Document Document Title
US09002109B2 Color correction based on multiple images
In some implementations, a method provides color corrections based on multiple images. In some implementations, a method includes determining one or more characteristics of each of a plurality of source images and determining one or more similarities between the one or more characteristics of different source images. The source images are grouped into one or more groups of one or more target images based on the determined similarities. The method determines and applies one or more color corrections to the one or more target images in at least one of the groups.
US09002103B2 Image processing apparatus and computer readable medium
An image processing apparatus includes a definition reducing section, a color region extracting section, a concealing image generating section and an image combining section. The definition reducing section, based on a received image, generates an image having a lower definition than the received image. The color region extracting section extracts a color region from the low definition image generated by the definition reducing section. The concealing image generating section, based on the color region extracted by the color region extracting section, converts the color region into a concealing region for concealing a part of the received image and, generates a concealing image including the concealing region. The image combining section combines the received image with the concealing image generated by the concealing image generating section.
US09002096B2 Method and apparatus for determining a liquid level in a container using imaging
Methods, systems and apparatus for determining a level of a sample are provided. An image of a sample housed in a container is captured, wherein the image is represented as a two dimensional array of intensities of light. An area of interest is extracted from the image. A filter is applied to the area of interest. The filtered area is collapsed into a one dimensional array. The one dimensional array is masked. The level of the sample in the container is determined based on the masked one dimensional array. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US09002095B2 Faulty cart wheel detection
A system and method of identifying carts exhibiting tendencies that are indicative of damaged or defective wheels. A shopping cart may be identified and tracked visually through one or more surveillance cameras. By comparing the cart's tracked movement to known symptomatic movement patterns, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by analyzing movement and positioning of a cart's swiveling wheels, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by identifying if a customer has abandoned a cart, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. A notification message may be transmitted to an associate to repair or replace the identified problematic cart. The notification may be displayed on a mobile computing device, a workstation, or other like systems.
US09002094B2 Image processing device and image processing method
A reference image to serve as a reference for a non-defective determination is previously stored in association with identification information for identifying an inspection object. An image of the inspection object is displayed side by side with the reference image of corresponding identification information. A drawn position of the reference image and a drawn position of the acquired image are aligned, adjustment is made so as to make brightness of the reference image coincide with brightness of the acquired image, and adjustment is made so as to make a focus on the reference image coincide with a focus on the acquired image. Adjustment is made so as to make a focus of the reference image coincide with a focus of the acquired image.
US09002093B2 Method of monitoring the appearance of the surface of a tire
Method for detecting an anomaly on the surface of a tire comprising the following steps in the course of which: A—the image of a given anomaly present on the surface of at least one tire is produced, B—with the aid of a collection of filters, a multivariate image of the said surface is constructed in a space of the filters, in which each pixel is represented in the form of a pixel vector, the components of each pixel vector having a value corresponding to the value of this pixel in the image transformed with the aid of each of the filters of the said collection, C—with the aid of a linear function, this multivariate image is transformed from the space of the filters into a spectral space of given dimension whose variables are the filters or combinations of filters of the said collection, so as to form a spectral image, D—a classifier is constructed by determining, for this anomaly, those zones representative of the spectral space which contain, in a statistically representative manner, the points of the spectral image of the said anomaly transformed into the said spectral space.
US09002090B2 Forward projection apparatus
The invention relates to a forward projection apparatus for performing a forward projection through an image (22), wherein at least one of a number of rays (20, 21) for performing the forward projection, a ray spacing between the rays and a kernel width of an interpolation kernel for calculating interpolated values located on the rays is varied depending on the ray width relative to an effective image element spacing between image elements (24) of the image. This allows reducing artifacts in simulated projection data and, thus, in an image, which is iteratively reconstructed by using the simulated projection data. For example, if the number of provided rays and/or the ray spacing between the provided rays is varied, aliasing artifacts can be reduced. Moreover, if the ray spacing between the provided rays and/or the kernel width of the interpolation kernel is varied, artifacts caused by varying effective kernel widths may be reduced.
US09002086B2 System and method for generating a tomographic reconstruction filter
A system for generating a reconstruction filter for an imaging scanner comprises a model bank that includes a model for generating the reconstruction filter, a filter criteria bank that includes filter criteria for generating the reconstruction filter, and a filter generator that generates the reconstruction filter based on the filter model and the filter criteria. In one non-limiting instance, the model is based on minimizing a cost function that includes predetermined filter criteria such as image contrast. In another non-limiting instance, the cost function includes terms relating to spatial resolution, noise and a signal visual perception in the presence of noise.
US09002082B2 Axially varying truncation completion for MR-based attenuation correction for PET/MR
An apparatus and method for a PET/MR system having a PET scanner and an MR scanner. A patient may be advanced through the system in sequential stations, with multiple transverse slices defined within at least one of the stations in which each slice is offset a distance Δz from the station centerline. The method may comprise the steps of: defining a center and an annulus thereabout for each slice, wherein the annulus has an inner radius Reff and an outer radius Rout; conducting attenuation correction of the PET images using only MR data from the region within the inner radius, only PET data from the region outside the outer radius, and a combination of PET and MR data from the region of the annulus; and varying Reff as a function of Δz for selected slices within the station.
US09002080B2 Singular value filter for imaging or detection
Apparatus or techniques can include obtaining information indicative of energy, such as ultrasonic energy, reflected from a tissue region, forming respective input matrices representative of the obtained information, the input matrices respectively comprising an ensemble-of-interest and at least one ensemble corresponding to a spatial location nearby a spatial location corresponding to the ensemble-of-interest, performing respective singular value decompositions on the respective input matrices to obtain respective sets of singular values corresponding to respective sets of singular vectors, obtaining respective output matrices including weighting a respective projection of a respective ensemble-of-interest onto at least one of the singular vectors included in a respective set of singular vectors, and, using the respective output matrices, at least one of determining a characteristic, or constructing an image, of at least a portion of the tissue region.
US09002077B2 Visualization of stained samples
Methods and systems are disclosed that include: applying an immunohistochemical stain, eosin, and a counterstain to a sample; obtaining a plurality of images of the sample, each of the plurality of images corresponding to radiation from the sample in a different wavelength band; decomposing the plurality of images of the sample to obtain component images corresponding to the immunohistochemical stain, eosin, and the counterstain; and generating a sample image based on the component images, where the sample image includes contributions from the counterstain and from one of the immunohistochemical stain and eosin, and substantially not from the other of the immunohistochemical stain and eosin.
US09002074B2 Facial validation sensor
A facial validation sensor includes an imaging element, a validating unit and a feedback unit. The validating unit performs validation of an individual to be validated based on facial image data of the individual, imaged by the imaging element, and facial image data registered in advance. The feedback unit guides a face of the individual to be within an imaging range that is imaged by the imaging element. The feedback unit is an indicator providing unit that provides an indicator that is viewable from a specific direction within the imaging range that is imaged by the imaging element.
US09002072B2 System for detection of non-uniformities in web-based materials
A system is described for detecting the presence of non-uniformity patterns and providing output indicative of a severity of each type of non-uniformity pattern. The system includes a computerized rating tool that assists a user in efficiently and consistently assigning expert ratings (i.e., labels) to a large collection of training images representing samples of a given product. In addition, the rating software develops a model that allows a computerized inspection system to detect the presence of non-uniformity patterns in a manufactured web material in real time and provide output indicative of a severity level of each pattern on a continuous scale. The system also includes algorithmic and hardware approaches to significantly that increase the throughput of the inspection system.
US09002070B2 Automated seed package identification apparatus, system, and method
An automated seed package identification apparatus is presented that may include a sensor device configured to read a machine-readable package identifier on a seed package which identifies the seed package and/or the seeds therein. A sensor positioning mechanism adjusts the position of the sensor device with respect to a seed tray assembly which is configured to retain seed packages. The sensor positioning mechanism may include a moveable track member which translates on a stationary track member, and the sensor device may translate along the moveable track member. A control unit may instruct the sensor positioning mechanism to move with respect to the seed tray assembly to thereby read the machine-readable package identifiers with the sensor device and record the positional layout of the seed packages. One or more cameras may be configured to capture one or more images of the plurality of seed packages retained in the seed tray assembly.
US09002069B2 Social media event detection and content-based retrieval
A system and article of manufacture for social media event detection and content-based retrieval include obtaining multiple images from at least one social media source, extracting at least one visual semantic concept from the multiple images, differentiating an event semantic concept signal from a background semantic concept signal to detect an event in the multiple images, and retrieving one or more images associated with the event semantic concept signal for presentation as a visual description of the detected event.
US09002066B2 Methods, systems and processor-readable media for designing a license plate overlay decal having infrared annotation marks
Methods, systems and processor-readable media for providing a license plate overlay decal with an infrared readable annotation mark for an optical character recognition and segmentation. The annotation mark with respect to character image of a license plate can be designed by training an ALPR engine to improve automatic license plate recognition performance. A plate overlay decal can be rendered with the annotation mark and attached to a license plate. The annotation mark can also be directly placed on the license plate when the license plate is rendered. The annotation mark is visible when illuminated by an infrared light and the license plate appears normal in visible light. The annotation mark enables an ALPR imaging system to obtain more information for each character and utilize the information to improve conclusion accuracy.
US09002059B2 Image processing apparatus capable of selecting a representative image for a group of images, image processing method, and program
In order to enable a substitute representative image to be properly selected in a case where a representative image representing a plurality of series of related images was deleted, if a deletion or the like of the representative image is performed, whether or not the representative image is associated with an image file which is subsequently read out is discriminated on the basis of attribute information of each image. If it is associated as a result of the discrimination, a system control unit stores the attribute information of the current read-out image file and repeats a processing until an image number is equal to a minimum number or the image file which is not the unrelated image is detected. Even if the representative image is deleted, a representative image is enabled to be selected from the images associated with the deleted representative image.
US09002053B2 Iris recognition systems
The present invention concerns a method for capturing an image of an iris free of specularities from a spectacle-wearing user for use in an iris recognition identification system, which includes an illumination source and an image capture device. The method comprises illuminating the user's eye from a first illumination position associated with a first optical path, and capturing a first image of the eye; and determining if the first image comprises a specular image in a first region of interest, the specular image being formed by light reflected from the spectacles. If a specular image is present, the method further comprises illuminating the eye from a second illumination position associated with a second optical path different to the first optical path, such that the specular image is shifted to a second region; and capturing a second image of the eye.
US09002051B2 Mail exchange tracking and analysis
A system, method, and computer readable medium for mail analysis. A method includes receiving in a data processing system an image of a first mailpiece and associated machine-recognized data. The method includes comparing the machine-recognized data with a target list to determine a match with a target individual. The method includes performing a writer identification process on the image of the first mailpiece when a match is determined between the machine-recognized data and the target individual. The writer identification process produces writer identification data associated with the first mailpiece. The method includes storing the image of the first mailpiece and associated machine-recognized data and writer identification data.
US09002050B2 Triangle speaker for tablet computer
A speaker bar for a tablet computer is presented. The speaker bar is sized to fit inside a cover of the tablet computer by folding or rolling the speaker bar inside the cover. The speaker bar has retractable speaker members that extend outward beyond the edges of the speaker bar housing along a longitudinal axis of the speaker bar. Power is provided to the speaker bar when the retractable members are extended, and the power is turned off when the retractable members are retracted. The speaker bar connects to a tablet computer via Bluetooth wireless connection.
US09002047B2 Method and apparatus for an insulated electromagnetic shield for use in hearing assistance devices
The present subject matter of the invention relates generally to the management of electromagnetic fields in hearing assistance devices, such as hearing aids, and in particular to an insulated electromagnetic shield design for hearing assistance devices. The present disclosure includes various embodiments for electromagnetic shielding of a receiver using a magnetic shield that is electrically insulated from the receiver casing and electronics.
US09002046B2 Method and system for transcutaneous proximity wireless control of a canal hearing device
Examples of systems and methods of wireless control of a canal hearing device by applying a magnetic field on the skin at the temporomandibular region of the head are described. An exemplary hearing device may include one or more magnetic sensors for wireless activation by the magnetic end of a remote control device applied inconspicuously to the anterior of the external ear. The activation of a reed switch magnetic sensor within the canal hearing device may be decoded by the electronics of the hearing device to implement a control command, such as volume change, program setting change, ON, or OFF. According to examples described, wireless control of the canal hearing device may be implemented with a natural, comfortable, and inconspicuous hand-arm motion. In some embodiments, multiple reed switches may be arranged to selectively respond to a magnetic field applied within distinct “hot spot” regions, for separate remote control commands.
US09002045B2 Hearing aids with adaptive beamformer responsive to off-axis speech
A hearing assistance system includes an adaptive directionality controller to control a target direction for sound reception. The adaptive directionality controller includes a beamformer, a speech detector to detect off-axis speech being speech that is not from the target direction, and a steering module to steer the beamformer in response to a detection of the off-axis speech.
US09002040B2 Packages and methods for packaging MEMS microphone devices
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone devices and methods for packaging the same include a package housing, an interior lid, and an integrated MEMS microphone die. The package housing includes a sound port therethrough for communicating sound from outside the package housing to an interior of the package housing. The interior lid is mounted to an interior surface of the package housing to define an interior lid cavity, and includes a back volume port therethrough. The MEMS microphone die is mounted on the interior lid over the back volume port, and includes a movable membrane. The back volume port is configured to allow the interior lid cavity and the MEMS movable membrane to communicate, thereby increasing the back volume of the MEMS microphone die and enhancing the sound performance of the packaged MEMS microphone device.
US09002039B2 MEMS microphone with spring suspended backplate
A MEMS microphone has a base, a backplate, and a backplate spring suspending the backplate from the base. The microphone also has a diaphragm forming a variable capacitor with the backplate.
US09002036B2 Multiple microphone system
A microphone system has a primary microphone for producing a primary signal, a secondary microphone for producing a secondary signal, and a selector operatively coupled with both the primary microphone and the secondary microphone. The system also has an output for delivering an output audible signal principally produced by one of the to microphones. The selector selectively permits either 1) at least a portion of the primary signal and/or 2) at least a portion of the secondary signal to be forwarded to the output as a function of the noise in the primary signal.
US09002031B2 Method, system and apparatus for improving the sonic quality of an audio signal
A device, system and method of playing back a digital audio stream wherein large amounts of pre-emphasis of the high frequencies is applied before the digital to analog conversion and before an interpolation or digital filter, followed by de-emphasis in the analog domain in order to yield better audio fidelity.
US09002027B2 Space-time noise reduction system for use in a vehicle and method of forming same
A space-time adaptive beamformer for reducing noise in a vehicle that includes two or more microphones. A first weighting network is used for adjusting the signal characteristics of at least one output of the microphones while at least one delay network is also used for delaying the output in time of at least one output of the microphones. A second weighting network then adjusts the signal characteristics of the output of each of the delay networks and at sum adder works to combine the output of the first weighting network and the second weighting network. Finally, an output of the sum adder is combined with an artificial noise free reference signal to provide a low distortion noise reduced output. By generating a desired signal that acts as an artificial noise free signal reference, adequate noise reduction to be obtained without the distortion created due to processing non-linearity.
US09002021B2 Audio controlling apparatus, audio correction apparatus, and audio correction method
According to one embodiment, audio controlling apparatus includes first receiver configured to receive audio signal, second receiver configured to receive environmental sound, masking gain calculator configured to calculate masking gain for each frequency band, based on audio signal and environmental sound, and gain controller configured to smooth masking gain of frequency band that is less than preset threshold frequency in first interval, smooth masking gain of frequency band that is equal to or higher than threshold frequency in second interval that is longer than first interval, and thereby set gain.
US09002020B1 Bone-conduction transducer array for spatial audio
Systems and methods for a bone-conduction transducer array configured to provide spatial audio are described, in which the bone-conduction transducer array may be coupled to a head-mountable device so as to provide sound, for example, to a wearer of the head-mountable device. Audio information and a vibration transducer from an array of vibration transducers coupled to the head-mountable computing device may be caused to vibrate based at least in part on the audio signal so as to transmit a sound. Information indicating a movement of the wearable computing device toward a given direction may be received. One or more parameters associated with causing the at least one vibration transducer to emulate the sound from the given direction may then be determined, wherein the one or more parameters are representative of a correlation between the audio information and the information indicating the movement.
US09002019B2 Sound field control apparatus and method for controlling sound field
A sound field control apparatus includes at least two main microphones; for each main microphone, a set of at least two sub microphones arranged such that the at least two sub microphones are placed in different axis directions about each of the main microphones; a filtering unit; and a filter coefficient calculating unit configured to calculate a filter coefficient for the filtering unit. A filter coefficient used to control sound pressure levels and air particle velocities of an output audio signal is calculated on the basis of a sound pressure level detected by each main microphone and the difference between the sound pressure level detected by the main microphone and that detected by each of the corresponding sub microphones.
US09002016B2 Rekey scheme on high speed links
In one embodiment, apparatus and methods for a rekey process are disclosed. In certain rekey embodiments, when a key-generation protocol exchange is executed, instead of generating a single new security relationship, such as a Security Association or SA, a multiple set (e.g., 10) of new security relationships (e.g., SAs) are generated. An authorized device can then individually use these security relationships (e.g., SAs) as needed to securely communicate with each other. For example, a set of SAs can be efficiently programmed into an 802.1ae protocol ASIC for handling transmitted and received data packets. In the description herein, embodiments of the invention are described with respect to SA's, and this “SA” term is generally defined as any type of security relation that can be formed to allow a particular node to securely transmit packets or frames to another receiving node.
US09002015B2 System and method for multi-carrier network operation
A system and method for configuring a component carrier is presented. A component carrier assignment message is received. The component carrier assignment message may be configured to identify the component carrier and include at least one of, at least one of a downlink carrier frequency, a carrier frequency of a paired uplink carrier, a bandwidth of the component carrier, and a bandwidth of the paired uplink carrier, an indication of whether the component carrier is a control channel monitoring component carrier configured to signal data channel assignment information for the component carrier, and a logical index of the component carrier. The component carrier assignment message may then be used to configure the component carrier on a user equipment (UE).
US09002012B2 Apparatus and method for securing data in computer storage
Apparatus, and an associated method, for maintaining data, such as a data file, in secure form. Security keys are stored and maintained at a central location. The security key is downloaded to a device that is to operate upon the data. When the security key is authorized to be downloaded to a computer device, a time boundary is associated with the security key. The time boundary defines the period of usability of the security key. The security key is used at the computer device to encrypt the data each time the data is written to storage and to decrypt the data each time the data is read from storage. Thereby, at all times, when the data is stored at storage, the data is maintained in secure form.
US09002008B2 System and method for dynamically allocating stream identifiers in a multi-encryption transport system
The present invention is suitable for use in a multi-encrypted system that dynamically allocates stream identifiers in a second stream depending upon the identifiers in a first stream. The first stream is monitored and counters are incremented with the presence of an identifier. The count for each of the counters is then received. Using the count, a control processor then assigns or revises identifiers in the second stream.
US09002007B2 Efficient, remote, private tree-based classification using cryptographic techniques
A method and apparatus are disclosed herein for classification. In one embodiment, the method comprises performing tree-based classification of a user input by a classifier with a classification tree at a first location, including exchanging data with a second location, different from the first location, to obtain the user input and provide results of classification to a user using singly homomorphic encryption so that the user input is not revealed to the classifier, the classification tree is not revealed to the user and the classifier's output is not revealed to the classifier.
US09002004B2 Appending pseudo-random sub-LSB values to prevent intensity banding
Embodiments of the present invention provide a test and measurement instrument that displays acquired data on a logarithmic scale without intensity banding. The test and measurement instrument processes the acquired data before it is displayed by appending pseudo-random sub-LSB (least significant bit) values to it. When the processed acquired data is displayed on a logarithmic scale, the pseudo-random sub-LSB values fill in the gaps between discrete power levels, thereby eliminating intensity banding and providing a smooth, visually pleasing display.
US09002003B2 Password protocol for data communication system
A password protocol uses a multiple word password and provides prompts to a user allowing the user to select the next word in the password from a set of words. The selection of a word causes a client to perform a cryptographic operation and generate a new selection of words. After the password is completely entered, a key is generated from the words selected.
US09001996B1 Electronic apparatus, light-transmissive cover plate, and portable device
An electronic apparatus and a light-transmissive cover plate are disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes an image display device that includes an image display surface; a casing that houses at least a portion of periphery of the image display device; a light-transmissive cover plate that includes a first surface facing the image display surface, at least a peripheral edge region of the first surface is bonded to the casing; and a joining member that bonds the peripheral edge region of the first surface to the casing. The joining member has a Young's modulus smaller than that of the light-transmissive cover plate. The light-transmissive cover plate includes a gradual reduction area, and in this gradual reduction area, thickness is gradually reduced towards an outermost edge. At least a portion of the peripheral edge region of the first surface of the light-transmissive cover plate is included in the gradual reduction area.
US09001993B2 Universal queuing for inbound communications
Exemplary systems and methods for queuing an inbound communication are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the inbound communication is received by a communication server associated with a communication type of the inbound communication. Communication statuses of one or more agents over a plurality of communication types are reviewed to determine available agents. One or more profiles are reviewed to assess applicability of one or more agents to receive the inbound communication, whereby an agent may be applicable to handle more than one inbound communication concurrently as determined by their profile. An appropriate agent is then selected based on the availability and applicability of the one or more agents to which the inbound communication is forwarded.
US09001992B1 System and method to connect a call
Disclosed are systems and methods to connect a call. The systems and methods provide techniques to receive a call from a caller and determine a calf path for the call. The call path is used to connect the caller to a call path destination. The call path destination may vary depending on factors in addition to the call path, such as, for example, a classification of the caller and a classification of the representative to whom the caller is to be connected.
US09001989B2 System and method for a smart dialer
A system and method for coordinating communications. User selection of multiple contacts from an address book are received. The user selection of multiple contacts are added to a contact schedule. The multiple contacts listed in the contact schedule are automatically called. A voice communication is initiated in response to a receiving party answering a call. A message specified by a user is sent to the receiving party in response to the receiving party not answering the call.
US09001982B2 System and method for facilitating account-based transactions
Systems, methods and apparatus are presented for facilitating account-based transactions. In an embodiment, the method includes associating a first person with an account, associating a second person with the account, receiving a request from a third party to authorize a transaction between the second person and the third party, determining a first communication address of the first party, and contacting the first party. The process also includes determining that the first person desires to communicate with the second person, determining a second communication address of the second person, initiating a communication between the first person and the second person, and receiving a signal from the first person that authorizes the transaction or declines the transaction.
US09001978B2 Divided call history user interface
A computing device displays a call history graphical user interface (GUI). The call history GUI includes a new list and an old list. The new list may include new missed call elements and missed call elements associated with new unopened voicemails. The old list may include other call history GUI elements, such as old missed call elements and missed call elements associated with opened voicemails.
US09001977B1 Telephone-based user authentication
This disclosure is directed to, in part, providing information about a user to a requesting party where the information is provided by an identity provider that has a preexisting relationship with the user. The user may request the identity provider to provide the information to the relying party using an interactive voice response (IVR) system. After the relying party requests the user's account information, the user may be redirected, at least momentarily, to an IVR system provided by the identity provider. The IVR system may authenticate the user. Once authenticated, the identity provider may provide the user information to the relying party. By authenticating the user, the identity provider may provide the user information to the relying party without compromising user credentials or other private or sensitive information of the user.
US09001972B2 Radiation image detection apparatus and radiation image photographing system
A radiation image detection apparatus, includes: a control unit configured to drive an imaging unit so that a radiation image data is acquired, an image receiving unit is reset after acquiring the radiation image data, and a dark image data is acquired; in which: the control unit changes at least one of a reset time of the image receiving unit and a reduction ratio of an reduced image data on the basis of the communication speed by such that the transmission of the reduced image data is completed at least prior to reading-out an electrical charge signal from the image receiving unit when acquiring the dark image.
US09001969B2 Radiation imaging system
An X-ray imaging system is provided with an X-ray source (11), first and second absorption gratings (31, 32), and a flat panel detector (FPD) (30), and obtains a phase contrast image of an object H by performing imaging while moving the second absorption grating (32) in x direction relative to the first absorption grating (31). The following mathematical expression is satisfied where p1′ denotes a period of a first pattern image at a position of the second absorption grating (32), and p2′ denotes a substantial grating pitch of the second absorption grating (32), and DX denotes a dimension, in the x-direction, of an X-ray imaging area of each pixel of the FPD (30). Here, “n” denotes a positive integer. DX≠n×(p1′×p2′)/|p1′−p2′|
US09001957B2 Chemistry probe assemblies and methods of using the same in nuclear reactors
Electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP) probe assemblies may be used to monitor ECP of materials due to coolant chemistry in an operating nuclear reactor. Example embodiment assemblies include at least one ECP probe that detects ECP of potentially several different materials, a structural body providing a fluid flow path for the coolant over the ECP probes, and a signal transmitter that transmits or carries ECP data to an external receiver. The ECP probes may be of any number and/or type, so as to detect ECP for different component materials, including stainless steel, a zirconium alloys, etc. The ECP probes may further detect ECP due to ion concentration, pH, etc. The ECP data may be transmitted through wired or wireless signal transmitters. Example methods include installing and using example embodiment ECP probe assemblies in nuclear reactors and facilities.
US09001956B2 Neutron generator
A neutron generator includes an ion source disposed in a pressurized environment containing an ionizable gas. The ion source includes a substrate with a bundle of carbon nanotubes extending therefrom. The ends of the nanotubes are spaced from a grid. Ion source voltage supply circuitry supplies a positive voltage potential between the substrate and the grid of the ion source to cause ionization of the ionizable gas and emission of ions through the grid. An ion accelerator section is disposed between the ion source and a target. The ion accelerator section accelerates ions that pass through the grid towards the target such that collisions of the ions with the target cause the target to generate and emit neutrons therefrom. The ion source, accelerator section and target are housed in a sealed tube and preferably the carbon nanotubes of the bundle are highly ordered with at least 106 carbon nanotubes per cm2 that extend in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the tube. The neutron generator provides gas ionization at much higher atomic to molecular ratio that the prior art, which allows for small compact size designs suitable for logging tools that are used in space-constrained downhole environments.
US09001954B2 Reception circuit, information processing device, and buffer control method
A reception circuit that receives data in serial communications through a plurality of lanes includes a plurality of buffers provided for each of the plurality of lanes that each stores data received through corresponding lane, a multilane control circuit that detects the skew between the lanes, and outputs an adjustment instruction for adjusting a read address of a buffer and a deskew information indicating that a skew adjustment between which buffer the lanes is to be performed based on the detected skew, and a plurality of address control circuits provided for each of the plurality of lanes that each transmits the adjustment instruction to a corresponding buffer when receiving the deskew information, wherein the buffer that has received the adjustment instruction adjusting its read address.
US09001946B2 Method of receiving downlink data, and machine type communication device using the method
Provided are a method of receiving downlink data and a machine type communication (MTC) device using the same. The MTC device according to the present invention which has a plurality of antennas includes a reception signal processing module that receives a downlink reference signal for each antenna from a base station, estimates reception signal quality with respect to the downlink reference signal for each antenna, and selects the antenna to receive a downlink signal in accordance with the reception signal quality with respect to each antenna.
US09001942B2 Automatic gain control with out of band blocking signal compensation
One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a method of receiving an input signal. The method, in various embodiments, includes detecting a peak of the input signal and detecting an envelope of the input signal. In various embodiments, the peak and envelope are used to identify out-of-band blocking signals and to adjust gain control. The method also includes comparing the peak to a first threshold Tp and comparing the envelope to a second threshold Te. In the method, if the peak is above the first threshold and the envelope is below the second threshold, then ignoring the input signal. If the envelope is above the second threshold, the method includes applying automatic gain control to decode information encoded in the input signal.
US09001939B2 Transmitter, receiver, communication system, and communication method
Provided is a transmitter for transmitting signals by means of the STBC method or the DSTBC method, wherein communication is carried out effectively. The transmitter for transmitting signals by means of the STBC method or the DSTBC method has the following configuration. A frame in which synchronization words are arranged at specified positions is used. An encoding means in the transmitter encodes the entire frame to be transmitted including the synchronization words, by means of the STBC method or the DSTBC method. It is also possible to implement a communication system and a communication method for communicating signals by means of the STBC method or the DSTBC method.
US09001936B2 Buffer management device and method for hybrid automatic repeat requests in a wireless communication system
Effective management of a Hybrid-Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) buffer in a wireless communication system is provided. A receiving terminal includes a first memory for storing Log Likelihood Ratio (LLR) values of at least one data block comprised in a received HARQ burst in a first memory, a channel decoder for decoding the at least one data block by using the LLR values, an error detection unit for detecting whether there are errors in the decoded at least one data block, and a second memory for storing at least one error-free data block in a decoded state among the data blocks in a second memory.
US09001932B2 Method and apparatus for extracting the quadrature component of a complex signal from the in-phase component after baseband digitizing using a complex transform
A method and apparatus for a receiver system in a receiver that includes at least two front end branches, each branch having its own intermediate frequency (IF) mixer to shift a received signal to an IF. When receiving multiple independent signals, the signals are digitized and the receiver performs a digital complex transform on each signal to obtain the corresponding quadrature component. When receiving a single signal the signal is routed to two mixers that are 90 degrees out of phase to obtain the quadrature signal components in the analog section of the receiver.
US09001930B2 Dual-stream signal (SIG) field encoding with higher order modulation
Signal (SIF) field capacity can be significantly increased by encoding SIG field data using two streams in accordance with a space-time block code (STBC) encoding scheme. Dual-stream SIG field encoding allows for the utilization of higher order modulation schemes, such as quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), which increases SIG field capacity. Dual-stream encoded SIG fields are transmitted using an omnidirectional beam to allow mobile stations to accurately decode the SIG field irrespective of their spatial location.
US09001923B2 Performance prediction in communication systems
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided performance prediction. In one aspect there is provided a method. The method may include receiving information including one or more of a set of weights, a set of events, and a channel estimate, wherein at least one of the set of weights and the set of events are determined based on a optimization; and determining a transmitter configuration by performing at least one of: applying the set of weights to a set of pair wise error probabilities to determine a set of predicted bit error rates, and applying the set of events to the set of pair wise error probabilities to determine a set of predicted packet error rates. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.
US09001920B2 Apparatus and method for interference cancellation in communication systems
A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining channel gains for a group of transmitters based on transmitted training symbols; and performing analog time domain cancellation and digital time domain cancellation responsive to a determination that a total interference does not satisfy a threshold range of the analog-to-digital converter, where the total interference is determined based on the channel gains. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09001916B2 Method of transmitting secret information at transmitting end and method of receiving secret information at receiving end, based on MIMO multiplexing using antennas
A method of transmitting secret information in a transmitting end and a method of receiving secret information at a receiving end, based on multi-input multi-output (MIMO) multiplexing using antennas, are provided. The method of transmitting includes selecting one or more indices of the secret information that correspond to at least one receiving antenna among receiving antennas, and mapping the one or more indices to an information vector. The method of transmitting further includes precoding the information vector based on channel information between transmitting antennas and the receiving antennas, and beamforming the precoded information vector, using the transmitting antennas.
US09001914B2 Dynamic interference alignment for partially connected quasi-static MIMO interference channel
Systems, methods, and apparatus are described that employ specially designed interference patterns to build an in-band side channel without degrading the effective throughput of the main channel. Transmitter and receiver pairs implement a two-stage dynamic interference mitigation scheme based on the partial connections in limited dimension MIMO interference channels. The first stage determines the stream assignments and the subspace constraints for beamforming vectors and zero-forcing vectors based on the partially connected topology such as the path loss, shadowing and spatial correlation. The second stage determines the beamforming vectors and the zero-forcing vectors based on the instantaneous channel state information over the subspaces obtained from the first stage. In an aspect, a controller device implements the first and second stage and assigns the transmitter and receiver pairs to perform interference alignment using the stream assignments and beamforming and zero-forcing vectors respectively.
US09001913B2 Power saving idle data transmission units
A method implemented in a multicarrier transmission system, the method comprising generating a plurality of constellation points by using one or more constellation mappers to map a plurality of special data sequences for an idle data transmission unit (IDTU), wherein the plurality of special data sequences are computed prior to the mapping such that the plurality of constellation points are essentially inner constellation points, wherein each of the inner constellation points resides in a constellation diagram that corresponds to one of a plurality of subcarriers used by the IDTU, and wherein the constellation diagram comprises a number of inner constellation points and a number of outer constellation points, with the inner constellation points being closer from an origin of the constellation diagram than the outer constellation points, and transmitting the plurality of constellation points.
US09001912B2 Measuring channel signal to noise metric using constellation data
Described are systems and methods of estimating a Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio of an input channel carrying a QAM signal. A Modulation Error Ratio (MER) is calculated for the input QAM signal, but uses only the centermost error values of a constellation of the input QAM signal in generating this modified MER. The modified MER accurately represents the S/N ratio of the input channel carrying the QAM signal. In this way the S/N ratio may be accurately determined using only the received I and Q components of the modulated QAM input signal itself.
US09001909B2 Channel estimation for low-overhead communication in a network
A receiving station receives an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol via a shared medium, the OFDM symbol comprising a first set of frequency components modulated with preamble information and a second set of frequency components modulated with information. The receiving station processes sampled values of the received OFDM symbol based on channel characteristics estimated from the first set of frequency components to decode information encoded on a first subset of the second set of frequency components. The receiving station processes sampled values from the first symbol based on channel characteristics estimated from the first set of frequency components and the first subset of the second set of frequency components to decode information encoded on a second subset of the second set of frequency components.
US09001908B2 Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol formats for a wireless local area network (WLAN)
In a method of generating an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, a plurality of information bits is encoded to generate a plurality of coded bits. The plurality of information bits corresponds to a first bandwidth, while the OFDM symbol includes a number of data tones corresponding to a second bandwidth. The coded bits are mapped to a plurality constellation symbols. The constellation symbols are mapped to a first plurality of data subcarriers corresponding to a first portion of the OFDM symbol and to a second plurality of data subcarriers corresponding to a second portion of the OFDM symbol. A subset of data subcarriers in the first plurality of data subcarriers and in the second plurality of data subcarriers are set to one or more predetermined values. The OFDM symbol is then generated to include at least the first plurality of data subcarriers and the second plurality of data subcarriers.
