| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09070649B2 |
Light-emitting device and electronic apparatus
A light-emitting device includes a drive transistor for controlling the quantity of current supplied to a light-emitting element, a capacitor element electrically connected to a gate electrode of the drive transistor, and an electrical continuity portion for electrically connecting the drive transistor and the light-emitting element, these elements being disposed on a substrate. The electrical continuity portion is disposed on the side opposite to the capacitor element with the drive transistor disposed therebetween. |
| US09070646B2 |
Organic light emitting display device
Disclosed is an organic light-emitting display device defined into a non-display area and a display area which is provided with pixels. Each of the pixels includes: first through fourth nodes; an organic light emission element connected to the fourth node; a drive transistor disposed between the second, third, and fourth nodes and configured to generate a drive current which drives the organic light emission element to emit light; a storage capacitor disposed between the first and third nodes; first through fifth transistors; wherein the fifth transistor is disposed between the second node with the non-display area and a reference voltage line and configured to control an initialization of the second node. |
| US09070645B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display including a substrate main body; a thin film transistor on the substrate main body; and an organic light emitting diode including a transparent electrode connected with the thin film transistor and being capable of injecting electrons, an organic emission layer on the transparent electrode, and a reflective electrode on the organic emission layer and being capable of injecting holes, wherein the organic emission layer includes an electron injection unit on the transparent electrode, the electron injection unit including an electron injection metal layer, an electron injection layer, and an electron injection dipole layer, and a light emitting unit on the electron injection unit. |
| US09070644B2 |
Packaging mechanisms for dies with different sizes of connectors
Embodiments of mechanisms for testing a die package with multiple packaged dies on a package substrate use an interconnect substrate to provide electrical connections between dies and the package substrate and to provide probing structures (or pads). Testing structures, including daisy-chain structures, with metal lines to connect bonding structures connected to signals, power source, and/or grounding structures are connected to probing structures on the interconnect substrate. The testing structures enable determining the quality of bonding and/or functionalities of packaged dies bonded. After electrical testing is completed, the metal lines connecting the probing structures and the bonding structures are severed to allow proper function of devices in the die package. The mechanisms for forming test structures with probing pads on interconnect substrate and severing connecting metal lines after testing could reduce manufacturing cost. |
| US09070639B2 |
Shrinkage of critical dimensions in a semiconductor device by selective growth of a mask material
In sophisticated semiconductor devices, manufacturing techniques and etch masks may be formed on the basis of a mask layer stack which comprises an additional mask layer, which may receive an opening on the basis of lithography techniques. Thereafter, the width of the mask opening may be reduced by applying a selective deposition or growth process, which thus results in a highly uniform and well-controllable adjustment of the target width of the etch mask prior to performing the actual patterning process, for instance for forming sophisticated contact openings, via openings and the like. |
| US09070637B2 |
Device-mounted substrate, infrared light sensor and through electrode forming method
A via hole is formed on a base substrate before a device circuit is formed, and thermal oxidation is performed to form a thermal oxidation layer on a surface of the base substrate on which the device circuit is formed and a surface in the via hole. The device circuit having a conductive section is formed on the base substrate after the thermal oxidation, and then, a conductive body is embedded in the via hole. |
| US09070636B2 |
Cleaning agent for semiconductor substrate, cleaning method using the cleaning agent, and method for producing semiconductor element
A cleaning agent for a semiconductor substrate, which is capable of exerting cleaning power equivalent to that of an SPM cleaning agent, greatly improving damage of a semiconductor substrate by the SPM cleaning agent, and efficiently stripping and removing impurities adhered to the surface of the semiconductor substrate, particularly attached substances such as an ion-implanted resist, a cleaning method using the cleaning agent, and a method for producing a semiconductor element are provided. The cleaning agent for a semiconductor substrate comprises sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide and an alkylene carbonate. The method for cleaning a semiconductor substrate comprises cleaning the semiconductor substrate with sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide and an alkylene carbonate in combination. |
| US09070629B2 |
Through silicon via repair
Methods and systems for altering the electrical resistance of a wiring path. The electrical resistance of the wiring path is compared with a target electrical resistance value. If the electrical resistance of the wiring path exceeds the target electrical resistance value, an electrical current is selectively applied to the wiring path to physically alter a portion of the wiring path. The current may be selected to alter the wiring path such that the electrical resistance drops to a value less than or equal to the target electrical resistance value. |
| US09070624B2 |
Semiconductor device including polysilicon resistor and metal gate resistor and methods of fabricating thereof
A described method includes providing a semiconductor substrate. A first gate structure is formed on the semiconductor substrate and a sacrificial gate structure formed adjacent the first gate structure. The sacrificial gate structure may be used to form a metal gate structure using a replacement gate methodology. A dielectric layer is formed overlying the first gate structure and the sacrificial gate structure. The dielectric layer has a first thickness above a top surface of the first gate structure and a second thickness, less than the first thickness, above a top surface of the sacrificial gate structure. (See, e.g., FIGS. 5, 15, 26). Thus, a subsequent planarization process of the dielectric layer may not contact the first gate structure. |
| US09070622B2 |
Systems and methods for similarity-based semiconductor process control
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for providing a similarity index in semiconductor process control. One of the methods disclosed herein is a method for semiconductor fabrication process control. The method includes steps of receiving a first semiconductor device wafer and receiving a second semiconductor device wafer. The method also includes a step of collecting metrology data from the first and second semiconductor device wafers. The metrology data includes a first set of vectors associated with the first semiconductor device wafer and a second set of vectors associated with the second semiconductor device wafer. The method includes determining a similarity index based in part on a similarity index value between a first vector from the first set of vectors and a second vector from the second set of vectors and continuing to process additional wafers under current parameters when the similarity index is above a threshold value. |
| US09070621B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and manufacturing method thereof
In a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, there is provided a technique which promotes microfabrication by reducing a thickness of the device as suppressing an OFF current of a polysilicon diode which is a selective element. A polysilicon layer to which an impurity is doped at low concentration and which becomes an electric-field relaxation layer of the polysilicon diode which is a selective element of a resistance variable memory is formed so as to be divided into two or more layers such as polysilicon layers. In this manner, it is suppressed to form the crystal grain boundaries thoroughly penetrating between an n-type polysilicon layer and a p-type polysilicon layer in the electric-field relaxation layer, and therefore, it is prevented to generate a leakage current flowing through the crystal grain boundaries in application of a reverse-bias voltage without increasing a height of the polysilicon diode. |
| US09070618B2 |
Resistance structure, integrated circuit, and method of fabricating resistance structure
A resistance structure including: a conductive layer provided at a surface layer portion of a semiconductor substrate; a first resistance element having long sides and short sides provided over the conductive layer with an insulating film interposed; a second resistance element having long sides and short sides provided over the conductive layer with the insulating film interposed and disposed such that one long side thereof opposes one long side of the first resistance element; first wiring that is connected to one end of the first resistance element; second wiring that is connected to one end of the second resistance element; third wiring that connects the other end of the first resistance element with the other end of the second resistance element; and a connection portion that connects any of the first wiring, the second wiring and the third wiring with the conductive layer. |
| US09070614B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device simplifies the manufacturing process. The device includes a protective chip which has a surface Zener diode to protect a light emitting chip with an LED formed therein from surge voltage. The protective chip is mounted over a wiring electrically coupled through a metal wire to an anode electrode coupled to a p-type semiconductor region whose conductivity type is the same as that of the semiconductor substrate of the chip. The anode electrode of the protective chip is electrically coupled to the back surface of the chip without PN junction, so even if the back surface is in contact with the wiring, no problem occurs with the electrical characteristics of the Zener diode. This eliminates the need to form an insulating film on the back surface of the chip to prevent contact between the back surface and the wiring, thus simplifying the manufacturing process. |
| US09070612B2 |
Method for fabricating optical micro structure and applications thereof
A method for fabricating an image sensor, wherein the method comprises steps as follows: Firstly, a transparent substrate is formed on a working substrate. Pluralities of micro lens are formed in the transparent substrate, wherein the lenses have a refraction ratio differing from that of the transparent substrate. Subsequently, a color filter is formed on the lenses. Afterward, the color filter is engaged with an image sensing device by flipping around the working substrate. |
| US09070611B2 |
Image sensor with controllable vertically integrated photodetectors
An image sensor includes front-side and backside photodetectors of a first conductivity type disposed in a substrate layer of the first conductivity type. A front-side pinning layer of a second conductivity type is connected to a first contact. The first contact receives a predetermined potential. A backside pinning layer of the second conductivity type is connected to a second contact. The second contact receives an adjustable and programmable potential. |
| US09070608B2 |
Image sensor
An image sensor includes, inter alia: a first and second capacitors arranged serially between an input terminal and a first node, a first comparing unit connecting to a first reference signal and a connecting node of the first and second capacitors, and an output terminal connecting to the first node wherein the first comparing unit provides first or second preliminary ramp signals on the first node, first and second switches arranged between the first comparing unit and the first capacitor to selectively connect the first capacitor to a ground voltage or the input terminal, a third capacitor connecting to the second capacitor in parallel, a third switch selectively connecting the first node to the third capacitor, a first ramp signal output unit generating a first ramp signal with the first preliminary ramp signal provided, and a second ramp signal output unit generating a second ramp signal using the second preliminary ramp signal. |
| US09070607B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device using an electron beam lithography apparatus configured to emit an electron beam to perform lithography of a pattern, processing including pattern formation with the electron beam lithography apparatus is performed on a wafer, and an electric characteristic of the thus manufactured semiconductor devices is measured by a semiconductor testing apparatus. Then, electron beam lithography data to be used by the electron beam lithography apparatus is adjusted based on a result of measurement of the electric characteristic so as to reduce a variation in the electric characteristic of the semiconductor device within a surface of the wafer. |
| US09070605B2 |
Display apparatus and method of manufacturing the display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a base substrate and a buffer layer disposed on the base substrate. The display apparatus further includes an oxide semiconductor layer disposed on the buffer layer and including a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a channel portion. The display apparatus further includes a gate insulating layer disposed on the channel portion, a gate electrode disposed on the gate insulating layer, and a protective layer disposed on the gate electrode and the buffer layer and having a contact hole. The display apparatus further includes a transparent electrode overlapping a portion of the protective layer and electrically connected to one of the source electrode and the drain electrode through the contact hole. The transparent electrode includes a transparent metal layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer overlapping the transparent metal layer. |
| US09070602B2 |
Method for fabricating liquid crystal display
Method for manufacturing a thin film transistor liquid crystal display is provided. A substrate is provided. A gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a passivation film are formed on the substrate in sequence. The passivation film has a contact hole to expose a part of the drain electrode. A conductive layer is formed by coating nano metal material on the passivation film and in the contract hole from which the drain electrode is exposed. A pixel electrode is formed by patterning the conductive layer. |
| US09070600B2 |
Active matrix substrate, display panel, and display device
A drain electrode (17) includes (i) a lower drain electrode (17a) stacked on a semiconductor layer (14) so as to partially cover an upper surface of the semiconductor layer (14) and (ii) an upper drain electrode (17b). The semiconductor layer (14), the lower drain electrode (17a), and the upper drain electrode (17b) form steps. In a step part where the steps are formed, a distance between a periphery of the lower drain electrode (17a) and a periphery of the upper drain electrode (17b) is more than 0.4 μm but less than 1.5 μm. |
| US09070595B2 |
Display device and electronic device including the same
A display device includes a pixel portion including a plurality of pixels each including a first transistor, a second transistor, and a light-emitting element, in which a gate of the first transistor is electrically connected to a scan line, one of a source and a drain of the first transistor is electrically connected to a signal line, and the other of them is electrically connected to a gate of the second transistor; one of a source and a drain of the second transistor is electrically connected to a power supply line and the other of them is electrically connected to the light-emitting element, and the first transistor includes an oxide semiconductor layer. A period when the display device displays a still image includes a period in which output of a signal to all the scan lines in the pixel portion is stopped. |
| US09070592B2 |
Method for fabricating a connection region in a semiconductor device
Disclosed herein is a fabrication method of a semiconductor device to order to increase an operation liability of the semiconductor device. A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises forming a buried-type wordline in an active region defined on a SOI substrate, forming a silicon connection region for connecting an upper silicon layer to a lower silicon layer between neighboring buried type wordlines, and recovering the upper silicon layer on the silicon connection region. |
| US09070591B2 |
Adjusting intensity of laser beam during laser operation on a semiconductor device
Among other things, a system and method for adjusting the intensity of a laser beam applied to a semiconductor device are provided for herein. A sensor is configured to measure the intensity of a laser beam reflected from the semiconductor device. Based upon the reflection intensity, an intensity of the laser beam that is applied to the semiconductor device is adjusted, such as to alter an annealing operation performed on the semiconductor device, for example. |
| US09070584B2 |
Buried digitline (BDL) access device and memory array
A memory array includes a plurality of digitline (DL) trenches extending along a first direction; a buried digitline between the DL trenches; a trench fill material layer sealing an air gap in each of the DL trenches; a plurality of wordline (WL) trenches extending along a second direction; an active chop (AC) trench disposed at one end of the buried digitline; a shield layer in the air gap; and a sidewall conductor around the sidewall of the AC trench. |
| US09070583B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the semiconductor memory device. A contact plug is formed by wet etching. An aspect ratio of SAC is decreased and SAC fail is reduced so that a process margin is secured. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate comprising an active region and a device isolation layer defining the active region, a conductive pattern formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a nitride layer formed on the semiconductor substrate perpendicularly to the conductive pattern. |
| US09070581B2 |
Vertical-type semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing the same
In a vertical-type memory device and a method of manufacturing the vertical-type memory device, the vertical memory device includes an insulation layer pattern of a linear shape provided on a substrate, pillar-shaped single-crystalline semiconductor patterns provided on both sidewalls of the insulation layer pattern and transistors provided on a sidewall of each of the single-crystalline semiconductor patterns. The transistors are arranged in a vertical direction of the single-crystalline semiconductor pattern, and thus the memory device may be highly integrated. |
| US09070580B2 |
Semiconductor device with a super junction structure based on a compensation structure with compensation layers and having a compensation rate gradient
A super junction structure is formed in a semiconductor portion of a super junction semiconductor device. The super junction structure includes a compensation structure with a first compensation layer of a first conductivity type and a second compensation layer of a complementary second conductivity type. The compensation structure lines at least sidewall portions of compensation trenches that extend between semiconductor mesas along a vertical direction perpendicular to a first surface of the semiconductor portion. Within the super junction structure and a pedestal layer that may adjoin the super junction structure, a sign of a lateral compensation rate changes along the vertical direction resulting in a local peak of a vertical electric field gradient and to improved avalanche ruggedness. |
| US09070578B2 |
Electromechanical switching device with 2D layered material surfaces
The present invention is notably directed to an electromechanical switching device having: two electrodes, including: a first electrode, having layers of a first 2D layered material, which layers exhibit a first surface; and a second electrode, having layers of a second 2D layered material, which layers exhibit a second surface vis-à-vis said first surface; and an actuation mechanism, where: each of the first and second 2D layered materials is electrically conducting; and at least one of said two electrodes is actuatable by the actuation mechanism to modify a distance between the first surface and the second surface, such as to modify an electrical conductivity transverse to each of the first surface and the second surface and thereby enable current modulation between the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US09070577B2 |
Semiconductor device having fin structure in peripheral region and method for forming the same
In order to fabricate a semiconductor device, a semiconductor substrate in a peripheral region is etched to form a plurality of holes. A gap-filling material is buried in the holes of the semiconductor substrate in the peripheral region, and first and second device isolation films are formed in the semiconductor device. A fin structure is formed by recessing the gap-filling material, and a gate is formed over a surface including the fin structure. As a result, operation characteristics of transistors formed in the peripheral region are improved and the short channel effects are also reduced. |
| US09070576B2 |
Semiconductor device and related fabrication methods
Semiconductor device structures and related fabrication methods are provided. An exemplary method of fabricating a semiconductor device on a doped region of semiconductor material having a first conductivity type involves forming a first region having a second conductivity type within the doped region, forming a body region having the first conductivity type overlying the first region, and forming a drift region having the second conductivity type within the doped region, wherein at least a portion of the drift region abuts at least a portion of the first region. In one embodiment, the dopant concentration of the first region is less than the dopant concentration of the body region and different from the dopant concentration of the drift region. |
| US09070575B2 |
Integrated circuit with integrated decoupling capacitors
Ferroelectric capacitor structures for integrated decoupling capacitors and the like. The ferroelectric capacitor structure includes two or more ferroelectric capacitors connected in series with one another between voltage nodes. The series connection of the ferroelectric capacitors reduces the applied voltage across each, enabling the use of rough ferroelectric dielectric material, such as PZT deposited by MOCVD. Matched construction of the series-connected capacitors, as well as uniform polarity of the applied voltage across each, is beneficial in reducing the maximum voltage across any one of the capacitors, reducing the vulnerability to dielectric breakdown. |
| US09070573B2 |
Light-emitting systems
A light-emitting system comprises: a first power input terminal and a second power input terminal; an insulating substrate; a first light-emitting-diode string formed on the insulating substrate comprising at least three light-emitting diodes placed sequentially in a first direction to allow a current flow through the at least three light-emitting diodes of the first light-emitting-diode string generally in the first direction; a second light-emitting-diode string formed on the insulating substrate comprising at least three light-emitting diodes placed sequentially in a second direction to allow a current flow through the at least three light-emitting diodes of the second light-emitting-diode string generally in the second direction; a third light-emitting-diode string comprising at least three light-emitting diodes placed sequentially in a third direction to allow a current flow through the at least three light-emitting diodes of the third light-emitting-diode string generally in the third direction. |
| US09070572B2 |
Memory module and memory system
A memory module is provided which includes a printed circuit board; first semiconductor packages provided on one surface of the printed circuit board; and second semiconductor packages provided on the other surface of the printed circuit board, the first semiconductor packages and the second semiconductor packages having semiconductor dies that form ranks. A number of the ranks formed by the first semiconductor packages being different from a number of the ranks formed by the second semiconductor packages. Semiconductor packages forming a same one of the ranks receive a chip selection signal in common and semiconductor packages forming other ranks receive a different chip selection signal. |
| US09070571B2 |
Power switching module with reduced oscillation
A power switching module includes a three-terminal power semiconductor device designed for a rated current and a freewheeling unit. The freewheeling unit includes a pn-diode integrated in a first semiconductor material having a first band-gap, and a Schottky-diode integrated in a second semiconductor material having a second band-gap that is larger than the first band-gap. The Schottky-diode is electrically connected in parallel to the pn-diode. |
| US09070564B2 |
Semiconductor device having mixedly mounted components with common film layers and method of manufacturing the same
A metal gate electrode and a poly-silicon resistance element are mixedly mounted in the same semiconductor substrate. The metal gate electrode is formed on a first gate insulating film and includes a first gate metal film and a first gate silicon film. The poly-silicon resistance element includes a silicon film pattern formed on a laminated pattern which includes a first laminate insulating film, a first laminate metal film, and a second laminate insulating film. The first laminate insulating film and the first gate insulating film are formed from a common insulating film; the first laminate metal film and the first gate metal film are formed from a common metal film, and the silicon firm pattern and the first gate silicon film are formed from a common silicon film. In a planar view, a footprint of the silicon film pattern is included within the second laminate insulating film. |
| US09070563B2 |
Power storage device
A semiconductor device comprises a thin film transistor provided over a substrate having an insulating surface, and an electrode penetrating the substrate. The thin film transistor is provided between a first structural body and a second structural body, which has a higher rigidity than the first structural body, which serve as protectors because the structural bodies have resistance to a pressing force such as a tip of a pen or bending stress applied from outside so malfunction due to the pressing force and the bending stress can be prevented. |
| US09070558B2 |
Bundled memory and manufacture method for a bundled memory with an external input/output bus
A bundled memory includes a substrate, a first memory die, a second memory die, a scribe line, and an electrical connection. The first memory die has a first input/output bus, and the second memory die has a second input/output bus, where the first memory die and the second memory die are formed over the substrate. The scribe line is formed between the first memory die and the second memory die. The electrical connection is formed over the scribe line for electrically connecting to the first input/output bus and the second input/output bus, where the electrical connection is electrically connected to an external input/output bus, where a size of the external input/output bus of the bundled memory is larger than or equal to a size of the first input/output bus and a size of the second input/output bus. |
| US09070555B2 |
Method for depositing a chlorine-free conformal sin film
Described are methods of making silicon nitride (SiN) materials on substrates. Improved SiN films made by the methods are also included. One aspect relates to depositing chlorine (Cl)-free conformal SiN films. In some embodiments, the SiN films are Cl-free and carbon (C)-free. Another aspect relates to methods of tuning the stress and/or wet etch rate of conformal SiN films. Another aspect relates to low-temperature methods of depositing high quality conformal SiN films. In some embodiments, the methods involve using trisilylamine (TSA) as a silicon-containing precursor. |
| US09070554B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, substrate processing apparatus, and recording medium
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes supplying a precursor gas to a substrate; supplying a reaction gas to a plasma generation region; supplying high frequency power to the plasma generation region; and generating plasma of the reaction gas by adjusting a pressure of the plasma generation region to a first pressure before the reaction gas is supplied and adjusting the pressure of the plasma generation region to a second pressure lower than the first pressure while the reaction gas and the high frequency power are supplied. |
| US09070551B2 |
Method and apparatus for a diffusion bridged cell library
A library of cells for designing an integrated circuit, the library comprises continuous diffusion compatible (CDC) cells. A CDC cell includes a p-doped diffusion region electrically connected to a supply rail and continuous from the left edge to the right edge of the CDC cell; a first polysilicon gate disposed above the p-doped diffusion region and electrically connected to the p-doped diffusion region; an n-doped diffusion region electrically connected to a ground rail and continuous from the left edge to the right edge; a second polysilicon gate disposed above the n-doped diffusion region and electrically connected to the n-doped diffusion region; a left floating polysilicon gate disposed over the p-doped and n-doped diffusion regions and proximal to the left edge; and a right floating polysilicon gate disposed over the p-doped and n-doped diffusion regions and proximal to the right edge. |
| US09070550B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a transistor formed by dividing into a first and a second areas, a source electrode pad connected with a first source region formed in the first area and a second source region formed in the second area, a drain electrode pad connected with a first drain region formed in the first area and a second drain region formed in the second area and a connection line to connect a first gate line and a second gate line, where the connection line being provided in a same layer as the first gate line formed in the first area and the second gate line formed in the second area. A wiring for connecting between nodes of another circuit can be provided over the layer having the connection line provided therein and thus the size of a circuit chip can be reduced. |
| US09070547B2 |
Composite substrate and method for manufacturing composite substrate
A metal film is formed on at least a surface of a second substrate composed of ceramic (step c), and a first substrate composed of a group nitride is bonded to the second substrate through the metal film (step d). Since the metal film generally has higher thermal conductivity than oxide films, a composite substrate having high heat dissipation can be produced as compared with a case where the first substrate is bonded to the second substrate through an oxide film. In addition, a step of out diffusion is not required because of nonuse of an oxide film, thereby simplifying the process. |
| US09070540B2 |
Mass spectrometer
An ion-ion reaction cell is provided comprising a plurality of electrodes forming an ion guide. A transient DC voltage wave is applied to the electrodes in order to load reagent anions into the ion guide. Analyte cations are then subsequently transmitted through the ion-ion reaction cell by a subsequent transient DC voltage wave. Ion are arranged to undergo ion-ion reactions within the reaction cell and the resulting fragment ions which are formed within the reaction cell are then subsequently translated out of the reaction cell by means of a transient DC voltage wave. |
| US09070538B2 |
Pinched plasma bridge flood gun for substrate charge neutralization
A plasma flood gun for an ion implantation system includes an insulating block portion and first and second conductive block portions disposed on opposite sides of the insulating block portion. Conductive straps can be coupled between the first and second conductive block portions. The conductive block portions and the central body portion include recesses which form a closed loop plasma chamber. A power source is coupled to the conductive block portions for inductively coupling radio frequency electrical power into the closed loop plasma chamber to excite the gaseous substance to generate a plasma. The respective recess in the second conductive block portion includes a pinch region having a cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than a cross-sectional area of portion of the closed loop plasma chamber directly adjacent the pinch region. The pinch region can be positioned immediately adjacent an outlet portion formed in the second conductive block portion. |
| US09070537B2 |
High-frequency power supply device and reflected wave power control method
In an RF power supply for supplying RF power to a plasma load, reflected wave power control is performed in which the reflected wave power of an RF generator is detected and the RF generator is controlled. For a short-time variation in reflected wave power, control is performed based on a peak value variation in the detection value of reflected wave power. For a long-time variation in reflected wave power, control is performed based on a variation in a smoothed value obtained by smoothing detection values of reflected wave power. A reflected wave power control loop system includes a reflected wave power peak value dropping loop system and an arc blocking system that perform control based on a peak variation in reflected wave power and a reflected wave power amount dropping loop system that performs control based on a smoothed power amount of reflected wave power. |
| US09070528B2 |
X-ray generator and X-ray photographing apparatus
An X-ray generator and an X-ray photographing apparatus including the X-ray generator generate characteristic X-rays. The X-ray generator includes an electron beam emission unit that emits electron beams; an electron beam guide unit, in which the electron beam emission unit is disposed, for condensing the electron beams and causing the electron beams to travel in a predetermined direction; and a target unit disposed to face the electron beam guide unit, and discharging X-rays when the electron beams collide with the target unit. |
| US09070527B2 |
Electron gun and electron beam device
An electron gun cathode (104) is column shaped, and emits electrons by being heated. A holder (103), which covers the bottom and sides of the electron gun cathode, has electrical conductivity and holds the electron gun cathode, and is composed of a material that does not easily react with the electron gun cathode when in a heated state, is provided. The tip of the electron gun cathode (104) protrudes from the holder (103) so as to be exposed, and electrons are emitted from the tip toward the front by applying an electric field to the tip. |
| US09070522B2 |
Smart wall plate and modular jacks for secure network access and/or VLAN configuration
One embodiment is directed to an apparatus comprising one or more front connectors, wherein each front connector comprises a respective interface configured to read a storage device associated with a connector that is adapted to be connected to the front connector. The apparatus further comprises one or more rear connection points and one or more switches. The apparatus is configured to automatically configure the apparatus at least in part based on information read from the storage device. |
| US09070518B2 |
Starter system
Some embodiments of the invention provide a starter system including a starter, capable of being in communication with an electronic control unit. The starter can include a motor coupled to a circuit and a pinion including a plunger, and a plurality of solenoid assemblies including a plurality of biasing members. The plurality of solenoid assemblies can include at least one solenoid winding capable of moving the plunger, and at least one solenoid assembly capable of holding the plunger, and at least one solenoid assembly capable of controlling current flow to the motor. Some embodiments include a first switch coupled to the circuit that is capable of being activated by the plunger to control current flowing to at least a portion of the circuit. Some embodiments include at least two power isolation switches capable of controlling a current flow within the circuit. |
| US09070516B2 |
Electric double-layer capacitor
An electric double-layer capacitor, which provides enhanced heat release-ability with a simple configuration ensuring vibration resistance and impact resistance and to improve durability in a severe marginal environment, is provided. The electric double-layer capacitor includes capacitor cells; a pair of end plates, respectively disposed on both sides of a plurality of parallelly arranged capacitor cells; a metallic case for housing the end plates, a plurality of capacitor cells; and an insulating resin, filling the interior of the metallic case to cover the end plates, a plurality of capacitor cells and lead terminals, wherein the electric double-layer capacitor further includes an external connecting terminal having two end sections, one of the end sections being disposed in the end plate within the insulating resin, and wherein the lead terminal of the capacitor cell disposed adjacent to the end plate is configured to be connected to the one of the end sections of the external connecting terminal. |
| US09070510B2 |
Frequency tuning and step control of a digitally controlled oscillator
