence of a fluid drive system to redirect light from the fiber to a surrounding vessel and the light reflected or backscattered from the vessel back to the optical fiber. |
| US08989847B2 |
Method of measuring propulsion in lymphatic structures
Novel methods and imaging agents for functional imaging of lymph structures are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the methods utilize highly sensitive optical imaging and fluorescent spectroscopy techniques to track or monitor packets of organic dye flowing in one or more lymphatic structures. The packets of organic dye may be tracked to provide quantitative information regarding lymph propulsion and function. In particular, lymph flow velocity and pulse frequency may be determined using the disclosed methods. |
| US08989845B2 |
Model-based extension of field-of-view in nuclear imaging
A CT imaging system (12) generates structural data of a first FOV which is reconstructed by a CT reconstruction processor (52) into a CT image representation. A nuclear imaging system acquires functional data from a second FOV which is smaller than the first FOV. A first PET reconstruction processor (60) reconstructs the functional data into a PET image representation. A fusion processor (64) combines the PET image representation with a map extracted from the CT image representation to generate an extended FOV image representation. A spill-over correction unit (66) and a backscatter correction unit (68) derive spill-over correction data and backscatter correction data from the extended FOV image representation. A reconstruction processor (70) generates a spill-over and backscatter corrected functional image representation based on the spill-over correction data, the backscatter correction data, and the functional data. |
| US08989844B2 |
Imaging system for following a surgical tool in an operation field
The invention concerns an imaging system to monitor at least one surgical instrument in an operative site inside a volume of the body of an animal, comprising: at least one endoscopic camera to obtain endoscopic data on the operative site, at least one ultrasound imaging device to obtain ultrasound data on the operative site, and a processing device to process the endoscopic and ultrasound data. The imaging system further comprising at least three markers intended to be positioned in the operative site, said markers being mobile relative to the instrument, each marker being adapted to be detected both by the endoscopic camera and by the ultrasound imaging device, so as to permit cross-mapping of the endoscopic and ultrasound data by the processing means. |
| US08989840B2 |
Lead electrode for use in an MRI-safe implantable medical device
An implantable stimulation system comprises a stimulator for generating electrical stimulation and a conductive stimulation lead having a proximal end electrically coupled to the stimulator, wherein at least a first component of the impedance looking into the stimulator is substantially matched to the impedance of the stimulation lead. At least one distal stimulation electrode is positioned proximate the distal end of the stimulation lead. |
| US08989837B2 |
Methods and systems for determining fluid content of tissue
Embodiments of the subject application include a diagnostic apparatus including one or more antennas disposed on a thorax of a living body to direct radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves through tissue and output signals responsively to the waves that have passed through the tissue. The apparatus may also include processing circuitry configured to process the signals over time so as to measure one or more RF path characteristics of the RF electromagnetic waves. The RF path length may be defined by a length of time required for the RF waves to pass through the thorax to an antenna and/or pass to tissue and reflect therefrom to an antenna, based on the path characteristic to assess a fluid content of the tissue. |
| US08989835B2 |
Systems and methods to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
Example devices are disclosed herein that include a central body portion and a plurality of extensions extending from the central body portion, each extension having an end coupled to an electrode. The example device also includes an adjustment band disposed along a longitudinal axis of the central body to adjust a position of the extensions. |
| US08989834B2 |
Wearable device
Apparatus, systems and methods employing a contact lens that generates information indicative of a hydration level of an eye in which the lens is worn, are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the contact lens and a hydration component that generates information associated with a hydration level of an eye in which the contact lens is worn. |
| US08989832B2 |
Photoplethysmography with controlled application of sensor pressure
Systems, methods, and devices for obtaining consistently reproducible diagnostic measurements with a photoplethysmographic sensor are provided. In one embodiment, a method for obtaining such a diagnostic measurement includes applying a pressure between a photoplethysmographic sensor and a patient, increasing the pressure until the photoplethysmographic sensor outputs a plethysmographic waveform of minimal amplitude, decreasing the pressure by a predetermined fraction, and obtaining a diagnostic measurement using the photoplethysmographic sensor. The pressure may be applied using a pressure device that includes, for example, a clip, a wrap, an inflatable balloon or bladder, or an inflatable cuff, or any combination thereof. |
| US08989830B2 |
Wearable light-guiding devices for physiological monitoring
A monitoring device configured to be attached to the body of a subject includes an outer layer and an inner layer secured together. The inner layer includes light transmissive material and has inner and outer surfaces. A base is secured to at least one of the outer and inner layers and includes an optical emitter and optical detector. A layer of cladding material is positioned near the outer surface of the inner layer, and at least one window is formed in the layer of cladding material that serves as a light-guiding interface to the body of the subject. The light transmissive material delivers light from the optical emitter to the body of the subject along a first direction and collects light from the body of the subject and delivers the collected light in a second direction to the optical detector. The first and second directions are substantially parallel. |
| US08989828B2 |
Superconducting magnet apparatus
A superconducting magnet apparatus includes: a bobbin around which a superconducting coil is wound, the bobbin serving as a protective resistor; a persistent current switch for supplying a persistent current to the superconducting coil; a first closed circuit with the superconducting coil and the persistent current switch connected in series to the coil; and a second closed circuit with the superconducting coil and the bobbin connected in series to the coil. |
| US08989827B2 |
Superconducting magnet
A superconducting magnet includes a superconducting coil, a heat shield surrounding the superconducting coil, a vacuum chamber accommodating the heat shield, a magnetic shield covering at least a part of the vacuum chamber, and a refrigerating machine fixed to the vacuum chamber to cool the superconducting coil through a heat conducting body. The magnetic shield abuts against said vacuum chamber with an elastic body therebetween to support the vacuum chamber. |
| US08989823B2 |
Casing for portable device
A box-shaped metal structure is formed by press-working or the like, and a resin shell is integrally molded to the periphery of the metal structure by extrusion molding a resin. A flexible circuit board for key switches is disposed on a switch-receiving surface of the metal structure. The resin shell and the box-shaped metal structure are not bonded together, but the resin fills the connecting holes in the metal structure, whereby the shell and the metal structure are kept together after molding. A casing for a portable device having a structure suitable for obtaining reduced thickness and size reduction is thereby obtained. |
| US08989820B2 |
Method for suspending transmission and reception of text messages and phone calls
The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication and specifically the use of a cell-phone to monitor safe driving by suspending transmission or reception of text messages and/or phone calls by the driver of the moving motor vehicle not equipped with the hands-free equipment, or complete suspension of such communication to the operator of a train while the train is in motion, unless such transmissions are related to emergency services and where the determination of the vehicle operator status as well as operation terms-and-conditions may be obtained by including such info in the vehicle QR code or NFC or Bluetooth or other PAN transceivers combined with the interaction of the cell-phone based application. |
| US08989819B2 |
Handheld electronic device and saving number method and digital storage media
A method for saving number applied to a handheld electronic device is provided. In the method, in response to determining that the total number of digits of a entered number reaches the predetermined minimum number and the entered number does not correspond to a part of any one of one or more contact data, a save button is displayed on the screen for saving the entered number after the save button is triggered, a save button is shown on the screen, and the entered number is saved after the save button is triggered. |
| US08989818B2 |
Device actions based on device power
In one embodiment, one or more computing devices determine, substantially in real time and locally at a mobile device, one or more current dynamic operating conditions of the mobile device related to energy consumption by the mobile device. The computing devices identify a pre-determined device state that corresponds to the current dynamic operating conditions of the mobile device and determine, based at least in part on the pre-determined device state, an action for the mobile device to take, the action being related to energy consumption by the mobile device. |
| US08989814B2 |
Providing compliance enforcement for manually dialed wireless numbers in a contact center
Systems and methods are disclosed for originating a call to a wireless number by a contact center while enforcing various compliance requirements. In one embodiment, a compliance server and a PBX cooperate to originate the call to the wireless number. The agent logs into the compliance server and the compliance server provides the agent with a wireless number to dial. The agent manually enters the wireless number using a phone connected to the PBX. The PBX queries the compliance server regarding establishing the wireless call. Upon authorization, the PBX establishes a first call leg to the compliance server, and a second call leg to the called party that is joined with the call leg to the agent's phone. Upon completion of the call, the agent dispositions the call to the compliance server, which then releases the first call leg. In response, the PBX then releases the second call leg. |
| US08989809B2 |
Mobile terminal using common antenna for performing NFC function and FM-TX function
A mobile terminal using a common antenna to perform an NFC function and an FM-TX function is provided. The mobile terminal includes a baseband chip, an NFC chip, an FM chip, and an antenna. The NFC chip and the FM chip are connected to the baseband chip. The mobile terminal also comprises a selecting unit connected to the baseband chip, the NFC chip, the FM chip, and the antenna, for conducting the NFC chip and the antenna or conducting the FM chip and the antenna based on a control of the baseband chip. The mobile terminal proposes a single antenna for performing the NFC function and the FM-TX function. A passage between corresponding functions is conducted through the selecting unit. It is unnecessary to use an additional antenna inside the mobile terminal. Thus, the mobile terminal has more spacious capacity, and the cost of the mobile terminal is reduced. |
| US08989807B2 |
Communication terminal device, communication device, communication network server and method for controlling
In various aspects of this disclosure, a communication terminal device may be provided. The communication terminal device may include a cellular wide area radio communication technology circuit. The cellular wide area radio communication technology circuit may be configured to provide a communication according to a cellular wide area radio communication technology. The communication terminal device may further include a circuit. The circuit may be configured to provide a direct communication terminal device to communication terminal device communication bypassing a radio access network according to information received via the radio access network. The communication terminal device may further include a message generator. The message generator may be configured to generate a message to transmit to a base station. The message may include at least one message field specifying information about at least one capability to provide the direct communication terminal device to communication terminal device communication of the communication terminal device. The message may be generated for a network communication protocol. |
| US08989802B2 |
Methods and apparatus for a mobile unit with device virtualization
A multi-context mobile unit includes a processor, a user interface coupled to the processor and configured to accept user input, a storage component coupled to the processor, and an input/output module coupled to the processor and configured to interact with at least one external network, wherein the processor is configured to selectively execute a plurality of virtual devices stored within the storage component in response to the user input, and wherein the plurality of virtual devices includes a first virtual device and a second virtual device having separate and isolated data access. |
| US08989797B2 |
Radio communication system, radio base station, and power consumption control method
Wireless base station eNB10-1 sets the power consumption level of wireless base station eNB10-1 (itself) to one of multiple levels, and sends a power consumption level information message indicating the power consumption level to wireless base station eNB10-2. Wireless base station eNB10-2 receives and stores the power consumption level information message. |
| US08989796B2 |
Method for adjusting parameter of radio communication system and radio communication system
A radio communication system including a relaying apparatus and a base station, at an installment of a new base station, a parameter is autonomously adjusts a parameter to maintain a communication of the relaying apparatus. The new base station transmits a radio signal while increasing a transmission power, and the relaying apparatus, upon detecting the radio signal, transmits a signal indicating detection of the signal to an existing base station. The existing base station, upon receiving the signal indicating the detection, reduces an transmission power thereof to a minimum power to maintain a communication with a relaying apparatus and adjusts the parameter to set the transmission power to the minimum transmission power. The new base station, based on the transmission power at a time when the relaying apparatus has detected the radio signal, sets the parameter of the transmission power. |
| US08989795B2 |
Method of controlling base station apparatus and base station apparatus controlled by same
A control method for controlling base station apparatuses used in a communication system comprising a first base station apparatus, a second base station apparatus, and one or more mobile station apparatuses, including determining whether or not a first condition relating to the number of the mobile station apparatuses positioned in the overlapping area of the cover area of the first base station apparatus and the cover area of the second base station apparatus and to respective output power of the mobile station is satisfied, and outputting a radio signal from the second base station apparatus if the first condition is satisfied. |
| US08989793B2 |
Reverse power control method and control apparatus
A reverse power control method includes: a base station presetting reverse outer loop threshold values according to radio configuration (RC) types; in the accessing process of a terminal, the base station selecting the preset reverse outer loop threshold value according to the RC type fed back by the terminal; the base station receiving the Eb/Nt of the reverse channel and comparing the received Eb/Nt with the selected reverse outer loop threshold value, if the Eb/Nt is larger than the reverse outer loop threshold value, the base station instructing the terminal to decrease the transmitting power; if the Eb/Nt is smaller than the reverse outer loop threshold value, the base station instructing the terminal to increase the transmitting power, so as to guarantee that the terminal accesses successfully. An apparatus for implementing reverse close loop power control and an apparatus for implementing reverse outer loop power control are also provided. |
| US08989792B1 |
Using inertial sensors to trigger transmit power management
A user device obtains motion data from an inertial sensor included in the user device. The user device receives a command to transmit information at a specified transmit power level. The user device determines, based on the motion data, whether the presence of a human body part is detected. When the presence of a human body part is detected, the user device reduces a current transmit power level below the specified transmit power level. |
| US08989790B2 |
Wireless communication device and wireless communication method
A wireless communication device with MIMO function conforming to a predetermined wireless standard and communication terminals that communicate with a base station incorporating MIMO function includes a master communication terminal which is any one of the plurality of communication terminals and a slave communication terminal which is connected to the master communication terminal via a predetermined connection element and is one or more communication terminals other than the master communication terminal among the plurality of communication terminals. A configuration in which a part of or all signal processing functions that relate to transmission and reception of one or more antennas incorporated in one or more slave communication terminals can be controlled from the master communication terminal is used. A configuration in which the number of antennas can be arbitrarily increased is implemented and a protocol for call connection is performed only between the base station and the master communication terminal. |
| US08989788B2 |
Method and apparatus for uplink power control in wireless communication system
A method and an apparatus for uplink power control in a wireless communication system are provided. More specially, a method is provided in which a first base station in a wireless communication system periodically measures interference for a cell of a second base station neighboring the first base station, determines an average of the periodically measured interference, broadcasts the determined average of the periodically measured interference to mobile terminals located in a cell of the first base station, determines a weight for the determined average of the periodically measured interference, based on one of resource allocation information for the cell of the second base station and whether a specific message for interference regulation is received from the second base station, and transmits the determined weight to the mobile terminals. |
| US08989783B2 |
Methods, device and systems for allowing modification to a service based on quality information
The disclosure is directed to a method, computer program product, mobile device allowing for configuring a service accessible via the mobile device. The mobile device is configured to allow a determination of its location data using one or more of a plurality of location techniques. The configuring of the service comprises obtaining quality information including a designation of the location technique used for determining said location data and at least partly a quality of said location data; and integrating said quality information at least partly with said service to allow a modification of said service based on said quality information. Various examples of services enabled or enhanced by this capability are described including camera service, navigation services, data sharing services. Various configurations of computer program products, mobile devices and systems for enabling the services above are also described. |
| US08989780B1 |
Location-based reminder process
A computer-implemented method and computing system for identifying, using one or more computing devices, an appointment scheduled for at least one user. Some embodiments may include determining, using the one or more computing devices, a present location for the at least one user and generating, using the one or more computing devices, a reminder for the appointment based upon, at least in part, the present location. |
| US08989777B2 |
Location service providing system and method for providing triggered location request service
Disclosed are a location service providing system and a method for providing a triggered location request service. An H-SLP sets a priority order of a plurality of positioning methods which a target terminal supports according to a set priority order set condition and transmits priority order information according to respective positioning methods to the target terminal. Further, the target terminal may receive information about the positioning methods including the priority order and select a positioning method having the highest priority order among the positioning methods, which can be used in its current electric wave environment. Moreover, the H-SLP and the target terminal may calculate a location of the target terminal according to a positioning method that the target terminal has selected. Accordingly, although it is difficult to calculate the location of the target terminal according to the positioning method that the target terminal has selected, a location service of the target terminal can be continuously provided. |
| US08989776B2 |
Location aggregation system
Exemplary methods and apparatuses are provided that address how to turn visitor location register location data from telecommunications networks into information that can be aggregated across network switches, accessed by a direct query mechanism or via application programming interfaces, and reported upon from a single point of entry without affecting the performance or capacity of the network switches. Specifically, a Location Aggregation Server is provided that is configured to aggregate mobile terminal location data across multiple visitor location registers and to populate a database with the location information, e.g., an identifier of the mobile terminal and an identifier of a new location of the mobile terminal. Service providers and third parties may be able to search the database, display mobile terminal location data on a map, or aggregate the mobile terminal location data into meaningful statistics. |
| US08989775B2 |
Method and system for WiFi-based identification of person tracks
In an implementation, techniques are provided for tracking the location of a device that transmits wireless signal. The wireless signal can be received at a set of receivers. Distances to the device are determined based on signal strength. From the distances, boundaries encompassing possible locations of the device are defined. Boundary intersections are analyzed in order to determine the location of the device. |
| US08989759B2 |
Methods and apparatus for proximity based call termination
A system and method for automatic proximity based call termination determines when a mobile telephony device enters a predetermined area. When that occurs, call termination instructions are automatically issued to re-direct incoming telephone calls directed to the mobile telephony device to an alternate telephone number. In some instances, incoming telephone calls directed to the mobile telephony device may be simultaneously sent to both the mobile telephony device, and to an alternate telephone number. When the mobile telephony device leaves the predetermined area, the call termination instructions are automatically canceled, and calls directed to the mobile telephony device are only sent to the mobile telephony device. |
| US08989757B2 |
Method for energy control in a cellular radio system
Methods and devices enabling improved switch-on procedures during the reactivation of base stations already switched off to save power are provided. In accordance with one embodiment a method of activating a de-activated cell in a cellular radio system is provided. First measurements are collected from a number of user equipments connected to the cellular radio system. Based on the collected measurements a model for mapping a cell, the best cell, providing the least power increase in the cellular radio system when activated is constructed. When the traffic demand of the cellular radio system cannot be served using already activated cells it is determined to activate the cell that is mapped as the best cell to be activated. Hereby, the cells of a cellular radio system can be managed to maximally utilize the energy used in the system. |
| US08989756B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting downlink control information for resource allocation in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving Downlink Control Information (DCI) in a wireless communication system. A method for transmitting DCI by a base station includes generating the DCI including at least one of a data format indicator for at least one Transport Block (TB), and a DeModulation Reference Signal (DMRS) resource allocation indicator corresponding to the at least one TB; and sending the DCI to a terminal. The DMRS resource allocation indicator includes a rank pattern for the at least one TB, an allocated scrambling code type, and DMRS port information. |
| US08989755B2 |
Methods of inter-cell resource sharing
A method for communication in a wireless telecommunication network is provided. The method comprises transmitting, by a first cell, to a first UE, a first signal on a resource block configured to be shared by more than one cell; and transmitting, by a second cell, to a second UE, a second signal on the same resource block, wherein a specification of a location of the resource block is included in configuration information available to the first cell and the second cell. |
| US08989754B2 |
Systems and method for BT AMP and WLAN concurrency
Systems and methods are disclosed for coordinating operation of WLAN and Bluetooth systems to manage an AMP connection based on an operational status of the WLAN transceiver. |
| US08989748B2 |
Method for determinng the type of a mobile radio base station; radio communication terminal and network devices; radio communication smart card device
In an embodiment, a method for determining the type of a mobile radio base station is provided. The method may include receiving a synchronization message comprising a mobile radio base station identifier, and determining the type of a mobile radio base station using a previously signaled and stored piece of mobile radio base station type determining information indicating a rule as to how the type of a mobile radio base station out of a plurality of types of a mobile radio base station can be derived from a mobile radio base station identifier and the received mobile radio base station identifier. |
| US08989743B2 |
Battery conservation in stationary conditions for a wireless device
Conserving battery by a wireless user equipment (UE) device in substantially stationary conditions. A first wireless link may be established with a first cell. It may be determined that the UE device is substantially stationary. One or more signal strength and/or signal quality metrics associated with the first wireless link may be measured. The one or more signal strength and/or signal quality metrics may be below a first threshold. The UE may ordinarily be configured to perform a search for neighboring cells if the one or more signal strength and/or signal quality metrics are below the first threshold. The UE may not actually perform a search for neighboring cells, based on determining that the UE is substantially stationary. |
| US08989742B2 |
Methods and apparatus for inter-rat cell reselection
Certain aspects of the disclosure relate generally to search of radio access technologies (RAT). For example, certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a technique for facilitating higher priority radio access technology (RAT) search and cell reselection in areas having a plurality of overlapping RATs, such as GSM and LTE. According to certain aspects, a user equipment (UE) may generate a local set of cell reselection parameters based on one or more default cell reselection parameters and/or stored system information received during previous connects with found cells. According to certain aspects, the UE may perform cell reselection based on the local set of cell reselection parameters. |
| US08989741B2 |
Apparatus and methods for group wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) handover
Apparatus and methods of handing over a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) that belongs to a group of WTRUs from an originating base station to a target base station are described. A method includes the WTRU obtaining information regarding a group to which the WTRU has been assigned and the WTRU receiving at least one of handover reconfiguration information that is common to the group and handover reconfiguration information that is specific to the WTRU. On a condition that the WTRU receives the handover reconfiguration information that is specific to the WTRU, the WTRU initiates a synchronization procedure with the target base station based at least on the received handover reconfiguration information. |
| US08989739B2 |
Connection method, communication system, mobile terminal, information forwarding device, and server
A technique is disclosed for preventing a mobile terminal from unnecessarily connecting to a local connection service provided by a mobile router. In a communication system, a UE 10 sends user preference information to a forwarding node 20 before the UE connects to the forwarding node, which is installed in a moving body 110 as an access point of the UE to forward information to the UE. The forwarding node determines whether information capable of being supplied to the UE is appropriate for a user of the UE based on the preference information and sends the determination result to the UE. When the UE becomes connectable to the forwarding node, the UE does not connect to the forwarding node if the information capable of being supplied is not appropriate for the user of the UE based on the determination result; else the UE connects to the forwarding node. |
| US08989738B2 |
Method for enabling an MSS to enter an idle mode in a wireless metropolitan area network by a network side
The present invention provides a method as regards how a network side gets a MSS into the idle mode in a wireless MAN, including: the PA/BS sends a DREG_CMD to the MSS; the MSS sends a DREG_REQ message to the PA/BS, according to the DREG_CMD message, requesting to enter the idle mode; the PA/BS releases the link of the MSS and updates the data of the anchor PC/LR after receiving the DREG_REQ message. The present invention specifies the process of a MSS entering the idle mode initiated by the network and the settings of relevant parameters, thus enhancing the stability of the process of entering the idle mode and saving the system resources. |
| US08989733B2 |
Preferred system selection enhancements for multi-mode wireless systems
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate improved multi-mode system selection in a wireless communication system. As described herein, various techniques can be utilized to synthesize system databases corresponding to disparate groups of radio access technologies (RATs), such as a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) list and/or a Preferred Roaming List (PRL), with one or more overlay databases and associated location information to generate a multi-mode list of preferred systems. As described herein, a preferred system listing can be constructed to leverage fine granularity of information in one or more databases while still supporting databases with coarser information. Techniques are additionally described herein for augmenting and/or grouping one or more overlay databases to facilitate a higher available granularity of information for various RATs than that provided in system databases corresponding to the RATs. Techniques are additionally provided for automated generation of preferred system listing based on changes to observed location. |
| US08989732B2 |
Method and apparatus for setting communication target in wireless communication system
Provided is a method and apparatus for setting a communication target in a wireless communication system. A method of setting, by a setting device, a communication target in a wireless communication system may include: obtaining a synchronization and a characteristic of a target device by receiving a signal transmitted from the target device during a predetermined period of time; transmitting setting information to the target device based on the synchronization and the characteristic of the target device; and completing setting of the communication target by receiving setting response signal from the target device. |
| US08989723B2 |
System and method for deploying a payment application on a wireless device
A communication system includes a development sector for registering a plurality of wireless devices, a business sector for controlling utilization of an application program and for receiving application data, a service sector for deploying the application program and for providing the application data to the business sector in accordance with communication with at least one wireless device of the plurality; and a mobile sector comprising the plurality of wireless devices, each device for receiving the application program deployed by the service sector, executing the application program in response to the business sector, and communicating with the service sector to support provision of the application data to the business sector. The wireless device, such as a cell phone, personal digital assistant, or palm top computer may include an auxiliary device such as a bar code scanner, a magnetic stripe card reader, or a printer. The business sector or service sector may monitor or limit utilization of the auxiliary device. Deployment of application programs may be controlled by the business sector or the development sector by rendering an application program or auxiliary device available for use only after a particular time or after receipt of a message. Distributed processing application programs having components in the business, service, and mobile sectors may thereby be updated in an orderly manner. An application program on a wireless device may assist confirmation of an order made by a buyer via a web site. The wireless device is expected to be operated by the buyer. Fraud reporting is accomplished by comparing data obtained by registration of the wireless device with data provided in the confirmation. |
| US08989720B2 |
Portable communication device
Various embodiments for conducting a phone conferencing session are disclosed. One embodiment is a method implemented in a communication device for conducting a phone conferencing session. The method comprises determining that a user of the communication device wishes to initiate the phone conferencing session, determining a current location of the communication device, retrieving information relating to the user for initiating the phone conferencing session, and initiating the phone conferencing session associated according to the information relating to the user. |
| US08989719B2 |
Non-access stratum (NAS) transparent messaging
A device receives, from an application server, a message destined for a user equipment, and reformats the message into a non-access stratum (NAS) transparent message. The device also provides, to a home subscriber server, a query for an identification of a mobility management entity serving the user equipment, and receives, from the home subscriber server, the identification of the mobility management entity serving the user equipment. The device further provides the NAS transparent message to the identified mobility management entity, where the mobility management entity forwards the NAS transparent message to the user equipment. |
| US08989718B2 |
Idle screen advertising
In embodiments, the present invention provides a method and system for providing a user interface that simultaneously and dynamically presents a sponsored content concurrently with activating a mobile communication facility, wherein the dynamic presentation is based at least in part on a mobile subscriber characteristic. |
| US08989707B2 |
System and method for provisioning a wireless device to only be able to access network services within a specific location
A system and method for provisioning wireless devices such that they are only capable of accessing network services when in a specified location. A device surveys the current location of the device for existing base stations and stores a corresponding network environment profile. After the profile is stored, network services will only be provided to the device if the current network profile matches the stored profile. |
| US08989702B2 |
Device and method for controlling charging in a mobile communication system
The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling charging in a mobile communication system. The method for controlling charging in a mobile communication system is characterized by comprising the steps of: generating, by a service provider, a sponsor coupon to transmit to a terminal when a sponsor service request transmitted from the terminal is received; receiving, by the terminal, the sponsor coupon to transmit to an operator; setting, by the operator, a filtering and charging rule for sponsor traffic by using the sponsor coupon, and notifying the terminal; requesting, by the terminal, the sponsor service to the service provider again, and receiving a sponsor traffic service from the service provider; and charging, by the operator, the service provider for the sponsor traffic. |
| US08989701B2 |
Identifying a wireless device of a target user for communication interception based on individual usage pattern(S)
Systems and methods for intercepting communications in a cellular communication network are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more individual usage patterns are detected for a target user based on usage data collected from a known wireless device of the target user. The one or more individual usage patterns for the target user are compared to usage data collected from other wireless devices to identify another wireless device that has usage data that matches the one or more individual usage patterns for the target user to at least a predefined threshold degree. In response, one or more predefined actions are taken with respect to the matching wireless device. In one embodiment, an authorized authority is notified of the matching wireless device and/or communications to and/or from the matching wireless device are automatically intercepted and delivered to the authorized authority. |
| US08989700B2 |
Method and system for an interactive community alert network
An interactive community alert network (iCan) system is operable to receive one or more signals indicating a report of an incident. The iCan system may determine a location of the reported incident. One or more visual and/or audio capture devices, which may be within proximity of the determined location of the reported incident may be adjusted. Corresponding visual and/or audio content of the reported incident may be captured and utilized to determine how to handle the reported incident. The location of the reported incident may be determined based on a position of a device and based on a global navigation satellite system position of a device utilized to report the incident. The location of the incident may also be determined based on information within the report of the incident and/or based on localization through use of one or more electronic mapping systems and/or panoramic still images of camera views. |
| US08989697B2 |
Priority registration for in-vehicle emergency call service
An eCall is an emergency call that may (i) be initiated automatically by a wireless terminal due to a trigger event (e.g., a vehicle involved in an accident) or manually by a user and (ii) include additional data sent automatically by the terminal to a recipient entity, e.g., a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). Depending on the implementation, Emergency setup signaling (e.g., an Emergency SETUP message) or a location updating message is used to give high priority to registering an eCall-only mode In-Vehicle System (IVS) on a mobile network. The IVS can get higher priority from the mobile network right after an eCall emergency is triggered at the IVS. When requesting a connection to the mobile network, the WS can use one or more fields of the location updating message in order to register on the network with a higher priority. |
| US08989696B1 |
Access of information using a situational network
A method of sharing information related to an emergency event using a situational network includes establishing a situational network having multiple access levels in response to an indication of the occurrence of an emergency event. Access to information related to the emergency event is provided based on an access level of a participant in the situational network, where the access level is automatically obtained based on the role of the participant relative to the emergency event. Communication between participants of the situational network is facilitated based on the access level of the participants. |
| US08989687B2 |
Communication receiver enhancements using multi-signal capture
A method and apparatus is disclosed to determine communications receiver parameters from multiple channels of a received communications signal and to configure and/or adjust communications receiver parameters to acquire one or more channels from among the multiple channels of the received communications signal. A communications receiver observes a multi-channel communication signal as it passes through a communication channel. The communications receiver determines one or more communications receiver parameters from the multiple channels of the received communications signal. The communications receiver configures and/or adjusts communications receiver parameters to acquire the one or more channels from among the multiple channels of the received communications signal. |
| US08989683B2 |
Ultra-wideband high power amplifier architecture
Techniques and architecture are disclosed for providing an ultra-wideband, multi-channel solid-state power amplifier architecture. In some embodiments, the architecture includes a power divider which splits an input signal and delivers that split signal to a plurality of downstream channel chipsets. Each channel chipset is configured to amplify a sub-band of the original full-band input signal and to provide the resultant amplified sub-band for downstream use, such as for transmission by an antenna operatively coupled with that channel. In the aggregate, the amplified sub-bands provide coverage of the same ultra-wideband frequency range of the original input signal, in some cases. In some embodiments, the architecture provides high radio frequency (RF) power with good amplifying efficiency and ultra-wide instantaneous frequency bandwidth performance in a small-form-factor package. In some instances, control circuitry is provided to control which chipset die(s) are enabled/disabled, thus providing control over gain and power levels of the output signal(s). |
| US08989678B2 |
Transceiver and method thereof
The transceiver has a transmitter, a receiver, and a three-port network. The transmitter is configured to transmit an outgoing RF signal. The receiver is configured to receive an incoming RF signal. The three-port network includes: a transmission line, configured to have a line length less than a quarter of a wavelength of the incoming RF signal; an antenna port, configured to connect to an antenna; a receiver port, configured to connect the receiver to the antenna port; and a transmitter port, configured to connect the transmitter to the antenna port and the receiver port through the transmission line. |
| US08989672B2 |
Methods for adjusting radio-frequency circuitry to mitigate interference effects
An electronic device may transmit and receive wireless signals using wireless circuitry that is controlled by control circuitry. The wireless circuitry may include adjustable components such as adjustable antenna structures, adjustable front end circuitry, and adjustable transceiver circuitry. During characterization operations, the electronic device may be tested to identify operating settings for the wireless circuitry that lead to potential wireless interference between aggressor transmitters and victim receivers. The control circuitry can adjust the wireless circuitry to mitigate the effects of interference based on settings identified during characterization operations or real time signal quality measurements. |
| US08989669B2 |
Short-range wireless communication
The present specification describes techniques and apparatus that enable wireless devices to communicate effectively at short ranges. In one implementation, the transmit power of a transmitting device is reduced to permit a receiving device to demodulate a signal. |
| US08989665B2 |
Portable electronic device for reducing specific absorption rate
A portable electronic device for reducing specific absorption rate (SAR) is provided. The portable electronic device comprises a processor, at least one antenna, and a sensor enabled to detect when the portable electronic device is being held by a complementary holder, the processor enabled to: determine that the sensor has detected the holder; and, responsively, switch the at least one antenna from an omnidirectional mode to a directional mode such that energy is radiated from a given side of the portable electronic device. |