US09001906B2 Communication apparatus and communication method
A modulator generates a modulation signal from an input signal, and a serial-parallel converter generates a subcarrier modulation signal from the modulation signal. An IFFT unit performs an inverse fast Fourier transformation on the subcarrier modulation signal to generate first data. An operator multiplies respective elements of the first data by amplitude coefficients, and further adds dispersion coefficients to the multiplication result, the amplitude coefficients being real numbers other than 0 defined for the respective elements, at least one of the amplitude coefficients having a value other than 1, the dispersion coefficients being complex numbers defined for the respective components, and at least one of the dispersion coefficients having a value other than 0. Then, data symbols are generated based on a calculation result. A transmitter transmits a transmission frame including the data symbols to another apparatus via an antenna.
US09001894B2 Motion picture encoding device and motion picture decoding device
When a prediction is made between fields with different parity, the predicative efficiency of a chrominance vector is improved by adaptively switching the generation of a chrominance motion vector depending on a encoding/decoding field parity (top/bottom) and a reference field parity (top/bottom), and the coding efficiency is improved accordingly.
US09001892B2 Moving image encoder and moving image decoder
A moving image encoder has an image separating unit (1) for generating four separate images (1)-(4) by sampling pixels constituting an input image every two alternate pixels in the horizontal direction and each alternate pixel in the vertical direction. An intraframe predictive coding unit performs intraframe predictive coding of the separate image (1) by using pixels constituting the separate image (1) produced by the image separating unit (1). An inter-separate image predictive coding unit 12 performs inter-separate image predictive coding of the separate images (2)-(4) produced by the image separating unit 1 by using the pixels constituting the separate image (1) produced by the image separating unit (1).
US09001886B2 Dynamic time synchronization
A method is provided in certain example embodiments and may include evaluating a first video stream being encoded by a first encoding element, where the first video stream is provided at a first bit rate. The method may also include evaluating a second video stream being encoded by a second encoding element, where the second video stream is provided at a second bit rate. The method may further include providing an output that is reflective of a time synchronization and a frame alignment for a plurality of frames within the first video stream and the second video stream.
US09001884B2 Method and apparatus for acquisition, compression, and characterization of spatiotemporal signals
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for acquisition, compression, and characterization of spatiotemporal signals. In one aspect, the invention assesses self-similarity over the entire length of a spatiotemporal signal, as well as on a moving attention window, to provide cost effective measurement and quantification of dynamic processes. The invention also provides methods and apparatus for measuring self-similarity in spatiotemporal signals to characterize, adaptively control acquisition and/or storage, and assign meta-data for further detail processing. In some embodiments, the invention provides for an apparatus adapted for the characterization of biological units, and methods by which attributes of the biological units can be monitored in response to the addition or removal of manipulations, e.g., treatments. The attributes of biological units can be used to characterize the effects of the abovementioned manipulations or treatments as well as to identify genes or proteins responsible for, or contributing to, these effects.
US09001876B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving signal from relay station in radio communication system
A method and device for a transmitting and receiving a signal from a relay station in a radio communication system is provided. The method includes: receiving offset time information from a base station; configuring a time difference between an access downlink transmission subframe that transmits an access downlink signal to a relay station terminal according to the offset time information and a backhaul downlink reception subframe that receives a backhaul downlink signal from the base station; transmitting a control signal from the access downlink transmission subframe to the relay station terminal; and receiving the backhaul downlink signal from the base station in the backhaul downlink reception subframe.
US09001874B2 Feedback method, mobile terminal apparatus and radio base station apparatus
The present invention makes it possible to generate precoding weights reliably, even in downlink MIMO transmission using a plurality of transmitting antennas. The present invention includes: a first feedback information selection section (109) that, in a mode to include a PTI in a PUCCH and feed back the PTI to a radio base station apparatus for downlink MIMO transmission using a plurality of transmitting antennas, selects the same RI as the last RI that was fed back, when the value of the PTI is changed from 0 to 1; a multiplexer (115) that multiplexes the RI and the PTI after the change on a subframe; and a transmission section that transmits the multiplex signal to the radio base station apparatus by the PUCCH.
US09001866B2 Multi-standard communication
A communication node (115) with is arranged to receive signals from at least one antenna (120). A frequency domain conversion is executed (201) for two or more antenna signals by receiving (201a) a continuous signal from one of the at least one antenna (120), splitting (201b) the continuous antenna signal into windowed signals, and performing (201e) a frequency domain conversion of the windowed signals. Then, a channel estimate based on a frequency converted pilot signal is provided (202) by extracting (202a) a pilot signal, splitting (202b) the pilot signal into windowed signals, performing (202d) a frequency domain conversion of the split pilot signal; and providing (202e) a channel estimate of the frequency converted pilot signal. Diversity combined signals are provided (203) by performing (203a) diversity combining based on the frequency converted windowed signals and the channel estimate, and by combining (203c) the diversity combined signals.
US09001863B2 Graphite crucible for electromagnetic induction melting silicon and apparatus for silicon melting and refining using the graphite crucible
A graphite crucible for electromagnetic induction-based silicon melting and an apparatus for silicon melting/refining using the same, which performs a melting operation by a combination of indirect melting and direct melting. The crucible is formed of a graphite material and includes a cylindrical body having an open upper part through which a silicon raw material is charged into the crucible, and an outer wall surround by an induction coil, wherein a plurality of first slits are vertically formed through the outer wall and an inner wall of the crucible, and a plurality of second slits are vertically formed from an edge of the disc-shaped bottom of the crucible toward a center of the bottom.
US09001861B2 Device and method for producing coherent bi-color light source
A device for producing a coherent bi-color light source, including: an array substrate, a first laser tube driven by a first direct current signal, a second laser tube driven by a modulation signal coupled by a microwave signal and a second DC signal, a half wave plate, a birefringent crystal, a first quarter wave plate, a partially reflecting plane mirror, and a second quarter wave plate. The first laser tube and the second laser tube are fixed on the array substrate. The half wave plate, the birefringent crystal, the first quarter wave plate, the partially reflecting plane mirror, and the second quarter wave plate are disposed in sequence in an emission direction of a laser beam emitted by the first laser tube. The second laser tube is disposed opposite to the birefringent crystal.
US09001860B2 Laser diode device including a top electrode with first and second sections
A laser diode device includes a laminated structure in which a first compound semiconductor layer, a third compound semiconductor layer that has a light emitting region and a saturable absorption region, and a second compound semiconductor layer are sequentially layered, a second electrode, and a first electrode. The laminated structure has ridge stripe structure. The second electrode is separated into a first section to obtain forward bias state by applying a direct current to the first electrode through the light emitting region and a second section to add electric field to the saturable absorption region by an isolation trench. When minimum width of the ridge stripe structure is WMIN, and width of the ridge stripe structure of the second section of the second electrode in an interface between the second section of the second electrode and the isolation trench is W2, 1
US09001859B2 Ridge semiconductor laser and method for manufacturing a ridge semiconductor laser
The ridge semiconductor laser is a semiconductor laser in which a carrier stopper layer made of an AlInAs compound, a clad layer made of an AlGaInAs compound, and an etching stopper layer made of an InGaAsP compound are stacked in sequence on one side of an active layer made of an AlGaInAs compound. The ridge semiconductor laser is provided with a ridge waveguide including, in a layer made of an InP compound, a diffraction grating made of an InGaAsP compound on the opposite side of the clad layer of the etching stopper layer.
US09001858B1 Quantum cascade laser element
To raise the upper limit of the temperature range in which a quantum cascade laser (QCL) element for THz range operates at a single frequency. In a quantum cascade laser element in one embodiment of the present invention, each unit structure 10U in the active region 10 is provided with the first to fourth well layers 10W1-10W4 that are stacked in this order and separated from one another by at least one bather layer 10B. During application of a first bias electric field for lasing, the structure of electronic energy levels has a reception, upper lasing, lower lasing, and depopulation levels and emits electromagnetic waves at a first frequency. During application of a second bias electric field that is weaker than the first bias electric field, the overlap integral is 0.15 or less between electronic wavefunctions for the unnecessary upper lasing and unnecessary lower lasing levels, thereby stimulated emissions of electromagnetic waves are suppressed at frequencies other than the first frequency.
US09001857B2 High-efficiency, dual current sink laser diode driver
Provided are assemblies and processes for activating light emitting devices. A first current sink is in electrical communication with a common source through a current node and configured to draw a first current through the current node in response to a respective control signal. A second current sink is also provided in electrical communication with the current node and in parallel with the first current sink, also configured to draw a second current through the current node in response to a respective control signal. An aggregate current is drawn through the array, determined as a combination of the first and second currents. A commanded current from the first current sink can be shunted around the second array and the second current sink, providing a capability to series both the first and second laser diode light-emitting arrays, while simultaneously drawing different current amplitudes through each array from a common potential source.
US09001854B2 Methods for determining optical power, for power-normalizing laser measurements, and for stabilizing power of lasers via compliance voltage sensing
A method is disclosed for power normalization of spectroscopic signatures obtained from laser based chemical sensors that employs the compliance voltage across a quantum cascade laser device within an external cavity laser. The method obviates the need for a dedicated optical detector used specifically for power normalization purposes. A method is also disclosed that employs the compliance voltage developed across the laser device within an external cavity semiconductor laser to power-stabilize the laser mode of the semiconductor laser by adjusting drive current to the laser such that the output optical power from the external cavity semiconductor laser remains constant.
US09001853B2 Internal optical mixer pulsed at larmor frequency
Pulsed, coherent light is generated by optical mixing which takes place inside the resonator of a pulsed laser oscillator. One of the beams to be mixed is generated by the pulsed laser, and the other by a distinct, external laser oscillator. If the light from the external oscillator is modulated, that modulation will be transferred onto the light generated by the optical mixing. Using sum frequency generation, light for sodium excitation, such as for a guide star, can be generated with the optimal modulation of spectral and temporal properties. If the pulse repetition frequency is chosen to be at or near the magnetic (Larmor) resonance of the sodium, then the amount of scattered light due to sodium excitation is enhanced, and the magnetic field at the location of the sodium atoms can be measured.
US09001852B1 Wavelength tunable laser
The wavelength tunable laser includes a thermo-electric cooler (TEC), a distributed feedback portion, and a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). The distributed feedback portion is disposed on the thermo-electric cooler and has a plurality of distributed feedback (DFB) lasers connected in series. Each DFB laser is configured to output an optical signal within a different temperature dependent tunable range of wavelengths. Therefore, the distributed feedback portion outputs an optical signal from one of the DFB lasers. The SOA is optically connected to the distributed feedback portion. The SOA amplifies and modulates the optical signal outputted from the distributed feedback portion.
US09001851B2 Broadband high power light source
A tunable light includes a super continuum light source and a non-linear crystal, the super continuum light source comprising a pump source and a generator fiber, the generator fiber having an input end and an output end, and the super continuum light source and the non-linear crystal being arranged so that at least a part of output light emitted from the output end of the generator fiber is brought into interaction with the non-linear crystal under an angle of incidence φ relative to a surface of the non-linear crystal.
US09001847B2 Apparatus and method for mapping a client signal
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for mapping an SDH signal and other 40-Gbps client signals through a single data path. The mapping apparatus supports both a justification byte mapping scheme and a sigma-delta distribution mapping scheme and implements a single data path. Accordingly, power consumption may be reduced by changing each mapping mode in a hitless manner or minimizing logic capacity according to a mapping mode used in the mapping apparatus.
US09001845B2 Apparatus and method for communication
An apparatus and method for communication are provided. The solution includes controlling the estimation of a radio channel to obtain an estimate of a channel quality, performing quantization of the estimate of the channel quality to obtain a channel quality index, the quantization steps being of non-uniform size and selected on the basis of the accuracy of the estimation on different levels of channel quality, and controlling the transmission of the channel quality index to the communication system.
US09001840B2 Content caching in the radio access network (RAN)
A system and method to intercept traffic at standard interface points as defined by Cellular/Wireless networks (GSM/GPRS, 3G/UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA, CDMA, WIMAX, LTE), emulate the respective protocols on either side of the interception point, extract user/application payloads within the intercepted packets, perform optimizations, and re-encapsulate with the same protocol, and deliver the content transparently is disclosed. The optimizations include but are not limited to Content Caching, prediction & pre-fetching of frequently used content, performance of content-aware transport optimizations (TCP, UDP, RTP etc.) for reducing back-haul bandwidth, and improvement of user experience. An additional embodiment of the current invention includes injecting opportunistic content (location based, profile based or advertisement content) based on the information derived while monitoring control plane protocols.
US09001839B2 Communication control device and method
A communication control device includes a storage unit configured to store source addresses and destination addresses of one or more frames, a determination unit configured to determine respective access proportions for types of accesses to the storage unit, in accordance with an empty state of the storage unit, the empty state being a proportion of the number of empty entries in the storage unit to the total number of entries, and a control unit configured to control whether to access the storage unit, based on the access proportions determined by the determination unit and proportions for accesses having been made to the storage unit.
US09001835B2 Method and system for establishing emergency call
A method for establishing an emergency call includes: if an emergency call request message sent by a User Equipment (UE) contains an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Public User Identity (IMPU) in a TEL URI format, a Proxy-Call Session Control Function entity (P-CSCF) generates an IMPU in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) URI format according to the IMPU in the TEL URI format, sends both IMPUs to a Public Safety Answering Point (PS AP), and receives an emergency callback initiated by the PSAP. The PSAP initiates the emergency callback according to one of the two IMPUs. A system for establishing an emergency call includes a UE, a P-CSCF and a PSAP. The PSAP can always acquire the IMPU in the TEL URI format and the IMPU in the SIP URI format of the UE, and initiate an emergency callback to the UE according to the IMPU in the SIP URI format.
US09001834B2 Communication transmission methods and systems
Communication transmission methods and systems are provided. Firstly, a base station broadcasts a message to a user equipment, wherein the message includes a priority threshold value. Then, the user equipment compares a priority value of the user equipment with the priority threshold value. Then, an initiation of an access procedure of the user equipment is disabled when the priority value of the user equipment is below the priority threshold value.
US09001832B2 Method, device and system for establishing pseudo wire
A method for establishment a pseudo wire (PW) is disclosed, including: receiving a first label mapping (LM) message, where the first LM message carries a PW ID, PW parameters, and label switching path (LSP) tunnel information that are selected by the sender of the first LM message; matching a local PW according to the PW ID; performing parameter negotiation of the local PW according to the PW parameters; matching a local tunnel according to the LSP tunnel information; binding the local tunnel and the local PW when the matching between the PW ID and the LSP tunnel information is successful; and establishing a PW when the parameter negotiation is successful. A device and system for establishing a PW are also disclosed. With the present invention, a PW service is associated with an LSP tunnel to improve the reliability of the information transmission process.
US09001830B2 Ultra low latency multi-protocol network device
Presented herein are techniques to achieve ultra low latency determination of processing decisions for packets in a network device. A packet is received at a port of a network device. A processing decision is determined in a first processing decision path based on content of the packet and one or more network policies. A processing decision is determined in a second processing decision path, in parallel with the first processing path, by accessing a table storing processing decisions. The second processing decision path can output a processing decision faster than the first processing decision path for packets that match one or more particular packet flow parameters contained in the table. A processing decision determined by the second processing decision path, if one can be made, is used, and otherwise a processing decision determined by the first processing decision path is used.
US09001820B2 Method and apparatus for selecting a communication network
A method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for selecting a network for telecommunication are provided. A type of network supporting a called identifier is identified. Several types of networks are accessible to a calling communication device. A database is queried with a query including the called identifier to identify the types of networks that are accessible to a called communication device. A network corresponding to the called communication device is selected at the calling communication device. A communication session is established between the calling and called communication devices using the selected network.
US09001818B2 Method to process a call request
Establishing a communication session in a packet-based network. A communication session request is received from an originating device. The communication session request includes a destination address. A communication session is established with the originating device. The communication session includes a communication session identifier. Based on the destination address, a first media path is set up between the originating device and a first destination device, the first media path not including a communication session controller. The first media path between the originating device and the first destination device is taken down while maintaining the communication session with the originating device. After taking down the first media path, a second media path in the communication session is set up using the communication session identifier. The second media path extends between the originating device and a second destination device, the second media path not including the communication session controller.
US09001806B2 Method and apparatus for managing a probe response related to wireless medium access control
An approach is provided for managing a probe response related to wireless medium access control. The approach involves causing, at least in part, an active scan process that includes transmitting one or more probe request messages to indicate one or more scheduling windows within which receiving one or more probe response messages is permitted in reply to the one or more probe request messages.
US09001802B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting uplink signals using multi-antenna
A method and apparatus for allowing a UE to transmit uplink signals using a MIMO scheme are disclosed. In order to maintain good Peak power to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) or Cubic Metric (CM) properties when the UE transmits uplink signals using the MIMO scheme, the UE uses a preceding scheme based on a preceding matrix established in a manner that one layer is transmitted to each antenna in specific rank transmission.
US09001800B2 System and method for an ultra wide-band medium access control distributed reservation protocol
A system (300), apparatus (301), and method are provided for decentralized medium access control comprising an enhanced protocol for UWB MAC that includes a distributed reservation protocol (DRP) for distributed reservation of the medium (310). The invention also relates to any wireless system (300) that uses a MAC protocol comprising a distributed reservation protocol. The method comprises devices (301) announcing medium reservations in beacons (400) and devices (301) that receive such announcements respecting the reservations.
US09001788B2 Method and apparatus for canceling a circuit switched fallback
A method and apparatus may be used to cancel a communication session. The apparatus may transmit a message that indicates a request to cancel the communication session. The apparatus may continue a Packet Switched (PS) session without performing an intersystem change. If the apparatus receives an intersystem change command, the apparatus may transmit a message to reject the intersystem change command, or it may ignore the intersystem change command.
US09001786B2 Handover methods between an unlicensed mobile access network and a cellular communication network and apparatuses thereof
The present invention relates to a handover technology between an unlicensed mobile access network and a cellular communication network. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method of handing over a communication connection from an unlicensed mobile access network to a cellular communication network in a mobile terminal is provided. The method includes the following steps: acquiring a location information and/or moving direction and/or moving velocity of the mobile terminal (301); determining a handover timing or a handover probability of the handover at least partly according to the location information, moving direction and moving velocity (302); initiating the communication connection between the mobile terminal and the cellular communication network for handover preparation when the handover timing is less than a predetermined value or the handover probability is more than a predetermined value (303); executing the handover (304). By using the method, device and apparatus of the present invention in combination with the positioning-related information of the mobile terminal, handover between an unlicensed mobile access network and a cellular communication network is performed, and thus the handover reliability is improved.
US09001772B2 Apparatus and method for managing access state of mobile station for group communication service in wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for managing an access state of a terminal for a group communication service in a wireless communication system are provided. In a method for operating a terminal for a group communication service in a wireless communication system, a bandwidth ranging message is transmitted to a base station in an idle state. The terminal is allocated an uplink resource from the base station. A message for access state transfer including a multicast Connection IDentifier (CID) is generated. The message for access state transfer is transmitted to the base station via the allocated uplink resource.
US09001765B2 Method, base station and user equipment for transmitting physical resource blocks and estimating channels
A method, a base station and a user equipment for transmitting physical resource blocks and estimating channels are provided. The method includes: scheduling, by a base station, M PRBs for the user equipment, and configuring reference signal patterns for the M PRBs as following: allocating (X−1)M+1 demodulation reference signal subcarriers for M PRBs in a frequency domain, configuring only one demodulation reference signal subcarrier within a range of (−N, N] subcarriers in a border of every two PRBs, where locations of the rest (X−2)M+2 demodulation reference signal subcarriers keep consistent with locations of demodulation reference signal subcarriers in M contiguous first demodulation reference signal patterns in a frequency domain; and transmitting the configured M PRBs to the user equipment, so that the user equipment performs joint channel estimation according to the configured M PRBs. This saves reference signal overheads and optimizes data transmission rate.
US09001762B2 Communication method between a device and another device
The present invention relates to a method for communicating with another device through a first device having a Converged Personal network Service (CPNS) enabled entity. The communication method includes receiving a search request message including information regarding the mode of a second device when the CPNS enabled entity of the first device, set in the gateway mode, moves into the coverage area of a second network managed by the second device. The communication method includes: when it is confirmed that the CPNS enable entity of the second device is set with a gateway on the basis of the mode information, confirming whether there is at least one available PNE in all coverage areas of the first network and the second network; and determining whether to change the mode of the CPNS enable entity of the first device on the basis of whether there is at least one available PNE, as well as whether to change the mode of the second device. Here, according to the result of the determination, the mode of the CPNS enabled entity of the first device may be changed to a combined mode in the gateway mode.
US09001760B2 Scheduling assignment and ACK/NACK reporting to facilitate centralized D2D scheduling
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus receives a resource assignment from a serving base station for a device-to-device (D2D) link with a transmitter, attempts to receive a data packet from the transmitter based on the resource assignment, sends an acknowledgment (ACK) only to the serving base station when reception of the data packet succeeds, and sends a negative acknowledgment (NACK) only to the transmitter when the reception of the data packet fails. In an aspect, the apparatus receives a resource assignment from a serving base station for a D2D link with a receiver, sends a data packet to the receiver based on the resource assignment, and assumes the data packet is successfully received at the receiver unless a NACK is received from the receiver, wherein the NACK indicates a failed reception of the data packet at the receiver.
US09001756B2 Physical downlink control channel and physical hybrid automatic repeat request indicator channel enhancements
A wireless transmission system included at least one user equipment and a base station. The base station is operable to form a downlink control information block, modulate the downlink control information, precode the modulated downlink control information, and transmit the precoded, modulated downlink control information on at least one demodulation reference signal antenna port to the at least one user equipment. The precoded, modulated downlink control information is mapped to a set of N1 physical resource block pairs in a subframe from an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbol T1 to and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbol T2.
US09001754B2 Mobile station apparatus, base station apparatus, wireless communication system, and wireless communication method
Provided are a mobile station apparatus, a wireless communication system, and a wireless communication method that can improve reliability of handover while efficiently and early completing the handover. A mobile station apparatus 100 that switches base station apparatuses 200a and 200b to communicate with by handover includes: receiving an HO Command message including scheduled uplink transmission information from the base station apparatus of a handover source 200a; performing uplink transmission to the base station apparatus of a handover destination 200b based on the scheduled uplink transmission information; and executing handover in accordance with a random access procedure if a response is not received from the base station apparatus of a handover destination 200b with respect to a single time or plural times of the uplink transmission.
US09001752B2 Base station, method for arranging sub burst region in base station, method for determining terminal to be communicated with, and method for allocating downlink burst region
A base station including at least one circuit configured to: receive a signal from a communication terminal via an array antenna; calculate a weight to be applied to the array antenna with respect to the communication terminal, based on a known signal supplied from the communication terminal and received by the circuit; transmit a signal to the communication terminal via the array antenna; determine m (m>1) communication terminals among the plurality of communication terminals, based on a first communication quality between base stations and a plurality of communication terminals, as communication-object candidates; cause to transmit control information, which is configured to cause the communication terminal to transmit the known signal, to the m communication terminals. Thus, the circuit may determine, as communication objects, l (1≦l
US09001751B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving control channel in a multi-carrier communications system
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data in a multi-carrier communications system. The data transmission/receiving method uses multiple carriers including a primary carrier that is capable of transmitting and receiving data traffic and PHY/MAC control information between a terminal and a base station and at least one secondary carrier that transmits and receives down-link data traffic between the terminal and the base station. The method comprises: generating an MPDU (MAC Protocol Data Unit) to be sent to a PHY (Physical) layer in an MAC (Medium Access Control) layer; performing channel-coding and modulation on the MPDU to generate a modulated symbol sequence in the PHY layer; segmenting the modulated symbol sequence into multiple symbol sequences; and allocating the multiple segmented symbol sequences to multiple carriers, respectively, to perform IFFT (Inverse Fast Fourier Transform) and transmit to a terminal, wherein control information on the multiple carriers is allocated to a control channel region of the primary carrier and transmitted via the primary carrier.
US09001750B2 Method and apparatus for signaling user equipment capabilities
Apparatus and methods that provide wireless communications, where a method for wireless communications includes receiving at a Node B a first set of bits indicating at least two frequency bands supported by a UE for HSDPA, the first set of bits further specifying a number of downlink adjacent carriers supported by the UE for each of the at least two frequency bands. The method also includes transmitting a first set of bits indicating support for a set of carriers for each band, the information comprising information related to a maximum channel bandwidth supported for that band; and transmitting a second set of bits indicating a configuration for the set of carriers under which multiple uplinks will be supported.
US09001749B2 Communication apparatus and bluetooth ID packet recognition method thereof
A communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes an RF module, a down converter coupled to the RF module and a detector coupled to the down converter. The RF module receives an RF signal. The down converter down converts the RF signal in response to a channel select signal to generate a converted signal, wherein the channel select signal controls the down converter to alternately sweep a plurality of scan trains during a scan frame, and each of the scan trains comprises a plurality of channels. The power detector determines whether the RF signal comprises an ID packet according to the converted signal corresponding to the channels of the plurality of scan trains.
US09001747B2 Reporting channel state information
An approach is provided for reporting channel state information. The network configures parameters relating to periodic reporting of channel state information and generates a resource allocation message including a flag to enable or disable the reporting of channel state information in a subframe configured for periodic reporting.
US09001743B2 Increasing the accuracy of location estimates for wireless local area network (WLAN) and cellular enabled devices
The disclosed subject matter relates to a method and system for increasing the accuracy of a WLAN based position estimate using cellular positioning information. In some embodiments, the method can include determining a set of possible WLAN location solutions for a WLAN and cellular enabled device based on one or more WLAN access points, obtaining cellular measurements from at least one cell tower, and determining the best WLAN location solution from the set of possible WLAN location solutions using the cellular measurements. In one embodiment, the method can include using the cellular measurements from the at least one cell tower to provide a cellular based location estimate for the WLAN and cellular enabled device.
US09001742B2 Synchronizing a base station in a wireless communication system
A method for synchronizing a wireless communication system is disclosed. A silence duration for a base station is determined based on the time required for a neighbor base station to obtain or maintain synchronization. All transmissions from the base station are ceased for the silence duration. Multiple base stations level may cease transmissions at the same time, thus mitigating interference.
US09001741B2 Base-station provided access to IMS services
Exemplary methods and systems for providing access to IMS services are disclosed herein. An exemplary method involves a first radio access network (RAN) component: (a) sending a registration message to an IMS network in order to register the first RAN component with the IMS network, wherein the IMS registration message provides an IP address at which to register the first RAN component, (b) receiving a service request from a first access terminal, wherein the first RAN component is a serving RAN component for the first access terminal, and (c) in response to receiving the service request, the first RAN component engaging in an IMS service on behalf of the first access terminal, wherein engaging in the IMS service on behalf of the first access terminal comprises sending the IMS network a first initiation message for a session event, wherein the first initiation message comprises: (i) a field that identifies the first access terminal and (ii) a field that includes an IP address of a second RAN component that serves a target access terminal.
US09001738B2 Message generating arrangement
A message generating arrangement determines whether a first communication terminal of a communication system can participate, by means of packet-switching network elements of the communication system, in a communication link in which a second communication terminal of the communication system is participating by means of circuit-switching network elements of the communication system, and generates a message on the basis of the result of the determination.
US09001731B2 Method for communicating in a network, a secondary station and system therefor
The present invention relates to a method of communicating in a network, comprising a secondary station transmitting to a primary station a data packet comprising a report, the secondary station monitoring before transmission of the packet whether said packet includes an indication of the order of transmission in a sequence of transmitted packets, and adding an indication of the order of transmission in a sequence of transmitted packets.
US09001727B2 Architecture and method of relay node RF for carrier aggregation
A wireless communication system that includes a relay node is disclosed. The relay node supporting carrier aggregation (CA) comprises a first antenna for performing communication with a base station through a backhaul link; a plurality of backhaul link radio frequency (RF) chains connected with the first antenna, for transmitting and receiving a radio signal for backhaul link transmission; a second antenna for performing communication with a user equipment through an access link; a plurality of access link RF units connected with the second antenna, for transmitting and receiving a radio signal for access link transmission; and a control unit controlling the plurality of backhaul link RF chains and the plurality of access link RF chains to share at least a part of RF components between the backhaul link RF chains and the access link RF chains.
US09001723B1 Method and system for providing notifications of system information changes on a per cycle basis
A method and system for managing broadcast of notifications indicating whether system information has changed, so as to enable served devices to determine when to read and store updated system information. A radio access network tracks changes in system information on a per wakeup cycle basis, so as to determine whether system information has changed since a last instance of broadcasting such a notification in a particular wakeup cycle. If system information has changed, the network responsively broadcasts an indication that system information has changed, so as to cause devices operating on that wakeup cycle to read and store the updated system information. Whereas, if system information has not changed, the network responsively broadcasts an indication that system information has not changed (or forgoes broadcasting an indication that system information has changed), so that devices operating on that wakeup cycle can avoid reading and storing the system information.
US09001714B2 Ethernet physical layer device using time division duplex
An Ethernet physical layer device using time division duplex. A time division duplex frame can be defined with uplink and downlink transmission periods. These defined uplink and downlink transmission periods can be adjusted based on bandwidth and latency considerations on the network link.
US09001713B2 Communication apparatus and communication method, computer program, and communication system
A learning on a weight of an adaptive array antenna which becomes necessary for a space division multiple access is carried out while a backward compatibility with a conventional standard is maintained.When a TRQ frame and a training frame for the learning are exchanged, a spoof is applied on these frames to preferably avoid collisions with a surrounding station STA4 that follows a conventional standard. Also, after the weight of the adaptive array antenna is learnt, a STA0 multiplexes and transmits the plurality of data frames addressed to a plurality of users while a wireless resource on a spatial axis is shared by the plurality of users, so that a throughput for one-to-many, that is, for the plurality of users as a whole is improved.
US09001712B2 Transmit signal cancelation apparatus and methods
Apparatus and methods disclosed herein implement an RF receive-band filter at a receive chain input of a wireless base station with a co-located transmitter and receiver. The RF receive-band filter includes an adaptive filter component to perform filtering operations on samples of a digital baseband or intermediate frequency signal x(n) from a transmit chain associated with the wireless base station. An adaptive filter transfer function is determined in real time such that samples of the baseband transmit signal x(n) are transformed into a cancellation baseband signal z(n). The digital cancelation baseband signal z(n) is then digital-to-analog converted and the resulting analog baseband signal z(t) is up-converted to obtain a subtractive RF cancelation signal c(t). C(t) is summed with a desirable received signal RF component r(t) and an undesirable transmitter leakage RF signal component l(t) appearing at the input to the base station receiver. C(t) cancels l(t), leaving r(t) to be processed by the receiver section of the base station.
US09001710B2 High-frequency module
In a high-frequency module, first, second and third duplexers are aligned and mounted on a top surface of a multilayer body. The second duplexer, the frequency band of which is spaced apart from those of the first duplexer and the third duplexer, is arranged between the first duplexer and the third duplexer, the frequency bands of which are close to each other. This causes the spacing between the first and third duplexers, the frequencies of signals transmitted and received through which are close to each other, to be increased to suppress or prevent unnecessary electromagnetic field coupling between the first and third duplexers. In addition, also with the second duplexer, the frequency band of which is spaced apart from those of the first and third duplexers and which exists between the first and third duplexers, the unnecessary electromagnetic field coupling is suppressed or prevented between the first and third duplexers.
US09001702B2 Speakerphone using a secure audio connection to initiate a second secure connection
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for improved audio, video, and data conferencing. The present invention provides a conferencing system comprising a plurality of endpoints communicating data including audio data and control data according to a communication protocol. A local conference endpoint may control or be controlled by a remote conference endpoint. Data comprising control signals may be exchanged between the local endpoint and remote endpoint via various communication protocols. In other embodiments, the present invention provides for improved bridge architecture for controlling functions of conference endpoints including controlling functions of the bridge.
US09001699B2 Systems and methods for communication setup via reconciliation of internet protocol addresses
Systems and methods for forwarding data packets to facilitate an IP telephony communication make use of a media relay to accomplish the forwarding actions. The media relay is configured receive setup signaling indicating a first acceptable originating IP address for received data packets. The media relay also allows the acceptable originating IP address to change once after the initial call setup has occurred. Also, if a REINVITE action occurs during a call, the media relay will allow the acceptable originating IP address to change once after the REINVITE signaling has been completed.
US09001694B2 Methods and apparatus for controlling a wireless station
Methods and apparatus for controlling a wireless station (102) are disclosed. In an embodiment, an access point (104), or any other suitable device or system, receives a first application identifier from a first wireless station (102) at an access point (104) (e.g., receive a URL from a temperature sensor). The access point (104) then downloads and/or activates a software application to the access point (104) from a first server (106) based on the first application identifier (e.g., download a temperature measurement application based on the URL). The access point (104) issues a command to the first wireless station (102) based on the software application (e.g., send temperature measurement and sleep instructions to the temperature sensor). The access point (104) also receives first data from the first wireless station (102) (e.g., receive temperature measurements from the sensor). The access point (104) transmits the first data to at least one of the first server (106) and a second different server (106) (e.g., send the temperature measurements back to the server).
US09001690B2 Adaptive generation of channel quality indicators (CQIs) based on a current communication scenario
Adaptive generation of channel quality indicators based on a current communication scenario. A plurality of sets of channel quality indicator information may be stored for each of a plurality of UE communication scenarios. The information may be usable in generating a channel quality indicator. During operation of the UE, a current communication scenario of the UE may be determined. A first set of channel quality indicator information may be selected based on the determined current communication scenario being experienced by the UE. At least one channel quality indicator may be determined based on the selected first set of channel quality indicator information. Finally, the channel quality indicator may be provided to a base station.
US09001689B1 Channel optimization in half duplex communications systems
Channel Optimization in Half Duplex Communications Systems is provided herein. Methods may include obtaining at a first terminal, radio frequency (RF) spectral information local to the first terminal, analyzing at the first terminal, RF spectral information for a second terminal that is not co-located with the first terminal, transmitting data to the second terminal on a second terminal optimal frequency band, and receiving data from the second terminal on the first terminal optimal frequency band, where the first terminal optimal frequency being based upon the RF spectral information local to the first terminal.