A variable leaf capacitor is disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a variable leaf capacitor may comprise a first alternating current coupling capacitor having a first terminal coupled to a first differential node and a second terminal coupled to a first common-mode node, a second alternating current coupling capacitor having a first terminal coupled to a second differential node and a second terminal coupled to a second common-mode node, and a varactor having a bias terminal, a first common-mode terminal coupled to the first common-mode node, and a second common-mode terminal coupled to the second common-mode node, wherein the capacitance of the varactor is based on the voltage from the first common-mode terminal of the varactor to the bias terminal of the varactor and on the voltage from the second common-mode terminal of the varactor to the bias terminal of the varactor. |
| US09070505B2 |
Coil apparatus and non-contact power transmission apparatus
A coil apparatus and a non-contact power transmission apparatus having improved power transmission efficiency are provided.A power transmission side coil apparatus comprises: an excitation coil (second winding section) which transmits AC power supplied from a power source to a transmission coil; a resonance circuit (first resonance circuit) which is formed by a capacitor (first capacitance element) and a transmission coil (first winding section) which is connected to this capacitor and which transmits AC power from the excitation coil to a power receive side coil apparatus; and a resonance circuit (second resonance circuit) which is formed by a variable capacitor (second capacitance element) and a control coil (third winding section) which is connected to this variable capacitor and which resonates with the transmission coil. |
| US09070501B2 |
Electromagnet device, method of assembling the same, and electromagnetic relay using the same
The present invention provides an electromagnet device which can obtain a desirable attraction force (retention force) between an iron core and a movable iron piece, a method of assembling the electromagnet device and an electromagnetic relay using the electromagnet device, the electromagnet device including an electromagnet block having the iron core being wound by a coil and an auxiliary yoke fixed to one end portion of the iron core, a yoke connected to the one end portion of the iron core via a permanent magnet, the movable iron piece pivotably supported on a pivoting shaft center (serving as a fulcrum) located in an end face edge portion of the yoke so that the movable iron piece pivots on a basis of magnetization and demagnetization of the electromagnet block, where the permanent magnet is located on an extension line of an axial center of the iron core and is interposed between the auxiliary yoke and the yoke. |
| US09070494B2 |
Fixation structure of superconducting cable and fixation structure of superconducting cable line
A fixation structure for fixing a superconducting cable including a cable core and a thermal insulation tube. The fixation structure includes a fixation box connected to the thermal insulation tube, including a hollow thermal insulation structure, and through which the cable core is passed, a fixation body for fixing the cable core on the inner wall of the fixation box, and a diameter-expanded reinforcement layer that is an electrical insulation layer that has a diameter decreasing toward both ends and is formed on the cable core. A refrigerant flows through the inside of the inner wall of the fixation box. The cable core is fixed on the inner wall with the fixation body through the diameter-expanded reinforcement layer. The structure implements a simple and low-cost fixation structure appropriate for an electric field design. |
| US09070493B2 |
Wire structure and method for designing the same
A wire structure defined between a first plane and a second plane is provided. The first plane and the second plane are parallel to each other. The wire structure includes a main body and at least three convex portions. The main body has a center defined by its centroid and a periphery defined by the perimeter of the main body. The convex portions protrude from and are adjacently arranged around the periphery. At least one convex portion is tangent to the first plane, and at least two convex portions are tangent to the second plane. The number of the at least one convex portion tangent to the first plane is not equal to the number of the at least two convex portions tangent to the second plane. |
| US09070491B2 |
Polymer nanocomposites for electronic applications
Disclosed herein are nanocomposite materials, devices thereof and methods thereof with a dielectric constant and corona resistance while having an increased or substantially maintained energy density, breakdown strength and/or dissipation factor relative to the polymer. |
| US09070490B2 |
Flat cable and electronic apparatus
A transmission line portion of a flat cable that is bent at a position along the longitudinal direction includes a dielectric element body, a first ground conductor, and a second ground conductor. The dielectric element body includes a signal conductor at the middle position of the thickness direction. The first ground conductor includes elongated conductors and bridge conductors. The elongated conductors are spaced in the width direction of the dielectric element body, and extend in the longitudinal direction. The bridge conductors connect the elongated conductors at spacings along the longitudinal direction. The spacing of bridge conductors across the bending point in a bent portion is smaller than the spacing of adjacent bridge conductors located in a straight portion. |
| US09070486B2 |
Radiation shielding cockpit carrying an articulated robotic arm
A radiation shielded cockpit comprises a radiation blocking material which creates a semi-enclosed work space and which is provided with a structure for receiving and supporting an articulated robot arm and an articulated robot arm that engages the supporting structure in a readily removable manner. |
| US09070483B2 |
Encoding and decoding redundant bits to accommodate memory cells having stuck-at faults
A data storage system has a memory circuit that comprises memory cells and a control circuit that receives data bits provided for storage in the memory cells. The control circuit encodes the data bits to generate a first set of redundant bits and encoded data bits, such that the encoded data bits selected for storage in a first subset of the memory cells with first stuck-at faults have digital values of corresponding ones of the first stuck-at faults. The control circuit encodes the first set of redundant bits to generate a second set of redundant bits. The control circuit performs logic functions on the second set of redundant bits and the encoded data bits to generate a third set of redundant bits, such that redundant bits in the third set of redundant bits selected for storage in a second subset of the memory cells with second stuck-at faults have digital values of corresponding ones of the second stuck-at faults. |
| US09070482B2 |
Multi-chip package semiconductor memory device
An MCP type semiconductor memory device having a defective cell remedy function, enables easy design and manufacture while minimizing chip area increase. The semiconductor memory device includes memory chips and a memory controller chip that designates an address of a memory chip according to an access request received from outside and controls access to the designated address. Each memory chip includes first and second storage regions and an information holder that holds address information representing associations between addresses in the first and second storage regions. The memory controller chip includes an address translating part that performs, upon receiving a request to access a specific address in the first storage region indicated by the address information, address designation by translating the specific address in the first storage region to an address in the second storage region corresponding to the specific address based on the associations represented by the address information. |
| US09070479B2 |
Systems and methods of updating read voltages
A method includes, in a data storage device that includes a non-volatile memory, reading data from the non-volatile memory using a first read voltage. The method includes determining a first count of errors in the data having a first error type and a second count of errors in the data having a second error type. A value of the first read voltage is selectively updated based on a comparison of the first count to the second count. |
| US09070478B2 |
Variable resistive memory device and method of fabricating the same
A variable resistive memory device includes an array of a plurality of memory cells. Each of the plurality of memory cells includes first and second electrodes, and an SbmSen material layer (where m and n are positive numbers, respectively) interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The SbmSen material layer includes a separation structure in which a plurality of Sb atoms are in contact with a plurality of Se atoms. |
| US09070475B2 |
Reading soft bits simultaneously
Methods and devices for simultaneously verifying or reading multiple states in non-volatile storage are disclosed. Methods and devices for efficiently reducing or eliminating cross-coupling effects in non-volatile storage are disclosed. Methods and devices for efficiently performing reads at a number of voltages to search for the threshold voltage of a memory cell are disclosed. Memory cells on different NAND strings that are read at the same time may be tested for different threshold voltage levels. Memory cells may be tested for different threshold voltages by applying different gate-to-source voltages to memory cells being tested for different threshold voltages. Memory cells may be tested for different threshold voltages by applying different drain to source voltages to the memory cells. Different amounts of compensation for cross-coupling affects may be applied to memory cells on different NAND strings that are read or programmed at the same time. A binary search may be performed. |
| US09070469B2 |
Digital filters with memory
A memory device that, in certain embodiments, includes a memory element coupled to a bit-line and a quantizing circuit coupled to the memory element via the bit-line. In some embodiments, the quantizing circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter having an input and output and a digital filter that includes memory. The input of the analog-to-digital converter may be coupled to the bit-line, and the output of the analog-to-digital converter may be coupled to the digital filter. |
| US09070466B2 |
Mismatch error reduction method and system for STT MRAM
The invention relates to methods and systems for reading a memory cell and in particular, an STT MRAM. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method for reading a memory cell includes combining a cell current from a memory cell with a reference current from a reference source to create an average current, enabling the average current to flow through a first mirror transistor in a sense path and a second mirror transistor in a reference path, storing the current mismatch on a capacitor coupled to the gates of the first mirror transistor and the second mirror transistor, disconnecting the memory cell from the reference path and disconnecting the reference source from the sense path, enabling the cell current only to flow through the sense path, and determining the output level of the memory cell. |
| US09070464B2 |
Magnetic random access memory (MRAM) with enhanced magnetic stiffness and method of making same
A spin transfer torque magnetic random access memory (STTMRAM) element and a method of manufacturing the same is disclosed having a free sub-layer structure with enhanced internal stiffness. A first free sub-layer is deposited, the first free sub-layer being made partially of boron (B), annealing is performed of the STTMRAM element at a first temperature after depositing the first free sub-layer to reduce the B content at an interface between the first free sub-layer and the barrier layer, the annealing causing a second free sub-layer to be formed on top of the first free sub-layer and being made partially of B, the amount of B of the second free sub-layer being greater than the amount of B in the first free sub-layer. Cooling down the STTMRAM element to a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature and depositing a third free sub-layer directly on top of the second free layer, with the third free sub-layer being made partially of boron (B), wherein the amount of B in the third sub-free layer is less than the amount of B in the second free sub-layer. |
| US09070463B2 |
Flash memory module for realizing high reliability
A flash memory module may include a plurality of flash memory chips. The memory chips may include one or more blocks. Each block may be a unit of erasing data. A flash controller may be coupled to the plurality of flash memory chips. The flash controller may program data to block and erase data from a block. The flash controller may manage a recent programming time for each of the plurality of blocks. The flash controller may erase data stored in a block for which an elapsed programming time is larger than a first value. |
| US09070461B2 |
NAND flash memory having multiple cell substrates
A NAND flash memory bank having a plurality of bitlines of a memory array connected to a page buffer, where NAND cell strings connected to the same bitline are formed in at least two well sectors. At least one well sector can be selectively coupled to an erase voltage during an erase operation, such that unselected well sectors are inhibited from receiving the erase voltage. When the area of the well sectors decrease, a corresponding decrease in the capacitance of each well sector results. Accordingly, higher speed erasing of the NAND flash memory cells relative to a single well memory bank is obtained when the charge pump circuit drive capacity remains unchanged. Alternately, a constant erase speed corresponding to a single well memory bank is obtained by matching a well segment having a specific area to a charge pump with reduced drive capacity. A reduced drive capacity charge pump will occupy less semiconductor chip area, thereby reducing cost. |
| US09070449B2 |
Defective block management
In a flash memory, erase blocks containing shorted or broken word lines may be used, at least in part, to store user data. Such blocks may use different parameters to those used by non-defective blocks, may be subject to different wear leveling, and may store data selected to reduce the number of access operations. |
| US09070448B2 |
Methods of forming fine patterns in semiconductor devices
Methods of forming a semiconductor device may include providing a feature layer having a first region and a second region. The methods may also include forming a dual mask layer on the feature layer. The methods may further include forming a variable mask layer on the dual mask layer. The methods may additionally include forming a first structure on the feature layer in the first region and a second structure on the feature layer in the second region by patterning the variable mask layer and the dual mask layer. The methods may also include forming a first spacer on a sidewall of the first structure and a second spacer on a sidewall of the second structure. The methods may further include removing the first structure while maintaining at least a portion of the second structure. |
| US09070446B1 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes first memory strings coupled between a first common source line formed on a substrate and bit lines formed over the first common source line, and second memory strings coupled between the bit lines and a second common source line formed over the bit lines, wherein each of the bit lines includes a stacked structure of a conductive layer and a silicon layer formed on the conductive layer. |
| US09070439B2 |
Electronic device with a programmable resistive element and a method for blocking a device
One or more embodiments relate to an electronic device comprising a circuitry and a programmable resistive element. The programmable resistive element comprises a first and a second state, wherein the programmable resistive element is configured to allow switching from the second state into the first state in response to a signal comprising at least a predefined level. The circuitry is configured to provide signals up the predefined level, wherein the circuitry is configured to provide a switch signal to the programmable resistive element, wherein the switch signal causes switching from the first into the second state. |
| US09070437B2 |
Circuit and system of using junction diode as program selector for one-time programmable devices with heat sink
Junction diodes fabricated in standard CMOS logic processes can be used as program selectors with at least one heat sink or heater to assist programming for One-Time Programmable (OTP) devices, such as electrical fuse, contact/via fuse, contact/via anti-fuse, or gate-oxide breakdown anti-fuse, etc. The heat sink can be at least one thin oxide area, extended OTP element area, or other conductors coupled to the OTP element to assist programming. A heater can be at least one high resistance area such as an unsilicided polysilicon, unsilicided active region, contact, via, or combined in serial, or interconnect to generate heat to assist programming. The OTP device has at least one OTP element coupled to at least one diode in a memory cell. The diode can be constructed by P+ and N+ active regions in a CMOS N well, or on an isolated active region as the P and N terminals of the diode. The isolation between P+ and the N+ active regions of the diode in a cell or between cells can be provided by dummy MOS gate, SBL, or STI/LOCOS isolations. The OTP element can be polysilicon, silicided polysilicon, silicide, polymetal, metal, metal alloy, local interconnect, metal-0, thermally isolated active region, CMOS gate, or combination thereof. |
| US09070430B2 |
Data sampling devices
Designs of a sampling controller working with memory chips are described. The designs enable a memory chip to work in high frequency clocks, resulting in high data throughput rate. A data sampling device includes a memory chip and a sampling controller. The sampling controller includes an asynchronous data memory. A data writing port of the asynchronous data memory receives a clock signal and employs the clock signal as a writing clock to store the sampling data into an internal memory and activate a data reading port thereof to read and output the sampling data. |
| US09070428B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes first and second bank groups coupled to first and second data lines which are electrically isolated from each other. The semiconductor device includes a register unit suitable for providing predetermined data to the second data line in a specific mode, a data transfer and output unit suitable for externally outputting the predetermined data loaded onto the second data line and simultaneously transferring the predetermined data to the first data line in the specific mode, and a data output unit suitable for externally outputting the predetermined data loaded onto the first data line in the specific mode. |
| US09070427B2 |
Data coding using divisions of memory cell states
Data storage devices and methods to encode and decode data using divisions of memory cell states are disclosed. A method includes dividing data bits into disjoint multiple groups of data bits and storing the data bits into a plurality of memory cells. The storing is done by setting each of the plurality of memory cells to a corresponding state selected from at least three ordered states. For each of the multiple groups of data bits, when a request is received for reading a particular group of the data bits, the request is serviced by selecting a disjoint division of the at least three ordered states of the memory cells into a first set of states and a second set of states. Each of the states in the first set of states has a higher position than any of the states in the second set of states according to the order of the states. For each cell of the plurality of memory cells, a determination is made whether the cell is in the first set of states or the second set of states. Based on the determination, the particular group of the data bits is generated in response to the request for reading the particular group of the data bits without use of additional data that depends upon a state of one of the memory cells. |
| US09070426B2 |
Semiconductor memory device capable of setting an internal state of a NAND flash memory in response to a set feature command
A semiconductor memory device according to an embodiment is provided with a plurality of first latch circuits that latch setting-data at different timings, a plurality of hold circuits provided corresponding to the respective plurality of first latch circuits, each holding data latched by the corresponding first latch circuit, and an address decoder that decodes an address that specifies a destination to hold data. Each of the plurality of hold circuits has one or more holding parts that hold data latched by the corresponding first latch circuit based on a decode signal decoded by the address decoder. |
| US09070424B2 |
Sense amplifier circuitry for resistive type memory
Example embodiments include a resistive type memory sense amplifier circuit including differential output terminals, first and second input terminals, a pre-charge section, and other components arranged so that current is re-used during at least a “set” or “amplification” stage of the sense amplifier circuit, thereby reducing overall current consumption of the circuit, and improving noise immunity. A voltage level of a high-impedance output terminal is caused to swing in response to a delta average current between a reference line current and a bit line current. During a “go” or “latch” stage of operation, a logical value “0” or “1” is latched at the differential output terminals based on positive feedback of a latch circuit. Also disclosed is a current mirror circuit, which can be used in conjunction with the disclosed sense amplifier circuit. In yet another embodiment, a sense amplifier circuit includes the capability of read/re-write operation. |
| US09070418B2 |
Cutting jig for reworking head suspension
A cutting jig cuts bonding material of a terminal joint between a magnetic head's slider and a flexure's wiring terminal. A base of the jig receives the slider. A blade moves along the base and faces a front side wall of the slider in a moving direction. An upright portion of the jig is formed on the base and has a stop face that faces a rear side wall of the slider in the moving direction. The blade moves toward the slider to come into contact with the bonding material, and is pressed to the front side wall of the slider. The bonding material is interposed in the moving direction while the rear side wall of the slider is brought into contact with and is stopped by the stop face when the slider is set on the base and the bonding material is cut. |
| US09070417B1 |
Magnetic disk device and method for executing write command
According to one embodiment, a controller of a magnetic disk device starts to receive first data specified in a first write command from a host, and starts to write the first data to a disk in accordance with the first write command. The controller reports a status for execution of the first write command to the host depending on whether or not a second capacity of data not yet written to the disk is less than or equal to a first capacity of a first free space in a nonvolatile cache. The first free space is available to save data during a first period when a backup power supply enables power to be supplied. The second capacity decreases as writing of the first data to the disk progresses. |
| US09070414B2 |
Playback apparatus, playback method, program, recording medium, and data structure
The present invention relates to a playback apparatus, a playback method, a program, a recording medium, and a data structure that enable interactive operations when playing back AV content. A controller 34 obtains an order list of audio stream numbers in advance. In response to an instruction to switch audio by a user, the controller obtains the audio stream number subsequent to the audio stream number which is being played back. It is then checked whether a stream that is found to be playable by the playback apparatus is included in a main clip or a sub clip, and the main clip referred to by the Main Path is read together with the clip in which the corresponding audio stream is multiplexed. Then, the audio stream file of the corresponding clip and the file to be played back included in the main clip are selected by the switches 57 through 59, and 77. The selected files are combined by a video data processor 96 and an audio data processor 97, and the combined data is output. The present invention is applicable to playback apparatuses. |
| US09070400B2 |
Method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium
A method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium includes providing a substrate that is a magnetic recording medium substrate having a disc shape, having two main surfaces, and having defined therein a center hole; holding the center hole of the substrate from both main surfaces with two holding members that each have a disc shape to hold the substrate and to cover at least the periphery of the center hole adjacent to the two main surfaces of the substrate; and applying resist liquid simultaneously to both main surfaces of the substrate using spin coating to form a resist layer simultaneously on both main surfaces while maintaining the periphery of the center hole immediately adjacent to the two main surfaces of the substrate resist-free as an unapplied portion. The method enables efficient formation of uniform resist layers without defects on both faces of the substrate. |
| US09070399B2 |
Polishing liquid composition for magnetic-disk substrate
There is provided a polishing composition for a magnetic disk substrate that can reduce scratches, nanoprotrusion defects, and substrate surface waviness after polishing. The polishing composition for a magnetic disk substrate that contains: a copolymer that has a constituent unit derived from a monomer having a solubility of 2 g or less in 100 g of water at 20° C. and a constituent unit having a sulfonic acid group, and has a saturated hydrocarbon chain as the main chain thereof, or a salt of the copolymer; an abrasive; and water. |
| US09070398B2 |
Magnetic recording medium, magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus, magnetic recording method and magnetic reproducing method
Provided is a magnetic recording medium including a structure in which at least a soft magnetic underlayer, a non-magnetic intermediate layer, and a magnetic recording layer are sequentially laminated on a non-magnetic substrate, wherein the magnetic recording layer includes a first magnetic layer, a non-magnetic layer, and a second magnetic layer in order from the non-magnetic substrate side, has a structure in which the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer are magnetically separated from each other with the non-magnetic layer interposed therebetween, and consists of a plurality of patterns which are magnetically separated from each other, and the coercive force Hc of the second magnetic layer is larger than that of the first magnetic layer, and the coercive force Hc of the second magnetic layer is smaller than that of the first magnetic layer temporarily when the second magnetic layer is heated. |
| US09070397B1 |
Write current and media heater control for heat or microwave assisted magnetic recording
A data storage device and method for improved flying height control (TFC) in a HAMR or MAMR system employing three heat sources to control the head protrusion: write coil current, TFC heater current, and media exciter power. The TFC heater is used to pre-heat the write head. The media exciter may be operated at a either a zero level or a low level below that required for the HAMR or MAMR process, optionally serving as an additional source of heat to the write head. The HAMR or MAMR data writing process commences only after the head protrusion has been increased and stabilized. During data writing, the media exciter power is increased to the higher level required to heat the disk medium in an HAMR or MAMR process and the TFC heater power is slightly reduced to maintain the total heat into the head approximately constant. |
| US09070392B1 |
Piezoelectric disk drive suspension motors having plated stiffeners
Various embodiments concern a gimbaled flexure having a dual stage actuation structure. The flexure comprises a gimbal on which a motor is mounted. The motor comprises a first terminal, one or more layers of piezoelectric material, and a metal stiffener disposed directly on the first terminal. The stiffener comprises a layer of metal defining a majority of a top side of the motor. The first terminal can be gold sputtered on the piezoelectric material while the stiffener can be nickel plated on the gold. The stiffener can cause the motor, and the flexure on which it is mounted, to curl upon electrical activation of the motor. |
| US09070390B2 |
Modified areal densities for degraded storage device read heads
Systems, methods, and firmware for operating data storage devices and storage processors are provided herein. In one example, a data storage device is provided. The data storage device includes magnetic storage media configured to store data, read heads configured to read data from the magnetic storage media at associated areal densities, and a storage processor. The storage processor is configured to monitor read error rates of the read heads during operation of the data storage device to identify a degraded one of the read heads, and process at least the read error rates and an areal density of the degraded one of the read heads to modify the areal density of at least the degraded one of the read heads. |
| US09070389B2 |
Magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus
According to an embodiment, a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus includes a recording medium and a reproducing head. The recording medium includes a concentric circular plurality of tracks. The reproducing head includes a spin torque oscillator and reproduces information from the recording medium using the spin torque oscillator, the spin torque oscillator including an oscillation layer with a first cross-track direction width, a polarizer layer with a second cross-track direction width, and a spacer layer provided between the oscillation layer and the polarizer layer. The first cross-track direction width is larger than double the second cross-track direction width, and the second cross-track direction width is smaller than an inter-track distance. |
| US09070388B2 |
Plasma processing method
In a plasma processing method of dry-etching of a magnetic film having a thickness of 200 nm to 500 nm, a plasma processing method of dry-etching of a sample having the magnetic film on which a multilayered film including a resist film, an non-organic film underlying the resist film, a Cr film underlying the non-organic film, and an Al2O3 film underlying the Cr film. |
| US09070385B2 |
Solid immersion mirror with fill material between inner and outer sidewalls
An apparatus includes a solid immersion mirror with opposing, reflective, inner sidewalls having inner surfaces facing a focal region and outer surfaces opposite the inner surfaces. The solid immersion mirror also include opposing outer sidewalls spaced apart from and facing the outer surfaces of the inner sidewalls, and a fill material between the inner sidewalls and outer sidewalls. The apparatus also includes a near-field transducer located in the focal region proximate a media-facing surface. |
| US09070381B1 |
Magnetic recording read transducer having a laminated free layer
A method and system provide a magnetic transducer including a first shield, a read sensor, and a second shield. The read sensor is between the first shield and the second shield. The read sensor has a free layer including a plurality of ferromagnetic layers interleaved with and sandwiching at least one additional layer. Each of the ferromagnetic layers includes at least one of Fe, Co and B and has a first corrosion resistance. The additional layer(s) have a second corrosion resistance greater than the first corrosion resistance. |
| US09070380B2 |
Objective lens driving apparatus, optical pickup
High-performance and reliable objective lens driving apparatus and optical pickup wherein the tilt of an objective lens relative to an optical disc is suppressed are provided. The optical pickup is equipped with a semiconductor laser, an electro-optic component, and the objective lens driving apparatus. In this optical pickup, the objective lens driving apparatus is comprised of: a moving part including an objective lens, a holder that holds the objective lens, a focusing coil, and a tracking coil; a holding member for elastic support members that couples together multiple elastic support members providing elastic support on a fixed part and the moving part and is mounted on the moving part; the elastic support members that elastically support the moving part from the fixed part; and the fixed part. The holding member for elastic support members mounted on the moving part and the holder that holds the objective lens are joined together by fitting together a concavity and a convexity. |
| US09070377B1 |
Cooling periods used during the writing of bit boundaries to a magnetic recording media
Polarity transitions of a write signal applied to a write coil correspond to first bit boundaries written to a magnetic recording media. A heat signal is applied to heat the magnetic recording media via a heat source while bits are being written. The heat signal includes negative pulses that de-energize the heat source during cooling periods corresponding to the writing of the first bit boundaries. The negative pulses are offset from the polarity transitions by a predetermined time. |
| US09070376B2 |
Method for evaluating information reproduction performance, information reproduction device, and information recording medium
A method for evaluating a reproduction performance which reproduces a specific pattern recording signal to measure a reproduced signal noise, and calculates an evaluated value of a reproduction performance on the basis of a frequency characteristic of the measured reproduced signal noise. |
| US09070374B2 |
Communication apparatus and condition notification method for notifying a used condition of communication apparatus by using a light-emitting device attached to communication apparatus
The used condition of a simplex communication apparatus is notified with a light-emitting device attached to the communication apparatus. It is determined whether a communication mode of the simplex communication apparatus is a transmission mode or a standby mode. A sound pick-up state of a sound carried by a speech signal to be transmitted is determined if the communication mode is the transmission mode. The light-emitting device is controlled so that it is turned off, turned on or repeatedly turned on and off based on determination results of the communication-mode determination and the sound pick-up state determination. |
| US09070373B2 |
Decoding device, encoding device, decoding method, and encoding method
A decoding device to decode a main signal code obtained by encoding low-frequency components of an original signal and to output a lowband main signal for output of a main signal, includes: a processor; and a memory which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute, decoding auxiliary information code obtained by encoding auxiliary information, the auxiliary information being for generating, from the lowband main signal, a highband main signal corresponding to high-frequency components of the original signal; decoding residual code obtained by encoding low-frequency components of a residual signal indicating error components produced by encoding of the original signal, and thereby output a lowband residual signal; generating a highband residual signal indicating high-frequency components of the residual signal, based on the lowband residual signal output by the residual decoder and the output auxiliary information; generating an output signal. |
| US09070370B2 |
Technique for suppressing particular audio component
A coefficient train processing section, which sequentially generates per unit segment a processing coefficient train for suppressing a target component of an audio signal, includes a basic coefficient train generation section and coefficient train processing section. The basic coefficient train generation section generates a basic coefficient train where basic coefficient values corresponding to frequencies within a particular frequency band range are each set at a suppression value that suppresses the audio signal while coefficient values corresponding to frequencies outside the particular frequency band range are each set at a pass value that maintains the audio signal. The coefficient train processing section generates the processing coefficient train, per unit segment, by changing, to the pass value, each of the coefficient values corresponding to frequencies other than the target component among the coefficient values corresponding to the frequencies within the particular frequency band range. |
| US09070365B2 |
Training and applying prosody models
Techniques for training and applying prosody models for speech synthesis are provided. A speech recognition engine processes audible speech to produce text annotated with prosody information. A prosody model is trained with this annotated text. After initial training, the model is applied during speech synthesis to generate speech with non-standard prosody from input text. Multiple prosody models can be used to represent different prosody styles. |
| US09070363B2 |
Speech translation with back-channeling cues
A field maintainable class-based translation system and apparatus with components that ease use by linguistically untrained users is disclosed. The apparatus includes modules for recovering errors, extending and customizing language coverage and increasing the speed of effective communication. |
| US09070362B2 |
Audio quantization coding and decoding device and method thereof
The present disclosure provides an audio quantization coding and decoding device and a method thereof. In the method, before a quantization coding process is performed on a digital signal, the signal is pre-processed, the digital signal is split into multiple frames based on positive and negative half periods of the signal, and all audio data between two adjacent zero-crossing points belongs to the same positive and negative half periods, so as to have the same sign-bit. A pre-processing module groups the numeric data belonging to the same positive and negative half periods into the same frame. When coding, an audio quantization coding module only needs to record a sign-bit of the frame at a head of the frame, so the sign-bit of each batch of voice data in the frame may be omitted to reduce a data amount or improve a resolution of each batch of voice data. |