| US08989662B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatic bluetooth connection in a mobile communication terminal
A method of automatically connecting to a peripheral Bluetooth device and service in a mobile communication terminal having a Bluetooth module is provided. Upon input of a key, it is determined whether the key includes a Bluetooth mode key. If the key includes the Bluetooth mode key, the terminal transitions to a Bluetooth mode. A Bluetooth device or service corresponding to the key as a short key is detected and connected. |
| US08989660B2 |
Multiple hardware interrupt functionality on near-field communication (NFC)
Hardware interrupt functionality associated with a disable pin may be used to place a near-field communication (NFC) device into various operational modes. For example, various intermediate voltage windows may be defined within an I/O voltage domain and a resistive divider running off an I/O rail may generate multiple reference voltages within the I/O voltage domain. In one embodiment, different comparators may compare voltage on the disable pin to the reference voltages generated with the resistive divider to determine whether the voltage on the disable pin falls within one of the intermediate voltage windows. As such, if a particular comparator determines that the voltage on the disable pin falls within one of the intermediate voltage windows, a control signal may be generated to transition the NFC device into a corresponding operational mode. |
| US08989658B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for improving NFC parameter update mechanisms
Aspects relate to improved mechanisms for updating parameter values for communications between a DH and a remote NFC endpoint. In one example, a DH associated with a NFC device may be configured to determine that one or more parameter values included in a parameter selection request message are different than one or more corresponding parameter values used during discovery of a remote NFC endpoint using a frame RF interface, and communicate the parameter values to a NFC Controller using a parameter update message. A NFCC associated with a NFC device may be configured to receive, using a NFC-DEP interface, a parameter selection request message including one or more parameters, determine to implement one or more parameter changes based on the received one or more parameters, and communicate an activation message to a DH indicating values to which the NFC Controller changed the one or more parameter values. |
| US08989656B2 |
Anchor data communication system
An anchor data communication system (1) for communication of measurement data, provided by instrumentation (2) mounted on a marine anchor (3) buried below a surface (5) of a mooring bed (4), including a first transponder (10) mounted on a line member (7, 3D) attached to said anchor (3) and connected by conductor means (11) to said instrumentation (2), and a second transponder (12, 12A) mounted on said line member (7, 3D) or suspended from a floating structure (8, 21A) and connected to a transceiver (9, 9A) on said floating structure (8, 21A), wherein an axis (10A, 12B) of an emission beam (10B, 12C) of at least one of said transponders (10, 12, 12A) is constrained in heading by said line member (7, 3D) to maximize the strength of signals from said first transponder (10) arriving at said second transponder (12, 12A). |
| US08989654B2 |
System and method for providing options when a dispatch destination is not available
A method and system for providing an originating dispatch user with delivery options when a destination dispatch user is not available are provided. These options can include delivering buffered voice to a voice mail system, and converting the buffered voice to text and sending the text as an electronic mail, a short message service (SMS) message, or an instant message. The speech can be buffered in either the network or in the originating communication device. The speech can be buffered either before or after receiving a call setup acknowledgment from the dispatch network. |
| US08989653B2 |
Power transmitter, power receiver and power transmission and reception system
According to one embodiment, a power transmission and reception system includes a power transmitter and a power receiver. The power transmitter includes: a power transmission module configured to wireless-transmit power to the power receiver; and a first wireless communication module configured to perform wireless communication with the power receiver. The power receiver includes: a power reception module configured to receive the power transmitted from the power transmission module; and a second wireless communication module configured to perform wireless communication with the first wireless communication module using the received power. The second wireless communication module is configured to perform wireless communication while the power reception module is receiving the power. |
| US08989652B2 |
Advanced timing and time transfer for satellite constellations using crosslink ranging and an accurate time source
A system, method, and apparatus for advanced timing and time transfer for satellite constellations using crosslink ranging and an accurate time source are disclosed herein. In particular, the present disclosure relates generally to systems for providing improved positioning, navigation, and/or timing information for oscillator calibration and more specifically, to use at least one satellite with accessibility to an accurate time source to calibrate the local oscillator on a crosslink paired satellite. In at least, one embodiment, time synchronization on a subset of satellites with crosslinking capabilities is used to distribute time through a network of crosslinked satellites. |
| US08989644B2 |
Image forming apparatus having fixing unit with improved light emission, fixing device, and drying device
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device forming an image on a recording medium; and a light source that, after the image has been formed by the image forming device, irradiates the recording medium with light to fix the image on the recording medium, while the recording medium moves relatively in a predetermined movement direction. The light source includes a current supply section, a light emitting section, and a current output section. Current for light emission is supplied to the current supply section. The light emitting section includes light emitting elements that are disposed two-dimensionally. At least the light emitting elements provided side by side in the movement direction are electrically connected in parallel. The current output section outputs the current that has passed through the light emitting section. The current supply section and the light emitting section are provided side by side in the movement direction. |
| US08989641B2 |
Fixing device with mechanism capable of minimizing glossy streaks and stain on recording medium and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A fixing device includes a fixing rotary body rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation; an opposed rotary body contacting the fixing rotary body to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed; a plurality of separation pawls separatably contacting an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotary body to separate the recording medium discharged from the fixing nip from the fixing rotary body; a temperature detector contacting the outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotary body to detect a temperature of the fixing rotary body; and a fixing rotary body cleaner interposed between the plurality of separation pawls and the temperature detector in the direction of rotation of the fixing rotary body and contacting the outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotary body to clean the outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotary body. |
| US08989640B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image heating apparatus includes a heating roller; a nip forming member for forming the nip with the roller; a sheet jam sensor; a first controller for interrupting a heating operation when the sensor detects the sheet jamming, and for resuming the heating operation after the jamming is cleared; a rubbing member for rubbing a heating roller surface; a moving mechanism for moving the rubbing member to a position for spacing the rubbing member from the roller to a position for rubbing the roller surface; and a second controller for executing an operation of moving the rubbing member to the rubbing position to rub the heating roller surface when a predetermined condition is reached, wherein the second controller delays, when the condition is reached during a period in which a predetermined count of sheets pass the nip after the jam clearance, the moving operation to after the period. |
| US08989639B2 |
Image forming apparatus having toner density control
An image forming apparatus includes a toner carrying roller for carrying a toner, an image carrying member, contacting the toner on the toner carrying roller, on which a toner image is to be formed with the toner, and an electrode portion provided at an opposing position in which the electrode portion opposes the toner carrying roller via the image carrying member interposed therebetween. The toner image is formed on the image carrying member by changing a value of a voltage, on the basis of image information, applied to the electrode portion, and the toner carried on the toner carrying roller and the image carrying member contact each other in a toner contact area. The toner is moved between the toner carrying roller and the image carrying member in a toner movement area by changing the value of the voltage applied to the electrode portion, and the toner movement area is present downstream of the toner contact area with respect to a movement direction of the image carrying member. |
| US08989636B2 |
Toner container and image forming apparatus
A toner container that is detachably attached to a main body of an image forming apparatus such that a longitudinal direction of the toner container is parallel to a horizontal direction is provided. The toner container includes: a cylindrical container body that has an opening on one end, and is configured to convey toner inside the body toward the opening; a cap portion into which the opening of the container body is inserted, and which includes a toner outlet at a bottom portion for discharging toner discharged from the opening of the container body to the outside of the toner container in a vertically downward direction; and a shutter member that is held on the bottom portion of the cap portion, and moves along an outer periphery of the cap portion to open and close the toner outlet. The cap portion is formed by integral molding. |
| US08989635B2 |
Intermediate hopper and image forming apparatus
An intermediate hopper has a toner reception tub; a partition for dividing an internal space of the toner reception tub; a first and a second toner conveyance path separated by the partition; a first toner conveyance screw being provided in the first toner conveyance path; a second toner conveyance screw being provided in the second toner conveyance path; a toner receiving port for receiving the toner; a toner communicating path for guiding the toner in the first toner conveyance path to the second toner conveyance path; and a toner discharge port for discharging the toner out of the toner reception tub, wherein the partition comprises a plurality of intermediate slits for guiding the toner contained in the first toner conveyance path to the second toner conveyance path. |
| US08989629B2 |
Charging member and image forming apparatus
A blade-like charging member comprises a charging portion, a non-charging portion, and an electrode portion. The non-charging portion is capable of contacting the image bearing member while maintaining an electrically dischargeable gap therebetween. To prevent electric discharge between the non-charging portion and the surface of the image bearing member, at least part of the non-charging portion is made of material having a higher resistance than that of the charging portion. The non-charging portion contacts and slides on the surface of the image bearing member over a range that exceeds the length of the charging portion. A shortest distance between the discharge position and an end portion of the electrode portion with respect to a longitudinal direction of the image bearing member is longer than a shortest distance between the discharge position and a central portion of the electrode portion with respect to the longitudinal direction of the image bearing member. |
| US08989624B2 |
Image forming apparatus and developing agent cartridge
An image forming apparatus may include a casing, and a plurality of image carriers arranged in parallel along one direction in the casing and formed with an electrostatic latent image. The apparatus can further include a plurality of developing agent carriers opposed to the image carriers, for visualizing the electrostatic latent image by feeding a developing agent to the image carriers, and a plurality of developing agent cartridges, arranged in parallel in the one direction to be opposed to the developing agent carriers in the longitudinal direction of the developing agent carriers, and configured to be together attachable/detachable to/from the casing along the one direction, for accommodating the developing agent fed to the developing agent carriers. |
| US08989623B2 |
Image forming apparatus and cartridge
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of cartridges, and a moving member to which the plurality of cartridges is detachably attached. Of a pair of cartridges attached to the moving member and adjacent to each other, one cartridge has a recessed portion recessed from a frame member thereof and extending in an attachment direction of the cartridge, and the other cartridge has a raised portion protruding from the frame member thereof and extending in the attachment direction. The raised portion provided on the other cartridge enters the recessed portion provided in the one cartridge when the pair of cartridges is attached to the moving member. Positions of the raised portion and the recessed portion overlap each other as viewed in an axial direction of the image bearing member. |
| US08989622B2 |
Developer-accommodating vessel and developing device
A toner cartridge is mountable on a process cartridge. The process cartridge includes a supply roller. The toner cartridge includes a first accommodating unit and an agitating member. The first toner accommodating unit has a peripheral surface in which an inner hollow space for accommodating a toner is formed. The agitating member is disposed in the first toner accommodating unit and rotates in a rotating direction to agitate the toner. The peripheral surface has a wall portion formed with a first supply-hole at an upstream side in the rotating direction. The wall portion is curved about a reference line as a center of curvature and depressed inward the first toner accommodating unit. The reference line is outside of the first toner accommodating unit in a radial direction of the agitating member and extending in a prescribed direction. |
| US08989621B2 |
Development device, and process cartridge and image forming apparatus including same
A development device includes a development casing for containing two-component developer, a developer bearer, a developer regulator to adjust an amount of developer carried on the developer bearer, a first developer conveyance member to supply developer to the developer bearer, a second developer conveyance member to transport axially developer separated from the developer bearer, first and second conveyance channels divided by a partition, in which the first and second developer conveyance members are respectively provided, and a removable sheet member to cover the developer bearer in an area facing the developer regulator, the first and second conveyance channels, and the partition. A first end portion of the sheet member extends from the second conveyance channel outside the development casing through a through hole formed in the development casing, and a second end portion thereof is retained by a retainer at a position outside the developer regulator. |
| US08989620B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a chassis having a first opening on a first side, photosensitive members, an intermediate transfer belt arranged to have a surface thereof facing the photosensitive members, primary-transfer members, a secondary-transfer roller, a first feed roller, a cleaner device, a waste toner container, which is removably installed in the chassis through the first opening and settled in a position opposite from the photosensitive members across the intermediate transfer belt, a connector, a first feeding path extending in a range between the first feed roller and the secondary-transfer roller, and a second feeding path being formed in clearance between the intermediate transfer belt and the waste toner container to convey a recording sheet being inserted through a sheet inlet and merging into the first feeding path in the vicinity of the first feed roller. |
| US08989615B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a blowing portion and an air guide portion. The blowing portion blows air to a conveyance path of a sheet from a fixing device to a sheet discharge port. The air guide portion guides air blown from the blowing portion toward the downstream side in a sheet conveyance direction toward the sheet discharge port on the conveyance path. |
| US08989611B2 |
Replaceable unit for an image forming device having a falling paddle for toner level sensing
A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having an inner volume forming a reservoir for storing toner. A rotatable shaft is positioned within the reservoir. A paddle is mounted on the shaft and rotatable independent of the shaft. A driving member is rotatable with the shaft and positioned to push the paddle when the shaft rotates. The paddle is free to fall ahead of the driving member. The paddle includes a magnetic element rotatable with the paddle and detectable by a magnetic sensor when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device for detecting the motion of the paddle. |
| US08989608B2 |
Rotating mechanism driving apparatus, image forming apparatus, non-transitory readable medium in which computer program for executing method for driving the rotating mechanism is recorded, rotating mechanism driving system and image forming system
A rotating mechanism driving apparatus is disclosed that includes a frictional transmission configured to output torque via a viscous fluid, the torque being input from the motor; an input shaft rotational amount detecting part configured to detect a rotational amount of an input shaft of the frictional transmission; an output shaft rotational amount detecting part configured to detect a rotational amount of an output shaft of the frictional transmission; an input torque detecting part configured to detect input torque of the frictional transmission; a slip amount calculating part configured to calculate a slip amount between the input shaft and the output shaft; and abnormal state determining part configured to determine abnormal state of a rotating mechanism connected to the output shaft of the frictional transmission based on the input torque and to determine an abnormal state of the frictional transmission based on the slip amount. |
| US08989607B2 |
Thermal fixing device and image forming apparatus including same which detects the speed of a belt on the outer surface of a fixing member
A thermal fixing device includes a fixing member, a flexible endless belt, a flexible endless belt, a rotary pressure member, a heating unit, and a rotation detector. The flexible endless belt is disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the fixing member. The rotary pressure member is disposed parallel to and pressing against the fixing member via the endless belt. The heating unit heats the endless belt. The rotation detector detects a rotation speed of the endless belt. The heating unit is powered off when the rotation speed of the endless belt detected by the rotation detector is at or below a predetermined threshold value. |
| US08989603B2 |
Coherent optical receiver and coherent optical receiving method
A coherent optical receiver according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a coherent optical receiving unit, a first waveform equalizing circuit compensating waveform distortion caused by characteristics of the coherent optical receiving unit and compensating chromatic dispersion in a predetermined range to an input signal, a second waveform equalizing circuit compensating chromatic dispersion of the input signal, and a controller monitoring a chromatic dispersion amount of the input signal and controlling a compensation coefficient regarding the chromatic dispersion compensation performed by each of the first waveform equalizing circuit and the second waveform equalizing circuit depending on the chromatic dispersion amount to be compensated. |
| US08989602B2 |
Digital coherent optical receiver, adaptive equalizer, and digital coherent optical communication method
A digital coherent optical receiver includes a processor that is operative to separate electric signals obtained by converting an optical signal into a horizontal signal component and a vertical signal component; to generate a histogram of the horizontal signal component and the vertical signal component as outputs of the equalizing filter; and to determine a presence/absence of local convergence based on distribution of the histogram of the horizontal signal component and the histogram of the vertical signal component. |
| US08989599B2 |
Optical communication system with monitor functions and monitoring method therefor
Since it is difficult to fast, simply monitor impairments of received signals with higher receiver sensitivity, a monitoring method for an optical communication system according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes the steps of emitting lightwave signals to be modulated according to a data, forming dips at transitions between temporally consecutive groups of n symbols of the lightwave signals, wherein the dips are formed at each of (n−1) first transitions of the group, no dip is formed at the n-th transition on the lightwave signals, receiving the lightwave signals, extracting frequency components characterized by the numerical value n from received lightwave signals, and monitoring the received lightwave signals by using the frequency components. |
| US08989598B2 |
Power-saving driver circuit for providing a bias current or driving a current-driven load
Methods and circuits for providing a minimum driving voltage to a current-driven load (such as a laser diode) are disclosed. The circuit and methods may be useful for efficiently providing a bias and/or driving current to the current-driven load with minimal energy loss. The circuit generally comprises (1) a driver or voltage source configured to provide the bias and/or driving current to the current-driven load, (2) a sense circuit configured to (i) sense the bias and/or driving current and (ii) convert the bias and/or driving current to a first voltage, and (3) a comparator configured to (i) receive the first voltage and first and second reference voltages and (ii) provide a feedback/error signal to the driver or voltage source, the feedback/error signal configured to maintain or adjust the bias and/or driving current at or towards a target value. |
| US08989591B2 |
Remote optical demarcation point
The invention is directed to apparatus, systems and methods enabling a service provider to establish an optical demarcation point located at or within equipment controlled at least in part by a customer's domain such that the service provider's domain is able to directly control access of an optical signal to their domain. |
| US08989588B2 |
Optical transceiver with equalization and controllable laser interconnection interface
An optical transceiver includes an optical IC coupled to a processor IC. For transmit, the optical IC can be understood as a transmitter IC including a laser device or array. For receive, the optical IC can be understood as a receiver IC including a photodetector/photodiode device or array. For a transmitter IC, the processor IC includes a driver for a laser of the transmitter IC. The driver includes an equalizer that applies high frequency gain to a signal transmitted with the laser device. For a receiver IC, the processor IC includes a front end circuit to interface with a photodetector of the receiver IC. The front end circuit includes an equalizer that applies high frequency gain to a signal received by the receiver IC. The driver can be configurable to receive a laser having either orientation: ground termination or supply termination. |
| US08989586B2 |
Method for optical data transmission from low earth orbit to earth and corresponding communication system
Optical communications system (10) and method for transmission of payload data (PD) from a low earth orbit satellite (20) to an optical ground terminal (30), the low earth orbit satellite (20) being connectable with the optical ground terminal (30) via an optical downlink channel (DL), and the optical ground terminal (30) being connectable with the low earth orbit satellite (20) via an uplink channel (UC); wherein said uplink channel (UC) is an acquisition and tracking beacon channel by means of a ground beacon (GB) controlled by a point-acquisition-track subsystem (PAT), the ground beacon (GB) comprising a wide angle beam (W) for acquisition and a guidance beam (G) for tracking; and wherein the ground beacon (GB) for the uplink channel (UC) is a pulse position modulated PPM channel. |
| US08989584B2 |
RF/optical shared aperture for high availability wideband communication RF/FSO links
An RF/Optical shared aperture is capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals and RF signals simultaneously. This technology enables compact wide bandwidth communications systems with 100% availability in clear air turbulence, rain and fog. The functions of an optical telescope and an RF reflector antenna are combined into a single compact package by installing an RF feed at either of the focal points of a modified Gregorian telescope. |
| US08989583B1 |
Generating infrared communications on a mobile device
A system and a method are disclosed for generating an infrared signal on a mobile device. The infrared signal is generated on a mobile device by generating a bitstream based on information to be transmitted as an infrared signal. The bitstream is modulated and output on a bus to an infrared-emitting diode. The bitstream is processed in a software layer configured on the computing device, enabling the computing device to generate and process signals without additional hardware configured on the device. |
| US08989581B2 |
Wavelength reassignment in optical networks
An optical network for reassigning a carrier wavelength of an optical signal may include first and second optical nodes. The first optical node may be configured to transmit an optical signal along an optical path. The first optical node may also be configured to tune a carrier wavelength of the optical signal from a first wavelength to a second wavelength, according to a continuous function, to reassign the carrier wavelength of the optical signal. The second optical node may be configured to receive the optical signal and may include a feedback loop configured to adjust a wavelength of a reference optical signal to approximate the carrier wavelength of the optical signal. |
| US08989580B2 |
Long-distance box and method for processing uplink and downlink light thereof
The disclosure provides a long-distance box and a method for processing uplink light and downlink light of the long-distance box, uplink light and downlink light from different Passive Optical Network (PON) systems are split, the uplink light from the different PON systems is transmitted through a first optical path, and the downlink light from the different PON systems is transmitted through a second optical path; wherein the uplink light from the different PON systems is amplified by an Optical Amplifier (OA) and then output to Optical Line Terminals (OLT) of respective systems; the downlink light from different PON systems with the different wavelengths is transmitted through different optical sub-paths of the second optical path according to the wavelengths of the downlink light, and the downlink light is amplified by different Optical-Electrical-Optical (OEO) conversion devices on the different optical sub-paths and then output to Optical Network Units (ONUs) of the respective systems. The disclosure applies a hybrid long-distance box combining OEO and OA technologies to process a point-to-multipoint fiber access of a coexisting PON system, integrates advantages of both OA and OEO, and has high reliability, such that both uplink light and downlink light from different PON systems are amplified effectively. |
| US08989579B2 |
Optical downlink system
Optical downlink system (10) and method of optical data transmission between a remote terminal (20) having a number of n optical communication terminals (OT1-OTn), and a ground terminal (30) comprising a cluster of n optical ground stations (OGS1-OGSn) connected by n optical downlink channels (DL1-DLn) respectively n optical uplink channels (UC1-UCn) characterised by a spatial separation of the optical downlink channels (DL1-DLn) and a temporal separation of the optical uplink channels (UC1-UCn). |
| US08989575B2 |
Signal detection method and optical signal receiving system
The present invention provides a signal detection method, including: receiving, by a frequency mixer, wavelength division multiplexing signals and a local oscillator signal, where a wavelength of the local oscillator signal and a wavelength of a target signal in the wavelength division multiplexing signals are the same; a frequency mixer performs interference on the wavelength division multiplexing signals through the local oscillator signal to obtain a coherent signal formed by the local oscillator signal and the target signal; sending the coherent signal to a transimpedance amplifier for amplification to obtain a voltage signal; and obtaining the power of the target signal according to a power amplitude of the voltage signal. |
| US08989568B2 |
Interchangeable lens, camera, and camera system
An interchangeable lens detachable from a camera includes a variator lens configured to change a focal length by moving in an optical axis direction, a focus lens configured to change a focusing state of an object image by moving in the optical axis direction, a diaphragm configured to adjust an amount of light, an acquisition unit configured to acquire an amount of change in image magnification corresponding to information about a position of the variator lens, a position of the focus lens, and an aperture value of the diaphragm, and a lens control unit configured to transmit the amount of change in image magnification to the camera. |
| US08989561B1 |
Systems and methods for alerting users of the postponed recording of programs
Systems and methods are provided herein in relation to notifications about alternative viewing opportunities for recording and playback of media programs. In particular, the systems and methods provide users with information related to alternative recorded programming viewing opportunities for programs scheduled for recording by a user. |
| US08989555B2 |
Information processor
When video data is reproduced by a recording/reproduction unit, an output unit outputs occurrence information on an object, which is not included in the video data being output by the output unit but is included the video data recorded on a recording medium, to a display unit. While the video data is being reproduced from the recording medium by the recording/reproduction unit, an instruction specifying a predetermined object condition including a non-reproduction object is input based on the occurrence information and the reproduction operation is performed by extracting video data satisfying the object condition. |
| US08989554B2 |
Methods and apparatus to detect content skipping by a consumer of a recorded program
Methods and apparatus to detect content skipping by a consumer of a recorded program are disclosed. In a disclosed method, a plurality of recording times of sections of a recorded program are stored in association with playback times of the recorded program. Playback intervals between sequential pairs of the playback times are compared with corresponding recording intervals between sequential pairs of the recording times to determine if any portion of the recorded program was not played back in real time. |
| US08989549B2 |
Topology-defining cards for optically interconnected telecommunication systems
Topology-defining card units are used to provide optical interconnections between multiple slots of an equipment subrack. An example card unit is adapted for installation in a slot of an equipment subrack having a plurality of slots and having a backplane. The card unit includes one or more back-side optical connectors configured so as to mate with corresponding optical connector receptacles on the backplane of the equipment subrack when the card unit is installed in the equipment subrack. These one or more back-side optical connectors include a plurality of card-unit optical interfaces. The card unit further includes an optical interconnection network that optically couples each one of the plurality of card-unit optical interfaces to another one of the plurality of card-unit optical interfaces. |
| US08989547B2 |
Fiber optic equipment assemblies employing non-U-width-sized housings and related methods
Fiber optic equipment assemblies employing non-U-width-sized housings supporting U-sized fiber optic modules, and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the assembly may include the non-U-width-sized housing, at least one fiber optic equipment support member, and at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The non-U-width-sized housing may include an enclosure forming an internal cavity. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member may be disposed within the internal cavity and configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member which may be disposed within the internal cavity. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may have a height dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within a U-unit height of unity. |
| US08989545B2 |
Optical fiber and optical transmission system
An inexpensive low-attenuation optical fiber 1 suitable for use as an optical transmission line in an optical access network is a silica based glass optical fiber and includes a core 11 including the center axis, an optical cladding 12 surrounding the core, and a jacket 13 surrounding the optical cladding. The core contains GeO2 and has a relative refractive index difference Δcore, based on the optical cladding, greater than or equal to 0.35% and less than or equal to 0.50% and has a refractive index volume v greater than or equal to 0.045 μm2 and less than or equal to 0.095 μm2. The jacket has a relative refractive index difference ΔJ greater than or equal to 0.03% and less than or equal to 0.20%. Glass constituting the core has a fictive temperature higher than or equal to 1400° C. and lower than or equal to 1590° C. Residual stress in the core is compressive stress that has an absolute value greater than or equal to 5 MPa. |
| US08989539B2 |
Fiber optic devices and methods of manufacturing fiber optic devices
A method of forming a fiber optic device includes securing one or more optical fibers to a support. The support is coupled to a base that includes one or more optoelectronic devices. After one or more of the fibers are secured to the support, and the support is secured to the base, one or more of the fibers are cleaved. This method, and fiber optic devices made using this method are more easily aligned and may be produced at lower costs than existing manufacturing processes. |
| US08989536B2 |
Light-based touch surface with curved borders
A user input device, including a user input area, light emitters arranged along a first edge of the input area so as to be evenly spaced, light receivers arranged along a second edge of the input area, a curved lens arranged in front of the emitters, such that light emitted by each of the emitters is refracted as it enters the curved lens, and is again refracted as it exits the curved lens, resulting in unevenly spaced collimated light exiting the curved lens and crossing the input area, the collimated light being shifted laterally by a non-zero offset along a direction parallel to the first edge, the offset being a characteristic of the arrangement of that emitter vis-à-vis the curved lens, and a calculating unit for determining location of an object inserted into the input area from outputs of the receivers, based on the characteristic offsets of the emitters. |
| US08989531B2 |
Optical-electrical wiring board and optical module
The invention relates to an optical-electrical wiring board (2) and an optical module (1). The optical-electrical wiring board (2) includes a substrate (8), a dielectric layer (11), first conductive layers (16a) and second conductive layers (16b). The dielectric layer (11) includes a first region (B) and a second region (C). The first region (B) constitutes a plurality of light transmission portions (11B). The second region (C) has a plurality of pairs of conductive layers each having an overlap portion (10) in which one of the plurality of second conductive layers (16b) and one of the plurality of first conductive layers (16a) overlap each other when seen through in a laminated direction (a) of the dielectric layer (11) and the substrate (8). |
| US08989528B2 |
Optical fiber grating sensors and methods of manufacture
Systems and methods comprise or involve optical fibers having Bragg gratings. The optical fibers can be assembled in a parallel manner into a fiber sensor configuration. Bragg gratings can be written onto different cores of optical fibers. Bragg gratings may be written at a same or nearly same axial position for all optical fibers in the configuration and may be written at the same time and may have a substantially equal index of refraction variation and unequal lengths. Spaced Bragg gratings may also have characteristic sidelobe spectrums for tagging the respective gratings. Gratings can also be written at different wavelengths and over another grating at the same location. |
| US08989525B2 |
Light deflecting element
According to an embodiment, a light deflecting element includes a dielectric body, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The second electrode is configured to sandwich the dielectric body with the first electrode so as to apply a voltage to the dielectric body. The second electrode includes orthogonal portions that are substantially orthogonal to an incident direction of a light beam passing through the dielectric body, parallel portions that are substantially parallel to the incident direction of the light beam. The orthogonal portions and the parallel portions are formed in an alternate manner on the light beam incident side of the dielectric body. The second electrode includes a linear sloping portion that slopes in a direction toward intersection with the incident direction of the light beam. The orthogonal portions, the parallel portions, and the linear sloping portion are formed integrally. |
| US08989523B2 |
Liquid crystal waveguide for dynamically controlling polarized light
Waveguide and associated methods for controlling an optical phase delay (OPD) of TE polarized light traveling along a propagation direction through a waveguide are disclosed. In one example, the method includes providing the waveguide with a core, at least one cladding; initially aligning at least a portion of the liquid crystal molecules in an initial orientation with their longitudinal axes oriented at an out-of-plane tilt angle, and their longitudinal axis oriented at an in-plane angle; providing the waveguide with a pair of electrodes for receiving a control signal; and applying the control signal to the pair of electrodes to rotate the liquid crystal molecules from the initial orientation, thereby controlling the optical phase delay of the TE polarized light traveling through the waveguide. |
| US08989517B2 |
Bokeh amplification
A method of modifying the blur in at least a part of an image of a scene captures at least two images of the scene with different camera parameters to produce a different amount of blur in each image. A corresponding patch in each of the captured images is selected each having an initial amount of blur is used to calculate a set of frequency domain pixel values from a function of transforms of the patches. Each of the pixel values in the set are raised to a predetermined power, forming an amplified set of frequency domain pixel values. The amplified set of frequency domain pixel values is combined with the pixels of the patch in one of the captured images to produce an output image patch with blur modified relative to the initial amount of blur in the image patch. |
| US08989513B1 |
Identifying markers associated with it components in an image
Described are methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products for locating one or more markers associated with IT equipment. An image of a scene including the one or more markers is acquired by a mobile computing device. A band-pass filter is applied by the mobile computing device to first pixel data associated with a first pixel in the image to generate a first band-pass filter result, wherein a pass-band of the band-pass filter is based on the light emitted by the one or more markers. A first pixel score is determined by the mobile computing device based on at least the first band-pass filter result. First indicia of the first pixel score is stored by the mobile computing device in a map at a first map location corresponding to a first image location of the first pixel in the image. |
| US08989512B2 |
Symmetric filter arithmetic apparatus and symmetric filter arithmetic method
A symmetric filter arithmetic apparatus includes a first data shuffling unit which reads a first data string that is a plurality of consecutive pieces of data from a register file and extract, from the first data string, a left-side data string that is a plurality of consecutive pieces of data to be multiplied by a left-side filter coefficient that is a filter coefficient on a left side of a center of the coefficients, and a second data shuffling unit which reads a second data string that is a plurality of consecutive pieces of data from the register file and extract, from the second data string, a right-side data string that is a plurality of consecutive pieces of data to be multiplied by a right-side filter coefficient that is a filter coefficient on a right side of the center and is the same value as the left-side filter coefficient. |
| US08989509B2 |
Streaming wavelet transform
In an embodiment, a compression unit is provided which may perform compression of a pixel stream. Similarly, a decompression unit may be provided which may decompress the compressed pixel stream. The compression and decompression units may include a streaming wavelet transform, which may perform the wavelet transform through a pipeline of wavelet operations. Each section of the pipeline may perform a pass of the wavelet transform on the pixel stream, and the section may provide input to another section of the pipeline that performs a next pass of the wavelet transform. The transform may thus be performed on the fly as the pixels are received. |
| US08989500B2 |
Method for extracting random signatures from a material element and method for generating a decomposition base to implement the extraction method
The present invention concerns a method for extracting a random signature from a subject material element, comprising: a phase to generate at least one acquisition vector of structural characteristics of at least one region of the subject material element, a phase to generate at least one random signature vector from the acquisition vector, the random signature vector comprising: at least one random component having a stable nature so that its value may be found on each implementation of the method on one same region of the subject material element, and/or at least one random component having an unstable nature so that its value is likely to vary random fashion on each implementation of the method on one same region of the subject material element, use of the random signature vector as random signature. |
| US08989499B2 |
Detection of transitions between text and non-text frames in a video stream
Detecting the start of a credit roll within video program may allow for the automatic extension of video recordings among other functions. The start of the credit roll may be detected by determining the number of text blocks within a sequence of frames and identifying a point in the sequence of frames where a difference between the number of text blocks in frames occurring before the point and the number of text blocks in frames occurring after the point is greatest and exceeds a specified threshold. Text blocks may be identified within each frame by partitioning the frame into one or more segments and recording the segments having a pixel of a sufficiently high contrast. Contiguous segments may be merged or combined into single blocks, which may then be filtered to remove noise and false positives. Additional content may be inserted into the credit roll frames. |
| US08989486B2 |
Generation of intermediate images for texture compression
A machine may be configured to process an uncompressed image to obtain a set of intermediate images, which may be alternatively known as working images or temporary images. Such a set of intermediate images may be used as input for an image compression algorithm that, when executed by the machine or other compression engine, outputs a compressed version of the uncompressed image. For example, a compression format called “PVRTC,” which may be used on certain portable devices, accepts a set of three intermediate images as input, specifically, one full resolution, low precision version of the original uncompressed image, plus two low resolution, low frequency color versions of the original uncompressed image. A set of intermediate images for such a compression format may be generated by the machine from the original uncompressed image. |