US09001686B2 Interference estimation with TDM
Mobile broadband traffic has been exploding in wireless networks resulting in an increase of interferences and reduced operator control. Networks are also becoming more heterogeneous putting additional demand in interference management. Scheduler schedules uplink transmissions from UEs based on a load prediction algorithm that typically assumes worst case. However, UEs do not always use full power granted, and thus, much of granted radio resources are wasted. To address these and other issues, technique(s) to accurately predict/estimate other cell interferences and thermal noise separately and to accurately predict/estimate load utilization probability and variance is(are) described. Inventive estimation technique(s) can be used to schedule UEs to more fully utilize available radio resources, e.g., in TD-scheduling operations. Extended Kalman filtering can be adapted for use in estimation providing low order computational complexity.
US09001683B2 Selective routing of communications in locomotive consist
A method for routing data between access points in a locomotive consist including at least three locomotives is disclosed. The method may include monitoring at least one characteristic of a first data transmission between a first access point in a first locomotive and a third access point in a third locomotive. The method may also include determining, based on the monitored characteristic, whether to route a second data transmission from the first access point to the third access point through a second access point in a second locomotive that is physically disposed between the first locomotive and the third locomotive.
US09001682B2 Content and RAN aware network selection in multiple wireless access and small-cell overlay wireless access networks
Methods for steering the access technology selection by a mobile device in an overlay Small-Cell and Macro Network, such as UMTS, LTE, CDMA, or WIFI are disclosed. This selection determination is based on the observed, real-time correlated and estimated network congestion, content-awareness, application/service expectations, and other criteria. Methods and procedures to influence network selection or control currently selected networks by propagating real-time correlated and consolidated information on a plurality of Radio Access Technologies to Access Points, or modifying the list of alternative Radio Access Technologies available at a location using standards defined mechanisms and parameters are identified. Additionally, steering content access and delivery through alternative access technologies, based on anticipated network usage by user's service activation, and the knowledge of the type, state and resource usage of a plurality of access networks when a mobile device connects to multiple access technologies through in-band or out-of-band mechanisms is identified.
US09001681B2 Method for allocating a network entity
The invention relates to a method for allocating a network entity for handling user communication signals of a user, the user communication signals comprising payload and signalling load. The method comprises obtaining (801) a load attribute, the load attribute indicating a load ratio between the payload and the signalling load, selecting (803) a network entity upon the basis of the load attribute, and initiating (805) a network entity location procedure to allocate the selected network entity for handling the user communication signals.
US09001680B2 Method and apparatus for providing improved detection of overlapping networks
A method, apparatus and computer program product provide improved detection of overlapping wireless networks. In this regard, the method, apparatus and computer program product may utilize a processor, such as a processor on a wireless access point, to determine one or more parameters for a scan of a wireless network to identify overlapping networks. Wireless stations may utilize the parameters to determine the content of a scan report generated from a scan of the wireless network. The wireless stations may further utilize the parameters to determine which values should be monitored and/or recorded during the scan of the network. The wireless stations may respond to the access point with results corresponding to the parameters requested by the access point, and the access point may use the results to determine channel access parameters for other devices on the network, such as the wireless stations.
US09001679B2 Supporting voice for flexible bandwidth systems
Methods, systems, and devices for supporting voice communications in a wireless communications system are provided. Some embodiments utilize multiple code channels to transmit the voice frames. These embodiments include parallel multi-code embodiments, offset multi-code embodiments, and multi-user multi-code embodiments. Some embodiments utilize flexible carrier bandwidths systems that may utilize portions of spectrum that may not be big enough to fit a normal bandwidth waveform. Some embodiments transmit and receive a subset of subframes of voice frames received over flexible bandwidth code channels. In some embodiments, a subset of subframes based on a flexible bandwidth scaling factor of one or more flexible bandwidth code channels is transmitted. The receiver may decode the voice frame based on the received subset of subframes. An outer loop power control set-point may be adjusted to provide a predetermined frame error rate based on the number of transmitted subframes.
US09001678B2 False alarm reduction with search windowing and peak suppression
The present embodiments are directed to systems and methods for detecting random access channel requests, while excluding false random access signals using search windowing and distance-based peak suppression techniques. The present embodiments additionally include further techniques for suppression of fake random access signals, including amplitude thresholds and preamble-based signal exclusion. Beneficially, the present embodiments significantly reduce the false alarm rate, while maintaining a low hardware complexity requirements. In some embodiments, worst-case false alarm rates can be reduced from as much as 20% down to nearly 0.1%.
US09001675B2 Communication method and system
Exemplary embodiments increase reliability of communication over a non-deterministic communication channel, in electric power systems. A communication channel is monitored based on regular network traffic, by evaluating messages or data packets carrying real-time operational data as a payload. A permanent determination of a channel quality, including appropriate alarming in case the channel quality is found insufficient, is based on an evaluation, at a receiving node, of data packets continually transmitted by a sending node. These continually or repeatedly transmitted data packets can include identical payloads reflecting current states rather than state changes as operational data.
US09001674B2 Method of sensing
Wireless nodes for use in a radio system are provided. A wireless node for use in a radio system may include a transmit and receive unit configured to request sensing information of at least one radio resource from at least one other wireless node of the radio system, and to receive the sensing information of the at least one radio resource from the at least one other wireless node of the radio system. The wireless node may include a sensing unit configured to determine whether a particular radio resource among the at least one radio resource is free to use based on the sensing information received from the at least one other wireless node. Related methods are also provided.
US09001673B2 Outgoing communications inventory
Systems and methods for generating and accessing a communications inventory are provided. To generate the inventory in one embodiment, a plurality of outgoing communications is received. The outgoing communications may have been auto-generated or generated as part of a batch process. Next, a determination is made that a first outgoing communication of the plurality of outgoing communications is unique relative to other outgoing communications to avoid storing duplicate messages. Lastly, a user may access a display of the first outgoing communication.
US09001671B2 Feature peer network representations and scalable feature peer network management
A device receives packets of an application flow, and inspects one or more of the packets of the application flow. The device determines, based on the inspection of the one or more packets, a service graph of feature peers for the packets of the application flow. The feature peers are associated with a network and the service graph includes an ordered set of the feature peers. The device creates a representation of the service graph. The representation includes an ordered set of feature elements that represent the feature peers of the service graph. The device provides the representation of the service graph to a controller device, and the controller device configures, based on the representation, the network with the service graph so that the packets of the application flow traverse the service graph.
US09001668B2 Endpoint selection in a network test system
A method for testing a network and a test manager for a network test system are disclosed. The method for testing a network may including displaying (1) a graphical user interface including a graphical representation of endpoints available for selection as endpoints of traffic to be generated during a test session and (2) a tabular list describing selected endpoints. Source endpoints for the traffic may be selected and the selected source endpoints may be designated on the graphical representation of endpoints and described in the tabular list. Traffic from the selected source endpoints to the selected destination endpoints may be generated for transmission via the network.
US09001663B2 Communication transport optimized for data center environment
Methods and apparatus for congestion control in computer networks achieve high burst tolerance, low latency and high throughput with shallow-buffered switches. A method for controlling congestion includes transmitting a set of data packets on a network connection from a first computing device to a second computing device, identifying each data packet in the set of data packets that experienced congestion on the network connection, sending, by the second computing device to the first computing device, a sequence of bits that represents the number of data packets in the set of data packets that were identified as having experienced congestion, and adjusting a rate of transmitting data packets on the network connection based on the sequence of bits sent to the first computing device.
US09001660B1 Selective discard of diameter protocol messages
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for selectively discarding Diameter protocol messages in an LTE communication system. In a particular embodiment, a method provides receiving a plurality of Diameter protocol messages at the communication control system and determining a measure of Diameter message congestion. If the measure of Diameter message congestion satisfies a congestion criteria, the method provides determining a priority of at least one message of the plurality of Diameter protocol messages. Messages associated with communication sessions participating in a data session have higher priority than messages associated with communication sessions currently establishing and the messages associated with communication sessions currently establishing have higher priority than messages associated with initiating communication sessions. The method further provides selectively discarding the at least one message based on the priority of the at least one message relative to priorities of other messages of the plurality of Diameter protocol messages.
US09001656B2 Dynamic route branching system and dynamic route branching method
A dynamic route splitting system includes a control unit configured to monitor reception quality of a traffic flow on a network and carry out dynamic route setting to an optional node in the network, and a dynamic route splitting unit configured to be arranged in the node configured to relay the traffic flow on the network or a reception terminal as a destination of the traffic flow. The control unit selects at least the node splitting the traffic flow based on the reception quality of the traffic flow on the network and instructs splitting traffic flows to the dynamic route splitting unit in the selected node. The dynamic route splitting unit is provided in the node and includes a monitoring section that monitors the traffic flow having reached the node when being provided in the node in the network, and to notify a monitoring result to the control unit.
US09001654B2 Enhanced multiplexing for single RLC entity
A method and apparatus for interrupting the lower priority packet transmission/reception for higher priority packer transmission reception within the context of a common RLC entity is provided herein. The transmission/reception of lower priority data blocks containing data segments of a first higher layer packet is interrupted to transmit/receive higher priority data blocks containing data segments of a second higher layer packet. After the transmission/reception of a final segment of the second higher layer packet, the transmission/reception of the first higher layer packet is resumed. In some embodiments, a final segment of the second higher layer packet is encapsulated in a final higher priority data block with a remaining data segment of the first higher layer packet. The final higher priority data block further includes a transition indicator to indicate a transition from the second higher layer packet back to the first higher layer packet.
US09001651B2 Method for call admission control in MPLS networks
A computing device collects network topology information for a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network that includes multiple data centers. The computing device receives, from a service layer operator, a request including a flow demand for services at a selected data center of the multiple data centers. Based on the collected network topology information, the computing device evaluates the flow demand for the selected data center to determine if the selected data center can support the flow demand and sends, to a network layer operator, a network soft-state to support the flow demand at the selected data center when it is determined that the selected data center can support the flow demand.
US09001648B2 Apparatus and method for spare capacity allocation on dual link failures
A method implemented by an apparatus for providing spare capacity allocation (SCA) for dual link failures in a network. The SCA scheme computes the SCA for each of a plurality of flows in the network for a plurality of primary backup paths corresponding to a plurality of disjoint working paths for the flows using a first integer linear programming (ILP) model. The SCA scheme further computes the SCA for each of the flows for a plurality of secondary backup paths corresponding to the disjoint working paths and the primary backup paths using a second ILP model and the computed spare capacity information for the primary backup paths. The SCA scheme further aggregates the computed SCA for the primary backup paths and the secondary backup paths for all the flows.
US09001646B2 Information transmission device, information transmission system and information transmission method
An information transmission device includes: ring-ports; an access-port; a communication-path-setting unit to facilitate or cut off communication of the ring-ports or the access-port, based on a communication setting determined such that communication paths having priority levels and assigned with same identifiers have different sections; a control-signal-transmission unit, when a communication failure occurs between one ring-port and another information transmission device, to transmit, from another ring-port, a first control signal for instructing a cutoff of communication of the access-port in the communication path having a low priority level, and transmit a second control signal for instructing a facilitation of communication of the ring-ports; an access-port-control unit, upon receiving the first control signal, to cut off the communication of the access-port in the communication path having the low priority level; and a ring-port-control unit, upon receiving the second control signal, to facilitate communication of the ring-port having non-communication failure.
US09001645B2 System and method for packet delivery backtracking
Traditional computer networks have been designed with the need for highly reliable packet delivery. This is largely handled by a centrally managed simple send-acknowledge protocol. In a highly dynamic mesh network, these methods are inadequate to ensure the most reliable packet delivery. This invention uses the natural redundancy of routes in a mesh and other techniques to increase the reliability of a network, even as the paths to any given node are dynamic in nature.
US09001641B2 Sounding reference signal processing for LTE
A wireless communication receiver including a serial to parallel converter receiving an radio frequency signal, a fast Fourier transform device connected to said serial to parallel converter converting NFFT corresponding serial signals into a frequency domain; an EZC root sequence unit generating a set of root sequence signals; an element-by-element multiply unit forming a set of products including a product of each of said frequency domain signals from said fast Fourier transform device and a corresponding root sequence signal, an NSRS-length IDFT unit performing a group cyclic-shift de-multiplexing of the products and a discrete Fourier transform unit converting connected cyclic shift de-multiplexing signals back to frequency-domain.
US09001639B2 Apparatus and method for orthogonal cover code (OCC) generation, and apparatus and method for OCC mapping
An apparatus and method for Orthogonal Cover Code (OCC) generation, and OCC mapping, includes generating the first group of OCC sequences, which is used to generate the first group of OCC sequences; generating the second group of OCC sequences, which is used to mirror the columns of the first group of OCC sequences to generate the second group of OCC sequences; generating the third group of OCC sequences, which is used to perform cyclic shift on the column vectors of the first group of OCC sequences to generate the third group of OCC sequences; and generating the fourth group of OCC sequences, which is used to mirror the columns of the third group of OCC sequences to generate the fourth group of OCC sequences.
US09001637B2 Packet mode auto-detection in multi-mode wireless communication system, signal field transmission for the packet mode auto-detection, and gain control based on the packet mode
A method for automatically detecting a packet mode in a wireless communication system supporting a multiple transmission mode includes: acquiring at least one of data rate information, packet length information and channel bandwidth information from a transmitted frame; and determining the packet mode on the basis of the phase rotation check result of a symbol transmitted after a signal field signal and at least one of the data rate information, the packet length information and the channel bandwidth information acquired from the transmitted frame.
US09001634B2 Optical disc drive, user terminal, and file processing method
Provided is a system including an optical disc drive and a user terminal, and a method of processing a file. The optical disc drive may be connected to the user terminal. According to various aspects, the user terminal may include a file system for identifying a file format of the file recorded on an optical disc. The user terminal may search for a file recorded in an optical disc via the file system, and play the file through downloading.
US09001627B2 Display module of a timepiece
The invention concerns a timepiece display module intended to display a series of alphanumerical characters and/or pictures at different moments. The display module includes a platform (3) arranged to be actuated in rotation about an axis and several wheel sets (5) arranged on the platform (3) so that each wheel set (5) turns on itself while orbiting about the axis of rotation of said platform (3) when the latter is actuated in rotation. The display module further includes several wings (1) which are arranged on each wheel set so (5) as to be positioned in turn at the center of the display module. Each wing (1) of each wheel set (5) is actuated such that the wings are oriented in a identical plane at the center of the display module and are adjacent to each other so as to form a central display unit (2). Each wing (1) includes one portion of an alphanumerical character or picture so that the central display unit (2), formed of several wings (1), can display, at each moment, one of the alphanumerical characters and/or pictures.
US09001623B1 Sonar systems and sonar methods that use a tow body having a towed acoustic projector for which an orientation can be changed while being towed
A tow body and associated method have an acoustic projector that can be rotated about a vertical plane while the tow body is being towed through the water. In some embodiments, the tow body and method allow the tow body to be coupled to a tow cable while the tow cable is being towed through the water and under tension.
US09001622B2 Receiver communications for wireless power transfer
A signal generator generates an electrical signal that is sent to an amplifier, which increases the power of the signal using power from a power source. The amplified signal is fed to a sender transducer to generate ultrasonic waves that can be focused and sent to a receiver. The receiver transducer converts the ultrasonic waves back into electrical energy and stores it in an energy storage device, such as a battery, or uses the electrical energy to power a device. In this way, a device can be remotely charged or powered without having to be tethered to an electrical outlet.
US09001619B2 Method for imaging microseismic events using an azimuthally-dependent focal mechanism
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of methods and systems for determining the orientation and direction of first motion of a fault or fracture by optimizing an azimuthally-dependent attribute of signals generated by microseismic sources, comprising: recording microseismic data traces using a of sensors located at a plurality of sensor positions; subdividing the subsurface volume into spatial volumes corresponding to selected time intervals and comprising a plurality of voxels; for each voxel, applying a time shift to the microseismic data traces that is substantially equal to a travel time from each voxel to the corresponding sensor position, and determining for the voxel the orientation and direction of first motion of the fault or fracture corresponding to a maximum value for the voxel of at least one azimuthally-dependent attribute of the microseismic data traces.
US09001614B1 System for self-localizing near field data processing
A system, processor and method of use for calibration processing is provided to calibrate acoustic vector sensor data collected at comparatively close range. Vector sensor data collected at close range includes data collected with source-to-receiver separations ranging from a one-tenth to approximately two acoustic wavelengths. The calculations substantially account for the acoustic impedance of a spherically diverging wave front, where the curvature is sufficiently pronounced to cause errors in resulting measurements in the calculations. The processing uses information contained within the vector sensor data to increase the accuracy of the vector sensor data.
US09001611B1 Three-dimensional two port register file
An integrated circuit that includes an array of memory cells. The integrated circuit also includes a write address row decoder having a plurality of write row outputs and a write address column decoder having a plurality of write column outputs. A write logic array is electrically connected to the write row outputs and the write column outputs and has a separate write word line (WWL) output electrically connected to each cell in the array of memory cells.
US09001609B2 Hybrid latch and fuse scheme for memory repair
A method and apparatus for managing memory in an electronic system is described. The method includes determining a failure in an element of the memory array that is repairable by a redundant element. The method may further include using a latch to identify the redundant element. The method may also include that upon an event, using a value in the latch in an eFuse which subsequently selects the redundant element.
US09001607B2 Method and design for high performance non-volatile memory
A non-volatile memory (NVM) system compatible with double data rate, single data rate, or other high speed serial burst operation. The NVM system includes input and output circuits adapted to synchronously send or receive back-to-back continuous bursts of serial data at twice the frequency of any clock input. Each burst is J bits in length. The NVM system includes read and write circuits that are adapted to read or write J bits of data at a time and in parallel, for each of a multitude of parallel data paths. Data is latched such that write time is similar for each bit and is extended to the time it takes to transmit an entire burst. Consequently, the need for small and fast sensing circuits on every column of a memory array, and fast write time at twice the frequency of the fastest clock input, are relieved.
US09001606B2 Memory methods and systems with adiabatic switching
A memory system includes wordlines and pairs of complementary bitlines that provide access to memory storage elements. Capacitive and resistive loads associated with wordlines and bitlines are driven relatively slowly between voltage levels to reduce peak current, and thus power dissipation. Power dissipation is further reduced by charging complementary bitlines at substantially different rates.
US09001599B2 Systems and methods for DQS gating
Systems and methods are provided for timing read operations with a memory device. A system for timing read operations with a memory device includes a gating circuit configured to receive a timing signal from the memory device. The gating circuit is further configured to pass through the timing signal as a filtered timing signal during a gating window. The gating window is generated by the gating circuit based on a control signal. The system further includes a timing control circuit configured to generate the control signal after receiving a read request from a memory controller. The timing control circuit is further configured to adjust the control signal to account for temporal variations in the timing signal from the memory device.
US09001595B1 Data strobe enable circuitry
An integrated circuit may include memory interface circuitry that is used to communicate with off-chip memory. The memory interface circuitry may include data strobe (DQS) enable circuitry that receives DQS signals from the off-chip memory and that outputs a gated version of the DQS signals. The DQS enable circuitry may include an input buffer, a comparator, a latch, a flip-flop, a counter, and a gating circuit. The input buffer may receive an incoming DQS signal. The comparator may be used to determine when the incoming DQS signal starts to toggle. The latch may be used to control when a gating signal is asserted. The flip-flop controls the counter, which limits the duration that the gating signal is asserted. The gating circuit receives the DQS signal from the buffer and the gating signal and passes the DQS signal through to its output only when the gating signal is asserted.
US09001592B2 Semiconductor memory device and method of operating the same
A semiconductor memory device is operated by forming channels in a cell string including a plurality of memory cells and coupled between a bit line and a source line, applying first and second erase voltages having different levels to the channels through the bit line and the source line, respectively, and applying a first word line voltage to at least one word line among word lines coupled to the plurality of memory cells.
US09001591B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device including multiple subarrays arrayed in a matrix in the row and column directions, and respectively containing multiple memory cells, bit lines coupled to the memory cells, and precharge circuits (to charge the bit lines; column select signal lines extending in the column direction for selecting subarray columns; main word lines for selecting subarray rows; and precharge signal lines for supplying precharge signals to the precharge circuits; and at least two of the subarrays formed in the row direction or the column direction are controlled by the same logic according to the precharge signal.
US09001578B2 Soft erasure of memory cells
Apparatus and method for managing data in a memory, such as but not limited to a flash memory array. In accordance with some embodiments, a soft erasure is performed on a block of memory cells by toggling an erasure status value without otherwise affecting a written state of the cells in the block. The memory cells are subsequently overwritten with a set of data using a write polarity direction determined responsive to the toggled erasure status value.
US09001577B2 Memory cell sensing
This disclosure concerns memory cell sensing. One or more methods include determining a data state of a first memory cell coupled to a first data line, determining a data state of a third memory cell coupled to a third data line, transferring determined data of at least one of the first and the third memory cells to a data line control unit corresponding to a second data line to which a second memory cell is coupled, the second data line being adjacent to the first data line and the third data line, and determining a data state of the second memory cell based, at least partially, on the transferred determined data.
US09001576B2 Semiconductor memory device and method of operating the same
A method of operating a semiconductor memory device includes checking an erase-program cycling number, setting a target erase level to be maintained when the erase-program cycling number is less than a predetermined critical number, and setting the target erase level to be increased when the erase-program cycling number is greater than or equal to the predetermined critical number, and performing an erase operation so that threshold voltages of selected memory cells are less than the set target erase level.
US09001565B2 Semiconductor device with memory device
A memory mat (101) includes a main body portion (200) that includes a first capacitor (203A), a linear conductive film (204) that is formed between the main body portion (200) and a peripheral circuit (104), and a second capacitor (203B) that is formed to be in contact with the conductive film (204) at a bottom of the second capacitor (203B). The first capacitor (203A) is in contact with a contact layer (202) at a bottom of the first capacitor (203A).
US09001563B2 Semiconductor device and driving method thereof
In a memory module including a memory cell array including memory cells arranged in matrix, each including a first transistor using an oxide semiconductor and a first capacitor; a reference cell including a p-channel third transistor, a second capacitor, and a second transistor using an oxide semiconductor; and a refresh timing detection circuit including a resistor and a comparator, wherein when a potential is supplied to the first capacitor through the first transistor, a potential is supplied to the second capacitor through the second transistor, wherein a drain current value of the third transistor is changed in accordance with the potential stored in the second capacitor, and wherein when the drain current value of the third transistor is higher than a given value, a refresh operation of the memory cell array and the reference cell are performed.
US09001558B2 Method for nondestructively reading resistive memory elements
A method for reading out a memory element comprises a series connection. of at least two memory cells A and B each have a stable state A0 or B0 having higher resistance and a stable state A1 or B1 having lower electrical resistance. An electrical variable of the series circuit is measured and an electrical variable is selected for this measurement, to which the memory cell A in state A0 makes a different contribution than the memory cell B in state B0 and/or to which the memory cell A instate A1 makes a different contribution than the memory cell B in state B1. The two state combinations A1 and B0 or A0 and B1 then result in differing values for the electrical variable that is measured by way of the series circuit. These state combinations can thus be distinguished from each other without having to change the logic state of the memory element during reading.
US09001553B1 Resistive devices and methods of operation thereof
A method of operating a resistive switching device includes applying a program stress to a two terminal resistive memory unit. The program stress is applied at a program voltage configured to change a state of the memory unit from a first state to a second state. The method further includes applying a verification/stabilization stress to the two terminal resistive memory unit. The verification/stabilization stress is applied at a verification/stabilization voltage. An erase stress is applied to the two terminal resistive memory unit. The erase stress is applied at an erase voltage configured to change a state of the memory unit from the second state to the first state. The verification/stabilization voltage is between the program voltage and the erase voltage.
US09001551B2 Semiconductor devices including variable resistance elements and methods of operating semiconductor devices
In a method of operating a semiconductor device, a resistance value of a variable resistance element is changed from a first resistance value to a second resistance value by applying a first voltage to the variable resistance element; and a first current that flows through the variable resistance element is sensed. A second voltage for changing the resistance value of the variable resistance element from the second resistance value to the first resistance value is modulated based on a dispersion of the first current, and the first voltage is re-applied to the variable resistance element based on a dispersion of the first current.
US09001546B2 3D structure for advanced SRAM design to avoid half-selected issue
Disclosed is a novel static random access memory (SRAM) device. The SRAM device comprises a plurality of memory array layers vertically disposed one above another, a layer decoder circuit disposed on each memory array layer, a word line driver circuit disposed on each memory array layer, and a plurality of complementary bit line pairs wherein each complementary bit line pair extends vertically to couple a memory cell in each memory array layer. Each memory array layer comprises a plurality of memory cells and a word line disposed thereon. Each word line is connected to the plurality of memory cells disposed on its memory array layer. The number of memory cells in a layer corresponds to a predetermined memory page size. Each layer decoder circuit is configured to decode a portion of an SRAM address to select its memory array layer if the SRAM address corresponds to memory cells on its memory array layer. Each word line driver circuit is configured to drive the word line disposed on its memory array layer.
US09001544B2 Inverter device
In an inverter device, a first three-level circuit includes first to fourth preceding-stage switch elements connected in series between a first input end and a ground and a first charging and discharging capacitor. A second three-level circuit includes fifth to eighth preceding-stage switch elements connected in series between a second input end and the ground and a second charging and discharging capacitor. The first and second two three-level circuits define a five-level circuit that is subjected to switching with the carrier frequency of PWM modulation. The output polarity of a subsequent-stage bridge clamping circuit is inverted between the anterior half cycle and the posterior half cycle of a power supply frequency.
US09001543B2 Active rectifier with modulation
Described is a rectification circuit to generate a direct current at an output of the rectification circuit subject to an alternating voltage at an input of the rectification circuit. The rectification circuit comprises: coupling means at the input to receive the alternating voltage from a galvanically decoupled electronic subsystem; a first switch arranged between the coupling means and the output to block current in a first direction and to conduct current in a second direction, wherein a resistance of the first switch is adjustable; a first modulation unit to receive encoded information; mapping the encoded information to a first modulation state, wherein each modulation state specifies a resistance value and/or a temporal evolution of the resistance value; adjusting the resistance of the first switch, thereby modulating the current conducted by the first switch according to the first modulation state.
US09001538B2 Switching power supply apparatus
A transformer that realizes ZVS operation includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. A control circuit turns switching elements on and off in a complimentary manner in order to repeatedly invert the voltage applied to the primary winding. A conduction path supplies a voltage excited in the secondary winding to a load connected between a high-potential side and a ground side of the secondary winding. A first rectifier diode has a rectification direction extending from the high-potential side toward the ground side of the load and is provided along the conduction path. A second rectifier diode and a capacitor, which are connected in series with each other, are connected in parallel with the secondary winding. An inductor is connected in parallel with the second rectifier diode. A rectification direction of the second rectifier diode matches the direction extending from the high-potential side to the ground side.
US09001537B2 Power factor correction circuit
A power factor correction (PFC) circuit includes an AC power, a first bridge arm and a second bridge arm. The first bridge arm includes first and second switches connected in series with each other. A second terminal of the first switch is connected to a first terminal of the second switch, and coupled to a first end of the AC power via a first inductor. The second bridge arm includes third and fourth switches connected in series with each other. A second terminal of the third switch is connected to a first terminal of the fourth switch and a second end of the AC power. The third and fourth switches operate in ON/OFF states by use of a control signal having an operation frequency consistent with that of the AC power. The on-state resistance of the third and fourth switches is lower than that of the first or second switch.
US09001536B2 Voltage smoothing circuit for smoothing voltage from power supply
A voltage smoothing circuit is configured to smooth a voltage outputted from a power supply portion. The voltage smoothing circuit includes first and second smoothing capacitors, a first balancing resistor, and a second conduction regulating portion. The first smoothing capacitor and the second smoothing capacitor are connected in series to each other and are connected in parallel to the power supply portion. The first balancing resistor is connected in parallel to the first smoothing capacitor. The second conduction regulating portion is connected on a current path in parallel with the second smoothing capacitor and conducts current in one direction on the current path in a case where a voltage equal to or greater than a second predetermined voltage has been applied.
US09001535B2 Power quality device and its control apparatus
A control apparatus for a power quality device comprises: a power quality analysis module, for sampling a power supply network to obtain a power quality information, and performing an analysis and computing on the sampling, so as to output an instruction information; N tracking control modules, for receiving respectively the instruction information and tracking the instruction information, so as to output N PWM control signals having a same frequency and constant phase shift therebetween, where N is a positive integer and N≧2, thereby to control the power quality device; wherein the power quality analysis module and the N tracking control modules are operated based on a synchronized signal.
US09001529B2 System and method for power transfer control based on available input power
The present invention employs system and method in for distinguishing between power capabilities of various external power sources and a system that can communicate the identified power capabilities to the secondary side of the wireless power transfer system. Once the secondary side of the wireless power transfer system receives the power capability information, it adjusts the current available for a payload in accordance with the information received on power source capabilities.
US09001527B2 Electronic package structure
The present invention discloses an electronic package structure. The body has a top surface with a cavity thereon, the first conductive element is disposed in the cavity, and the second conductive element is disposed in the body. The first external electrode electrically connected to the first conductive element and the second external electrode electrically connected to the second conductive element are both disposed on the top surface of the body or a first surface formed by the top surface of the encapsulation compound and the exposed portions of the top surface of the body which are not covered by the encapsulation compound.
US09001520B2 Microelectronic structures having laminated or embedded glass routing structures for high density packaging
Embodiments of the present description relate to the field of fabricating microelectronic structures. The microelectronic structures may include a glass routing structure formed separately from a trace routing structure, wherein the glass routing structure is incorporated with the trace routing substrate, either in a laminated or embedded configuration. Also disclosed are embodiments of a microelectronic package including at least one microelectronic device disposed proximate to the glass routing structure of the microelectronic substrate and coupled with the microelectronic substrate by a plurality of interconnects. Further, disclosed are embodiments of a microelectronic structure including at least one microelectronic device embedded within a microelectronic encapsulant having a glass routing structure attached to the microelectronic encapsulant and a trace routing structure formed on the glass routing structure.
US09001513B2 Semiconductor switch insulation protection device and power supply assembly
A semiconductor switch insulation protection device and a power supply assembly. Said semiconductor switch protection device comprises a semiconductor switch having a metal component, an insulation component, and a pin installed at a bottom plane of said insulation component, and an insulation protection cover having a body with a second hole and a side belt. A front surface of said metal component is installed on a back surface of said insulation component. A metal portion, with a first hole and having a first height, is extended above an upper plane of said insulation component. Said second hole and said side belt are extended toward a back surface of said body, respectively, to form a hole column having a second height and a sidewall having a third height. Said metal portion is disposed in a groove formed by said back surface of said body, hole column and sidewall.
US09001511B2 Portable docking station for portable electronic device
The present disclosure is generally directed to a portable docking station having a frame, a handle and a counterweight, that receives a portable electronic device. The portable docking station may include one or more physical features that enable the portable docking station to be held in the hand or hands of a user, and for the portable electronic device to be used while docked.
US09001503B1 Electronic apparatus
A cover panel made of sapphire is provided on a surface of an electronic apparatus. The cover panel includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. An operation button is positioned in a hole provided in the cover panel. A case supports the second surface of the cover panel. The case supports and covers an edge of the hole of the second surface.
US09001501B2 Card tray and tray connector
The Present Disclosure discloses a card tray including a top panel portion facing the opposite face of a card having terminal members on one face, a front panel portion standing erect at the front edge of the top panel portion and facing the front end of the card, and a rear panel portion standing erect at the rear edge of the top panel portion and facing the rear end of the card. The card tray further includes a notch portion formed in the front panel portion so as to expose at least a portion of the front end of the card, and a card holding spring portion disposed near the rear panel portion, biasing the card forward and applying pressure to the front end of the card in a portion other than the notch portion of the front panel portion. The card is grasped longitudinally to expose the entire face of the card on the terminal member side.
US09001493B2 Multilayered ceramic electronic component and manufacturing method of the same
There is provided a multilayered ceramic electronic component including: a ceramic body in which a plurality of dielectric layers are stacked; a plurality of first and second internal electrodes formed on at least one of the dielectric layers and alternately exposed through both ends of the ceramic body in a stacking direction of the ceramic body; an a step compensation cover including a ceramic material having a viscosity higher than that of a ceramic material included in the ceramic body and formed on at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the ceramic body.
US09001492B2 Electrode sintered body, multilayer electronic device, internal electrode paste, a manufacturing method of electrode sintered body and a manufacturing method of multilayer electronic device
An object of the present invention is to provide an electrode sintered body wherein shrinkage is prohibited and conductivity is good. An electrode sintered body including intermetallic compound comprising nickel and aluminum is provided. And then an internal electrode paste, which can inhibit shrinkage of an internal electrode layer, is manufactured by raising sintering temperature of conducting particle materials constituting internal electrode sheet to be internal electrode layers after firing. Further, a high-function multilayer electronic device using electrode paste for internal electrodes is manufactured.
US09001489B2 Electrostatic chuck AlN dielectric repair
The present invention generally relates to a refurbished electrostatic chuck and a method of refurbishing a used electrostatic chuck. Initially, a predetermined amount of dielectric material is removed from the used electrostatic chuck to leave a base surface. Then, the base surface is roughened to enhance the adherence of new dielectric material thereto. The new dielectric material is then sprayed onto the roughened surface. A mask is then placed over the new dielectric material to aid in the formation of mesas upon which a substrate will sit during processing. A portion of the new dielectric layer is then removed to form new mesas. After removing the mask, edges of the mesas may be smoothed and the refurbished electrostatic chuck is ready to return to service after cleaning.
US09001486B2 Internally overlapped conditioners
The application discloses novel internal structures of energy conditioners, assemblies of external structures of energy conditioners and mounting structure, and novel circuits including energy conditioners having A, B, and G master electrodes.