| US09070354B2 |
Acoustic wave generator employing fluid injector
To reproduce sound in an extremely compact size, fluid injectors are used that can generate fluid flow sufficient to create a desired acoustic pressure wave, but which fluid flow operates in a manner that is decoupled from the desired acoustic pressure wave. Fluid flow within the fluid injectors needed to generate the desired acoustic pressure wave need not be directly proportional to the frequencies of the desired acoustic pressure wave. The fluid injector has a control input capable of altering fluid flow relative to a received control signal, which is generated by a controller in response to an electrical signal. The fluid injector produces fluid flow outward and inward in response to the control signal, thereby creating an acoustic wave proportional to the electrical signal. The devices herein may employ valves or not. Synthetic jets may also be used. |
| US09070350B2 |
Polyphonic tuner
A musical instrument tuner for string instruments is provided which comprises a signal classifier for determining a signal class of an input signal from a number of monophonic signal classes and a number of polyphonic signal classes, a signal analyzer for determining at least one representation of a pitch frequency of the input signal, and an indicator for displaying an output established on the basis of the signal class and the representation of a pitch frequency. |
| US09070349B1 |
Musical instrument strap
An apparatus for holding a musical instrument has a strap that is secured at a first end to a base of the instrument by magnetism. An opposite second end is secured around a neck of the instrument by any of various ways. If available, an overall length of the strap is adjusted. The first end of the strap is secured to the base of the instrument by the use of one or more magnets disposed on one side of a planar rear surface of the base and by a ferric or steel member disposed on an opposite side of the rear surface. Magnetic attraction pinches and secures the magnets and steel member in position until urged apart. Fabric covering around the magnets and steel member prevent damage. The magnets or, alternately, the steel member are inserted through a sound hole into an interior of the instrument base. |
| US09070344B2 |
Integrating street view with live video data
An approach is provided in which a system retrieves a street view image that depicts a geographical area viewed from a street view perspective. The system identifies a video device depicted in the street view image that provides a live video stream of a real-time viewable area corresponding to at least a portion of the depicted geographical area. In turn, the system generates a composite image that combines the street view image with a viewing area overlay corresponding to the real-time viewable area. |
| US09070343B2 |
Method of driving display panel that prevents TFT characteristic degradation and display apparatus for performing the same
A method for driving a display panel includes generating a plurality of gate signals, providing the plurality of gate signals to a plurality of switching elements connected to a plurality of gate lines, respectively, providing the plurality of gate signals to a monitoring element, and restoring the plurality of switching elements based on an output signal from the monitoring element. |
| US09070339B2 |
Semi-transmissive liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal panel, a reflective pixel electrode and a transmissive pixel electrode in a unit pixel are supplied with an image signal output from a data line drive circuit, the two mutually different scanning signals output from a scanning line drive circuit, and common signals output from a common line drive circuit. The phase of the image signal is set different from that of the common signal. Further, a period during which the two scanning signals are selected is set in one horizontal period, the ending of the selection period for one of the scanning signals is set to a point in time before an electrical potential of the common signal changes, and the ending of the selection period for the other scanning signal is set to a point in time after the electrical potential of the common signal changes. |
| US09070338B2 |
Display device, driving method of the same and electronic device
A display device includes a pixel portion to which a non-inverted video signal is input in a first period and an inverted video signal is input in a second period, and a signal line driver circuit comprising a switch circuit portion for controlling output of the non-inverted video signal and the inverted video signal to the pixel portion. The switch circuit portion is controlled by a first signal serving as a first high power supply potential and a first low power supply potential in the first period and is controlled by a second signal serving as a second high power supply potential and a second low power supply potential in the second period, so that the switch circuit portion controls output of the non-inverted video signal and the inverted video signal to the pixel portion. |
| US09070336B2 |
Liquid crystal display comprising pixel with charge sharing unit and display driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display includes a date line for transmitting a data signal, a first gate line for transmitting a first gate signal, a second gate line for transmitting a second gate signal, a first sub-pixel unit for being written to by a first sub-pixel voltage according to the data signal and the first gate signal, a second sub-pixel unit for being written to by a second sub-pixel voltage according to the data signal and the first gate signal, a third sub-pixel unit for being written to by a third sub-pixel voltage according to the data signal and the first gate signal, and a charge sharing control unit. The charge sharing control unit is utilized for controlling a charge sharing operation over the first and third sub-pixel units according to the second gate signal, thereby adjusting the first and third sub-pixel voltages. |
| US09070334B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a plurality of gate lines, data lines, first external gate tracking lines, and second external gate tracking lines. The first external gate tracking lines are substantially disposed in a border region of a substrate, and electrically connected with corresponding gate lines. The second external gate tracking lines are substantially disposed in the border region of the substrate, and electrically connected with corresponding gate lines. One of the first external gate tracking lines and a corresponding second external gate tracking line at least partially overlap with each other. |
| US09070331B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for driving the same
A liquid crystal display and a method for driving the same, which improve image quality by increasing data line charge speed, are provided. In the display, a preparatory charging controller receives current image data to be provided to m current pixels of an nth horizontal line and a current vertical polarity-reversal control signal for vertically controlling polarities of the current image data, compares current image data with previous data provided to m corresponding previous pixels of an n−1th horizontal line, compares the current control signal with a previous one, and determines a logic value of a preparatory charging control signal based on the comparison. A data driver performs either a first operation for connecting and separating m data lines connected respectively to m current pixels, or a second operation for maintaining the m data lines separated, according to the logic value and provides the current data to the m pixels. |
| US09070330B2 |
Display apparatus with transmissive and reflective subpixels
A display apparatus includes a display section including an array of pixels in a two-dimensional matrix, wherein each of the pixels of the display section includes a pair of a subpixel displaying a first primary color, and a subpixel displaying a second primary color being different from the first primary color. |
| US09070329B2 |
Method for driving the gate lines of a display device to eliminate deterioration
A method for driving a display device in which characteristics of a transistor including an oxide semiconductor can approximately be recovered to characteristics before deterioration is provided. In the method for driving the display device, by which images are displayed with the use of a plurality of frame periods, the display device is driven so that a voltage of 20 V or higher can be applied to a gate of a transistor, which is a driving element, for 1 millisecond or longer in a period, in which any one of scan lines is selected, in each frame period. For a plurality of frame periods, the rows are selected so that a voltage of 20 V or higher is applied to gates of all of the transistors which are driving elements for 1 millisecond or longer, whereby characteristics of the transistor can approximately be recovered to characteristics before deterioration. |
| US09070326B2 |
Backlight unit and method for driving the same
A backlight unit according to one embodiment includes an LED array having a plurality of LEDs; a voltage generating unit for generating a driving voltage to drive the plurality of LEDs in response to a switching signal; an amplifying unit for feeding the driving voltage back and amplifying the fed driving voltage, to output an amplification signal; a stabilizer for stabilizing the amplification signal; a comparator for comparing the amplification signal with a reference waveform to apply the switching signal to the voltage generating unit; a first switching unit for switching a current of the LED array in response to a PWM dimming signal from a timing controller; and a second switching unit for switching the switching signal from the comparator in response to the PWM dimming signal. |
| US09070325B2 |
Reflective area blocking feature for displays
This invention relates to a display device, a method, a computer program and a system including a display device, wherein said display device includes at least one light transmissive area configured to be coupled to a light source in order to be provided with backlight, at least one light reflective area, at least one light transmission control element associated with said at least one light reflective area, wherein said display device is configured to be switched into a reflective blocking state when said at least one light transmissive area is provided with backlight, and wherein in said reflective blocking state said at least one light transmission control element causes light-blocking. |
| US09070320B2 |
Display device and driving method for the same
A display device is disclosed. In one aspect, the display device includes a display panel for displaying an image in at least two separate fields during a frame, a panel driver configured to transmit output data for each field corresponding to the at least two fields and drive the display panel according to each field, and a controller configured to analyze an image pattern corresponding to input data, and generate the output data for each field from the input data according to an analysis result of the pattern, or extract each field data from the input data according to a predetermined data alignment method and generate the output data for each field by using the field data. |
| US09070318B2 |
Display apparatus and a method of driving the same
A display device includes a display panel, a timing controller, a data driver, a gate driver and a backlight unit. The gate driver sequentially outputs gate signals to gate lines. The backlight unit performs an on-operation during a high section of a backlight control signal and an off-operation during a low section of the backlight control signal. The gate signals includes first gate signals that are output during the high section of the backlight control signal and have a first pulse width and second gate signals that are output during the low section of the backlight control signal and have a second pulse width greater than the first pulse width. |
| US09070316B2 |
Optical correction for high uniformity panel lights
A display has a spatial light modulator for dynamically controlling a luminance of each pixel according to an input signal, the spatial light modulator having a non-uniform spatial characteristic, the display also having an optical filter having a spatial pattern to alter the luminance to compensate at least partially for the non-uniform spatial characteristic. An electronic signal processing element applies some pre ompensation predominantly of higher spatial frequencies for the non-uniform spatial characteristic. Such dynamic and optical compensation can enable tuning for different optimizations or for compensating for variations over time. A backlight has an optical source and an optical filter, the source having a color output which has a non-uniform spatial characteristic, and the optical filter having a spatial pattern to alter the color to compensate in part at least for the non-uniform spatial characteristic. |
| US09070314B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for rendering a map according to texture masks
Methods, systems and apparatus are described to render map data according to texture masks. A rendering device may obtain map data, which may include one or more shapes described by vector graphics data. Along with the one or more shapes, embodiments may include mask indicators corresponding to the one or more shapes. Embodiments may render the map data by creating a mask shape based upon mask indicators corresponding to the shapes described by the vector graphics data. For each created mask shape, a texture source may be determined according to the mask indicator for the mask shape. Embodiments may obtain a texture from the texture source and may apply the mask shape to the obtained texture to render a fill portion of the corresponding shape described by the vector graphics data. Some embodiments may display the rendered map data as a map view. |
| US09070312B2 |
Hybrid self illuminated and actively back lit signage for printed graphics
Hybrid signage capable of self illumination and having an active backlight. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light in order to passively illuminate a printed graphic or shaped sign when the backlight is off. In the shaped sign, the shape provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer instead of a graphic. The signage can be actively illuminated when the backlight is on to supplemental the passive illumination. |
| US09070309B2 |
Flagpole system providing half-mast display mode
A flag mounting system provides a compact flagpole that may be mounted on a vertical surface or the like. A sliding tubular sleeve on the flagpole supports the flag and in a half-mast position exposes a distal end of the flagpole which is painted black. When the sliding tubular sleeve is extended to a full extension position, this black portion is covered. |
| US09070302B1 |
Music teaching device and method
A novel piano roll notation system corresponding to the keyboard of a novel Janko-type keyboard is provided. |
| US09070300B1 |
Set of variably assemblable polygonal tiles with stencil capability
This invention relates to interlocking rectangular and triangular tiles for use in tessellating a plane, teaching certain aspects of geometry and trigonometry, and creating decorative objects. The tiles comprising the invention, some with a design on them, tessellate the plane with periodic and non-periodic patterns based on the design as the basic unit of repetition. In particular; the tiles can be assembled to create any of the 17 possible plane periodic patterns. The tiles of the present invention can be used as a teaching tool for a partially structured exploration of plane periodic patterns, and for learning the mathematical notation for these patterns. They can also be used for teaching basic geometry to younger children through exploratory play. This invention can also be used as a stencil assembly, so that the patterns created can be transferred to a plane surface and used as decorations. |
| US09070299B2 |
Arrangement comprising a mock-up for reproducing and testing an aircraft passenger cabin
An arrangement including a supporting structure and a reproduction of an aircraft passenger cabin, arranged inside the supporting structure. The aircraft passenger cabin is on a 1:1 scale for receiving components of cabin systems. The supporting structure is composed of standardized elements, for receiving components of the cabin system. The cabin fittings including standardized supports and connections so that the components of the cabin system can be tested under operating conditions. |
| US09070297B1 |
Addition and subtraction teaching aid
A device and method of use for carrying out addition and/or subtraction problems is disclosed. The device has two circular dials rotatable with respect to one another. Each dial has at least one set of sequential numbers, and at least one selector allows for selection of a number on at least one of the dials. By rotating the circular dials in position, and selecting a number to be added or subtracted, one then is able to see correct mathematical equations around the entire circle. |
| US09070296B1 |
Visualization of traffic patterns using GPS data
Maps are created that display representations of GPS data generated from a plurality of GPS devices. The GPS data received from the GPS devices is embodied as a representation having descriptive features that visually indicate the location, direction of travel, and speed of travel of the GPS device, and the representation is associated with a road segment on the map. The display of the GPS data from a plurality of GPS devices can be used for editing information about roads on maps and determining preferred routes. |
| US09070293B2 |
Device and method for traffic sign recognition
A method and apparatus for determining whether to alert a driver of a vehicle to the presence of a traffic sign in the vehicle's driving environment. An optical system on-board the vehicle detects the traffic sign and determine information related to the sign. Driving maneuvers carried out by the vehicle are monitored to determine driving situation information. The driving situation information and the traffic sign information are used to determine a probability that the sign is pertinent for the vehicle under the current driving conditions. If the probability is above a threshold, the driver is alerted to the traffic sign. The probability of the pertinence of the traffic sign may be further determined on the basis of lane-specific information such as vehicle position relative to a freeway exit ramp start or end, or performance of a lane change by the vehicle. |
| US09070292B2 |
Information providing system and vehicle-mounted apparatus
A portable terminal apparatus is configured to obtain provided information including character data from an information distribution server apparatus, transmit partial data, which is a portion of the character data, to a voice synthesizing server apparatus, and obtain voice data obtained by converting the partial data into voice from the voice synthesizing server apparatus, and when a predetermined notification is received from a vehicle-mounted apparatus, a command is given to cause the vehicle-mounted apparatus to display the provided information corresponding to the voice data, and the vehicle-mounted apparatus displays information given by the portable terminal apparatus, plays the voice data, and when selection operation performed by a user is received, the portable terminal apparatus is notified that the selection operation has been performed. |
| US09070286B2 |
Traffic-monitoring smart tape
The present invention generally relates to techniques for traffic monitoring. The techniques utilize a relatively low cost sensing system, referred to here as “smart tape.” Smart tape is adhered directly to the roadway and provides the ability to temporarily monitor traffic. It can be applied in an appropriate length for the roadway condition. Smart tape is responsive to the pressure of a vehicle's tires passing over it. Furthermore, smart tape does not require an attached monitoring device, unlike certain known traffic monitoring techniques. |
| US09070284B2 |
Turbulence avoidance operation assist device
An object of the present invention is to provide a turbulence avoidance operation assist device that automatically generates an optimal trajectory of emergency avoidance and reports this trajectory to a pilot when distant turbulence is detected during an aircraft flight. The turbulence avoidance operation assist device in accordance with the present invention includes: means for detecting the presence of a danger region such as a turbulence region ahead of aircraft in a flight direction; means for representing the danger region as an assembly of rectangular solids when the detection means recognizes the danger region, and generating a flight trajectory by a local optimum solution of an avoidance trajectory using a convex quadratic programming method in which deviation from a reference trajectory is the smallest on the basis of an initial estimation solution obtained by a semidefinite programming method; and means for reporting the flight trajectory to a pilot. |
| US09070283B2 |
Flight deck display systems and methods for generating in-trail procedure windows including aircraft flight path symbology
Embodiments of a flight deck display system for deployment onboard a host aircraft are provided, as are embodiments of a method carried-out by a flight deck display system. In one embodiment, the flight deck display system includes a cockpit display, a wireless communication module, and a controller operatively coupled to the cockpit display and to the wireless communication module. The controller is configured to generate a vertical In-Trail Procedure (ITP) window on the cockpit display, which includes graphics representative of the current position of the host aircraft, the current position of an intruder aircraft when present within a predetermined distance of the host aircraft, and a plurality of flight levels. The controller is further configured to receive data from which the current flight path of the intruder aircraft can be derived; and periodically update the vertical ITP window to include flight path symbology indicative of the current flight path of the intruder aircraft. |
| US09070279B2 |
Electronic key registration system
An electronic key registration system includes a controller arranged in a communication subject communicable with an electronic key. A registration tool is in wired or wireless connection with the communication subject. The registration tool registers the electronic key to the controller when receiving a registration permission signal. An information center is connected to a network. The registration tool includes an operator ID acquisition unit that acquires an operator ID from a key registration operator. A communication unit sends the operator ID to the information center through the network. The information center includes an operator ID verification unit that verifies the operator ID received from the registration tool. A permission information notification unit sends, when the operator ID is verified, a registration permission signal to the registration tool through the network to permit the registration tool to perform the registration process. |
| US09070277B2 |
Meter capable of having communication security and data transmitting/receiving system using the same
Disclosed is a meter capable of having communication security and a data transmitting/receiving system using the same, the system being such that a the server generates a public key and a private key corresponding to the public key, and transmits the public key to a meter, and the meter comprises a communication unit receiving the public key from a first communication unit, a frame generating unit encoding the data frame using the public key, and a controller controlling the communication unit to allow transmitting the encoded data frame. |
| US09070273B2 |
Communications device having battery monitoring capabilities and performing pre-scheduled events
Methods and devices are provided for monitoring a battery to determine whether sufficient battery power remains to perform an event at a pre-scheduled time. A communications device includes a processor that receives instructions to perform the event at the pre-scheduled time, determines a first amount of time until the event is performed, detects an idle mode of the communications device, the idle mode consuming a minimum amount of power, calculates a second amount of time until the battery is depleted, the second amount of time being calculated while the communications device operates in the idle mode, determines whether the second amount of time is less than the first amount of time, activates a first alert if the second amount of time is less than the first amount of time while remaining in the idle mode, and performs an action prior to the pre-scheduled time while remaining in the idle mode. |
| US09070270B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for tracking surgical items
Methods, systems, and products track equipment used during surgical procedures. An allowable zone associated with a surgical procedure is identified. The allowable zone determines where surgical items may be used during the procedure. A location of a surgical item is determined. When the location is outside the allowable zone, an alarm is triggered to indicate the surgical item is moving outside the allowable zone towards an area in which the surgical item may not be used. |
| US09070268B2 |
Wireless sensor node for autonomous monitoring and alerts in remote environments
A method, apparatus, system, and computer program products provides personal alert and tracking capabilities using one or more nodes. Each node includes radio transceiver chips operating at different frequency ranges, a power amplifier, sensors, a display, and embedded software. The chips enable the node to operate as either a mobile sensor node or a relay base station node while providing a long distance relay link between nodes. The power amplifier enables a line-of-sight communication between the one or more nodes. The sensors provide a GPS signal, temperature, and accelerometer information (used to trigger an alert condition). The embedded software captures and processes the sensor information, provides a multi-hop packet routing protocol to relay the sensor information to and receive alert information from a command center, and to display the alert information on the display. |
| US09070267B2 |
Medication management and reporting technology
Medication management and reporting technology, in which output from at least one sensor configured to sense physical activity in a building in which medication of a patient is located is monitored and a determination is made to capture one or more images of the medication based on the monitoring. A camera is used to capture an image of the medication and the captured image is analyzed to detect a state of the medication. Information regarding a schedule by which the medication should be taken by the patient is accessed and an expected state of the medication is determined. The detected state is compared with the expected state and a determination is made that the patient has departed from the schedule based on the comparison revealing that the detected state does not match the expected state. A message indicating the departure from the schedule is sent based on the determination. |
| US09070264B2 |
Detecting a security breach of an electronic device
A system and method for detecting a security breach of an electronic device are provided. The system includes a sensor assembly having at least one IR LED which outputs IR light, and an IR sensor which detects the IR light output by the IR LED and outputs corresponding IR detection signals. The system further includes a processor which generates an IR profile of an interior of the enclosure with reference to the IR detection signals output by the IR sensor. The processor determines that there has been a security breach of the enclosure at least in response to detecting IR activity in the enclosure from the IR detection signals that does not correspond to the IR profile. Output signals from a various other sensors may be used to confirm whether the security breach has occurred. |
| US09070262B2 |
Tactile feedback in an electronic device
An electronic device for providing tactile feedback is provided. The electronic device may provide tactile feedback using any suitable approach, including for example vibration, heat, electrical, visual, or any other type of feedback. The electronic device may provide tactile feedback in response to detecting any particular status of the electronic device, receiving any particular input, or detecting any suitable communication received by the electronic device. For example, the electronic device may provide tactile feedback in response to identifying the current network of the device, the status of a particular electronic device component, or any other electronic device status. As another example, the electronic device may provide tactile feedback in response to receiving a particular type of communication, or in response to receiving a communication from a particular contact. As still another example, the electronic device may provide tactile feedback in response to receiving a particular user input, or to detecting a user's finger on a particular portion of the electronic device. |
| US09070261B2 |
Product securement and management system
A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base and a dampener assembly mounted to the spring-urged pusher configured to control the rate of speed at which the spring-urged pusher is urged forward. |
| US09070260B2 |
Generating alternative gaming device outputs
A method for outputting an alternative output through an electronic gaming device output device has been developed. The invention includes an electronic gaming device with game logic circuitry that commands a gaming device output device to generate an output. The electronic gaming device output is interrupted before it is output and the output device generates an alternative output. |
| US09070258B1 |
Automated bingo caller assembly
An automated Bingo caller assembly includes a remote unit that may be positioned proximate a user. A remote processor is coupled to the remote unit. A remote transceiver is coupled to the remote unit. The remote transceiver selectively transmits a caller signal. An optical disk is provided to store data. A base unit is provided that may read the optical disk. A base processor is coupled to the base unit. A base transceiver is coupled to the base unit. The base transceiver receives the caller signal from the remote transceiver. A display is operationally coupled to the base processor so the display selectively displays the data. A master actuator may be positioned proximate the user. A master transceiver is coupled to the master actuator and operationally coupled to the base transceiver. A card is provided that may be positioned proximate the user. A marker is selectively positionable on the card. |
| US09070253B2 |
System and method of revealing the outcomes of real world wagers through single or multiple reveals
The invention relates to systems and methods of selecting and placing real-world wagers responsive to one or more wager triggers, obtaining outcomes of the real-world wagers, facilitating user interactions with various interactive media, and revealing the outcomes of the real-world wagers through the interactive media to give an appearance that the outcomes of the real-world wagers resulted from the user interactions even though the outcomes resulted from the real-world wagers and were determined before the user interactions. The system may obtain an outcome of a real-world wager and update an unrevealed balance of a user. The unrevealed balance may include an indication of an outcome (e.g., an amount of a payout or a loss) of a real-world wager that has not yet been revealed to the user. The system may reveal at least a portion of the unrevealed balance or a given outcome in a single or multiple reveals. |
| US09070252B2 |
System and method of revealing sponsored and other items through mock reveals
The invention relates to systems and methods of selecting and placing real-world wagers responsive to one or more wager triggers, obtaining outcomes of the real-world wagers, facilitating user interactions with various interactive media, and revealing the outcomes of the real-world wagers through the interactive media to give an appearance that the outcomes of the real-world wagers resulted from the user interactions. Alternatively or additionally, the system may provide mock reveals that are not driven by wagering mechanics. For example, the system may provide reveals that are tied to promotions provided by a partner promotions provider, virtual items (e.g., certain in-game items) that the system is promoting to sell, and/or other item that is not tied to a real-world wager. The system may provide such mock reveals to facilitate promotional campaigns, retain users, and/or otherwise make the gaming experience more enjoyable for the user. |
| US09070247B2 |
Automated virtual assistant
A system receives standard game output consisting of electronic signals for displaying text, numbers, and machine sounds and converts these signals to animated behavior and animated speech of a virtual human bystander shown on the audio-visual display. An interface receives data communication representing standard game states and standard game output from a separate electronic game, and uses the input to drive a virtual assistant projector, which animates an automated virtual assistant on the audio-visual display. A game output converter translates standard game states and standard game output from the interface into animated behavior information and animated speech information for input to the virtual assistant projector. Computer processing of the system can be operationally and communicatively isolated from a main game engine of the electronic game table. |
| US09070235B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining short-term driving tendency
An apparatus and a method determines a short-term driving tendency. The apparatus may include a driving information collecting unit configured to collect driving information for determining the short-term driving tendency, a short-term driving tendency calculating module configured to receive input variables for determining the short-term driving tendency and calculate a short-term driving tendency index using a fuzzy control theory, and a calculation prohibition control module configured to check an accelerator position sensor (APS) signal of the vehicle and prohibit calculation of the short-term driving tendency index when an APS opening degree is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value. |
| US09070234B2 |
Method and device for identifying vehicles
A device for identifying a vehicle includes: an input interface receiving a first input of feature specificities of first features of a vehicle; a database device which stores a component model, an identification model, and an information unit model; a computation device ascertaining second features which make possible an unequivocal identification of the vehicle in relation to the intended diagnosis; and an output device outputting the second features ascertained by the computation device, the input interface receiving a second input of feature specificities of the second features of the vehicle through the user, and the computing device ascertaining, as a function of the second input, a relation associated with the intended diagnosis from the information unit model of the database device. |
| US09070233B2 |
Automated banking machine system and monitoring
In an example embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus comprising a lock box having an input device, circuitry, and a lock for holding a key to gain access to an area. The apparatus further comprises an alarm system for protecting the area and a proximity reader coupled with the alarm system, the proximity reader is located within the area. The circuitry is operable to determine if an input received by the input device is for an authorized user. The lock box is operable to provide access to the key in response to the circuitry determining that the input received by the input device is for an authorized user. The proximity reader is operable to receive data from a wireless token. The alarm system is operable to deactivate for at least a portion of the area responsive to the proximity reader receiving the data from the wireless token. |
| US09070232B2 |
Wireless communication system for vehicle
A wireless communication system for a vehicle has a portable device that transmits a wireless signal and a vehicle-mounted device that receives the wireless signal from the portable device. Each time a switch in the portable device is turned on, the portable device updates a portable device rolling code and transmits a wireless signal including the portable device rolling code. The vehicle-mounted device receives the wireless signal through a receiver and authenticates the portable device through comparison between the portable device rolling code included in the wireless signal and the vehicle rolling code. The vehicle-mounted device locks or unlocks the vehicle door if the portable device is authenticated. When the wireless signal is received through the receiver after the most recent locking or unlocking of the vehicle door has been carried out using the mechanical key, the vehicle-mounted device locks or unlocks the vehicle door if the switch is turned on for n (n is an integral number greater than or equal to 2) times or more. |
| US09070226B2 |
Identification of marker features in multi-dimensional data
Method(s) and system(s) for identifying marker features of various subsets of a multi-dimensional data are provided. Each subset includes various data points associated with various features. Each of the data points are defined by feature values corresponding to the associated features. The method includes identifying feature pairs based on a matrix of the data points and the features, and computing correlation distances between features in each of the feature pairs. The method includes generating a non-linear pattern of the plurality of features in a two-dimensional plane. Additionally, the method includes calculating a threshold feature value for the associated features of the data points of a particular subset and representing the threshold feature value as a threshold non-linear pattern in the two-dimensional plane. The method includes determining the marker features based on a relative position of the features with respect to the threshold feature value in the two-dimensional plane. |