| US08989484B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating high dynamic range image from which ghost blur is removed using multi-exposure fusion
An apparatus and method for generating a High Dynamic Range (HDR) image from which a ghost blur is removed based on a multi-exposure fusion. The apparatus may include an HDR weight map calculation unit to calculate an HDR weight map for multiple exposure frames that are received, a ghost probability calculation unit to calculate a ghost probability for each image by verifying a ghost blur for the multiple exposure frames, an HDR weight map updating unit to update the calculated HDR weight map based on the calculated ghost probability, and a multi-scale blending unit to generate an HDR image by reflecting the updated HDR weight map to the multiple exposure frames. |
| US08989478B2 |
Method and system for visualization of semiconductor wafer inspection data acquired in a photovoltaic cell production process
A system for providing visualization of semiconductor wafer inspection data acquired during in a photovoltaic cell production process includes a display device, a user interface device, and a computer control system configured for: receiving one or more inspection data sets acquired from each of a plurality of semiconductor wafers using a plurality of wafer process tools of a photovoltaic cell production line; generating an aggregated hierarchical wafer data gallery utilizing the received one or more inspection data sets; and displaying at least a portion of the aggregated hierarchical wafer data gallery in the gallery display area of the display device. |
| US08989469B2 |
Systems and methods for simultaneous acquisition of scatter and image projection data in computed tomography
A method of acquiring scatter data and image projection data in computed tomography is provided that includes attenuating a radiation source using a pattern of blockers arranged to provide blocked and unblocked regions of the radiation source, and acquiring image data and scatter data of a target using an imaging device. A scatter map in the projection image can be estimated by interpolation and/or extrapolation of the projection image using an appropriately programmed computer, subtracting the estimated scatter map from the projection image to obtain scatter-corrected projections, reconstructing a CBCT volume using a total variation regularization algorithm, and applying an iterative regularization process to suppress the noise level on the reconstructed CBCT volume. Reconstructing a CBCT volume can include using a total variation regularization algorithm and applying an iterative regularization process to suppress the noise level on the reconstructed CBCT volume, where scatter-induced artifacts are corrected in the projection image. |
| US08989468B2 |
Generating an anatomical model using a rule-based segmentation and classification process
A system for computer-aided detection uses a computer-implemented network structure to analyze patterns present in digital image slices of a human body and to generate a three-dimensional anatomical model of a patient. The anatomical model is generated by detecting easily identifiable organs first and then using those organs as context objects to detect other organs. A user specifies membership functions that define which objects of the network structure belong to the various classes of human organs specified in a class hierarchy. A membership function of a potentially matching class determines whether a candidate object of the network structure belongs to the potential class based on the relation between a property of the voxels linked to the candidate object and a property of the context object. Some voxel properties used to classify an object are location, brightness and volume. The human organs are then measured to assist in the patient's diagnosis. |
| US08989465B2 |
System and method for medical image reconstruction and image series denoising using local low rank promotion
A method for reconstructing a time series of images from data acquired with a medical imaging system is provided. Data is acquired with the medical imaging system, and a set of image blocks that defines the location and size of each of a plurality of image blocks in the image domain is then selected. The acquired data and selected image block set are then used to jointly estimate a plurality of images that form a time series of images while promoting locally-low rank structure in the images. |
| US08989464B2 |
Functional image data enhancement and/or enhancer
A method for enhancing functional image data includes obtaining functional image data, obtaining anatomical image data corresponding to the functional image data, and generating enhanced functional image data by diffusing the functional image data based on the functional image data and the anatomical image data. |
| US08989461B2 |
Method of deformable motion correction and image registration in X-ray stent imaging
A method (100) that provides image processing of X-ray images that is particularly effective for the alignment of stent images and that, ultimately, provides stent image quality enhancement. |
| US08989460B2 |
Deformable articulating template (formerly: customized orthopaedic implants and related methods)
A method of designing a prosthetic implant. Exemplary methods may include developing a three-dimensional model of an anatomic feature from one or more two-dimensional images. The three-dimensional model may include a plurality of radii of curvature representing the shape of respective portions of a contact surface. In some exemplary embodiments, three-dimensional models associated with a large number members of a population may be utilized to create templates for prosthetic implants. A three-dimensional model of an anatomic feature of a patient may be compared to the available templates, and a suitable template may be tested by virtually implanting the template on the three-dimensional model of the patient's anatomical feature. In some embodiments, a patient's three-dimensional model for which a suitable pre-made template is not available may be used to customize a pre-made template to design a suitable implant. |
| US08989456B2 |
Attribute determining method, attribute determining apparatus, program, recording medium, and attribute determining system
The present invention is to provide an attribute determining method, an attribute determining apparatus, a program, a recording medium, and an attribute determining system of high detection accuracy with which an attribute of a person can be determined even in the case where a person is not facing nearly the front.The attribute determining method of the present invention comprises: an image acquiring step (S11) of acquiring an image to be determined; a head region detecting step (S21) of detecting a head region from the image to be determined; and an attribute determining step (S22) of determining an attribute based on an image of the head. |
| US08989455B2 |
Enhanced face detection using depth information
A method for face detection includes capturing a depth map and an image of a scene and selecting one or more locations in the image to test for presence of human faces. At each selected location, a respective face detection window is defined, having a size that is scaled according to a depth coordinate of the location that is indicated by the depth map. Apart of the image that is contained within each face detection window is processed to determine whether the face detection window contains a human face. Similar methods may also be applied in identifying other object types. |
| US08989450B1 |
Scoring items
A system identifies an image and determines whether the image contains inappropriate content based on first data associated with the image, second data associated with a document that contains the image or refers to the image, and/or third data associated with a group of documents with which the image is associated. |
| US08989445B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method
A method and apparatus for localizing an area in relative movement and for determining the speed and direction thereof in real time is disclosed. Each pixel of an image is smoothed using its own time constant. A binary value corresponding to the existence of a significant variation in the amplitude of the smoothed pixel from the prior frame, and the amplitude of the variation, are determined, and the time constant for the pixel is updated. For each particular pixel, two matrices are formed that include a subset of the pixels spatially related to the particular pixel. The first matrix contains the binary values of the subset of pixels. The second matrix contains the amplitude of the variation of the subset of pixels. In the first matrix, it is determined whether the pixels along an oriented direction relative to the particular pixel have binary values representative of significant variation, and, for such pixels, it is determined in the second matrix whether the amplitude of these pixels varies in a known manner indicating movement in the oriented direction. In each of several domains, histogram of the values in the first and second matrices falling in such domain is formed. Using the histograms, it is determined whether there is an area having the characteristics of the particular domain. The domains include luminance, hue, saturation, speed (V), oriented direction (D1), time constant (CO), first axis (x(m)), and second axis (y(m)). |
| US08989444B2 |
Scene correlation
A method for maintaining north comprising the steps of locating north with a north finding gyroscope, tying north to a feature in a scene, correlating the feature to a target in the field of regard of a plurality of cameras, and determining a north factor and translating the north factor into a target vector relative to north. |
| US08989443B2 |
Method of improving orientation and color balance of digital images using face detection information
A method of generating one or more new spatial and chromatic variation digital images uses an original digitally-acquired image which including a face or portions of a face. A group of pixels that correspond to a face within the original digitally-acquired image is identified. A portion of the original image is selected to include the group of pixels. Values of pixels of one or more new images based on the selected portion are automatically generated, or an option to generate them is provided, in a manner which always includes the face within the one or more new images. Such method may be implemented to automatically establish the correct orientation and color balance of an image. Such method can be implemented as an automated method or a semi automatic method to guide users in viewing, capturing or printing of images. |
| US08989442B2 |
Robust feature fusion for multi-view object tracking
Multi-Task Multi-View Tracking (MTMVT) is used to visually identify and track an object. The MTMVT employs visual cues such as color, edge, and texture as complementary features to intensity in the target appearance representation, and combines a multi-view representation with a robust multi-task learning to solve feature fusion tracking problems. To reduce computational demands, feature matrices are sparsely represented in a single matrix and then decomposed into a pair of matrices to improve robustness to outliers. Views and particles are further combined based on interdependency and commonality single computational task. Probabilities are computed for each particle across all features and the particle with the greatest probability is selected as the target tracking result. |
| US08989439B2 |
Environment recognition device and environment recognition method
There are provided an environment recognition device and an environment recognition method. An environment recognition device 130 provisionally determines a specific object corresponding to a target portion from a luminance of the target portion, groups target portions of which differences in the width direction, and the height direction are within a first predetermined range and which are provisionally determined to correspond to a same specific object into a target object, sequentially detects, from any target objects, target objects of which differences in the width direction, in the height direction, and in the relative distance are within a second predetermined range, and which are provisionally determined to correspond to a same specific object, thereby specifying a target object group, and determines whether or not the target object group is the specific object according to the number of the target objects in the target object group. |
| US08989437B2 |
Salient object detection by composition
A computing device configured to determine, for each of a plurality of locations in an image, a saliency measure based at least on a cost of composing parts of the image in the location from parts of the image outside of the location is described herein. The computing device is further configured to select one or more of the locations as representing salient objects of the image based at least on the saliency measures. |
| US08989434B1 |
Interactive geo-referenced source imagery viewing system and method
The present invention pertains to geographical image applications. A user may transition between nadir and street level imagery using unstitched oblique imagery. Oblique images offer a rich set of views of a target location and provide a smooth transition to or from other images such as nadir photographs taken by satellites or street level photographs taken by ground level users. Using unstitched oblique images avoids artifacts that may be introduced when stitching together one or more images. This allows an application to display images to a user and create the illusion of three dimensional motion. |
| US08989430B2 |
Flat speaker
The present invention provides a flat speaker, in particular in the aerospace sector, with a panel for generating acoustic signals by vibration of the same, and a vibration exciter which is connected to a panel and excites this to vibrate. Here the panel has an edge stiffening. This provides the panel with the required stiffness, particularly against hand pressures, but at the same it guarantees high energy efficiency of the flat speaker. |
| US08989429B2 |
Electrodynamic transducer having a dome and a buoyant hanging part
Electro-dynamic transducer including a main magnetic circuit defining an air gap, a moving part comprising a dome shaped diaphragm and a movable coil fixed thereto and diving into the air gap; a support to which the moving part is suspended; and a suspension linking the moving part and the support; wherein the suspension is floating with respect of the support, allowing a radial degree of freedom. |
| US08989428B2 |
Acoustic systems in electronic devices
A mobile electronic device including a processor, a first electrical component including at least one contact area, and a second electrical component including at least one contact arm extending over a top surface of the second electrical component and secured in at least two locations, the at least one contact arm configured to be in electrical communication with the at least one contact area. In another embodiment, the electronic device further includes a microphone operably connected to an enclosure. A first resilient member coupled to the enclosure and a first side of the microphone and a second resilient member coupled to a second side of the microphone and a support structure within the enclosure. |
| US08989427B2 |
Earphones
An earphone includes a first acoustic chamber with one or more of a reactive element and a resistive element for acoustically coupling the first acoustic chamber with an environment external to the earphone. The earphone includes an acoustic transducer and a second acoustic chamber separated from the first acoustic chamber by the acoustic transducer. A housing supports the earphone from the concha of a wearer's ear and extends the second acoustic chamber at least to an entrance of an ear canal of the wearer's ear. A port acoustically couples the first and second acoustic chambers. |
| US08989426B2 |
Earpiece positioning and retaining
A positioning and retaining structure for an in-ear earpiece. An outer leg and an inner leg are attached to each other at an attachment end and attached to a body of the earpiece at the other end. The outer leg lies in a plane. The positioning and retaining structure have a stiffness that is greater when force is applied to the attachment end in a counterclockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg than when force is applied to the attachment end in a clockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg. The positioning and retaining structure position an earpiece associated with the earpiece in a users ear and retains the earpiece in its position. |
| US08989424B2 |
Earphone arrangements
The present invention relates to earphone arrangements configured to accommodate an acoustically-resistant couple within the compact dimensions of ear-bud type earphones, and aims to incorporate a front volume to rear volume acoustic couple into an earphone without requiring significant addition to the lateral dimensions of the earphone. The earphone has an elongate sound outlet port that locates into a listener's ear canal and bears an internal support surface which is apertured and communicates with the outlet port. A microspeaker is supported on the support surface and projects sound through the aperture and toward the outlet port. Furthermore, the housing includes a front cavity in front of the microspeaker and in communication with the outlet port, and a rear cavity behind the microspeaker. The support surface bears a recess that communicates with the front cavity, and an acoustic resistor is accommodated in the recess. |
| US08989423B2 |
Microphone bush with foldable tongue portion
A foldable tongue piece portion formed to extend at an end of a microphone bush. An insertion hole in which a lead wire is inserted is formed near the tongue piece portion. By storing a microphone, to which the microphone bush is attached, in a container portion, the tongue piece portion is folded and the lead wire drawn through the insertion hole is pressed. |
| US08989419B2 |
Phase plug with axially twisted radial channels
A loudspeaker assembly comprises a casing with a diaphragm loudspeaker mounted in the casing. A phase plug is mounted in the casing adjacent the diaphragm loudspeaker. The phase plug has a central cone with a longitudinal axis extending from an input end adjacent the diaphragm loudspeaker to an output end with its base at the input end tapering to an apex at the output end. A plurality of vanes extend radially outwardly from the central cone with the plurality of vanes being thickest at the input end and progressively thinning toward the output end. Radially outward edges of the plurality of vanes are twisted relative to the longitudinal axis with the degree of twist being progressively greater with increasing proximity to the output end. The plurality of vanes tapers in width along their longitudinal extent from the input end to the output end. |
| US08989416B2 |
Rechargeable in-the-ear hearing aid
An object containing electronic circuits and a rechargeable cell, wherein the cell is arranged close to a surface of the object, a charge coil being shiftable with respect to the cell between an operating position where it is arranged around the cell and a recharge position where it is axially offset with respect to the cell. |
| US08989410B2 |
Compact bone conduction audio transducer
A bone conduction transducer for a wearable computing system is provided. The bone conduction transducer includes a magnetic diaphragm configured to vibrate in response to a time-changing magnetic field generated by an electromagnetic coil operated according to electrical input signals. The magnetic diaphragm is elastically suspended over the electromagnetic coil to allow excursion toward and away from the coil by a pair of cantilevered leaf springs projected from opposing sides of the transducer to connect to opposing sides of the magnetic diaphragm. The bone conduction transducer is included in the wearable computing system to be worn against a bony structure of the wearer that allows acoustic signals to propagate to the wearer's inner ear and achieve sound perception in response to vibrations in the bone conduction transducer. |
| US08989408B2 |
Methods and systems for downloading effects to an effects unit
Various embodiments relate to a systems and methods for downloading one or more effects to an effects unit. One or more effects may be received. On an effects unit. Audio signals for the one or more effects may be processed based on instructions for processing the audio signals received with the one or more effects. For each subsequent effect received on the effect unit, the processing of the audio signals may be reprogrammed. The one or more effects may be transmitted for output from the effects unit. |
| US08989401B2 |
Audio zooming process within an audio scene
A method comprising: obtaining a plurality of audio signals originating from a plurality of audio sources in order to create an audio scene; analyzing the audio scene in order to determine zoomable audio points within the audio scene; and providing information regarding the zoomable audio points to a client device for selecting. |
| US08989400B2 |
Wireless headset and method for searching matched device
A wireless headset includes a wireless module, a headset body and a universal serial bus (USB) connector, the headset body includes a light sensor located on an end of the headset body, and the USB connector includes a plug and a connection line. The connection line is located on a first end of the USB connector and connected to the headset body, the plug is located on a second end of the USB connector, and the plug of the USB connector is connectable to the end of the headset body. |
| US08989398B2 |
Crowd noise audio process and apparatus
An audio apparatus is suitable for generating crowd sounds from an audio signal is disclosed in which the apparatus comprises modulation means operable to modulate a noise signal in response to the audio signal to generate a modulated noise signal, and diffusion delay means. The diffusion delay means is operable to apply a series of two or more delay operations, the input signal to a first such delay operation in the series being the modulated noise signal, and input to each subsequent delay operation in the series being the output signal generated by a preceding delay operation. Each delay operation comprises modifying that operation's input signal by the addition of a delayed version of that operation's input signal. |
| US08989396B2 |
Auditory display apparatus and auditory display method
An auditory display apparatus is provided that places sounds such that sounds whose fundamental frequencies are close to each other are not adjacent to each other. A sound transmission/reception section receives sound data. A sound analysis section analyzes the sound data, and calculates a fundamental frequency of the sound data. A sound placement section compares the fundamental frequency of the sound data with a fundamental frequency of adjacent sound data, and places the sound data such that a difference in fundamental frequency is maximized. A sound management section manages a placement position of the sound data. A sound mixing section mixes the sound data with the adjacent sound data. A sound output section outputs the sound data obtained by the mixture to a sound output device. |
| US08989395B2 |
Audio fingerprint differences for end-to-end quality of experience measurement
Implementations and techniques for audio fingerprint differences for end-to-end quality of experience measurement are generally disclosed. |
| US08989390B2 |
Certify and split system and method for replacing cryptographic keys
A feature is provided that facilitates securely creating and/or replacing cryptographic keys. A first key pair is created comprising first private key and first public key. A second (spare) key pair is created comprising second private key and second public key. The second key pair is associated with the first private key. The second key pair is divided into shares and distributed to at least two shareholders. When the first key pair is to be replace, the second key pair is recreated and authenticated with at least a portion of the distributed shares. A trust level is associated with the second key pair corresponding to a trust level of the first key pair. The first key pair may be invalidated upon authentication of the second key pair. Further configurations provide for the creation of additional spare key pairs. |
| US08989387B2 |
Using identifier tags and authenticity certificates for detecting counterfeited or stolen brand objects
A method and system for ascertaining an object status of an object associated to an authenticity certificate. A first hashing result of an object identifier encoded within a decrypted first encrypted step certificate is extracted. A second hashing result is obtained from hashing the object to be authenticated. A third hashing result of an object identifier encoded within a decrypted second encrypted step certificate is extracted. A fourth hashing result is obtained from hashing the object to be authenticated. It is determining that the first hashing result is equal to the second hashing result and that the third hashing result is equal to the fourth hashing result, from which it is ascertained the object status of the object is that the object is an authentic object, a counterfeited object, or a stolen object. The ascertained object status is displayed on a screen of an authenticity verification equipment. |
| US08989386B2 |
Method and device for providing at least one secure cryptographic key
A device is configured for providing at least one secure cryptographic key for performing a cryptographic security function using a control device which requires a cryptographic key therefor. A configured key provided for the security function is selected from a first configuration memory and is tested using the read configured key whether a secure replacement key associated with the read configured key is memorised in a second configuration memory, said replacement key is provided for the control device for performing the security function instead of the configure key. |
| US08989384B2 |
Digital cinema management device and digital cinema management method
A digital cinema management device includes a control unit that manages keys used when exhibiting contents with playback devices and controls a representation of a management window for performing the key management, in which the control unit displays an arrangement representation in the management window and provides a representation at an arrangement position defined by a playback device and content exhibited by the playback device, the representation representing a status of a key used when decoding content corresponding to the arrangement position with a playback device corresponding to the arrangement position. |
| US08989381B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for data protection on interface in communications system
A method and an apparatus for protecting data carried on an Un interface between a eNB and a relay node are disclosed. Three types of radio bearers (RBs) are defined over the Un interface: signaling radio bearers (SRBs) for carrying control plane signaling data, signaling-data radio bearers (s-DRBs) for carrying control plane signaling date; and data-data radio bearers (d-DRBs) for carrying user plane data. An integrity protection algorithm and an encryption algorithm are negotiated for control plane signaling data on an SRB, control plane signaling data carried on an s-DRB, and user plane data carried on a d-DRB. With the respective integrity protection algorithm and encryption algorithm, the data over the Un interface can be protected respectively. Therefore, the security protection on the Un interface is more comprehensive, and the security protection requirements of data borne over different RBs can be met. |
| US08989375B2 |
Video receiving apparatus and video receiving method
According to one embodiment, a video receiving apparatus includes: a receiving module for receiving identifiers of respective video transmitting apparatus and key information to be used for permitting a wireless communication with the video receiving apparatus; a connecting module for establishing a wireless connection with each video transmitting apparatus; a registering module for registering all or part of the one or more video transmitting apparatus; a first display control module for displaying identification information of the one or more video transmitting apparatus, selection images, registration information indicating whether or not the one or more video transmitting apparatus are registered, and connection information indicating whether or not wireless connections are established on a display screen; a video receiving module for receiving video from the specified video transmitting apparatus using the established wireless connection; and a second display control module for displaying the received video on the display screen. |
| US08989373B2 |
Method for connecting an external apparatus and multimedia replaying apparatus using the same
A method for connecting an external apparatus and a multimedia replaying apparatus using the same. The method includes determining whether a command for displaying menus is input while multimedia content is replayed, determining a multimedia content replay state indicating whether a part or the whole of the multimedia contents is being replayed at an external apparatus if it is determined that the command for displaying menus is input, and displaying the menus comprising the multimedia content replay state on an area displaying a video of the multimedia contents. Therefore, a part or entire of replayed multimedia contents is readily transmitted to an external apparatus for wireless communication. |
| US08989361B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for monitoring conferences
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for monitoring a conference. A first bridging function is established that bridges together signals received from all conference participants. A second bridging function is established that bridges together signals received from i) a subset of the conference participants, ii) an output of the first bridging function, and iii) a monitor of the conference. The second bridging function isolates the monitor's signals from the conference such that only the subset of the conference participants may communicate with the monitor during the conference. |
| US08989358B2 |
Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing musical compositions
The system provides voice call services to plurality of users using a music engine. Music engine generates music of one of plurality of styles of music. In response to one or more first commands entered by the first user, music of a particular style is selected by the first user and the at least one music engine is controlled so that the at least one music engine generates music of the particular style selected by the first user. |
| US08989355B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for call management on a hearing-impaired side of hearing-impaired communication systems
Methods and apparatuses for enabling electronic communication with a hearing-capable user and a hearing-impaired user are disclosed. An identified entry is selected from a database comprising one or more entries, wherein each of the one or more entries is associated with a contact of the hearing-impaired user and includes one or more connection indicators for the contact and one or more custom greetings for the contact. The identified entry is selected responsive to the one or more connection indicators for the hearing-capable user. A calling connection from the hearing-capable user to a translator is established and the translator is instructed to greet the hearing-capable user with one of the one or more custom greetings. |
| US08989350B2 |
Control apparatus of radiotherapy system and operation method of radiotherapy system
A control apparatus of a radiotherapy system of the present invention includes an irradiation object detecting section configured to calculate a target position based on a position of a specific part of a sample; and a swing position control section configured to control a drive unit to drive a radiation irradiating unit which irradiates a therapeutic radiation, such that the radiation irradiating unit directs to a post-correction target position at a control time after the measurement time. The post-correction target position indicates a position near a position to which the radiation irradiating unit directs rather than the target position in the preparation period before a therapy period, and the target position in the therapy period. |
| US08989349B2 |
Dynamic tracking of moving targets
Treatment targets such as tumors or lesions, located within an anatomical region that undergoes motion (which may be periodic with cycle P), are dynamically tracked. A 4D mathematical model is established for the non-rigid motion and deformation of the anatomical region, from a set of CT or other 3D images. The 4D mathematical model relates the 3D locations of part(s) of the anatomical region with the targets being tracked, as a function of the position in time within P. Using fiducial-less non-rigid image registration between pre-operative DRRs and intra-operative x-ray images, the absolute position of the target and/or other part(s) of the anatomical region is determined. The cycle P is determined using motion sensors such as surface markers. The radiation beams are delivered using: 1) the results of non-rigid image registration; 2) the 4D model; and 3) the position in time within P. |
| US08989332B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling frequency synthesis
Disclosed are systems and method for controlling frequency synthesizers. A control system can be implemented in a phase-locked loop (PLL), such as a Frac-N PLL of a frequency synthesizer, to reduce or eliminate reference spurs. In some embodiments, such a control system can include a phase detector configured to receive a reference signal and a feedback signal. The phase detector can be configured to generate a first signal representative of a phase difference between the reference signal and the feedback signal. The control system can further include a charge pump configured to generate a compensation signal based on the first signal. The control system can further includes an oscillator configured to generate an output signal based on the compensation signal. The compensation signal can be configured to reduce or substantially eliminate one or more reference spurs associated with the frequency synthesizer. |
| US08989320B2 |
Hardware simplification of sic-MIMO decoding by use of a single hardware element with channel and noise adaptation for interference cancelled streams
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method and an apparatus for simplified serial interference cancellation in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and non-MIMO wireless systems by using a single hardware element for multiple interference cancelled streams. |
| US08989319B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving broadcasting-communication data
A broadcasting-communication data receiving apparatus for receiving mixed signals including original signals and additional signals. The apparatus includes a receiver for receiving the mixed signals and outputting mixed signals of a predetermined band, a first demodulator for receiving the mixed signals of the predetermined band and generating baseband mixed signals, an original data generator for receiving the baseband mixed signals and generating original data, an original signal generator for receiving the original data and generating baseband original signals, a modulator for receiving the baseband original signals and generating original signals of a predetermined band, a subtractor for subtracting the original and mixed signals of the predetermined band to thereby generate additional signals of a predetermined band, a second demodulator for receiving the additional signals of the predetermined band and generating baseband additional signals, and an additional data generator for receiving the baseband additional signals and generating additional data. |
| US08989317B1 |
Crossbar switch decoder for vector signaling codes
An efficient decoding of vector signaling codes is obtained using a circuit that ranks received signal levels, designates ranked values as representing particular code elements, and translates those particular code elements into a decoded result. An optimized ranking circuit combines analog crossbar switching of signal values with comparators that provide digital results. These elements may be repetitively tiled into processing arrays capable of larger ranking operations, or iteratively applied to selected portions of the data set under control of a sequencer or controller. |
| US08989316B1 |
Method for estimating and correcting a carrier frequency offset over dispersive but spectrally flat channels
A method for estimating a carrier frequency offset over a dispersive but spectrally flat channel comprises determining an autocorrelation of a received oversampled complex baseband digital signal, and estimating the carrier frequency offset based on an angle of the determined autocorrelation. |
| US08989315B1 |
Methods, algorithms, software, circuits, architectures, and systems for improved communications over cyclostationary channels
Methods, software, receivers and systems for communicating information over a cyclostationary channel. The method generally includes interleaving sections of a control sequence with bits of the information. The software and receivers are generally configured to implement one or more aspects of the methods disclosed herein, and the systems generally include those that embody the inventive receivers disclosed herein. The present invention is particularly useful in powerline channels, where certain parameters (such as noise) have time-dependent or periodic variations in value. By distributing the control sequence, the incidence of carrier recovery is reduced, the likelihood of successful packet or frame transmissions is increased, and data may be more reliably communicated. |
| US08989314B1 |
Method and apparatus for jointly decoding independently encoded signals
A computer-readable medium stores instructions causing one or more processors to demodulate a received signal including a plurality of user signals. Respective user data in each of at least some of the plurality of user signals is encoded with a respective finite state machine encoder having a respective number of states Si, wherein i=1, 2, . . . , N, N being the number of users, and wherein at least a first user signal and a second user signal are encoded independently of each other. The instructions cause the processor(s) to calculate distances between transmit symbols in the received signal and an expected joint symbol value, and jointly decode, with a finite state machine decoder, user data in the demodulated received signal, including at least first user data corresponding to the first user signal, based on the calculated distances. The finite state machine decoder has S1*S2* . . . *SN states. |
| US08989311B2 |
Methods and systems for improved channel estimation in multi-carrier systems
Wireless receiver circuits and methods include algorithms for switching between a least-squares/minimum mean-square error method of channel estimation known as the CE algorithm, and a continuous plot method of channel estimation known as the CPCE algorithm based upon channel characteristics to improve reception of wireless communications in different reception conditions. In an embodiment, the CPCE algorithm may be selected by a processor for use in channel estimation when a calculated number of candidate paths is less than or equal to a first threshold value, a calculated power ratio of the L strongest paths to the total of all paths is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, and the maximum Automatic Gain Control variation is greater than or equal to a third threshold value. Threshold values may be based on field testing, and set to values at which the CE or CPCE algorithm exhibits better performance. |
| US08989310B2 |
Method, device and system for complex carrier modulation
A method, device and system for complex carrier modulation are provided in the disclosure, wherein e−iωt or eiωt is used as a carrier frequency to perform carrier modulation on a to-be-carried signal. The modulated signal transmitted in a medium is a rotating complex signal. The method can enable right and left frequency bands to carry independent information. Therefore the spectrum utility ratio is improved. Employing the method for complex carrier modulation provided in the disclosure can use the right and left frequency spectrum resources adequately, and the loss of signal energy is small, therefore the capacity of a channel is improved greatly. |
| US08989309B2 |
Method for transmitting a signal
The method includes providing a stream of data to be transmitted, and processing the data by means of channel coding with a time-varying code rate, thereby generating a stream of channel coded data. The method further includes forming succeeding transmission time intervals and distributing the channel coded data on the transmission time intervals, and adjusting a transmission power of the signal to be transmitted by timely positioning a transmission power slope between two succeeding transmission time intervals so that the transmission power slope is contained completely within one transmission time interval of the two transmission time intervals, wherein the one transmission time interval comprises a lower nominal code rate or a lower nominal transmission power than the other one of the two transmission time intervals. |
| US08989299B2 |
Method and device of sending and receiving precoding information
The present invention discloses a method and a device of sending and receiving precoding information. A terminal terminal obtains a wideband precoding matrix indicator PMI. The terminal encodes an MSB of the wideband PMI to obtain encoded information. The MSB of the wideband PMI is encoded separately or jointly with other information and the MSB is a part of the wideband PMI. The terminal sends encoded information to a data sending end. |
| US08989298B2 |
Data encoding based on notch filtering to prevent desense
In one embodiment, a data encoder for a component (such as an integrated circuit) may encode data to be transmitted from the component to another component in a system. The encoder may avoid one or more data patterns that, if transmitted by the component, may cause noise to occur at one or more specified frequencies (or frequency bands). The specified frequencies may be frequencies that are in use for wireless communication by the device. By avoiding noise at the specified frequencies, the desense that might otherwise occur may be reduced or eliminated. Quality and speed of the wireless communication may be increased. |
| US08989287B2 |
Apparatus for generating spreading sequences and determining correlation
A circuit for use in a complementary Golay sequence generator or in a complementary Golay sequence correlator includes an input configured to receive an input signal, a set of delay elements, including delay elements corresponding to respective delays of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64, and a set of multipliers interconnected with the input and the set of delay elements. The set of multipliers is configured to apply weight factors, and the weight factors define the sequence 1,1,−1,1,−1,1,−1. The circuit also includes a pair of outputs configured to output, in response to the input signal, one of (i) a pair of complementary Golay sequences or (ii) a pair of correlation output signals, using (a) the set of delay elements and (b) the set of weight multipliers. |
| US08989284B1 |
Method and system for transitioning a communication circuit to a low-power state
A method and system for transitioning a communication circuit to a low-power state are disclosed. Where a first device and a second device communicate over a communication link, the first device may initiate a transition from an active state to a low-power state to conserve energy. A symbol may be encoded by the first device in data and transmitted to the second device. The first device may deactivate one or more components when entering the low-power state. Additionally, responsive to receiving and decoding the symbol, the second device may deactivate one or more components when entering the low-power state. In this manner, energy consumption of one or more components can be reduced and a low-power state may be entered to conserve energy. |
| US08989281B2 |
Video quality and audio quality adjustment
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to allocate between a video and audio quality in a multimedia presentation and to utilize a resultant bandwidth as a result of allocation to enhance an audio or video quality in the multimedia presentation in response to a user selection among levels of video quality and audio quality. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08989280B2 |
Frame identification
An unbound, out-of-band identification concept for identifying video frames and/or other data sets within a transport stream. The identification may include the use of reference markers to identify the video frames independently of a transmission protocol used to facilitate the transport stream. This type of ubiquitous generation of reference markings may allow the reference markers to be easily propagated and used with disparate transmission protocols and transport streams. |
| US08989278B2 |
Method and device for coding a multi dimensional digital signal comprising original samples to form coded stream
The present invention relates to a method and a device for coding a multidimensional signal (LL0) comprising samples to form a coded stream (FC), such as an image or a multimedia content. The method comprises: —filtering (E102) original samples by applying a first filter (F, G) to obtain filtered samples (L1) —coding (E172) said filtered samples to obtain coded filtered samples adapted to be decoded by a decoder into decoded filtered samples, —applying (E106) a lossy modification on the filtered samples to obtain modified samples (L1dec); —determining (E110, E130, E150) a geometric orientation of one second filter (F′, G′) to be applied by the decoder to a decoded filtered sample, the determining being based on the modified samples, the original samples and a predetermined criterion, and —providing (E174) said determined geometric orientations and said coded filtered samples to the decoder. |