US09001485B2 Overvoltage protection component, and overvoltage protection material for overvoltage protection component
An overvoltage protector includes a first discharging electrode, a second discharging electrode, and an overvoltage protection part provided between the first and second discharging electrodes. The overvoltage protecting part has an insulating property under a normal operation condition, and has a conductive property if an overvoltage is applied between the first and second discharging electrodes. The overvoltage protecting part is made of a mixture of resin having an insulation property, an inorganic compound having an insulating property, and metallic boride compound powder. The metallic boride compound powder has a high melting point therefore it is hardly melted. Under high temperatures causing the powder to melt, the powder is oxidized and loses conductivity, thus providing a high reliability.
US09001478B2 Self-reset transient-to-digital convertor and electronic product utilizing the same
A self-reset transient-to-digital convertor which includes at least one transient detection circuit is disclosed. The transient detection circuit, coupled between a first power line and a second power line, includes at least one voltage drop unit, a current amplifier unit, and a time control unit. When an ESD event occurs, the voltage drop unit is conducted to pass through an ESD current. The current amplifier unit, coupled between the voltage drop unit and the first power line, is conducted by the ESD current to set the level of a first node. The time control unit, coupled between the first node and the second power line, is configured to gradually drain the ESD current away. Wherein, each of the transient detection circuit generates a digital code according to the level of the first node.
US09001476B2 Multimotor variable frequency overload
An apparatus for protecting a motor includes two or more motor overloads, within a motor overload enclosure, protecting two or more motors. Each motor overload includes one or more current sensors where each current sensor includes a magnetic core and each current sensor includes a conductor positioned within the magnetic core where the conductor providing power to a motor protected by the two or more motor overloads (“protected motor”). Each motor overload includes a motor trip module that stops current flow to the protected motor in response determining that a thermal state of the protected motor has reached a thermal limit. Determining that the protected motor has reached a thermal limit includes using a current signal from at least one current sensor of the one or more current sensors that senses current of the protected motor to determine a thermal state of the protected motor.
US09001475B2 Thermal shutdown unit, switch controller including the same, and control method of thermal shutdown protection operation
The present invention relates to a thermal shutdown unit, a switch controller including the same, and a method controlling a thermal shutdown protection operation. The present invention determines the operation state of an SMPS to vary a reference temperature for controlling a thermal shutdown protection operation according to an operation state of the SMPS.
US09001471B2 Co-located gimbal-based dual stage actuation disk drive suspensions
Various embodiments concern a suspension having a DSA structure on a gimbaled flexure. The suspension comprises a loadbeam and flexure attached thereto. The flexure comprises a pair of spring arms, a tongue located between the spring arms and structurally supported by the pair of spring arms, and a pair of struts. The struts are positioned respectively between the pair of spring arms and the tongue. The longitudinal axes of the struts are offset with respect to each other. The suspension further comprises a slider and a motor mounted on the flexure. The motor has a longitudinal axis that is parallel with the axes of the struts and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the loadbeam. Electrical activation of the motor bends the pair of struts to move the slider.
US09001470B1 Flexible printed circuit board stiffener for hard disk drive
Described herein is a magnetic storage device that includes at least one magnetic disk, at least one armature rotatably movable relative to the at least one magnetic disk, and a transducer head coupled to the armature. The magnetic storage device further includes a stiffener that is coupled to the armature. The stiffener includes at least one arm having a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) portion and a deflection portion angled relative to the FPCB portion. The magnetic storage device also includes an FPCB coupled to the stiffener.
US09001469B2 Mid-loadbeam dual stage actuated (DSA) disk drive head suspension
Various embodiments concern a head suspension system having a load beam. The lead beam comprises a metal base having a proximal portion and a distal portion. Two opposing rails extend along the proximal and distal portions. The load beam has a void in the metal base separating the proximal portion from the distal portion, the void extending between the rails. A pair of microactuators is coupled to each of the proximal portion and the distal portion such that each microactuator extends across the void. The microactuators bend the rails to move the distal portion along a X-Y plane relative to the proximal portion. Additionally, the rails stiffen the load beam to resist movement between the first portion and the second portion along a Z-axis.
US09001462B2 Universal magnetic recording head chip
A module according to one embodiment includes an array of N piggyback or merged first data transducers positioned towards a media facing surface of the module; and M second data transducers interleaved with the array of piggyback or merged data transducers, wherein the second data transducers are single data transducers, at least some of the data transducers being coupled to pads. A module according to another embodiment includes an array of N first data transducers positioned towards a media facing surface of the module, the first data transducers including at least one of data readers, data writers, and combinations thereof; and M second data transducers interleaved with the array of first data transducers, the second data transducers including at least one of data readers, data writers, and combinations thereof, wherein less than all of the first and/or second data transducers are coupled to pads.
US09001461B1 Spindle motor and disk drive apparatus
A spindle motor includes a stationary portion and a rotating portion. The stationary portion includes a shaft and the rotating portion includes a sleeve portion, a hub, a magnet, and a cap. The sleeve portion is arranged opposite to the shaft. The hub is made of metal, and includes a top plate portion extending radially outward from the sleeve portion, and an outer tubular portion extending downward from an outer edge of the top plate portion. The magnet is fixed to the outer tubular portion and is arranged opposite to the stator. The cap is made of metal, and includes an annular plate-shaped portion fixed to an upper surface of the top plate portion. The magnet has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of the hub. The cap has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of both the hub and the magnet.
US09001457B1 Horizontal pass-through for a data storage library
Embodiments include systems and methods for providing throughput increase and/or physical expansion of a data storage library. Some embodiments include multiple robotic assemblies, each having its own hand assembly, which are electrically and mechanically integrated for concurrent use in a single storage library environment for increased throughput. Other embodiments include an active vertical pass-through assembly that operates to ferry cartridges from one storage library environment to another, vertically adjacent storage library environment. Some such embodiments use existing robotic mechanisms of the libraries to exploit a shared slot through which vertical pass-through functionality can be realized. Other embodiments include an active horizontal pass-through assembly that operates to ferry cartridges from one storage library environment to another, horizontally adjacent storage library environment. Some such embodiments include a separate robotic mechanism that couples with each library and actively passes a cartridge among them and is adjustable to varying spans between the libraries.
US09001455B2 Magnetic recording medium, servo signal recording apparatus and method of producing magnetic recording medium
There is provided a magnetic recording medium including a magnetic layer. The magnetic layer has a servo signal recorded thereon by magnetizing a part of the magnetic layer in a first direction. The first direction contains a component of a perpendicular direction that is perpendicular to a top surface of the magnetic layer. The magnetic layer is pre-magnetized in a second direction before recording of the servo signal. The second direction contains the component of the perpendicular direction. The second direction is opposite to the first direction.
US09001451B1 Clearance distance verification and control
Method and apparatus for verifying and controlling a clearance distance of an object, such as but not limited to a fly height of a read/write transducer adjacent a recording medium in a data storage device. In accordance with some embodiments, a sensor is used to sense a plurality of patterns from an adjacent surface, with each pattern being written at a different constant frequency. A final clearance distance between the sensor and the surface is established in response to a multi-frequency response ratio from the sensor and a single frequency response ratio from the sensor.
US09001449B1 Systems and methods for data throttling during disk drive power down
Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a data storage system that includes a disk and solid-state non-volatile memory (NVM). During a power failure, the data storage system may use back EMF (BEMF) voltage from the spindle motor of the disk to park the heads of the disk and/or store data in the NVM. In one embodiment, a demand regulation circuit regulates loads that use voltage generated from the BEMF. The demand regulation circuit may be used to selectively cause a controller to adjust the rate of programming to the NVM in order to reduce the load. For example, the demand regulation circuit may assert a throttle signal to the controller upon detecting that the voltage generated from the BEMF is below a certain threshold. Programming rate may be throttled, programming cycles may be staggered, and/or programming time may be lengthened. Throttling may enable the use of smaller circuitry.
US09001448B2 Pre-amplifier output stage with integrated test buffer
Disk drive pre-amplifier output stage circuitry is presented including a high pass input filter for removing DC offsets from differential read data signals and providing an input to AB drivers of the output stage, in which an offset test circuit selectively drives the high pass filter output nodes according to the offset at the filter input to facilitate measurement of the preceding circuit offset at the driver output terminals, and a common mode regulator circuit regulates common mode voltages at the first and second driver output nodes to a predetermined value in read and write modes.
US09001447B1 Asynchronous media drive communications in a storage library
Systems and methods are described for media drive operational data retrieval in a storage library in a manner that is asynchronous with respect to other drive-related communications. Embodiments operate in context of a data storage library having a robotic assembly that ferries media cartridges between media slots and media drives to fulfill requests by host systems. The media drives can communicate with a drive controller over a control path and with host systems over a data path. The drive controller can retrieve operational data from the media drive while the drive is effectively idle, and can communicate the retrieved operational data over the control path to the library. Accordingly, retrieval and communication of the drive operational data can be performed via the control path in a manner that is asynchronous with respect to data path and/or other drive-related communications.
US09001446B1 System and method for power saving modes in multi-sensor magnetic recording
A system and method for power management in a hard disk drive (HDD) assembly incorporating two or more read sensors includes directing a read/write head to follow a track; depowering one or more read sensors and readpath circuits associated with the read sensors; reading an analog readback signal through the first read sensor; processing the signal through an analog front-end to generate an input signal; sampling the input signal through an analog to digital converter at a first frequency to generate a first sampling signal; sampling the input signal through a second analog to digital converter at a second frequency to generate a second sampling signal; and generating a digital output signal from either or both sampling signals at a third sampling frequency through a digital signal processor. The method may additionally comprise adjusting a sampling frequency when power level reaches a threshold.
US09001443B1 Method and system for testing a controller of a hard disk drive
A disk controller for a hard disk drive includes a disk formatter interfaced via an NRZ bus to a read channel for the disk. The disk formatter includes an LFSR accumulator coupled to the NRZ bus, as well as an LSFR generator that generates synthetic test data for the disk formatter. Under control of a test flag which signifies a test mode, the LSFR generator generates synthetic test data, which is used by the disk formatter to drive the NRZ bus. The LSFR accumulator accumulates data on the NRZ bus, together with data on servo information and sector information. An interface is provided through which the accumulated information is provided to test equipment, for offline analysis of the accumulated information, so as to confirm proper operation of the disk subsystem and/or to detect failures therein.
US09001442B2 Detection of adjacent track interference using size-adjustable sliding window
Technologies are described herein for detecting adjacent track interference in a storage device using a size-adjustable sliding window. A value for an inter-track interference factor associated with at least one adjacent track is determined for a first area of a data track of the storage device. The first area may encompass a plurality of sectors of the data track. Next, it is determined whether the value of the calculated inter-track interference factor is greater than a threshold value, and if so, an indication of inter-track interference corresponding to the first area is stored in the storage device.
US09001441B2 Imaging lens, optical apparatus equipped therewith, and method for manufacturing imaging lens
An imaging lens including, in order from an object side: a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power; and a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power, a position of the first lens group G1 being fixed with respect to an image plane, the second lens group G2 consisting of a plurality of lens components, and given conditional expression being satisfied, thereby providing a compact imaging lens imaging lens having a large aperture and a wide angle of view and excellent optical performance over entire image frame with excellently correcting various aberrations upon focusing on an infinity object to a close object.
US09001439B2 Imaging lens
An imaging lens includes a first lens having negative refractive power; a second lens having positive refractive power; a third lens having positive refractive power; a stop; and a fourth lens having positive refractive power arranged in the order from an object side to an image plane side. The first lens has an image plane-side surface having a positive curvature radius. The second lens has an image plane-side surface having negative curvature radius. The third lens has an image plane-side surface having a negative curvature radius. The fourth lens has an object-side surface having a positive curvature radius and an image plane-side surface having a negative curvature radius. The first lens has a specific focal length and a specific Abbe's number to satisfy specific conditional expressions.
US09001437B2 Imaging lens assembly
An imaging lens assembly includes first, second and third optical lenses that are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side along an optical axis, and a constant-aperture diaphragm disposed between the second optical lens and the object side. Each of the first and second optical lenses has a positive refractive power near the optical axis. The third optical lens has a negative refractive power near the optical axis and has an object-side surface and an image-side surface, at least one of which has at least an inflection point. The imaging lens assembly satisfies: 0.55
US09001433B2 Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
A zoom lens includes first, second, third, and fourth lens groups respectively having positive, negative, negative, and positive powers. The first lens group includes a first lens subgroup having a negative power, which is fixed while focusing, a second lens subgroup having a positive power, which moves while focusing, and a third lens subgroup having a positive power, which is fixed while focusing. The second lens subgroup includes a positive lens having a surface having a radius of curvature with a smaller absolute value toward the image side; and a cemented lens constituted by a negative lens toward the object side and a positive lens toward the image side, cemented together at a joint surface having a convex surface toward the object side. The focal distance f12 of the second lens subgroup and the focal length fw of the entire system at the wide angle end satisfy the relationship: 3.0
US09001431B2 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. If β5T represents the image formation magnification of the fifth lens group when focusing on infinity at the telephoto end, fw represents the focal length of the entire lens system at the wide angle end, and f3 represents the focal length of the third lens group, formula (Ca): −5.00≦1−(β5T)2≦−3.30 and formula (H): 0.10
US09001425B2 Microlens array and scanning exposure device using same
In this microlens array, unitary microlens arrays are respectively stacked onto an upper surface and lower surface of a glass plate, and each of the unitary microlens arrays is supported by an upper plate and a lower plate. Marks for alignment are formed on each of the unitary microlens arrays and on the glass plate, and the unitary microlens arrays and the glass plate are stacked onto each other aligned by these marks. This makes it possible to prevent ununiform exposure in scanning exposure using a plurality of microlens arrays.
US09001424B2 Optical film composite applicable in a direct type back light module
An optical film composite includes a brightness enhancement element and a light diffusion element, wherein the light diffusion element includes a substrate with a light diffusion layer on at least one side thereof, and wherein the light diffusion element has a haze of no less than 98% as measured according to JIS K7136 standard method.
US09001422B2 Slide handling system and techniques
In an automated process of handling slides, such as in an imaging system, a slide hander must be able to get a hold of, lift up, and move slides, with tissues samples thereon, to multiple locations quickly and efficiently. To perform this function, the arm of the slide handler needs to be free to move from one location to the next and to advantageously respond in the event of encountering any unexpected or misplaced objects and/or other obstacles without jamming, being damaged and/or causing damage to a slide. A system described herein provides for the use of a slide handler having a crash head assembly with a spring-loaded flexible joint that may disengage if an unexpected obstacle is encountered and spring back to its proper location once the obstacle is cleared. Additionally, because the crash head assembly can flex, it is less likely to break or chip the glass slides.
US09001419B2 Attachment of optical microscope components
A device for attaching a first optical microscope component part to a second part includes an annular receptacle attached to the second part and an annual insertion part. The annular insertion part includes outside-conical retaining projections. The receptacle includes a base ring having a retaining collar with an inside cone tapering away from the base ring and in which a lateral opening is formed, through which the insertion part can be inserted in the receptacle such that it is located on a pre-locking position in which the annular openings overlap. The insertion part and the receptacle can be moved by reciprocal rotation from the pre-locking position into a locking position in which the outside-conical retaining projections of the insertion part are seated against the inside cone of the retaining collar and press the insertion part on the base ring, whereby the insertion part is locked to the receptacle.
US09001418B2 Near-infrared reflecting film and near-infrared reflecting body provided with same
The present invention provides a highly flexible near-infrared reflecting film which has achieved good near-infrared reflection characteristics by comprising layers that have different refractive indexes and which is not susceptible to bending or cracks. This near-infrared reflecting film has a multilayer film, in which films having refractive indexes different from each other are laminated, on a film, and is characterized in that: the difference of the refractive indexes between at least two adjacent layers is 0.3 or more; at least one of the two adjacent layers contains a metal oxide; and at least one of the two adjacent layers contains a polyvinyl alcohol or an inorganic polymer.
US09001415B2 Reflective semiconductor optical amplifier with constant gain versus wavelength
A semiconductor optical amplifier includes a semiconductor substrate; an active layer that includes a first region and a second region formed over the semiconductor substrate; and a reflection part that is formed along the second region and includes a first portion that reflects a first wavelength light and a second portion that reflects a second wavelength light with an optical gain lower than an optical gain of the first wavelength light; wherein, the first portion is formed closer to the first region side than the second portion.
US09001414B2 Cladding-pumped optical waveguide
The invention relates to a high power amplifier waveguide for amplifying an optical signal wherein photo darkening due to high optical flux is reduced considerably. This is achieved by providing a cladding pumped amplifier waveguide wherein the optical mode overlap to the active material of the waveguide is low and/or wherein the active material is distributed over a large cross sectional region of the waveguide.
US09001413B2 Control circuit, control method, and transmission system
There is provided a control circuit for a transmission system in which signal light transmitted from a transmission-side apparatus via a transmission path to a reception-side apparatus is subjected to Raman amplification by inputting excitation light from the reception-side apparatus to the transmission path. The control circuit includes a first detection unit configured to detect a change amount of an optical loss of the transmission path caused by a state change of the transmission path, a second detection unit configured to detect a backscattered light amount of the excitation light, and a control unit configured to control an intensity of the excitation light input by the reception-side apparatus to the transmission path on the basis of the change amount of the optical loss detected by the first detection unit and the backscattered light amount detected by the second detection unit.
US09001412B2 Electromechanical device with optical function separated from mechanical and electrical function
A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device includes a substrate, a movable element over the substrate, and an actuation electrode above the movable element. The movable element includes a deformable layer and a reflective element. The deformable layer is spaced from the reflective element.
US09001407B2 Bias voltage control system and bias voltage control method
A bias voltage control system and method for an optical IQ modulator are disclosed. The optical IQ modulator includes an I-branch Mach-Zehnder Modulator (MZM) to which an I-branch bias voltage is applied, a Q-branch MZM to which a Q-branch bias voltage is applied, and an optical phase shifter to which an orthogonal bias voltage is applied. The system comprises a photo-detector converting at least a part of an optical signal output by the optical IQ modulator to an electrical signal; an analog-to-digital converter converting the electrical signal to a digital signal; and a digital signal processor superimposing a first dither signal and a second dither signal on the I-branch bias voltage and the Q-branch bias voltage respectively to generate a first order harmonic signal and a second order harmonic signal, and controlling the bias voltages according to powers of a DC component, and the first and second order harmonic signals.
US09001403B2 Obtaining pressure of an operating environment of a bi-directionally scanning electrophotographic device for implementing corrections per pressure
Methods and apparatus include improving print quality of a bi-directionally scanning electrophotographic (EP) device, such as a laser printer or copy machine, according to ambient pressure in which operated. A moving galvanometer or oscillator reflects a laser beam to create scan lines of a latent image in opposite directions. A damping of the motion occurs per air density implicated by temperature and pressure, where the pressure changes occurring especially from altitude changes. During use, a drive signal, such as a pulse train, moves the galvanometer or oscillator at or near its resonant frequency. Based on a parameter of the drive signal, such as pulse width, the ambient pressure can be made known. In general, a high-pressure environment requires a relatively longer pulse width to resonate the galvanometer or oscillator in comparison to a shorter pulse width for a low-pressure environment. Corrections to print quality stem from the determined ambient pressure.
US09001401B2 Fabrication process of multi-image type hologram, and multi-image type hologram fabricated by that process
A process by which a multi-image type hologram, wherein one 3D image changes over to another depending on a viewing direction, can be fabricated in a simple construction, and a multi-image type hologram fabricated by that process. According to the process for the fabrication of a multi-image type hologram wherein one image changes over to another depending on a viewing direction, the area of a hologram recording material is divided into a plurality of sub-areas. Objects to be displayed on different images are holographically recorded in the respective sub-areas, using reference light having the same angle of incidence, images recorded in the respective sub-areas are simultaneously reconstructed from the recorded first-stage hologram, so that a second-stage hologram recording material is located near the reconstructed object images for recording them as a reflection or transmission type volume hologram.
US09001398B2 Image reading device and vertical stripe determination method
An image reading device includes a reading glass moving unit that moves a reading glass; a determining unit that determines whether or not a read image obtained by the sheet-through reading unit includes a vertical stripe which represents linear images continuous in the original carrying direction; a determining unit that, when a vertical stripe is formed, determines matching/mismatching of the positions of the vertical stripe in read images of an original carrying member which are obtained before and after moving the reading glass; a determining unit that, based on determination indicating mismatching, determines that a causing matter of the vertical stripe is present on the reading glass and, based on determination indicating matching, determines that a causing matter of the vertical stripe is present on a portion other than the reading glass; and a determining unit that determines the type of the causing matter.
US09001392B2 Imaging element array and image forming apparatus
An imaging element array includes a plurality of imaging elements that are arranged side by side. Each imaging element is integrally molded as a single piece element and includes an incident surface, an emission surface, and a plurality of reflective surfaces which are provided between the incident surface and the emission surface. The imaging element includes a first reflective element and propagation preventing surfaces. The first reflective element includes at least one of the plurality of reflective surfaces and has an effective region which is in contact with adjacent imaging elements. The propagation preventing surfaces are to either side of another one of the plurality of reflective surfaces and are positioned to prevent light rays other than light rays reflected from the reflective surface from propagating to the emission surface.
US09001391B2 Image reading device, image reading method, and image forming apparatus
An image reading device includes a transporter transporting a document to a reading position, a first corrector correcting a skew of the document by coming into contact with a leading edge thereof, a radiating unit radiating light to the document, an image-information acquiring unit acquiring image information of the document based on information of light reflected therefrom, a reflector reflecting the radiated light, a leading-edge detector comparing a quantity of light reflected by the reflector with a quantity of light reflected by the document so as to detect the leading edge, a skew-amount calculator calculating a skew amount of the leading edge, and a second corrector correcting a skew of the image information based on the skew amount. The device switches between the skew correction by the first corrector and the skew correction by the second corrector based on document information, the skew amount, or user's selection.
US09001387B2 Drawing apparatus, data processing method, and method of manufacturing article that transform partially overlapping regions using different transformation rules
A drawing apparatus performs drawing on a first partial region and a second partial region. The first and second partial regions having an overlap region in which the first and second partial regions overlap each other. The apparatus includes a transformation device configured to transform first pattern data for the first partial region into first quantized pattern data in accordance with a first transformation rule, and to transform second pattern data for the second partial region into second quantized pattern data in accordance with a second transformation rule different from the first transformation rule, and a controller configured to control the drawing on the first partial region based on the first quantized pattern data, and to control the drawing on the second partial region based on the second quantized pattern data.
US09001379B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method thereof
An image forming apparatus includes an input part for receiving image data; an image processor for image-processing the input image data; an output part for outputting data processed at the image processor; and a controller for controlling the image processor to process the image using one of a plurality of image processing modes having a toner consumption lower than a toner density to use when the toner density to use for outputting the input image data exceeds a preset reference density. The plurality of the image processing modes includes a boundary image processing mode which outputs only boundaries of objects in the image data. Thus, the toner used for the image forming can be saved.
US09001375B2 Medium storing instructions for information processing apparatus and print control apparatus
A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-executable instructions. When the instructions are executed by a processor, the instructions cause an information processing apparatus, to perform: a first receiving process for receiving a setting of a first allocation number; a size determining process for determining a size of an allocation area which is to be allocated to one image on the sheet; a judging process for judging whether it is possible to arrange the allocation areas of the size determined in the size determining process, according to a second allocation number which is greater than the first allocation number; and a guiding process for guiding that it is possible to allocate the image according to the second allocation number while maintaining the size of the allocation area determined in the size determining process for each of the images.
US09001373B2 Parallel printing system
A parallel Raster Image Processor system that includes a plurality of Raster Image Processors (RIPs) for parallel processing of a plurality of document jobs into a printer-ready format for the printing of the document jobs and a splitter. The splitter configured to combine the plurality of document jobs to form a plurality of chunks, each chunk is sent to a respective designated RIP for processing.
US09001372B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium
An information processing apparatus acquires storage location information representing a storage location of an image file in a first external information processing apparatus from an image reading apparatus, and determines whether the storage location of the image file can store the image file based on the acquired storage location information. When it determines that the storage location of the image file can store the image file, it acquires screen information used to generate a screen for generating a scan ticket designating a storage location, from a second external information processing apparatus, and displays the screen for generating the scan ticket based on the acquired screen information.
US09001371B2 Changing a threshold value of an amount of data to be stored in a storage device based on a type of error
An image forming apparatus including an acquisition unit configured to acquire log data recording operation of the image forming apparatus, a first storage unit configured to store the acquired log data in a volatile memory, a calculation unit configured to calculate a total size of the log data stored in the volatile memory, a determination unit configured to determine whether the calculated total size of the log data has reached a threshold value, a second storage unit configured to store the log data from the first storage unit when the total size of the log data in the first storage unit has reached the threshold value, and a changing unit configured to change the threshold value according to an operation state of the image forming apparatus.
US09001370B1 Card authentication for OAuth supported cloud services on a multi-function device
Techniques are described for providing an MFP device with access to external Web services. According to embodiments, an MFP Web application receives a registration request to register a particular user of an MFP with the MFP Web application. The MFP peripheral Web application uses at least one external Web service. In response to receiving the registration request, the MFP Web application performs at least one of sending to an email address associated with the particular user an email that includes a registration code and a link to the MFP Web application or sending to the MFP the registration code and encoded data including a link to the MFP Web application. After receiving an access token and the registration code, mapping data is stored at the MFP Web application that maps MFP device user identification data for the particular user to the access token for accessing the external Web service.
US09001365B2 Conflict resolution and optimization for job definition format instructions
Systems and methods are provided for addressing conflicts when merging Job Definition Format (JDF) instructions. The system includes a memory that stores rules for prioritizing Job Definition Format (JDF) instructions. The system also includes a controller able to receive a print job and to identify multiple sets of JDF instructions for the print job. The controller is further able to generate a merged set of JDF instructions from the JDF instructions in each of the identified sets, and to identify conflicts within the merged set between JDF instructions that share page ranges with each other. The controller is also able to resolve the conflicts by altering JDF instructions based on the rules stored in memory.
US09001357B2 Operating device and image forming apparatus storing workflows including each a plurality of processing items
An operating device is provided with a display unit; a storage storing a plurality of workflows, each of which is composed of a combination of a predetermined plurality of processing items out of a plurality of processing items of an image forming apparatus including the operating device, in advance; a first selection input section for inputting the selection of a processing item out of the plurality of processing items of the image forming apparatus; a searching section for searching a workflow including the same processing item as the selected processing item from the plurality of workflows stored in the storage when the selection of the processing item is input by the first selection input section; and a display controller for controlling the display unit to display an image indicating the extracted workflow as a search result by the searching section.
US09001348B2 Information processing system, information processing method, and a recording medium that allow a user to select print data and print selected print data
An information processing system includes at least one information processor, an output data reception part configured to receive output data or output target data via a network, a determination part configured to determine whether user identification information, which is to be correlated with the received output data or output data generated based on the output target data, is specified from user information stored in a user information storage part, a storing part configured to store data identification information and the received or generated output data in correlation with each other in a data storage part when the user identification information is not specified; a notification part configured to give notice of the data identification information via the network; and a transmission part configured to transmit, via the network, the received or generated output data correlated with the user identification information or the data identification information received via the network.
US09001347B2 Application management of printing requests through induced analytics
An approach for managing printing requests of a computer printing system is provided. In one aspect, the approach comprises a computing printing system receiving a printing request based on parameters of a printing request data. The approach further comprises the computing printing system determining printing alternatives for the printing request based on the printing request data. In addition, the computing printing system detects if the printing request can be archived in an email repository or transmitted to a mobile device of the requestor based on the printing alternatives. Moreover, the approach further comprises the computing printing system redirecting the printing request to one or more of an email archive of the email repository or the mobile device based on the detection of the printing request.
US09001346B2 Signal processing circuit, image scanner, and image forming apparatus
A signal processing circuit includes a generator, a transmission unit, a control unit, and a mode selector. The generator generates a process-required signal. The transmission unit transmits the process-required signal to a unit disposed after the transmission unit. The control unit supplies respective control signal to the generator and transmission unit. The control unit includes a reference clock generator constantly operated for generating a reference clock signal when the signal processing circuit is operated. The mode selector selects and shifts an operating mode of the signal processing circuit between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the generator and transmission unit are supplied with respective normal control signal from the control unit for a normal operation. In the second mode, the generator is supplied with a control signal different from the normal control signal, and the transmission unit is supplied with the same normal control signal.
US09001345B2 Printing system, control method for information processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for installing a printer driver
In a printing system, the information processing apparatus includes: a first obtaining unit which obtains hardware information of a printing apparatus at the time of installation of a printer driver associated with the printing apparatus; a unit which decides on a printer driver to be installed from among a plurality of printer drivers that are associated with the printing apparatus and differ from one another in specifications based on the hardware information; a second obtaining unit which transmits to the printing apparatus attribute information of the printer driver that has been decided on, and obtains as a response thereto a configuration file for expanding functions of the printer driver that has been decided on; and a unit which installs the printer driver that has been decided on, and performs functional expansion for the printer driver using the obtained configuration file.
US09001343B2 Information processing apparatus and method therefor
An information processing apparatus includes a first management unit configured to manage identification information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses as management targets and an order of processing on the image forming apparatuses while associating the identification information with the order, a request unit configured to request, according to the order, device information from an image forming apparatus having identification information corresponding to the order, a removing unit configured to remove, if a power state of the image forming apparatus is a power saving state when the request unit requests the device information from the image forming apparatus, the identification information of the image forming apparatus from a management target by the first management unit, and a second management unit configured to manage the removed identification information together with timing information for specifying timing for returning the removed identification information as the management target by the first management unit.
US09001342B2 POS system, POS system control method, and recording media processing system
A host device includes an application unit that outputs a first command or a second command, a receiving unit that receives the output first command or second command, a command control unit that converts the received first command to a third command, and converts the second command to a fourth command, and a host communication unit that transmits the converted third command or fourth command. A device includes a device reception unit that receives the third command or fourth command, a first operating unit that performs the first operation based on the third command, and a second operating unit that receives the fourth command and performs the second operation.
US09001334B2 Interferometer velocity control of beamsplitter and moving mirrors
A novel means of provided velocity control of an interferometer wherein one of the moving components includes the beamsplitter element is introduced herein. Using a moving beamsplitter and coupled flexure mounting allows improved velocity control because the low mass of the beamsplitter enables the systems disclosed herein to respond faster than conventional mirror velocity controlled interferometer instruments with a resultant lower velocity error so as to provide a more stable and lower noise spectra from the analytical instrument. The control of the velocity of the beamsplitter and if desired, one or both of the configured mirrors, reduces the time wasted changing velocity at the ends of each scan. The result is an increase in data collection available in any given experiment time frame. Such desirable arrangements of the present invention thus allow scans to be collected at higher rates, which beneficially increase the ability to monitor rapidly changing systems.
US09001332B1 Compact multi-channel gas correlation sensor and sensing methodology
A multi-channel gas correlation sensor and sensing method are provided. A spectral partitioning filter at the sensor's aperture or a pupil image thereof partitions a beam of light energy into unique spectral regions. Each spectral region is confined to a unique spatial region of the beam and passes light energy associated with a unique spectral band. The spectrally-partitioned beam undergoes a single split into two beams traversing a first path and a second path, respectively. Each of at least one gas of interest is disposed in only one of the first path and second path. Each gas at least partially absorbs/filters the light energy in at least one of the spectral regions. A detector is positioned such that each of the two beams form a pupil image on a unique portion of the detector after they traverse the first path and second path.
US09001330B2 Attachment for placement onto an optical sensor and method of operating an optical sensor
The invention relates to an attachment for placement onto an optical sensor having a housing with an inlet opening for the entry of detection light into the attachment, a test light receiver for receiving light incident at the test light receiver and for a power measurement of the light incident at the test light receiver as test light and having a signal outputting device for outputting an output signal correlated to the test light power. The invention moreover relates to a combination of an optical sensor and such an attachment and to a method for operating an optical sensor which method can be carried out with such an attachment.
US09001329B2 Multi-angle colorimeter
A multi-angle colorimeter employs a multi-angle mode and a symmetrical arrangement mode in an optical arrangement. Light detection on both sides of the symmetrical arrangement is performed by a single photodetector unit. The photodetector unit is used on both sides, and thus, the device becomes simpler, without any impact on individual difference in characteristics of multiple photodetector units. Conversely, elements for illumination can be used on both sides. Also in a case where multiple photodetector units are used, the size and cost of the device can be reduced with the use of a photodetector unit having a relatively low wavelength resolution as a photodetector unit to be used on one side. This enables to reduce an attitude error due to relative tilting of a measurement surface while reducing the size and cost of the device.
US09001328B2 Color processing apparatus and method thereof
A sample information input unit obtains spectral reflectances of color patches formed on a medium from a measuring device or storage unit. A media characteristic input unit inputs bi-spectral radiance factors of the medium from the storage unit. A computing unit computes bi-spectral radiance factors of the color patches based on the spectral reflectances of the color patches obtained by the sample information input unit and the bi-spectral radiance factors of the medium input by the media characteristic input unit.
US09001327B2 Composite polarizer with adjustable polarization angles
An adjustable, composite polarizer can include first and second plate polarizers and an adjusting apparatus. The adjusting apparatus can adjust a pitch angle and a roll angle for the first and second plate polarizers while maintaining a predetermined, minimal distance between those plates. In this configuration, the adjustable, composite polarizer can provide mirror symmetric polarization with respect to an incident plane while providing the flexibility of any polarization.
US09001326B2 Method and apparatus for observing subsurfaces of a target material
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for generating from a light source a light signal operating in a region of the light spectrum, modifying the light signal with a first polarization device having a first polarization state to generate a polarized light signal directed to a target, modifying a substantially specular reflection and a substantially diffused reflection of the polarized light signal generated from the target with a second polarization device having a second polarization state to generate mixed polarized light signals having a mixed polarization state, and adjusting the mixed polarization state to modify an observable range of subsurfaces of the target. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09001325B2 Filament-based stimulated Raman detection
In apparatus and methods of Raman spectroscopy in air, a target region is excited by a laser pump pulse exceeding the critical power for self-focusing in air and having a duration after self-focusing of 15 fs or less. A laser probe pulse having a duration in the range of 200 fs to 100 ps and an energy of at least 20 μJ is directed at the excited target region. Stimulated Raman scattering from the interaction between the excited target region and the laser probe pulse is detected. The target region can be outside the spectrometer, with ambient air in between used for the self-focusing.