| US09070221B1 |
Animation engine with hair animation using attenuation fields
Computer-generated images based on force field effects are generated by evaluating force field data and animated data. The force field data includes force field directional vectors and the animated data includes density values for an animated model. The force field data and the animated data are splattered on separate multi-dimensional grids. An animation system determines a vector path, starting at a point in the grid containing the animated model, based on the directional vectors and the density values along the vector path are integrated to determine an attenuation factor for the point. The attenuation factor provides a value for accurately determining the movement of the animated model at the point when the force field is present. |
| US09070217B2 |
Contextual local image recognition dataset
A contextual local image recognition module of a device retrieves a primary content dataset from a server and then generates and updates a contextual content dataset based on an image captured with the device. The device stores the primary content dataset and the contextual content dataset. The primary content dataset comprises a first set of images and corresponding virtual object models. The contextual content dataset comprises a second set of images and corresponding virtual object models retrieved from the server. |
| US09070215B2 |
Head mounted display, display, and control method thereof
If the size of an error portion within an image of the frame of interest is equal to or larger than a threshold and it is determined that no error portion exists within an image of a frame immediately before the frame of interest, a display unit (115) is caused to display the image of the frame immediately before the frame of interest as the image of the frame of interest. If the size of an error portion within the image of the frame of interest is smaller than the threshold and it is determined that an error portion exists within the image of the frame immediately before the frame of interest, the display unit (115) is caused to display a result obtained by correcting the error portion within the image of the frame of interest using a pixel group surrounding the error portion. |
| US09070210B1 |
Computing devices and methods for navigating around a surface of three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system representations of 3D objects
The present disclosure relates to navigating around geographic maps within a map viewport display. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to navigating around a surface of a 3D, geographic coordinate system representation of a body using a pan feature while North is locked. In response to a user activating a pan feature of a navigation interface, a spin angle and, or a swing angle is calculated and the globe is revolved around a spin-axis and/or a swing-axis while revolution around a rotate-axis is locked. |
| US09070205B2 |
Combined device-and-anatomy boosting
Visualization of an object of interest, such as anatomy like a vessel segment or a stenosis, together with a device, such as balloon/stent markers or a wire tip, inside the object of interest may be accomplished by device detection and anatomy boosting so as to enhance both the device and surrounding anatomy within a registered anatomy referential. A displayed image is a combination of image information of the device and boosted image information of the object of interest. A processor performs the following steps: detecting and segmenting the device on the basis of image information provided by the image formation unit; either wiping out or attenuating the image information of the device; detecting the object of interest on the basis of the provided image information; boosting the image information of the object of interest; and reinserting the image information of the device. |
| US09070203B2 |
Identification and quantification of microtextured regions in materials with ordered crystal structure
The identification and quantification of microtextured regions in orientation datasets is provided through the use of microstructure informatics based on n-point correlation functions, dimensionality reduction techniques, and a computer algebra system. Orientation information is extracted for materials and processing is performed on the orientation information along with other ancillary data that accompanies each piece of orientation information and a hybrid descriptor of orientation is formed. Representative descriptors are identified such that regions of microtexture are classified. This classification is mapped back onto the real space of the sample and a local clustering is done to identify continuous regions of microtexture. These labeled continuous regions of microtexture then provide a method for segmentation of the orientation data into their respective macrozones. |
| US09070202B2 |
Moving object localization in 3D using a single camera
Systems and methods are disclosed for autonomous driving with only a single camera by moving object localization in 3D with a real-time framework that harnesses object detection and monocular structure from motion (SFM) through the ground plane estimation; tracking feature points on moving cars a real-time framework to and use the feature points for 3D orientation estimation; and correcting scale drift with ground plane estimation that combines cues from sparse features and dense stereo visual data. |
| US09070195B2 |
Method and system for auto-enhancing photographs with saturation adjustments
Some embodiments of the image editing and organizing application described herein provide an automatic enhancement process that includes vibrancy adjustment. The vibrancy adjustment increases the saturation of multiple pixels. The saturation of each pixel is determined by subtracting the lowest component value from the highest component value. The process determines an overall saturation of the image using a histogram. The histogram is generated using doubled saturation values for pixels with blue and green as the highest component value. |
| US09070193B2 |
Apparatus and method to embed searchable information into a file, encryption, transmission, storage and retrieval
A cell phone is disclosed for acquiring information to be transmitted to a receiving facility and for transmitting such thereto. A capture device captures information from an external source. A stamping device is provided for associating with the captured information a representation of the date and time of the capture of the information, such that the representation of the date and time information in association with the captured information forms augmented captured information. A data processing unit places the augmented captured information in association with subscriber information in a transmission of the augmented captured information to a receiving facility requiring such subscriber information. A transmitter transmits the transmission including the augmented captured information and the subscriber information to the receiving facility. The data processing unit encrypts the augmented captured information with a symmetrical encryption algorithm to provide encrypted augmented captured information in the transmission with the subscriber information. |
| US09070190B2 |
Ultrasound imaging system and methods of imaging using the same
A method of registering the position of an object moving in a target volume in an ultrasound imaging system includes capturing a first ultrasound image of a target volume. A second ultrasound image of the target volume is then captured after the capturing of the first ultrasound image. The position of the object in the target volume is identified using differences detected between the first and second ultrasound images. In another aspect, a region of interest in the target volume is determined. A segment of an operational scan range of a transducer of the ultrasound imaging system encompassing the region of interest is determined. The transducer is focused on the segment of the operational scan range during image capture. |
| US09070189B2 |
Image blurring correction device
The present image blurring correction device includes light field information generating portion, angle blurring amount detecting portion and correcting portion. The light field information generating portion generates a series of light field information corresponding to consecutive shooting images shot by a digital camera. The angle blurring amount detecting portion detects a blurring amount of the digital camera based on variation in the series of light field information. The correcting portion corrects the series of light field information in accordance with the blurring amount so as to suppress variation in the series of light field information. |
| US09070185B2 |
Noise filtering method and apparatus considering noise variance and motion detection
Provided herein are an apparatus and a method of performing image noise filtering with respect to an image obtained from an image sensor, the method including: applying a noise deviation with respect to a temporal difference between a previous pixel value and a current pixel value when obtaining a temporal weight value to be used in temporal filtering. The noise deviation is obtained according to an intensity level of the current pixel value. Temporal filtering and spatial filtering may be performed, and blending filtering may be selectively performed by blending an output value of the temporal filtering and an output value of the spatial filtering. |
| US09070183B2 |
Extracting card data with linear and nonlinear transformations
Embodiments herein provide computer-implemented techniques for allowing a user computing device to extract financial card information using optical character recognition (“OCR”). Extracting financial card information may be improved by applying various classifiers and other transformations to the image data. For example, applying a linear classifier to the image to determine digit locations before applying the OCR algorithm allows the user computing device to use less processing capacity to extract accurate card data. The OCR application may train a classifier to use the wear patterns of a card to improve OCR algorithm performance. The OCR application may apply a linear classifier and then a nonlinear classifier to improve the performance and the accuracy of the OCR algorithm. The OCR application uses the known digit patterns used by typical credit and debit cards to improve the accuracy of the OCR algorithm. |
| US09070181B2 |
System and method for extracting features of interest from an image
A technique is provided for extracting one or more features of interest from one or more projection images. The technique includes accessing projection images comprising at least one feature of interest enhanced by a contrast agent, generating a contrast agent null image based on the projection images, generating a bone mask based on the contrast agent null image, and generating a bone extracted image based on the bone mask. |
| US09070177B2 |
Automatic medicine warehousing and releasing management system and method of automatically warehousing and releasing medicines thereof
Disclosed are an automatic medicine warehousing and releasing management system and a method of automatically warehousing and releasing medicines thereof. Warehoused medicines are arranged at proper positions on a storage shelf, and released medicines are discharged from the storage shelf. The automatic medicine warehousing and releasing management system includes a medicine holding and transferring unit to arrange warehoused medicines on a storage rack by holding and accommodating the warehoused medicines according to holding priorities of the medicines based on sizes and expiration dates of the medicines, and release the medicines by holding and accommodating the medicines on the storage rack according to the holding priorities of the medicines, and a medicine warehousing and releasing control unit connected with the medicine holding and transferring unit to control the arranging of medicines requested for warehousing on the storage rack and the discharging of medicines requested for releasing from the storage rack. |
| US09070173B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for settlement for participation in an electric power grid
Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of physical and financial settlement for participation of active grid elements in supply and/or curtailment of power, wherein Internet Protocol (IP)-based messages including IP packets are generated by transforming raw data content into settlement grade content. Settlement is provided for grid elements that participate in the electric power grid following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. Messaging related to settlement is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators. |
| US09070168B2 |
Systems and methods for adjusting insurance processes using data from telematics-enabled portable devices
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for transmitting telematics data from a vehicle. The systems include a smartphone holder that provides a communications link between a smartphone and a vehicle computer, through the smartphone dataport and the vehicle onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. The smartphone holder is configured to keep the smartphone in a stable, known position and orientation with respect to the vehicle, such that data from an accelerometer in the smartphone can be calibrated. The smartphone accelerometer data and telematics data from vehicle telematics sensors is then transmitted via the smartphone or stored locally. |
| US09070167B2 |
Centralized, online multi-seller interface system
A sales portal system supports a plurality of buyer computers used by a corresponding plurality of buyers. The sales portal system supports a first seller's computer to support sales of a first plurality of products a second seller's computer to support sales of a second plurality of products. The sales portal accesses first product data from the first seller's computer and second product data from the second seller's computer and responds to a query received from one of the plurality of buyer computers by delivering selections from the associated first product data and the associated second product data. The sales portal manages a single sales transaction for a first product of a first seller and a second product of a second seller. The sales portal rates sellers. The sales portal apportions payment, fulfillment, delivery instructions, and other sales components to the first and second sellers. |
| US09070163B2 |
Check processing method, check processing program medium, and check processing apparatus
Check processing involves detecting a check; scanning a back of the check having no printed authorization data to capture a back image; scanning a front of the check to capture a front image; reading magnetic ink characters on the front of the check; generating authorization data indicating that the check is valid based on the magnetic ink characters, the authorization data being generated electronically; generating an electronic merged image by electronically combining the back image with the authorization data in a predetermined area, the electronic merged image being generated such that at least a portion of the authorization data overlaps the back image. The operations are performed as the check is conveyed through a transportation path in one direction, one time. The check processing can be embodied in a method, apparatus, or instructions embodied on a machine-readable medium. |
| US09070155B1 |
Electronic computer engines for analytical searching and methods of use thereof
In some embodiments, the instant invention provides an improved computer system programmed for searching which includes at least the following components: a specialized computer machine, at least one processor for executing a particular program code stored in a memory, where the particular program code is configured to perform the following operations upon the execution: obtaining business information regarding a plurality of businesses and a plurality of offerings offered by the plurality of businesses; generating a rating score for each business based on consumer ratings; associating each business with the rating score; and concurrently conducting a plurality of searches of the business information based on: business identifying search parameter(s) obtained from each consumer, a geographic indication, a plurality of ranked filtering criteria, a rating score filtering parameter. |
| US09070154B2 |
Method for provisioning subscribers, products, and services in a broadband network
A method for provisioning subscribers, products, and services in a broadband network includes establishing a directory system for storing information about a plurality of subscribers. The directory system includes a subscriber namespace and a device namespace. A subscriber is added by instantiating a subscriber object for the subscriber in the subscriber namespace. Each available service has its own state in the directory system to provide a multi-state provisioning system that permits granular management services. |
| US09070153B2 |
Digital proof of delivery
A digital proof of delivery for digital goods items purchased online includes methods and systems for authenticating online purchases for helping to prevent and mitigate fraud. A unique download identification (ID) is created and associated with the digital goods download and purchase. Additionally, third parties may readily be allowed to view the download status of a digital goods item by providing the unique download ID of the item, which may be useful for aiding third party fraud investigations. In response to an item of digital goods purchased by a customer for download from a merchant having reached a specific stage of downloading, but the download is not complete, download is suspended and a dialog box is sent over a network for presentation to a customer, and, in response to a confirmation received via the dialog box, the download is completed with a download ID unique to the completed download. |
| US09070152B1 |
Electronic computer engines for pricing analytical rating, searching, and matching consumers to businesses and methods of use thereof
In some embodiments, the instant invention provides a programmed industry management computer system, having at least: a specialized computer machine, having a processor for executing program code, performing upon the execution: operating an electronic space, allowing: a plurality of consumers to submit ratings that rate on a merit a plurality of businesses in rating categories of: service, value, ethics, competence, environment, and price; generating sales opportunities for businesses by performing: personality matching between the consumers and the businesses, and allowing the consumers to search for the businesses; and providing services, products, or both, to the businesses to improve consumer service and consumer ratings; in real-time, determining a monetary amount to be paid by a particular consumer for a consumer activity; based on the consumer activity performed by the particular consumer, in real-time, determining a monetary amount to be paid by a particular business for a lead option. |
| US09070149B2 |
Media gifting devices and methods
Various techniques are provided for the gifting between multiple electronic devices of media content provided by an online digital media provider. An offer and acceptance of a selected gift file is accomplished between a gifter device and a receiving giftee device using a near-field communication (NFC) connection. If a connection to the online provider is available, the gifter device may transmit a gift request by which the gifter's account is charged for the gift file. Thereafter, a gift file created using DRM keys associated with the giftee's account may be downloaded to the giftee device. If a network connection is unavailable, the giftee device may transfer a locked gift file and a corresponding gift license to the giftee device using a peer-to-peer connection. The giftee device may authenticate the license and unlock the gift file once a connection to the online provider is available. |
| US09070147B2 |
System to facilitate sharing using contingency ordering
Purchase order information associated with an item from a first user may be stored initially without completing a purchase transaction. In one aspect, the first user may be enabled to select one or more second users with whom to share the purchase. In another aspect, one or more second users may be given an opportunity to purchase the same instance of an item and share it. In response to determining that a minimum subset of the selected one or more users have indicated to purchase the item, the purchase transaction may be processed and completed. Completion of the purchase may be contingent on the selected one or more second users also purchasing the same item or the same instance of the item. An event may be optionally added to the users' calendars wherein they share the use of the item(s). |
| US09070146B2 |
Method and system for authenticating online transactions
The present invention generally relates to authenticating online transactions, and more specifically, to method and system for determining a potentially fraudulent online transaction request based on a risk parameter associated with a user in a networking platform such as, a social networking platform. The method comprises receiving an online transaction request from a user. Thereafter, determining the risk parameter of the user based on one or more profile parameters associated with the user or one or more peer users associated with the user in the community. Based on the risk parameter of the user the online transaction request of the user is authenticated. |
| US09070143B2 |
System and method for tracking content through the internet
Server systems and methods to provide targeted advertising use tracking of digital content. The digital content may include real estate content. Responsive to digital content being presented on a client computing platform, information related to browsing activity on the client computing platform is gathered. Digital content (and/or attributes thereof) are associated with either individual ones of the (real estate) search servers through which the digital content is presented, or individual ones of the content providers of the pertinent digital content, or both. Content providers of digital content are compensated based on revenue that is generated through processing and/or analysis of the associations between users and the digital content that has been presented to them. |
| US09070140B2 |
System and method for measuring and improving the efficiency of social media campaigns
A system and method for measuring the efficiency of social media campaigns. The system collects searchable activity data of members of a social network and processes this data locally to extract interaction data happening on the profile page of the social media campaign on the social network. The interaction data is then weighed in accordance with its type. The system may also determine an effort score representing a monetary value of the profile page based on the volume of contribution by the owners of the social media campaign. The efficiency score may then be determined based on a relationship between the number of interactions, the weight associated with each interaction, and the effort score. |
| US09070137B2 |
Methods and systems for compiling marketing information for a client
Methods and systems for compiling marketing information for a client are provided. Data can be obtained from a plurality of social media websites, where each of the social media websites includes a universal resource identifier that points to a client website. A plurality of insights can be extracted from the obtained data, resulting in extracted insights. Each of the extracted insights comprises text elements that denote product approval for at least one product available for sale at the client website. Measurements of traffic to the client website can be collected, the traffic being referred to the client website by the plurality of social media websites. A referred traffic dynamics summary table can then be generated based on the extracted insights and the measurements of traffic. The referred traffic dynamics summary table aggregates the extracted insights across the plurality of social media websites to rank the extracted insights. |
| US09070132B1 |
Authentication method and system
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the production and labeling of objects in a manner suitable for the prevention and detection of counterfeiting. Thus, the system incorporates a variety of features that make unauthorized reproduction difficult. In addition, the present invention provides an efficient means for the production of labels and verification of authenticity, whereby a recording apparatus which includes a recording medium, having anisotrophic optical domains, along with a means for transferring a portion of the recording medium to a carrier, wherein a bulk portion of the recording medium has macroscopically detectable anisotrophic optical properties and the detecting apparatus thereon. |
| US09070131B2 |
Authentication systems and methods
A system includes a machine-readable storage medium, a processor in communication with the machine-readable storage medium, communication circuitry in communication with the processor; and a plurality of sensors in communication with the processor. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to generate an electrical signal in response to receiving wave energy. The processor is configured to control data acquisition for authenticating an object using at least a subset of the plurality of sensors, calculate an authentication value based on signals received from the subset of the plurality of sensors, and cause the communication circuitry to transmit an authentication request including the authentication value to an authentication entity. |
| US09070127B2 |
Administering a plurality of accounts for a client
Methods and systems are provided for supporting electronic transactions, including transactions that are provided with per-user, per-device and per-domain security across domains of multiple service providers. |
| US09070125B1 |
Mode switching to provide security for cash handling device
Methods and devices provide mode switching in order to secure cash handling devices. A cash handling device allows a first selection to be input in order to request an exchange transaction. Currency may be inserted into the cash handling device. A display may prompt a user to identify one or more requested denominations of currency. A user may then identify one or more of the requested denominations for the exchange transaction. Elapsed time may be counted after prompting the user to identify denominations. If the elapsed time exceeds a timeout threshold, the transaction may be switched from an exchange transaction to a deposit transaction and the inserted currency may be credited as a deposit into an account. Otherwise, the exchange transaction may proceed and the currency may be provided in the requested denomination. |
| US09070121B2 |
Approach for prioritizing network alerts
A computing system receives status transmissions from nodes within a portion of an electricity distribution network. The status transmissions include information related to hardware problems experienced by nodes within the portion of that network. The computing system determines a “heat” value for each of the status transmissions, where the heat value for a given transmission represents the operating conditions of, and/or the severity of hardware/software problems experienced by, the node responsible for sending that transmission. The computing system aggregates the heat values across the entire portion of the electricity distribution network and compares the aggregated heat values to a threshold value. When the aggregated value exceeds the threshold value, the computing system identifies a crisis situation arising within the portion of the electricity distribution network. The computing system may then convey information associated with the status transmissions to operators of the electricity distribution network. |
| US09070118B2 |
Methods for capturing electronic messages based on capture rules relating to user actions regarding received electronic messages
Managing instant messages may include receiving instant messages created by or on behalf of one or more message sources for delivery to an intended recipient. From among the received instant messages, qualifying instant messages may be identified that satisfy a capture rule, and two or more of the qualifying instant messages may be captured. The intended recipient may be informed of the captured instant messages unobtrusively, and also may be enabled to manage the captured instant messages. |
| US09070115B2 |
Intelligent electronic mail server manager, and system and method for coordinating operation of multiple electronic mail servers
Provided are an electronic mail server manager, and a system and method for coordinating operation of multiple electronic mail servers to efficiently store, process, and forward a high volume of electronic mail. The system for managing operation of multiple email servers in accordance with one embodiment may comprise an email message queue; a plurality of receiving email servers; a plurality of sending email servers; and an email server manager having a memory and a processor configured by the memory to perform the steps of storing received email messages in an email message queue; extracting destinations from the email messages; and delivering the email messages to the destinations by way of the sending email servers in correspondence to feedback received from the sending email servers and/or the destinations. |
| US09070113B2 |
Stock keeping units for content processing
A system may create a workflow that includes work units, assign values to parameters of the work units, create a specification that associates the work units and the parameter values, generate a work order associated with the stock keeping unit specification, convert the specification into the work units based on the work order, instantiate tasks that correspond to the work units, and execute the tasks by one or more processors. |
| US09070109B2 |
Dynamic presentation of a user profile
Systems and methods for dynamic user profile presentation in a large-scale network are provided. Individuals may request to retrieve user profiles of other users in the network. Commonalities between the requesting individual and the owner of the user profile are identified. The commonalities may include non-public information associated with the owner of the user profile. Connection strength associated with each commonality is determined and the commonalities are prioritized according to the connection strength. The commonalities between the requesting individual and the owner of the user profile are presented to the requesting individual based on the prioritization. |
| US09070108B2 |
Dynamic personal airport advisor with incorporated service call and collaboration function
Optimizing travel and time management during travel. A travel tool is provided to receive travel objectives, which may also be prioritized and set with the tool. In response to detecting a disruption of an aspect of the set travel plans, this disruption is evaluated in an effort to mitigate the effects of the disruption. The impact of the disruption is evaluated and the travel plans are re-calculated. At least one modification to the set of travel plans is provided and selected in compliance with the set objective. This selection is communicated to the travel tool. Based upon the selection, the travel plans are dynamically modified while attaining the set objectives. |
| US09070105B2 |
Systems and methods for providing change of address services over a network
This disclosure describes systems and methods for collecting and processing change of address data and providing change of address services to a customer using a computer network. The address data can include a physical address, an electronic address, or both. The systems and methods may also provide additional services to the customer to assist in changing addresses. |
| US09070100B2 |
Calculating speed and travel times with travel delays
Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for forecasting travel delays corresponding to streets, street segments, geographic areas, geofenced areas, and/or user-specified criteria. And from the forecasted travel delays, speed and travel times that take into account such travel delays can be determined. |
| US09070090B2 |
Scalable string matching as a component for unsupervised learning in semantic meta-model development
A string analysis tool for calculating a similarity metric between a source string and a plurality of target strings. The string analysis tool may include optimizations that may reduce the number of calculations to be carried out when calculating the similarity metric for large volumes of data. In this regard, the string analysis tool may represent strings as features. As such, analysis may be performed relative to features (e.g., of either the source string or plurality of target strings) such that features from the strings may be eliminated from consideration when identifying target strings for which a similarity metric is to be calculated. The elimination of features may be based on a minimum similarity metric threshold, wherein features that are incapable of contributing to a similarity metric above the minimum similarity metric threshold are eliminated from consideration. |
| US09070089B1 |
Predictive model importation
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for obtaining a plurality of model representations of predictive models, each model representation associated with a respective user and expresses a respective predictive model, and selecting a model implementation for each of the model representations based on one or more system usage properties associated with the user associated with the corresponding model representation. |
| US09070086B2 |
Data driven component reputation
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for observing the real-world performance of components and using the collected data to improve other user experiences. Configuration data, usage data, and user experience data are collected for components on observed solution instances. The configuration data, usage data, and user experience data are analyzed to generate component diagnostic data that can be used to make recommendations to one or more advised solution instances as to how to correct a problem being experienced on the one or more advised solution instances. In one implementation, the component diagnostic data generated includes a reputation rating for each of the components. |
| US09070082B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming system using restriction information
An image forming apparatus includes a job receiving part that is configured to receive a job for image formation, an image generating part that is configured to perform an image generation process based on the job received by the job receiving part, a restriction information holding part that is configured to hold restriction information to restrict the image generation process, and a restriction information judging part that is configured to execute an analyzing/judging process in which whether or not the image generation process is allowed is determined by analyzing whether or not specific information is contained in the job based on the restriction information held in the restriction information holding part. |
| US09070081B2 |
Control device, control method of a control device, and a storage medium
A feature of the recording device is used to shorten the length of time that a wireless communication link with a recording device is not established for a control device that communicates wirelessly with a recording device when a wireless communication link can be established. A communication control unit 15b of a host computer 10 detects and reports to a recording control unit 15a that printer 11 power was turned off. After receiving this report that the printer 11 power is off from the communication control unit 15b, the recording control unit 15a requests the communication control unit 15b to establish a wireless communication link with the printer 11 and open a virtual COM port during the period until a new wireless communication link with the printer 11 is established. |
| US09070079B2 |
Printer and printing system
A printer 3 with a paper consumption output function resets the count of a paper consumption counter 32 (ST22) when a start measuring command C1 is received from the host computer 2 side, and measures the paper consumption 32A from a specific start measurement time to a specific stop measurement time using a paper consumption counter 32 (ST23b to ST27b). When a fetch paper consumption command C2 is received (ST41), the printer 3 outputs the paper consumption 32A, which is the count of the paper consumption counter 32, to the host computer 2 (ST43). |
| US09070075B2 |
Printing using color changeable material
Systems and methods for printing data on a substrate including a color-changeable material are provided. One system includes a processing circuit and a device including an energy source. At least a portion of a printed publication is printed on the substrate using a commercial printing press based on fixed data. The device including the energy source is configured to add variable data to the substrate. The processing circuit is configured to receive the variable data and to control the energy source to change a color of the color-changeable material based on the variable data to provide at least a portion of the printed publication. The processing circuit is configured to control the energy source to change the color of the color-changeable material in-line with a flow of the substrate through one of a printing line, a finishing line, or a packaging line of the commercial printing press. |
| US09070073B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of page classification therein
In a case of performing free size printing with a charging approach in which a charge classification is determined based on a color pixel utilization rate, the color pixel utilization rate calculating is performed using a total number of pixels in an image area cut out at a size for color pixel utilization rate calculation, rather than the generation image data on the whole, for a denominator. With this, the calculation result of the color pixel utilization rate is prevented from becoming inaccurate. |