| US08989272B2 |
Method and device for image interpolation systems based on motion estimation and compensation
A motion estimation method and device are provided for processing images to be inserted, between a preceding original image and a following original image, into a sequence of images. Each image is divided into pixel blocks associated with motion vectors. For a current block of an image being processed, motion vectors associated with blocks of the image being processed and/or associated with blocks of a processed image are selected. Candidate vectors are generated from selected motion vectors. An error is calculated for each candidate vector. A penalty is determined for a subset of candidate vectors on the basis of the values of the pixels of the pixel block in the preceding original image from which the candidate motion vector points to the current block and/or on the basis of the values of the pixels of the pixel block in the following original image to which the candidate motion vector points from the current block. |
| US08989271B2 |
Decoding method and apparatus with candidate motion vectors
A moving picture coding apparatus includes: a motion vector predictor candidate calculation unit which calculates motion vector predictor candidates and the number of motion vector predictor candidates; an inter prediction control unit which selects an optimum motion vector predictor candidate; and a variable length coding unit which sets the motion vector predictor candidate list size to the number of motion vector predictor candidates, and assigns a bit string according to the motion vector predictor candidate list size to a motion vector predictor index used for coding a motion vector, thereby performing variable length coding. |
| US08989270B2 |
Optimized search for reference frames in predictive video coding system
A system and method for efficiently performing motion estimation during temporal prediction for coding. When a new frame is presented for coding, an encoder may identify a limited number of pixel blocks within the input frame that are complex. The encoder may perform motion estimation searches to find reference frame(s) that are adequate prediction references for the complex pixel blocks. The encoder may search for prediction references for the remaining pixel blocks of the new frame, confining the search to the reference frame(s) that were selected as prediction references of the complex pixel blocks. |
| US08989269B2 |
Motion vector extraction method and apparatus
A motion vector extraction method includes: deciding on a search start position in an original video and performing a spiral motion search; and determining whether or not to perform a search in a sub-sampling video, during P picture search. |
| US08989268B2 |
Method and apparatus for motion estimation for video processing
Method and apparatus for motion estimation for video processing. An embodiment of a method for motion estimation includes the following steps. In the course of motion estimation, integer motion estimation is performed with respect to a macroblock to generate a plurality of integer motion vectors. It is determined, according to a portion of the motion vectors, which correspond to a plurality of block modes, whether the integer motion vectors of each block mode are substantially equal to those of a corresponding upper-layer block mode of the block mode, so as to determine whether to perform or skip fractional motion estimation of the block mode, wherein each corresponding upper-layer block mode(s) of the block modes is greater than the block mode. |
| US08989267B2 |
High dynamic range codecs
A method for encoding high dynamic range (HDR) images involves providing a lower dynamic range (LDR) image, generating a prediction function for estimating the values for pixels in the HDR image based on the values of corresponding pixels in the LDR image, and obtaining a residual frame based on differences between the pixel values of the HDR image and estimated pixel values. The LDR image, prediction function and residual frame can all be encoded in data from which either the LDR image of HDR image can be recreated. |
| US08989264B2 |
Moving picture coding apparatus and moving picture decoding apparatus
A video encoder (70) for coding moving pictures comprising a buffer (16c) with a plurality of memory areas capable of storing frames composed of top fields and bottom fields, a motion estimation unit (19) operable to code, field by field, inputted pictures performing moving estimation and moving compensation by referring, field by field, to the picture data stored in a memory area, a motion compensation unit (16d), a subtractor (11), a transformation unit (13) and a quantization unit (14), a memory management unit (71) operable to manage, frame by frame, a plurality of memory areas, an inverse quantization unit (16a) and inverse discrete cosine transform unit (16b) operable to decode picture data in coded fields and store the picture data in the decoded field in any of the plurality of memory areas under the management by the memory management unit (71). |
| US08989259B2 |
Method and system for media file compression
The present invention discloses a method for media file compression, which includes: extracting the encoding parameters from an input media file, separating and decoding the audio and video stream from the input media file, and extracting an original audio stream and an original video stream; computing the transcoding parameters required for compression according to the encoding parameters; encoding the original audio stream to output a new compressed audio stream, and encoding the original video stream to output a new compressed video stream according to the transcoding parameters; synthesizing the new compressed audio stream and the new compressed video stream to create a new media file. The present invention also provides a system for media file compression. By means of the method and system of the present invention, users can realize simple and rapid compression for media files of various formats without understanding media expertise, and the storage space can be saved, so that it is convenient to carry, transfer and share the media files. |
| US08989258B2 |
Method of generating quantized block
Provided is a method that derives an intra prediction mode of a prediction unit, selects an inverse scan pattern of a current transform unit among a diagonal scan, a vertical scan and a horizontal scan based on the intra prediction mode and a size of the transform unit, and generates a quantized block by inversely scanning significant flags, coefficients signs and coefficient levels according to the selected inverse scan pattern. If the transform unit is larger than a predetermined size, multiple subsets are generated and inversely scanned. Therefore, the amount of coding bits of the residual block is reduced by determining the scan pattern based on the size of the transform unit and the intra prediction mode, and by applying the scan pattern to each subset. Also, the signaling bits decreases by generating MPM group adaptively according to the neighboring intra prediction modes. |
| US08989255B2 |
Content reception apparatus and content reception apparatus control method
A content reception apparatus includes a decoding unit configured to decode coded video data including a plurality of layers and generate video data of each layer, an acquisition unit configured to acquire content information associated with the video data of each layer, an extraction unit configured to compare content information corresponding to each of the plurality of layers and extract content information different from each of the plurality of layers as content difference information, and a control unit configured to generate a content information display screen that displays the content information associated with video data of each layer decoded by the decoding unit on a display unit. |
| US08989254B2 |
Single serdes transmitter driver design for both ethernet and peripheral component interconnect express applications
An apparatus includes a first coding circuit, a second coding circuit, and a plurality of source series terminated driver slices. The first coding circuit may be configured to generate a plurality of digital filter control codes in response to a plurality of filter coefficients and a control signal. The control signal selects between a plurality of communication specifications. The second coding circuit may be configured to generate a plurality of driver slice control codes in response to the plurality of digital filter control codes. The plurality of source series terminated driver slices configured to generate an output signal according to a selected one of the plurality of communication specifications in response to the plurality of driver slice control codes, a main cursor signal, a pre-cursor signal, and a post cursor signal. |
| US08989252B1 |
Methods and apparatus for power efficient iterative equalization
Systems and methods for power efficient iterative equalization on a channel are provided. An iterative decoder decodes received data from a channel detector using a decoding process. The decoder computes a decision metric based on the decoded data and adjusts the number of iterations of the decoding process based on the decision metric. The adjustment occurs prior to a reliability criterion for the decoded data being satisfied. The decoder may pass control back to the channel detector if the adjusted number of iterations has occurred or if the reliability criterion is satisfied. Adjusting the number of iterations of the decoding process may include increasing the number of iterations from a predetermined number of iterations. The decision metric may be based on syndrome weight or hard decisions. The decision metric may be chosen to reduce average power consumption of the detector, the decoder, or circuitry including the detector and the decoder. |
| US08989250B1 |
Method and apparatus for equalizing distortion in a digital pre-distortion observation path
Methods and circuits for equalizing a linear response in an observation path of a digital pre-distorter. A method comprises generating observed signals in an observation path based on observing a transmit signal; down-converting the observed signals into intermediate frequencies using different LO frequencies; calculating a ratio using the intermediate frequencies; and equalizing the linear response of the observation path on the observed signals using the ratio. An apparatus comprises a directional coupler for observing a transmit signal and generating observed signals; a down-converter for converting the observed signals into intermediate frequencies using different LO frequencies; and an adaptive estimator for calculating a ratio using the intermediate frequencies and using the ratio to equalize a linear response from the observation path on the observed signals. |
| US08989248B2 |
System and method for detecting victim signal in MB-OFDM UWB communication system
To detect a victim signal in an ultra wideband communication system, fast Fourier transform of a received signal including a plurality of time symbols is performed to generate a signal including a plurality of frequency symbols, it is determined whether a first signal is present in a first region of the signal, and if a first signal is present, the first signal is detected as a first victim signal. Next, an error signal is generated based on the signal including the plurality of frequency symbols, it is determined whether a second signal is present in a second region of the error signal, and if a second signal is present, the second signal is detected as a second victim signal. |
| US08989242B2 |
Encoding/decoding processor and wireless communication apparatus
An encoding/decoding processor includes a coprocessor that is dedicated to encoding and decoding processes, where the coprocessor comprises: a parameter register that stores externally given operation modes and the settings of generation polynomials; and a calculation circuit that operates on the basis of the operation modes and the generation polynomials and that performs calculations, which are required for the encoding and decoding processes, by a plurality of bits per cycle in a parallel manner, and the coprocessor further comprises memory controllers, which include: address generator circuits for outputting the addresses of the storage devices; FIFO circuits for temporarily storing data; and data packing circuits for making up predetermined numbers of bits of data for output. |
| US08989239B2 |
Systems and methods for retransmission with on-line reconfiguration
Disclosed are various embodiments for performing retransmission with on-line reconfiguration. A data stream is encoded into first frames according to a framing configuration. A request is obtained for an on-line reconfiguration of the framing configuration from a receiver. The encoding of the data stream into the first frames is suspended in response to the request. One or more first frames are retransmitted to the receiver during a retransmission time period that commences relative to the suspending of the encoding of the data stream into the first frames. The encoding of the data stream into second frames is resumed according to a modified framing configuration consistent with the on-line reconfiguration. The second frames are transmitted to the receiver upon expiration of the retransmission time period. |
| US08989235B2 |
Method and apparatus for collecting and processing interference information
A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may perform, for example, a method for receiving interference information from each of the plurality of communication devices detecting interference information in a plurality of segments of a radio frequency spectrum, correlating the interference information of the plurality of communication devices to generate correlated information, and identifying a plurality of interferers according to the correlated information. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08989234B2 |
Method and device for signal processing in spread spectrum system
A method and a device for signal processing in a communication system are provided. The method includes: performing sampling and time-frequency transform on a received first time domain signal to obtain a first frequency domain signal; performing modulus operation on the first frequency domain signal with respect to a preset threshold to obtain a second frequency domain signal; performing inverse time-frequency transform on the second frequency domain signal to obtain a second time domain signal, and performing despreading on the second time domain signal. The embodiments of the present invention can avoid the problem in the prior art that not only the NBI signal but also the SS signal which is a useful signal are filtered out, which results from frequency domain signals of a certain number of frequency points being set to zero, and thereby improve the reliability of signal reception. |
| US08989221B2 |
System and method for discovering and verifying a hybrid fiber-coaxial topology in a cable network environment
A method in an example embodiment can include polling a first cable modem in a cable network and receiving a first response message from the first cable modem identifying a downstream frequency detected by the first cable modem. The method further includes determining the downstream frequency is split between at least two fiber nodes and determining a cable modem termination system (CMTS) service group topology, where the topology includes the at least two fiber nodes. In specific embodiments, determining that the downstream frequency is split is based on at least the first response message from the first cable modem and a second response message from a second cable modem. In more specific embodiments, the method includes constructing a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) topology map of the cable network based on at least the first and second response messages, where the HFC topology map indicates the CMTS service group topology. |
| US08989216B2 |
Diameter versioning dictionary
Embodiments of the invention provide a flexible Diameter command dictionary for 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network nodes wherein context-specific definitions are defined to apply to different versions and releases of 3GPP standards. |
| US08989213B2 |
Physical layer header with access point identifier
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for utilizing a physical layer (PHY) header comprising an identifier for an access point (AP) or a Basic Service Set (BSS). A station (STA) that is assigned an order in a sequential response sequence may count only frames with PHY headers that contain the correct identifier. A STA may terminate its sequential access procedure when it receives a frame with a PHY header that specifies a different identifier for the AP or BSS that assigned the sequence. In this manner, the STA may prevent partly synchronizing to an overlapping network and avoid accessing the wireless medium at the wrong time. |
| US08989209B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving in mobile wireless network
In a mobile wireless network system including a plurality of nodes communicating with each other, a node attempting to transmit data finds useable resources through performing carrier sensing on packet data unit (PDU) slots and transmits data through the found resources. A node attempting to receive data finds useable resource through performing carrier sensing on acknowledge (ACK) slots and receives data through the found resources. |
| US08989208B2 |
PDCCH search space design for LTE-A multi-carrier operation
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product are provided in which a configuration for utilizing a plurality of carriers is received. In addition, a set of PDCCH candidates on a carrier of the plurality of carriers are determined for obtaining DCI for at least one carrier of the plurality of carriers. The number of PDCCH candidates is a function of a number of carriers of the at least one carrier. |
| US08989204B2 |
Communication method and device of broadcast and/or multicast in radio network
The invention discloses a communication method and device of broadcast and/or multicast in radio network. The eNB determines dynamic scheduling control information of each service, according to the practical transmission of the broadcast and/or multicast service in one scheduling period, and provides, in a MAC packet data unit, the UE with the dynamic scheduling control information; the UE receives, in a MAC packet data unit, the dynamic scheduling control information, and receives the broadcast and/or multicast service data from the eNB in the scheduling period, according to the dynamic scheduling control information. |
| US08989199B1 |
Control device discovery in networks having separate control and forwarding devices
A Software Defined Network (SDN) includes a plurality of forwarding devices and a routing control device located separate from the forwarding devices. The routing control device, establishes paths to and from the network forwarding devices. Using such paths, forwarding devices send the routing control device information reflecting the topology if the network. Embodiments disclosed herein enable automatic discovery of the topology of the network and the paths to and from the routing control device. |
| US08989194B1 |
Systems and methods for improving network redundancy and for facile initialization in a centrally-controlled network
A network topology system for combining in-band hardware links for network redundancy with out-of-band hardware links for facile initialization in a network with centralized control architecture, wherein the combined use of in-band and out-of-band hardware links further reduces the overall hardware links required for centralized control. An initialization processor allows direct out-of-band hardware links between a plurality of centralized controllers to be used for initialization, while further allowing in-band hardware links for connections between two switches, and between a switch and a controller, wherein the use of in-band hardware links allows the same hardware links to convey both data and control communications, increasing redundancy, and reducing the number of hardware links required by the network domain as a whole. |
| US08989192B2 |
Method and system for creating software defined ordered service patterns in a communications network
A software defined network service (SDNS) node for altering a logical flow of data packets in a network to accommodate predetermined ordered service chains, comprising a receiver configured to receive an encapsulated data packet comprising a tag via a encapsulated tunnel from another SDNS node, wherein the tag identifies an ordered service chain or a next hop in the ordered service chain, a processor coupled to the receiver and configured to decapsulate the encapsulated data packet, and a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to forward the decapsulated data packet to a service device attached to the SDNS node when the processor determines, based on the tag, that a service on the service device should be applied to the data packet. |
| US08989184B2 |
Message relay apparatus and method
A disclosed apparatus is a message relay apparatus. This message relay apparatus includes: a receiver that receives a message to be transferred; a determination unit that determines whether or not the message relay apparatus can afford to perform a conversion processing, when performing the conversion processing for the message; a selection unit that selects another apparatus to which the conversion processing is requested based on stored information representing other apparatuses that can afford to perform the conversion processing, when the message relay apparatus cannot afford to perform the conversion processing; a requesting unit that requests the selected another apparatus to perform the conversion processing for the message, and receives the converted message from the selected another apparatus; and a transmission unit that transmits the received and converted message to a transfer destination. |
| US08989182B2 |
Providing a virtual domain name system (DNS) in a local area network (LAN)
A terminal that includes a transmitter, a receiver, and an updater. The transmitter is configured to broadcast a first data packet in response to the terminal being connected to a local area network (LAN). The first data packet includes at least one of an Internet protocol (IP) address and a media access control (MAC) address of the terminal as well as a domain name of the terminal. The receiver is configured to receive a second data packet broadcasted by another terminal on the LAN. The second data packet includes at least one of an IP address and a MAC address of the other terminal as well as a domain name of the other terminal. The updater is configured to update a domain name system (DNS) configuration in the terminal based on the second data packet received by the receiver. |
| US08989180B2 |
RoCE packet sequence acceleration
A method, network device and system for remote direct memory access (RDMA) over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) packet sequence acceleration are disclosed. The network device comprises one or more functionality components for communicating with a host system. The host system is configured for implementing a first set of functionalities of a network communication protocol, such as RoCE. The one or more functionality components are also operable to implement a second set of functionalities of the network communication protocol. |
| US08989177B2 |
Lawful interception in a communications network
A method and apparatus for performing Lawful Interception in a communications network. An Access Transfer Control Function (ATCF) receives an activation message instructing lawful interception. The activation message includes a subject identity. The ATCF sends intercept related information to a Mediation Function at a Lawful Intercept node. The intercept related information relates to a communication session in which the subject participates. |
| US08989173B2 |
Increased Bluetooth clock accuracy
The present invention provides a communications unit for operation in a communication system in accordance with a protocol that operates to a first clock resolution, the communications unit comprising a first clock, operating to the first resolution, a second clock operating to a second resolution higher than the first resolution, means configured to respond to a request to report a clock value by reporting: (a) the current value of the first clock and (b) information indicating the time on the second clock at which the first clock ticked to its current value. |
| US08989170B2 |
Wireless communication system and wireless communication control method, wireless communication device and wireless communication method, and computer program
A wireless communication device in a wireless network sets management information notification cycles at specified time intervals and transmits management information containing receive timing information showing its own position to start receiving information, receive window information, and receive cycle information. Another wireless communication device receiving that management information links it to a communication device number for the corresponding wireless communication device and stores the receive timing, the receive window information, and the receive cycle information. When sending information, the receive start position of the corresponding communication device is found from the receive timing information, the receive window information, and the receive cycle information of the other communication and information is then transmitted at that timing. An asynchronous ad-hoc communication wireless network can therefore be configured without a particular control station. |
| US08989169B2 |
Method for transmitting control information in wireless mobile communication system
The present invention relates to a method for transmitting control information by a terminal in a wireless mobile communication system using multiple uplink carriers. The method for transmitting control information comprises: multiplexing a first control information to be assigned to a first uplink control channel and a second control information to be assigned to a second uplink control channel; and transmitting the multiplexed first and second control information via an uplink channel that is allocated to one of the multiple uplink carriers. Here, the first uplink control channel and the second uplink control channel are respectively allocated to different uplink carriers. |
| US08989168B2 |
Method for adapting data rates
Data rates of simultaneous radio transmissions of data are matched for services over a connection between a base station and a subscriber station by determining a service-specific rate matching factor for one of the services based on a steady-state rate matching factor and a dynamic rate matching factor. The dynamic connection-oriented rate matching factor is based on the steady-state matching factor. The dynamic-connection oriented rate matching factor matches a sum of a volume of data for the services over the connection to a volume of data available in a next frame of data. In addition, the data is compressed or expanded for the one of the services based on the corresponding service-specific rate matching factor. |
| US08989167B2 |
Method and apparatus for establishing radio communications on a trunked network using an inbound proxy
A method and device enables establishing radio communications on a trunked network using an inbound proxy. The method includes receiving, at a first subscriber device, a control signal from a base station on an outbound control channel of the base station. A request is then transmitted from the first subscriber device to the base station on an inbound control channel of the base station. Next, it is determined, at the first subscriber device, that the request was not received by the base station. The request is therefore re-transmitted from the first subscriber device to a second subscriber device on an inbound proxy control channel. The first subscriber device then receives a response to the request from the base station. The first subscriber device is thus able to subsequently establish radio communications on the trunked network via the second subscriber device. |
| US08989162B2 |
Point-to-multipoint microwave communication
A microwave communication system may include subscriber stations in communication with a base station. The stations may include time duplex circuitry normally found in wireless local area networks (WLANs). Signals normally routed through antennas associated with such circuitry instead are routed through circuitry to perform frequency conversion to and from microwave communications frequencies, for communications over microwave links between the subscriber stations and the base station. In some embodiments the wireless circuitry is configured for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) operation with one antenna port dedicated for transmission of data and one antenna port dedicated to reception of data. |
| US08989160B1 |
Network device management
A method is provided to dynamically interact with a plurality of enabled devices within a personal network. Individual ones of the devices are configured to interoperate with a service provider network and configure or alter services to individually identifiable devices. |
| US08989154B2 |
Method and apparatus for indicating MU-MIMO mode
The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications, and discloses a method for indicating an MU-MIMO mode. In this method, first part information and second part information are constructed and sent, where formats of the first part information and the second part information indicate an MU-MIMO mode. The present invention further discloses an apparatus for indicating an MU-MIMO mode. With the method and apparatus for indicating an MU-MIMO mode, where the method and apparatus for indicating an MU-MIMO mode are disclosed in the present invention, a UE may be notified of being configured with an MU-MIMO mode when MU-MIMO is applied in a UMTS system. |
| US08989151B2 |
Short messaging service over 3GPP long term evolution
The application relates to SMS over LTE radio access. Several alternatives are already known, such as specified in 3GPP TS 24.247 which supports text messaging capabilities and 3GPP 23.204 which supports all existing SMS capabilities through SMS encapsulation in IP. Furthermore, 3GPP 23.272 which relates to SMS in CS fallback. A further technique is known as Generic Access Network which is under study in 3GPP 23.879 relating to CS domain services over evolved PS access and in Voice Over LTE VOLGA. The present application provides a solution for handling messages between legacy networks in the form of circuit-switched networks and IP network architecture in the form of an IP Multimedia Subsystem IMS while minimizing the efforts needed for system integration by maximal reuse of existing functionalities. This is achieved by an entity (100) which adapts messages received from the IMS (50) in such a way that the appear to a controller entity (200) providing conventional short message functionalities as if they have been received from a mobile terminal accessing a radio access network through a radio network interface of a circuit-switched network (40). |
| US08989147B1 |
Method and system for selecting an access point for a client device to establish or maintain a communication connection with a wireless network
A self learning roaming optimization approach allows a wireless client device to build signal strength maps that store wireless network access point signal strengths at locations along paths traveled by the wireless client device within an operational environment. The signal strengths collected at locations along a path may be analyzed to determine a recommended wireless network access point at the respective locations to achieve a reliable wireless network connection along the mapped path. The stored recommendations may take into account changes in wireless network access point signal strengths, e.g. due to obstructions and/or electromagnetic shields that may block portions of a wireless network access point signal at subsequent locations along the mapped path. A wireless client device may recognize the wireless client device's location along a previously mapped path based on the unique combination, or signature, of wireless network access point signal strengths measured at the wireless client device's location. |
| US08989144B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing wireless network
If a target node that enters into a transmission range is sensed, a mesh node of a wireless communication system selects an agent node having itself and a target node as a neighboring node among a plurality of neighboring nodes to form a link with the target node through the agent node. Also, the mesh node deletes the formed link if a target node that is out of a transmission range among a plurality of neighboring nodes is sensed, and forms a substitution path for at least a portion among an entire path of a connection including the deleted link. |
| US08989141B2 |
Transferring a session for user equipment to a different basestation running a needed edge application
Mobile network services are performed in a mobile data network in a way that is transparent to most of the existing equipment in the mobile data network. The mobile data network includes a radio access network and a core network. A breakout component in the radio access network breaks out data coming from a basestation connected to user equipment, and hosts edge applications that perform one or more mobile network services at the edge of the mobile data network based on the broken out data. When a breakout component is not running a needed edge application, the session for the user equipment may be transferred to a neighboring basestation that is running the needed edge application. |
| US08989139B2 |
Generic access network and method for implementing services by using generic access network
A Generic Access Network (GAN) and a method for implementing services by using the GAN are disclosed. The GAN is configured to connect a generic IP network with a target network, and includes a Generic Access Network Controller (GANC) configured to enable a User Equipment (UE) to access the target network via the generic IP network. The GANC includes: a user interface, configured to connect the UE; and a Policy and Charging Control (PCC) interface, configured to trigger a process of establishing bearers of the generic IP network. |
| US08989137B2 |
Signal generation method and signal generation device
A transmission method simultaneously transmitting a first modulated signal and a second modulated signal at a common frequency performs precoding on both signals using a fixed precoding matrix and regularly changes the phase of at least one of the signals, thereby improving received data signal quality for a reception device. |
| US08989133B2 |
System and method for reducing interference between communications of coexisting transceivers
A wireless device including a first transceiver to communicate according to a first schedule using a first communication protocol. The first schedule includes information of uplink and downlink slots. A second transceiver communicates according to a second schedule using a second communication protocol. The second schedule includes a first number of slots for transmitting packets. A scheduler changes, based on the first schedule, the first number of slots to a second number of slots. The second number of slots is greater than the first number of slots. A packetizer selects a packet type of a first packet for transmission from the first transceiver to a remote device. The packet type indicates that the first packet requires the second number of slots for transmission and shifts transmission of a response from the remote device to one of the downlink slots to minimize interference between communications of the first and second transceivers. |
| US08989132B2 |
Method of exchanging data between a base station and a mobile station
The present invention relates to a method of exchanging data between a first station and a second station, said data being exchanged in packets. Said method comprises the steps of: receiving a packet from the second station; decoding said packet; determining whether to transmit to the second station a resource allocation message on a signalling channel; if a said resource allocation message is transmitted, further transmitting to the second station a first indicator signal on an indicator channel; if both the decoding has not been successful and the said resource allocation message is not transmitted, transmitting to the second station a second indicator signal on the indicator channel. |
| US08989127B2 |
Method and device for relay node retransmitting backhaul uplink to base station in a wireless communication system
The present invention discloses a method for a relay node configuring a backhaul uplink hybrid automatic repeat and request (HARQ) process in a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention comprises the following steps: receiving from a base station a backhaul downlink subframe pattern and a HARQ process offset value; allocating a backhaul uplink subframes, based on the backhaul downlink subframe pattern excluding the subframe which is set to an access downlink subframe; applying the HARQ process offset value to the number of HARQ processes corresponding to the backhaul downlink subframe pattern; and configuring HARQ process identifiers to the allocated backhaul uplink subframes, wherein each of the configured HARQ process identifiers have a predetermined roundtrip time (RTT) value. |
| US08989126B2 |
Wireless base station and wireless communication method
A user data resource determination unit determines any sub carriers in any downlink subframe as a first resource from which downlink user data is transmitted to a wireless terminal. A sounding resource determination unit determines a part of an uplink part in a closest switch subframe preceding the determined downlink subframe as a second resource from which a wireless terminal transmits a sounding reference signal, and notifies the wireless terminal of the determined second resource. A transmission path state estimation unit estimates a state of a transmission path to the wireless terminal based on the sounding reference signal from the wireless terminal. A transmission unit forms directivity of a plurality of antennas based on the estimated state of the transmission path and transmits downlink user data. |
| US08989125B1 |
Adaptive CoMP schemes in LTE networks based on battery life
A radio access network (RAN) may be configured to communicate with mobile stations using two or more different coordinated multipoint schemes. Further, the RAN may use different coordinated multipoint schemes for different communications with the same mobile station. In particular, methods and systems are disclosed herein that help to intelligently switch between different coordinated multipoint schemes for communications with a given mobile station, based on the remaining battery life of the mobile station. |
| US08989123B2 |
Transmission diversity scheme on physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) with ACK/NACK differentiation
A method for transmitting uplink control information (UCI) using a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmit diversity scheme is described. A UCI is coded with a Reed-Muller code to obtain a coded UCI. The coded UCI is mapped to quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) symbols to obtain a mapped coded UCI. A phase shift is applied to the mapped coded UCI based on an acknowledge/negative-acknowledge (ACK/NACK) to obtain a phase shifted mapped coded UCI. The mapped coded UCI is sent using a PUCCH resource on a first antenna. The phase shifted mapped coded UCI is sent using a PUCCH resource on a second antenna. |
| US08989121B2 |
Blindly decoding interfering cell PDCCH to acquire interfering cell PDSCH transmission information
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a technique for blindly decoding interfering cell Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) to acquire interfering cell Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) transmission information. A UE may determine, for one or more aggregation levels, sets of CCEs that potentially include the PDCCH, based on available CCEs for each aggregation level and identify a set of decoding candidates based on the determination. Once the decoding candidates are decoded, the UE may perform an error correcting procedure on decoded candidates and prune out unlikely candidates. Likely decoded candidates may be further pruned based on comparison of CRC calculated using information bits only and possible Radio Network Temporary Identifiers (RNTIs). The UE may then interpret content of the PDCCH of the interfering cell based on surviving candidates. The UE may then use the interpreted PDCCH information to determine PDSCH information. |
| US08989119B2 |
Method of transmitting a signal for a multi-user MIMO system, and corresponding transmitter, computer program product, and data medium
A method and apparatus for simultaneously transmitting K data streams allocated respectively to K different users. The method is implemented by a transmitter for a multi-user MIMO system having NT transmit antennas and N R = ∑ k = 1 K N R k receive antennas associated with K receivers, each associated with a respective user. The method includes, per data stream, at least: jointly calculating a linear pre-coder and a receiver adapted for a multi-user MIMO system using two different iterative algorithms in succession, wherein the second iterative algorithm is initialized with the output value from the first iterative algorithm. |
| US08989115B2 |
Method for transmitting precoding matrix information and user device, and method for transmitting data to plurality of user devices and base station
The present invention relates to a precoding matrix information transmission method and a user device, and provides a method for transmitting precoding matrix information by a particular user device among user devices that receive a signal transmitted from one base station. The method comprises the steps of: determining, from a predetermined codebook, a first precoding matrix which is a precoding matrix for the particular user device during signal reception, and determining one or more second precoding matrices for the other user devices which are to be multiplexed in a predetermined resource region with the particular user device, wherein the one or more second precoding matrices are determined within a codebook subset of the predetermined codebook linked with the first precoding matrix; and transmitting, to the base station, first precoding matrix information indicating the first precoding matrix and second precoding matrix information indicating the one or more second precoding matrices. |
| US08989113B2 |
Method and system for partitioning contention based resources in a wireless network
Methods and network elements partitioning at least a subset of contention based resources for random access attempts into a plurality of partitions, wherein each of said plurality of partitions is associated with at least one precondition governing selection of a partition, the precondition being derived from at least one of: source of causation for the random access attempt, a device state, a device event, a device group, a traffic event, a traffic class, or an application characteristic, and wherein each of said plurality of partitions is further associated with at least one configuration parameter; and communicating configuration parameters for the plurality of partitions and preconditions governing partition usage to at least one of a plurality of user equipments. Also, methods, devices and network elements for communicating on partitions. |
| US08989111B2 |
System and method for coordinating multiple wireless communications devices in a wireless communications network
A method for allocating radio resources by a coordinating wireless communications device in a wireless communications network. The wireless communications network occupies a plurality of narrow-band channels. The method includes: obtaining supported narrow-band channels supported by a wireless communications device joining the wireless communications network, the supported narrow-band channels including a first subset of the narrow-band channels; partitioning the plurality of narrow-band channels into a set of non-overlapping operating channels, each of the non-overlapping operating channels including a second subset of the narrow-band channels; assigning the wireless communications device to an assigned non-overlapping operating channel, wherein the bandwidth of the assigned non-overlapping operating channel is less or equal to the bandwidth of the supported narrow-band channels supported by the wireless communications device; and allocating the radio resources to the wireless communications device, wherein the wireless communications device exchanges data with other wireless communications devices. |
| US08989110B2 |
Method and system for transmitting multicarrier-supported capability of user equipment
The present disclosure provides a method for transmitting multicarrier-supported capability of UE. When the UE supports multicarrier, the UE sends a message carrying multicarrier-supported capability of the UE to an RNC; the RNC parses the message from the UE and obtains the multicarrier-supported capability of the UE. The present disclosure also provides a system for transmitting multicarrier-supported capability of UE. Through the method and the system of the present disclosure, a network side can learn that the UE supports multicarrier, and determine whether a service can be received by a multicarrier cell based on the learning. |
| US08989104B2 |
Receiving cell broadcast (CB) messages