US09001320B2 Real-time mapping of electronic structure with single-shot two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy
A technique for forming a two-dimensional electronic spectrum of a sample includes illuminating a line within a portion of the sample with four laser pulses; where along the entire line the difference in the arrival times between two of the laser pulses varies as a function of the position and the difference in the arrival times between the other two pulses is constant along the entire line. A spectroscopic analysis may then be performed on the resulting pulsed output signal from the illuminated line to produce a single-shot two dimensional electronic spectroscopy.
US09001318B2 Soiling check of the window of a measuring apparatus for checking sheet material
A method carries out a soiling check of the measurement window of a measuring device for checking sheet material. A measuring device carries out the method. A device for processing a sheet material comprises the measuring device. The soiling check uses, only areas of the measurement window which correspond, in terms of width and position in the beam path of a light, to the areas of the checked sheet material which are checked during the checking of the sheet material. As a result, fewer cleaning steps are needed for the measurement window.
US09001315B2 Lens assembly testing method
A lens assembly testing method includes: providing a lens assembly having a first lens and a second lens placed on the first lens; determining whether a modulation transfer function value of the lens assembly is in a predetermined range; if not, separating the first lens and the second lens, and forming a first coating layer and a second coating layer on the first lens to obtain a coated first lens with a number of dots; capturing two images of the coated first lens; attaching the coated first lens on the second lens, and capturing another two images of the coated first lens; determining an actual moving distance of a chosen dot using a 3D-Digital image correlation method according to the four images; adjusting a size of the first lens according to the actual moving distance; and displaying the adjusted size of the first lens to a user.
US09001314B1 Protection factor rating system for protective eyewear
A method of rating eyewear includes providing eyewear to be rated, measuring a physical property of the eyewear selected from a group that includes ultraviolet radiation absorption, blue light radiation absorption, infrared radiation absorption, and light blocking capability, transforming the physical property into a rating value, and informing a prospective consumer of the rating value.
US09001312B2 Light scanning apparatus and separation distance measurement apparatus
A light scanning apparatus including a light source for emitting light in a direction different from a direction orthogonal to the reference direction, and a rotating reflection body that rotates about an axis inclined at an inclination angle φ to the reference direction and includes at least one reflecting surface that is disposed in a direction intersecting obliquely with the axis and reflects light incident on the reflecting surface at an incident angle θ. A specific scanning direction is a direction intersecting at an angle to the reference direction and the rotation axis inclination angle φ≠0°. The inclination angle φ is predetermined according to the incident angle θ such that deviation of the scanning beam reflected by the reflecting surface is smaller than the deviation of the scanning beam that would be obtained with the inclination angle φ of the rotation axis 0°.
US09001308B2 Pattern generator for a lithography system
A pattern generator includes a minor array plate having a mirror, at least one electrode plate disposed over the minor array plate, a lens let disposed over the minor, and at least one insulator layer sandwiched between the mirror array plate and the electrode plate. The electrode plate includes a first conducting layer and a second conducting layer. The lens let has a non-straight sidewall formed in the electrode plate. The pattern generator further includes at least one insulator sandwiched between two electrode plates. The non-straight sidewall can be a U-shaped sidewall or an L-shaped sidewall.
US09001306B2 Exposure apparatus, exposure method, and method of manufacturing device
A scanning exposure apparatus measures levels of a substrate at a predetermined position on the substrate during an acceleration period and during a constant velocity period, obtains a correction value for a measurement error due to factors associated with acceleration based on the difference between the measurement results at the predetermined position, corrects the level of the substrate measured at a first measurement point using the obtained correction value when the substrate is exposed at a given position after the level of the substrate at the given position is measured at the first measurement point during the acceleration period.
US09001298B1 Pixel structure, display panel and manufacturing method of pixel structure
A pixel structure includes a scan line, a first insulation layer, a data line, a pixel electrode, a second insulation layer, and a common electrode. The scan line and the first insulation layer are disposed on a first substrate and the first insulation layer covers the scan line. The data line and the pixel electrode are disposed on the first insulation layer. The second insulation layer covers the data line and the pixel electrode and has a first opening located between the data line and the pixel electrode. The common electrode is disposed on the second insulation layer and has slits exposing a portion of the pixel electrode. The common electrode covers the data line and has a first extending portion filled in the first opening such that the first extending portion of the common electrode is located between the data line and the pixel electrode.
US09001297B2 Third metal layer for thin film transistor with reduced defects in liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes an array of pixels over a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate. The TFT substrate includes a TFT that has a first metal layer to form a gate electrode and a second metal layer to form a source electrode and a drain electrode for each pixel. The LCD also includes an organic insulation layer disposed over the TFT substrate, where the organic insulator layer has trenches on a top surface. The LCD further includes a third metal layer disposed over the organic insulation layer in the trenches, the trenches having a trench depth at least equal to the thickness of the third metal layer. The LCD also includes a passivation layer over the third metal layer, and a pixel electrode for each pixel over the passivation layer. The LCD further includes a polymer layer over the pixel electrode, and liquid molecules on the polymer layer.
US09001296B2 Liquid crystal display apparatus
A liquid crystal display apparatus includes an electrode and a slit formation region provided in the electrode and extending in a direction of extension of a boundary line, a first alignment region and a third alignment region are formed such that liquid crystal molecules are aligned toward a first director orientation, a second alignment region and a fourth alignment region are formed such that liquid crystal molecules are aligned toward a second director orientation greater in an angle of orientation than the first director orientation, an angle of orientation of a first slit orientation is not greater than an angle of orientation of the first director orientation, and an angle of orientation of a second slit orientation is not smaller than an angle of orientation of the second director orientation.
US09001293B2 Display device and color filter substrate thereof
A display device and color filter substrate thereof are provided. The color filter substrate includes a substrate and a green color filter disposed on the substrate. A concentration of halogen in the green color filter is less than 10 ppm. The green color filter has a transmittance spectrum G(λ), and CMF_Z(λ) is the color matching function defined by International Commission on Illumination (CIE). A peak intensity between 380 nm and 780 nm of G(λ)×CMF_Z(λ) is in a range between 0.33 and 0.4.
US09001292B2 Color filter and liquid crystal display
Disclosed herein is a color filter, which includes a substrate and a green color resist. The green color resist is disposed on the substrate. The green color resist has a function A(λ) defined by a product of the transmittance spectrum of the green color resist and the CIE color matching function z(λ). The function A(λ) has a maximum of less than 0.28, and the function A(λ) satisfies the following formula (II): ∫380780A(λ)dλ>10.26  formula (II).
US09001291B2 Liquid crystal display device
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes an array substrate including a first color filter configured to transmit light in a first wavelength range, a second color filter configured to transmit light in a second wavelength range of greater wavelengths than the first wavelength range, a first switching element disposed above the second color filter, a second switching element disposed above the second color filter, a first pixel electrode which is electrically connected to the first switching element and is located above the first color filter, and a second pixel electrode which is electrically connected to the second switching element and is located above the second color filter.
US09001285B2 Electronic device and display panel thereof
An electronic device comprises a housing and a display panel installed in the housing. The display panel comprises a first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate and a display medium disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate comprises a first substrate body, pixel units arranged in an array on the first substrate body, data lines disposed on the first substrate body and electrically connected to the pixel units, a first insulation layer and scan lines disposed on the first substrate body and electrically connected to the pixel units. Each of the scan lines has a first part and a second part connecting to the first part. The first parts of the scan lines are interlaced with the data lines. The second parts of the scan lines are substantially overlapped with the data lines with the first insulation layer disposed therebetween.
US09001281B2 Touch-sensing display panel and manufacturing method thereof
A touch-sensing display panel including a front substrate, scan lines, data lines, pixel structures, photo-sensors, readout devices, a rear substrate and a display medium is provided. The front substrate has an inner surface. The scan lines and the data lines are on the inner surface of the front substrate and intersected to each other. The pixel structures are disposed on the inner surface of the front substrate, and each pixel structure is electrically connected to one of the scan lines and one of the data lines correspondingly. The photo-sensors are disposed on the inner surface of the front substrate. Each readout device is electrically connected to one of the photo-sensor correspondingly. The rear substrate is disposed opposite to the front substrate. The display medium is sealed between the front substrate and the rear substrate.
US09001280B2 Devices and methods for shielding displays from electrostatic discharge
Methods and devices for shielding displays from electrostatic discharge (ESD) are provided. In one example, a display of an electronic device may include a high resistivity shielding layer configured to protect electrical components from static charges. The display may also include a conductive layer electrically coupled to the high resistivity shielding layer and configured to decrease a discharge time of static charges from the high resistivity shielding layer. The display may include a grounding layer and a conductor electrically coupled between the conductive layer and the grounding layer to direct static charges from the conductive layer to the grounding layer.
US09001275B2 Method and system for improving audio fidelity in an HDMI system
HDMI is a digital audio and video communications protocol commonly used in consumer electronics. HDMI is particularly synonymous with high fidelity audio and video. Even though HDMI is a digital communications protocol, the audio quality can be impaired by analog signal impairments and distortions even if there are no digital decoding errors. In particular, the very process by which the audio is converted from Digital (HDMI) to human audible “Analog Audio” can be prone to errors. This occurs when the Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) clock, which is derived from the HDMI TMDS clock or HDMI source, is “distorted” due to its jitter, resulting in erroneous sampling or outputting of vital audio samples, thereby reducing the audio quality of the experience. The present invention reduces the jitter on the TMDS clock, and hence the audio DAC clock, resulting in lower audio distortion. Exemplary simple embodiments of the present invention in an HDMI cable can dramatically improve audio fidelity in existing home entertainment systems without an upgrade to expensive major equipment replacement such as the source (audio system) or sink (Television).
US09001273B2 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.
US09001271B2 Method and related apparatus for generating interpolated frame according to spatial relationship result and temporal matching difference
A method for generating an interpolated frame includes: calculating a temporal matching difference corresponding to a target motion vector of a current block by performing a motion estimation on the current block; deriving a spatial relationship result according to the target motion vector and motion vectors corresponding to a plurality of neighboring image blocks; and deriving the interpolated frame according to the target motion vector, the spatial relationship result, and the temporal matching difference.
US09001270B2 Data analyzing and/or combined main/mobile receiving
Mobile/handheld (M/H) data is received in an M/H frame equivalent in size to exactly 20 VSB data frames. Each VSB frame contains an odd VSB field and an even VSB field, and each of the VSB fields includes one field sync segment and 312 data segments. The M/H frame includes main data and M/H data, and the M/H data has more robust coding than the main data. The M/H frame is received and an MPEG encoded transport stream derived therefrom is outputted. Frame registration is found so as to find a structure of the M/H frame in the MPEG encoded transport stream. Based on the structure of the M/H frame, the M/H data is randomized. Based on the structure of the M/H frame, block mode data is located within the randomized M/H data. The M/H data is decoded using the block mode data.
US09001259B2 Focus assembly for camera
A method and apparatus for adjusting the focus of a camera. A rotatable focus member, when rotated, effects movement of an indicator element. The position of the indicator element is sensed by a sensing element and is passed to a controller within the camera. The controller prompts a motor to drive a focusing element of the camera in response to changes in the sensed position of the indicator element. The focus member effects movement of the indicator element by way of rolling resistance as opposed to sliding friction, allowing for more consistent and controlled manipulation.
US09001258B2 Image capturing device and image capturing method
A first state where an image is captured with a predetermined exposure in which an aperture of a diaphragm is a first aperture and a shutter speed is a first shutter speed is changed to a second state where an image is captured with the predetermined exposure in which the aperture of the diaphragm is a second aperture larger than the first aperture and the shutter speed is a second shutter speed higher than the first shutter speed, and a focal point is adjusted. The second aperture is set to be as large as possible within a range of maintaining the predetermined exposure.
US09001257B1 Wafer scale optics
A device can have an optical component having at least one alignment/attachment feature and a MEMS structure having a complimentary alignment/attachment feature for each alignment/attachment feature of the optical component. Each alignment/attachment feature of the optical component can mate with a corresponding alignment/attachment of the MEMS structure to align and/or attach the optical component to the MEMS structure. Thus, improved combinations of optical components and MEMS devices can be provided.
US09001253B2 Mobile terminal and imaging key control method for selecting an imaging parameter value
A mobile phone comprises a display, etc. If a camera function is performed, a through image (preview image) based on an imaging parameter value, a shutter key, etc. are displayed on the display. A RAM is registered in advance with imaging parameter value brought into correspondence to a coordinates range. When a predetermined time period elapses after a touch operation is made to the shutter key, an auxiliary key corresponding to the coordinates range is displayed. If a user moves a finger into the coordinates range based on the displaying of the auxiliary key, a current imaging parameter value is changed to a registered imaging parameter value. If the finger is released in such a state, an image imaged based on a changed imaging parameter value.
US09001250B2 Method and apparatus for reading image data from an image sensor
A method of reading image data from an image sensor includes accumulating image charges in photosensitive elements of an array of pixel cells. The accumulated image charges are transferred to corresponding transistors in multi-phase transfer channels that are coupled to corresponding columns of the pixel array. Multi-phase transfer signals are generated. Each set of the multi-phase transfer signals includes a plurality of control signals that are out-of-phase with one another and are coupled to control respective transistors in the multi-phase transfer channels. The accumulated image charges from a first variable number of pixel cells of a selected column are output in response to the multi-phase transfer signals. The accumulated image charges from a second variable number of pixel cells of another selected column are output in response to the multi-phase transfer signals.
US09001248B2 Solid state imaging device with additive read mode
A solid state imaging device includes a plurality of pixels, a plurality of vertical signal lines, a plurality of sample hold sections, a horizontal output section, and a horizontal scanning circuit. The horizontal output section is made up of a plurality of first horizontal signal lines connected to at least two or more vertical signal lines, and second horizontal signal lines connected to the plurality of first horizontal signal lines via the selection switches. The horizontal scanning circuit controls so that at least two of the plurality of selection switches are turned on and the pixel signal is output to the second horizontal signal lines when the pixel signal held in the sample hold sections is output to the horizontal signal lines.
US09001245B2 Pixel structure with multiple transfer gates
A pixel structure comprises a photo-sensitive element for generating charge in response to incident light. A first transfer gate is connected between the photo-sensitive element and a first charge conversion element. A second transfer gate is connected between the photo-sensitive element and a second charge conversion element. An output stage outputs a first value related to charge at the first charge conversion element and outputs a second value related to charge at the second charge conversion element. A controller controls operation of the pixel structures and causes a pixel structure. The controller causes the pixel structure to: acquire charges on the photo-sensitive element during an exposure period; transfer a first portion of the charges acquired during the exposure period from the photo-sensitive element to the first charge conversion element via the first transfer gate; and transfer a second portion of the charges acquired during the exposure period from the photo-sensitive element to the second charge conversion element via the second transfer gate.
US09001242B2 Solid-state imaging device and imaging device
A solid-state imaging device simultaneously completes pixel reset operation on all of pixels included in a unit cell when performing pixel reset scanning in a curtain shutter synchronous mode. The pixel reset operation is processing in which a photodiode corresponding to one of transfer transistors is reset. The pixel reset scanning is processing in which the pixel reset operation is performed on a row basis. The curtain shutter synchronous mode is a mode in which exposure of an imaging region to incident light is started by the pixel reset scanning and ended by blocking the incident light by a mechanical curtain shutter provided on an optical path of the incident light.
US09001236B2 Image processing apparatus, method, and recording medium for extracting images from a composite image file
An image processing apparatus includes an image file creation unit, a storage control unit, an extracting unit, and a display controller. The image file creation unit is configured to create a file including a plurality of images, first management information indicating a specified Exif version, and second management information including an image size and a total number of the images in the file. The storage control unit is configured to store the image file in a storage. The extraction unit is configured to extract the image from the image file in the storage based on the second management information. The display controller is configured to display the image on a display.
US09001235B2 Pre- and post-shutter signal image capture and sort for digital camera
A camera system includes an image sensor and a processing apparatus receiving image frames from the sensor before and after receipt of a user picture signal. The processing apparatus discards frames that do not meet a quality criterion such as under-exposed frames. Also, the processing apparatus compresses only a subset of remaining frames, specifically, those that meet a compression amount threshold. The remaining frames are presented to a user, who can select a representative frame as the “picture” that was taken.
US09001233B2 Image pickup apparatus and image pickup apparatus control method that generates an image with transformed number of pixels
Apparatus and method for realizing a processing with which a pixel gravity center control can be conducted when a pixel number reduction image is generated in an image pickup apparatus. A pixel unit configured to output a pixel addition signal obtained by adding output pixel signals from pixels having different sensitivities to each other and a pixel information synthesis unit configured to execute a weighted addition processing of multiplying plural pixel addition signals output from the pixel unit by a previously set gain and calculate a configuration pixel value of a pixel number reduction image where a total number of pixels is lower than a number of pixels of the pixel unit are provided.
US09001231B2 Image acquisition using oversampled one-bit poisson statistics
In an image sensor pixels in an array of binary pixels are sampled with a first oversampling factor during a first frame interval, and then sampled with a second oversampling factor during a second frame interval, the second oversampling factor exceeding the first oversampling factor.
US09001224B2 Lens holder drive apparatus, and camera equipped therewith
Provided is a small, low-profile lens holder apparatus. A lens holder apparatus includes: a lens holder to which a lens section can be attached; a first drive section that moves the lens holder in a first direction along the optical axis; a second drive section that moves the lens holder in a second direction and/or third direction that are perpendicular to the optical axis and differ from each other; a supporting section that includes a base disposed in a position spaced from the lens holder and a supporting member that supports the lens holder so as to be able to move in the second direction and/or third direction; and a position detection section that is disposed on the supporting section in order to detect a position in the second direction and/or third direction of the lens holder with respect to the base.
US09001223B2 Method and apparatus for applying camera shake compensation to video content
A system and method for applying video de-shake to video content includes a classification engine configured to generate a classification of the video content based on at least one source characteristic. The system also includes a de-shake engine configured to selectively apply camera shake compensation to the video content based on the classification. The classification engine may be configured to generate a classification based on, for example, the presence of closed caption data, the presence of copy protection data, current frame rate associated with the video content, or a native frame rate associated with the video content.
US09001209B2 Monitoring apparatus
Disclosed is a monitoring technique for displaying a low-luminance image of e.g. a dark area in an easily visible manner. The inventive apparatus includes an image capturing unit 10 for capturing an image of an object to be monitored, an inversion condition determining unit 11 for determining whether an inversion condition is satisfied or not based on the visibility of the image captured by the image capturing unit 10, and a display image generating unit 12 for generating a negative/positive inverted image from the captured image when it is determined by the inversion condition determining unit 11 that the inversion condition is satisfied.
US09001202B2 Component mounting apparatus and component detection method
A transfer pathway of a mounting head 10 in a component-mounting round during which the mounting head 10 moves back and forth between a component feeding unit 4 and a substrate conveyance mechanism 2 is derived by a transfer pathway calculation unit 25 for each component-mounting round from mounting program data 21a. A focusing processing unit 24 controls an optical system focusing mechanism 18, thereby matching a focusing point of a line sensor camera 14 achieved during imaging operation to the transfer pathway of the mounting head 10 based on data pertaining to the derived transfer pathway. Further, an optical system zooming mechanism 17 adjusts an imaging range according to the focusing point. Accordingly, even when a long substrate 3 is taken as an object, it is possible to detect with high precision whether or not a component exists on the pickup nozzle 11 of the mounting head 10.
US09001200B2 Cell characterization using multiple focus planes
A system for characterizing cells takes a series of digital images of a sample containing the cells. Each of the images is taken at a different plane of focus. One of the images is determined to have been taken at a plane of best focus. The system analyzes the digital image taken at the plane of best focus and at least one other of the digital images to classify cells in the sample as either live or dead.
US09001198B2 Image display viewing system, optical modulator and image display device
There is provided an image display viewing system including an image display device including a signal control portion that receives input of an image signal and outputs a signal that causes each of multiple different images to be displayed at least twice consecutively, and a display panel to which the signal output from the signal control portion is input and which alternately displays each of the multiple different images at least twice consecutively, and an optical modulator including a liquid crystal layer on which an image having a predetermined polarization direction output from the image display device and external light having random polarization are incident, and which periodically changes the polarization direction of the incident light, and a polarizing plate on which light emitted from the liquid crystal layer is incident and which has a polarization axis in a predetermined direction.
US09001197B2 Stereoscopic image display device
This document discusses a stereoscopic image display device. In the stereoscopic image display device, a display device displays first image data during an Nth (where N is a positive integer) frame period and displays second image data during an (N+1)th frame period. A polarization conversion device converts light which is output from the display device into first polarized light in response to a first driving voltage during the Nth frame period and converts light which is output from the display device into a second polarized light in response to a second driving voltage during the (N+1)th frame period. The phase of a point of time at which scanning of at least one of the first and second image data starts is differently synchronized with the phase of a point of time at which scanning of at least one of the first and second driving voltage starts.
US09001193B2 Apparatus, method and system for synchronization and 3D display apparatus using the same
Apparatus, method, and system for synchronization and a three-dimensional (3D) display apparatus using the same are provided. The 3D display apparatus includes: a power generator which generates power based on a received alternating current (AC) power signal, a detector which detects zero crossing points of time of the received AC power signal, and a controller which generates a reference signal based on the detected zero crossing points of time and transmits the reference signal to at least one other 3D display apparatus.
US09001190B2 Computer vision system and method using a depth sensor
A robot is provided that includes a processor executing instructions that generate an image. The robot also includes a depth sensor that captures depth data about an environment of the robot. Additionally, the robot includes a software component executed by the processor configured to generate a depth map of the environment based on the depth data. The software component is also configured to generate the image based on the depth map and red-green-blue (RGB) data about the environment.
US09001183B2 Adaptive switching of views for a video conference that involves a presentation apparatus
Techniques are provided for dynamically adapting the view from a conference endpoint that includes a presentation apparatus, such as a whiteboard. A first signal is received that includes a video signal derived from a video camera that is viewing a room during a conference session in which a person is presenting information on a presentation apparatus. During the video conference, switching is performed between the first signal and a second signal representing content being displayed on the presentation apparatus during the conference session for output and transmission to other conference endpoints of the conference session. The determination as to whether to supply the first signal (for a normal view of the conference room) or the second signal may be based on a position determination of the presenter or may be instead be based on an external view selection command received from another conference endpoint participating in the conference session.
US09001182B2 Efficient and on demand convergence of audio and non-audio portions of a communication session for phones
In one embodiment, source data for a communication session may be split into an audio portion for transmission on a phone channel and a non-audio portion for transmission on a data channel. A server and a phone may accordingly establish an audio portion of a communication session on the phone channel. In response to a trigger, the server may provide a push notification on the data channel to the phone, where the push notification is associated with an application executing on the phone that is configured to participate in the non-audio portion of the communication session on the data channel with the server. Upon obtaining the push notification on the data channel during the audio portion on the phone channel, the application may correspondingly activate on the phone to participate in the non-audio portion of the communication session during the phone's participation in the audio portion (e.g., merging the portions).
US09001181B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program product
An image processing apparatus includes an image acquiring unit that acquires an image of a subject imaged by an image capturing lens; a face detecting unit that detects face information corresponding to a person's face from the image acquired by the image acquiring unit; an image angle-of-view calculating unit that calculates an angle of view of a portion including the face in the image based on the face information detected by the face detecting unit; and a correction necessity determining unit that determines whether distortion correction of the image is need to be performed, based on the angle of view calculated by the image angle-of-view calculating unit and distortion characteristics of the image capturing lens.
US09001178B1 Multimedia conference broadcast system
A multimedia conference broadcast system may include one or more processors and a memory. The one or more processors may receive video streams and audio streams from participant devices. The one or more processors may transmit, to each of the participant devices, the video streams and the audio streams corresponding to the other devices. The one or more processors may receive a request to broadcast the video streams and the audio streams from one of the participant devices. The one or more processors may generate a composite multimedia stream based on the video streams and the audio streams received from the participant devices. The one or more processors may broadcast the composite multimedia stream to viewer devices that are separate from the participant devices.
US09001174B2 Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum and a light emitting device. In the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum, the width of the weak light exposure region on the photosensitive drum in which an exposing device emits weak light is larger than the width of a region corresponding to the width of a recording medium on which an image is formed, but smaller than the width of a region on the photosensitive drum charged by a charging roller.
US09001173B2 Method for producing a colour laser image that can be observed in three dimensions and document on which a colour laser image that can be observed in three dimensions is produced
Disclosed are examples of methods and documents of a color laser image observable in three dimensions, which comprises a laserable protective sheet, an array of lenses, colored sub-pixels in column form, wherein a laser beam causes the grey levels to appear in two color laser images observable in three dimensions via stereoscopic effect, and a substrate. The whole, in various implementations, may be laminated. The axes of the columns of sub-pixels and of the lenses may be perpendicular. The laser beam may scan the sub-pixels along the axis of the lenses, in various embodiments.
US09001162B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel includes a first sub-pixel that is charged with a data signal corresponding to an input gray-scale, in response to a gate signal, and a second sub-pixel that is charged with the data signal in response to the gate signal. A boost capacitor is disposed between the first and second sub-pixels. The boost capacitor increases the voltage of the signal charged in the first sub-pixel and decreases the voltage of the signal charged in the second sub-pixel. Each pixel further includes an initializing device to initialize a first electrode of the boost capacitor and a switching device to change an electric potential of the first electrode of the boost capacitor.
US09001160B2 Frame timing synchronization for an inline scaler using multiple buffer thresholds
During downscaling of an image, a scaler may generate a specified number ‘M’ output lines of an output frame for each specified number ‘N’ input lines of an input frame, and store the output lines in a buffer. The scaler may keep the output horizontal line durations consistent throughout the active line period, with a horizontal line duration ratio of M/N between input and output frame streams. ‘M’ threshold values may be stored in a lookup table, and for each output line the relative position of the output line within the output frame may be used to look up a corresponding threshold value in the lookup table, and the timing generator may wait until the buffer occupancy reaches the corresponding threshold value before outputting the output line from the buffer. To guarantee even line widths, the threshold values may be assigned values that depend on the scaling ratio used.
US09001152B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
An information processing apparatus including an imaged image input unit inputting an imaged image of a facility imaged in an imaging device to a display control unit, a measurement information input unit inputting measurement information measured by a sensor provided in the facility from the sensor to a creation unit, a creation unit creating a virtual image representing a status of an outside or inside of the facility based on the measurement information input by the measurement information input unit, and a display control unit overlaying and displaying the virtual image created in the creation unit and the imaged image input by the imaged image input unit on a display device.
US09001148B2 Computer readable recording medium, information processing apparatus, and information processing method
An information processing apparatus includes: a transmitting unit transmitting target data of a first format stored in the storing unit, the first format being capable of constituting a multi-page file; a converted-data acquiring unit acquiring, in unit of page, converted data of a second format, which is generated by an external apparatus based on the target data; a display unit displaying an image corresponding to each page based on the converted data; a converted-data storing unit storing the converted data; and a manipulation receiving unit configured to receive an input. If the manipulation receiving unit receives a designation of a page, and the converted data which is generated based on the designated page is not stored in the storing unit, the converted-data acquiring unit acquires the converted data generated based on the designated page of the target data in preference to the other converted data.
US09001144B2 Image processing apparatus and method
A selector of an image processing apparatus may select, from a plurality of sub-pixels included in a first pixel, at least one sub-pixel to be anti-aliased. A processor of the image processing apparatus may calculate a color value of the first pixel by performing an anti-aliasing process with respect to each of the selected at least one sub-pixel.
US09001140B2 Information processing device and method, and program, for gamut conversion of content
An information processing device, method and program may properly perform gamut conversion of content and be applied to a gamut conversion device. A restoration conversion state confirming unit performs confirmation such as gamut conversion state of image data read out from an optical disc and the existence or not of restoration metadata. An information exchange unit communicates with an output device via a communication unit, and performs information exchange such as the existence or not of restoration processing functionality and gamut conversion functionality and the like. A determining unit determines whether or not restoration processing is performed with a playing device, based on information obtained by the restoration conversion state confirming unit and the information exchange unit. Similarly, the determining unit determines whether or not to perform gamut conversion processing with the playing device, based on information obtained by the restoration conversion state confirming unit and the information exchange unit.
US09001139B2 Image processing device and image processing method
An image processing device includes an image generation mechanism configured to generate computer graphics images based on computer graphics description data, an image mapping mechanism configured to designate an object or a part of the object of computer graphics drawn by the image generation mechanism as a texture map target, and to texture map texture map images to a surface of the texture map target, and a superimposition mechanism configured to superimpose superimposition images at a position corresponding to the texture map target of the computer graphics images where the texture map has been performed in the image mapping mechanism, based on position information for the texture map target of the computer graphic image.
US09001137B2 Technique for GPU command scheduling
A technique for scheduling the dispatching of Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) commands is described. A method implementation of this technique comprises receiving commands from a plurality of applications, buffering the received commands, and dispatching the buffered commands as a command batch towards a GPU. The dispatching is scheduled such that a GPU idle period is created between two successive command batches dispatched towards the GPU.
US09001136B2 Format and method for representing a dynamic digital image
An image format and method are presented for storing a digital image in the image format. The image format includes image data and executable computer instructions. Displaying a digital image stored in this image format requires executing the stored executable instructions which generate the image data for the associated digital image.
US09001130B2 Flying effects choreography system
A flying effects choreography system provides visualizations of flying effects within a virtual environment. The system allows choreographers to define a sequence of waypoints that identify a path of motion. A physics engine of the system may then calculate position data for a performer or other element attached to a free-swinging pendulum cable, as the performer and pendulum cable move along the path of motion. In this manner, the position data describes the motion of the performer, including the pendulum effect or swing of the performer on the pendulum cable. The position data may be used to generate one or more visualizations that show the performer's motion, including the pendulum effect. The choreographer may review the visualizations and make modifications any number of times, until a desired flying effect is produced, without having to physically implement the flying effect in the real world.
US09001127B2 Method and device for processing vector graphics
A method and a device for reducing the waste of the central process unit (CPU) resource during the filling process of a vector graphic, and the method includes: parsing the vector graphic to obtain a series of polygons; mapping the polygons into a new drawing coordinate whose unit is 1/2n pixel using a transform parameter and a transform matrix, while updating an original drawing window into the new drawing coordinate at the same time, wherein the transform parameter is A, A=2n/K, n is a shift parameter, the unit of the vertex coordinate of the polygon is 1/K pixel, and n, K are valued for natural numbers; obtaining the portions of the polygons located in the new drawing window in the new drawing coordinate; transforming the portions of the polygons located in the new drawing window in the new drawing coordinate into a group of scan segments; and shifting the original code of the coordinate of the scan segments to right by n bit, and rendering the pixels of the shifted scan segments. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the pixels covered by the scanning line are rendered, and the division operations are replaced with the manner of shifting the coordinate values, and the generated polygon cutting error is transferred to the calculating process before the rendering, the division operation is reduced in the precondition of ensuring the result is correct, so that the occupation of the CPU resource is reduced.
US09001125B2 Operation chart rescaling
Techniques for operation chart rescaling are described. In at least some embodiments, an operations chart is provided that tracks various parameters for an operation. The operations chart can include visual indicia of operation parameters, such as an operation value indicator that indicates a current operation value. A progress indicator can also be included that provides a visual indication of operation progress. In response to a change in an operation value for the operations chart (e.g., a change in data rate), the operations chart can be rescaled to visually reflect the change in operation value. In at least some implementations, techniques are employed to smooth visual movement of chart elements during a rescaling operation.
US09001122B1 System for using angle-weighted normals and flood-filling in geometric modeling
A first geometry and a second geometry are accessed. They are positioned so that the first geometry and the second geometry at least in part intersect. The first geometry is divided into portions based on the intersection with the second geometry. At least a first portion of the first geometry is classified as being on one side of the second geometry. At least a second portion of the first geometry is classified as being on another side of the second geometry. At least a third portion of the first geometry is unclassified. The classifying includes comparing an angle weighted normal of a face with a property of the second geometry. The third portion is reclassified as either above the second geometry or below the second geometry according to the classification of a neighboring portion.
US09001120B2 Using photo collections for three dimensional modeling
A collection of photos and a three-dimensional reconstruction of the photos are used to construct and texture a mesh model. In one embodiment, a first digital image of a first view of a real world scene is analyzed to identify lines in the first view. Among the lines, parallel lines are identified. A three-dimensional vanishing direction in a three-dimensional space is determined based on the parallel lines and an orientation of the digital image in the three-dimensional space. A plane is automatically generated by fitting the plane to the vanishing direction. A rendering of a three-dimensional model with the plane is displayed. Three-dimensional points corresponding to features common to the photos may be used to constrain the plane. The photos may be projected onto the model to provide visual feedback when editing the plane. Furthermore, the photos may be used to texture the model.
US09001117B2 Selective flow visualization of traced particles
A method for tracing a plurality of virtual particles through a flow filed includes receiving a flow field. A flow domain is divided into cells. Virtual particles are defined within the flow domain and values are collected for flow properties at each cell. A histogram is generated for each cell representing the collected flow properties for that corresponding cell. The histogram includes, for each of the one or more flow properties, a plurality of bins defining ranges of property values and a count of virtual particles within that cell that exhibit those properties. The histograms for the plurality of cells are advected with respect to the flow field over time. A graphical representation of the plurality of particles within the flow domain is rendered based on the advected histograms for the plurality of cells using a graphics processor.
US09001112B2 Display apparatus including a base unit having an image processing unit
Disclosed is a display apparatus with an improved structure of its display unit and main body. The display apparatus includes: a display unit which includes a display connector and displays an image; and a main body which includes a power supply unit for supplying power to the display unit, an image processing unit for outputting image signals, and a main body connector which is directly or indirectly connected to the display connector in order to supply the power and the image signals output from the power supply unit and the image processing unit, respectively, to the display unit.