| US09070072B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of obtaining print data from external apparatus, and control method and storage medium therefor
An image forming apparatus that stores print data and retries document information registration when registration of document information of received print data to an external apparatus has failed. If registration of document information to an image forming apparatus with bibliographic server function has failed, print data is stored in the image forming apparatus without setting a storage time limit of the print data and document information registration is retried. The storage time limit of the print data is set and stored, if registration of the document information to the external apparatus has succeeded before the document information registration is retried a predetermined number of times or if the document information registration is retried the predetermined number of times. |
| US09070071B2 |
Card-type information recording medium having embedded antenna for near field communication and manufacturing method thereof
A card-type information recording medium including a PCB that has a loop antenna pattern and a routing pattern formed on the top surface and the bottom surface thereof through the use of an etching process, an NFC communication unit and a USIM card unit that are horizontally mounted on the top of the PCB, and a molding material that is formed on the top of the PCB so as to cover the NFC communication unit and the USIM card unit. |
| US09070067B2 |
Smart card module and method for producing a smart card module
A smart card module for use in a smart card includes a microchip and a contact zone for making contact with the microchip by means of a reader. The microchip can be enclosed by an encapsulation which can enclose the microchip completely from all sides. |
| US09070066B1 |
RFID tags with inductively coupled antennas
A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) assembly includes an IC, a repassivation layer disposed on the IC, and an inductor disposed on the repassivation layer. The IC includes a gapped seal ring. The inductor may couple to an RFID tag antenna, thereby allowing the IC to transmit and receive RF signals. |
| US09070065B2 |
IC card, portable electronic apparatus, and controlling method of IC card
According to one embodiment, an IC card which makes a non-contact communication with an external apparatus, includes, a reception module configured to receive a first command transmitted from the external apparatus, a determination module configured to determine whether or not the first command is a switching request command which requests to switch the IC card from a passive mode to an active mode, a command generation module configured to generate a second command which controls other IC card to execute processing when the first command is the switching request command, a command transmission module configured to transmit the second command to the other IC card. |
| US09070064B2 |
System and method for transmitting information between multiple objects moving at high rates of speed
Provided herein is a system for transmitting data to a motor vehicle travelling along a roadway. The motor vehicle preferably contains an antenna which produces a magnetic field having a length (L) in the direction of travel and a width (W) perpendicular to the direction of travel. A first plurality of RFID transponders may be positioned in the roadway as a row which is perpendicular to the direction of travel. A second plurality of RFID transponders may be positioned following the first row and offset from the first row. Depending on the speed of the vehicles travelling the roadway at this location, more rows of transponders may be used. A method for placing the RFID transponders within the roadway is also disclosed. |
| US09070055B2 |
Graphic alignment for printing to an article using a first display device and a second display device
A flexible manufacturing system for an article of footwear includes a printing system for printing graphics onto the footwear. The flexible manufacturing system includes a first display device that is transparent and which may be used to superimpose graphics over an article to align the article with the printing system. An optical device and a second display device provide a fixed viewing angle for a user aligning the article under the first display device. |
| US09070053B2 |
Multi-metal layered card
A metal transaction card is provided having a metal core layer with metal cladding layers connected thereto on opposing sides thereof. The metal core layer may have a density and/or thickness that is significantly greater than the density and/or thickness of the metal cladding layers. The density of the metal core layer may be at least 2.5 times greater than the density of the metal cladding layers. The density of the metal core layer may be at least 7.5. The outward facing lateral surface of one or both of the metal cladding layers may be anodized, or anodized and colorized. The anodized lateral surface(s) may be coated to increase the performance of a one or more hot-stamped elements attached to the coated surface(s). |
| US09070048B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatically identifying a representative image for an image group
A computer implemented method and apparatus for automatically identifying a representative image for an image group. The method comprises dividing an image group into one or more clusters based on an average time gap of the image group, wherein the images in the image group are in sequential timestamp order wherein the average time gap is calculated using a time span calculated from the timestamp of a first image in the image group to the timestamp of a last image in the image group; recursively dividing a largest cluster in the one or more clusters to determine a resultant cluster, wherein the resultant cluster comprises no time gaps larger than the average time gap of the resultant cluster; and identifying a representative image from the resultant cluster as an image representative for the image group. |
| US09070046B2 |
Learning-based image webpage index selection
Architecture that performs image page index selection. A learning-based framework learns a statistical model based on the hyperlink (URL-uniform resource locator) previous click information obtained from the image search users. The learned model can combine the features of a newly discovered URL to predict the possibility of the newly-discovered URL being clicked in the future image search. In addition to existing web index selection features, image clicks are added as features, and the image clicks are aggregated over different URL segments, as well as the site modeling pattern trees to reduce the sparse problem of the image click information. |
| US09070045B2 |
Crosstalk cascades for use in object detection
Technologies pertaining to object detection are described herein. A cascaded classifier executes over subwindows of an image in a plurality of stages. A crosstalk cascade is employed to reject subwindows as being candidates for including an object that is desirably detected, where the crosstalk cascade is a combination of multiple cascades. |
| US09070044B2 |
Image adjustment
Techniques are disclosed relating to automatically adjusting images. In one embodiment, an image may be automatically adjusted based on a regression model trained with a database of raw and adjusted images. In one embodiment, an image may be automatically adjusted based on a model trained by both a database of raw and adjusted images and a small set of images adjusted by a different user. In one embodiment, an image may be automatically adjusted based on a model trained by a database of raw and adjusted images and predicted differences between a user's adjustment to a small set of images and a predicted adjustment based on the database of raw and adjusted images. |
| US09070040B2 |
Video processing system, method of determining viewer preference, video processing apparatus, and control method
A video processing apparatus includes a first storage means unit which stores, in correspondence to a viewer, frame feature values to characterize each frame of scenes constituted by a series of frames in a video content viewed by the viewer; a second storage means unit which stores, as scene groups classified by attributes of the scenes, the frame feature values of scenes constituted by the series of frames; an interest level accumulation means unit which compares the frame feature values stored in the first storage means unit with the frame feature values stored in the second storage means unit, and in case the compared frame feature values match, increases a score about the viewer which represents the interest level with respect to the scene group of which the frame feature values match; and a viewer preference determination means unit which determines that the scene groups of the which the scores are higher are the scene groups preferred by the viewer. |
| US09070039B2 |
Temporal winner takes all spiking neuron network sensory processing apparatus and methods
Apparatus and methods for contrast enhancement and feature identification. In one implementation, an image processing apparatus utilizes latency coding and a spiking neuron network to encode image brightness into spike latency. The spike latency is compared to a saliency window in order to detect early responding neurons. Salient features of the image are associated with the early responding neurons. An inhibitory neuron receives salient feature indication and provides inhibitory signal to the other neurons within an area of influence of the inhibitory neuron. The inhibition signal reduces probability of responses by the other neurons to stimulus that is proximate to the feature thereby increasing contrast within the encoded data. The contrast enhancement may facilitate feature identification within the image. Feature detection may be used for example for image compression, background removal and content distribution. |
| US09070036B2 |
Systems and methods for note recognition
At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature systems and methods for note recognition. The note recognition system includes a sensor, a note recognition module, and a note extraction module. The sensor is configured to capture a visual representation of a scene having one or more notes. The note recognition module is coupled to the sensor. The note recognition module is configured to receive the captured visual representation and determine a general boundary of a note from the captured visual representation. The note extraction module is configured to extract content of the note from the captured visual representation based on the determined general boundary of the note. |
| US09070032B2 |
Method of programming a symbol reading system
A method of programming a symbol reading system having a field of view includes selecting a programming command from a list of programming commands for programming a symbol reading system. The list of programming commands is typically stored on a computer that includes a processor configured for, in response to the selection of a programming command from the list of programming commands, generating a page bearing a symbol corresponding to the selected programming command and no other symbol corresponding to another programming command in the list of programming commands. The method also includes placing the computer generated page bearing a symbol corresponding to the selected programming command within the system's field of view. |
| US09070028B2 |
Control of wireless identification tag activation
Methods and systems for controlling wireless identification tag activation are disclosed. An example method includes controlling a first wireless identification read cell to activate a first set of wireless identification tags within a first communication range. Further, the method includes controlling a second wireless identification read cell to activate a second set of wireless identification tags within a second communication range during activation of the first set of wireless identification tags and subsequent to initially activating the first set of wireless identification tags. The first communication range overlaps with the second communication range. |
| US09070026B2 |
Coordination of transmission of data from wireless identification tags
Methods and systems for coordinating transmission of data from wireless identification tags are disclosed. According to an aspect, a wireless identification tag includes a communication module configured to wirelessly transmit data in response to receipt of an instruction. The wireless identification tag also includes a timer configured to communicate the instruction to the communication module for transmission of the data within a timeslot based on a stored first identifier of the wireless identification tag. Further, the timer module is configured to receive second identifier. The timer module is also configured to change the first identifier based on the second identifier. |
| US09070025B2 |
Biometric information processing apparatus, biometric information processing method
A biometric information processing apparatus includes a biometric sensor configured to acquire biometric information of a first instance, a second instance and a third instance; a processor configured to execute a procedure, the procedure comprising: extracting an authentication feature used for matching from the biometric information of each of the second instance and the third instance; normalizing the relative positions of authentication features of the second instance and the third instance by using the biometric information of the first instance; and extracting a relative feature indicating a relative positional relationship between the authentication features of the second instance and the third instance normalized in the normalizing procedure. |
| US09070022B2 |
Route change determination system and method using image recognition information
Provided is a route change determination system and method using image recognition information, which is capable of extracting position information having high precision similar to that of a high-precision DGPS device, while using a low-precision GPS device, in order to determine a change of a traveling route.The route change determination system using image recognition system includes: a GPS module; an image recognition module having a line recognition function; a road map storage module configured to store road map information and route change possible section information for changing a route of a vehicle; a road map receiving module configured to receive the road map information; and an information processing module configured to determine whether the route is changed or not, based on line recognition information acquired through the image recognition module and the route change possible section information. |
| US09070021B2 |
Monitoring method and camera
A method and a system is provided for monitoring an area by a monitoring camera (1). A protected zone (5) is defined within the monitored area (2) and a suspicious object (9a, 9b) is detected as an object present both inside and outside the protected zone. A key position of the suspicious object is determined, and it is determined if the key position is inside or outside the protected zone (5). If the key position is outside the protected zone a first action is triggered. |
| US09070020B2 |
Determination of train presence and motion state in railway environments
Foreground feature data and motion feature data is determined for frames of video data acquired from a train track area region of interest. The frames are labeled as “train present” if the determined foreground feature data value meets a threshold value, else as “train absent”; and as “motion present” if the motion feature data meets a motion threshold, else as “static.” The labels are used to classify segments of the video data comprising groups of consecutive video frames, namely as within a “no train present” segment for groups with “train absent” and “static” labels; within a “train present and in transition” segment for groups “train present” and “motion present” labels; and within a “train present and stopped” segment for groups with “train present” and “static” labels. The presence or motion state of a train at a time of inquiry is thereby determined from the respective segment classification. |
| US09070019B2 |
Systems and methods for capturing motion in three-dimensional space
Methods and systems for capturing motion and/or determining the shapes and positions of one or more objects in 3D space utilize cross-sections thereof. In various embodiments, images of the cross-sections are captured using a camera based on reflections therefrom or shadows cast thereby. |
| US09070015B2 |
System and method for iris detection in digital images
A system and a method for iris detection in a face region of a digital image are disclosed. In one embodiment, iris is detected in the face region of the digital image using eye features, such as a shape of the iris and/or luminance values of a sclera region. |
| US09070011B2 |
Automated segmentation tuner
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for automatically segmenting input document images into regions of black text, white space, and image content. A set of scanned training documents representing the range of text and images to be processed is coarsely tagged to classify regions by content type. The training images are divided into bricks, parameters describing individual brick features are evaluated, and the bricks are classified according to the parameter values. A classification map that relates parameter values to classification codes describing content type is constructed by generating linear equations separating a parameter space into parameter regions along classification boundaries. After training, input documents are scanned and divided into bricks, and brick parameters are converted into an index into the classification map, to classify document regions by content. |
| US09070010B2 |
Image check content estimation and use
Apparatus, methods and media for deriving a transaction record based on handwritten check content. The apparatus may include, and the methods and media may involve, a receiver device that is configured to receive a check image. The apparatus may include, and the methods and media may involve, a processor device. The processor device may be configured to define a check segment within the check image; translate content from the segment from handwriting to estimated block text; and store the block text in a transaction record in machine readable memory. The apparatus may include, and the methods and media may involve, a transmitter that is configured to transmit the block text to a financial institution product engine. |
| US09070005B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, non-transitory computer-readable medium, and image processing system for detection of target cells using image feature determination
An image processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit, a first extraction unit, a second extraction unit, a setting unit, a filter setting unit, a generating unit, and a determination unit. The obtaining unit obtains a captured image of a test piece including a target cell having a nucleus. The first extraction unit extracts pixels which are candidates for the nucleus from pixels included in the captured image. The second extraction unit extracts a connected-pixel group which is a candidate for the target cell. The setting unit sets rectangular regions in the captured image. The filter setting unit sets a filter including regions. When the filter is disposed in each of the rectangular regions, the generating unit generates an image feature value. The determination unit determines, on the basis of whether the image feature value satisfies a condition, whether the target cell is included in the rectangular region. |
| US09070003B2 |
Method for handling collision in an identification system
A method for handling collision in an identification system where the identification system includes a reader, a first transponder and a second transponder. The method involves the reader transmitting an initialization command to the first transponder and to the second transponder; upon receiving the initialization command, the first transponder and the second transponder enter into a muted state where the first transponder and the second transponder do not respond to commands from the reader; in a randomly determined first start time slot the first transponder enters into an un-muted state and the first transponder remains in the un-muted state until the reader sends a mute command to the first transponder; in a randomly determined second start time slot the second transponder enters into an un-muted state and the second transponder remains in the un-muted state until the reader sends a mute command to the second transponder. |
| US09070000B2 |
Secondary information for an information handling system matrix bar code function
An information handling system analyzes secondary information captured with an image of a two-dimensional barcode to perform a function. For example, a mobile phone camera captures an image of a QR code at a product plus characters printed next to the QR code, uses optical code recognition to determine the characters, and applies information from the QR code and the characters to register the product. As another example, a security indicator is captured with an image of the QR code and applied to access information of the QR code, such as by using GPS position information, local network information, or telephone number information to encrypt and/or decrypt information stored in the QR code. |
| US09069999B1 |
Variable fan for portable explosive or drug detection system
Systems and methods are disclosed to automatically detect the presence of a substance on a test swipe by capturing a background image of the test swipe; applying one or more test chemicals to a test swipe; adjusting the temperature of the test swipe to a predetermined temperature range; controlling a variable speed fan to avoid fogging the camera's lens; capturing an in-situ image of the test swipe after the application of chemical at the predetermined temperature range; subtracting the background image from the in-situ image; generating a difference value from the two images; and searching a known database to identify the substance. |
| US09069997B2 |
Biometric matching system using input biometric sample
The present disclosure concerns a method of identifying a biometric record of an individual in a database comprising a plurality of biometric records, each record comprising at least one reference biometric sample, the method comprising: receiving, by a biometric identification unit (202), an input biometric sample with associated source information; selecting, by the biometric identification unit using a reference table (210), and based on said source information a matching process; and applying by said biometric identification unit said selected matching process to at least some of said biometric records of said database to determine whether said input biometric sample matches a reference biometric sample of one of said biometric records. |
| US09069996B2 |
Registering regions of interest of a body part to a coordinate system
Described embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product. A described system includes a receiver circuit that receives at least two medical images that each includes a respective region of interest of a mammalian body part. The receiver circuit also receives at least two reference images that each includes a respective landmark subsurface feature of the mammalian body part. Each landmark subsurface feature has a respective spatial relationship to a respective region of interest. The system includes a coordinate analysis circuit configured to determine a common frame of reference at least partially based on a landmark subsurface feature included in a reference image. The system includes a registration circuit configured to register the respective regions of interest. The registration is based on the determined common frame of reference. The system includes a computer-readable media configured to maintain informational data corresponding to the respective registered regions of interest. |
| US09069993B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for protecting electronic devices in a virtual perimeter
Described herein are apparatus, system, and method for protecting electronic devices through the creation of a virtual perimeter among the electronic devices. The virtual perimeter may be generated by the electronic devices themselves. The method performed by an electronic device comprises: identifying a current context; receiving a role, according to the current context, in a hierarchy of multiple electronic devices, and operating in accordance with the role in the hierarchy within a secure perimeter in the current context around the multiple electronic devices, wherein the hierarchy includes a system of security checks based on context information. |
| US09069989B2 |
Chip authentication using scan chains
Methods and systems for generating a circuit identification number include determining a propagation time delay across a scan chain of known length; comparing the propagation time delay to a threshold associated with the scan chain length; storing an identifier bit based on the result of the comparison; repeating the steps of determining, comparing, and storing until a number of stored identifier bits reaches a threshold number; and outputting the stored identifier bits. |
| US09069987B2 |
Secure data access using SQL query rewrites
A mechanism is provided for secure data access in a data processing system. A database having two tables is provided. A subset of the tables' primary key attributes is considered sensitive. A first user is authorized to access the primary key's sensitive attribute in an unmasked format, while a second user is authorized to access same data in a masked format. Two security views are generated granting the second user access to the primary key's sensitive attribute values of both tables in the masked format. The masked format value is generated from an unmasked format value using a reversible function. A join operation between the two security views is performed by optimizing a query statement corresponding to the join operation. |
| US09069983B1 |
Method and apparatus for protecting sensitive information from disclosure through virtual machines files
A method and apparatus for protecting sensitive information from disclosure through virtual machine files is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes processing virtual machine files using at least one processor to access data objects in memory that are associated with at least one virtual machine, examining the data objects using the at least one processor in accordance with a data loss prevention policy in the memory to identify, using the at least one processor, sensitive information within at least one data object of the data objects and securing, using the at least one processor, the sensitive information within the virtual machine files in the memory. |
| US09069976B2 |
Risk adjusted, multifactor authentication
A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving, from a device used by a user, a request to access a resource hosted by a computer system; identifying, by the computer system, a level of risk associated with the user requesting access to the resource; adjusting, by the computer system an authentication standard for access to the resource, adjusting based on the identified level of risk; determining values for authentication factors used in authenticating the user's access to the resource; applying weights to the values for the authentication factors; and determining, based on a comparison of the weighted values to the adjusted authentication standard, whether the user is authorized to access the resource. |
| US09069974B2 |
Deleting confidential information used to secure a communication link
A system includes a first wireless-enabled device that transparently stores confidential information and a second wireless-enabled device that stores the same confidential information. The confidential information is to be used to secure a wireless communication link between the first device and the second device. One or both of the first device and the second device is to delete the confidential information upon fulfillment of one or more conditions related to the communication link. The conditions include general timeout, device inactivity, loss of connection over the communication link, a decline in signal strength, and a predefined number of transactions having occurred between the first device and the second device. |
| US09069971B2 |
Method for testing the security of an electronic device against an attack, and electronic device implementing countermeasures
A method of testing security of an electronic device against a combination of a side-channel attack and a fault-injection attack implemented during a method of cryptographic processing that includes: delivering a message signature based on a secret parameter and implementing a recombination of at least two intermediate values according to the Chinese remainder theorem; and verifying the signature on the basis of at least one public exponent. The method of testing includes: transmitting a plurality of messages to be signed by said electronic device; disturbing each message, including modifying the message by inserting an identical error for each message, before executing a step of determining one of the intermediate values; and analyzing physical measurements, obtained during the step of verifying the signature as a function of the message to be signed, the identical error for each message, and an assumption of a value of part of the secret parameter. |
| US09069970B2 |
System and method for protection from buffer overflow vulnerability due to placement new constructs in C++
Systems and methods for protection from buffer overflow vulnerability due to placement new constructs in C++ are provided. A system for protecting from buffer overflow vulnerability due to placement new constructs, comprises a compiler which is capable of receiving a program including a placement new instruction, and runtime which is capable of receiving binary code from the compiler and determining whether the program includes the placement new instruction and whether the placement new instruction would lead to buffer overflow, wherein the runtime is linked to a library including methods for preventing the buffer overflow, and selects a method for preventing the buffer overflow if the runtime determines that the placement new instruction would lead to the buffer overflow. |
| US09069969B2 |
Managing software patch installations
A computer hardware-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product manages software patches. A computer monitoring hardware system receives a notification of a new release of a software patch. The computer monitoring hardware system scores a security posture of a monitored computer system to generate a security posture value based on a set of computer system parameters for the monitored computer system. In response to patch control logic within the computer monitoring hardware system determining that the monitored computer system is authorized to install the software patch and that the security posture value exceeds the predetermined value, the computer monitoring hardware system retrieves and installs the software patch in the monitored computer system. |
| US09069968B2 |
Method and apparatus providing privacy benchmarking for mobile application development
A method operates, during development of an application program intended to be run on a mobile user device, to perform a computer assisted analysis of the application program to determine at least one user privacy-related aspect of the application program; and to present the determined at least one user privacy-related aspect. The determined at least one user privacy-related aspect may be presented to a developer of the application program An apparatus and system for performing the method are also disclosed. |
| US09069964B2 |
Identification of malicious activities through non-logged-in host usage
A system and associated computer program product for identifying malware. The system includes one or more processors, one or more computer-readable memories, one or more computer-readable storage devices, and program instructions stored on the one or more storage devices for execution by the one or more processors via the one or more memories. The program instructions include program instructions to receive a data communication simulating manual interaction between a user of the computer and the computer. The program instructions may determine that no user was interactively logged on to the computer approximately at a time the data communication was received by the computer, and in response, classify the data communication as a potential malware communication. |
| US09069963B2 |
Statistical inspection systems and methods for components and component relationships
Embodiments of an inspection system and method for a collection of information objects, for example, a collection of executable software applications may be inspected for computer viruses, or a collection of genomes may be inspected for common or unique gene sequences. Information objects may contain identified sequences of instructions, each of which may be labeled with a symbol. In the software context, programming languages may include symbols that indicate functionality. In some embodiments, an inspection of the statistical properties of the information objects and their included symbols may allow for the symbols (and thus instruction sequences) to be grouped into logical components. In some embodiments, objects that include individual logical components may be grouped together. These groupings and their dependencies may be used to determine the structure of each object by detailing its constituent components, how they relate or depend on one another, and how the information object may function. |
| US09069961B2 |
Platform based verification of contents of input-output devices
A platform to support verification of the contents of an input-output device. The platform includes a platform hardware, which may verify the contents of the I/O device. The platform hardware may comprise components such as manageability engine and verification engine that are used to verify the contents of the I/O device even before the contents of the I/O device are exposed to an operating system supported by a host. The platform components may delete the infected portions of the contents of I/O device if the verification process indicates that the contents of the I/O device include the infected portions. |
| US09069959B2 |
Cryptographic circuit protection from differential power analysis
According to an example embodiment, a device provides cryptographic processing functions using secret data. The device can include protection from differential power analysis (DPA). The encryption processing circuit and its memory can be decoupled from external power source(s) during encryption-related computations. A local power storage element, such as a capacitive element, can provide power while the encryption processing circuit is decoupled from the external power source(s). The local power storage element can then be reconnected and charged once the encryption-related computations are completed or paused. |
| US09069957B2 |
System and method of reporting and visualizing malware on mobile networks
A network management system monitors malware within a mobile network. The system comprises a receiver component that obtains data regarding malware in the mobile network. The data is obtained from a first source and a second source, where the first source is of a different type than the second source. The monitoring system also includes an analysis component that generates a malware analysis of the mobile network as a function of the data. |
| US09069956B2 |
Method for scanning file, client and server thereof
A method for scanning files includes enumerating unscanned files; obtaining attributions of the unscanned files from the enumerated files one by one, and transmitting to a server the attributions; comparing the attributions with features that are stored in the server; obtaining the features that are consistent with the attributions and types that the features belong to; and generating a mapping relationship between the unscanned files, the attributions and the types according to the features that are consistent with the attributions and the types of the features, and recording the mapping relationship in a first scanning result. The above method uploads the attributions of the files to the server; and makes the safety and risky recognition of the file through comparing with the features and the corresponding types. |
| US09069955B2 |
File system level data protection during potential security breach
Immediately upon identifying a potential breach to a file system, a read-only snapshot of one or more file sets of data stored on a storage volume of the file system is created, and one or more file system protection commands are invoked that restrict access to the snapshot of the file set. Generating the snapshot and restricting access to the snapshot data may include immediately opening an administrative shell for the file-system in response to identifying a potential breach, and executing administrative shell commands that invoke creation of snapshot and limit access of the snapshot data to an administrator or super user. |
| US09069954B2 |
Security threat detection associated with security events and an actor category model
Security events associated with network devices and an actor category model are stored (501, 503). The actor category model includes levels arranged in a hierarchy and each level is associated with a subcategory for a category of the model. Security events are correlated with the actor category model (505), and a determination of whether a security threat exists is performed based on the correlating (506). |
| US09069952B1 |
Method for enabling hardware assisted operating system region for safe execution of untrusted code using trusted transitional memory