A method for receiving cell broadcast messages is described. The method includes communicating with a first cell. The method also includes switching to communicating with a second cell. A cell broadcast channel is read after switching cells. The method further includes switching from a dedicated mode to a packet idle mode. The cell broadcast channel is reread once after switching from a dedicated mode to a packet idle mode. Other aspects, embodiments and features are also claimed and described. |
| US08989103B2 |
Method and system for selective attenuation of preamble reception in co-located WI FI access points
A method and system for attenuating a received preamble in an IEEE 802.11 standard may include: a plurality of co-located access points (APs) operative in accordance with an IEEE 802.11 standard; a preamble detection unit configured to detect a transmission of a preamble in accordance of the IEEE 802.11 standard, by at least one of the co-located APs; and at least one attenuator configured to attenuate a signal received by at least one of the plurality of co-located APs upon detection of the preamble by the preamble detection unit. |
| US08989102B2 |
Methods and arrangements for low power wireless networks
Embodiments may comprise an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system operating in the 1 GHz and lower frequency bands. In many embodiments, physical layer logic may implement a new preamble structure with a new signal field. Embodiments may store the preamble structure and/or a preamble based upon the new preamble structure on a machine-accessible medium. Some embodiments may generate and transmit a communication with the new preamble structure. Further embodiments may receive and detect communications with the new preamble structure. |
| US08989101B1 |
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for identifying virtual access points of wireless networks
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for identifying MAC addresses of a wireless access point (AP) are provided. Two MAC addresses within a spatial proximity are selected from a spatial index of MAC addresses and locations and analyzed based on a signal strength score and a similarity score. If the signal strength score is above a signal strength score threshold, a similarity score between the two MAC addresses is determined. The similarity score is based on the location and relative distance between the selected two MAC addresses, the previously determined signal strength score, and a MAC address similarity metric that determines the heterogeneity between the two MAC addresses. If the similarity score is above a similarity score threshold, the selected two MAC addresses are considered to belong to the same physical AP. |
| US08989099B2 |
Coherent tracking area in multi-mode communication systems
Systems, methods, and devices for providing aligned registration process and procedure for heterogeneous and/or overlaid access technologies within a network are described herein. In one innovative aspect, a method of generating and organizing wireless network access information is provided. The method includes receiving first information for a first area of a first radio access technology for a network. The method further includes receiving second information for a second area of a second radio access technology for the network. The method also includes receiving third information for the network. The method then includes generating, processing, and aligning a number of groups of first radio access technology location or registration identifiers coordinated with second radio access technology identifiers based at least in part on the received first, second, and third information. The groupings may be based on the quantity of devices, types of devices, and/or the number of physical access points. |
| US08989097B2 |
Multi-antenna diversity scheduling method and apparatus
The present invention provides a multi-antenna diversity scheduling method and apparatus. The method includes: transmitting pilot signals through x transmit antennas, where pilot signals on 1 to x−1 transmit antennas are a product of pilot symbols and a phase sequence, the phase sequence changes with at least one of time and frequency, the phase sequence changes more frequently than a user channel, and x is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; receiving a transient channel quality information (CQI) value returned by a user according to the pilot signals; and according to the CQI value and a scheduling algorithm, scheduling the user to transmit data. |
| US08989096B2 |
Application-aware radio power saving
In order to facilitate reduced power consumption of an electronic device (such as a smartphone) when communicating with another electronic device (such as an access point) in a wireless network, the electronic device may change a wake policy based on the applications executing on the electronic device. In particular, the electronic device may monitor a subset of the applications currently executed by a processor in the electronic device, where the subset can include zero or more of the applications. Based on the subset, the wake policy of an interface circuit in the electronic device may be changed. This wake policy may specify a frequency of wake ups to receive information from the other electronic device and/or monitoring of unicast or multicast bits in a Traffic Indication Map element. In this way, the time that the electronic device is in the active mode can be reduced, thereby reducing power consumption. |
| US08989093B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving signal in a near field communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a signal in a Near Field Communication (NFC) system are provided, in which a multi-frame is configured and a signal is transmitted in the multi-frame to a reception terminal. The multi-frame includes a discovery region, a paging region, at least two scheduling regions for indicating a plurality of different scheduling algorithms, and a traffic slot region. A transmission terminal transmits a signal for searching for a neighbor terminal in the discovery region, transmits a paging signal in the paging region, transmits information for a scheduling algorithm that is predetermined by the transmission terminal and the reception terminal in each of the scheduling regions, and transmits a scheduled signal in the traffic slot region according to the predetermined scheduling algorithm. |
| US08989092B2 |
Signaling control for reduced signaling storm and improved user equipment battery life
A UE comprising a transmitter configured to transmit data from a network; and a processor coupled to the transmitter and configured to execute an application that performs signaling with a wireless network via the transmitter, determine that the application is assigned to an application group based on signaling requirements of the application, and determine that the application group is associated with a connection parameter that limits network signaling of all applications in the group, and initiate a network signaling link for the application according to the connection parameter. |
| US08989085B2 |
Downlink network synchronization mechanism for femtocell in cellular OFDM systems
A method of downlink synchronization for a femto base station in a cellular orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system is provided. The femto base station first scans one or more received reference signals transmitted from a plurality of neighboring macro base stations. The femto base station then determines a desired reference signal from the received one or more reference signals based on the scanning result. Finally, the femto base station configures its downlink radio signal transmission time based on the desired reference signal such that the femto base station is synchronized with the plurality of neighboring macro base stations. |
| US08989084B2 |
Methods and apparatus for broadcasting loading information corresponding to neighboring base stations
Methods and apparatus are described where loading information regarding loading conditions at a neighboring base station is received at a first base station and then communicated, e.g., broadcast, by the first base station to mobiles within the cell in which the first base station is located. Since the neighbor base station's loading information is being communicated to a mobile currently connected to the first base station via a reliable communications channel of the first base station, the mobile can be expected to be able to reliably recover loading factor information corresponding to not only the first base station but to the neighboring base station. By utilizing such loading factor information, the mobile can generate an improved uplink interference report. The first base station receives such interference reports from wireless terminals in its cell, facilitating efficient resource allocation and interference control. |
| US08989083B2 |
Conditional access system for satellite outdoor unit
A method and apparatus is disclosed to restrict the delivery of video, audio, and/or data to unauthorized end users in a satellite communications system. The satellite communications system includes one or more satellite receiving antennas, commonly referred to as a satellite dish, to receive downlink communications signals from one or more satellites. The transmission received by the one or more satellite receiving antennas is converted by an outdoor unit (ODU) for transmission to one or more indoor units (IDUs). The ODU receives control information from one or more satellites from the downlink communications signals, commonly referred to as in-band, and/or from out-of-band communications signals. The ODU may use the control information to restrict access to one or more communications channels embedded within the downlink communications signals to the unauthorized end users. |
| US08989081B2 |
Transmit power adaptation for wireless communication systems
When wireless systems are in communication with each other, transmit power levels can vary based on a distance between the communicating wireless systems. The transmit power levels may be varied by taking into consideration optimal values of performance indicators such as SNR. However, because a transmitting wireless system typically does not receive information that describes a communication channel as seen by a receiving wireless system, the transmitting wireless system may not be able to accurately determine when, whether, and by how much to reduce the transmit power without impairing signal reception ability at the receiving wireless system. Functionality can be implemented on the transmitting wireless system to vary the transmit power level based on comparing a percentage of packets transmitted at a maximum packet transmit rate with one or more thresholds. Such a variation of the transmit power levels can help reduce power consumption and ensure performance is not compromised. |
| US08989075B2 |
Method and system for a multicast service initiation in a communication system
Method and a system for multicast service notification in cellular telephone system to enable the cellular telephone systems to provide both multicast and point-to-point services are disclosed. Several embodiments describe the signaling interaction between an access network and subscriber stations belonging to a multicast group to allow the access network to properly notify the subscriber stations of a the multicast service. Such a signaling further allows the subscriber stations to recognize the multicast service notification to participate in the multicast service. |
| US08989073B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing carrier switching in a wireless communication system using multi-carriers
A method and an apparatus for performing carrier switching in a wireless communication system using multi-carriers are provided. According to the method, a Mobile Station (MS) transmits a message including information on a time slot occupying status to a Base Station (BS), if a message for instructing to report the information on the time slot occupying status, is received from the BS, receives, from the BS, first information on at least one time slot scheduled by using the information on the time slot occupying status, identifies at least one time slot using the first information, and performs the carrier switching in the identified at least one time slot. |
| US08989062B2 |
Method and arrangement in a wireless communication system
Method and arrangement in a base station for sending data to a user equipment. The base station comprises an instance of a codebook, corresponding to another instance of the codebook comprised in the user equipment. The method comprises obtaining channel state information from a signal received from the user equipment, estimating a channel to be used for transmitting data to the user equipment, calculating a precoder, based on the obtained channel state information. Further is comprised the steps of selecting a precoding index from the codebook based on the calculated precoder, or selecting a precoding index received from the user equipment, precoding data to be transmitted to the user equipment using the calculated precoder and transmitting the precoded data, a non-user dedicated reference signal and the precoding index on the estimated channel to the user equipment. Further, corresponding method and arrangement in a user equipment are described. |
| US08989058B2 |
Conference mixing using turbo-VAD
A conference mixer includes a unit configured to receive a plurality of input streams, a spectral voice activity detection (VAD) unit configured to, for each of the input streams, generate and output a spectral VAD decision indicating whether a frame including data packets is voice, a turbo VAD unit configured to generate and output a turbo VAD decision that indicates for a frame including data packets which input stream is active, the turbo VAD decision being based on the spectral VAD decisions and a power-based decision indicating whether an estimated instantaneous power level of a frame including data packets is greater than a power threshold, and a finite state machine (FSM) unit configured to select which of the input streams to output as an active stream based on a plurality of the turbo VAD decisions, the turbo VAD decision being based in part on feedback provided by the FSM. |
| US08989055B2 |
Processing messages with a device server operating in a telephone
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium in a telephone having computer instructions to execute a web server application in the telephone. The web server application can be operable to detect an incoming plain old telephone service call, identify a calling party identifier from the incoming plain old telephone service call, and direct one of a plurality of devices detected by web server application to present the calling party identifier. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08989053B1 |
Association management in a wireless node network
Methods and systems for association management within a wireless node network of nodes and a server are described. A method may identify a first node as a potential for associating with a second node based, for example, upon status information about the nodes. An association request is transmitted by the second node to the server. The server may determine the locations of the nodes, determine if associating the nodes is desired based on the locations, and record new association data if association should occur. Upon receiving a permissive response from the server, which may include one or more authorization credentials, the first node and second node may be associated. Then with authorization credentials, the first and second nodes may securely connect and share data. And once associated, responsibility for a task previously done by the first node may be shifted to the second node after the nodes are associated. |
| US08989052B2 |
Method and apparatus for a wireless home mesh network with network topology visualizer
An apparatus and method for a wireless home mesh network with a network topology visualizer is described. In one embodiment, the method may include collecting node topology information by a node of a wireless home mesh network, where the node topology information includes a list of neighbor nodes for the node. Thereafter, a communication socket is opened, and a node topology packet, including a lust of neighbor nodes, is transmitted in order to produce a global network topology map. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08989051B2 |
Method for allowing one device to detect another device
The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a method for detecting another device performed by a first device having a converged personal network service (CPNS) enabled entity. The method for detecting another device comprises the steps of: performing a procedure for a physical connection with a second device, if the CPNS enabled entity within the first device is set to a personal network entity (PNE) mode; and receiving a search request message from the second device, in order to prevent the duplication of information between the CPNS enabled entity and the second device. Preferably, said search request message can be used to obtain one or more pieces of information, among the mode information of one or more devices detected while the procedure for the physical connection is performed and the information on a network to which one or more said detected devices belong. Said received search request message can include one or more pieces of information among the information on the mode of the second device and the information on the network to which the second device belongs. |
| US08989048B2 |
Node system ID change in link state protocol network
According to an example, a change of a system ID for a node in a link state protocol network is notified to other nodes in the network. A message may be sent to notify the other nodes of the system ID change. |
| US08989047B2 |
Rules system versions
A rules systems version coordination method is disclosed for the initiation of a rules system version and the coordination of the rules system version with other rules system versions which may be available. Particularly, the rules system versions are coordinated so that one-and-only-one is in the Active State i.e. the state in which the Policy and Charging Rules Node (PCRN) is deriving its set of policies; rules system versions may only be promoted to the Active State from a Release State; and rules system versions may only be modified when in a Draft State, from which they may be promoted to the Release State. The rules systems version coordination method is particularly useful for providing a buffer state between rules system versions undergoing modification and the rules system version currently in service. |
| US08989042B2 |
Method and apparatus for triggering and reporting diverse traffic information in cellular networks
A method of triggering and reporting traffic statistics in a cellular network is proposed. A UE establishes an RRC connection with a base station. The UE collects traffic statistics upon detecting a trigger event. The traffic statistics comprises packet inter-arrival time. The trigger event may be detected by the UE or by the base station. The UE then determines a representation of the traffic statistics and report the result to the base station. The report may be triggered by the UE or by the base station based on another trigger event. Upon receiving the traffic statistics, the base station determines RRC reconfiguration parameters. In one example, DRX timer values are determined based on intra-burst packet inter-arrival time. In another example, RRC release timer is determined based on inter-burst packet inter-arrival time. |
| US08989038B2 |
Device, system and method of link measurement of a wireless communication link
Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of link measurement of a wireless communication link. For example, a wireless communication unit may communicate a link measurement request frame between an initiator station and a responder station; may communicate a first link measurement report frame in response to the link measurement request frame, the link measurement report frame including link information determined by the responder station with respect to a wireless communication link between the initiator station and the responder station; and/or may communicate a second, unsolicited, link measurement report frame including link information determined by the initiator station with respect to the wireless communication link. |
| US08989037B2 |
System for performing data cut-through
A system transfers data. The system includes an ingress node transferring data at a determined bandwidth. The ingress node includes a buffer and operates based on a monitored node parameter. The system includes a controller in communication with the ingress node. The controller is configured to allocate, based on the monitored node parameter, an amount of the determined bandwidth for directly transferring data to bypass the buffer of the ingress node. |
| US08989036B2 |
Uplink load prediction using kalman filters
Method and arrangement in a base station for providing an input parameter in an algorithm for predicting uplink load in a cell in a wireless communication system. The cell comprises at least one user equipment. The method comprises obtaining SIR target value associated with the user equipment, measuring SIR value on a signal sent from the user equipment, comparing the difference between the obtained SIR target value and the measured SIR value with a threshold limit value, selecting the SIR value as input parameter in the uplink load prediction algorithm for the user equipment, if the difference between the obtained SIR target value and the measured SIR value is bigger than the threshold limit value. Otherwise selecting the SIR target value as input parameter in the uplink load prediction algorithm for the user equipment. |
| US08989033B2 |
Downlink MCS selection in a type 2 relay network
A method for selecting an MCS for a cell in which one or more Type 2 relay nodes are present. The method includes the access node for the cell estimating the quality of the link between a relay node in the cell and a UA in the cell and using the estimate to select an MCS for the cell. |
| US08989026B2 |
User-specific search space design for multi-carrier operation
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for user-specific search space design for multi-carrier operation in Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) systems. The user-specific search space can be designed for searching Physical Downlink Control Channels (PDCCHs) transmitted on one component carrier (CC) that schedules Physical Downlink Shared Channel/Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PDSCH/PUSCH) transmissions on two or more different CCs. In one aspect, multiple independent user-specific search spaces can be designed. In another aspect, one user-specific search space can be randomly derived and then expanded to accommodate search for multiple CCs. In yet another aspect, the search space design can retain randomness in starting search element indices of multiple PDSCH/PUSCH CCs, while overlapping of search spaces for multiple PDSCH/PUSCH CCs can be avoided. |
| US08989023B2 |
Monitoring apparatus, monitoring method, and computer-readable storage medium
A monitoring apparatus may receive data transmitted from a transmitting source apparatus at predetermined time intervals, via relay apparatuses configured to make a retransmission request depending on a reception error, and measure a reception time interval between consecutively received data. The monitoring apparatus may judge which one of the relay apparatuses is making the retransmission request, based on the measured reception time interval. |
| US08989022B2 |
Method for allocating control channel and device therefor
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for allowing a terminal to receive a PDCCH in a wireless communication system using multiple carriers and a device therefore, and the method comprises the steps of: receiving a plurality of search spaces through a control region on a subframe, wherein each search space includes a plurality of PDCCH candidate sets, and each search space corresponds to each carrier; and monitoring PDCCH candidates for the PDCCH, wherein the intervals between the respective search spaces within said control region are determined by considering the ratios between the number of scheduled carriers and the number of CCEs within the control region. |
| US08989017B2 |
Network congestion management by packet circulation
Methods, apparatus, and networks configured to manage network congestion using packet recirculation. The networks employ network elements (e.g., Rbridges in Layer 2 networks and switches/routers in Layer 3 networks) that are configured to support multi-path forwarding under which packets addressed to the same destination may be routed via multiple paths to the destination. In response to network congestion conditions, such as lack of availability of a non-congested port via which a shortest path to the destination may be accessed, a packet may be routed backward toward a source node or forwarded toward a destination along a non-shortest path. The network elements may employ loopback buffers for looping packets back toward a source via the same link the packet is received on. |
| US08989016B2 |
Cell selection for multi-cell MIMO transmission
A method for use in selecting a cell or cells, from amongst a set of cells in a cellular wireless network, for coordinated use in multi-cell multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) transmission so as to reduce feedback overhead, each cell of the said set having at least one MIMO channel characteristic which may vary with time at a measurable rate, comprises a cell selection process comprising the steps of: identifying a cell or subset of cells of the said set for which the time variation rate/rates of the said MIMO channel characteristic is/are the slowest of those of the cells in the said set; and selecting a cell or cells for use in multi-cell MIMO transmission from only the cell or subset of cells identified in the identifying step. |
| US08989015B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing packet congestion
A method and apparatus for addressing a congestion condition in a communication network are disclosed. For example, the method receives an alert for at least one of: a trunk or a Permanent Virtual Circuit (PVC), where the trunk or the PVC is associated with a route. The method determines whether the alert is associated with a congestion condition by determining whether a trunk utilization has exceeded a first predetermined threshold for the trunk or for the at least one trunk supporting the PVC. The method then rebuilds the route if the first predetermined threshold is exceeded for the trunk or for the at least one trunk supporting said PVC. |
| US08989014B2 |
Method for reserving capacity on a communication network link
A method for reserving capacity on a communication network link for guaranteed hit rate (GBR) and best effort (BE) traffic includes determining (s10) a dimensioned capacity DGBR for GBR traffic based on an expected GBR traffic load and one grade of service (GoS); determining (s20) a dimensioned capacity DTOT for total traffic based on DGBR, an expected BE traffic load and one GoS; determining (s30) a reserved capacity RTOT for total traffic by selecting, amongst capacities available on the link, the minimum of these capacities that exceeds DTOT; determining (s40) a reserved capacity RGBR for GBR traffic based on DGBR, DTOT and RTOT; reserving (s60) RTOτ as capacity for a higher-level pipe on the link; reserving (s60) RGBR as capacity for a first lower-level pipe for GBR traffic within the higher-level pipe; and reserving (s70) RTOT as capacity for a second lower-level pipe for BE traffic within the higher-level pipe. |
| US08989012B2 |
Dynamic content distribution in mobile telecommunications network
A mobile telecommunications network is configured to dynamically adapt transmitted content according to the channel quality of the network link connecting a destination mobile device to the mobile telecommunications network. Channel quality indicators (CQIs) for the mobile devices associated with the mobile telecommunications network are cached at one or more support nodes of a core network. Components of the core network therefore can request the CQI of a mobile device from a corresponding support node rather than repeating a process of determining anew the condition of the network linking to a mobile device each time content is to be communicated to or from a mobile device. A service provider receiving the CQI for a mobile device from the cache of a support node can adapt the content to be provided to the mobile device to the particular conditions of the network represented by the CQI. |
| US08989007B2 |
Load balancing in relay-enhanced access networks
There are provided measures for load balancing in relay-enhanced access networks with a relay device and multiple access devices, said measures exemplarily including the setting of multiple links between a backbone device of a backbone network and said multiple access devices, and a management of resource allocation of said multiple links between said backbone device and said multiple access devices in accordance with resource information of said multiple access devices indicating resource availability and resource assignment of said multiple access devices for establishing multiple connections between said backbone device and said relay device via said multiple access devices. |
| US08989006B2 |
Method and apparatus for glitchless failover to redundant stream
A method and apparatus for providing seamless failover to a redundant stream at an edge device is disclosed. A plurality of identical streams are received via a plurality of paths at a plurality of synchronization buffers. Each synchronization buffer receives one of the plurality of identical streams from a corresponding path of the plurality of paths. The plurality of streams are synchronized. A composite stream is generated from the plurality of identical streams according to a packet selection process. |
| US08989005B2 |
Monitoring endpoint buffer occupancy to determine congestion in an Ethernet network
A system to improve a Converged Enhanced Ethernet network may include a controller having a computer processor connected to a layer 2 endpoint buffer. The system may also include a manager executing on the controller to monitor the layer 2 endpoint buffer by determining buffer data packet occupancy and/or rate of change in the buffer data packet occupancy. The system may further include a reporter to notify a congestion source of the layer 2 endpoint buffer based upon the buffer data packet occupancy and/or rate of change in the buffer data packet occupancy. |
| US08989003B2 |
Multiplexing channels by a medium access controller
A code division multiple access (CDMA) communication device comprises a medium access controller (MAC) configured to receive data from a plurality of channels. Each channel is associated with a priority and an identifier. The MAC is further configured to multiplex the data of the plurality of channels for transmission over a CDMA channel based on the priority. |
| US08989000B2 |
Cloud-based telecommunications infrastructure
A cloud-based telecommunications infrastructure may include one or more cloud-based network instances that each provide telecommunications services to mobile devices. A proxy may be used to select, based on initial communications from the mobile devices, one of the cloud-based network instances to service the mobile devices. Communications to the mobile devices may then be routed to the selected cloud-based network instances. |
| US08988997B2 |
Communication network congestion control using allocation and retention priority
A method for managing congestion on a communication network that includes a network node having a congestion level. Congestion pre-emption criteria corresponding to the congestion level is determined. A list of potential service pre-emption candidates associated with a service pre-emption criteria that is at least equal to the congestion pre-emption criteria is created. The list of potential service pre-emption candidates is at least a sub-set of a plurality of services on the node. A determination is made as to whether to pre-empt at least one of the potential service pre-emption candidates on the list based at least on the service pre-emption criteria. |
| US08988996B2 |
Method for controlling PTM service transmission
The present disclosure relates to the field of multicast/broadcast transmission of content data. A method embodiment for controlling transmission of a PTM service from a content source 102 to a plurality of recipients 120, 122, 124 in a service area, wherein the service area is arranged at a higher hierarchy level and comprises a plurality of local areas arranged at a lower hierarchy level, comprises receiving location information indicating a location in the service area; determining an input traffic load of the PTM service to be transmitted to the service area; selecting the service area or a subset of one or more of the local areas contained in the service area as a destination area for the PTM service, wherein the selection is based on the received location information and the input traffic load; and controlling transmission of the PTM service to the selected destination area. |
| US08988995B2 |
Network traffic management
One aspect of the specification is the use of a virtual entity to represent the bandwidth bottleneck point in a network. Areas of the network where bandwidth does not need to be managed can be modeled as zones. This model enables more flexibility as the virtual bottleneck point can represent a collection of components (e.g. routers), or a portion of a real component (e.g. a router could be represented by multiple virtual bottleneck points with different purposes.) This model can also allow a user to decide which points in their network should be managed, independent of the underlying data network infrastructure. These virtual entities can be placed between areas of the network, and configured with specific policies. Bandwidth usage across these virtual entities can be tracked and compared to the configured bandwidth limit available to the application at each bottleneck point. When the bandwidth available at the bottleneck point is fully utilized, additional calls can be blocked or rerouted. Policies can be applied to permit certain calls to proceed despite the fact that bandwidth is fully utilized, or to block certain calls when bandwidth usage is approaching the maximum level. Bandwidth management can be distributed or centralized with information shared throughout a distributed network. |
| US08988992B2 |
Method, apparatus, and computer program product for contention access in wireless communication
Method, apparatus, and computer program product example embodiments enable contention for access to a wireless communications medium. In example embodiments, a method comprises initiating a channel access procedure by an apparatus; performing, by the apparatus, in response to the channel access procedure initiation, a random draw for permission to start contention with other member apparatuses of a group in which the apparatus belongs, the random draw being based on how many member apparatuses of the group are expected to compete for the wireless communications medium; and starting, by the apparatus, contention for access to the wireless communications medium, if the apparatus wins the random draw. |
| US08988990B2 |
Distributed preconfiguration of spare capacity in closed paths for network restoration
A method for restoring traffic in a network. The network includes plural distinct nodes interconnected by plural distinct spans, each span having working links and spare links. Each node has a digital cross-connect switch for making and breaking connections between adjacent spans forming span pairs at a node. Cross-connections between spare links in adjacent spans are made such that sets of successive nodes through which the adjacent spans form span paths form closed paths. A method of finding and construction closed paths is described in which statelets are broadcast through the network. In a preferred method of implementation of the method, the statelet broadcast occurs not in response to a network failure, but across the entire network before any particular span failure and may be carried out during normal network operations as a continual re-configuration of the network. |
| US08988982B2 |
Method and apparatus for protection switching in point-to-multipoint network
A method of performing protection switching in a network including a first node and a plurality of second nodes that are connected to the first node is provided. The first node counts the number of obstacles that have occurred in a plurality of paths that are connected between the plurality of second nodes, and if the counted number is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the first node performs protection switching per leaf. Alternatively, if the counted number is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value, the first node performs protection switching per tree. |
| US08988980B2 |
Relay dualization apparatus
Provided is a relay dualization apparatus, in a substation automation system including at least one or more upper units and at least one or more lower units, the apparatus including a plurality of first relays receiving a power data from the lower unit using a predetermined communication method, and transmitting the power data to the upper unit, and receiving a control command from the upper unit and transmitting the control command to the lower unit, and a second relay performing communications with the plurality of first relays using the communication method to replace a relay that has generated an error in the plurality of relays. |
| US08988979B2 |
Information bit padding schemes for WLAN
In a method for generating a data unit, a signal field is generated to include a first subfield having one of: a length indication to indicate a number of bytes in a data portion of the data unit, or a duration indication to indicate a number of OFDM symbols in the data portion of the data unit and a second subfield to indicate whether the first subfield includes the length indication or the duration indication. When the first subfield includes the length indication, one or more padding bits are added to a set of information bits according to a first padding scheme. When the first subfield includes the duration indication, one or more padding bits are added to the set of information bits to according to a second padding scheme. Padded information bits are encoded, and the data unit is generated to included the encoded information bits. |
| US08988978B2 |
System and method for improved connectivity in GPRS/EGPRS mobile environment for streaming service
A system and method to select a modulation coding scheme of a mobile device including establishing a connection between the mobile device and a remote device through a wireless communication network, monitoring at least two measured properties of a radio frequency access link between the mobile device and the wireless communication network, selecting an updated derived C value based on the measured properties of the radio frequency access link, and inducing a change in a modulation coding scheme based on the updated derived C value. |
| US08988977B2 |
Method and apparatus for data storage
A method and an apparatus for data storage based on fibers are described. Data are stored as marks in a surface of a fiber or in a volume near the surface of the fiber. Data marks are written to or read from the fiber by irradiating the surface of the fiber with at least one radiation beam. The fiber has calibration marks for controlling a speed of the fiber relative to the at least one radiation beam. |
| US08988972B1 |
Variable shock wave bio-oil extraction system
A variable shock wave bio-oil extraction system and method utilizes shock waves to separate oil, water, and biomass from feedstock in a single step. In one embodiment, at least one pair of opposing transducer arrays are arranged in a shock wave extraction housing and collectively powered by a pulse controller to create controllable shearing planes and/or shearing regions and/or shock stem zones to interact upon a flow path of feedstock as the feedstock travels through the shock wave housing. |
| US08988969B2 |
Detection of cross bores involving buried utilities
Evaluating utilities involves generating an acoustic or seismic source signal, communicating the source signal to a first underground utility, moving a receiver through a second underground utility situated in proximity to the first utility, and monitoring for a cross bore involving the first and second utilities in response to receiving the source signal emanating from the first utility as the receiver progresses through the second utility. Utility evaluation may further involve detecting a cross bore involving the first and second utilities using monitoring data acquired by the receiver. |
| US08988967B2 |
Method of increasing a timing margin for relaying data to a memory array
A method is provided for relaying data to a memory array operating in synchronization with a clock signal having a first transition edge. A data strobe signal having a second transition edge corresponding to the first transition edge is provided. A first signal is provided. The data is latched into the first signal at a first time point lagged behind the first transition edge by a first time interval until a second time point in response to the first transition edge for relaying the data of the first signal to the memory array when the second transition edge appears earlier than the first transition edge. |
| US08988966B2 |
Circuit, system and method for controlling read latency
A read latency control circuit is described having a clock synchronization circuit and a read latency control circuit. The clock synchronization circuit includes an adjustable delay line to generate an output clock signal whose phase is synchronized with the phase of the input clock signal. The read latency control circuit captures a read command signal relative to the timing of the input clock signal and outputs the read command signal relative to the timing of the output clock signal such that the read command signal is outputted indicative of a specified read latency. |
| US08988963B2 |
Intermediate circuit and method for dram
An intermediate circuit and method for hiding refresh confliction. The intermediate circuit includes: a first control circuit configured to generate a Command Output Enable signal CON, a Data Read Enable signal DRN and a Refresh Enable signal REFN based on the second clock, wherein a ration of duration the signal CON is in a first state to duration in a second state equals to CLK2/(CLK1-CLK2), the signal REFN has a state that is reverse to that of the signal CON and is used to refresh the DRAM; a command buffer configured to store the access commands received from the user interface and output the stored access commands to the DRAM in response to the first state of the signal CON; a data buffer configured to read data from the DRAM in response to the first state of the signal CON and output the read data. |
| US08988961B2 |
Self-refresh control circuit and memory including the same
An self-refresh control circuit for controlling a self-refresh operation of a memory device includes a self-refresh control logic block configured to control the memory device to perform the self-refresh operation and an initial refresh control block configured to activate the self-refresh control logic block in an initialization period of the memory device. |
| US08988955B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for compensating for power supply sensitivities of a circuit in a clock path
Apparatuses and methods for compensating for differing power supply sensitivities of a circuit in a clock path. One such method includes altering signal timing of at least one of reference and feedback clock signals differently according to variations in power supply voltage to compensate for differences in delay power supply sensitivities of delays of a forward clock path and of a feedback clock path. Another example method includes providing an output clock signal in phase with an input clock signal and compensating for delay error between delays used in providing at least some of the delay of the output clock signal relative to the input clock signal by providing delays having power supply sensitivities resulting in a combined power supply sensitivity that is inverse to the delay error. |
| US08988951B2 |
Method and device for writing block data to an embedded DRAM free of address conflicts
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a device for writing data. The method includes: receiving a data block that is to be written in an EDRAM; obtaining, according to a status of a bank in the EDRAM, usable addresses corresponding to usable banks in the EDRAM; selecting an address from the usable addresses as a write-in address of the data block; and writing the data block in a bank corresponding to the write-in address. In the embodiments of the present invention, problems in the prior art that a conflict occurs when a data block is written in a bank and a conflict occurs when a data block is read from a bank can be avoided, and working efficiency of the EDRAM is improved. |
| US08988945B1 |
Programming time improvement for non-volatile memory
Disclosed herein are techniques for providing a programming voltage to a selected word line in a non-volatile memory array. This may be a 3D NAND, 2D NAND, or another type of memory array. The programming voltage may be quickly ramped up on the selected word line, without the need for adding a stronger charge pump to the memory device. The voltage on the selected word line may be ramped up to a target voltage during a channel pre-charge phase. The target voltage may be limited in magnitude so that program disturb does not occur. Next, during a channel boosting phase, the unselected word lines are increased to a boosting voltage. The voltage on the selected word line is also increased during the boosting phase to a second target level. Then, the voltage on the selected word line is charged up from the second target level to a program voltage. |
| US08988944B2 |
Writing data to a thermally sensitive memory device