US09001111B2 Liquid crystal display device, driving method for the liquid crystal display device, and electronic apparatus
A liquid crystal display device according to the invention has an effect that burn-in and a flicker do not occur. Dummy pixels are provided around pixels of the liquid crystal display device. A first voltage higher in order than a reference voltage and a second voltage lower in order than the first voltage are applied to a pixel electrode of a liquid crystal device included in the dummy pixel while being temporally shifted. The liquid crystal display device changes, on the basis of an electric current flowing to a second opposed electrode when the first voltage is applied and an electric current flowing to the second opposed electrode when the second voltage is applied, a ratio of effective voltages of a positive voltage and a negative voltage applied to a liquid crystal device included in the pixel that displays an image.
US09001109B2 LED backlight driving circuit, backlight module, and LCD device
The present disclosure discloses a light emitting diode (LED) backlight driving circuit, a backlight module, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. The LED backlight driving circuit includes an LED lightbars. An output end of the LED lightbar is connected with a control integrated circuit (IC) in series, and is also connected with a shunt controllable switch. The shunt controllable switch is switched on when a voltage of the output end of the LED lightbar exceeds a preset value and is switched off when the voltage is less than the preset value. In the present disclosure, because a shunt controllable switch is connected in parallel in the control IC, when the LED lightbars are short-circuited, the shunt controllable switch is switched on, a part of current flows towards the shunt controllable switch, and the burden of the control IC is alleviated. Thus, the temperature of the control IC is reduced.
US09001108B2 Scan driving device for a display device and driving method thereof
A scan driving device for a display device includes a plurality of scan drive blocks that are sequentially arranged. Each scan drive block includes a first transistor including a gate electrode connected to a first node to which a gate on voltage is transmitted according to a first clock signal, a first electrode connected to a first power source voltage, and a second electrode connected to an output terminal; a second transistor including a gate electrode connected to a second node to which a signal that is input to an input terminal is transmitted according to the first clock signal, a first electrode connected to a second clock signal input terminal, and a second electrode connected to the output terminal; and a third transistor including a gate electrode connected to the first node, a first electrode connected to the input terminal, and a second electrode connected to the second node.
US09001102B2 Apparatus for supplying multi-output power and display apparatus using the same
An apparatus for supplying multi-output power is provided. The apparatus for supplying multi-output power includes a an input power unit which generates an LLC resonance signal using direct current (DC) power, a main output power unit which outputs a main voltage induced by the LLC resonance signal, a plurality of output power units which output secondary voltages induced by the LLC resonance signal at different level of voltages, and a first output power unit of the plurality of output power units outputs a respective one of the secondary voltages induced by the LLC resonance signal at a predetermined level of voltage using a different one of the secondary voltages output from a second output power unit of the plurality of output power units.
US09001095B2 Illumination sensing device having a reference voltage setting apparatus and a display device including the illumination sensing device
A reference voltage setting apparatus including: a current generator having a first device to supply a first dark current and a second device to supply a second dark current; a first operational amplifying unit connected to the current generator; and a voltage setting unit connected to the first operational amplifying unit and setting a reference voltage having a compensated offset voltage of the first operational amplifying unit, and an illumination sensing device and a display device including the reference voltage setting apparatus.
US09001092B2 Voltage summing buffer, digital-to-analog converter and source driver of display device including the same
A digital-to-analog converter includes a first decoder, a second decoder and a voltage summing buffer. The first decoder receives upper bits of a digital signal and upper reference voltages to output an upper voltage corresponding to the upper bits. The second decoder configured to receive lower bits of the digital signal and lower reference voltages to output a lower differential voltage corresponding to the lower bits. The voltage summing buffer generates an output voltage based on the upper voltage and the lower differential voltage, such that the output voltage corresponds to the digital signal including the upper bits and the lower bits.
US09001091B2 Scanning-signal-line driving circuit and display device including same
In order to supply a low-level potential VSS from a trunk line for the low-level potential VSS to each stage of a shift register, a branch line and an auxiliary line are provided for every plurality of stages of the shift register, and the auxiliary lines are connected to the respective branch lines and the plurality of stages of the shift register. It is also possible to provide an auxiliary line having substantially the same length as the trunk line and to connect all of the branch lines and all of the stages in the shift register to this auxiliary line. A high-level potential VDD may also be supplied using the same method. Consequently, a scanning-signal-line driving circuit is provided in which the frame area and power consumption of a display panel can be reduced when formed on the display panel as an integral unit.
US09001090B2 Display device
Provided is a display device capable of improving the display quality by suppressing the influence of a difference in hold voltage in a pixel circuit occurring between forward scanning driving and backward scanning driving. The display device includes: a data signal line; a plurality of pixel circuits; a plurality of gate signal lines; a gate signal line driving circuit for performing any one of forward scanning driving and backward scanning driving and performs gate overlapping driving; a data signal line driving circuit; and a reference voltage line driving circuit for supplying a reference voltage. The reference voltage line driving circuit selects and supplies a reference voltage for forward direction and a reference voltage for reverse direction, during the forward scanning driving and the backward scanning driving, respectively.
US09001089B2 Data driving apparatus and method for liquid crystal display device
A data driving apparatus and method for a liquid crystal display (LCD) device is provided, the apparatus including: a liquid crystal panel; a timing controller configured to output control signals for controlling the driving of a gate driving unit and a data driving unit; a gate driving unit configured to output a gate on signal to gate lines of the liquid crystal panel; a data driving unit configured to drive data lines of the liquid crystal panel, the data driving unit providing an overdriving signal to at least one of a pair of pixel signals of the same polarity applied to adjacent data lines for supply to longitudinally adjacent pixels of the liquid crystal panel, and wherein the data driving unit drives the liquid crystal panel according to a longitudinal two-dot inversion polarity pattern.
US09001087B2 Light-based proximity detection system and user interface
A light-based proximity sensor, including light emitters mounted in a housing alongside one side of the housing, oriented to emit light beams in a direction outside of the housing, light receivers mounted alongside the same one side oriented to receive light beams entering from inside the housing, the receivers being farther away from the one side than the emitters so as not to receive light beams emitted by the emitters that are not reflected, at least one reflective surface mounted farther away from the one side than the receivers, for redirecting light beams entering from outside the housing so as to enter the receivers, and a processor for controlling the emitters and the receivers, and for calculating a location of a nearby object outside of the housing that reflects light beams exiting the housing back into the housing, based on the reflected light beams received by the receivers.
US09001085B2 Touch screen apparatus for determining accurate touch point coordinate pair
A touch screen apparatus includes a mirror part arranged on a side of a quadrilateral touch area, retroreflectors arranged on remaining three sides of the touch area, first and second light transmitting and receiving parts, each being disposed on each of two edges formed by one of the retroreflectors and emitting light to the touch area and detecting reflected light out of the emitted light by the mirror part and the retroreflectors, an angle extracting part calculating a plurality of light emitting angles for a location from which no reflected light is received, by at least one of the first and second light transmitting and receiving parts, and a coordinate generating part calculating a coordinate pair of a location in which light paths corresponding to the plurality of light emitting angles calculated by the angle extracting part intersect with each other.
US09001082B1 Touch sensor detector system and method
A touch sensor detector system and method incorporating an interpolated sensor array is disclosed. The system and method utilize a touch sensor array (TSA) configured to detect proximity/contact/pressure (PCP) via a variable impedance array (VIA) electrically coupling interlinked impedance columns (IIC) coupled to an array column driver (ACD), and interlinked impedance rows (IIR) coupled to an array row sensor (ARS). The ACD is configured to select the IIC based on a column switching register (CSR) and electrically drive the IIC using a column driving source (CDS). The VIA conveys current from the driven IIC to the IIC sensed by the ARS. The ARS selects the IIR within the TSA and electrically senses the IIR state based on a row switching register (RSR). Interpolation of ARS sensed current/voltage allows accurate detection of TSA PCP and/or spatial location.
US09001072B2 Asymmetric multi-row touch panel scanning
Asymmetric scanning logic implements asymmetric panel scanning by scanning some rows on a touch panel more frequently than other rows. Note that although an entire row at a time may be driven, if only particular pixels in the row are of interest (e.g., included in any region of interest for focused asymmetric scanning), then circuitry may power down the receivers for the columns in which the pixels exist to save power. The asymmetric scanning logic facilitates focused attention to specific areas of interest on the touch panel, to compensate, for example, for high noise or low signal strength in those areas of interest.
US09001068B2 Touch sensor contact information
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
US09001067B2 Method of driving touch panel
Disclosed herein is a method of driving a touch panel having driving lines, sensing lines, and node capacitors between neighboring driving lines and sensing lines. The method includes pairing two neighboring driving lines, setting the pairs such that each of the pairs is driven using driving signals having an opposite phase, shuffling positions of the pairs so that at least one set of neighboring pairs includes different driving lines, classifying or combining at least two shuffled pairs into one group, generating Hadamard codes based on the pairs in each group, and simultaneously driving the driving lines in each of the generated Hadamard codes.
US09001065B2 Touch screen device
A touch screen device includes a motor attached to a movable chassis to support the touch panel, a rotor fixed to the motor shaft, a driven rotor meshing with the rotor, a cam mechanism that converts the rotational driving force of the motor into a driving force in the thrust direction and transmits the driving force to the movable chassis, and a leaf spring elastically urging the touch panel moved by the cam mechanism toward the original position. The cam mechanism includes two wave cam portions that each have a cam surface having a series of wave-like recesses and protrusions arranged along a circumference and, and cam engaging portions that are provided at the axial ends of the rotors and that are in sliding contact with the cam surfaces.
US09001064B2 Touch sensitive device with pinch-based archive and restore functionality
Techniques are disclosed for archiving and restoring content in electronic touch sensitive devices. The archive/restore function can be used to move, delete, or restore content that may be displayed on a screen. The user can engage the function with a particular pinch-based gesture. In some cases, the archive function includes closing a document or application, saving a file to a selected location, reversibly deleting a file, permanently deleting a file, or deleting a user-selected portion of content. In some cases, the restore function includes recovering a file from the trash bin by saving it to a previous save location, or returning content view to a previous state. In some cases, the archive function includes deleting a user-selected portion of a document, deleting a file, saving a file to a selected location, or saving one or more items to a previous save location.
US09001063B2 Electronic apparatus, touch input control method, and storage medium
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a touchpanel display and a controller. The controller is configured to input, if a first region of a first contact on the touchpanel display comprising an area larger than a first area is detected and a second region of a second contact on the touchpanel display comprising an area smaller than the first area is detected, positional information of the second contact detected via the touchpanel display.
US09001061B2 Object movement on small display screens
An aspect provides a method, including: detecting a selection of an object on a touch screen display using touch based input; providing a visual indication of the object on the touch screen display in response to the detection of a selection; accepting gesture input at the touch screen display to fly out from the underlying document while maintaining the visual indication of the object on the touch screen display, such that during the fly out more of the underlying document is displayed; and moving the visual indication of the object about the underlying document in response to the accepted gesture input at the touch screen display. Other aspects are described and claimed.
US09001046B2 Mobile terminal with touch screen
A mobile terminal having a touch screen is disclosed. The terminal includes a touch input unit and a control unit. The touch input unit provides a touch input area for inputting data information, a display area for displaying the input data information and a control region for inputting control commands, wherein the touch input area overlaps with the display area and/or the control region. The control unit controls the input and display of the information through the touch input and display area according to the control commands input through the control region.
US09001043B2 Mouse device
A mouse device includes a main casing, a base plate, and a rear swinging part. The base plate includes a concave part and a bulge. The main casing includes a front swinging part. The rear swinging part is disposed within the main casing. Moreover, the front swinging part is embedded within the concave part of the base plate. A bottom surface of the rear swinging part is contacted with a top surface of the bulge. When one side of the main casing is depressed, the front swinging part and the rear swinging part allow the main casing to be correspondingly swung relative to the base plate in a first direction or a second direction.
US09001040B2 Integrated fingerprint sensor and navigation device
An apparatus is disclosed in a first embodiment of the invention as including a non-conductive substrate providing a first surface onto which a user can apply a fingerprint. A fingerprint sensing circuit is applied to a second surface of the non-conductive substrate opposite the first surface. The fingerprint sensing circuit is capable of sensing a fingerprint through the non-conductive substrate. A navigation device is positioned adjacent to (e.g., below) the non-conductive substrate and is capable of being manipulated by the user through the non-conductive substrate.
US09001037B2 Pointer positioning system
A pointer positioning system includes an image generating unit, a light-spot generating unit, an operating unit, a calculating unit, and an image unit. The image generating unit creates an image on a display region. The light-spot generating unit projects positioning spots and identifying spots on the display region. The operating unit has an invisible-light camera to sense an image of a part of the entire display region. The calculating unit compares a distribution of the positioning spots and the identifying spots which is sensed by the invisible-light camera with a reference distribution stored in a memory, and the image unit shows a pointer image at a pointing position of the display region accordingly.
US09001032B2 Tactile transmission system using glove type actuator device and method thereof
The present invention relates to a tactile transmission system using a glove type actuator device and a method thereof, and more particularly to a tactile transmission system using a glove type actuator device and a method thereof with which a user can cover his hand and which can directly transmit a movement according to a voltage level to a body part of the user through a piezo disk actuator attached to a position in which a stimulus is transmitted. The tactile transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a touch screen for driving a predetermined program; and a glove type actuator device for vibrating a part which comes in contact with the touch screen to provide curve information about a surface of an object on the program to be displayed on the touch screen. The glove type actuator device comprises: one or more actuator modules for providing vibration stimuli; a three-axis acceleration sensor for sensing positions of the actuator modules; and a controller for mapping the position information sensed by the three-axis acceleration sensor to a corresponding position on the touch screen and generating a driving signal to vibrate the actuator modules according to the curve information about the surface of the object corresponding to the mapped position.
US09001031B2 Complex passive design with special via implementation
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for vias in an integrated circuit structure such as a passive device. In one aspect, an integrated passive device includes a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace over the first conductive trace with an interlayer dielectric between a portion of the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace. One or more vias are provided within the interlayer dielectric to provide electrical connection between the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace. A width of the vias is greater than a width of at least one of the conductive traces.
US09001029B2 Detector for optically detecting at least one object
A detector (110) for optically detecting at least one object (112) is proposed. The detector (110) comprises at least one optical sensor (114). The optical sensor (114) has at least one sensor region (116). The optical sensor (114) is designed to generate at least one sensor signal in a manner dependent on an illumination of the sensor region (116). The sensor signal, given the same total power of the illumination, is dependent on a geometry of the illumination, in particular on a beam cross section of the illumination on the sensor area (118). The detector (110) furthermore has at least one evaluation device (122). The evaluation device (122) is designed to generate at least one item of geometrical information from the sensor signal, in particular at least one item of geometrical information about the illumination and/or the object (112).
US09001027B2 Electrowetting display device including reset signal lines that include notch electrodes and driving method thereof
The present invention applies the voltage that is swung to the notch electrode of each pixel of the electrowetting display device to reset the oil layer to not backflow such that an additional element is not disposed in the pixel, thereby increasing the aperture ratio of the pixel. Also, the reset signal generator generating and applying the reset signal is disposed inside the electrowetting display device such that additional wiring may not be disposed in the outer part of the panel.
US09001024B2 Electronic document reader
We describe an electronic document reading device having a front, display surface and a device rear surface, the device including a connector mounted on an edge of the device. The device includes a back panel having an exterior surface to provide the rear surface and an interior surface, wherein the back panel is substantially transparent and the interior surface of the back panel is substantially opaque, and wherein the back panel has a cut-out for the connector such that a rear surface of the connector is substantially flush with the device rear surface provided by the exterior of the transparent back panel, such that the opaque interior surface of the transparent back panel gives the impression of a device thinner than a physical thickness of the device defined by the substantially flush connector rear surface and the device rear surface.
US09001022B2 Liquid crystal display device using a dimming control method and method for driving the same
An LCD device and a driving method thereof are provided. The LCD device includes a panel, a timing controller, and a backlight unit. The panel is driven by a data driver and a gate driver. The timing controller controls the data driver and the gate driver. The backlight unit turns on or off a light source according to a dimming control signal transferred from the timing controller. The backlight unit is configured such that a turn-off delay time of a light source turned off according to the dimming control signal is shorter than a turn-on delay time of a light source turned on according to the dimming control signal.
US09001021B2 Display device and driving method thereof
A display device includes: a display panel which displays an image; a light source unit which provides light to the display panel; and a light source controller which transmits a control signal to the light source unit, wherein the light source unit includes a light source including a plurality of light emission blocks, the light source controller includes a first reference determining unit which determines first references based on an input image signal, a reference difference calculator which calculates at least one reference difference for neighboring light emission blocks by using first references, a parameter generator which generates at least one parameter by using the at least one reference difference, and a second reference determining unit which determines a second reference for a corresponding light emission block by using the first references and the at least one parameter.
US09001020B2 Shift register circuit, display panel, and electronic apparatus
Disclosed herein is a shift register circuit that is formed on an insulating substrate with thin film transistors having channels of the same conductivity type and includes shift stages, each of the shift stages including: a first thin film transistor; a second thin film transistor; a 3(1)-th thin film transistor; a 3(2)-th thin film transistor; a 4(1)-th thin film transistor; a 4(2)-th thin film transistor; a fifth thin film transistor; and a sixth thin film transistor.
US09001016B2 Hardware driven display restore mechanism
A method and system for restoring output to a display device. The method includes receiving a request to restore the output, modifying output timing so output is visible on a display device, and invoking an output configuration application. The method and system allow a user to restore the output on a display device after the output has been configured to settings which exceed the capabilities of the display device.
US09001009B2 Pixel and organic light emitting display using the same
A pixel includes an organic light emitting diode (OLED) having a cathode electrode coupled to a second power source, a first transistor having a first electrode coupled to a first power source, the first transistor being configured to control a magnitude of a current supplied from the first power source to the second power source via the OLED in accordance with a data signal, and a plurality of second transistors serially coupled between a gate electrode of the first transistor and a power source line, the second transistors being configured to be turned on when a second scan signal is supplied to a second scan line, wherein a common node between the second transistors is electrically coupled to the first electrode or a second electrode of the first transistor.
US09001002B2 Portable electronic device housing having insert molding around antenna
Embodiments are described herein in the context of housings for electronic devices. In one embodiment, a housing can make use of an outer member, which can be formed of glass. The outer member can be secured with respect to other portions of the housing for the electronic device. The output member can also be protected at its edges by a protective side member. Still further, one or more antenna can be provided at least partially internal to the protective side member. The electronic devices can be portable and in some cases handheld.
US09001000B2 Antenna
A first antenna element is embodied in a blanched structure, and a second antenna element is embodied in a blanched structure. A low coupling circuit for increasing susceptance with an increase in frequency is interposed between the first antenna element and the second antenna element. The first antenna element and the second antenna element exhibit resonance of a Y12 component of an admittance matrix between first and second frequencies and between second and third frequencies. The first branch element and the third branch element assume a value of nearly a quarter of a resonant electrical length of the Y12 component of the admittance matrix between the first and second frequencies. The second branch element and the fourth branch element assume a value of nearly a quarter of the resonant electrical length of the Y12 component of the admittance matrix between the second and third frequencies.
US09000999B2 Enclosure system for an antenna
An enclosure system for antennas including satellite dish antennas and single frequency, narrowband and broadband ones. The system includes at least upper and lower housing portions mounted to each other for rotational movement about a first axis inclined to the vertical. The portions have respective, peripheral sections extending about the first axis and substantially perpendicular to the inclined, first axis. The satellite antenna dish is mounted to the upper housing portion to extend substantially about a second axis substantially intersecting the first axis at an inclined angle. The upper housing portion can be rotated about the inclined, first axis relative to the lower housing portion wherein the second axis of the dish essentially forms or defines a cone about the first axis to position the plane of the dish rim portion in any of a plurality of orientations essentially between a substantially horizontal one and a substantially vertical one.
US09000997B2 Structure and antenna
A plurality of first conductor patterns (200) are insular electrode patterns located at a first layer. The first conductor patterns (200) are arranged in a repetitive pattern and are separated from each other. A second conductor pattern (100) is located at a second layer parallel to the first layer, and extends in a sheet shape in a region opposite the plurality of first conductor patterns (200). An opening (300) is provided in each of the plurality of first conductor patterns (200). Third conductor patterns (400) are located at the first layer and disposed in each of a plurality of openings (300). The third conductor patterns (400) are separated from the first conductor patterns (200). Connection conductors (500) connect the third conductor patterns (400) to the first conductor patterns (200).
US09000996B2 Modular wideband antenna array
A modular wideband antenna element for connection to a feed network. There is a ground plane, and first and second flared fins above the ground plane. The fins each define a connection location that is relatively close to the ground plane and tapering to a free end located farther from the ground plane. The connection location of the first fin is electrically coupled to the feed network and the connection location of the second fin is electrically coupled to the ground plane. There are one or more additional first traces electrically connecting the first fin to the ground plane and one or more additional second traces electrically connecting the second fin to the ground plane.
US09000988B2 Wireless field device with rugged antenna and rotation stop
A field device includes a housing having at least an antenna receiving bore. Field device electronics are disposed within the housing and include wireless communication circuitry configured to communicate wireless process information. An antenna assembly includes an antenna base engaged within the antenna receiving bore of the housing. The antenna assembly including an antenna operably coupled to the wireless communication circuitry. The antenna assembly is rotatable within the bore by an amount less than one full rotation, and rotation of the antenna assembly varies orientation of the antenna.
US09000986B2 Handheld device
A handheld device includes an antenna area and an outer frame, wherein the outer frame includes a frame body and a carrier. The antenna area is for transmitting a radio frequency signal with a first wavelength and has a ground part and a feeding part. In addition, the ground part within the antenna area is electrically connected to a ground plane. The frame body of the outer frame has an extended area corresponding to the antenna area to form a projected feeding point. The carrier of the outer frame is disposed at the peripheral area of the opening of the frame body, wherein the peripheral area of the frame body has a first ground point electrically connected to the ground plane, and the spacing between the first ground point and the projected feeding point is correlated to the first wavelength.
US09000985B2 Multilevel antennae
An apparatus includes a multi-band antenna element that operates in at least three frequency bands and includes geometric elements arranged to define empty spaces in the antenna element to provide at least three winding current paths through the antenna element which circumvent the empty spaces, the at least three winding current paths respectively corresponding to the at least three frequency bands, wherein each of two or more of the geometric elements is traversed by more than one of the at least three respective winding current paths. The antenna element provides a substantially similar impedance level and radiation pattern in the at least three frequency bands. The geometric elements are arranged such that the antenna element does not comprise substantially non-overlapping portions that serve as respective single band antennas, and a geometry of the antenna element is not substantially self-repeating.
US09000981B2 Beamforming array antenna control system and method for beamforming using the same
A control system connected to a plurality of array antenna performs beamforming. In order to perform the beamforming, the control system receives response beams inputting to a first antenna group predetermined from a plurality of array antenna in response to radiate beams and decides a sector having comparatively stronger intensity. And the control system receives response beams inputting to a second antenna group, decides a plurality of beam levels and decides a final beam pair among the plurality of the decided beam levels.
US09000980B2 GNSS receiver correlating doppler derotation samples with code phases
A GNSS receiver includes at least one buffer and at least one correlator block. The at least one buffer stores a plurality of samples corresponding to a received signal. The at least one correlator block includes a Doppler derotation block configured to perform Doppler derotation corresponding to at least one Doppler frequency on the plurality of samples, a register array configured to be loaded with the plurality of samples on Doppler derotation corresponding to a Doppler frequency of the at least one Doppler frequency, and a correlator engine configured to generate correlation results by correlating the plurality of samples in the register array with a plurality of code phases for at least one GNSS satellite. A presence of at least one GNSS satellite signal may be detected based on coherent accumulation and a non-coherent accumulation of the correlation results.
US09000972B1 System and method for enabling display of vertical weather information on an aircraft horizontal weather display
A system for displaying vertical weather information on an aviation display aboard an aircraft, the aircraft including an aircraft radar system for scanning a target, is provided. The system includes processing electronics configured to receive a target selection from a user input device, to receive an altitude value of an echo top of the target based on radar return data, and to cause the altitude value to be displayed on plan view of weather images on an aviation display in response to the received target selection.
US09000971B2 Radar detection in a broadband radio communication system
Potential radar pulses are detected in a received signal waveform at a terminal of a broadband radio communication system, and a reception time is ascertained for each of the potential radar pulses. A pair of pulses is selected having respective reception times separated by an allowed pulse repetition intervals. One or more further pulses is selected that is related to the selected pair by having a respective reception time separated from the respective reception time of at least one pulse of the pair of pulses by one or more pulse repetition intervals from the set of pulse repetition intervals. At least two other pulses are discounted, that have respective reception times separated by a pulse repetition interval in the set of allowed pulse repetition intervals on the basis of not being related to the selected pair by having a respective reception time separated from the respective reception time of at least one pulse of said pair of pulses by one or more pulse repetition intervals from the set of pulse repetition intervals. The transmission of data is inhibited at least in part in dependence on the selection of the further pulses related to the selected pair.
US09000969B2 Variable resolution data conversion in a receiver
A received plurality of signals may be filtered to select an in-band signal and/or an out-of-band. A signal strength of the selected signal(s) may be measured. A resolution of an analog-to-digital converter may be controlled based on the measured signal strength(s). The selected in-band signal may be converted to a digital representation via the analog-to-digital converter. The resolution may be decreased when the strength of the in-band signal is higher, and increased when the strength of the in-band signal is lower. The resolution may be increased when the strength of the out-of-band signal is higher, and decreased when the strength of the out-of-band signal is lower. A signal-to-noise ratio and/or dynamic range of the selected signal(s) may be determined based on the measured signal strength(s), and may be utilized to adjust the resolution of the analog-to-digital converter.
US09000968B1 Analog-to-digital converter with clock halting circuit
An analog to digital converter (ADC) includes a clock-halting circuit that is enabled by an externally generated trigger signal. The clock-halting circuit halts an input clock signal to the ADC for a predetermined time period and resumes the input clock signal to the ADC when the predetermined time period ends.
US09000958B1 Device and method for converting data rate
A data rate conversion device generates a first parameter representing a memory address position to sample and a second parameter representing a phase value of an estimation time point, records input data at a memory based on an input clock, outputs sampled continued data from the memory using the first parameter based on an output clock, and generates and outputs final data using the continued data, a plurality of filter coefficients, and the second parameter.
US09000957B2 Ethiopic character entry
The present invention is directed to a system and method for typing Ethiopic characters in a computer system using at most two keystrokes. The rendering of characters is based on the timing between a first and second keystroke and on whether the first and second keystroke are, together, one of a predetermined number of ordered key pairs. Conventional symbol typing may be preserved by a prioritized assignment of the symbols to alternative shift keys. A timing disable key may be defined that allows typing of default characters at a comfortable speed.
US09000956B2 Portable terminal and input control method
A portable terminal includes a finger sensor that recognizes, in response to contact of a finger, the contact and a movement of the finger; and a conversion unit that converts the movement of the finger recognized by the finger sensor into an input event corresponding to an operation instruction to an application running on the portable terminal. If a period of time from recognition of release of the finger from the finger sensor to recognition of placement of the finger on the finger sensor is less than a predetermined amount of time corresponding to physical limitations of a human, the conversion unit does not convert to the input event the recognition of placement of the finger, and recognition of a movement of the finger until recognition of release of the finger after the recognition of placement of the finger.
US09000955B2 Arrangement for the detection of body parts by absorbing an electrical near field
The invention relates to an arrangement for detecting body parts by absorbing an electric near field. Various, particularly capacitive methods exist for detecting an approaching human body. Most of said methods operate on the principle that an electrode emits an alternating electric field, the distribution of which changes towards the environment when a body or body part approaches, and said change is detected by means of suitable electronics. The detection arrangement according to the invention is used for detecting objects, particularly moving limbs, that approach or are present in an observation zone and comprises a transmitter electrode device for inducing an alternating electric field in the observation zone or the surrounding area thereof, a receiver electrode device for detecting an electric field in the observation zone or said surrounding area, and an isolating electrode device for shielding part of the field that extends between the transmitter electrode and the receiver electrode.
US09000954B2 Machine system having lane keeping functionality
A lane keeping system is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The lane keeping system may have a locating device positioned onboard the mobile machine that is configured to generate a location signal indicative of a location of the mobile machine at a worksite. The lane keeping system may also have an alarm positioned onboard the mobile machine, and a controller in communication with the locating device and the alarm. The controller may be configured to determine locations of multiple distal points of the mobile machine based on the location signal, and to make a comparison of the locations with boundaries of at least one established lane at the worksite. The controller may also be configured to selectively activate the alarm based on the comparison when the multiple distal points straddle at least one of the boundaries of the at least one established lane.
US09000952B1 Airport surface information presentation methods for the pilot including taxi information
Present novel and non-trivial methods for presenting taxi information to a pilot are disclosed. Each method may generate an image data set from taxi information data and navigation reference and object data. A first image data set may be representative of an image in which one or more first location highlighter(s) highlighting the location(s) of one or more raised surface feature(s) appears within an egocentric or exocentric three-dimensional representation of a scene located outside the aircraft. A second image data set may be representative of an image in which one or more unconventional surface feature(s) highlighting the location(s) of one or more raised surface feature(s) appears within an egocentric or exocentric three-dimensional representation of a scene located outside the aircraft. A third image data set may be representative of an image in which one or more unconventional surface feature(s) appears within an airport surface map.
US09000948B2 Traffic lamp with color filter
A traffic lamp includes a white light source, three color adjusting units, a panel, a light absorbing unit and a light diffusion unit. Each color adjusting unit includes a reflector and a color filter. The three color adjusting units are rotatable relative to the light source such that a part of white light emitted from the light source is filtered to be blue and then reflected to project on the panel by one color adjusting unit, and another part of white light is filtered to be green and yellow and then reflected to project on the light absorbing unit by the other two color adjusting units.
US09000947B1 System and method for controlling a hot pursuit situation
A system and method for controlling a hot pursuit situation in which an electronic device is attached to a fleeing vehicle to be tracked by projecting it, as by shooting it from a firearm, against the fleeing vehicle. The device is contained in a frangible pellet, having an outer casing containing a sticky substance coating the electronic device contained within that will be attached to the fleeing vehicle upon impact. In addition to containing circuitry for tracking the vehicle, the circuitry of the pellets contain circuitry to change traffic lights in the vicinity of the vehicle to green for the fleeing vehicle so crossing traffic is prevented from moving in front of the fleeing vehicle at an intersection through which the fleeing vehicle is passing.
US09000946B2 Detecting traffic
Devices and methods for detecting traffic objects. A detector configured to capture radiated energy and to generate data associated with the radiated energy, wherein the radiated energy is radiated from traffic objects. A communicator configured to transmit the data associated with the radiated energy. A power source configured to provide power to the detector and the communicator.
US09000945B2 System and method for communicating over power lines
The disclosure relates to a system and method for communicating with a meter at a remote premise through power transmission lines. The system comprises a head end for collecting and analyzing data from the meter; a power transmission network connected to the meter and to the head end; and a gateway. The network provides both power to the remote location and data communications; the network includes a first network providing a first voltage and a second network connected to the first network and the remote location. The gateway is a bridge between the first and second networks; the gateway provides an interface communication point. The communications are carried over the network following Internet protocol (IP) communication standards.
US09000940B2 Drill string inground isolator in an MWD system and associated method
An inground isolator and associated method can provide an electrically isolated break in a drill string using electrical insulating members/isolators that are supported by a housing. During drill string operations, the isolators are subject only compressive forces responsive to both extension (pushing) and retraction (pulling) by the drill string. The isolators can be formed from an electrically insulating material such as a ceramic material. An interchangeable inground tool system is described which integrally serves to provide an electrically isolating gap in the drill string.
US09000938B2 Safety system comprising smoke detector and signaling means
A console including one or more light-emitting devices that are intended to be combined with one or more identical or different signalling devices. The console has at least one first frame element including an upper part with a front side and a lower part with a rear side that is intended to be mounted to a mounting surface, and a first light-emitting device that is directly or indirectly arranged on the frame element. The function of the signalling devices should not be adversely affected by the light-emitting devices while enabling a modular combination of such systems to increase safety. For this purpose, the frame element has at least two parts in the direction of a central axis (M). At least one groove is provided between the front side and the rear side, which groove extends at least partially around the central axis (M) on the outer side. The light-emitting device is arranged in the groove. The frame element has a recess with an inner side, which recess serves to accommodate an electrical signalling device, wherein the frame element insulates and shields the signalling device from the heat that is generated by the light-emitting device and is transferred by conduction or convection.
US09000937B1 System and method of alerting users based on proximity
An alert server is operative to notify users when they are in proximity within one another. The alert server may determine to alert a first user of the proximity of a second user when the second user is in an unusual location. The alert server may determine that the second user is in an unusual location when the second user is outside his or her routine geographic location. The alert server may determine whether the second user is outside his or her routine geographic location by assigning confidence values to geographic locations that the second user has previously visited. The alert sent to the first user may be in the form of a text message, e-mail, or other electronic communication. The first user may receive the alert on a mobile device, such as a cellphone, smartphone, netbook, or other mobile device.
US09000935B2 Battery management system
The present application describes, among other things, a battery management system. The battery management system includes a computing device and first and second battery unit monitoring modules. The computing device includes an output data request port and an input data port. Each battery unit monitoring module is connected in parallel to the input data port of the computing device. In response to a data request from the output data request port of the computing device, the first battery unit monitoring module transmits data of the first battery unit to the input data port of the computing device, and transmits a data request to the second battery unit monitoring module. In response to the data request from the first battery unit monitoring module, the second battery unit monitoring module transmits data of the second battery unit to the input data port of the computing device.
US09000930B2 Hand hygiene compliance system
A system and method for performing hand hygiene compliance. The method includes receiving a notification that an individual has entered a physical location. The notification is received by a node in a wireless mesh network that includes a plurality of nodes corresponding to objects in the physical location. A hand hygiene protocol is identified for the individual. It is determined that the individual has not followed the hand hygiene protocol. The determining is performed by software executing on the nodes in the wireless mesh network and responsive to a previous and a current location of the individual relative to the objects in the physical location. The individual is notified in response to determining that the individual has not followed the hand hygiene protocol.