An electronic device. The device comprises an anti-trusted-security-zone in the trusted security zone that, when installed and managed by the trusted security zone manager, places non-trusted applications into the anti-trusted-security-zone for execution, restricts access of the non-trusted applications to at least some resources of the electronic device outside the anti-trusted-security-zone, alerts the user when the non-trusted application inside the anti-trusted-security-zone desires access to any restricted resource of the electronic device outside the anti-trusted-security-zone, asks the user for permission to access the desired resource outside the anti-trusted-security-zone, grants access for the non-trusted application to requested resources outside the anti-trusted-security-zone upon the permission by the user, moves the applications from the anti-trusted-security-zone to the normal zone that are determined not to be malicious, keeps the applications within the anti-trusted-security-zone that do not need to execute outside the anti-trusted-security-zone, and deletes the applications that are determined to be malicious. |
| US09069950B2 |
Method and computer device to control software file downloads
A computer device includes a download unit which downloads one or more files into a storage device. A file logging unit records a resource locator identifying a source network location of the file, when the file is downloaded, and associates the resource locator with a first fingerprint of the file. A system policy unit stores the resource locator associated with a process control policy relevant to the file. A process control unit is arranged to obtain a second fingerprint of the file upon launching a process in a runtime execution environment, retrieve the resource locator from the file logging unit by matching the second fingerprint with the first fingerprint, retrieve the process control policy from the system policy unit according to the retrieved resource locator, and selectively apply process execution privileges which determine execution of the process in the runtime execution environment according to the retrieved process control policy. |
| US09069949B2 |
Non-transitory computer readable storage medium, access filtering device, and access filtering method
An access filtering device includes a receiving unit that receives a URL of a prohibited site or a prohibited page; an executing unit that accesses the page by using the URL; an acquiring unit that acquires page information corresponding to the URL; a prohibited site list that includes character strings of prohibited sites and prohibited pages; a determining unit that determines whether the URL is a character string of a prohibited site or a prohibited page; a display control unit that, when the URL is a character string of a prohibited site or a prohibited page, displays the page in a decreased page-readability state, i.e., in a transparent state. |
| US09069946B2 |
Method and system for authentication of device using hardware DNA
Methods and systems for authentication of a device are disclosed. An exemplary method includes transmitting an energy towards the device including a material, monitoring a response of the device to the transmitted energy, generating a signature of the device based on the response of the device to the transmitted energy, comparing the device signature to an enrolled signature for the device, and indicating that authentication of the device is successful when the generated signature matches the enrolled signature. An exemplary system includes a transmitter configured to transmit an energy towards the device, a receiver configured to monitor a response of the device, and a processor configured to generate a signature of the device based on the response of the device, compare the device signature to an enrolled signature for the device, and indicate that authentication of the device is successful when the generated signature matches the enrolled signature. |
| US09069945B2 |
User validation in a social network
A computer implemented method and system is provided for validating a user associated with one or more social networks. A validation platform associated with the social networks is provided. The validation platform identifies a user for the validation from the social networks. The validation platform retrieves social information of the identified user from the social networks. The social information comprises relationship information of and between the identified user and social contacts of the identified user on the social networks. The validation platform acquires feedback on the identified user from one or more of the social contacts. The validation platform generates one or more validation scores, for example, an evaluation score, a feedback authentication score, a user authentication score, a composite score, etc., for the identified user based on the retrieved social information and/or the acquired feedback. The generated validation scores enable validation of the user associated with the social networks. |
| US09069943B2 |
Method and apparatus for token-based tamper detection
According to one embodiment, an apparatus may store: a hard token representing identification information of the device, a network token representing the status of a network, and a resource token representing information associated with a resource. The apparatus may further store secured copies of the hard token, network token, and resource token. The apparatus may receive a suspect token indicating a risk that at least one of the device, the network, and the resource has been tampered, and in response, determine to inspect at least one of the hard token, network token, and resource token. The apparatus may then compare the at least one of the hard token, network token, and resource token with its corresponding secured copy. If at least one of those tokens does not match its corresponding secured copy, the apparatus may communicate a revalidation token indicating at least one token has been tampered. |
| US09069938B2 |
Securing microprocessors against information leakage and physical tampering
A processor system comprising: performing a compilation process on a computer program; encoding an instruction with a selected encoding; encoding the security mutation information in an instruction set architecture of a processor; and executing a compiled computer program in the processor using an added mutation instruction, wherein executing comprises executing a mutation instruction to enable decoding another instruction. A processor system with a random instruction encoding and randomized execution, providing effective defense against offline and runtime security attacks including software and hardware reverse engineering, invasive microprobing, fault injection, and high-order differential and electromagnetic power analysis. |
| US09069937B2 |
Converting traditional computer product licenses into cloud-based entitlements
Techniques are provided for converting a node-locked licensing scheme to a cloud-based management of licenses to use computer products. In one example, a license manager device of a vendor receives a request to upgrade a computer product that is associated with a node-locked certificate that configures the computer product to be node-locked to a particular device. The request includes an identifier of the computer product. The license manager device registers the product identifier to a license pool of a customer account associated with the computer product. The license pool includes entitlements to use the computer product. The license manager device searches for node-locked entitlements that are associated with the node-locked certificate. The license manager device moves the node-locked entitlements to the license pool. |
| US09069936B2 |
Licensing verification for application use
Techniques involving detection of misuse of digital licenses pertaining to application use. An identification of unsigned applications or other use-protected applications enabled for use at a user device is obtained. The identification of such applications is directed to a licensing authority to seek digital license renewal for using the applications. A renewed digital license is received if the provided identification of use-protected applications corresponds to what is authorized by the licensing authority for use at the user device. In other embodiments, verification information may be provided to protect the identification of unsigned applications from tampering, such as information indicative of whether the identification of unsigned applications originated at the user device in which the use-protected applications are used, and indicative of whether the identification of the unsigned applications is a copy of a previous identification of the unsigned applications. |
| US09069931B2 |
Extending SELinux policy with enforcement of file name translation
An operating system identifies a request of a process to create, in a file system of the computing device, a new object, the new object having a name. The operating system identifies a policy rule applicable to the new object using a label of the process, a label of a parent object pertaining to the new object, a class of the new object, and the name of the new object. The operating system creates a label for the new object using the applicable policy rule and associates the new object with the associated label. |
| US09069926B2 |
Standard cells having transistors annotated for gate-length biasing
Methods, layouts and chip design layouts that use annotations for communicating gate-length biasing amounts to post-layout tools are disclosed. One method includes receiving a chip design layout designed to includes select ones of a plurality of nominal cell layouts and an annotated cell layout. The chip design layout is defined by a plurality of layers and the plurality of nominal cell layouts define transistors, wherein each of the plurality of nominal cell layouts define nominal length transistors, and the annotated cell layout also defines transistors. The annotated cell layout is associated with an annotation layer that identifies a gate-length biasing to be applied to at least one transistor of the annotated cell layout. The gate-length biasing identifies an amount of change for a gate length and not width-sizing of a gate width of the at least one transistor of the annotated cell layout. The annotation layer is used to communicate design-specific directives that require implementation. The method uses a processor to process the chip design layout, with reference to the annotation layer, to apply the gate-length biasing to the annotated cell of the chip design layout. |
| US09069925B2 |
Method for constant power density scaling
A method for constant power density scaling in MOSFETs is provided. A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit includes computing fixed scaling factors for a first fabrication process based on a second fabrication process, computing settable scaling factors for the integrated circuit to be fabricated using the first fabrication process, determining parameters of the integrated circuit based on the settable scaling factors, and manufacturing the integrated circuit using the determined parameters. The first fabrication process creates devices having a smaller device dimension than the second fabrication process and the settable scaling factors are set based on the fixed scaling factors. |
| US09069922B2 |
Modeling memory cell skew sensitivity
A method includes designating a cell mismatch parameter of a memory cell including a plurality of transistors and an initial value of a transistor mismatch parameter for each of the plurality of transistors. A critical current sensitivity parameter is determined for each of the plurality of transistors based on the transistor mismatch parameters in a computing apparatus. The cell mismatch parameter is distributed across the plurality of transistors in the computing apparatus to update the individual transistor mismatch parameters for each of the plurality of transistors based on the critical current sensitivity parameters and the cell mismatch parameter. The memory cell is simulated based on the individual transistor mismatch parameters to generate a simulation result. |
| US09069921B2 |
Verification apparatus for semiconductor integrated circuit, verification method for semiconductor integrated circuit, and program therefor
The verification apparatus for a semiconductor integrated circuit verifies a logic equivalence before and after modification to the circuit by replacing a memory with a divisional memory model that agrees with the memory in number of input and output pins and verifying logics at an input and an output thereof. |
| US09069918B2 |
System and method implementing full-rate writes for simulation acceleration
A system and method for writing simulation acceleration data from a host workstation to a hardware emulation system without considerably sacrificing emulation speed or sacrificing the emulation capacity available for a user's logic design. According to one embodiment, a system comprises a logic software simulator running on a host workstation; a hardware emulation system having a system bus and an emulator chip, the emulator chip includes: an emulation processor that generates emulation data, and a data array connected to the system bus; and a high-speed interface connecting the host workstation to the system bus of the hardware emulator, wherein simulation acceleration data from the host workstation are written to the data array of the emulator chip using the system bus. |
| US09069911B2 |
Data processing system and data processor
One data processor is provided with an interface for realizing connection with the other data processor. This interface is provided with a function for connecting the other data processor as a bus master to an internal bus of the one data processor, and the relevant other data processor is capable of directly operating peripheral functions that are memory mapped to the internal bus from an external side via the interface. Accordingly, the data processor can utilize the peripheral functions of the other data processor without interruption of the program being executed. In short, one data processor can use in common the peripheral resources of the other data processor. |
| US09069908B2 |
Accessory and mobile computing device communication using an application communication protocol
Embodiments of the present invention provide various communication techniques for communication between a mobile computing device and an accessory. An accessory protocol that is generic to the mobile computing device can be used for some communication. An application executing at the mobile computing device can communicate with the accessory using an application communication protocol. In some embodiments, the application communication protocol can be different from the accessory communication protocol. In other embodiments the application protocol may only be recognized by the application and the accessory. In some embodiments, messages conforming to an application protocol can be communicated between the application and the accessory by packaging the messages inside a message conforming to the accessory communication protocol. |
| US09069902B2 |
Software test automation
In a method of creating a custom action, a user interface is presented for entry of lines of a custom action. In response to receipt of a sub-portion of a line of the custom action via said user interface, the sub-portion is automatically checked for errors in syntax. The custom action is stored as a selectable custom action in a dynamic layer of a testing infrastructure. The dynamic layer of the testing infrastructure is associated with a particular instance of a software item. |
| US09069901B2 |
Software and framework for reusable automated testing of computer software systems
Methods, software, frameworks, and systems for automating test procedures for a computer processing system. An embodiment of the method includes steps of determining a plurality of available automated test procedures, determining a plurality of available test options, and generating a plurality of test specifications. Each test specification may include option data corresponding to one of the available test options as well as procedure data corresponding to one of the available automated test procedures. The present invention advantageously supports reuse and extensibility of automated test procedures for a variety of configurations. |
| US09069895B2 |
Analyzing concurrent debugging sessions
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for analyzing concurrent debugging sessions are provided. Embodiments include a first debugger initiating a conditional breakpoint in a first debug session of a first application. The conditional breakpoint stops execution of the first application based on a condition of a value of a variable of a second application. Embodiments also include the first debugger requesting and receiving the value of the variable from a second debugger. Embodiments also include the first debugger evaluating the condition of the conditional breakpoint based on the received value of the variable. |
| US09069889B2 |
Automated enablement of performance data collection
Performance data for a healthy system is captured and used to create benchmarks that represent behavior of the computing environment in a healthy state. Current behavior (e.g, run-time characteristics) of the computing environment are monitored in an on-going manner, and are compared to the benchmarks. When a benchmark is violated, performance data capture is dynamically and automatically enabled. Or, if performance data is already being captured, then performance data capture may be enabled for a larger subset of possible data. Optionally, performance data capture may be automatically disabled upon detecting that the current behavior of the computing environment has returned to a healthy state where benchmarks are no longer violated. |
| US09069886B2 |
Home medical apparatus
A home medical apparatus can give explanations corresponding to the levels of proficiency in operation when explaining to a patient about operation procedures. A home medical apparatus according to this invention includes a selection unit which selects an explanation mode corresponding to the level of proficiency in operation, a storage unit which stores a plurality of display windows classified to the respective explanation modes upon associating them with each other between adjacent levels, and a display control unit which displays the display windows classified to the selected explanation mode in a predetermined order. When a detailed explanation button is pressed, the display control unit makes transition to a display window classified to an explanation mode one level lower than the current explanation mode. |
| US09069885B1 |
Systems and methods for automated retrieval, monitoring, and storage of online content
Systems and methods for automated retrieval, monitoring, and storage of online digital content, wherein such content includes source code and files for hosting websites, audio files, video files, data files, system files, image files, or any other content that is typically stored in third party servers. A content retrieval system hosted on a physical server or a cloud continuously monitors user data hosted on a third party server for changes to the data. The method involves creation of an index list that is updated periodically to keep track of changes to the metadata associated with the user's content. Such an approach saves time and valuable resources to individuals and/or organizations enabling them to perform periodic monitoring of their data, and enabling rollback to a previous version of their data whenever needed. The system additionally monitors user content for malicious attacks and hacks, and provides notification alerts relating to the same. |
| US09069883B2 |
Document management method and document management apparatus using the same
A document management method includes generating a category list based on identification information of a document; and assigning at least one category in the category list to the document. |
| US09069879B2 |
Globally unique identifiers in an online content management system
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for implementing globally unique identifiers (GUIDs) in a multi-user network-based content management environment, from the perspective of a server creating a GUID for a content item, and serving requests based on the GUID. A content management system can identify a content item at a location within the data storage. Each user of the content management system can be associated with a respective user account having an amount of storage space within the storage environment. The content management system can model a user account as a collection of content item objects and globally unique identifiers that are independent of a directory-based hierarchy of content items. |
| US09069877B2 |
User interface with variable sized icons
A method of presenting content on the user interface display screen of a portable electronic device includes the presentation of a plurality of icons. The icons scale in size in accordance with a position of the respective icons along a curved path. |
| US09069876B2 |
Memory caching for browser processes
There is disclosed a method in which a process is initiated to handle a set of information, which includes one or more resources. In the method the set of information is examined to determine whether the set of information includes a resource stored as a shareable cache element in a memory. If the determination indicates that the set of information includes a resource stored as a shareable cache element, the shareable cache element is used as the resource of the set of information. |
| US09069872B2 |
Relating web page change with revisitation patterns
Web page change may be related to revisitation patterns to support web interaction. In an example embodiment, a method involves analyzing change and revisitation data for a web page, determining a relationship between the data, inferring consumption intent by a user for the web page, and utilizing the inferred consumption intent. More specifically, change data is analyzed to produce a change characterization, with the change data reflecting differences between content of a web page at different times. Revisitation data is analyzed to produce a revisitation characterization, with the revisitation data including visit times to the web page by a user. A relationship is determined between the change and the revisitation data based on the change and the revisitation characterizations. Consumption intent of the user for the content of the web page is inferred responsive to the relationship. The inferred consumption intent is utilized to support interaction with the web page. |
| US09069869B1 |
Storing on a client device data provided by a user to an online application
User data used or generated by an online application is stored by the online application on the client device, rather than entirely on the system hosting the online application. |
| US09069868B2 |
Computer device for reading e-book and server for being connected with the same
A device, server, method, and computer program product for reading an e-book are provided. The e-book may include at least a content identifier corresponding to a content in the e-book. The device may include a content navigator configured to present the content according to a command from a user and a processing unit configured to acquire the content identifier corresponding to the content presented by the content navigator, send the content identifier to a server, and receive from the server a message associated with the content. An output unit configured to output the message to the user may be provided. |
| US09069865B2 |
Geocoding personal information
A computer-implemented method for generating geocoded user information is disclosed. The method comprises searching user data across multiple different data corpuses for entries having location-related information and determining locations for the location-related information. The method further comprises generating a map showing a current location of a mobile device along with representations of the entries having location-related information, at the determined locations, for entries from the multiple different data corpuses. |
| US09069863B2 |
Identifying unknown parameter and name value pairs
Identifying parameter and name/value pair separators within two or more strings of data. The identifying is performed by selecting at least one name/value pair separator candidate from the two or more strings of data, and filtering the at least one name/value pair separator candidate using one or more rules, thereby removing any of the name/value pair separator candidates that do not conform to any of the one or more rules. The identifying additionally includes selecting at least one parameter separator candidate from the two or more strings of data, and filtering the at least one parameter separator candidate using one or more rules, thereby removing any of the at least one parameter separator candidates that do not conform to any of the one or more rules. The result is a set of tuples that includes a name/value separator candidate, and a parameter separator candidate. |
| US09069862B1 |
Object-based relationship search using a plurality of sub-queries
A user query including one or more references to objects of various types and/or text keywords is received from a user and processed into sub-queries. Information sources execute the sub-queries and returns search results matching text keywords and/or relating to objects referenced in the user queries. The search results are organized based on their object types and relationships, and displayed in a manner exposing their relationships to the user. |
| US09069858B1 |
Systems and methods for identifying entity mentions referencing a same real-world entity
The technology disclosed relates to identifying entity reflections that refer to a same real-world entity. In particular, it relates to using statistical functions to make probabilistic deductions about entity attributes, which are used to construct optimal combinations of entity attributes. These optimal combinations of entity attributes are further used to generate search queries that return more precise search results with greater recall. |
| US09069856B1 |
Evaluating access control list data for a social network
Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for processing data to control display of followers of an entity to viewers of an entity page of the entity in a social network. One method includes detecting a request to view the entity page by a viewer. Fetching a first row of data associated with the social network. The method processes the first row of data to read a set of bits to determine whether certain ones of the users that are following the entity are to be displayed as following the entity in the entity page. The method also fetches a second row of data to determine whether the viewer is in one of the groups of the users that are following the entity and not displaying the users that follow the entity to the viewer when the viewer is not in one of the groups. |
| US09069849B1 |
Methods for enforcing time alignment for speed resistant audio matching
Systems and methods are provided herein relating to speed resistant audio matching. Descriptors can be generated for a received audio signal and matched with reference descriptors. A set of hits for respective reference samples can be generated based on the matching. A histogram can then be generated that correlates probe sample hit time with reference sample hit time. In one implementation, a rolling window can be used in analyzing the histogram allowing for slight variances in the timing between probe sample hits and reference sample hits. In another implementation, the histogram generated can be based on an estimated time stretch of the probe sample. In yet another implementation, a set of histograms can be generated based on a minimum speed change, a maximum speed change, and a speed step. Histograms can be evaluated to determine a most likely matching histogram. |
| US09069848B2 |
Automatic taxonomy enrichment
Techniques for enriching a taxonomy using one or more additional taxonomies are provided. The techniques include receiving two or more taxonomies, wherein the two or more taxonomies comprise a destination taxonomy and one or more additional taxonomies, determining one or more relevant portions of the two or more taxonomies by identifying one or more common terms between the two or more taxonomies, importing one or more relevant portions from the one or more additional taxonomies into the destination taxonomy, and using the one or more imported taxonomy portions to enrich the destination taxonomy. |
| US09069845B2 |
Personalized electronic-mail delivery
Personalized electronic-mail delivery is disclosed. The content of incoming electronic-mail messages is identified. Determinations may be made with respect to whether the content of the incoming electronic-mail messages corresponds to a user profile. The user profile may indicate one or more user preferences of a particular user with respect to incoming electronic-mail messages. If the incoming electronic-mail messages correspond to the one or more user preferences indicated in the user profile, the electronic-mail messages may be delivered to an electronic-mail server. The electronic-mail messages may then be displayed to the user via a list of electronic-mail messages reflective of those messages that are stored at the electronic-mail server and accessible to the end-user. |
| US09069834B2 |
Control method and storage controller apparatus
A control method executed by a first storage control apparatus comprises receiving, from the information processing apparatus, a request to change data stored in a storage unit provided in the first storage control apparatus so as to be synchronized to changed data, extracting address information, included in the request, that identifies an address at which data corresponding to the data to be synchronized has been stored in a storage unit provided in the second storage control apparatus, creating time information that identifies a time of the day at which the request was received, and transmitting a change request, which includes the extracted address information and the created time information, from the first storage control apparatus to the second storage control apparatus, the change request requesting the corresponding data stored in the second storage control apparatus to be changed to the changed data. |
| US09069826B2 |
Information provision system, information provision system control method, information provision device, program, and information recording medium
To provide an information provision system capable of improving a users operability in obtaining a list of desired information. A designated position obtaining unit (50) obtains a position in a screen designated by the user. In the case where the user designates a position in the screen and thereafter moving the designated position to thereby input a trace, a trace obtaining unit (51) obtains the trace input by the user. A character string extraction unit (52) extracts a character string from content shown in the screen, based on the position obtained by the designated position obtaining unit (50) or the trace obtained by the trace obtaining unit (51). A list obtaining unit (53) obtains a list of information, based on the character string extracted by the character string extraction unit (52) and the trace obtained by the trace obtaining unit (51). A display control unit (54) displays a list screen showing a list of information obtained by the list obtaining unit (53) on a display unit. |
| US09069822B2 |
Inquiry-oriented user input apparatus and method
User input from a reduced keypad is disambiguated and compared with a first dynamic lexicon, and predicted matches (e.g. either a single word or phrase) are offered. If a user continues to type beyond a boundary condition, then input is no longer predicted from the first lexicon, but instead is interpreted as a request for matches from a second, quasi-static lexicon allowing words or phrases to be entered. When the entry is accepted, data is transmitted to a remote receiver and may be parsed as an inquiry for subsequent operation. Following acceptance, the apparatus invokes a program suitable for interacting with the response generated to the inquiry. |
| US09069820B2 |
Data management and processing system for large enterprise model and method therefor
A computer system performs data processing using a data organizer which parses a primary set of data into predefined sets of data components according to one or more enterprise models. The sets of data components from the data organizer are respectively stored in multiple data sources. The data components may be stored as a binary file or hierarchical file. A plurality of data processing systems execute the enterprise models. A task manager controls which enterprise model executes on each data processing system. The data processing systems access the data components from the data sources which correspond the executing enterprise model. The data components are sent over dedicated communication channels to the data processing systems. Each data processing system may have a data interface, which is configured to receive data from different sources and convert the data into a standard format. |
| US09069819B1 |
Method and apparatus for reliable I/O performance anomaly detection in datacenter
A method and apparatus for reliable I/O performance anomaly detection. In one embodiment of the method, input/output (I/O) performance data values are stored in memory. A first performance data value is calculated as a function of a first plurality of the I/O performance data values stored in the memory. A first value based on the first performance data value is calculated. An I/O performance data value is compared to the first value. A message is generated in response to comparing the I/O performance value to the first value. |
| US09069817B2 |
Database row access control
A method, system, and computer program product to create an access control bit mapping (ACBM) structure for a corresponding database table are disclosed. The ACBM structure may include a relative record number (RRN) bit map. The RRN bit map may describe the access rights for a parameter. The computer-implemented method may maintain one or more statistics describing the RRN bit map. The method may additionally provide for updating the ACBM structure. The method may also provide for using the ACBM structure to process a database query. |
| US09069815B1 |
Method and system for responding to queries
Responding to queries directed to a database management system (DBMS) includes identifying data from a DBMS, where the identified data is at least partially responsive to a query, and where the identified data remains static over a period. Also including establishing a subset of the identified data in a computer memory, where the computer memory is characterized by an access latency less than the latency associated with retrieving the identified data using a query to the DBMS, and where the access latency is defined with respect to an application program operable to issue a query to which the identified data is responsive. Further includes trapping those queries intended for the DBMS where at least a portion of the response to the query corresponds to at least a portion of the established data; and resolving trapped queries at least in part using the corresponding established data. |
| US09069814B2 |
Method and system for using natural language to generate widgets
A user interface application is created to prompt a user for information and to generate a query to be submitted to a natural language (NL) query answering system. A first user is prompted to submit an NL query, and the NL query is received. The user interface application is generated using the NL query and so that the user interface application is configured to prompt the first user or a second user to provide information, receive the information, generate a computer-generated query based on the NL query and the received information, provide the computer-generated query to the NL query answering system, receive answer information from the NL query answering system in response to the computer-generated query, and cause at least some of the answer information to be displayed on a display device. |
| US09069813B2 |
Query translation for searching complex structures of objects
Searching stored content is disclosed. A first mapping is created from an object to one or more stored relational database tables. A second mapping is created from the object to an indexer schema. One or both of the following is done: 1) using the first mapping to translate a search request expressed in an abstract query language to a first query language associated with the relational database; and 2) using the second mapping to translate the search request to a second query language associated with the indexer schema. |
| US09069806B2 |
Virtual block devices
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for virtual block storage. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request to initialize a virtual machine, the virtual machine having an associated virtual block device; accessing a file map comprising a plurality of file map entries; determining file map entries corresponding to blocks of data allocated to the virtual block device and one or more files in which the blocks of data allocated to the virtual block device are stored; determining that a particular one of the blocks allocated to the virtual block device has been written to a new position not associated with the particular block in the file map; and updating the position associated with the particular block to the new position. |
| US09069803B2 |
Application installation system, method and computer program product for allowing a package to be installed by a third party
A computer implemented method of developing computer applications, the method comprising providing to multiple users access, over a network, to information on a data center, with a subgroup of the users having access to a sub-portion of the information that is different from the sub-portion accessible by the remaining tenants of the subgroup; and communicating with the data center over the network employing a computer system associated with a user of the sub-group to establish application functionality with the sub-portion that may be accessed, over the network, by additional parties authorized by the user. Also disclosed is a machine-readable medium and a data center, both of which facilitate carrying-out the steps of the method. |
| US09069802B2 |
Syntactic tagging in a domain-specific context
This application relates generally to defining a domain-specific syntax characterizing a functional information system and performing operations on data entities represented by the domain-specific syntax, including defining a domain-specific syntax, receiving and storing a domain-specific data entity, assigning a syntactic tag to the domain-specific data entity, and electronically storing the tag assigned to the data entity in the electronic data store so that the tag is logically linked to the stored data entity. |