Writing data to a thermally sensitive memory device, including: receiving a physical layout of the thermally sensitive memory device; receiving the direction of airflow across the thermally sensitive memory device; selecting an address for writing data to the thermally sensitive memory device in dependence upon the physical layout of the thermally sensitive memory device and the direction of airflow across the thermally sensitive memory device; and writing data to the selected address of the thermally sensitive memory device. |
| US08988941B2 |
Select transistor tuning
In a nonvolatile memory array in which a select transistor includes a charge storage element, the threshold voltage of the select transistor is monitored, and if the threshold voltage deviates from a desired threshold voltage range, charge is added to, or removed from the charge storage element to return the threshold voltage to the desired threshold voltage range. |
| US08988940B2 |
Structure and method for narrowing voltage threshold distribution in non-volatile memories
Embodiments of the present invention provide a memory array of macro cells. Each macro cell comprises a storage element and a calibration element. The storage element and its corresponding calibration element are part of a common memory array within an integrated circuit, and therefore, are in close proximity to each other. The calibration element may store a parameter used to modify the threshold voltage of the storage element. |
| US08988937B2 |
Pre-charge during programming for 3D memory using gate-induced drain leakage
In a programming operation of a 3D stacked non-volatile memory device, the channel of an inhibited NAND string is pre-charged by gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL) to achieve a high level of boosting which prevents program disturb in inhibited storage elements. In a program-verify iteration, prior to applying a program pulse, the drain-side select gate transistor is reverse biased to generate GIDL, causing the channel to be boosted to a pre-charge level such as 1.5V. Subsequently, when the program pulse is applied to a selected word line and pass voltages are applied to unselected word lines, the channel is boosted higher from the pre-charge level due to capacitive coupling. The pre-charge is effective even for a NAND string that is partially programmed because it does not rely on directly driving the channel from the bit line end. |
| US08988936B2 |
Compensation scheme for non-volatile memory
Methods for performing parallel voltage and current compensation during reading and/or writing of memory cells in a memory array are described. In some embodiments, the compensation may include adjusting a bit line voltage and/or bit line reference current applied to a memory cell based on a memory array zone, a bit line layer, and a memory cell direction associated with the memory cell. The compensation may include adjusting the bit line voltage and/or bit line reference current on a per memory cell basis depending on memory cell specific characteristics. In some embodiments, a read/write circuit for reading and/or writing a memory cell may select a bit line voltage from a plurality of bit line voltage options to be applied to the memory cell based on whether the memory cell has been characterized as a strong, weak, or typical memory cell. |
| US08988935B2 |
Self-referenced MRAM cell and method for writing the cell using a spin transfer torque write operation
The present disclosure concerns a method for writing to a self-referenced MRAM cell comprising a magnetic tunnel junction comprising: a storage layer including a first ferromagnetic layer having a first storage magnetization, a second ferromagnetic layer having a second storage magnetization, and a non-magnetic coupling layer separating the first and second ferromagnetic layers; a sense layer having a free sense magnetization; and a tunnel barrier layer included between the sense and storage layers; the first and second ferromagnetic layers being arranged such that a dipolar coupling between the storage) and the sense layers is substantially null; the method comprising: switching the second ferromagnetic magnetization by passing a spin-polarized current in the magnetic tunnel junction; wherein the spin-polarized current is polarized when passing in the sense layer, in accordance with the direction of the sense magnetization. The MRAM cell can be written with low power consumption. |
| US08988930B2 |
Access signal adjustment circuits and methods for memory cells in a cross-point array
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to semiconductors and memory technology, and more particularly, to systems, integrated circuits, and methods to generate access signals to facilitate memory operations in scaled arrays of memory elements, such as memory implemented in third dimensional memory technology formed BEOL directly on top of a FEOL substrate that includes data access circuitry. In at least some embodiments, a non-volatile memory device can include a cross-point array having resistive memory elements disposed among word lines and subsets of bit lines, and an access signal generator. The access signal generator can be configured to modify a magnitude of a signal to generate a modified magnitude for the signal to access a resistive memory element associated with a word line and a subset of bit lines. The modified magnitude can be a function of the position of the resistive memory element in the cross-point array. |
| US08988927B2 |
Non-volatile variable capacitive device including resistive memory cell
A non-volatile variable capacitive device includes a capacitor defined over a substrate, the capacitor having an upper electrode and a resistive memory cell having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a switching layer provided between the first and second electrodes. The resistive memory cell is configured to be placed in a plurality of resistive states according to an electrical signal received. The upper electrode of the capacitive device is coupled to the second electrode of the resistive memory cell. The resistive memory cell is a two-terminal device. |
| US08988926B2 |
Method, system and device for phase change memory with shunt
Embodiments disclosed herein may relate to forming a storage component comprising a phase change material and a shunt relative to amorphous portions of the phase change material. |
| US08988925B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device in which polarities of voltages in forming operation and set operation are different from each other
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device in accordance with an embodiment comprises a plurality of first, second lines, a plurality of memory cells, and a control circuit. The plurality of second lines extend so as to intersect the first lines. The plurality of memory cells are disposed at intersections of the first, second lines, and each includes a variable resistor. The control circuit is configured to control a voltage applied to the memory cells. The control circuit applies a first pulse voltage to the variable resistor during a forming operation. In addition, the control circuit applies a second pulse voltage to the variable resistor during a setting operation, the second pulse voltage having a polarity opposite to the first pulse voltage. Furthermore, the control circuit applies a third pulse voltage to the variable resistor during a resetting operation, the third pulse voltage having a polarity identical to the first pulse voltage. |
| US08988923B2 |
Nonvolatile magneto-electric random access memory circuit with burst writing and back-to-back reads
Voltage controlled magneto-electric tunnel junctions (MEJ) and associated memory devices are described which provide efficient high speed switching of non-volatile magnetic random access memory (MeRAM) devices at high cell densities with multiple word access mechanisms, including a burst mode write of multiple words, and a back-to-back read of two words in consecutive clock cycles. In at least one preferred embodiment, these accesses are performed in a manner that prevents any possibility of a read disturbance arising. |
| US08988921B2 |
Boosting word lines
In a method for boosting a word line signal, the word line signal is transitioned from a first voltage value of the word line signal to a second voltage value of the word line signal, thereby turning on a first transistor. The first transistor and a second transistor turn on a third transistor. The third transistor causes the word line signal at a first terminal of the third transistor to reach a voltage value at a second terminal of the third transistor, thereby causing the word line signal to reach the voltage value faster than without the third transistor. The first transistor and the second transistor are coupled in series. |
| US08988920B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device according to an embodiment comprises: a plurality of memory cells arranged in a first direction and a second direction; local bit lines connected to group of the memory cells; a global bit line to be commonly connected to a plurality of the local bit lines; and switch circuits connected between the local bit lines and the global bit line. The switch circuits connect the global bit line to one of the local bit lines, the one of the local bit lines being electrically connected to the memory cells of the group located at a position specified by select information of the first direction and the second direction. |
| US08988919B2 |
Semiconductor device having a control chip stacked with a controlled chip
A semiconductor device includes a first controlled chip and a control chip stacked therewith. The first controlled chip includes a first circuit outputting a data signal in response to a synchronization signal, an input/output circuit outputting the data signal to a data terminal in synchronization with a delayed synchronization signal, and a replica circuit replicating an output circuit and outputting a replica signal to a first replica terminal in synchronization with the delayed synchronization signal. The control chip includes a first control circuit outputting a synchronization signal and receiving a data signal, a delay adjustment circuit delaying the synchronization signal and outputting the same as a delayed synchronization signal, a phase comparator circuit comparing the phases of the replica signal and the synchronization signal, and a delay control circuit controlling the delay amount of the delay adjustment circuit based on a comparison result of the phase comparator circuit. |
| US08988915B2 |
DC to AC converter
A DC to AC converter includes a first switch, a second switch, a first half bridge inverter, and a second half bridge inverter. The first switch includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The second switch includes a first terminal and a second terminal. A portion between the first terminal of the first switch and the first terminal of the second switch is operable to receive a direct current power source. The first half bridge inverter includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and an output terminal. The second half bridge inverter includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and an output terminal. A portion between the output terminal of the first half bridge inverter and the output terminal of the second half bridge inverter is operable to output an alternative current. |
| US08988912B2 |
System and method for emulating an ideal diode in a power control device
A system and method for emulating an ideal diode for use in a power control device is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a circuit for emulating an ideal diode, the circuit including at least one field effect transistor including a source, a drain, a gate, and a body diode, an input; an output coupled to the drain, a control circuit including a current sensor coupled between the input and the source, and a control circuit output coupled to the gate, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate the at least one field effect transistor based on whether the current flowing into the source is greater than a predetermined threshold, and wherein the body diode comprises an anode coupled to the source and a cathode coupled to the drain. |
| US08988911B2 |
Self-bias emitter circuit
Self-bias emitter circuit configurations can use the amplitude of an input AC carrier signal to provide a DC bias voltage across an emitter for suitable operation. A self-bias emitter circuit can include a transductor with primary matched with an amplifier, while secondary can be matched to the emitter. Self-bias emitter circuit can also include a full-wave bridge rectifier or a center tap inductor in conjunction with two diodes to rectify the AC carrier signal into a corresponding DC voltage. This DC voltage can be subsequently filtered by a capacitor to provide a steady DC bias voltage across the emitter. Sufficiently small, decoupling capacitors can be installed at each side of the full-wave rectifier in order to decouple the DC bias voltage, while a sufficiently large capacitor can be installed between the emitter and secondary for preventing the applied DC bias voltage from flowing back to secondary. |
| US08988906B2 |
Power conversion apparatus
A power conversion apparatus includes an inverter circuit, a system voltage measurement unit measuring a system voltage, a voltage drop detector detecting a voltage drop of a power system, based on the system voltage, a direct current power measurement unit measuring a direct current power to be input into the inverter circuit, an alternating current command value calculator calculating an alternating current command value to control an alternating current output from the inverter circuit, based on the direct current power and the system voltage, and a current limiter that decrease a current limit value to limit the alternating current command value, when the voltage drop is detected. |
| US08988905B2 |
PWM controller detecting temperature and AC line via a single pin and power converter using same
A PWM controller detecting temperature and AC line via a single pin and a power converter using the PWM controller, the PWM controller comprising: an output pin for providing a PWM signal; and a dual-function pin for receiving a temperature signal when the PWM signal is at a high level, and for receiving an AC line signal when the PWM signal is at a low level. |
| US08988903B2 |
Systems and methods for protecting a switch mode power supply
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for protecting a switch mode power supply (SMPS). An SMPS may include an input power connector, an input rectifier and filter, a transformer, an output rectifier and filter, and an output power connector. A control circuit may selectively generate a switching signal for driving the transformer based on a feedback signal and a protection signal generated by a protection circuit. The protection circuit may generate the protection signal with an asymmetric duty cycle oscillating between an enable state and an inhibit state. The protection signal may inhibit the control circuit from generating the switching signal when the protection signal is in the inhibit state. A detection circuit may receive the feedback signal and selectively force the protection signal to the enable state when the feedback signal indicates that an output voltage is too high. |
| US08988902B2 |
Power converter controller IC having pins with multiple functions
A controller integrated circuit (IC) for controlling a power converter uses one or more IC pins having plurality of functions such as configuration of a parameter supported by the controller IC and shutdown protection. Several different functions may be supported by a single IC pin, thereby reducing the number of pins required in the controller IC and also reducing the cost of manufacturing the controller IC. The controller IC may also share a comparison circuit among different pins and the different functions provided by those pins. Use of a shared comparison circuit further reduces the cost of manufacturing the controller IC without sacrificing the performance of the IC. |
| US08988897B2 |
Electromagnetic interference mode stirrer
An apparatus for distributing electromagnetic waves comprising a first plurality of plates coupled to a first rod. A second plurality of plates coupled to a second rod, wherein at least one of either the first or the second plurality of plates is capable of reflecting an electromagnetic wave. A portion of the second rod is situated inside the first rod. A first motor mechanically connected to the first rod, such that the first motor is capable of rotating the first rod. A second motor mechanically connected to the second rod, such that the second motor is capable of rotating the second rod, wherein rotational direction and speed of the second rod, when rotated by the second motor is independent of rotational direction and speed of the first rod, when rotated by the first motor. |
| US08988896B2 |
Field device for automation technology
A field device for automation technology, wherein the field device has a metal housing for accommodating a field device electronics, an RFID chip and a first RFID antenna for wireless communication and/or energy transmission between an RFID reading device arranged outside of the field device. The first RFID antenna is spaced from a neighboring wall of the metal housing, wherein shielding is provided between the first RFID antenna and the neighboring wall of the metal housing. The separation between the first RFID antenna and the wall of the metal housing and the shielding between the first RFID antenna and the neighboring wall of the metal housing are so dimensioned, that the metal housing does not prevent wireless communication and/or energy transmission between the RFID reading device and the field device. |
| US08988894B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a metal housing, a first opening, a first metal line, a first grounding point and a first current zero point. The first opening passes through the metal housing. The first metal line is disposed inside the first opening, wherein a first end of the first metal line is electrically connected to a side of the first opening, and a second end of the first metal line has a first feeding point. The first grounding point and the first current zero point are located on the side of the first opening. The metal housing forms a first loop antenna to transmit or receive a first radio frequency signal by a first excitation path from the first feeding point to the first grounding point. |
| US08988891B2 |
Micro and millimeter waves circuit
Embodiments of the present invention provide a micro and millimeter waves circuit, including: a multi-layer circuit board, a heat substrate, and a circuit module. The multi-layer circuit board is opened with a window. The heat substrate includes a base. The multi-layer circuit board is attached to the base. The heat substrate further includes a projecting part extending from the base into the window of the multi-layer circuit board. The circuit module is received in the window and placed on the projecting part. The circuit module is electrically connected with an outer conductor layer of the multi-layer circuit board. |
| US08988888B2 |
Instrument device
A meter device which can be mounted and removed easier than conventional meter devices. A meter device is provided with a display plate, a circuit board, a middle case which is disposed on the front surface side of the circuit board and on which the display plate is mounted, an upper case which is disposed on the front surface side of the middle case and through which the front surface can be seen, and a lower case which covers the middle case and the circuit board. A flange section which is sandwiched and held between the upper and lower cases is provided to the peripheral edge of the middle case. One of the upper case and the lower cases is provided with engagement sections, and engagement sections which engage with the engagement sections are provided to the other of cases so as to correspond to the engagement sections. |
| US08988887B2 |
Electronic device housing with structure for securing printed circuit board
A housing of an electronic device comprises a fixing portion and a locking portion. The fixing portion is perpendicularly disposed on a side wall of the housing. The locking portion is perpendicularly mounted on the bottom of the housing. The locking portion corresponds to the fixing portion. The fixing portion clasps a first end of the circuit board. The locking portion is secured to a second end of the circuit board opposite to the first end to mount the circuit board to the housing after the first end of the circuit board has been clasped by the fixing portion. |
| US08988885B2 |
Electronic circuit module and method for producing the same
An electronic circuit module includes a substrate with built-in component, a mount component mounted on the substrate with built-in component, a sealing portion covering the mount component, and a shield made of a conductive synthetic resin covering the sealing portion. The substrate with built-in component has a core layer made of a metal, an outer cover made of an insulating synthetic resin, and a first protrusion. The core layer has corners and side faces. The outer cover covers the corners and the side faces, and has a first surface. The first protrusion has a first end face exposed at the outer cover and a second surface adjacent to the first surface, and is formed away from the corners of the side faces to protrude outwardly. The sealing portion covers the mount component. The shield covers the sealing portion, and has a third surface bonded to the first surface and the second surface. |
| US08988882B2 |
Heat sink package and method of manufacturing
A circuit element is arranged on an organic substrate and connected to a wiring pattern arranged on the organic substrate. An internal connection electrode is formed on a conductive support body by electroforming so as to obtain a unitary block of the internal connection electrode and the support body. Each end of each of the internal connection electrodes connected into a unitary block by the support body is connected to the wiring pattern. After the circuit element is sealed by resin, the support body is peeled off, so as to obtain individual internal connection electrodes separately and the other end of each of the internal connection electrodes is used as an external connection electrode on the front surface while the external connection electrode on the rear surface is connected to the wiring pattern. |
| US08988880B2 |
Heat transfer assembly with heat pipe brace and method for assembling a heat transfer assembly
An electronics device and method for assembling a heat transfer assembly of the same. An electronics device includes a circuit board, a chassis that houses the circuit board, a heat pipe configured to transfer heat from the circuit board to a wall of the chassis, and a brace configured to press the heat pipe against the wall. A brace includes a medial portion configured to contact a heat pipe and an end portion including a protrusion that is configured to be received in a depression of a chassis. |
| US08988874B2 |
Cooling and noise-reduction apparatus
A cooling and noise-reduction apparatus for a computing device disposable within a structure having a central air conditioning system is provided. The computing device includes a heat generating component, an enclosure having first and second inlets, a fan configured to drive coolant from the first inlet to the heat generating component, a vent operably interposed between the second inlet and the heat generating component and a controller coupled to the fan and the vent to respectively control operations thereof. The cooling and noise-reduction apparatus includes a ducting element configured to flexibly and fluidly couple the second inlet with the central air conditioning system. |
| US08988872B2 |
Cradle for a portable device having a connector rotatably mounted on a base
The invention relates to a system (1) for connecting a portable device. The system comprises: —a base portion (3) forming a planar area (4); —a cradle (5) comprising a first portion (6) having a connector (7) extending upwards for connecting the portable device, and a second portion (8) for supporting the portable device when the portable device is connected in the connector (7). The cradle (5) is mounted on the base portion (3) in a rotatable way so as to take a first cradle position in which the first portion (6) extends in the same plan as the planar area (4), and to take a second cradle position in which the second portion (8) extends in the same plan as the planar area (4). When the cradle is in the first cradle position, the first portion of the cradle is in the same plan as the planar area formed by the base portion, which allows the connector to extend upwards this unique plan and to connect with any portable devices independently of their width because no recess exits. Moreover, when the cradle is in the second cradle position, the second portion advantageously acts as a cover which allows to hide the connector. |
| US08988871B2 |
Electronic apparatus and buffer material
Mounted between bottom and top surfaces of a case are: second buffer materials and first buffer materials brought in surface contact with a bottom surface of a hard disk drive (HDD) via an insulating member, and upper buffer materials brought in surface contact with the opposite side of the HDD via the insulating member. When impact F2 is applied to the HDD, the second buffer materials contract from a thickness of T0 to T2, and the first buffer materials buckle. Buckling parts of the first buffer materials buckle when the second buffer materials contract to thickness T2, and can achieve impact-lessening independently from the second buffer materials. The second buffer materials contract singly from T0 to equal T1 to or more than T2, whereas the first buffer materials and second buffer materials both act at thickness T2 or beyond. Therefore, impact-lessening can be achieved in a broad range. |
| US08988868B2 |
Display device and manufacturing method thereof
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a display, a circuit substrate, connector terminals, a first cover, a second cover, and a fastening member. The circuit substrate includes a first side and a second side adjacent to the first side, and overlaps a second face of the display. The connector terminals are disposed at a vicinity of each of the first side and the second side. The first cover includes a first opening exposing the connector terminals therethrough, and covers the second face. The second cover includes a linking portion and a noncircular through hole, and covers the first opening across the first side and the second side. The linking portion is positioned in between the first side and the second side. The fastening member is inserted through the through hole so as to fix the second cover, the circuit substrate, and the display. |
| US08988867B2 |
Display device and television receiver
A liquid crystal display device is provided with: a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying an image; a backlight unit including cold cathode tubes and a chassis housing the cold cathode tubes and supplying light to the liquid crystal panel; and a second exterior member housing the liquid crystal panel and the backlight unit and including a bottom portion facing the chassis. On a surface of the chassis facing the bottom portion, a plurality of fixing members capable of fixing the bottom portion is provided. The fixing members include inverter covers disposed with a gap from the bottom portion, and reinforcing members abutting on the bottom portion. Between the inverter covers and the bottom portion, spacers with the function of damping vibration are interposed. |
| US08988865B2 |
Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing, an engagement portion, a module, and a member. The engagement portion is on an inner surface of the housing. The module is in the housing. The member is configured to slide substantially in parallel with the inner surface of the housing in order to engage the engagement portion and to support the module from a side opposite to the inner surface of the housing. |
| US08988863B2 |
Portable electronic device
A portable electronic device includes a computer body, a display, and a telescopic structure respectively connected to the computer body and the display. The computer body has a first side edge; the display has a backside; and the telescopic structure includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is rotatably connected to the first side edge of the computer body; the second plate is rotatably connected to the backside of the display, and is slidably connected to the first plate. Through engaging a projecting tooth of the first plate with one of grooves of the second plate, different opening angles between the display and the computer body may be assumed. |
| US08988861B2 |
Power converter
The power converter includes a power conversion section which configures a circuit for power conversion, a power bus bar extending from the power conversion section, a terminal block, and a current sensor measuring current flowing in the power bus bar. The terminal block includes a mounting surface to which a terminal portion of the power bus bar is mounted. The mounting surface faces a direction substantially perpendicular to an arrangement direction in which the power conversion section and the terminal block are arranged. The current sensor is located at a side of a bottom surface on the opposite side of the mounting surface in the terminal block. The power bus bar includes: a sensor-surrounded portion surrounded by the current sensor; and an outer surface faced portion located between the sensor-surrounded portion and the terminal portion along an outer surface on the opposite side of the power conversion section. |
| US08988858B2 |
Electrode for electrochemical capacitor and electrochemical capacitor using same
A negative electrode for an electrochemical capacitor includes a current collector having electric conductivity, and an electrode layer formed on a surface of the current collector and having cations stored therein. In at least a part of the electrode layer, a value of ratio Ia/Ib of peak value Ia indicating a presence of an anion decomposition compound and peak value Ib indicating a presence of an electrolyte in a spectrum of an atom forming the anion is 0.45 or more and less than 2.55 as measured using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. |
| US08988857B2 |
High aspect ratio stacked MLCC design
An improved passive electronic stacked component is described. The component has a stack of individual electronic capacitors and a first lead attached to a first side of the stack. A second lead is attached to a second side of the stack. A foot is attached to the first lead and extends inward towards the second lead. A stability pin is attached to one of the foot or the first lead. |
| US08988856B2 |
Multi layer ceramic capacitor
Provided is a multilayer ceramic capacitor including a multilayer ceramic plastic body formed so that a plurality of internal electrode layers intersects; and a plurality of external electrodes, each formed to cover one side or another side of the multilayer ceramic plastic body and connected to the plurality of internal electrode layers. Each of the plurality of external electrodes includes a plurality of conductive layers that is sequentially formed to cover one side or another side of the multilayer ceramic plastic body, and one of the plurality of conductive layers is formed of conductive resin hardened through an irradiation cross-linking method using gamma ray. |
| US08988854B1 |
Multilayer ceramic electronic component
A multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a ceramic element body including internal electrodes therein. External electrodes are provided on end surfaces of the ceramic element body and electrically connected to exposed portions of respective ones of the internal electrodes. Each of the external electrodes includes a sintered metal layer, a conductive resin layer, and a plating layer. In a cross section of the multilayer ceramic capacitor, at an interface between the sintered metal layer and the conductive resin layer, recesses having a shape in which a dimension of an inner portion is larger than a dimension of an inlet are present, and a number of recesses in which a material of the conductive resin layer is present is 2 or more within a length range of about 70 μm along the interface. |
| US08988851B1 |
Capacitor including four terminal electrodes
A capacitor includes first and second grounding terminal electrodes each including first and second electrode layers. The first electrode layers are provided on third and fourth side surfaces. The second electrode layers are provided on the first electrode layers. The first and the second electrode layers each include Si and a conductive material. A ratio by weight of Si in the first electrode layer is higher than a ratio by weight of Si in the second electrode layer. |
| US08988848B2 |
Extended and independent RF powered cathode substrate for extreme edge tunability
Apparatus for processing substrates are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for processing a substrate may include a substrate support comprising a first electrode disposed within the substrate support and having a peripheral edge and a first surface; a substrate support surface disposed above the first surface of the first electrode; and a second electrode disposed within the substrate support and extending radially beyond the peripheral edge of the first electrode, wherein the second electrode has a second surface disposed about and above the first surface of the first electrode. |
| US08988846B2 |
ESD protection in a very small form factor consumer electronic product
A very small form factor consumer electronic product includes at least a single piece housing having an integral front and side walls that cooperate to form a cavity in cooperation with a front opening where an edge of the side walls define a rear opening and at least some of the edges have flanges. The consumer electronic product also includes an user input assembly having a size and shape in accordance with the front opening and a clip assembly having a size and shape in accordance with the rear opening and having an external user actionable clip, a plurality of internal hooking features, and a plurality of internal latching features. The clip assembly is secured by engaging at least some of the hooking features and the flanges on the edges of the housing and engaging the latching features and corresponding attachment features on the internal support plate. |
| US08988838B2 |
Photovoltaic panel circuitry
Circuits integrated or integrable with a photovoltaic panel to provide built-in functionality to the photovoltaic panel including safety features such as arc detection and elimination, ground fault detection and elimination, reverse current protection, monitoring of the performance of the photovoltaic panel, transmission of the monitored parameters and theft prevention of the photovoltaic panel. The circuits may avoid power conversion, for instance DC/DC power conversion, may avoid performing maximum power tracking to include a minimum number of components and thereby increase overall reliability. |
| US08988836B2 |
Power circuit, and computer-readable recording medium storing a control program for power circuits
When an abnormality occurs in a refrigeration cycle, the inverter motor provided in the air conditioner is stopped reliably and contacts of the main relay are prevented from degradation and fusion. A power circuit 1 of the air conditioner includes a rectifier circuit RC, a capacitor C (smoothing unit), a main relay 10 provided on a current path between the rectifier circuit RC and the capacitor C, an inverter circuit 30, a microcomputer 100, and a delay circuit 40. The microcomputer 100 has an inverter circuit control unit 110, a main relay opening/closing control unit 120, a waveform forced cut-off unit 130, and a cut-off signal output unit 140. Where a high-pressure switch 200 (abnormality detection unit) detects a high-pressure abnormality and outputs a high-pressure abnormality signal to the waveform forced cut-off unit 130 when the main relay 10 is in a closed state, the waveform forced cut-off unit 130 electrically cuts off the inverter circuit control unit 110, and the cut-off signal output unit 140 outputs a cut-off signal, which sets the main relay 10 to the open state, to the main relay 10 via the delay circuit 40. |
| US08988828B2 |
Magnetic recording medium and magnetic storage apparatus
A magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, a magnetic layer including an alloy having an L10 type crystal structure, and a plurality of underlayers arranged between the substrate and the magnetic layer. At least one of the plurality of underlayers is a soft magnetic underlayer formed by an alloy having a hexagonal close packed (hcp) structure and including Co metal or Co as its main component, with a (11•0) plane oriented parallel to a surface of the substrate. |
| US08988827B1 |
Surface diffusion inhibitor for HAMR NFT
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a HAMR head including a near field transducer having an antenna, a surface diffusion inhibitor layer disposed on a portion of the antenna and an aperture disposed over the surface diffusion inhibitor layer. The surface diffusion inhibitor layer has a greater melting point than the antenna, and the surface diffusion inhibitor layer material is immiscible in the antenna material. |
| US08988820B1 |
Rotating device
A rotating device includes a hub on which a magnetic recording disk is to be mounted, a base supporting the hub in a freely rotatable manner through a fluid dynamic bearing, a stator core which is fixed to the base, and which includes an annular portion and multiple salient poles extending therefrom, coils wound around the respective salient poles, and a flexible printed board transmitting electrical power to the coils. A drawn wire of the coil is electrically connected with the flexible printed board at a connection position avoiding a location right below the coil where the drawn wire is drawn. |
| US08988819B2 |
Hard disk drive module having temperature detecting function
A hard disk drive module comprises a hard disk drive, a bracket, a hard disk drive backplane, and a temperature detecting circuit. The bracket supports the hard disk drive. The hard disk drive backplane is electrically connected to the hard disk drive. The temperature detecting circuit comprises a temperature detecting chip arranged on the bracket, and a cable connected between the temperature detecting chip and the hard disk drive backplane. |
| US08988817B1 |
Tape storage medium
A tape storage medium comprises at least one data band and the data band comprises a set of data sub-bands adjacent to each other. Each data sub-band contains a set of data tracks along a longitudinal extension of the tape storage medium and adjacent to each other. Each data sub-band of the set comprises a pair of servo tracks for supporting to determine positional information. The set of data tracks of each data sub-band is arranged between the servo tracks of the pair. The servo tracks of the pair contain the same servo pattern. |
| US08988812B1 |
Multi-sensor array configuration for a two-dimensional magnetic recording (TDMR) operation
A data storage device comprising a transducer that includes a sensor array comprising multiple read sensors in a down track direction. A first pair of sensors in the sensor array reads data from a track, and at least one read sensor reads noise from an adjacent track. |
| US08988810B1 |
Track measurement for data storage device
Track placement on a disk of a Data Storage Device (DSD) including writing test data in a plurality of sectors in a test track on the disk. An adjacent track on the disk is written offset from the test track by an offset distance. Data is read from the test track from an Off-Track Read Capability (OTRC) position outside of the test track. An OTRC value is determined for each sector of the plurality of sectors by varying the OTRC position and determining whether the sector meets a criterion for correctly reading data from the sector. An average OTRC value and a standard deviation are calculated for the plurality of sectors. If it is determined that the average OTRC value is greater than or equal to the predetermined multiple of the standard deviation of the OTRC values, the adjacent track is rewritten at a decreased offset distance. |
| US08988803B1 |
Pre-amplifier input stage for multi-element magneto-resistive heads
Individual magneto-resistive read elements are connected to the pre-amplifier through a multi-conductor transmission line; one side of each magneto-resistive read element is taken to a single common lead which is also received in the read pre-amplifier. Amplification and bias control are performed by the read pre-amplifier. A low-noise input stage amplifier configuration accommodates a shared common lead in a multi-head environment. Means for independently biasing the magneto-resistive read elements are also provided. Feedback loops are employed to regulate the operating points of the input stages, and to set the potential of the common head terminal. Two-dimensional magnetic recording system testability is enhanced by ability to multiplex any head to a single system output. |
| US08988802B1 |
Requirement relaxation for multiple readers in presence of large skew angle range
A readback signal from a first reader and a readback signal from a second reader are received, the first reader and the second reader configured to read two-dimensional data from at least one track of a recording media. A quality metric of the second reader is measured based on the readback signal. It is determined if the quality metric for the second reader is above a threshold. If the quality metric is above the threshold, the first reader and the second reader are used to read the data. |
| US08988801B2 |
Method and system for measuring noise of a magnetic head
A method for measuring noise of a magnetic head includes setting a plurality of threshold values, applying bias current or voltage to a read element of the magnetic head, applying an external transverse magnetic field to the magnetic head, amplifying output signal from the read element to produce an amplified signal, filtering the amplified signal to produce a filtered signal, generating an enable signal for each threshold value in a predetermined time window by a counting control means with input signals which include the filtered signal and the threshold value, measuring the cumulative time duration of each enable signal, making an amplitude-duration distribution according to the cumulative time durations and the threshold values, calculating a plurality of parameters according to the amplitude-duration distribution and analyzing the parameters with a plurality of predetermined criteria to determine the defects of the magnetic head. Accordingly, the invention also discloses a system for measuring noise of a magnetic head. |
| US08988800B1 |
Error correction for storage devices
Systems and techniques relating to storage devices, such as storage devices that employ Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR), can include a device, which includes: circuitry configured to write stored data and parity data to discrete portions of a Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR) track in a SMR storage device; and circuitry configured to recover stored data for one of the discrete portions of the SMR track using the parity data and the stored data read from remaining ones of the discrete portions of the SMR track. |
| US08988798B2 |
Iterative data storage read channel architecture
In one embodiment, a method for iterative read channel operation includes executing digital front-end (DFE) functions on signal samples employing decisions provided by a detector executing a detection algorithm, executing an error correcting code (ECC) decoding algorithm on the signal samples using a decoder employing the decisions provided by the detector to generate decisions provided by the decoder, storing the signal samples and the decisions provided by the detector and the decoder, and in an iterative process: executing the DFE functions on the signal samples employing the decisions provided by the decoder, executing the detection algorithm on the signal samples using the detector employing the decisions provided by the decoder to regenerate the decisions provided by the detector, executing the decoding algorithm using the decisions provided by the detector to regenerate the decisions provided by the decoder, and outputting decoding information when the decoding algorithm produces a valid codeword. |
| US08988794B2 |
Image pickup optical system and image pickup apparatus using the same
An image pickup optical system includes in order from an object side, a first lens having a positive refractive power, a second lens having a negative refractive power, a third lens having a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens having a negative refractive power. The first lens has a biconvex shape. An image-side surface of the second lens has a shape such that, a concave surface is directed toward an image side. At least an image-side surface of the third lens has a shape such that, a convex surface is directed toward the image side. An aperture is disposed nearest to the object side, and the following conditional expression (1) is satisfied: 0.9 |
| US08988790B2 |
Imaging lens
Disclosed herein is an imaging lens, including: a first lens having positive (+) power and being biconvex; a second lens having negative (−) power and being concave toward an image side; a third lens having positive (+) power and being biconvex; a fourth lens having positive (+) power and being convex toward the image side; and a fifth lens having negative (−) power and being concave toward the image side, wherein the first lens, the second lens, the third lens, the fourth lens, and the fifth lens are sequentially disposed from an object side. |
| US08988784B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
A zoom lens substantially consists of, in order from the object side, a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, a positive fourth lens group, and a negative fifth lens group. When varying magnification, the distances between adjacent lens groups are changed, while all of the lens groups are moved with respect to an image formation position. When focusing, only the fifth lens group is shifted. The fifth lens group has at least one negative lens and at least one positive lens. |