US09000929B2 Analyte monitoring system and methods
Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.
US09000924B2 RFID device with changeable characteristics
An RFID device includes a first, relatively permanent portion and a second alterable or inactivatable portion. Upon the occurrence of some predetermined event, the second portion and/or its coupling to the first portion is physically altered, inactivating it. The first portion may itself be an antennaless RFID device that may be read at short range, and the second portion may be an antenna that, when coupled to the first portion, substantially increases the range at which the first portion may be read. The second portion may be configured to be altered or inactivated by any of a variety of predetermined events, such as involving physical, chemical or electrical forces, performed either on the RFID device, or upon an object to which the RFID device is coupled.
US09000920B2 Reduced cost merchandise display security device including merchandise power supply
A merchandise display security device for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise is provided. For example, the security device comprises an alarm unit and a first connector electrically coupled to the alarm unit and configured to releasably engage the article of merchandise. The security device further comprises a second connector electrically coupled to the alarm unit. The second connector is configured to releasably engage an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) power supply cable such that the alarm unit is disposed between a source of electric power and the article of merchandise, and the power supply cable is configured to provide power to both the alarm unit and the article of merchandise. The alarm unit is configured to at least one of activate an alarm in the event that the first connector is removed from the article of merchandise or the second connector is removed from the power supply cable.
US09000919B2 Anti-theft system and method using a multiple radio frequency signal for solar panel systems
A solar panel system includes a plurality of the panels connected together in one or more panel strings. An embodiment includes a signal generator module connected to the photovoltaic panel strings injecting a multiple radio frequency signal onto each of the strings and a detector module analyzing a frequency response echo from the panel strings. The signal generator may include a string coupling module communicating with a controller. The detector module analyzes the echo to obtain an analog fingerprint for each panel string and determine whether the fingerprint for each panel string is within an acceptable range. The detector module initiates an alarm when one of the fingerprints is outside the acceptable range. During night time, when no current is being produced by the photovoltaic cells, a DC or AC source may be connected to the panel strings to inject a signal onto the strings for the same purpose.
US09000916B2 Centrally controlled safe management system
A cash management system utilizes a cloud computing model wherein a cloud of one or more servers may be locally networked or may be geographically dispersed and accessed by the client device over the Internet. The client device is a cash management safe. More than one safe may be employed in a system. Metrics, control functions, and interactions normally handled by an autonomous safe are shunted directly to a cloud server on the network. Usage data, currency validations, coin validations, security entries, etc. are communicated to the cloud server. The cloud server(s), based on database information and software settings, can transmit configuration, updates and information to remote safes. The information transmitted may include user configuration, access rules, currency configuration, alert configuration, and software and firmware updates. The cloud server based cash management system allows the entire cash management of an enterprise to be provided as a service to that enterprise.
US09000915B2 Method and system for providing tracking services to locate an asset
The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset. The geographic tracking data is then communicated to an associated security agency so as to allow for viewing of an image generated in accordance with the display data and at least one of tracking and interception of the selected asset.
US09000912B2 Monitoring apparatus, monitoring method and recording medium of monitoring program
A monitoring apparatus includes a processor that executes a procedure, the procedure including outputting an alert when observation data satisfies a certain condition, the observation data being obtained at a certain time interval, suppressing the outputting of the alert in accordance with control, and performing control the suppressing until the certain time elapses since one of the outputting of the alert and the suppressing is performed.
US09000906B2 Vicinity motion detector-based occupant detection and notification system
The present invention (also known as the HOT SEAT™) discloses and claims a vehicle occupant detection and alerting system comprising a vicinity motion detector capable sending a wireless transmission and a transmission receiving means capable of receiving the motion detector's wireless transmission and triggering a vehicle alarm system, vehicle horn, a mobile device or other form of notification if a child is left unattended in a vehicle.
US09000905B2 Auxiliary fuel tank
A fuel system for an engine includes a fuel line that delivers fuel from a main fuel tank to the engine and a first control device that releases a flow of the fuel from the main fuel tank into the fuel line. An auxiliary fuel tank is connected to the fuel line, and a second control device controls a flow of the fuel between the auxiliary fuel tank and the fuel line. After the fuel is released from the main fuel tank into the fuel line, the second control device fills the auxiliary fuel tank with the fuel from the main fuel tank.
US09000904B2 Tire pressure monitoring using half duplex transponder frequency shift
A tire pressure sensor has an RFID (radio frequency identification) device having a parallel resonant circuit including an inductor and a first capacitor for generating a first radio frequency (RF) signal for transmission to a reader circuit, and a second capacitor coupled across the parallel resonant circuit by a first switch in a first position and generating a second RF signal for transmission to the reader circuit. A capacitive pressure sensor is coupled across the parallel resonant circuit by the first switch in a second position for generating a third frequency RF signal for transmission to the reader, wherein a difference in frequency between the first and third RF signals is indicative of a pressure of a tire.
US09000903B2 Systems and methods for vehicle monitoring
A monitoring service is configured to receive monitoring data from one or more collision detection systems. The monitoring data may comprise collision detection information, such as a collision detection model, sensor data, data pertaining to potential collisions, data pertaining to collisions, vehicle identifier(s), and so on. The monitoring service may extract and/or derive indexing criteria from the monitoring data, and may store and/or index the monitoring data on a persistent storage. An entity may request monitoring data pertaining to a specified time, location, and/or vehicle. The monitoring service may respond to the request by identifying monitoring data that conforms with the request, and providing the identified monitoring data to the requesting entity. The monitoring service may issue collision notifications to emergency service entities and/or may provide collision alerts to vehicles in the vicinity of a collision.
US09000902B2 Driver assistance system and method for operating same
A driver assistance system and method for operating a driver assistance system, the driver assistance system provides a plurality of distance sensors, in particular ultrasonic sensors, which are spatially distributed and communicate with each other with the aid of a data bus. The sensors have an identical design and may be initialized by themselves using a method without a control unit and may synchronize the distance detection among themselves. The overall result of a measurement of the sensors is supplied to an output unit and displayed to the driver.
US09000901B2 Door assist system and method for controlling operation of a vehicle door
A method of controlling the operation of a door of a vehicle relative to a door frame of the vehicle is provided. The position of the door is sensed and a door open command or a door close command is received. Opening or closing of the door at preselected speeds is initiated based on the command received. The length of time that the open command or close command is continuously received is then determined. The door is moved at a relatively slow speed for a predetermined initial time period and after the predetermined initial time period has ended the door is moved at a relatively faster speed.
US09000900B2 Vehicle proximity annunciator device
A vehicle proximity annunciator device reduces an occurrence of a pop noise without an additional circuit changing an output of a power amplifier. A capacitor is located between a connection point connecting multiple resistances generating a reference voltage and a ground terminal. The capacitor causes a rise-up time of the reference voltage to delay at a start of power supply to a power source terminal. A sound emission signal is increased at substantially a same level of the reference voltage so that a variation of a differential voltage between the reference voltage and the sound emission signal falls in a pre-determined range.
US09000899B2 Body-worn device for dance simulation
A body-worn device configured in size and shape to be worn by a user, the body-worn device comprising a tactile feedback actuator configured to supply tactile feedback to the user, wherein said tactile feedback actuator configured to supply the feedback based on instructions provided via a communication channel. Optionally, the body-worn device is configured in size and shape to be worn around a torso of the user. Optionally, the tactile feedback actuator is configured to supply the tactile feedback to a back and/or a chest of the user. Optionally, wherein said body-worn device comprises a first and a second tactile feedback actuators, wherein the first tactile feedback actuator is positioned to be in proximity to a chest of the user, and wherein the second tactile feedback actuator is positioned to be in proximity to a back of the user.
US09000898B2 Electrohydraulic controller feedback system and method
An electrohydraulic controller feedback system and method including an electrohydraulic operator controller and a feedback mechanism is disclosed. An operator controls a machine hydraulic function using the electrohydraulic operator controller, the feedback system senses a property of the hydraulic function, and generates tactile feedback in the electrohydraulic operator controller based on the sensed property. The electrohydraulic operator controller can be, for example, a joystick or control lever. The tactile feedback can be vibrations that vary based on the sensed property. The vibration can vary according to a profile relating the vibration amount to the sensed property. The profile can include portions of various shapes, for example, linear, exponential or parabolic, and can include breakpoints. The profile can include high sensitivity regions where small changes in the sensed property result in large vibration changes.
US09000897B2 Systems and methods for implementing application profiles and device classes in power line communication (PLC) environments
Systems and methods for application profiles and device classes in power line communications (PLCs) are described. In some embodiments, a PLC device may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory may be configured to store program instructions, which may be executable by the processor to cause the PLC device to communicate with a higher-level PLC apparatus over a power line using a frequency band. The frequency band may be selected based upon an application profile and/or a device class associated with the PLC device. In some implementations, the higher-level PLC apparatus may include a PLC gateway or a data concentrator, and the PLC device may include a PLC modem or the like. Examples of application profiles include access communications, in-premises connectivity, AC charging, and/or DC charging. Device classes may represent a minimum communication data rate and/or an operating frequency band restriction of the PLC device.
US09000896B1 Network addressable appliance interface device
The present disclosure relates to an interface device to control an appliance through a network. The interface device can be device-agnostic and can be incorporated into any suitable appliance. Upon initialization, the interface device can determine the capabilities of the attached appliance and send out update information that can be received by a controller. The controller can send commands designated to control the appliance, which are received by the interface device and translated into appropriate commands that are transmitted to the appliance. The interface device can turn the appliance into a network device, such as a home automation network device.
US09000895B2 Detection device for container data centers
A detection device for cooling apparatuses of a container data center (CDC) includes a processor, a card reader, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) label. The RFID label includes a detection unit received inside the CDC, and wirelessly communicates with the card reader through the detection unit. The detecting unit detects statuses of the cooling apparatuses and environmental parameters of the CDC, and in response to the status of at least one of the cooling apparatuses and at least one of the environmental parameters of the CDC changing, the detection unit electrically isolates the RFID chip from the antenna.
US09000893B2 Food source information transferring system and method for a meat-packing facility
A food source information transferring system for a livestock meat-packing facility and a related method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the food source information transferring system is capable of reading tag-identifying information in a hook RFID tag incorporated in a hook that can be hung on a hook machine. An animal carcass attached to the hook then undergoes meat chopping, cutting, and/or packing operations in the meat-packing facility. For each meat package produced, a data set associated with the tag-identifying information in the hook RFID tag can be paired with a data set associated with a meat package label attached to the meat package. This dynamic and robust data association between the hook RFID tag and the meat package label enables a food source information database in the food source information transferring system to preserve and trace detailed food source information at various levels of meat production and processing.
US09000892B2 Detecting RFID tag and inhibiting skimming
A method of detecting an RFID tag includes transmitting a bait RFID read signal at a bait power level and a simulated response signal at a simulated-response power level. A selected reader frequency is monitored for a selected detection time. A skimmer is determined to be present if a skimmer RFID read signal is detected during that time. If a skimmer is not determined to be present, multiple read signals are transmitted sequentially, each signal at a respective read power level. At least one of the read power levels is lower than the bait power level, at least one of the read power levels is lower than the simulated-response power level, and at least two of the read power levels are different from each other. A selected response frequency for a tag is monitored for a response from an RFID tag.
US09000891B2 Radio frequency identification readers, methods and computer program products for adjusting a query command slot-counter parameter Q
RFID readers and methods for adjusting a query command slot-count parameter Q for use by radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader in an RFID tag inventory round are provided. A method for adjusting a query command slot-count parameter Q for use by an RFID tag reader includes setting an initial value for Q for a first inventory round, issuing a query command to a population of RFID tags, and monitoring replies from the population of RFID tags. The value of Q is decreased by a first amount if no reply is received, and the value of Q is increased by a second amount different from the first amount if a tag collision reply is received.
US09000890B1 Puzzle box method, system, and computer program product
A box contains a motorized latch for locking the lid of the box and a GPS device for determining a geo-location. The box also contains an electronic controller, which is programmed with a predetermined geo-location and is programmed for driving the latch and a display. The controller is programmed to cause the display to show distances to the predetermined geo-location in response to actuations of a push button mounted on the box. The controller is also responsive to respective current locations. The controller is programmed to disengage the latch If a distance indicated by the GPS device to the predetermined geo-location is less than a predetermined distance, revealing whatever treasures have been hidden inside the box.
US09000883B2 Control apparatus and method utilizing identifying keys
Method and apparatus for system control includes inputs for an input device which may take the form of switches or sensors. Input device states are related to identification keys. The identification keys are communicated wirelessly or through hard-wired means to a system.
US09000880B2 Thermal protector
A thermal protector has superiority in current responsiveness or thermal responsiveness with a simple configuration that does not need a separate manufacturing step of incorporating a resistor. At a stage of press processing for cutting from an original material, a movable plate body part 16 of a movable plate 4 is partitioned into a narrow-width part 17 and a wide-width part 18 by a slim hole 19. The movable plate 4 is assembled to a fixed conductor 2 with columns 9 of an insulator 3, a bimetal 5 is assembled to the movable plate 4, the entire configuration is pressed down by a resinous block 6, and the entire fixing part is fixed by melting tips of the columns 9. The wide-width part 18 serves as a normal movable plate, whereas the narrow-width part 17 serves as a conductor in a normal state and as a resistor against an overcurrent.
US09000878B1 Magnetic component with bobbinless winding
A transformer having a bobbinless winding assembly positioned on a base includes a primary winding having multiple radially-spiraling turns of a wire and a secondary winding including a substantially planar annular disk having a radial gap defined therein. A primary winding having first and second primary windings including multiple radially-spiraling turns of wire with free ends extending from outer turns and a method of forming the same is provided. A secondary winding having a planar annular disk with a radial gap defined therein and a method of forming the same is also provided.
US09000872B2 Information carrier as well as device and method for mounting and removing such an information carrier
For an information carrier (1) for magnetically attaching to an object (8) to be marked, according to the invention the information carrier (1) is provided with a contact-breaking surface (4), which is connected to a contact surface (2) of the information carrier (1) at an angle, wherein the contact surface (2) enables the information carrier (1) to magnetically adhere to the object (8) to be marked. By tipping the information carrier (1) onto the contact-breaking surface (4) by means of a corresponding device, the information carrier (1) can be removed from the object (8) to be marked.
US09000871B2 Case for a tablet-type electronic device, in particular a tablet computer
A case for a tablet-type electronic device, in particular a tablet computer, comprises a casing shaped so as to at least partially cover a rear surface of the device and equipped with fastener members for fastening it to the device; the casing is equipped with a magnetic coupler element, acting from a rear surface of the casing and able to cooperate with a corresponding fastener element carried by a protective cover for the screen of the device, so as to magnetically fasten the cover to the casing on the rear of the device.
US09000863B2 Coaxial transmission line microstructure with a portion of increased transverse dimension and method of formation thereof
Provided are coaxial transmission line microstructures formed by a sequential build process, and methods of forming such microstructures. The microstructures include a transition structure for transitioning between the coaxial transmission line and an electrical connector. The microstructures have particular applicability to devices for transmitting electromagnetic energy and other electronic signals.
US09000855B2 Circuit and method for detecting oscillating frequency drift
An oscillating frequency drift detecting method, which comprises: receiving an oscillating signal with an oscillating frequency, wherein the oscillating signal is generated by a crystal oscillator; generating a self-mixing signal according to the oscillating signal; obtaining a self-mixing frequency of a maximum power of the self-mixing signal in a specific frequency range; and computing a frequency drift of the oscillating frequency, according to the self-mixing frequency of the maximum power, and the oscillating frequency.
US09000850B2 Method and apparatus for self-calibrating driving capability and resistance of on-die termination
A method and an apparatus for self-calibration of a driving capability and a resistance of an on-die termination are provided. The apparatus includes an output interface physical layer (PHY) and a ring oscillator. The output interface PHY receives an operation voltage. The ring oscillator surrounds the output interface PHY to sense a work temperature or the operation voltage and accordingly outputs a sensing result. The driving capability or the resistance of the on-die termination of the output interface PHY is adjusted according to the sensing result.
US09000849B2 Continuous phase adjustment based on injection locking
A phase-modification circuit is described. This phase-modification circuit reduces jitter by injecting a divided reference clock in a phase-locked loop from an auxiliary oscillator and by effectively gradually and completely transferring its phase to a master oscillator. The phase-correction strength in the phase-modification circuit is increased by successively coupling an edge in the divided reference clock over many cycles of a clock in the master oscillator. By increasing the correction strength, the phase error is effectively nulled out, thereby reducing the total absolute peak jitter. Moreover, because the correction is gradual and successive, the phase-modification circuit also significantly reduces the cycle-to-cycle jitter and half-cycle or edge jitter.
US09000846B2 Current mirror
Some embodiments of the system comprise a current mirror with two switches (a first switch and a second switch) and two compensation circuits (a first compensation circuit and a second compensation circuit). In one embodiment, the first compensation circuit adjusts a drain voltage of the second switch based on a drain voltage of the first switch, and the second compensation circuit adjusts a current through the first switch based on the drain voltage of the second switch.
US09000841B2 Method, system, and apparatus for RF switching amplifier
Embodiments of RF switching amplifiers are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09000837B1 Adjustable reference voltage generator for single-ended DRAM sensing devices
Methods, systems, and structures for generating a target reference voltage are provided. A circuit includes a voltage adjuster, a switch, and a current source. The switch selectively connects the current source to circuit paths in the voltage adjuster. A first of the circuit paths incrementally decreases the target reference voltage with respect to the input voltage. A second of the circuit paths incrementally increases the target voltage with respect to the input voltage.
US09000834B2 Digital power gating with global voltage shift
A system which may be implemented on an integrated circuit including a global supply bus, a gated supply bus, a functional circuit receiving voltage from the gated supply bus, and a digital power gating system. The digital power gating system includes gating devices, a power gating control system, and a global control adjuster. The gating devices are coupled between the global and gated supply buses and are controlled by a digital control value. The power gating control system performs power gating by successively adjusting the digital control value to reduce a voltage of the gated supply bus to a state retention voltage level. The global control adjuster performs a global adjustment of the digital control value to increase the voltage of the gated supply bus to prevent it from falling below the state retention voltage level in response to an impending change of a voltage of the global supply bus.
US09000830B2 Method and apparatus for protecting transistors
The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for protecting transistors (S1, S3; S2, S4) arranged in at least one path, wherein transistors (S1, S3; S2, S4) connected in series to which an input voltage (Ue) is applied are arranged in a path (2), and the transistors (S1, S3; S2, S4) of a path are alternately switched between a conductive state and a blocking state in order to generate an output voltage (Ua) at the center of the path. In order to prevent both transistors (S1, S3; S2, S4) of a path from triggering, the blocking state of the second transistor (S3; S4) of the path is checked before switching a transistor (S1; S2) into the conductive state, and the switching is released by way of a signal generated during the check.
US09000829B2 System on chip for power inverter
According to an exemplary implementation, an integrated circuit (IC) includes a logic circuit monolithically formed on the IC. The logic circuit is configured to generate modulation signals for controlling power switches of a power inverter. The logic circuit generates the modulation signals based on at least one input value. The IC further includes a voltage level shifter monolithically formed on the IC. The voltage level shifter is configured to shift the modulation signals to a voltage level suitable for driving the power switches of the power inverter. The logic circuit can be a digital logic circuit and the input value can be a digital input value. The IC can also include a sense circuit monolithically formed on the IC. The sense circuit is configured to generate the input value.
US09000824B2 Offset cancel circuit
An offset cancel circuit includes a first amplifying section, a second amplifying section, a third resistor connected between a non-inverting input terminal of the first amplifying section and a non-inverting input terminal of the second amplifying section, and a current source. In the offset cancel circuit, the current source causes a constant current to flow through the third resistor to cancel an offset voltage from output signals of first and second amplifying sections, the constant current corresponding to the offset voltage contained in first and second output signals output from a bridge resistance type sensor.
US09000822B2 Programmable delay circuit
A delay circuit includes at least one main inverter configured to receive an input signal and output a delayed output signal and at least one switchable inverter connected in parallel with the main inverter circuit. The switchable inverter is configured to decrease a delay between the input signal and the delayed output signal based on the switchable inverter being turned on.
US09000819B1 Resistive switching schmitt triggers and comparators
A resistive switching element can be used in a nonvolatile digital Schmitt trigger circuit or a comparator circuit. The Schmitt trigger circuit can include a resistive switching circuit, and a reset circuit. The resistive switching circuit can provide a hysteresis behavior suitable for Schmitt trigger operation. The reset circuit can be operable to reset the resistive switching circuit to a high resistance state. The comparator circuit can include a resistive switching circuit, a reset circuit, and a threshold setting circuit. The resistive switching circuit can include a resistive switching element, and can be operable to provide a signal comparing an input voltage with the set or reset threshold voltage of the resistive switching element. The threshold setting circuit can be operable to modify the set or reset threshold of the resistive switching element, effectively changing the reference voltage for the comparator circuit.
US09000818B2 Circuit configuration and method for distributing pulses within a time interval
A circuit configuration for generating pulses within a time interval on the basis of an input signal includes a counting unit, a comparator unit and a first adder circuit; the time interval being predicted on the basis of at least two defined changes in input signals; the circuit configuration being configured for triggering at the beginning of the time interval by the first adder circuit on the basis of clock pulses, for generating and outputting pulses; for counting a number of generated and output pulses using the counting unit; for comparing the counted number to a setpoint value using the comparator unit; and for ending the generation and outputting of the pulses in response to the reaching of the setpoint value or the ending of the time interval.
US09000817B2 Apparatuses and methods for altering a forward path delay of a signal path
Apparatuses and methods related to altering the timing of command signals for executing commands is disclosed. One such method includes calculating a forward path delay of a clock circuit in terms of a number of clock cycles of an output clock signal provided by the clock circuit and adding a number of additional clock cycles of delay to a forward path delay of a signal path. The forward path delay of the clock circuit is representative of the forward path delay of the signal path and the number of additional clock cycles is based at least in part on the number of clock cycles of forward path delay.
US09000807B2 On-chip probe circuit for detecting faults in an FPGA
An integrated circuit includes a clock input, a first output, and a second output. A programmable pulse generator has a programmable pulse counter coupled to the clock input at least one control input for receiving count information. A fixed delay element is coupled to the programmable pulse counter. A programmable delay element is coupled to the programmable pulse counter and has at least one control input for receiving delay information. A first multiplexer is coupled to the fixed delay element, the programmable delay element and to the first output. A second multiplexer is coupled to the programmable delay element, the output of the fixed delay element and the second output.
US09000804B2 Integrated circuit device comprising clock gating circuitry, electronic device and method for dynamically configuring clock gating
An integrated circuit comprises clock gating circuitry comprising at least one gating component located within a clock distribution network and arranged to enable at least one part of the clock distribution network to be gated, and gating control circuitry arranged to cause the at least one gating component to disable the at least one part of the clock distribution network upon certain conditions being fulfilled. The clock gating circuitry further comprises clock gating disabling circuitry configurable to enable the gating of the at least one part of the clock distribution network to be disabled.
US09000796B2 Active matrix substrate, display panel, and testing method for active matrix substrate and display panel
An active matrix substrate including: gate lines; source lines arranged in a direction orthogonal to each of the gate lines; a gate short-circuit line to short-circuit the gate lines; a source short-circuit line to short-circuit the source lines; gate line thin film transistors each having a drain electrode being connected to the corresponding one of the gate lines, and a source electrode being connected to the gate short-circuit line; and source line thin film transistors each having a drain electrode being connected to the corresponding one of the source lines, and a source electrode being connected to the source short-circuit line, in which the gate line thin film transistors and the source line thin film transistors are of depletion-mode, and the gate electrode of each of the source line thin film transistors is connected to the gate short-circuit line.
US09000794B2 Elastic micro high frequency probe
An elastic micro high frequency probe includes a conductor, which includes a stationary body and a movable body. The stationary body has a conductive terminal, a contacting end, and a guider. The movable body has a conductive terminal, a spring mechanism, and a guider. The spring mechanism is connected to the stationary body and to one conductive terminal. The second guider connects to the spring mechanism in such a manner that the compression direction of the spring mechanism is confined by a guiding rail. Since the width of the spring mechanism is not limited by the first and second guiders, the width of the spring mechanism can be enlarged to maximize within limited space. Therefore, the HF probe as a whole can have shortest length while acquiring the predetermined total length of the elastic stroke, such that the transmission performance of the high frequency signals can be effectively enhanced.
US09000791B2 Voltage clamping circuit and use thereof
A voltage clamp circuit for reflecting a voltage at an input node includes a circuit for providing at least two currents at its output terminal, and at least two diodes each being connected to an output terminal of the circuit for providing at least two currents. The diodes also are connected to a line of a ground voltage and to the input node respectively. The circuit includes an alternative current path connected to an output terminal of the circuit for providing at least two currents and to a current sinking node. The voltage at the input node thus is reflected as the voltage between two output nodes when the voltage at the input node is lower than a clamping voltage and so that the voltage is fixed between the two output nodes to the clamping voltage when the voltage at the input node is higher than the clamping voltage.
US09000785B2 Transistor test structure
A test structure may characterize the properties of a transistor including a DC test structure for testing DC properties of the transistor, and an AC test structure for testing AC properties of the transistor. The DC and AC test structures may have common test pads.
US09000784B2 Conductive conductivity sensor
In a conductive conductivity sensor having a probe, which is immersible in a measured medium and which comprises at least two electrodes made of a first, electrically conductive material and at least one probe body made of a second, electrically non-conductive material, the electrodes are at least partially embedded in the probe body and insulated from one another by the probe body, wherein the electrodes and the probe body are embodied as a composite workpiece. There especially exists between the first material and the second material in at least one section of a material transition between the first and the second material a secure bond, especially a bond based on intermolecular interactions or chemical bonds.
US09000781B2 Device for the non-destructive testing of an electrically conductive structure
A device for non-destructive testing of an electrically conductive part including: an induction portion, a receiving portion, and a processor. The induction portion includes an inductor dissociated into n layers supplied at different frequencies f1, f2, . . . , fn, wherein the receiving portion includes plural magnetic receivers supplied at different frequencies f1′, f2′, . . . , fn′ connected to one another in at least one column, each magnetic receiver being positioned under a layer, the indices n and m being integers >2, and wherein the processor makes it possible to know the magnetic field in each of the magnetic receivers of a column.
US09000778B2 Communication method for monitoring pipelines
A method for underground pipeline monitoring in which a continuous alternating electrical current having a current frequency in a range of about 1 kHZ to about 8 kHz is imparted onto a pipeline, producing an alternating magnetic field at the current frequency along the pipeline. Distributed along the pipeline is a network of RFID tag sensors which absorb an amount of energy from the alternating magnetic field. The impedance of the sensors is modulated, producing a modulated sensor impedance which is detected at a location proximate the location at which the continuous alternating electrical current is imparted onto the pipeline.
US09000775B2 Fill-level measuring device for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium located in the process space of a container by means of a microwave travel time measuring method
A fill-level measuring device for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium located in the process space of a container by means of a microwave travel time measuring method. The device comprises a measurement transmitter and an antenna unit, which is constructed at least of a hollow conductor and a radiating element A microwave transmissive, process isolating element is inserted for process isolation into the hollow conductor between the measurement transmitter and the horn shaped radiating element contacting the process space. The process isolating element is embodied as a hollow body having at least one tubular hollow body region matched to the shape of the hollow conductor, and a pointed hollow body region neighboring the hollow body region in the direction of the radiating element and having a wall thickness selected based on reflection, or lack thereof, of the microwave signals.
US09000770B2 Electrochemical blood test strips and diagnosis systems using the same
Electrochemical blood test strips and diagnosis systems are presented. An electrochemical blood test strip for measuring HCT% and prothrombin time includes an electrode plate having electrode circuit patterns on an insulator substrate; a separation plate disposed on the electrode plate defining a blood sample region, a channel and three reaction regions; and a cover plate disposed on the separation plate having a blood sample inlet and vents. In measuring, one of the three reaction regions is used for detecting hemoglobin and hematocrit and the other two reaction regions are biochemical reaction regions and used for detecting prothrombin time.
US09000769B2 Controlled electrochemical activation of carbon-based electrodes
Certain embodiments of the present application describe a process to perform activation of carbon based electrodes in a controlled manner, where the degree of activation is monitored and calculated simultaneously with the ongoing activation process. Such an approach is intended to improve the reproducibility of electrodes that may include, but are not limited to, the following parameters: electrochemical capacitance, electrochemical transfer coefficient, amperiometric response to enzymatic reactions.
US09000759B2 Magnetic sensor
A magnetic sensor for discriminating between high and low coercivity magnets is disclosed. The sensor comprises a first magnetic field operable to orient high and low coercivity magnets in a first magnetic orientation. The sensor also comprises a second magnetic field, lower in strength than the first magnetic field, and operable to orient only the low coercivity magnets in a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation. The sensor further comprises a sensor for ascertaining the magnetic orientation of each of the magnets and thereby identifying if a magnet is a high coercivity magnet or a low coercivity magnet.
US09000757B2 Monitoring a rotational angle sensor
The invention relates to a monitoring method in which two variables of angle-dependent, amplitude-modulated carrier frequency signals are emitted on orthogonal windings (12a, 12b) of the rotational angle sensor and an evaluation is carried out by an input amplifier (V2, 11) which emits an output signal that is essentially zero when the signals of the variables are generated according to functional usage. Alternately, an interference signal is generated at one-second intervals in both windings (12a, 12b) of the rotational angle sensor, the result of which is being evaluated and monitored by means of an input amplifier (V2, 11). An interference display signal is generated at the output of the input amplifier (V2, 11), said interference display signal being not equal to zero if no error or interruption is present in the system and equal to zero if an error or interruption is present in the system.
US09000748B2 Maximum power point tracking controllers and maximum power point tracking methods
A maximum power point tracking controller, suitable for controlling an output voltage of a power converter is provided, including a slope detection unit and a control unit. The slope detection unit calculates whether the output voltage is in a positive trend or in a negative trend according to a detection signal corresponding to the output voltage in order to output a trend signal, in which the voltage level of the trend signal is a first voltage level or second voltage level when the output voltage is in the positive trend or negative trend. The control unit has first and second operation modes to respectively increase and decrease a duty cycle of a PWM signal, in which the control unit switches current operation mode to perform a maximum power point tracking procedure when the trend signal is changed from the first voltage level to the second voltage level.
US09000746B2 Power converter with split power supply
A power converter driver that is supplied with two different voltages.
US09000736B2 Power factor correction algorithm for arbitrary input waveform
The present disclosure provides techniques for a power factor correction system having an arbitrary input waveform. The present disclosure provides two example methods of digital power factor correction that allow for a high power factor on an arbitrary input waveform. The two example methods are applicable to both constant-current inputs and constant-voltage inputs. One example method samples the arbitrary input waveform to produce a reference table used to synchronize the input voltage with the input current in a constant current system, and to synchronize the input current to the input voltage in a constant voltage system. A second example method uses instantaneous input values as a reference in performing power factor correction.
US09000732B2 Apparatus and method for managing battery pack based on degraded cell
The present invention discloses an apparatus for managing a battery pack by reflecting a degradation degree of secondary cells, selecting the secondary cell having a maximum disparate voltage value among calculated disparate voltage values as a degraded cell in the current charging cycle, and updating the information on the degraded cell.
US09000726B2 Cell balance device and battery system
Provided are a cell balance device for protecting a switch circuit from an overcurrent flow. The cell balance device includes: a plurality of electric accumulator connection terminals each connected to one of a node and two terminals of electric accumulators connected in series; a voltage hold device connection terminal connected to a voltage hold device; a plurality of first switch circuits provided between the plurality of electric accumulator connection terminals and the voltage hold device; a control circuit for controlling ON/OFF of the plurality of first switch circuits based on a synchronization signal; and an overcurrent detection circuit for detecting an overcurrent flowing through each of the plurality of first switch circuits.
US09000724B2 Vehicle battery cooling device
To achieve improvement in a vehicle battery cooling device in its effect on the cooling of a battery, and also in its mountability in a vehicle through simplification of a passage structure for the cooling. A structure is such that: an upstream end portion of an air inlet passage for cooling down a battery is opened behind and above a rear seat while an upstream end portion of an air inlet passage for cooling down a charger is opened to a space in front of a lower side of the rear seat; and in a case in which an air conditioning device takes in air from a lower part of a cabin and blows out cool air to an upper part of the cabin, air having cooled down the battery is returned into the cabin through the air inlet passage for cooling down the charger.
US09000718B2 Battery management system including switch
A battery management system (BMS) in which a battery protection circuit controls a main switch using hardware without software control, thereby coping with troubles in the BMS or software errors.
US09000712B2 Secondary battery power control method
A secondary battery power control method controls power discharged from a secondary battery included in an interconnected system that supplies power to a power system, the interconnected system including a power generator that changes in output power, and an electric power storage-compensation device that includes a secondary battery, and a bidirectional converter that controls charging/discharging of the secondary battery, and compensates for a change in output power of the power generator. A temperature detection section that detects the temperature of the secondary battery is annexed to the secondary battery, and the maximum discharge power of the secondary battery is limited using the bidirectional converter when the temperature of the secondary battery detected by the temperature detection section has exceeded a preset temperature.
US09000711B2 Power converter
Provided is a power converter that is capable of ensuring a conduction current without expanding the configuration of a DC voltage conversion circuit such as a DC chopper. Power can be supplied from both a DC chopper and a voltage source rectifier converting AC power into DC power, to a voltage source inverter. The voltage source rectifier has an upper arm part and a lower arm part having switching elements. The voltage source rectifier converts AC power obtained from an alternator into DC power, performs a DC chopper operation using the upper and lower arms thereof and a winding wire of the alternator, and supplies power of a DC power source to the voltage source inverter.