| US09069800B2 |
Parallel database backup and restore
Embodiments are directed to simultaneously backing up data from multiple locations to a single location and to restoring data from a single location to multiple locations simultaneously. In an embodiment, a computer system receives a backup command from a user which indicates that various specified portions of data are to be backed up. The data portions are stored in multiple different locations in a parallel database. The computer system generates multiple backup commands specific for each location in which the data is stored. The backup commands initiate a parallel backup from the various locations to a single location in a data store. The computer system also executes the generated backup commands in parallel, so that the data from each of the different locations is backed up in the data store. |
| US09069799B2 |
Restoration of centralized data storage manager, such as data storage manager in a hierarchical data storage system
Systems and methods for restoring a database in an information management system that does not include a secondary copy of the database, are disclosed. The systems and methods may include using metadata stored in non-production storage devices to restore the database. In some implementations the methods are used to consolidate multiple information management systems. In other implementations, the systems and methods are used for reviewing content of archived storage media. Other implementations are disclosed. |
| US09069796B2 |
Information processing system, computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, information processing method and information processor
A first information processor executes a program or a routine which uses wireless communication and transmits, while the program or the routine is being executed, identification information for identifying the program or the routine to an unspecified apparatus. A second information processor receives the identification information transmitted from the first information processor to the unspecified apparatus and selects, from among a plurality of programs or a plurality of routines stored in the second information processor, a program or a routine corresponding to the identification information as a program or a routine to be executed. |
| US09069793B2 |
Dynamic highlighting of geographic entities on electronic maps
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, can be used to dynamically generate electronic maps with highlighted entity boundaries. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request for an electronic map segment for a geographic region, with the request identifying a geographic entity to be highlighted in the requested electronic map segment. A plurality of layers of map data associated with the geographic region and data defining a boundary of the identified geographic entity are retrieved in response to the request. The electronic map segment is rendered based on the retrieved plurality of layers of map data and the data defining the boundary of the geographic entity, with one or more of the retrieved layers are rendered over a rendering of a highlighted boundary of the geographic entity. The rendered electronic map segment is transmitted in response to the request. |
| US09069788B2 |
Truncating data associated with objects in a multi-tenant database
An embodiment of a multi-tenant database system includes a multi-tenant database, an entity definition table, and a data processing engine. The database has objects for multiple tenants, including an existing object for a designated tenant. Each entry in the existing object has a respective entity identifier. The definition table has entries for the database objects, including a metadata entry for the existing object. This metadata entry has a tenant identifier for the designated tenant, an entity name for the existing object, and an old key prefix for the existing object. Each entity identifier of the existing object begins with the old key prefix. The engine performs a data truncation operation on the existing object by updating the metadata entry to replace the old key prefix with a new key prefix. This results in an updated object that is identified by the new key prefix and the tenant identifier. |
| US09069786B2 |
Method for maintaining multiple fingerprint tables in a deduplicating storage system
A system and method for managing multiple fingerprint tables in a deduplicating storage system. A computer system includes a data storage medium, a first fingerprint table comprising a first plurality of entries, and a second fingerprint table comprising a second plurality of entries. Each of the first plurality of entries and each of the second plurality of entries are configured to store fingerprint related data corresponding to data stored in the data storage medium. A data storage controller is configured to select the first fingerprint table for storage of entries corresponding to data stored in the data storage medium that has been deemed more likely to be successfully deduplicated than other data stored in the data storage medium; and select the second fingerprint table for storage of entries corresponding to data stored in the data storage medium that has been deemed less likely to be successfully deduplicated than other data stored in the data storage medium. |
| US09069782B2 |
System and method for security and privacy aware virtual machine checkpointing
A checkpointing method for creating a file representing a restorable state of a virtual machine in a computing system, comprising identifying processes executing within the virtual machine that may store confidential data, and marking memory pages and files that potentially contain data stored by the identified processes; or providing an application programming interface for marking memory regions and files within the virtual machine that contain confidential data stored by processes; and creating a checkpoint file, by capturing memory pages and files representing a current state of the computing system, which excludes information from all of the marked memory pages and files. |
| US09069778B1 |
Cloud object store for archive storage of high performance computing data using decoupling middleware
Cloud object storage is enabled for archived data, such as checkpoints and results, of high performance computing applications using a middleware process. A plurality of archived files, such as checkpoint files and results, generated by a plurality of processes in a parallel computing system are stored by obtaining the plurality of archived files from the parallel computing system; converting the plurality of archived files to objects using a log structured file system middleware process; and providing the objects for storage in a cloud object storage system. The plurality of processes may run, for example, on a plurality of compute nodes. The log structured file system middleware process may be embodied, for example, as a Parallel Log-Structured File System (PLFS). The log structured file system middleware process optionally executes on a burst buffer node. |
| US09069776B1 |
Serving encrypted and plain data from a low latency non-volatile memory
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for serving encrypted and plain data from a low latency non-volatile memory. One of the methods includes executing a process on a server having a low latency volatile random access memory and a low latency non-volatile memory. The process is associated with an index file stored in the low latency volatile random access memory and encrypted and plain data stored in the low latency non-volatile memory. The process receives a query, finds data necessary to generate a response to the query using the index file, and retrieves the data from the low latency non-volatile memory whether the data is in an encrypted or a plain format. The process provides responses to queries where the responses are generated from a portion of either the encrypted data or the plain data stored in the low latency non-volatile memory. |
| US09069770B2 |
Method of providing digital content for users of physical items
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for enhancing users' overall experiences with physical items by supplementing their physical experiences with digital experiences. According to an embodiment, a user uses an electronic device to scan a smart tag associated with an item to obtain an item identifier of the item. The electronic device sends the item identifier to a server, which selects digital content related to the item and sends the selected digital content to the user's electronic device for display. |
| US09069769B2 |
Creating or modifying an ordered trail of links to pages and/or documents
A method of managing an aggregate document includes a) presenting management options on a display device associated with a computing device in response to a user using the computing device to identify or select an aggregate document to be created of modified, b) presenting search selection options on the display device in response to the user selecting an embedded search service from a plurality of choices of embedded services, c) presenting a search result list on the display device after the user entered one or more search terms in a search text box and activated a search control and in response to receiving search results from a corresponding search conducted by the search engine, and d) adding a media content record to the aggregate document in response to the user activating an add control associated with a corresponding search result item. |
| US09069767B1 |
Aligning content items to identify differences
Techniques for aligning content items with one another are described herein. These techniques may align different versions of a same content item for the purpose of identifying differences between the versions, identifying commonalities between the versions, mapping annotations made in one version to the other version, aggregating annotations across the different versions, or for any other reason. The content items may include electronic books, songs, videos, documents, or the like. |
| US09069761B2 |
Service-aware distributed hash table routing
In one embodiment, a node in a computer network joins a global ring associated with a distributed hash table (DHT), and maintains a DHT routing table and DHT database for the global ring. In addition, the node may determine a particular service class for which the node is configured, and may join a particular service-based sub-ring according to the particular service class, where all nodes of the particular service-based sub-ring are within the global ring. As such, a service-based DHT routing table and service-based DHT database may be maintained for the particular service-based sub-ring, such that DHT operations identified by the particular service class are routed to the particular service-based sub-ring (e.g., by a portal node). |
| US09069760B2 |
Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof
A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are disclosed by which a user can be informed of an event associated with augmented reality based on an occurrence of the event using various haptic effects that differ from each other. |
| US09069756B2 |
Data transfer control apparatus, data transfer control method, and computer product
A data transfer control apparatus includes a transferring unit that transfers data from a transfer source memory to a transfer destination memory, according to an instruction from a first processor; and a first processor configured to detect a process execute by the first processor, determine whether transfer of the data is urgent, based on the type of the detected process, and control the transferring unit or the first processor to transfer the data, based on a determination result. |
| US09069754B2 |
Method, system, and computer readable medium for detecting related subgroups of text in an electronic document
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for navigating electronic texts. According to an aspect, a method may include determining that a user non-linearly navigates between text subgroups within electronic text. The method may also include linking the text subgroups in response to determining that the user non-linearly navigates between the text subgroups. Further, for example, text subgroups within an electronic text may be determined. In this example, a similarity relationship between content of each text subgroup and one or more other text subgroups may be determined for linking the text subgroups. |
| US09069752B2 |
Measuring and displaying facets in context-based conformed dimensional data gravity wells
A processor-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product measures and displays facets in context-based conformed dimensional data gravity wells. Conformed dimensional objects and synthetic context-based objects are parsed into n-tuples. A virtual mass of each parsed object is calculated, in order to define a shape of multiple context-based conformed dimensional data gravity wells that are created when data objects that are pulled into each of the context-based conformed dimensional data gravity well frameworks on a context-based conformed dimensional gravity wells membrane. Data from the multiple context-based conformed dimensional data gravity wells then populates nodes in a data model. A displayed appearance of the particular context-based conformed dimensional data gravity well is dynamically adjusted according to the how closely each of the multiple parsed synthetic context-based objects matches said at least one context object and/or at least one dimension object. |
| US09069751B1 |
Systems and methods for managing document pedigrees
A method and system for managing and tracking the pedigree or data lineage of an electronic document. The methods and systems provide a standardized way for managing the pedigree of an electronic document regardless of its data type. |
| US09069750B2 |
Method and system for semantic searching of natural language texts
A method and system comprising an automated analysis of at least one corpus of natural language text is disclosed. For each sentence of a corpus, the analysis includes performing a syntactic analysis using linguistic descriptions to generate at least one syntactic structure for the sentence, building a semantic structure for the sentence, associating each generated syntactic and semantic structure with the sentence, and saving each generated syntactic and semantic structure. For each corpus text that was preliminary analyzed, performing an indexing operation to index lexical meanings and values of linguistic parameters of each syntactic structure and each semantic structure associated with sentences in the corpus text. A semantic search as disclosed herein includes at least one automatic preliminary analyzed corpus of sentences comprising searched values of linguistic, syntactic and semantic parameters. Due to deep semantic analysis of one or more corpora, the search may be executed in various languages, in resources of various languages, and in text corpora of various languages, regardless of the language of the query. |
| US09069747B2 |
Methods, apparatus, systems and computer readable mediums for use in association with electronic spreadsheets
In one embodiment, a method comprises: providing an electronic spreadsheet having a plurality of cells arranged in an array having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; receiving information defining a plurality of items, each of the plurality of items representing a respective set of data usable in populating at least a portion of the plurality of cells of the electronic spreadsheet, at least one of the plurality of items including a table having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; associating each of the plurality of items with a respective location in the electronic spreadsheet; associating each of the plurality of items with a respective position in a stack, each of the plurality of items being able to be associated with any position in the stack; and rendering the electronic spreadsheet in accordance with the information defining the plurality of items, the respective location associated with each item and the respective stack position associated with each item. |
| US09069745B2 |
Electronic form automation
Some embodiments may provide a method comprising receiving, from a remote machine, entity-identifying data and form identifying data, the form identifying data to identify a sequence of one or more electronic forms, the sequence including a target electronic form having a form element, determining an entity identifier, based on the entity-identifying data, accessing, from a data store, an entity attribute value based on the entity identifier, and transmitting, to the remote machine, form-filling instructions operable to cause a machine to automatically associate an entity attribute value with the form element. |
| US09069744B2 |
Extensible framework for ereader tools, including named entity information
Information about named entities referenced in an electronic book (ebook) is provided to a client device. An ebook identifier identifying the ebook is received from the client device. A set of layers available for use with the ebook is determined. The layers in the set provide information associated with the ebook and a layer in the set provides information associated with named entities referenced in content of the ebook. A content range identifying a range of content of the ebook for which layer information is requested and an identification of one or more of the layers in the set for which layer information is requested is received from the client device. Layer information associated with the ebook content identified by the content range for the identified layers is transmitted to the client device. The transmitted layer information includes information associated with named entities referenced by ebook content. |
| US09069741B2 |
Emulating level triggered interrupts of physical devices assigned to virtual machine
Systems and methods are disclosed for handling a level triggered interrupt generated by a device assigned to a virtual machine running on a host machine. An example system includes a host machine that hosts a virtual machine and a device coupled to the host machine. The device is assigned to the virtual machine and generates one or more interrupts. The example system also includes an interrupt handler that receives an interrupt generated by the device, masks the interrupt, injects the interrupt into the virtual machine, receives an indication that the virtual machine has attempted to access the device, and in response to the indication that the virtual machine has attempted to access the device, unmasks the interrupt from the device. |
| US09069740B2 |
Computer implemented method for transformation between discussion documents and online discussion forums
Method for transformation between a discussion document and an online discussion forum including: dividing the discussion document into several portions, according to original headings contained in the discussion document and for each of the plurality of portions, creating a sub-forum of the online discussion forum, in a forum database, the description of which being a text of a respective heading; creating a topic for each paragraph and sub-heading of lower hierarchy; inserting a text of each paragraph into a discussion database, formatted according to rules of the online discussion forum; modifying the online discussion forum via a discussion forum software; creating a new version of the discussion document including the original headings; parsing the adapted online discussion forum starting with a first sub-forum; inserting titles of lower level sub-forums in the new version of the discussion document as sub-headings; and outputs the new version of the discussion document. |
| US09069739B2 |
System and method for transforming hierarchical objects
A method and system for transforming a first object into a second object, comprising: receiving the source and second objects; subject to the objects being of attribute type, copying, the value of the source object to the second object; subject to the objects being of node type which comprises, for each member of the second object: locating a corresponding member having a corresponding name in the source object; and invoking the method for the member and the corresponding member; subject to the objects being of list type, the source object adapted to contain elements of a first type and the second object adapted to contain elements of a second type, for each element of the source object: creating a corresponding default element of the second type; and invoking the method for the element and the corresponding default element; and invoking a user-implemented transformation routine. |
| US09069738B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining representations of abbreviated terms for conveying navigation information
A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided to facilitate determining abbreviations of a term for conveying navigation information based on one or more other terms of the navigation information. In the context of a method, one or more terms for conveying navigation information are determined. The method may also determine at least one abbreviation for at least one term of the one or more terms so that the at least one abbreviation is unambiguous with respect to other one or more of the one or more terms. The method may also cause a presentation of at least one representation of the at least one abbreviation. |
| US09069731B2 |
System and method for providing online versions of print-medium publications
Apparatus and method for automatic adaptation of an image of a print page into a version suitable for an electronic screen. An input obtains an electronic image of a page of the print publication, the page comprising items, such as headlines, images and articles, arranged in a print version layout. A layout parser parses the page layout, the parsing comprising identifying the items arranged therein, including identifying boundaries of the items within the layout, and text belonging to the items. A text sizing unit selects text sizes for respective items to render the items readable when the text is shown on screen as part of the page. The resized text may no longer fit into the boundaries so a text flowing unit flows text of the item dynamically, thereby to provide an electronic screen version of the image of the page, the screen version retaining the print version layout and having text sized to be readable when shown on a screen. |
| US09069729B2 |
Method and system for providing high availability to distributed computer applications
Method, system, apparatus and/or computer program for achieving transparent integration of high-availability services for distributed application programs. Loss-less migration of sub-programs from their respective primary nodes to backup nodes is performed transparently to a client which is connected to the primary node. Migration is performed by high-availability services which are configured for injecting registration codes, registering distributed applications, detecting execution failures, executing from backup nodes in response to failure, and other services. High-availability application services can be utilized by distributed applications having any desired number of sub-programs without the need of modifying or recompiling the application program and without the need of a custom loader. In one example embodiment, a transport driver is responsible for receiving messages, halting and flushing of messages, and for issuing messages directing sub-programs to continue after checkpointing. |
| US09069728B2 |
Disable restart setting for AMF configuration components
A method and a system are provided for determining an AMF configuration of a highly available system with respect to whether to failover or restart a component when the component fails. The AMF configuration specifies at least two service-units containing components that represent resources, and a set of service-instances representing workload incurred by provision of services using the resources. The method identifies a failover duration and a restart duration for each component in a service-unit; and determines a failover outage and a restart outage for each service-instance impacted by a failure of a given component, based on the failover duration and the restart duration of each component in the service-unit. The method further determines whether to failover or to restart the given component if the given component fails, based on the failover outage and the restart outage of each service-instance impacted by the failure of the given component. |
| US09069726B2 |
Iteratively calculating standard deviation for streamed data
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for iteratively calculating standard deviation for streamed data. Embodiments of the invention include iteratively calculating standard deviation in a current computation window based on the standard deviation calculation for a previous computation window. Iteratively calculating standard deviation avoids visiting all previous input and performing redundant computations thereby increasing calculation efficiency. In general, streaming data is added to a buffer of size n until the buffer is filled up. Once the buffer is filled, a sum and standard deviation are calculated for the first n data points. As new data elements are received, a new sum is calculated by reusing the prior sum and a new standard deviation is calculated by reusing the prior standard deviation. |
| US09069725B2 |
Dynamic outlier bias reduction system and method
A system and method is described herein for data filtering to reduce functional, and trend line outlier bias. Outliers are removed from the data set through an objective statistical method. Bias is determined based on absolute, relative error, or both. Error values are computed from the data, model coefficients, or trend line calculations. Outlier data records are removed when the error values are greater than or equal to the user-supplied criteria. For optimization methods or other iterative calculations, the removed data are re-applied each iteration to the model computing new results. Using model values for the complete dataset, new error values are computed and the outlier bias reduction procedure is re-applied. Overall error is minimized for model coefficients and outlier removed data in an iterative fashion until user defined error improvement limits are reached. The filtered data may be used for validation, outlier bias reduction and data quality operations. |
| US09069724B2 |
Imaging forming apparatus with automatic configuration update
A set value management service receives a replace request for replacing configuration data of a first image forming apparatus, and searches the second image forming apparatus needs to update configuration data as a result of replacement of the first image forming apparatus. The set value management service updates configuration data of the searched second image forming apparatus. |
| US09069721B2 |
Storage control device, computer-readable recording medium, and method thereof
A storage control device obtains an access request having a random characteristic or an access request having a sequential characteristic, compares a threshold with a ratio of the number of commands corresponding to the access request having the random characteristic to the number of commands corresponding to the access request having the sequential characteristic, generates and issues a command to which first identification information for instructing a storage to determine an execution order of commands issued to the storage has been assigned or a command to which second identification information for instructing the storage to execute commands in an order in which the storage received the commands has been assigned, in accordance with a result of the comparison, measures a time from issuance of the command to a response from the storage when the obtained access request has a random characteristic, and adjusts the threshold. |
| US09069720B2 |
Partial object caching
A method of providing media at multiple bit rates using partial object caching may include receiving, from a first user device, a first request for a media object encoded at a first bit rate; providing the first portion of the media object to the first user device; and caching, in a partial object cache, the first portion of the media object. The method may additionally include receiving, from a second user device, a subsequent request for the media object encoded at the first bit rate; providing the first portion of the media object as retrieved from the partial object cache; and receiving a request for the media object encoded at a second bit rate. The method may further include modifying the request for the media object encoded at the second bit rate to instead request a second portion of the media object at the second bit rate. |
| US09069719B2 |
Method and system for providing a smart memory architecture
A smart memory system preferably includes a memory including one or more memory chips, and a processor including one or more memory processor chips. The processor may include a common address/data/control memory bus that is configured to provide an asynchronous handshaking interface between the memory array and the memory processor. The processor can offload error data from the memory chip for analysis, and can store poor retention bit address information for memory refreshing in a non-volatile error retention memory. Program logic can also be included for memory address re-configuration. Power management logic can also be included, which may have a process-voltage-temperature compensation voltage generator for providing stable and constant read currents. An asynchronous handshaking interface is provided between the memory array and the memory processor. Write error tagging and write verification circuits can also be included. |
| US09069710B1 |
Methods and systems for replicating an expandable storage volume
Machine implemented method for generating and accessing a point in time copy of an expandable storage volume in a network storage system is provided. The expandable storage volume includes a namespace for storing information for accessing data objects stored at a plurality of data constituent volumes managed by a plurality of nodes of the storage system. The method includes initiating a logical fence first for the namespace and then for the data constituent volumes for generating the point in time copy of the expandable storage volume. The logical fence filters out any information written after the fence is initiated from the point in time copy of the expandable storage volume. |
| US09069708B2 |
Method and system for implementing consistency groups with virtual machines
Disclosed is an approach for implementing disaster recovery for virtual machines. Consistency groups are implemented for virtual machines, where the consistency group link together two or more VMs. The consistency group includes any set of VMs which need to be managed on a consistent basis in the event of a disaster recovery scenario. |
| US09069706B2 |
Confidential information protection system and method
Efficient and effective permission confidential information protection systems and methods are described. The secure information protection systems and methods facilitate storage of confidential information in a manner safe from rogue software access. In one embodiment, a confidential information protection method is implemented in hardware and facilitates protection against software and/or Operating System hacks. In one exemplary implementation, a confidential information protection method includes setting a permission sticky bit flag to a default state upon system set up. The permission sticky bit flag access permission indication is adjusted at system reset in accordance with an initial application instruction. Access to the confidential information is restricted in accordance with the permission sticky bit and the permission sticky bit is protected from adjustments attempting to violate the permission indication. For example, another software application can not access or alter confidential information (e.g., an encryption key, initialization vector, etc.) if a permission sticky bit is designated as the highest security rating (e.g., disabling read permission and write permission until system reset). |
| US09069705B2 |
CAM bit error recovery
A method for content addressable memory (CAM) error recovery that includes detecting an error in an entry of a CAM, identifying an address of the entry in the CAM, copying data from the address in the backup random access memory (RAM) into the entry of the CAM to obtain a corrected CAM, clearing a results (first in first out) FIFO structure based on detecting the error, performing, using the corrected CAM, a match request stored in a replay FIFO structure to obtain a revised result, and storing the revised result in the results FIFO structure. |
| US09069704B2 |
Database log replay parallelization
A plurality of transactions are executed in a data storage application. As a result, log entries according to the plurality of transactions are stored in at least one log. During a data recovery operation, log entries from the log are dispatched into a plurality of worker queues. Each worker queue corresponds to a different one of a plurality of logical central processing units. The log entries are replayed using the plurality of worker queues such that log entries associated with a same object are executed serially by a single worker queue and at least a portion of the log entries associated with different objects are executed in parallel by different worker queues. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described. |
| US09069703B2 |
Encrypted-transport solid-state disk controller
An encrypted transport SSD controller has an interface for receiving commands, storage addresses, and exchanging data with a host for storage of the data in a compressed (and optionally encrypted) form in Non-Volatile Memory (NVM), such as flash memory. Encrypted data received from the host is decrypted and compressed using lossless compression for advantageously reducing flash memory write amplification. The compressed data is re-encrypted and stored in the flash memory. The stored data is retrieved, decrypted, decompressed, and re-encrypted before delivery to the host. When implemented within a secure physical boundary, such as a single integrated circuit, the SSD controller protects the encrypted data, from receipt through storage within the flash memory, including delivery to the host. In specific embodiments, the controller exchanges session encryption/decryption keys with the host and/or uses a security protocol such as TCG Opal to determine encryption/decryption keys. |
| US09069702B2 |
Reducing read starvation
Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with reducing read starvation that is supported by a multi-purpose buffer managed by a least recently used (LRU) data structure are described. One example method includes changing how certain retired pages are added back into the LRU. The dual-purpose buffer may be used in data de-duplication to support satisfying ingest requests and to support satisfying read requests. The method may also include controlling the LRU to allocate active ingest pages and active read pages from the head of the LRU. The method may also include controlling the LRU to cause the active ingest page and the active read page to re-enter the LRU at the tail of the LRU. Unlike conventional approaches, the method may also include controlling the LRU to cause a retired ingest page to re-enter the LRU at a location other than the tail (e.g., head) of the LRU. |
| US09069694B2 |
Memory device and method of operating the same
A method for operating a memory device is disclosed. The method includes receiving a serial data and a serial cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code transmitted sequentially through a channel, converting the serial data into a parallel data and the serial CRC code into a parallel CRC code, outputting the parallel data at a first time point, outputting the parallel CRC code at a second time point later than the first time point, calculating a CRC code by using the parallel data, comparing the parallel CRC code and the calculated CRC code with each other and detecting an error of the serial data transmitted through the channel according to the result of the comparison, and outputting an error detection signal in response to the result of the comparison. |
| US09069680B2 |
Methods and systems for determining a cache size for a storage system
Technology for operating a cache sizing system is disclosed. In various embodiments, the technology monitors input/output (IO) accesses to a storage system within a monitor period; tracks an access map for storage addresses within the storage system during the monitor period; and counts a particular access condition of the IO accesses based on the access map during the monitor period. When sizing a cache of the storage system that enables the storage system to provide a specified level of service, the counting is for computing a working set size (WSS) estimate of the storage system. |
| US09069679B2 |
Adaptive record caching for solid state disks
A storage controller receives a request that corresponds to an access of a track. A determination is made as to whether the track corresponds to data stored in a solid state disk. Record staging to a cache from the solid state disk is performed, in response to determining that the track corresponds to data stored in the solid state disk, wherein each track is comprised of a plurality of records. |
| US09069672B2 |
Extended fast memory access in a multiprocessor computer system
A multiprocessor computer system comprises a first node operable to access memory local to a remote node by receiving a virtual memory address from a requesting entity in node logic in the first node. The first node creates a network address from the virtual address received in the node logic, where the network address is in a larger address space than the virtual memory address, and sends a fast memory access request from the first node to a network node identified in the network address. |
| US09069671B2 |
Gather and scatter operations in multi-level memory hierarchy
Methods and apparatus relating to gather or scatter operations in a multi-level cache are described. In some embodiments, a logic may determine whether to perform gather or scatter operations at a first memory or a second memory, based in part on a relative performance of performing the gather or scatter operations at the first memory and the second memory. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US09069670B2 |