| US08988782B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, first to fourth lens units having negative, positive, negative, and positive refractive power, respectively. Each lens unit moves during zooming so that a distance between the first lens unit and the second lens unit at the telephoto end is shorter than at the wide-angle end and a distance between the second lens unit and the third lens unit and a distance between the third lens unit and the fourth lens unit at the telephoto end are larger than those at the wide-angle end. A focal length of the third and fourth lens units, a focal length of the entire zoom lens at the wide-angle end, a focal length of the entire zoom lens at the telephoto end, and a sum of axial thicknesses of the first to fourth lens units are appropriately set. |
| US08988780B2 |
Planapochromatically-corrected microscope objective
The invention relates to a planapochromatically-corrected immersion microscope objective for high-resolution microscopy applications with changing dispersive immersion conditions, having a plurality of lenses and/or subsystems (T1, T2, T3) comprising lens groups and a corrective function (LA2) for eliminating spherical aberrations. According to the invention, the microscope objective has an additional corrective function (LA1) for eliminating longitudinal chromatic aberrations caused by dispersive changes in the immersion by changing the air gaps between the lenses or gap combinations, wherein the influence on the longitudinal chromatic aberration corresponds to a rotation of the curve s(λ), which describes the color point (s) as a function of the wavelength (λ). |
| US08988777B2 |
Laser irradiation device and laser processing method
Provided is a laser irradiation device for use in laser processing, and a laser processing method performed using the same. Provided is a laser irradiation device including: a light source that emits a laser beam; and an irradiation optical system which has one or a plurality of lenses, and is provided for light-guiding and light-converging of the laser beam emitted from the light source to the target substance, in which a birefringent material is used as a material entity of at least one lens of the irradiation optical system. Also provided is a laser processing method. The irradiation optical system may have a beam expander having a first lens that is a concave lens or a convex lens, and a second lens that is a convex lens, in the order along the laser-beam travel direction, the beam expander being configured so as to make the interval between the first lens and the second lens variable, in which a birefringent material may be used as a material entity of the first lens and/or the second lens. Thus, the interval between the lenses can be changed by a convenient operation, whereby relative positions between the plurality of beam waists (interval) can be easily regulated. |
| US08988776B2 |
Multilayer optical film with output confinement in both polar and azimuthal directions and related constructions
A film includes microlayers arranged into optical repeat units. Adjacent microlayers have in-plane refractive index mismatches Δnx, Δny tailored to provide mirror-like on-axis properties, such that the film has a reflectivity for normally incident light in an extended wavelength band of at least 75% for any polarization. Adjacent microlayers also have a refractive index mismatch Δnz that provides the film with reduced reflectivity R1 and increased transmission for p-polarized light in the extended wavelength band incident on the film in a first plane of incidence at an angle θoblique, where R1 is no more than half of the minimum of on-axis reflectivity. Further, Δnx and Δny are different enough so that for light incident on the film in a second plane of incidence orthogonal to the first plane, the film has a reflectivity R2 of at least 75% for such light that is p-polarized and incident at any angle. |
| US08988774B2 |
Projector and projection screen
This projector includes a laser light generation portion, a projection portion scanning laser light, and a projection screen. The projection screen includes a lens member including a plurality of lens portions splitting the laser light and a diffusion member arranged to be opposed to the lens member, having an incident surface and a diffusion portion. The diffusion portion of the diffusion member is arranged at a position apart by a distance larger than the focal length of the lens member along an optical axis with respect to the optical principal surface of the lens member. |
| US08988768B2 |
Laser device
A laser device includes: an optical fiber amplifier that amplifies and emits a signal light; a control unit that controls pumping power for pumping the optical fiber amplifier; and a signal light detector that detects signal light being propagated to the optical fiber amplifier or an ASE photodetector that detects light that is emitted from the optical fiber amplifier and that has wavelength for which the gain is higher than for the signal light, wherein the control unit suppresses the pumping power for pumping the optical fiber amplifier, when the intensity of the signal light detected by the signal light detector becomes less than or equal to a predetermined signal reference value, or when the intensity of the spontaneously emitted light detected by the ASE photodetector becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined ASE reference value. |
| US08988757B2 |
Low vapor pressure solvent for electrochromic devices
The present invention provides an electrolyte for electrochromic devices, the substance comprising γ-butyrolactone (gamma-butyrolactone or GBL). The electrolyte may include polymethylmethacrylate. The electrolyte may further include a salt, such as a salt that includes lithium perchlorate or trifluorosulfonimide. In accordance with further aspects to the invention, the electrolyte may include propylene carbonate. |
| US08988756B2 |
Conductive busbars and sealants for chromogenic devices
This invention discloses conductive busbars and sealants for electrooptic devices including electrochromic mirrors and windows. The conductive busbars are formed from materials comprising nanoparticles, and the sealants comprise of additives that promote a two phase morphology and use of adhesion promotion additives with crosslinkers. Methods to deposit busbars and then to connect these busbars to electrical connectors are also disclosed. |
| US08988747B2 |
Image processing apparatus with improved color calculations
An image processing apparatus converts first color values in a first color space to second color values in a second color space for an objective color. If the objective color is not within a color reproduction space of an outputting device, the searching unit searches for a set of color values as base color values in the color reproduction space so that the set of color values minimizes a value of the color difference formula for the first color values. As the second color values, the searching unit determines a set of color values in a predetermine neighbor space of the base color values so that the determined set of color values minimizes a difference between property values on a color property of which the allowed color difference is smallest among the allowed color differences at the first color values. |
| US08988744B2 |
Image reader
An image reader is provided, which includes a light guide unit forming an optical path to guide light emitted by a first light emitting portion of a first reading unit to a second light receiving portion of a second reading unit, which optical path passes across a feeding path in a detection position such that a document sheet passing through the detection position on the feeding path blocks the light on the optical path, and a controller determining that a leading end or a trailing end of the document sheet passes through the detection position in response to detecting a change in a light receiving state of the second light receiving portion when the document sheet passes through the detection position with the first light emitting portion emitting light and a second light emitting portion of the second reading unit not emitting light. |
| US08988743B2 |
Document detecting apparatus, image forming apparatus and document detecting method
According to one embodiment, a document detecting apparatus includes a light-emitting element, a photoelectric conversion element, a light-emission controller and a detection processor. The light-emitting element projects light onto a detection position of a document. The light-emitting element is not used for reading an image of the document. The photoelectric conversion element converts light projected onto the detection position into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal. The light-emission controller changes the light quantity of the light emitted by the light-emitting element during a predetermined interval. The detection processor detects the presence or absence of the document at the detection position of the document based on whether a value of the output electric signal during the predetermined interval changes in correspondence to the change of the light quantity caused by the light-emission controller. |
| US08988742B2 |
Image sensor unit, paper sheet distinguishing apparatus, image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus
An image sensor unit includes a frame in which a light source and an image sensor are housed, and a cover member that is bonded to the frame. The cover member is bonded by means of a double-sided tape that includes a film-shaped substrate and adhesive layers formed on both sides of the substrate. Slits that extend from one outer edge in a width direction to an intermediate portion in the width direction and slits that extend from the other outer edge in the width direction to an intermediate portion in the width direction are formed in the double-sided tape. The respective slits that are adjacent include an overlapping portion when viewed in a long-side direction. |
| US08988741B2 |
Image scanning device
An image scanning device includes a scanning unit configured to scan, at a scanning position, an image of a document, a first discharge portion, a second discharge portion, a conveying unit configured to selectively convey the document along a first conveying path from the scanning position to the first discharge portion, and along a second conveying path from the scanning position to the second discharge portion, a driving unit configured to generate a driving force for driving the conveying unit, and a path switching unit configured to receive the driving force generated by the driving unit such that the path switching unit moves between a first position for guiding the document toward the first discharge portion, and a second position for guiding the document toward the second discharge portion. |
| US08988740B2 |
Scanning method and apparatus
A scanning method and apparatus. The method comprising the steps of: measuring an ambient video level using an area sensor under the control of a processor means; and calculating a gain and/or a exposure time and/or light source power for an actual flash video level using a stored reference flash video level and the measured ambient video level such that a summation of the actual flash video level and the ambient video level yields a desired video level in a scan image of the document using the calculated gain and/or exposure time and/or light source power. |
| US08988737B2 |
Communication system, relay device, and recording medium, providing communication between the relay device and a client device via a private network and an external device via a public network
A communication system includes a client device that does not include facsimile transmission functions, and a relay device. The relay device is communicably connected to the client device via a private network while also being communicably connected to an external device via a public network, includes facsimile transceiving functions that transmit and receive facsimiles via a public network line associated with the client device, and in response to facsimile transmission instructions for image information received from the client device via the private network, transmits to the external device a facsimile of the image information with added information on the public network line associated with the private network. |
| US08988736B2 |
Image forming apparatus that executes image-quality adjustment
An image forming apparatus includes: a job receiving unit that receives a job for executing printing; an image-quality-adjustment execution unit that executes a normal image-quality adjustment at an image-quality adjustment time and a prior image-quality adjustment before the image-quality adjustment time; an image-quality-setting receiving unit that receives an image-quality setting; a reply request unit that, within a specific state before the image-quality adjustment time since the job is received by the job receiving unit, requests a reply indicating whether to execute a prior image-quality adjustment if a specific condition for the reception of the image-quality setting is satisfied; and a printing execution unit that, if the reply indicates that the prior image-quality adjustment is to be executed, prints an image on a recording medium by executing the job after the image-quality-adjustment execution unit executes the prior image-quality adjustment. |
| US08988735B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method, and computer-readable storage medium to eliminate unevenness due to misregistration correction by adjusting mixture status
An image processing apparatus of one aspect of this invention detects a specific pattern corresponding to a fine pattern in the input image data, and detects pixels corresponding to the specific pattern. Furthermore, the image processing apparatus specifies a pixel, which corresponds to the detected specific pattern, and a degree of juxtaposition color mixture of which does not exhibit a value within a predetermined appropriate range, and executes, for the input image data, image processing (blur processing) for adjusting the degree of juxtaposition color mixture, which represents a color mixture state when dots of respective colors formed using pixel values of respective colors included in the input image data are superposed on each other, of the specified pixel to fall within the predetermined appropriate range. |
| US08988734B2 |
Image processing apparatus and control method configured to complement a recording amount assigned to defective nozzles
An image processing apparatus for forming an image by performing a plurality of times of recording on a same region of a recording medium by using a recording head including a plurality of recording elements for each of a first color material and a second color material, and a generation unit configured to generate recording data corresponding to each scan of the first color material and the second color material, wherein the generation unit generates, in a case where a defective recording element occurs among the plurality of recording elements for recording the first color material, recording data corresponding to each scan of the first color material by complementing a recording amount assigned to the defective recording element so that impact order between the first color material and the second color material is not changed. |
| US08988730B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method thereof
When a recording agent amount limiting process is carried out, a color reproduction range is narrowed, and therefore gradation properties of dark areas are deteriorated and information originally held by an image is sometimes undesirably lost. By obtaining (401) a colorant amount for each target pixel of input color image data, calculating (402) a colorant amount of a peripheral area of the target pixel, and correcting (400) a density range of the input color image data based on the colorant amount of the target pixel and the colorant amount of the peripheral area of the target pixel, amounts of recording agent are limited and reductions in image quality are prevented. |
| US08988728B2 |
Calibration method executed in image forming apparatus
A determination unit determines density correction characteristics to be applied to correct density characteristics based on a reading result obtained by a reading unit. A measuring unit measures a density value of the image pattern formed on the image carrier by the image forming unit at the first image forming speed by applying the density correction characteristics. A reference density value storage unit stores, as a reference density value, the density value of the image pattern measured by the measuring unit. A creation unit creates modification data to modify the density correction characteristics for a second image forming speed from a difference between a density value of an image pattern formed on the image carrier by the image forming unit at the second image forming speed by applying the density correction characteristics, and the reference density value stored in the reference density value storage unit. |
| US08988727B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image formation stopping unit that, in a case of comparing the length of recording paper to actually be fed with the length of recording paper set and having determined that the recording paper length detected by a recording paper length detecting unit is shorter than the length of the recording paper input through a recording paper size inputting unit, causes an image forming operation to a photoconductor by the image forming unit to stop before an image formation length in a vertical scanning direction by the image forming unit reaches a recording paper length according to the recording paper length detecting unit. |
| US08988726B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of correcting trasport position displacement of recording sheet
An image forming apparatus includes a high speed correction mode in which, at the time of a successive image forming process on a plurality of recording sheets, a preset number of recording sheets among the plurality of recording sheets are subjected to image formation based on a corrected image writing position, and other recording sheets are subjected to image formation based on the corrected image writing position; and a linear correction mode in which the plurality of recording sheets are subjected to image formation based on the corrected image writing position; and performs switching to either one of the high speed correction mode and the linear correction mode according to a correction amount βb for a recording sheet detected at the time of image formation with respect to a correction amount βa for the preset number of recording sheets. |
| US08988721B2 |
Printing apparatus and method for controlling a timing at which print data and status information communication ports are opened
A status information communication port for notifying a host apparatus of an error that has occurred during initialization of a printer engine, and a print data communication port for receiving print data sent from the host apparatus are respectively opened at appropriate timings. For example, the status information communication port is opened in response to completion of initialization of an interface, and the print data communication port is opened in response to completion of the initialization of the printer engine. |
| US08988718B2 |
Method and program for producing printed matter
This disclosure discloses a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, storing a program for executing steps. The steps comprising a first storage processing step for obtaining a plurality of print data, a capacity obtaining step for obtaining a storage capacity of the storage portion of the printed matter producing apparatus, a data allocation step for grouping the plurality of print data into a plurality of print data groups, so that each data volume is not more than the predetermined storage capacity and for determining allocation of the print data to be included in each print data group so that the number of the print data groups becomes the minimum, a second storage processing step for storing the plurality of print data so that they can be read for each print data group, and a first data transmission step for sequentially transmitting the print data to the printed matter producing apparatus. |
| US08988714B2 |
Printer system and printer
A printer system includes a host computer which transmits printing data; and a printer which receives and prints the printing data transmitted from the host computer, wherein second printing data following after first printing data is transmitted from the host computer to the printer before a predetermined time at which printing of the first printing data in the printer ends. |
| US08988712B2 |
Setting value management system, setting value management method, setting value management service apparatus, image forming apparatus, and computer-readable medium
A setting value management service apparatus which is communicably connected to at least one image forming apparatus and manages configuration data of the image forming apparatus, comprises: a holding unit configured to hold configuration data of the image forming apparatus; an update unit configured to update configuration data held in the holding unit; and a communication unit configured to transmit/receive configuration data of the image forming apparatus to/from the image forming apparatus, wherein the configuration data contains control information about permission of update, and the communication unit transmits, to the image forming apparatus in accordance with the control information, configuration data, update of which is permitted for the setting value management service apparatus, out of configuration data held in the holding unit. |
| US08988711B2 |
Non-transitory computer readable recording medium storing print job generating program, print job generating device, and print system for performing post-processing in accordance with selected post-processing functions
A non-transitory computer readable recording medium stores a print job generating program that causes a computer to perform as a setting unit, and a print job generating unit that generates a print job, based on a content of setting that is set using the setting unit by a user. In a print system environment that executes a process based on the print job, a first setting for not performing a first process, regardless of a print setting included in the print job, has been made in the print system environment for a first function of a first post-processing device included in an image forming device. The setting unit allows the user to set, alternatively to the first process, a second process performed by a second function of a second post-processing device included in the print system environment. |
| US08988709B2 |
Modem control apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium
This invention provides a mechanism which can attain at least one of an accurate measurement of a T0 timer and appropriate control of a CNG output timing in a FAX communication using AT commands. To accomplish this, in a modem control apparatus for controlling a modem using AT commands, the modem is set in a voice mode, an AT command including a dial number is sent to the modem set in the voice mode, the modem is set in a facsimile mode after completion of the dialing in the modem, and an AT command including no dial number is sent to the modem set in the facsimile mode so as to control the modem to begin to output a calling tone. |
| US08988706B2 |
Printer data collection cable
Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for managing and exchanging printer data. |
| US08988699B2 |
Device, information processing apparatus, information processing system, control method, and program
There are cases where an OS running on an information processing apparatus cannot automatically prompt the user to enter user input information at the time of an output operation. In such cases, where the user cannot enter user input information at the time of an output operation, a device cannot acquire user input information necessary to output print data.When the information processing apparatus receives an instruction from the device, the information processing apparatus transmits user input information to the device. |
| US08988687B2 |
Matrix for detection/analysis of residues
Provided is a device and method for detecting the presence of a material in a gaseous medium, including a reaction assembly including at least one detection unit including a matrix adapted for exposure to the gaseous medium, such that at least part of the gaseous medium comes into contact with the matrix; the matrix being configured for capturing a gas-born particle of a material carried by the gaseous medium, and for permitting a liquid or solute reagent to come in contact with the matrix, thereby enabling said liquid reagent to react with said particle to yield an optically altered reaction product. |
| US08988685B2 |
Portable spectrophotometer and method for characterising solar collector tubes
Portable spectrophotometer and method for characterizing solar collector tubes for simultaneously and on-field characterizing reflection and transmission coefficients. This device includes all the components needed to take this measurement, such as a module that takes the measurement of the reflection coefficient (R) of the inner tube (1′), a module that takes the measurement of transmission coefficient (T) of the outer tube (1″), an electronic data acquisition and processing system (12), an external computer (13) for controlling the device and sending the measured data (17) and a communication system (15) between device and the computer (13). |
| US08988684B1 |
System and method for measuring fluorescence of a sample
The present disclosure provides a system and a method for measuring fluorescence of a sample. The sample may be a polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) array, a loop-mediated-isothermal amplification array, etc. LEDs are used to excite the sample, and a photodiode is used to collect the sample's fluorescence. An electronic offset signal is used to reduce the effects of background fluorescence and the noises from the measurement system. An integrator integrates the difference between the output of the photodiode and the electronic offset signal over a given period of time. The resulting integral is then converted into digital domain for further processing and storage. |
| US08988681B2 |
Spray droplet sizer
A spray sizer is provided that can measure the average droplet size in a spray. The spray sizer first separates a section of the spray for measurement. This section of the spray is passed through an optical droplet counter and the number of the droplets is measured while the droplets are collected after counting. The volume of the collected droplets is determined and it is divided by the total number of the droplets. This provides and average droplet diameter for the spray. |
| US08988679B2 |
SERS nanotag assays
A method of producing a surface enhanced Raman scattering spectrum which is useful for certain types of assays, in particular proximity assays. The method includes providing two SERS-active nanoparticles. The first SERS-active nanoparticle will absorb a photon at a first wavelength and emit a Raman-shifted photon at a second wavelength. The second SERS-active nanoparticle will absorb a photon at the second wavelength and emit a Raman-shifted photon at a third wavelength. Accordingly, when the first and second SERS-active nanoparticles are proximate to one another and the first SERS-active nanoparticle is illuminated at the first wavelength a Raman-shifted photon at the second wavelength may be emitted. This photon can be absorbed by the second SERS-active nanoparticle causing detectable emission of a second Raman-shifted photon at the third wavelength. Various assays may be designed based upon the above. Proximity assays using two SERS-active nanoparticles will have advantageous background signal characteristics. |
| US08988677B2 |
Cuvette and optical method
A unit is provided comprising an array (2) of sample containers (1), said containers, being connected together and arranged in a planar configuration, each container having multiple optically transparent windows arranged such that the sample contained therein can be interrogated using simultaneous multiple optical analytical techniques, the array of containers being configured so as to allow optical access to the windows of each container in the array. Also provided is an apparatus comprising such a unit, a system comprising a combination of such an apparatus and unit and a method of analyzing multiple samples by introducing each individual sample into an individual container of such an apparatus, illuminating the samples and detecting and analyzing light emerging therefrom. |
| US08988671B2 |
BOTDA system that combined optical pulse coding techniques and coherent detection
A BOTDA system that combined optical pulse coding techniques and coherent detection includes a narrow linewidth laser, two polarization-maintaining couplers, microwave generator, two electro-optic modulators (EOMs), fiber under test, an optical circulator, a 3 dB coupler, a polarization scrambler, a pulse generator, a balance photodetector, an electrical spectrum analyzer, digital signal processing unit and a frequency shifter. The optical pulse coding techniques and coherent detection are simultaneously used in the invented system, which can be enhance the signal-to-noise ration (SNR), the measuring accuracy and the sensing distance of BOTDA. Moreover, the proposed system has the capacity of break interrogation. |
| US08988670B2 |
Apparatus for simultaneously inspecting and cleaning fiber connector
The fiberscope for inspecting and cleaning a fiber connector simultaneously includes a housing with a front panel, a microscope system, a connector holder mounted at a distance from the front panel for receiving a connector ferrule of a fiber connector, and a translation stage for moving the microscope system transversely to align its optical axis with the connector ferrule. The fiberscope further includes a hand knob attached to a fine screw through the connector holder for adjusting the vertical position of the connector ferrule, a mirror pivotally mounted between the connector holder and the front panel, an LED lamp, air nozzles attached to the front panel, and a cleaning air tube for supplying compressed air to the air nozzles. The cleaning air from the air nozzles spray sideways onto the fiber endfaces so that the cleaning air bounces off sideways to avoid secondary contamination. |
| US08988667B2 |
Halogen gas sensor comprising cobalt
A method of halogen gas monitoring includes contacting room air to be monitored with a halogen sensor including a cobalt or cobalt alloy layer. The halogen sensor exhibits a detectable change in at least one property upon contact with a halogen gas. A measurement from the halogen sensor is obtained after the contacting. The presence of the halogen gas is monitored based on the measurement. |
| US08988662B1 |
Time-of-flight calculations using a shared light source
In some embodiments, distances associated with a surface may be calculated using time-of-flight (ToF) of a plurality of pulses of light occurring at a predetermined frequency. Reflected light from a light emitter may be captured by two or more light sensors. At least one light sensor may be located in a sensor pod that is separate from the light emitter, which may be housed in an emitter pod with or without a light sensor. The sensor pod may be synchronized with the emitter pod to enable ToF of light distance calculations. The calculated distance may be used to determine movement of a surface and/or one or more pixels of a surface. In some instances, the calculated distance may be used to identify a profile of a surface, which may then be used associate the profile with an object, a command, or another association. |
| US08988660B2 |
Optical detector
A technique includes using an emitter of an optical detector to emit a first optical signal and a receiver to acquire measurement of a second optical signal generated due to interaction of the first optical signal with a target. The technique includes scaling the acquired measurement based on a measure of optical crosstalk communication between the emitter and the receiver. |
| US08988658B2 |
Inspection apparatus to detect a target located within a pattern for lithography
The invention relates to detecting targets located within patterns. The invention operates in the pupil plane by filtering the fourier transform from the surrounding pattern. In particular the method includes performing a fourier transform on reflected radiation data to form fourier transform data; removing portions of the fourier transform data which correspond to the target to form reduced fourier transform data; interpolating the portions of the reduced fourier transform data which were removed, to form product fourier transform data; and subtracting the product fourier transform data from the fourier transform data. |
| US08988657B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus having a component that moves in a first direction, the component including a passive gas flow system. The passive gas flow system has a gas inlet to drive gas into the passive gas flow system when the component moves in the first direction and a gas outlet, connected to the gas inlet by a gas conduit, to direct the gas that is driven into the passive gas flow system in a certain direction. |
| US08988654B2 |
Support elements for an optical element
Support elements for an optical element and a method for supporting an optical element are disclosed. The disclosure can be used in connection with arbitrary optical apparatuses or optical imaging methods. In particular, the disclosure can be used in connection with the microlithography employed in the manufacture of microelectronic circuits. |
| US08988652B2 |
Method and apparatus for ultraviolet (UV) patterning with reduced outgassing
A method and apparatus for ultraviolet (UV) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography patterning is provided. A UV or EUV light beam is generated and directed to the surface of a substrate disposed on a stage and coated with photoresist. A laminar flow of a layer of inert gas is directed across and in close proximity to the substrate surface coated with photoresist during the exposure, i.e. lithography operation. The inert gas is exhausted quickly and includes a short resonance time at the exposure location. The inert gas flow prevents flue gasses and other contaminants produced by outgassing of the photoresist, to precipitate on and contaminate other features of the lithography apparatus. |
| US08988647B2 |
System for cooling an electronic image assembly with manifolds and ambient gas
A method for cooling an electronic image assembly using ambient gas. Exemplary embodiments of the method include the steps of circulating a closed loop of circulating gas around the electronic image assembly, directing a flow of ambient air through a first manifold, allowing the flow of ambient air to cross the flow of circulating gas without allowing the two to mix, directing the flow of ambient air behind the electronic image assembly and directing the flow of ambient air through a second manifold. The circulating gas may be used to cool a front portion of the electronic image assembly. A cross through plate may be used to allow the ambient gas and circulating gas to cross paths without mixing. A heat exchanger may be included with some embodiments of the method. |
| US08988646B2 |
Method for adjusting amount of liquid crystal in an LCD device including reducing the thickness of a seal member to form a repair region by laser heating a metal pattern thereunder
A method for adjusting an amount of liquid crystal in a liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes injecting a liquid crystal into a liquid crystal receiving space. The liquid crystal receiving space is disposed between a first substrate, a second substrate that faces the first substrate, and a sealing member interposed between the first and second substrates. The method for adjusting an amount of liquid crystal in a liquid crystal display (LCD) device further includes reducing a thickness of the sealing member at a predetermined portion of the sealing member to form a repair region, and pressurizing the liquid crystal to break the sealing member at the repair region to discharge some of the liquid crystal from the liquid crystal receiving space, so as to adjust the amount of the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal receiving space. The method for adjusting an amount of liquid crystal in a liquid crystal display (LCD) device also includes resealing the broken repair region of the sealing member. |
| US08988639B2 |
Method for fabricating a liquid crystal display device comprising an alignment film that includes a photolytic polymer and a non-photolytic polymer
A method for fabricating a liquid crystal display device including a TFT substrate having an alignment film formed thereon, an opposing substrate, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched therebetween. The alignment film on the TFT substrate includes a photolytic polymer made from a first precursor including cyclobutane, and a non-photolytic polymer made from a second precursor. The method includes the steps of depositing a mixture material including the first precursor and the second precursor in which the second precursor settles more on an upper surface of the TFT substrate than the first precursor, imidizing the mixture material, and irradiating the mixture material with ultraviolet light for photo-alignment, and after irradiating, heating the mixture material to form the alignment film. |
| US08988638B2 |
Polarizing retro-reflective sheeting comprising a cholesteric liquid crystal polymer film
A polarization-sensitive beaded retro-reflective sheeting having cholesteric liquid crystal material as the specular reflective coating and methods of making the same are described. |
| US08988637B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
To suppress light leakage at the time of dark state, and to provide a liquid crystal display device whose electrodes in the reflection areas can be formed with high precision. The liquid crystal display device has a reflection area within a pixel unit by corresponding at least to a reflection plate forming part, and the reflection area is driven with a lateral electric field mode and normally-white. A driving electrode for forming an electric field to a liquid crystal layer of the reflection area is formed on the reflection plate via an insulating film by using a non-transparent electric conductor. |
| US08988630B2 |
Back frame and backlight system
The present invention provides a back frame of flat panel display device and a backlight system. The back frame includes primary assembling pieces, secondary assembling pieces, and a bracing piece for fixing a circuit board. The at least two primary assembling pieces are connected through joining and the two primary assembling pieces use different thermally conductive materials. Further, the primary assembling piece includes a joint section that forms a reinforcement structure and a circuit board is mountable and position adjustable through a bracing piece. The present invention also provides a backlight system. The back frame and the backlight system of the present invention have a back frame of simple structure, reduce the expenditure of a back frame mold, facilitate heat dissipation, allow strength of the back frame to meet a desired requirement, improve fixing of circuit board, and save the material used for back frame so as to lower down the manufacturing cost of flat panel display device. |
| US08988629B2 |
Flat panel display device, stereoscopic display device, and plasma display device
The present invention provides a flat panel display device, which includes a backlight system and a display panel. The backlight system includes a light source, a light homogenization mechanism, and a back frame. The back frame carries the light source and the light homogenization mechanism, and the light homogenization mechanism guides light from the light source into the display panel. The back frame includes primary assembling pieces, secondary assembling pieces, and a bracing piece for fixing a circuit board. The back frame includes a reinforcement structure formed on a joint section of a primary assembling piece so as to make the overall strength of the back frame meeting the required strength. The bracing piece includes a bracing body, a first suspension section, a first bearing section, and a first resilient bent section and the bracing piece overcomes the problem that a circuit board cannot be easily fixed. The present invention also provides a stereoscopic display device and a plasma display device. The present invention has a back frame having a simple structure, reduces the expenditure of the back frame mold, and also saves the material used for back frame so as to lower down the cost of flat panel display device. |
| US08988622B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display and manufacturing method thereof
An OLED display includes an organic layer formed using a printing method. A method for manufacturing the OLED display includes: forming a pixel circuit on a substrate; forming a planarization layer on the substrate to cover the pixel circuit, where the planarization layer includes heat generation particles; forming a pixel electrode and a pixel defining layer on the planarization layer; forming an organic layer by discharging ink on the pixel electrode and drying the ink by generating heat from the heat generation particles through microwave irradiation; and forming a common electrode on the organic layer. |
| US08988620B2 |
Liquid crystal based analyte detection
The present invention relates to the field of detection of viruses, and in particular to detection of viruses using a liquid crystal assay format. In the present invention, virus binding in a detection region is identified by changes in liquid crystal orientation caused by virus binding independent orientation caused by any topography associated with the detection region. |
| US08988618B2 |
Stereoscopic display comprising a phase retarder having a plurality of first and second strip shapes and a plurality of board-like structures disposed in a liquid-crystal layer
The present invention discloses a stereoscopic display, which includes a phase retarder a display panel, and board-like structures. The phase retarder has a plurality of first strip shapes and a plurality of second strip shapes. The first strip shapes and the second strip shapes are alternately arranged. The display panel has a plurality of pixels. The pixels are arranged into a plurality of pixel rows corresponding to the first strip shapes and the second strip shapes. The board-like structures are disposed in the liquid-crystal layer of the display panel. The pixel rows are respectively separated from each other by the board-like structures, thereby reducing a crosstalk phenomenon. |
| US08988614B2 |
Peak time power saving
Systems, methods, and devices enabling peak time power savings are disclosed. An indication of a peak usage period may be processed, the indication received by a television receiver from a service provider. A power savings mode may be selected from operating modes based at least in part on the indication. Configuration information related to the power savings mode may be processed. The television receiver may be configured according to the configuration information related to the power savings mode at a first time corresponding to the peak usage period. The television receiver may operate in conformity with the power savings mode after the first time. The television receiver may be configured according to a second operating mode at a second time after the first time. The television receiver may operate in conformity with the second operating mode after the second time corresponding to the peak usage period. |
| US08988611B1 |
Private movie production system and method
A movie production system includes a computer system having machine readable memory and at least one processor executing a plurality of program modules. The computer system includes actor defined scene input data stored on the memory and that defines one or more scenes to be included in a movie produced the computer system. The program modules include a screenplay module, a virtual director module, and a movie compiler module. The screenplay module generates a screenplay that includes a sequence of scenes based on the actor defined scene input data. The virtual director module is in operable communication with movie-making equipment at a movie set where the movie is shot and provides visual and/or audible cues to the actor while acting the screenplay, indicating a change of scenes in the sequence of scenes. The movie compiler module receives video and audio data from the movie-making equipment and compiles the movie. |
| US08988609B2 |
Scheme for determining the locations and timing of advertisements and other insertions in media
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs adapted to cause a processor based system to execute steps that include analyzing an image, identifying one or more faces in the image using a face recognition technique, designating at least one of the identified faces collectively as a first area of interest, and determining whether an insertion area exists in the image where additional content can be inserted without obstructing the first area of interest. Another computer program is adapted to cause a processor based system to execute steps that include determining whether the insertion area can be divided into two or more regions based on color. Methods and processor based apparatuses that perform one or more of these steps are also disclosed. |
| US08988607B2 |
Digital broadcast receiver and method for processing caption thereof
A digital cable broadcast receiver and a method for automatically processing caption data of various standards and types, is disclosed. The digital broadcast receiver includes: a demultiplexer for dividing a received broadcast stream into video data, audio data, supplementary information; a controller for determining whether caption data included in the video data is digital caption data or analog caption data on the basis of caption information included in the supplementary information, and outputting a control signal according to a result of the determining; a digital caption decoder for extracting and decoding digital caption data from the video data according to the control signal; and an analog caption decoder for extracting and decoding analog caption data from the video data according to the control signal. |