US09000707B2 Use of cooling fan in adjustable speed drives
Apparatuses and methods are described for implementing adjustable speed drives. For instance, an apparatus may comprise an inverter circuit configured to drive a multi-phase electrical load, the inverter configured to be powered by first and second direct-current (DC) bus lines, a fan drive circuit configured to be powered by the first and second DC bus lines, a fan configured to be controlled by the fan drive circuit and having a plurality of windings coupled together at an electrical node, a first capacitor having a first terminal coupled to the first DC bus line and a second terminal coupled to the electrical node, and a second capacitor having a first terminal coupled to the second DC bus lines and a second terminal coupled to the electrical node.
US09000704B2 Three-phase motor driving apparatus and three-phase motor driving method
The three-phase motor driving apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a controlling part that estimates a rotational position of the three-phase brushless motor based on a reference pulse signal output by the rotor sensor according to a rotational position of the magnetic pole of the first phase of the rotor when the three-phase brushless motor rotates, and controls the motor driver in driving patterns sequentially prescribed so as to correspond to the estimated rotational position of the three-phase brushless motor.
US09000700B2 Motor control apparatus
A MG-ECU is provided in a hybrid vehicle having an MG and an engine and starts the engine by controlling the MG. When the MG-ECU detects a disconnection in any one of three-phase power supply wires, which supply the MG with power, the MG-ECU permits driving of the MG on condition that the engine is requested to be started. The MG-ECU limits a command torque for the MG is limited to be equal to or less than a predetermined torque value than in a case of presence of no disconnection, when the MG is permitted to be driven.
US09000695B2 Sensorless control apparatuses and control methods thereof
A sensorless control apparatus may include: a speed command unit configured to output a speed command to an electric motor; a current detector unit configured to detect electric current flowing through the electric motor if a voltage being output according to the speed command is supplied to the electric motor; a rotor angle calculation unit configured to calculate a magnetic flux of a rotor of the electric motor based on the detected electric current and the voltage being output according to the speed command, and to calculate an angle of the rotor from the calculated magnetic flux; and/or an out-of-step sensing unit configured to sense an out-of-step of the rotor according to a comparison of the calculated angle of the rotor with an angle of the rotor estimated based on a sensorless control algorithm.
US09000694B2 Synchronous motor control apparatus
A control apparatus includes, a first calculating unit which calculates first d-phase and q-phase current limit candidate values, a second calculating unit which calculates second d-phase and q-phase current limit candidate values, a q-phase unit which, when the absolute value of the first d-phase current limit candidate value is smaller than that of the second d-phase current limit candidate value, sets the first q-phase current limit candidate value as a q-phase current limit value, but otherwise sets the second q-phase current limit candidate value as the q-phase current limit value, and a d-phase unit which, when the absolute value of the first d-phase current limit candidate value is smaller than that of the second d-phase current limit candidate value, sets the first d-phase current limit candidate value as a d-phase current limit value, but otherwise sets the second d-phase current limit candidate value as the d-phase current limit value.
US09000693B2 Failure information transmission apparatus
A failure information transmission apparatus includes a transmission circuit and a reception circuit. The transmission circuit transmits a plurality of pieces of failure information related to a plurality of failures as pulse signals different from one another via the same transmission path. The reception circuit receives the pulse signals transmitted by the transmission circuit via the same transmission path and identifies the failure information based on the pulse signal received. If the plurality of failures occurs at the same time, the transmission circuit transmits preferentially transmits failure information with higher priority of transmission.
US09000690B2 Driver for capacitive loads
A method for driving a piezoelectric transducer is provided. An input signal is received. At least one of a plurality of modes is selected for a buck-boost stage from a comparison of a desired voltage on a capacitor to a first threshold and a second threshold, where the desired voltage is determined from the input signal. The piezoelectric transducer is then driven substantially within the audio band using the desired voltage on the capacitor using an H-bridge that changes state with each zero-crossing.
US09000689B2 Energy conversion apparatus
Apparatus for controlling an electromagnetic engine. The apparatus includes a signal generator, such as a device that plays a pre-recorded signal. The output of the signal generator is connected to an amplifier that is connected to one or more coils. The coils are positioned around a cylindrical cavity or sleeve in which a permanent magnet piston reciprocates in response to the amplified signal applied to the coils. The signal includes a plurality of snippets that forms a half-wave signal. The signal has an initial or starting portion and a steady state portion. The starting portion of the signal comprises a series of the snippets at selected intervals. The steady state portion comprises a series of the snippets that are repeated and alternatingly inverted to simulate a sine wave or other waveform.
US09000685B2 Light emitting device power supply circuit, light emitting device control circuit and identifiable light emitting device circuit therefor and identification method thereof
The present invention discloses a light emitting device power supply circuit, a light emitting device control circuit and an identifiable light emitting device circuit therefor, and an identification method thereof. The light emitting device control circuit includes an operation signal generation circuit and an identification circuit. The operation signal generation circuit determines whether the light emitting device control circuit operates in an identified mode or amiss mode according to an enable signal. In the identified mode, the light emitting device control circuit operates a power stage circuit to supply an output current to an identifiable light emitting device circuit. In the miss mode, an output voltage is maintained at a predetermined level. The identification circuit determines whether the light emitting device control circuit switches from the miss mode to the identified mode according to whether the output voltage meets a condition.
US09000684B2 LED controller with compensation for die-to-die variation and temperature drift
A system including a selection module to select one of a plurality of templates corresponding to a plurality of light emitting diodes, where the selected template includes one or more of temperature, current, and voltage characteristics of the plurality of light emitting diodes. A control module measures a voltage across one of the plurality of light emitting diodes; determines a temperature of the plurality of light emitting diodes based on the voltage measured across the one of the plurality of light emitting diodes and the selected template; and in order to maintain a luminosity of the plurality of light emitting diodes at a predetermined luminosity, adjusts current through the plurality of light emitting diodes based on the temperature, the selected template, and calibration data. The calibration data include current through the plurality of light emitting diodes and corresponding luminosities of the plurality of light emitting diodes.
US09000682B2 Dimming circuit and method for LEDs
A dimming circuit and method for a LED provide a first driving voltage or a second driving voltage according to a dimming signal provided by a functional IC to enable or disable the LED. The values of the first and second driving voltages are controlled so that overstressing of the LED is avoided while the functional IC is capable of working even when the LED is off. The LED's life time is thus prolonged.
US09000674B2 Multiple stage sequential current regulator
An LED driver circuit for controlling direct current supplied to a plurality of serially connected segments of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the LED driver circuit comprises a self-commutating circuit, which comprises a plurality of current control elements, each current control element having two ends, a first end connected to a different end of each segment along the plurality of serially connected segments of LEDs and a second end connected to a path to ground. The path to ground comprises a sense resistor and the path to ground is shared by the second end of each current control element. Each current control element is coupled to an adjacent current control element by a cross-regulation circuit and controlled by a signal from an adjacent current control element.
US09000671B2 Method of improving visibility through a window
A method of improving visibility for a person viewing an environment through a window includes detecting a light condition in the environment and, in responses to nature of the detected light condition, activating an illumination system adjacent an edge of the window to direct light into the window. The light is of the proper intensity and a wavelength to improve visibility of the environment as viewed through the window. The light condition may be detected by an environmental sensor and the illumination system activated based on signals generated by the environmental sensor.
US09000670B2 Harmonic mode magnetron
A novel magnetron achieves increased power output at high frequencies by replacing a typical resonant cavity with a slow-wave waveguide structure. Waveguides built into the anode body sustain oscillations having phase change coefficients of 2*pi*n radians per section, where n is a positive integer. The magnetron is capable of supporting RF oscillations at frequency harmonics of the fundamental frequency, permitting it to operate at frequencies double or quadruple that of a similarly sized conventional magnetron.
US09000667B2 Luminescent element, preparation method thereof and luminescence method
A luminescent element includes a luminescent glass and a metal layer with a metal microstructure formed on a surface of the luminescent glass; wherein the luminescent glass has a chemical composition: bY2O3.cAl2O3.dB2O3.yTb2O3, wherein bY2O3.cAl2O3.dB2O3.yTb2O3. A preparation method of a luminescent element and a luminescence method are also provided. The luminescent element has good luminescence homogeneity, high luminescence efficiency, good luminescence stability and simple structure, and can be used in luminescent device with ultrahigh brightness.
US09000662B2 Field emission device and field emission display having same
A field emission device includes a cathode and a carbon nanotube (CNT) gate electrode. The CNT gate electrode which is electrically insulated from the cathode includes a CNT layer and a dielectric layer. The CNT layer which has a surface includes a number of micropores. The dielectric layer is coated on the surface of the CNT layer and an inner wall of each of the micropores.
US09000659B2 Lamp socket
A lamp socket includes a first socket portion having a first diameter, and a second socket portion being concentric with the first socket portion and having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.
US09000658B2 Spark plug for internal combustion engine
A spark plug in which a front end portion of a ground electrode is positioned outside of a virtual outer circumferential face that is formed by extending a front and outer circumferential face of a center electrode in the axis direction, and positioned on a front end side in the axis direction with respect to a virtual face including a front end face of the center electrode. Further, the equation 1.1≦b/a≦1.6 is satisfied, where “a” (mm) represents a first minimal distance between the front end portion of the center electrode and the front end portion of the ground electrode and, where “b” (mm) represents a second minimal distance between the front end portion of a ceramic insulator and the front end portion of the ground electrode.
US09000657B2 Cyclotron
There is provided a cyclotron including: a hollow yoke; first and second poles disposed in the yoke; an ion source that generates an ion; a buncher of which at least a part enters the yoke and which adjusts a density of an ion beam, which is emitted from the ion source, in a traveling direction; and an inflector that deflects an ion beam having passed through the buncher to make the ion beam incident on a median plane.
US09000650B2 Laminated core for electromagnetic applications
The invention relates to a laminated core for electromagnetic applications with at least two segments (2), of which at least one on a side-edge (11), comprises an engagement groove (12) and the other at an opposite side-edge (9) comprises a corresponding engagement projection (10), via which the two segments (2) are connected to one another into a component, wherein the engagement groove (12) comprises an undercut in the form of a widened section (26) distanced to the groove opening, and the engagement projection (10) and the engagement groove (12) are dimensionally matched to one another in a manner such that the engagement projection (10) and/or engagement groove (12) are plastically deformed by way of inserting the engagement projection (10) into the engagement groove (12), so that the engagement projection (10) engages into the widened section (26) of the engagement groove (12), as well as to a method for the manufacture of such a laminated core.
US09000649B2 Cross-interlocked multi-set switch type DC brushless electric machine system having auxiliary excitation winding set
The present invention relates to a multi-set switched DC brushless electric machine having its rotary part of electric machine being installed with an auxiliary excitation winding set, for being connected in series with a magnetic field winding set of electric machine of another electric machine through the auxiliary excitation winding set installed on the rotary part of electric machine, such that the excitation can be variable through altering the current of the magnetic field winding set of electric machine of the another electric machine thereby changing the operational characteristic of the electric machine.
US09000648B2 Asymmetrical reluctance machine
A reluctance machine is disclosed. The reluctance machine includes a stationary member including a housing, a plurality of windings disposed in the housing, a plurality of electrical connections each electrical connection coupled to a corresponding winding of the plurality of windings, and a plurality of teeth coupled to the housing, a rotating member having a center including a mechanical coupling member formed about the center, and a plurality of outwardly protruding poles centrally located within the stationary member each outwardly protruding pole having a continuous outer surface adjacent to at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth, wherein each outer surface of each outwardly protruding pole having a first portion being a first distance away from the center and a second portion being a second distance away from the center.
US09000647B2 High efficiency high output density electric motor
An electric motor that generates mechanical energy whilst increasing both the motor efficiency and the mechanical power density. The electric motor includes: a plurality of disk surfaces having a main longitudinal axis; a plurality of stationary support structures; and a rotating shaft affixed to the disk surfaces. Each disk surface is coupled to an array of offset magnets. The magnets are arranged as matching magnetic pairs on two adjacent disk surfaces to create a plurality of magnetic fields between the matching magnetic pairs. The magnetic fields are titled at an angle A with respect to the main longitudinal axis. Each stationary support structure has an electromagnetic coil array located in-between each of the matching magnetic pairs, which provides an axial magnetic field when voltage is applied on the electromagnetic coil. Each of the electromagnetic coil array is titled at said angle A with respect to the main longitudinal axis.
US09000646B2 Table for permanent magnet rotor and method for manufacturing permanent magnet rotor
A method for assembling rotors which is applicable to a large axial gap type permanent magnet rotating machine is provided.A permanent magnet rotating machine comprising: a rotating shaft; at least two rotors comprising a table-like structure and permanent magnets attached thereto, the table-like structures being connected to the rotating shaft and being disposed in an axial direction of the rotating shaft; and a stator comprising a table-like structure and stator coils around which a copper wire is wound, said stator being disposed in a gap formed by the rotors so that the stator being separated from the rotating shaft, is manufactured by the following steps of: assembling the two rotors such that a predetermined gap is formed therebetween; and mounting the magnets on the table-like structures by inserting the magnet from the radially outer side of the table-like structures towards the center of the rotation with the assembled state being maintained.
US09000645B2 Rotating electrical machine
The rotating electrical machine of the present invention includes: a magnet holder made of a non-magnetic material, which is formed by coupling a columnar portion for retaining the permanent magnet in a circumferential direction, and an annular portion for covering each axial side surface of the permanent magnet. The magnet holder includes, on an outer diameter side of both circumferential side surfaces of the columnar portion, engaging portions which engage with respective locking portions of the magnet cover, and includes, on an inner diameter side of each of both the circumferential side surfaces of the columnar portion, an extending portion extending along an inner peripheral surface of the magnet cover with a clearance (D) with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the magnet cover.
US09000644B2 Concentric motor power generation and drive system
An apparatus is provided and includes a hub, including opposing faces, a first sidewall fixed to the opposing faces to define a first interior and a second sidewall fixed to one of the opposing faces to define a second interior within the first interior, a first assembly, disposed within the second interior, to generate current from input mechanical energy, a second assembly, electrically coupled to the first assembly and disposed within the first interior, to generate mechanical energy to be transmitted to external mechanical elements from current associated with the current generated by the first assembly and first and second couplings, the first coupling being disposed to mechanically couple the first and second assemblies and the second coupling being disposed to mechanically couple the second assembly and the external mechanical elements.
US09000643B2 Sealed rotational output unit and sealed motor assembly
Provided with a sealed rotational output unit (3) which includes a tubular shaft (12) having an outer circumferential surface sealed with a ferrofluidic seal (13); a rotating output shaft (14) disposed inside the tubular shaft (12); and an O-ring (17, 18) that seals between the tubular shaft (12) and the rotating output shaft (14). When the rotating output shaft (14) is directly coupled to a hollow motor shaft (9), shaking thereof is absorbed by the O-ring (17, 18), causing no excessive stress to be produced on the bearing side of the hollow motor shaft (9) or on a bearing (15, 16) side of the ferrofluidic seal (13). Since the tubular shaft (12) rotates in conjunction with the rotating output shaft (14), the O-ring (17, 18) that seals therebetween does not degrade in sealing capability due to wear by sliding. The sealed rotational output unit can be used with high rotational accuracy by directly coupling to a hollow motor (2) without any joint.
US09000639B2 Mounting cap for insulated stator of outer rotor motor
A mounting cap is provided for use with an insulated stator of an outer rotor motor. The mounting cap is configured to support the stator and is fixed to the stator to prevent relative rotation therebetween. The mounting cap includes mounting structure configured to fix the mounting cap to the machine, such that the stator is fixed to and supported on the machine by the mounting cap. Furthermore, the mounting cap is configured to facilitate routing of wiring associated with the stator.
US09000635B2 Alternator with engaged heat sinks and rectifier board
An alternator is provided with a rectifier including a positive-side and a negative-side heatsink that cool rectifier elements corresponding to each heatsink and a circuit board that holds the positive-side and the negative-side heatsink, wherein one of either the positive-side and the negative-side heatsink or the circuit board is provided with engaging holes, and the other with engaging protrusions that are engaged with the holes.
US09000634B2 Motor with speed reduction mechanism
In a brush holder accommodating part 26d of a gear housing 26, paired flat surface parts 26c and paired curved parts 26b are alternately disposed so as to be formed into an elliptical shape, one of the paired flat surface parts is formed with first heat sinks 26i, and two brushes 20 and 20 mounted on a brush holder unit 19 accommodated in the brush holder accommodating part 26d are disposed near the first heat sinks 26i.
US09000633B2 Drive apparatus having a motor, a heat sink, and a plurality of semiconductor modules
A heat sink has two heat radiation blocks. The heat radiation block is formed in a wide column shape. The heat radiation block has connection parts at both ends. The connection parts have respective holes formed to pass through in the axial direction of a motor. One screw is inserted in one connection part and threaded into a motor case. The other screw is inserted in the other connection part and threaded into the motor case together with a cover. A power module forming an inverter circuit of each of two power supply systems is arranged on each heat radiation blocks.
US09000626B2 Thrust generation mechanism, drive device, XY stage and XYZ stage
A thrust generation mechanism includes magnetic pole teeth which are arranged so as to sandwich and hold permanent magnets disposed on movers, cores which serially connect the magnetic pole teeth which sandwich and hold the magnets, armature winding wires which are collectively wound around the cores, and the movers having the magnets arranged such that the different magnetic poles thereof alternately face the front side and the rear side. The magnetic pole teeth which are arranged so as to sandwich and hold the permanent magnets and the armature iron cores which have cores serially connecting the magnetic pole teeth which hold the magnets are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the movers, and armature iron cores have a common winding wire. A stage is provided with a small-sized lightweight drive device which comprises magnetic pole teeth which are arranged on both sides of each permanent magnet with gaps therebetween, cores which connect the magnetic pole teeth, armatures which have armature winding wires wound around the magnetic pole teeth, and a row of the permanent magnets which is arranged such that the different magnetic poles are arranged alternately. The small-sized lightweight drive device is configured so that the number of the magnetic poles of the armatures is changed according to a thrust pattern required by the drive device.
US09000625B1 Linear transformer driver for pulse generation
A linear transformer driver includes at least one ferrite ring positioned to accept a load. The linear transformer driver also includes a first power delivery module that includes a first charge storage devices and a first switch. The first power delivery module sends a first energy in the form of a first pulse to the load. The linear transformer driver also includes a second power delivery module including a second charge storage device and a second switch. The second power delivery module sends a second energy in the form of a second pulse to the load. The second pulse has a frequency that is approximately three times the frequency of the first pulse. The at least one ferrite ring is positioned to force the first pulse and the second pulse to the load by temporarily isolating the first pulse and the second pulse from an electrical ground.
US09000623B2 Using the transfer switch of a hybrid circuit breaker as selector switch
A high voltage direct current (HVDC) switchyard is provided. The switchyard is arranged for interconnecting three or more sections of an HVDC power network, such as transmission lines, converters, or any other type of HVDC equipment. The switchyard comprises at least one main circuit breaker and at least four transfer switches. The at least one main circuit breaker and the at least four transfer switches are arranged so as to enable to individually disconnect any one of the at least three sections of the HVDC power distribution network. In an embodiment of the invention, the transfer switches which usually are comprised in direct current (DC) hybrid circuit breakers are used as selector switches, thereby reducing the number of main breakers in the switchyard.
US09000617B2 Direct current power combiner
A circuit for combining direct current (DC) power including multiple direct current (DC) voltage inputs; multiple inductive elements connected in a series circuit having first and second end terminals and intermediate terminals. The inductive elements are adapted for operatively connecting respectively to the DC voltage inputs at the first and second end terminals and intermediate terminals. Multiple switches connect respectively with the inductive elements. A controller is configured to switch the switches periodically so that direct currents flowing through the inductive elements are substantially zero. A direct current voltage output is connected across one of the DC voltage inputs and a common reference to both the inputs and the output.
US09000613B2 UPS adaptive output voltage control systems
An uninterruptible power supply includes a rectifier coupled to an input of an uninterruptible power supply and converts a first alternating current having a first alternating current voltage to a direct current. An inverter is coupled to an output of the uninterruptible power supply and converts the direct current to a second alternating current having a second alternating current voltage. A bypass switch bypasses the rectifier and the inverter and provides a bypass power from the input to the output when in a bypass state. A control module switches the bypass switch to the bypass state when in a bypass mode and switches the bypass switch to a non-bypass state when in a UPS mode. The control module adjusts the second alternating current voltage between first and second voltage levels when in an adaptive voltage control mode after switching from the bypass mode to the UPS mode.
US09000612B2 Energy storage system
An energy storage system is disclosed. The system can supply DC power from a battery to a DC load or from the DC load to the battery without inverting an AC power to the DC power.
US09000610B2 Field device for a process automation system having an intrinsically safe power supply device
The disclosure relates to a field device of a process automation system, having at least one first intrinsically safe power supply unit, which provides locally stored electrical energy in an integrated storage element for supplying power to an electronics unit for process control. To supply power to intrinsically safe field devices from locally stored electrical energy in line with demand, it is proposed that in addition, at least one additional intrinsically safe power supply unit is integrated therein, which is fed by a power generation unit providing locally renewable electrical energy.
US09000605B2 Lighter-than-air craft for energy-producing turbines
A wind-based power generating system provides a wind energy converter for converting wind energy into another form of energy using a lighter-than-air craft configured to produce a positive net lift. The net lift includes both a net aerodynamic lift and a net buoyant lift. A tethering mechanism is configured to restrain the lighter-than-air craft with respect to the ground. The lighter-than-air craft defines an interior volume for containing a lighter-than-air gas, and the lighter-than-air craft has a fore section and an aft section. The tethering system has at least one attachment point on the fore section of the lighter-than-air craft and at least one attachment point on the aft section of the lighter-than-air craft. The lighter-than-air craft provides a stable aerodynamic moment with respect to a yaw axis about a center-of-mass of the lighter-than-air craft. The craft can be formed in a variety of aerodynamic profiles/shapes.
US09000602B2 Electricity-liquid hybrid liquid-pressure apparatus
An electricity-oil hybrid motor 1 includes an oil-pressure motor 10 and an electric motor 30. The electricity-oil hybrid motor 1 includes a rotating shaft 11 and causes the rotating shaft 11 to rotate by supplied operating oil. The electric motor 30 includes a rotor 32 connected to the rotating shaft 11, a stator 33 provided around the rotor 32, and a housing 34 in which the rotor 32 and the stator 33 are accommodated. The rotor 32 and the housing 34 are provided so as to surround and cover a casing 17 of the oil-pressure motor 10. The housing 34 includes a rotating shaft accommodating space 51 in which the rotating shaft 11 is accommodated and a stator accommodating space 52 in which the stator is accommodated. A sealing member 39 configured to separate the accommodating spaces 51 and 52 is provided in the housing 34.
US09000600B2 Reduced stress TSV and interposer structures
A component can include a substrate and a conductive via extending within an opening in the substrate. The substrate can have first and second opposing surfaces. The opening can extend from the first surface towards the second surface and can have an inner wall extending away from the first surface. A dielectric material can be exposed at the inner wall. The conductive via can define a relief channel within the opening adjacent the first surface. The relief channel can have an edge within a first distance from the inner wall in a direction of a plane parallel to and within five microns below the first surface, the first distance being the lesser of one micron and five percent of a maximum width of the opening in the plane. The edge can extend along the inner wall to span at least five percent of a circumference of the inner wall.
US09000599B2 Multichip integration with through silicon via (TSV) die embedded in package
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to integrated circuit (IC) package assemblies with three-dimensional (3D) integration of multiple dies, as well as corresponding fabrication methods and systems incorporating such 3D IC package assemblies. A bumpless build-up layer (BBUL) package substrate may be formed on a first die, such as a microprocessor die. Laser radiation may be used to form an opening in a die backside film to expose TSV pads on the back side of the first die. A second die, such as a memory die stack, may be coupled to the first die by die interconnects formed between corresponding TSVs of the first and second dies. Underfill material may be applied to fill some or all of any remaining gap between the first and second dies, and/or an encapsulant may be applied over the second die and/or package substrate. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09000593B2 Substrate for semiconductor device, semiconductor device having the substrate, and manufacturing method thereof
A substrate for a semiconductor device is provided. The substrate includes a first metal line, a second metal line, a metal support part, a first insulating part, and a second insulating part. The first metal line is electrically connected to a first electrode of the semiconductor device. The second metal line is electrically connected to a second electrode of the semiconductor device and spaced apart from the first metal line. The metal support part is disposed between the first metal line and the second metal line. The first insulating part is disposed between the first metal line and the metal support part and configured to electrically insulate the first metal line from the metal support part. The second insulating part is disposed between the second metal line and the metal support part and configured to electrically insulate the second metal line from the metal support part.
US09000592B1 Display device and method of fabricating the same
Disclosed are a display device and a method of fabricating the same. A pad for a display device includes: an oxide semiconductor layer formed on a substrate; a lower insulation layer formed on the oxide semiconductor layer to at least partially overlap the oxide semiconductor layer; one or more line layers formed on the lower insulation layer; an upper insulation layer formed on the one or more line layers; and a pad electrode formed on the upper insulation layer and connected to the one or more line layers through a contact hole formed in the upper insulation layer.
US09000591B2 Conductive film and semiconductor device
A conductive film of an embodiment includes: a fine catalytic metal particle as a junction and a graphene extending in a network form from the junction.
US09000590B2 Protruding terminals with internal routing interconnections semiconductor device
A semiconductor package includes terminals extending from a bottom surface of the semiconductor package, and a layer of interconnection routings disposed within the semiconductor package. Each terminal includes a first plated section, a second plated section, and a portion of a sheet carrier from which the semiconductor package is built upon, wherein the portion is coupled between the first and second plated sections. Each interconnection routing is electrically coupled with a terminal and can extend planarly therefrom. The semiconductor package also includes at least one die coupled with the layer of interconnection routings. In some embodiments, the semiconductor package also includes at least one intermediary layer, each including a via layer and an associated routing layer. The semiconductor package includes a locking mechanism for fastening a package compound with the interconnection routings and the terminals.
US09000582B2 Power semiconductor module and power conversion device
A power semiconductor module includes: a circuit body having a power semiconductor element and a conductor member connected to the power semiconductor element; a case in which the circuit body is housed; and a connecting member which connects the circuit body and the case. The case includes: a first heat dissipating member and a second heat dissipating member which are disposed in opposed relation to each other while interposing the circuit body in between; a side wall which joins the first heat dissipating member and the second heat dissipating member; and an intermediate member which is formed on the periphery of the first heat dissipating member and connected to the side wall, the intermediate member including a curvature that is projected toward a housing space of the case.
US09000568B2 Semiconductor structure and fabrication method thereof
A semiconductor structure includes a substrate, an oxide layer, a metallic oxynitride layer and a metallic oxide layer. The oxide layer is located on the substrate. The metallic oxynitride layer is located on the oxide layer. The metallic oxide layer is located on the metallic oxynitride layer. In addition, the present invention also provides a semiconductor process for forming the semiconductor structure.
US09000567B2 Compound semiconductor substrate
An object is to provide a compound semiconductor substrate and a surface-treatment method thereof, in which, even after the treated substrate is stored for a long period of time, resistance-value defects do not occur. Even when the compound semiconductor substrate is stored for a long period of time and an epitaxial film is then formed thereon, electrical-characteristic defects do not occur. The semiconductor substrate according to the present invention is a compound semiconductor substrate at least one major surface of which is mirror-polished, the mirror-polished surface being covered with an organic substance containing hydrogen (H), carbon (C), and oxygen (O) and alternatively a compound semiconductor substrate at least one major surface of which is mirror-finished, wherein a silicon (Si) peak concentration at an interface between an epitaxial film grown at a growth temperature of 550° C. and the compound semiconductor substrate is 2×1017 cm−3 or less.
US09000562B2 Flexible processing method for metal-insulator-metal capacitor formation
A method for forming a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor includes forming a capacitor bottom plate and a metal interconnect feature on a substrate. A dielectric layer having a predetermined thickness is then formed. The dielectric layer has a first portion overlying the capacitor bottom plate and a second portion overlying the metal interconnect feature. The dielectric layer is processed to adjust the thickness of the first portion of the dielectric layer relative the thickness of the second portion of the dielectric layer. Processing can include etching the first portion of the dielectric layer or adding dielectric material to the second portion of the dielectric layer. A capacitor top plate is formed over the first portion of the dielectric layer to complete the MIM structure.
US09000553B2 Power module and power converter containing power module
A power module includes a semiconductor chip, a first coupling conductor with one main surface coupled to one main surface of the semiconductor chip, a second coupling conductor with one main surface coupled to the other main surface of the semiconductor chip, a coupling terminal supplied with electrical power from the direct current power source, and resin material to seal the semiconductor chip, and in which the resin member has a protruding section that protrudes from the space where the first and second coupling conductors are formed opposite each other, and the coupling terminal is clamped on the protruding section, and at least one of the first or second coupling conductors is coupled to a coupling terminal by way of a metallic material that melts at a specified temperature.
US09000550B2 Semiconductor component and method of manufacture
A semiconductor component having a low resistance conduction path and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor component. When the semiconductor component is a Schottky diode, one or more trenches are formed in an epitaxial layer of a first conductivity type that is formed over a semiconductor substrate of the first conductivity type. The trenches may extend into the semiconductor material. Epitaxial semiconductor material of a second conductivity type is selectively grown along the sidewalls of the trenches. An anode contact is formed in contact with the epitaxial layer and the selectively grown epitaxial material and a cathode contact is formed in contact with the semiconductor substrate.
US09000549B2 Spatially distributed CdS in thin film photovoltaic devices and their methods of manufacture
Thin film photovoltaic devices are provided. The device includes a transparent substrate; a transparent conductive oxide layer on the transparent substrate; an n-type window layer on the transparent conductive oxide layer, an absorber layer on the n-type window layer, and a back contact layer on the absorber layer. The n-type window layer includes a plurality of nanoparticles spatially distributed within a medium, with the nanoparticles comprising cadmium sulfide. In one embodiment, the medium has an optical bandgap that is greater than about 3.0 eV (e.g., includes a material other than cadmium sulfide). Methods are also provided for such thin film photovoltaic devices.
US09000544B2 MEMS package structure
A MEMS package structure, including a substrate, an interconnecting structure, an upper metallic layer, a deposition element and a packaging element is provided. The interconnecting structure is disposed on the substrate. The MEMS structure is disposed on the substrate and within a first cavity. The upper metallic layer is disposed above the MEMS structure and the interconnecting structure, so as to form a second cavity located between the upper metallic layer and the interconnecting structure and communicates with the first cavity. The upper metallic layer has at least a first opening located above the interconnecting structure and at least a second opening located above the MEMS structure. Area of the first opening is greater than that of the second opening. The deposition element is disposed above the upper metallic layer to seal the second opening. The packaging element is disposed above the upper metallic layer to seal the first opening.
US09000543B2 Combined sensor
To provide a combined sensor that can detect a plurality of physical quantities. With the combined sensor, it is possible to realize, while maintaining performance, a reduction in size and a reduction in costs by increasing elements that can be shared among respective sensors. A weight M2 and a detection electrode DTE2 used in an angular-velocity detecting section are also used as a reference capacitive element of a Z-direction-acceleration detecting section configured to detect acceleration in a Z direction. That is, in the Z-direction-acceleration detecting section, a detection capacitive element including the weight M2 and the detection electrode DTE2 configuring the angular-velocity detecting section is used as a reference capacitive element for a detection capacitive element formed by a detection electrode DTE5 and a weight M4.
US09000540B2 Semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device
The performances of semiconductor elements disposed in a multilayer wiring layer are improved. A semiconductor device includes: a first wire disposed in a first wiring layer; a second wire disposed in a second wiring layer stacked over the first wiring layer; a gate electrode arranged between the first wire and the second wire in the direction of stacking of the first wiring layer and the second wiring layer, and not coupled with the first wire and the second wire; a gate insulation film disposed over the side surface of the gate electrode; and a semiconductor layer disposed over the side surface of the gate electrode via the gate insulation film, and coupled with the first wire and the second wire.
US09000539B2 Metal-gate MOS transistor and method of forming the transistor with reduced gate-to-source and gate-to-drain overlap capacitance
The gate-to-source and gate-to-drain overlap capacitance of a MOS transistor with a metal gate and a high-k gate dielectric are reduced by forming the high-k gate dielectric along the inside of a sidewall structure which has been formed to lie further away from the source and the drain.
US09000537B2 FinFET devices having recessed liner materials to define different fin heights
One method includes performing an etching process through a patterned mask layer to form trenches in a substrate that defines first and second fins, forming liner material adjacent the first fin to a first thickness, forming liner material adjacent the second fin to a second thickness different from the first thickness, forming insulating material in the trenches adjacent the liner materials and above the mask layer, performing a process operation to remove portions of the layer of insulating material and to expose portions of the liner materials, performing another etching process to remove portions of the liner materials and the mask layer to expose the first fin to a first height and the second fin to a second height different from the first height, performing another etching process to define a reduced-thickness layer of insulating material, and forming a gate structure around a portion of the first and second fin.
US09000527B2 Gate stack with electrical shunt in end portion of gate stack
A semiconductor device is formed in which a first-type doped field effect transistor has a first gate stack that has an end portion with a second gate stack formed for a second-type, complementary doped field effect transistor. Lateral electrical contact is made between the first gate stack and the second gate stack. The lateral electrical contact provides an electrical shunt at the end of the first gate stack.
US09000526B2 MOSFET structure with T-shaped epitaxial silicon channel
A MOSFET disposed between shallow trench isolation (STI) structures includes an epitaxial silicon layer formed over a substrate surface and extending over inwardly extending ledges of the STI structures. The gate width of the MOSFET is therefore the width of the epitaxial silicon layer and greater than the width of the original substrate surface between the STI structures. The epitaxial silicon layer is formed over the previously doped channel and is undoped upon deposition. A thermal activation operation may be used to drive dopant impurities into the transistor channel region occupied by the epitaxial silicon layer but the dopant concentration at the channel location where the epitaxial silicon layer intersects with the gate dielectric, is minimized.
US09000525B2 Structure and method for alignment marks
The alignment mark and method for making the same are described. In one embodiment, a semiconductor structure includes a plurality of gate stacks formed on the semiconductor substrate and configured as an alignment mark; doped features formed in the semiconductor substrate and disposed on sides of each of the plurality of gate stacks; and channel regions underlying the plurality of gate stacks and free of channel dopant.