| US08988603B2 |
Imaging unit and installation device
An imaging unit includes an imaging device that transmits an image data to an external display device; and an installation portion that is attachable to and detachable from the display device. The imaging device includes a communication part that transmits an image data to the display device, an outer barrel, and an imaging element. The installation portion includes a slider that is slidable with respect to the outer barrel, a first attached body that is connected to the slider, a second attached body that can change its gap with the first attached body, and a biasing member that biases the first attached body and the second attached body in a direction in which a gap therebetween becomes narrowed, in which the display device is grasped by the first attached body and the second attached body. |
| US08988600B2 |
Support, imaging apparatus, and connection method for an imaging apparatus
A support according to an embodiment is a support that supports a wiring board including a mounting area for an image sensor, a first lead area extending from the mounting area and having a first connection terminal formed therein, and a second lead area extending from the mounting area and having a second connection terminal formed therein. |
| US08988598B2 |
Methods of controlling image sensors using modified rolling shutter methods to inhibit image over-saturation
An image capture device includes an image sensor having an array of pixels therein, which are configured to receive light reflected from an object during an image capture time interval. A light source is provided, which is configured to project light to the object during at least a portion of the image capture time interval. A control circuit/unit is provided, which is electrically coupled to the image sensor and the light source. This control circuit is configured to drive the light source with signals that cause the light source to project light to the object without interruption during at least a first time interval when all rows of a frame of pixels within the array are being sequentially read and during a second time interval when all rows of the frame of pixels within the array are being sequentially read. |
| US08988596B2 |
Imaging device and control method for imaging device
An imaging device comprising an imaging section for repeatedly forming subject images at a set period, while performing a bulb exposure operation, and outputting image data; an adding processing section for performing adding processing of the image data and previously output image data; an added image storage section for sequentially storing a plurality of added images that have been determined by the adding processing section; and a selection section for selecting any of the plurality of added images that have been stored in the added image storage section, after completion of the bulb exposure operation. |
| US08988595B2 |
Focus detection apparatus, image pickup apparatus, image pickup system, focus detection method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
A focus detection apparatus performs focus detection by a phase difference method using an image pickup element including first and second pixels, the focus detection apparatus includes a correlation data calculator which calculates correlation data between pixel data obtained from the first pixels and the second pixels in ranges of image data, a detector which detects a saturated pixel having a level of at least a predetermined value in each of the ranges, an adding processor which performs an addition processing of the correlation data calculated in each of the ranges based on a detection result, and a defocus amount calculator which calculates a defocus amount based on a result of the addition processing, and the adding processor performs the addition processing using correlation data obtained from a first range in which the number of the saturated pixels is less than a predetermined number. |
| US08988588B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, first and third lens units having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, and a rear lens group. The first lens unit is closer to the object side at a telephoto end than at a wide angle end. The second lens unit is closer to the image side at the telephoto end than at the wide angle end. A distance between the second lens unit and the third lens unit at the telephoto end, focal lengths at the wide angle end and the telephoto end, respectively, a focal length of the second lens unit, and an amount of movement of the second lens unit in an optical axis direction during zooming from the wide angle end to the telephoto end are appropriately set. |
| US08988587B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus having the same
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having negative refractive power, a second lens unit having positive refractive power, a third lens unit having negative refractive power, and a fourth lens unit having positive refractive power. During zooming, a distance between every adjacent lens unit from the first to fourth lens units varies. A focal length fw of the entire zoom lens at a wide-angle end, a focal length f1 of the first lens unit, and a focal length f4 of the fourth lens unit are appropriately set according to predetermined mathematical conditions. |
| US08988585B2 |
Focus adjustment apparatus
A focus adjustment apparatus includes a diaphragm aperture adjustment unit configured to adjust a diaphragm aperture area of a photographic lens, a focus detection unit configured to detect a defocusing amount by using a pair of light fluxes passed through different areas of the photographic lens, a detection result correction unit configured to calculate, during focus detection after the diaphragm aperture area has changed by a value equal to or larger than a predetermined value, a reduced defocusing amount correction value with respect to the defocusing amount, and a focus adjustment unit configured to execute control to adjust a focus based on the defocusing amount correction value. |
| US08988584B2 |
Imaging apparatus
A camera includes an imaging device; a phase difference detection unit configured to, in parallel with receipt of the light from the subject by the imaging device, perform phase difference detection using the light to detect a defocus amount of the subject; a focus lens group; a body control section configured to move the focus lens group based on the defocus amount detected by the phase difference detection unit to bring the subject into focus; and an image display section for selecting a subject to be in focus from subjects included in an image signal. The body control section is configured to, when the subject to be in focus is selected, move the focus lens group to bring the selected subject into focus. The body control section adjusts a focusing time depending on the defocus amount detected before the movement of the focus lens group. |
| US08988580B2 |
Projector device and method for projecting pictures on a projection screen
In a method for projecting pictures onto a projection using a projector device, the method triggers a camera of the projector device to capture an image of the projection screen displaying a first picture, and obtains the image of the projection screen from the camera. The method obtains a position, a size and a slant degree of the second picture, and notifies the second electronic device to send the second picture to the projector device. The method processes the second picture according to the obtained position and size and slant degree, and integrates the first picture and the second picture by processing the second picture sent from the electronic device according to the obtained position, size and slant degree, and triggers the first projecting unit to project the integrated picture onto the projection screen. |
| US08988577B2 |
Digital image processing apparatus and method for simultaneously displaying input image and setting information on display screen
A digital image processing apparatus, which displays a setting item designated by a user together with a setting status of a setting value for the setting item to allow the user to efficiently set items necessary for photographing and/or other operations, and a control method for the apparatus. The apparatus includes: a body; and a display unit on the body where setting information is displayed, wherein a display screen displayed on the display unit includes: a selection region where at least one setting item is displayed; and an adjustment region where a currently set current setting value is displayed together with candidate setting values that can be set for at least one of the at least one setting item. |
| US08988574B2 |
Information communication method for obtaining information using bright line image
An information communication method that enables communication between various devices includes: setting an exposure time of an image sensor so that, in an image obtained by capturing a subject by the image sensor, a plurality of bright lines corresponding to a plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appear according to a change in luminance of the subject; obtaining a bright line image including the plurality of bright lines, by capturing the subject changing in luminance by the image sensor with the set exposure time; and obtaining information by demodulating data specified by a pattern of the plurality of bright lines included in the obtained bright line image, wherein exposure starts sequentially for the plurality of exposure lines each at a different time, and exposure of each of the plurality of exposure lines starts a predetermined blank time after exposure of its adjacent exposure line ends. |
| US08988573B2 |
Method for driving photoelectric conversion apparatus
In a photoelectric conversion apparatus including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each pixel including a photoelectric conversion unit, first and second holding units that hold electric charge, a first transfer unit that connects the photoelectric conversion unit and the first holding unit, a second transfer unit that connects the first and second holding units, and a third transfer unit that connects the photoelectric conversion unit and a power supply, each pixel is controlled so that the potential of the third transfer unit for electric charge held in the photoelectric conversion unit is higher than that of the first transfer unit at least during a charge accumulation period of the pixel, and thereafter, the potential of the third transfer unit is higher than that of the photoelectric conversion unit while the potentials of the first and second transfer units are lower than that of the photoelectric conversion unit. |
| US08988571B2 |
Solid-state image sensor
A pixel area with a two-dimensional array of pixels (10) each including a photodiode and a memory area (3a) on which memory sections for holding signals produced by the pixels for continuously recordable frames are separately provided on a semiconductor substrate. All the pixels simultaneously perform a photocharge storage operation, and the signals produced by the photocharge storage are extracted in parallel through mutually independent pixel output lines (14). In a plurality of memory sections connected to one pixel output line, a sample-and-hold transistor of a different memory section is turned on for each exposure cycle so as to sequentially hold signals in a capacitor of each memory section. After the continuous imaging is completed, all the pixel are sequentially read. Unlike CCD cameras, the present sensor does not simultaneously drive all the gate loads. Therefore, the sensor consumes less power yet can be driven at high speeds. The separation between the memory area and pixel area prevents signals from deterioration due to an intrusion of excessive photocharges. As a result, the sensor can perform imaging operations at higher speeds than ever before and yet capture images with higher qualities. |
| US08988569B2 |
Image pickup unit and image pickup display system
An image pickup unit includes: an image pickup section including a plurality of pixels, each of the pixels including a photoelectric conversion device; and a drive section driving each of the pixels to perform a readout operation, a pre-reset operation, and a main reset operation in this order, the readout operation being intended to read out charge from each of the pixels as a signal, the charge being obtained from the photoelectric conversion device, and the pre-reset operation and the main reset operation being intended to reset the charge in the each of the pixels. The drive section applies a voltage to the photoelectric conversion device, the voltage being different between in the pre-reset operation and in the main reset operation. |
| US08988564B2 |
Digital camera with light splitter
A digital camera component is described that has a light splitter cube having an entrance face to receive incident light from a camera scene. The cube splits the incident light into first, second, and third color components that emerge from the cube through a first face, a second face, and a third face of the cube, respectively. First, second, and third image sensors are provided, each being positioned to receive a respective one of the color components that emerge from the first, second, and third faces of the cube. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08988562B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
Defective pixels are to be selected so as not to cause image degradation. A defective pixel correction unit 13 in an image processing apparatus 1 obtains an imaging signal a12 from an imaging sensor 16 via a gain adjustment unit 12, and calculates an absolute value for the pixel value difference between a pixel to be tested for a defect of the imaging sensor 16 and each of its surrounding pixels, respectively. Next, the defective pixel correction unit 13 compares the differential with a defective pixel determination threshold value and determines the pixel being tested as defective, if the differential is greater than the threshold value. It should be noted that the threshold value is changed according to the magnitude of an image transition, by detecting the image transition of a video signal a14 in an image transition detection unit 15. |
| US08988561B2 |
Imaging apparatus having temperature sensor within image sensor wherein apparatus outputs an image whose quality does not degrade if temperature increases within image sensor
An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor that comprises a pixel portion having a plurality of pixel sensors configured to generate an image signal, and a plurality of temperature sensors disposed in an area of the pixel portion and configured to generate a temperature signal corresponding to a detected temperature, and a correction unit configured to correct the image signal from the plurality of image sensors according to the temperature detected by the plurality of temperature sensors. |
| US08988558B2 |
Image overlay in a mobile device
Image overlay in a mobile device is described. In one embodiment an imaging system of a mobile communications device includes a first camera having a control interface to a controller and a data interface to the controller, a second camera having a data interface to the first camera, and a processor to combine an image from the second camera received through the second camera data interface with an image from the first camera and to send the combined image to the controller through the data interface. |
| US08988557B2 |
System and method for automatic format selection for digital photographs
A system and method for automatically determine whether an image captured by a digital camera should be stored in a raw format or a compressed format. After an image is captured by the digital camera, the digital camera checks certain sets of characteristics of the captured image to check the image quality. If the image quality falls within an acceptable range, then the digital camera saves the image in a compressed format. If the captured image does not fall within predetermined quality levels, then the captured image is save in raw format for later processing. |
| US08988555B2 |
Digital image signal processing apparatus and method for performing continuous photographing
Provided is a digital image signal processing method and apparatus which generates a first continuous-captured image in a continuous-photographing mode, generates a first name of the first continuous-captured image according to DCF rules, generates a second name of a second continuous-captured image following the first continuous-captured image according to the DCF rules, generates first continuous-photographing number information indicating an order of continuous-photographing of the first continuous-captured image, and generates a first file comprising the first continuous-captured image, the first name, the second name, and the first continuous-photographing number information. In this way, continuous-captured images and images obtained before and after the continuous-captured images can be effective played back. |
| US08988551B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting flicker in camera module
An apparatus and method for detecting flicker in a camera module is provided. The method including generating a first image frame and a second image frame, setting up a first sampling area in the first image frame and a second sampling area in the second image frame, sampling a plurality of horizontal lines from among all of the horizontal lines contained in each of the first sampling area and the second sampling area, accumulating brightness values of pixels located on each of the sampled horizontal lines to generate first accumulated brightness values for the first image frame and second accumulated brightness values for the second image frame, and detecting flicker based on the first accumulated values and the second accumulated values, wherein the first sampling area and the second sampling area have the same sizes and the same horizontal starting points but have different vertical starting points. |
| US08988542B2 |
Imaging device, with blur enhancement
An imaging device includes an imaging section, an image segmenting section, and a blur enhancement section. The imaging section images a field to generate photographic image data. The image segmenting section partitions an image of the photographic image data into a first region that is a main subject region and a second region where the main subject is not included. The blur detecting section detects degree of blur of an image of the second region of the image of the photographic image data. The blur enhancement section performs blur enhancement processing on the image of the second region to enlarge the degree of blur of the image after image processing in proportion to the magnitude of the detected degree of blur of the image. |
| US08988535B2 |
Photographing control method and apparatus according to motion of digital photographing apparatus
Provided are a photographing control method and apparatus according to motion of a digital photographing apparatus. The photographing control method may prevent inconvenience when a subject is photographed while changing a viewing angle by using an additional zoom button, by sensing predetermined motion via a motion sensor comprised in the digital photographing apparatus and calculating a first motion value; comparing the calculated first motion value to predetermined threshold values; and controlling a zoom lens to be driven in a predetermined direction according to a result of the comparing. |
| US08988532B2 |
Secure video camera device
A secure video camera device for reducing the risk of visual and audio eavesdropping has a video camera and an electromechanical shutter behind a transparent cover in a secured enclosure. The shutter optically obscures the camera lens when the device is in secure state. A visual indicator indicates when the device is in operational state. A switch controllable by the user, select the state of the device by concurrently disabling the camera turning off the visual indicator in a secure state; and setting said device in an operational state by concurrently enabling the camera and turning on said lighted indicator. The device has a built in, or auxiliary microphone, and audio outputs which are disabled in secure state of the device. The device is tempered proof by an anti-tempering circuitry. |
| US08988530B2 |
System and method for measuring accuracy of focus
A reliable and repeatable accuracy of focus measurement device to measure the focus accuracy of cameras. The measurement device includes a frame having a substantially planar front face with a focusing target located thereon, and at least one depth-of-field ruler coupled to the frame with a transverse axis falling within a front face plane and a long axis that is angularly adjustable with respect to the front face plane. |
| US08988525B2 |
System and method for providing guidance information to a driver of a vehicle
A system for providing guidance information to a driver of a vehicle. In one implementation, the system includes an image capture device and an object sensor attached to the vehicle. The image capture device acquires an image of the vicinity of the vehicle. The object sensor is configured to detect an object near the vehicle. A processing unit processes the acquired image from the image capture device to produce an output image. The processing of the acquired image is based on information obtained from the object sensor. An image display unit is connected to the processing unit and displays the output image produced by the central processing unit. |
| US08988520B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving depth of field (DOF) in microscopy
A method for improving depth for field (DOF) in microscopic imaging, the method comprising combining a sequence of images captured from different focal distances to form an all-focus image, comprising computing a focus measure at every pixel, finding the largest peaks at each position in the focus measure as multiple candidate values and blending the multiple candidates values according to the focus measure to determine the all-focus image. |
| US08988517B2 |
X-ray imaging system for medical use
A solid-state image pickup apparatus 1A is formed such that M×N (where M |
| US08988516B2 |
Imaging device and endoscope
The depth of field is extended by using a simple structure. Provided is an imaging device comprising: an objective optical system that comprises an aperture stop that is disposed at an intermediate position on an optical axis and that has an opening that allows incident light from an object to pass therethrough; and an imaging element that acquires an optical image of the object, which is formed by the objective optical system, wherein pixels of the imaging element are arranged in a square along two mutually orthogonal axial directions, and the aperture stop includes a light-blocking portion at a portion aligned with the optical axis, the light-blocking portion having a square shape with sides inclined at 45° relative to the directions in which the pixels are arranged. |
| US08988514B2 |
Digital cinema anti-camcording method and apparatus based on image frame post-sampling
A method and apparatus for projecting digital video content and for discouraging recording of the projected video content using a video camera or other sampling recording device are described, including accepting a frame of digital video content, time-shifting a bit-plane of the frame of the digital video content at a phase difference, projecting the time-shifted frame, repeating the accepting, time-shifting and projecting acts for a number of frames, adjusting the phase difference and repeating all of the above acts. Also described are a method and apparatus for generating an indication of a mid-scale level bit-plane of a frame of digital video content, including accepting a frame of digital video content, accepting a selection of mid-scale level bit-plane of the frame and generating an indication of the selection of the mid-scale level bit-plane of the frame. Time-shifting bit-planes of a frame generates in the recorded video a flicker. |
| US08988512B2 |
Method for adjusting playback of multimedia content according to detection result of user status and related apparatus thereof
A playback method of a multimedia content includes: receiving the multimedia content; performing playback upon the multimedia content; detecting a user status and accordingly generating a detection result; and adjusting the playback of the multimedia content when the detection result indicates a change of the user status. A playback apparatus of a multimedia content includes a receiving block, a playback block, and a detecting block. The receiving block is used for receiving the multimedia content. The playback block is coupled to the receiving block, and used for performing playback upon the multimedia content. The detecting block is coupled to the playback block, and used for detecting a user status and accordingly generating a detection result. The playback block adjusts the playback of the multimedia content when the detection result indicates a change of the user status. |
| US08988511B2 |
Photographable three-dimensional (3D) display apparatus
Provided is a three-dimensional (3D) display apparatus. The 3D display apparatus may include a mode decision unit to determine a mode corresponding to a predetermined criterion, a barrier panel to form a pattern based on the determined mode, and a controller to control a power of a backlight unit associated with an image panel, based on the determined mode. |
| US08988507B2 |
User interface for autofocus
A camera includes a lens assembly and a stereoscopic display for displaying an image captured by the camera, and automatically determines a correct focus for the camera using the stereoscopic display to show an icon on the image appearing to move perpendicularly, relative to a first plane corresponding to a surface of the stereoscopic display, from different perceived depths corresponding to different planes parallel to the first plane. |
| US08988505B2 |
Imaging system using markers
A system for detecting a position of an object such as a surgical tool in an image guidance system includes a camera system with a detection array for detecting visible light a processor arranged to analyze the output from the array. Each object to be detected carries a single marker with a pattern of contrasted areas of light and dark intersecting at a specific single feature point thereon. The pattern includes components arranged in an array around the specific location arranged such that the processor is able to detect an angle of rotation of the pattern around the location and which are different from other markers of the system such that the processor is able to distinguish each marker from the other markers. |
| US08988502B2 |
System and method for transmission, processing, and rendering of stereoscopic and multi-view images
A digital image processing system takes color plus Z channel data as input, preprocesses, decimates, and codes the Z channel in-band as digital watermark data embedded within the color data prior to encoding and transmission. A second digital image processing system receives, decodes, and extracts the decimated Z channel data before applying statistical regularization to restore a full-resolution Z channel prior to depth-image-based rendering. |
| US08988498B2 |
Method for controlling operations of image display apparatus and shutter glasses used for the image display apparatus
A method for controlling operations of an image display apparatus and shutter glasses are disclosed. The method for controlling an operation of the image display apparatus includes transmitting a signal including information about channels available as a pairing channel to a remote controller in response to key code information of the remote controller received from the remote controller, receiving from the remote controller a signal including information about a channel selected by the remote controller from among the channels available as a pairing channel, establishing the channel selected by the remote controller as a pairing channel of the remote controller, and establishing the pairing channel of the remote controller as a pairing channel of shutter glasses. |
| US08988489B2 |
Determining a synchronization relationship
A synchronization relationship determiner comprising an input visual information signal receiver configured to receive an input visual information signal, and a capture signal receiver configured to receive a capture signal generated by a capture device. The synchronization relationship determiner is configured to determine a synchronization relationship between the input visual information signal and the capture signal. The synchronization relationship determination is signal based. |
| US08988488B2 |
State transition control method, multipoint control server, and videoconferencing system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a state transition control method, a multipoint control server, and a videoconferencing system. The method includes: receiving, by a multipoint control server, a conference reservation message, where the conference reservation message carries start time and end time of a reserved conference and an identity of a site centralized control device at a site participating in the reserved conference; and sending a state transition command to the site centralized control device according to the start time and the identity or according to the end time and the identity. In the embodiments of the present invention, through centralized control, in a non-conference state, external devices in a videoconferencing system enter a power-off state, and in a conference state, devices in the videoconferencing system are recovered to a normal working state, thereby improving user experience and reducing power consumption of the videoconferencing system. |
| US08988482B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing emotion expression service in mobile communication terminal
A method and an apparatus for providing an emotion expression service in a mobile communication terminal are provided. The method includes performing a video call with another terminal, recognizing, by the mobile communication terminal, a shaking of the other terminal using images received from the other terminal, and generating a vibration of the mobile communication terminal corresponding to the recognized shaking of the other terminal. |
| US08988481B2 |
Web based access to video associated with calls
In a communication environment where a voice bearer is established between a multimedia terminal of a first user and a voice terminal of a second user to allow voice communications between the first and second users, the present invention allows the second user to gain access to video content of the first user through a web session. |
| US08988480B2 |
Use of an earpiece acoustic opening as a microphone port for beamforming applications
A mobile multi-function device that includes a speaker, two or more microphones, and a beamformer processor is described. The beamformer processor uses the microphones to perform beamforming operations. One of the microphones shares a receiver acoustic opening with the speaker while the other microphone uses a separate acoustic opening. The receiver acoustic opening may be an earpiece opening that is held to the ear of a user while conducting a phone call with the device and provides acoustic input and output paths for the microphone and the speaker, respectively. |
| US08988479B2 |
Recording video conversations and displaying a list of recorded videos with caller identification information
A video communication method, computer program product and video communication terminal implementing the same are disclosed, by which a terminal user is assisted by identifying what kind of conversation he had with a specific correspondent user by reading a phone call list on a terminal. The present invention includes a step of accessing the video communication, a step of storing a video of the video communication, and a step of displaying a communication list item of the video communication together with the stored video. |
| US08988477B2 |
Laser label-printer
A laser label printer for use with a laser markable medium includes a laser-diode fiber-coupled to an optical train, which includes a focusing lens for focusing the radiation on the medium. The focusing lens is traversed across the medium, with incremental motion of the medium between traverses, for line by line printing of the label. The printer includes a feature for protecting the focusing lens from contamination, and self-diagnostic and adjustment features. |
| US08988475B2 |
Inkless printer
An inkless printing device that comprises a plurality of lasers, a rotating polygonal mirror, and an energy recycling unit. The mirror rotates and reflects a laser beam in a manner that allows the beams to reach any point on the paper. The laser turns ON and OFF while the mirrors are rotating to form a printout. Printing on a sheet of paper is achieved by burning to a certain pre-determined depth of the paper, by using the thermal properties of a laser. The energy recycling unit converts the heat energy generated during the printing process to electrical energy and charges a battery cell. Upon the battery cells being charged to a pre-determined power threshold, the power supply to the printer is changed from the AC supply to the battery supply. |
| US08988469B2 |
Image display device and driving method thereof
Disclosed is an image display device and its driving method, which facilitates to improve partial luminance in an image-display area by a local dimming method to partially control a backlight unit according to a display image, and simultaneously to reduce power consumption. |
| US08988466B2 |
Panoramic image straightening
Systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for forming composite images. In some implementations, a method is provided. The method includes receiving a set of component images for forming a composite image and defining a first projection for the set of component images corresponding to a first reference frame. The method also includes identifying a plane corresponding to a point of view of the set of component images, where a normal to the plane corresponds to a second reference frame, defining a second projection for the set of component images corresponding to the second reference frame, the second reference frame corresponding to a rotation from the first reference frame defined using the normal of the identified plane, and rendering the composite image according to the second projection. |
| US08988464B2 |
System and method for multi-layered augmented reality
A multi-layered augmented reality system and method may extract a target object and a background from an image frame, may track the target object and the background, may apply different coordinate systems to a first virtual object corresponding to the target object and a second virtual object corresponding to the background, and may independently control the first virtual object and the second virtual object. |
| US08988459B2 |
Method and apparatus for operating a display unit of a mobile device
A method and apparatus that can display an additional display region in a display area on a display unit are provided. The method and apparatus are configured in such a way as to provide a display area and an additional display region. The display area is displayed on the display unit. The additional display region to be displayed on the display unit is virtually prepared. The additional display region is displayed on the display unit according to a detected signal output from the motion detector. The items displayed on the display area and the additional display region are associated with each other to perform a corresponding user function. |
| US08988456B2 |
Generating digital media presentation layouts dynamically based on image features
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for generating digital media presentation layouts dynamically based on image features. Multiple digital images are received. Features are identified for one or more of the digital images based on metadata associated with and content included in the digital images. Significance measures are associated with the one or more digital images based on the features. A digital presentation of the one or more digital images is generated and the digital images are displayed according to the significance measures associated with the respective digital images. |
| US08988452B2 |
Color enhancement via gamut expansion
Systems, apparatus, articles, and methods are described including operations for color enhancement via gamut expansion. |
| US08988451B2 |
Display apparatus and image correction method of the same
A display apparatus and an image correction method of the same are disclosed. The display apparatus includes a plurality of display panels; a sensing unit which senses a display characteristic of an image displayed on the display panels; and an image correction unit which generates non-uniformity correction data corresponding to a plurality of areas included in each of the display panels based on the display characteristic, interpolates non-uniformity correction data corresponding to a boundary area being in contact with a different display panel using non-uniformity correction data corresponding to a neighbor area adjacent to the boundary area, and corrects the image displayed on the display panels based on the generated and interpolated non-uniformity correction data. |
| US08988449B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
Light source characteristic data representing the spectral characteristics and light distribution characteristics of a light source which illuminates a scene is input. Object characteristic data representing the spectral property of an object contained in the scene is input. Ray tracing is performed for respective rays having different wavelengths. A spectral radiance in each pixel of a computer graphics image representing the scene is calculated based on the light source characteristic data and the object characteristic data. The color signal values of each pixel are calculated from the spectral radiance in the each pixel, and the computer graphics image of the scene is generated. |
| US08988446B2 |
2D animation from a 3D mesh
Two-dimensional (2D) animation may be generated from a three-dimensional (3D) mesh by a machine or device that flattens, textures, and modifies the 3D mesh, which results in distorting the texture of the 3D mesh. The machine or device is configured to access and flatten a 3D mesh of 3D vertices. At least some of the 3D vertices of the flattened 3D mesh are texture mapped with a 2D image. The machine or device generates a first 2D frame of animation by rendering the 3D mesh (e.g., with graphics acceleration hardware), modifies the 3D mesh by repositioning one or more of the 3D vertices, and generates a second 2D frame of animation by rendering the modified 3D mesh (e.g., with graphics acceleration hardware). Accordingly, 2D animation may be generated by distorting the 2D image that is mapped onto at least part of the 3D mesh. |
| US08988442B2 |
Asynchronous notifications for concurrent graphics operations
A method and an apparatus for notifying a display driver to update a display with a graphics frame including multiple graphics data rendered separately by multiple graphics processing units (GPUs) substantially concurrently are described. Graphics commands may be received to dispatch to each GPU for rendering corresponding graphics data. The display driver may be notified when each graphics data has been completely rendered respectively by the corresponding GPU. |
| US08988441B2 |
Reconfigurable 3D graphics processor
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a reconfigurable 3D graphics processor includes a pipeline configuration manager, a rasterizer, and a memory coupled to the triangle rasterizer. The pipeline configuration manager is capable of configuring the graphics processor to operate in a direct rasterizing mode or a tiling mode to process a sequence of drawing commands received from a processing unit. |
| US08988440B2 |
Inactive dummy pixels
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for a display with inactive dummy pixels. A display apparatus may include subpixels having a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer. The first electrode layer of an edge subpixel may include an opening, which may be made large enough to prevent the edge subpixel from actuating. The size of the openings also may be selected to attain a desired overall reflectivity for an array of edge subpixels. For example, the size of the openings may be selected to make the reflectivity of an edge pixel array similar to the reflectivity of a routing area. |
| US08988431B2 |
Conservative cell and portal graph generation
Embodiments presented herein provide techniques for creating and simplifying a cell and portal graph. The simplified cell and portal graph may be used to make a conservative determination of whether an element of geometry is visible for a given view frustum (and therefore needs to be rendered). That is, the simplified cell and portal graph retains the encoded visibility for given set of geometry. The simplified cell and portal graph provides a “conservative” determination of visibility as it may indicate that some objects are visible that are not (resulting in unneeded rendering), but not the other way around. Further, this approach allows cell and portal graphs to be generated dynamically, allowing the cell and portal graphs to be used for scenes where the geometry can change (e.g., as 3D world of a video game). |
| US08988422B1 |
System and method for augmenting hand animation with three-dimensional secondary motion
Techniques are disclosed for augmenting hand-drawn animation of human characters with three-dimensional (3D) physical effects to create secondary motion. Secondary motion, or the motion of objects in response to that of the primary character, is widely used to amplify the audience's response to the character's motion and to provide a connection to the environment. These 3D effects are largely passive and tend to be time consuming to animate by hand, yet most are very effectively simulated in current animation software. The techniques enable hand-drawn characters to interact with simulated objects such as cloth and clothing, balls and particles, and fluids. The driving points or volumes for the secondary motion are tracked in two dimensions, reconstructed into three dimensions, and used to drive and collide with the simulated objects. |
| US08988421B2 |
Rendering avatar details
The rendering of avatars in a virtual universe is selectively controlled by the avatar owner. Avatar ranking by several criteria, operating either jointly or independently, is employed to control avatar rendering in ways intended to reduce computational loading while not significantly impacting the virtual universe experience. |
| US08988419B2 |
Parameterization of deformation and simulation of interaction
A method of using parametrical representations in modeling and animation is disclosed. This method is built directly on the inherent properties of parametric curves. Parametric curves are constructed and associated with geometric models, while at the same time the properties are used to represent the underlying mechanism of deformation. This method includes the steps of building parametrical representations on a geometric model, associating vertices of the model with different ones of the parametrical representations to effect movement thereof, and animating movement of the vertices to simulate relative motion therebetween.The invention discloses a method in which simulation of object interaction and object deformation can be integrated into a unified framework through skeletal trees. The method preprocesses a graphic object and segments the object into a number of contexts at surface slope and curvature discontinuities. Then, control points are generated to represent these contexts. Based on these control points, a skeletal tree of the object can be built. Assisted by spatial decomposition, the skeletal trees can be directly used in the simulation of object interaction. |
| US08988417B2 |
Rendering system and method based on weighted value of sub-pixel region
A rendering system and method based on a weighted value of a sub-pixel region are provided. The rendering system may change a pixel value of a single sub-pixel using pixel values of sub-pixels that represent, as respective central viewpoints, a plurality of viewpoints represented by the single sub-pixel based on an inclined lens, and may perform rendering using the changed pixel value. |
| US08988415B2 |
Display device, method of laying out wiring in display device, and electronic device
A display device includes: a pixel array section having pixels arranged in a form of a matrix on a display panel; a first terminal group disposed on the display panel so as to correspond to each control line of a first control line group arranged in each pixel row of the pixel array section; a first wiring group for electrically connecting each terminal of the first terminal group to each control line of the first control line group; a second terminal group disposed on the display panel for a second control line group arranged in each pixel row of the pixel array section with a plurality of control lines as a unit; and a second wiring group for electrically connecting each terminal of the second terminal group to each control line of the second control line group through parts between the terminals of the first terminal group. |
| US08988414B2 |
Flat panel display and driving circuit thereof
The present invention relates to increasing the driving reliability of a flat panel display by including a protector in the power supply control unit that provides a driving voltage to the display panel. The protector prevents unexpected sequence mode transition of the memory by preventing transmission of an abnormal voltage caused by applied stress while providing a supplied voltage to the memory during normal driving. |