Mechanisms to accelerate transactions using buffered stores
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for executing a transactional memory (TM) transaction in a first thread, buffering a block of data in a first buffer of a cache memory of a processor, and acquiring a write monitor on the block to obtain ownership of the block at an encounter time in which data at a location of the block in the first buffer is updated. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09069668B2 |
Diagnosing distributed applications using application logs and request processing paths
A method for monitoring a distributed application for errors includes constructing a transaction path for each request received by the distributed application, detecting a writing action to a log of the distributed application, and annotating the transaction path in accordance with the writing action to produce an annotated transaction path. In another embodiment, a method for building a knowledge base for use in diagnosing an error occurring in a distributed application includes executing the distributed application on a replica of a production server that supports the distributed application, constructing a transaction path for a request received by the distributed application, wherein the transaction path traverses the replica, injecting a fault into the transaction path, detecting a writing action to a log of the distributed application, wherein the writing action is a response to the fault, and storing an association between the fault and the writing action. |
| US09069666B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling error reporting and resolution
Various system and method embodiments are disclosed that include using a first node to receive messages including error information from a plurality of client computers via a computer network. Recommendations for resolving errors associated with the error information are made available to the client computers via the computer network. |
| US09069660B2 |
Systems and methods for writing to high-capacity memory
Systems and methods for writing to high-capacity memory are disclosed. In high-capacity memory systems in which the capacity of the characteristic portion of the memory (e.g., a page of NAND flash memory) exceeds the capacity of a buffer used to write to the memory, underutilization issues are prevalent. Data organized in the buffer can be combined with additional data to improve utilization of the characteristic portion. According to various embodiments, the additional data can include duplicate copies of the data, whitened data, or any other suitable type of data. |
| US09069658B2 |
Using a virtual to physical map for direct user space communication with a data storage device
A data storage device includes multiple flash memory devices, where each of the flash memory devices are arranged into multiple blocks having multiple pages for storing data. The data storage device includes a memory controller that is operationally coupled with the flash memory devices. The memory controller is configured to receive a virtual to physical memory address translation map from a host device, where a physical memory address includes a physical address for memory on the host device. The memory controller is configured to store the virtual to physical memory address translation map in a memory module on the memory controller, receive commands directly from an application running on the host device, where the commands include virtual memory addresses that refer to the memory on the host device and translate the virtual memory addresses to physical memory addresses using the virtual to physical memory address translation map. |
| US09069656B2 |
Obfuscating function resources while reducing stack consumption
In one embodiment, a system wide static global stack pool in a contiguous range of random access memory is generated, a block of memory in the system global pool is assigned to a thread of a running process, and the thread stores local variable information in static global stack pool, such that the local variable is hidden from a stack frame back-trace. In one embodiment, a dynamically allocated data structure in system heap memory is generated, the data structure is locked to ensure atomic access, a block of memory in the data structure is assigned to a thread of a process, the data structure is unlocked, and the thread stores local variable information in static global stack pool, such that the local variable is hidden from a stack frame back-trace. |
| US09069655B2 |
On-vehicle apparatus, and method and computer program for transmitting positional information
At every first prescribed timing, a positional information piece is generated. Each generated positional information piece represents a position of a vehicle which occurs at the corresponding first prescribed timing. Each generated positional information piece is written into one of storage areas in a storage device. At every second prescribed timing, positional information pieces in the storage areas are sent to a positional information collecting apparatus, and new positional information pieces are allowed to be written into the storage areas in which the sent positional information pieces are stored. In the event that sending the positional information pieces in the storage areas to the positional information collecting apparatus is impossible, a new positional information piece or pieces are allowed to be written into one or more of the storage areas which store a positional information piece or pieces having not been sent yet. |
| US09069653B2 |
Methods for utilizing stop sign and traffic light detections to enhance fuel economy and safety
Methods for operating a vehicle as the vehicle approaches an intersection with a traffic control device are provided herein. One example method includes detecting a traffic control device at an intersection the vehicle is approaching, and releasing and applying a disconnect clutch arranged in a driveline of the vehicle intermediate an engine and a starter/generator based on a type of the detected traffic control device. Because releasing the disconnect clutch disconnects the engine from the vehicle driveline, the engine may be turned off to increase fuel efficiency while the disconnect clutch is released. |
| US09069652B2 |
Integrated level shifting latch circuit and method of operation of such a latch circuit
An integrated level shifting latch circuit receives an input signal in a first voltage domain and generates an output signal in a second voltage domain. Data retention circuitry operates in a transparent phase where a data value is subjected to a level shifting function and is written into the data retention circuitry dependent on the input signal. Control circuitry controls the data retention circuitry to operate in the transparent phase during a first phase of the clock signal and to operate in the latching phase during a second phase of the clock signal. Writing circuitry writes the data value into the data retention circuitry. Contention mitigation circuitry, during the transparent phase, reduces a voltage drop across at least one component within the data retention circuitry. |
| US09069649B2 |
Distributed credit FIFO link of a configurable mesh data bus
An island-based integrated circuit includes a configurable mesh data bus. The data bus includes four meshes. Each mesh includes, for each island, a crossbar switch and radiating half links. The half links of adjacent islands align to form links between crossbar switches. A link is implemented as two distributed credit FIFOs. In one direction, a link portion involves a FIFO associated with an output port of a first island, a first chain of registers, and a second FIFO associated with an input port of a second island. When a transaction value passes through the FIFO and through the crossbar switch of the second island, an arbiter in the crossbar switch returns a taken signal. The taken signal passes back through a second chain of registers to a credit count circuit in the first island. The credit count circuit maintains a credit count value for the distributed credit FIFO. |
| US09069646B2 |
Automatic documentation generator
The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for generating a list of object descriptions based on an object's relevance for documentation. In one aspect there is provided a method that may include accepting a setting for a filter and a setting for a flag of an object. The filter setting may represent a type of information to be included in a list of object descriptions. The flag setting may represent a category of documentation relevance for the object that may be stored in a repository. The method may include comparing the filter setting with the flag setting of the object, extracting the description of the object from the repository based on the comparing of the flag setting with the filter setting, and generating the list of object descriptions that includes a description of the object. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described. |
| US09069631B2 |
Fencing data transfers in a parallel active messaging interface of a parallel computer
Fencing data transfers in a parallel active messaging interface (‘PAMI’) of a parallel computer, the PAMI including data communications endpoints, each endpoint comprising a specification of data communications parameters for a thread of execution on a compute node, including specifications of a client, a context, and a task, the compute nodes coupled for data communications through the PAMI and through data communications resources including a deterministic data communications network, including initiating execution through the PAMI of an ordered sequence of active SEND instructions for SEND data transfers between two endpoints, effecting deterministic SEND data transfers; and executing through the PAMI, with no FENCE accounting for SEND data transfers, an active FENCE instruction, the FENCE instruction completing execution only after completion of all SEND instructions initiated prior to execution of the FENCE instruction for SEND data transfers between the two endpoints. |
| US09069629B2 |
Bidirectional counting of dual outcome events
A dual outcome event monitoring unit comprises a plurality of inputs, and a first counter. Each input is associated with an event and the first counter is a bidirectional counter. The dual outcome event monitoring unit is configured to increment the first counter in response to receiving an indication of the occurrence of a first event of a plurality of events. The first event is designated as an increment event. The dual outcome event monitoring unit is also configured to decrement the first counter responsive to receiving an indication of the occurrence of a second event of a plurality of events. The second event is designated as a decrement event. |
| US09069627B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a dynamic execution environment in network communication between a client and a server
A computer implemented method and apparatus for providing a dynamic execution environment comprising receiving a base user interface from a server, creating and storing one or more intermediate representations (IR) which represent a mapping between the base user interface and a modified user interface, executing the one or more IRs to intercept network communication from the server, map between the base user interface and the modified user interface, and to send the modified user interface to one or more clients and executing the one or more IRs to intercept network communication from the one or more clients to the server with user data, map between the modified user interface and the base user interface, and to send the base user interface along with the user data to the server |
| US09069625B2 |
Method of parallel processing of ordered data streams
The disclosure relates to parallel processing of multiple digital data streams. The method includes transferring portions of incoming streams and attributes thereof to processors and obtaining respective portions of output streams and providing a sequence of the portions. Providing includes searching for a processor which is processing a portion of a particular incoming stream that has been located in a particular first stream before a portion already processed in said processor, and when several such processors are found, selecting a processor which is processing a portion of the particular incoming stream that is closest to the processed portion of the particular incoming stream. The processed portion of the particular incoming stream (and previously processed portions of the incoming stream from other processors) is transferred to the selected processor. If no such processors are found, the processed portions of the incoming stream are transferred to a respective output stream. |
| US09069616B2 |
Bandwidth throttling of virtual disks
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for managing resources in a computing system. For virtual hard disk drives supported by multiple physic hard disk drives over a network, artificial throttling of the disk access bandwidth is implemented, such that the resulting latency behavior of each virtual hard disk drive resembles the latency behavior of a corresponding physical hard disk drive emulated by the virtual hard disk drive. In various implementations, the artificial throttling simulates both characteristics of sequential access latencies and random access latencies on a physical hard drive. |
| US09069614B2 |
Using a temporary object handle to control access to a resource object
A method is provided for using a temporary object handle. The method performed at a resource manager includes: receiving an open temporary handle request from an application for a resource object, wherein a temporary handle can by asynchronously invalidated by the resource manager at any time; and creating a handle control block at the resource manager for the object, including an indication that the handle is a temporary handle. The method then includes: responsive to receiving a request from an application to use a handle, which has been invalidated by the resource manager, sending a response to the application that the handle is invalidated. |
| US09069613B2 |
Processing batch database workload while avoiding overload
Processing batch database workload while avoiding overload. A method for efficiently processing a database workload in a computer system comprises receiving the workload, which comprises a batch of queries directed toward the database. Each query within the batch of queries is assigned a priority. Resources of the computer system are assigned in accordance with the priority. The batch of queries is executed in unison within the computer system in accordance with the priority of each query thereby resolving a conflict within the batch of queries for the resources of the computer system, hence efficiently processing the database workload and avoiding overload of the computer system. |
| US09069612B2 |
Carry look-ahead adder with generate bits and propagate bits used for column sums
A carry look-ahead adder includes an input stage to produce generate bits and propagate bits from input signals. An output stage produces output sums exclusively from the generate bits, the propagate bits and carry in bits. |
| US09069608B2 |
Method and system for providing a roaming remote desktop
Techniques are disclosed for migrating a linked clone virtual machine (VM) based on a location of a client device. In one embodiment, a client device transmits its location to a VM management center, and a migration application running thereon determines whether the client device and a linked clone VM to which the client device is attempting to connect are at the same location. If the client device and the linked clone VM are not at the same location, the migration application identifies a VM hosting site proximate to the client device, and instructs a hypervisor to “cold” migrate the linked clone VM and its associated redo log to a VM host and a storage device, respectively, at the identified VM hosting site. The link clone VM may then be “actively” linked to a base VM at the VM hosting site, while maintaining “passive” links to base VM(s) at other locations. |
| US09069605B2 |
Mechanism to schedule threads on OS-sequestered sequencers without operating system intervention
Method, apparatus and system embodiments to schedule OS-independent “shreds” without intervention of an operating system. For at least one embodiment, the shred is scheduled for execution by a scheduler routine rather than the operating system. A scheduler routine may run on each enabled sequencer. The schedulers may retrieve shred descriptors from a queue system. The sequencer associated with the scheduler may then execute the shred described by the descriptor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US09069598B2 |
Providing logical partions with hardware-thread specific information reflective of exclusive use of a processor core
Techniques for simulating exclusive use of a processor core amongst multiple logical partitions (LPARs) include providing hardware thread-dependent status information in response to access requests by the LPARs that is reflective of exclusive use of the processor by the LPAR accessing the hardware thread-dependent information. The information returned in response to the access requests is transformed if the requestor is a program executing at a privilege level lower than the hypervisor privilege level, so that each logical partition views the processor as though it has exclusive use of the processor. The techniques may be implemented by a logical circuit block within the processor core that transforms the hardware thread-specific information to a logical representation of the hardware thread-specific information or the transformation may be performed by program instructions of an interrupt handler that traps access to the physical register containing the information. |
| US09069597B2 |
Operation management device and method for job continuation using a virtual machine
When hardware failure occurs in an operation device, a provisional job executing unit of a virtual machine is allowed to temporarily execute a job until setup of a spare device as an alternative job execution device is completed. Start of operation of the virtual machine is performed in a short time by shift from a suspending state to an operating state. Therefore, execution of the job is not stopped by the hardware failure of the operation device and it is possible to improve continuity of the job and improve reliability of a redundant configuration of the job execution device in which the spare device is associated with the operation device. |
| US09069594B1 |
Burst buffer appliance comprising multiple virtual machines
A burst buffer appliance is adapted for coupling between a computer system and a file system. The burst buffer appliance comprises a flash memory or other high-speed memory having a substantially lower access time than the file system, and is configured to include a plurality of virtual machines for processing respective different types of input-output operations that involve utilization of the high-speed memory, with each of the virtual machines providing a different performance level for its associated type of input-output operations. The performance levels provided by the plurality of virtual machines may comprise respective different quality of service (QoS) levels for the respective different types of input-output operations, specified in terms of parameters such as latency and throughput rate. A highest QoS level may be provided by a particular virtual machine for operations involving writing checkpoints from the computer system to the high-speed memory. |
| US09069593B2 |
Systems and methods for deletion of untracked datastore paths
In an embodiment, first and second lists of virtual machine datastore paths are obtained. The first list includes datastore paths on a datastore. The second list includes datastore paths that are associated with existing virtual machines. The first and second lists are compared and non-matching datastore paths are deleted from the datastore, thereby freeing up disk space on the datastore. |
| US09069592B2 |
Generic transport layer mechanism for firmware communication
A computing system including a communication network architecture with a transport layer mechanism. The computing system is capable of supporting a multitude of different application protocols involving information and/or data exchange between an operating system instance and various firmware services. The computing system may include an operating system instance with a Generic Transport Driver supporting the application protocols in the operating system instance, a firmware service connected to a Generic Transport Facility via a Generic Firmware Service Interface and a virtual machine with a Generic Transport Passthrough. The Generic Transport Driver of the operating system instance exchanges communication protocol data with the Generic Transport Facility of the firmware component via the generic Transport Passthrough. |
| US09069590B2 |
Preprovisioning using mutated templates
Illustrative embodiments include a method for preprovisioning using a mutated template. A subset of templates is selected from a set of templates that can be provisioned to a data processing system, a template in the set of templates including data to create a virtual machine on the data processing system. The mutated template is constructed using the subset of templates. A manifest is constructed such that a template in the subset of templates can be reconstructed from the mutated template using the manifest. Instead of the subset of templates, the mutated template is preprovisioned to the data processing system. |
| US09069585B2 |
Application tune manifests and tune state recovery
In accordance with one or more aspects, a request to run an application is received. The application has an associated tune manifest that identifies one or more resources that the application may use. The tune manifest is compared to a device resource record, and a check is made, based at least in part on the comparing, whether the one or more resources identified in the tune manifest can be satisfied by the device. If the one or more resources identified in the tune manifest can be satisfied by the device, then the application is run; otherwise, a notification of a conflict between the application and the device is presented. Additionally, when the application exits, a device tune state that identifies a content source to which the device was tuned prior to running the application can be retrieved and the device restored to this device tune state. |
| US09069582B2 |
Classpath optimization in a Java runtime environment
A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer usable program are provided by the aspects of the present invention. Aspects of the present invention identify required classes of a software program in the import statements in the source code. Next, the aspects of the present invention identify an element in a classpath environment variable that contain only the required classes and generate a new classpath environment variable with the identified element. Aspects of the present invention then store the new classpath environment variable in a classpath file that is specific to the software program for subsequent invocation. |
| US09069579B2 |
N-way synchronization of desktop images
Methods and systems for n-way cloning and synchronization of a user desktop image are provided. Example embodiments provide a Cloning and Synchronization System (“CSS”) which binds a server stored CVD object representing the user's desktop image to one or more endpoint devices. Each endpoint device receives a clone of the CVD object that comprises one or more layers of the server CVD depending upon the suitability of the endpoint device hardware and operating system to the server stored desktop. The cloned CVDs in the endpoint devices are then kept synchronized by synchronization operations. In one embodiment, the CSS allows only one endpoint device to act as a master device and push up changes to the server CVD. These changes are then pushed down to the other devices using different synchronization methods dependent upon the layer. |
| US09069573B2 |
Method for generating reduced snapshot image for booting and computing apparatus
Method for generating a reduced snapshot image for booting and a computing apparatus are provided. An embodiment of the method includes the following. In response to a shutdown request, it is determined whether a specific boot mode is enabled. When the specific boot mode is enabled, a threshold parameter set for process killing is assigned. If a first memory unit of the computing apparatus has at least one process satisfying a process killing condition, the at least one process satisfying the process killing condition is killed. The process killing condition includes a criterion based on the threshold parameter set. A hibernation process is entered, wherein the hibernation process generates a snapshot image for booting and stores the snapshot image in a second memory unit of the computing apparatus and the snapshot image includes at least one process reserved in the first memory after the killing step. |
| US09069566B1 |
Implementation of a multiple writer single reader queue in a lock free and a contention free manner
Method and system for implementing a multiple writer single reader queue in a lock free and a contention free manner. The method includes receiving a plurality of payloads from a plurality of users, assigning each payload to a writer thread, creating a corresponding writer queue by each the writer threads, enqueuing queue entries into the writer queues maintained exclusively by the each of the writer threads and dequeuing sequentially the queue entries by a reader thread. Further, the method includes adding and removing one or more writer threads in real time. The system includes an electronic device for displaying a plurality of payloads. The system also includes a processor, a memory that stores instructions and a communication interface in electronic communication with the electronic device and the processor. |
| US09069565B2 |
Processor and control method of processor
A processor includes: first selectors that select instruction addresses of instructions of a plurality of threads or a branch target address of a branch instruction to be predicted and that output addresses of the plurality of threads; a second selector that selects one of the addresses of the plurality of threads output by the first selectors; a branch prediction circuit that predicts and outputs a branch direction, which indicates whether the branch instruction of the address selected by the second selector is branched, based on the selected address in a first cycle stage and that predicts and outputs the branch target address of the branch instruction to be predicted based on the selected address in a second cycle stage later than the first cycle stage; and a thread arbitration circuit that controls selection of the addresses of the threads by the first selectors and the second selector. |
| US09069558B2 |
Recursive use of multiple hardware lookup structures in a transactional memory
A lookup engine of a transactional memory (TM) has multiple hardware lookup structures, each usable to perform a different type of lookup. In response to a lookup command, the lookup engine reads a first block of first information from a memory unit. The first information configures the lookup engine to perform a first type of lookup, thereby identifying a first result value. If the first result value is not a final result value, then the lookup engine uses address information in the first result value to read a second block of second information. The second information configures the lookup engine to perform a second type of lookup, thereby identifying a second result value. This process repeats until a final result value is obtained. The type of lookup performed is determined by the result value of the preceding lookup and/or type information of the block of information for the next lookup. |
| US09069550B2 |
System and method for adjusting inactivity timeout settings on a display device
In general, embodiments of the invention provide an approach to proactively adjust timeout settings on a display device based on user activity. Specifically, a system and method are presented to adaptively adjust the inactivity timeout settings on a display device based on the application being used, the content being displayed on the device, and an analysis of the user's history with the application. The present invention calculates an inactivity timeout modifier which is utilized to modify the default operating system timeout value. |
| US09069548B2 |
Reconfigurable instruction encoding method and processor architecture
A reconfigurable instruction encoding method includes the following operations: An instruction distribution of an application is counted, and multiple instruction pairs with higher utilization rates are accordingly found. Multiple instructions of the instruction pairs are duplicately encoded according to multiple reserved sections of an original instruction table, so that the instructions have corresponding reconfigured codes and a reconfigured instruction table extended from the original instruction table and including the reconfigured codes is obtained. A compiler is utilized to generate multiple machine codes according to the reconfigured instruction table and consecutive execution instructions. Hamming distance of the machine codes corresponding to the reconfigured instruction table and the execution instructions are not longer than Hamming distance of the machine codes generated according to the original instruction table and the execution instructions. |
| US09069547B2 |
Instruction and logic for processing text strings
Method, apparatus, and program means for performing a string comparison operation. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes execution resources to execute a first instruction. In response to the first instruction, said execution resources store a result of a comparison between each data element of a first and second operand corresponding to a first and second text string, respectively. |
| US09069544B2 |
Uninterruptible power supply and method for controlling power distribution unit by the same
A method for controlling power distribution unit (PDU) by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) has steps of allowing logging in the UPS through a network, providing a web-based user interface and allowing adding an identification of at least one PDU to use sockets on the added PDU to simulate additional sockets on the UPS, performing a handshaking task with the added PDU, receiving information from the added PDU during performing of the handshaking task, displaying the received information of the added PDU on the web-based user interface and allowing either operating the UPS or controlling the added PDU. The method allows the UPS to be capable of communicating with all connected PDUs so the user can merely login the UPS to control and manage all PDUs connected to the UPS. |
| US09069540B2 |
Information handling system adaptive high performance power delivery
An information handling system provides power to a peripheral through a peripheral interface, such as a USB interface, by communicating power availability with a primary set of power parameters through a data link and communicating power availability with a secondary set of power parameters through a power link. If a peripheral device has the capability to draw power at the second power parameters, it does so while monitoring for a fold back of host power that indicates power is not available at the second power parameters. |
| US09069539B2 |
Method and system for furnishing power and data from power sourcing equipment to powered device
A power sourcing equipment is connected to a powered device via a cable. The power sourcing equipment is configured to provide power to different types of devices. The power sourcing equipment has a control system for determining the type of powered device that is connected to the cable and furnishes power in response to the determination. Also described is a powered device capable of establishing communication with PSEs of multiple types. |
| US09069538B2 |
Preventing dark current flow in a mobile terminal
An information processing apparatus including an internal battery device including a secondary battery; a load device configured to receive power from the secondary battery; a switch section disposed externally to the battery device and configured to generate a control signal for preventing dark current from flowing from the secondary battery to the load device; and a first switching element configured to cut off a power source path from the secondary battery to the load device based on the control signal generated by the switch section. |
| US09069535B2 |
Computer thermal system
The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for providing efficient heat rejection for a lightweight and durable compact computing system having a small form factor. The compact computing system can take the form of a desktop computer. The desktop computer can include a monolithic top case having an integrated support system formed therein, the integrated support system providing structural support that distributes applied loads through the top case preventing warping and bowing. A mixed flow fan is utilized to efficiently pull cooling air through the compact computing system. |
| US09069534B2 |
Data centre
A data center (100) includes at least one rack room (in for example module 140) having a floor and a plurality of rack storage areas on the floor, each rack storage area being arranged to accommodate a plurality of racks (143) in which a plurality of rack-mountable electronic components may be housed, one or more controllable air circulation systems (in for example module 122), one or more cold aisles (144) in the rack room, each cold aisle being adjacent to a rack storage area, and one or more hot aisles (145) in the rack room, each hot aisle being adjacent to a rack storage area. There may be a large air duct, in the form of a personnel corridor (123), for transporting, under the control of the one or more air circulation systems, cooling air, above the floor, to the one or more cold aisles. The air supply corridor/duct (123) may have a height greater than 1.5 m above the floor and a cross-sectional area of at least 2 m2 and a maximum dimension in the plane of the cross-section of less than 3 m. |
| US09069533B2 |
Data center container with draining mechanism
A data center container includes a chassis, a cooling system, a draining mechanism, and a latching member. The chassis includes a front plate with a securing hole. The cooling system includes a water tray and a drainer tray. The water tray communicates with the drainer tray. The draining mechanism communicates with the drainer tray and extends out of the chassis. The latching member is attached to the draining mechanism. The latching member includes an inserting post, and the inserting post being engaged in the securing hole, to position the draining mechanism to the front plate. |
| US09069532B2 |
Valve controlled, node-level vapor condensation for two-phase heat sink(s)
A cooling apparatus and method are provided for cooling one or more electronic components of an electronic subsystem of an electronics rack. The cooling apparatus includes a heat sink, which is configured to couple to an electronic component, and which includes a coolant-carrying channel for coolant to flow therethrough. The coolant provides two-phase cooling to the electronic component, and is discharged from the heat sink as coolant exhaust which comprises coolant vapor to be condensed. The cooling apparatus further includes a node-level condensation module, associated with the electronic subsystem, and coupled in fluid communication with the heat sink to receive the coolant exhaust from the heat sink. The condensation module is liquid-cooled, and facilitates condensing of the coolant vapor in the coolant exhaust. A controller automatically controls the liquid-cooling of the heat sink and/or the liquid-cooling of the node-level condensation module. |
| US09069531B2 |
Portable device and mobile phone with double hinge torsion bar
In embodiments of a double hinge torsion bar, a portable device includes a first housing integrated with a display device, and a second housing movably coupled to the first housing. Double hinges attach to the first and second housings of the portable device, and the double hinges are operable to open and close the first and second housings relative to each other. A torsion bar movably couples the double hinges to open and close at approximately a same timing rate, which can prevent the double hinges from binding when the first and second housings are opened and closed relative to each other. |
| US09069530B2 |
Hinge mechanism with easy assembly and electronic device therewith
A hinge mechanism includes a sliding member, a pivoting member and a wedging member. The sliding member is disposed on a first casing in a slidable manner and includes a first bearing portion. The pivoting member is pivoted to the first casing and the second casing and includes a first pivotal portion and a second pivotal portion. The first pivotal portion is installed in first bearing portion and for driving the sliding member to slide to a first position in a first direction. The second pivot portion is installed in a second hinge of the first casing when the sliding member slides to a second position in a second position. The wedging member is disposed on the first casing in a slidable manner for wedging the sliding member when the sliding member slides to the second position. |
| US09069527B2 |
Tablet support apparatus
An apparatus for supporting a tablet type computer includes a keyboard, a frame and clamps pivotally connected to the frame by hinges. Each clamp has first and second clamping fingers. The apparatus can further include inserts configured to cover at least a portion of the clamping fingers. The inserts releasably grip portions of the tablet-type computer when the portions of the tablet-type computer are inserted between the clamping fingers. |
| US09069523B2 |
Computer display including a bezel
The computer display includes a display case, a bezel, and a bezel frame in contact with the display case and the bezel, the bezel frame including at least one portion extending away from the bezel to a surface of the display case, the at least one portion defining at least a portion of a cavity. |
| US09069519B1 |
Power and control system for modular multi-panel display system
In one embodiment, a modular multi-panel display system includes a mechanical support structure, and an array of LED display panels arranged in rows and columns and mounted to the mechanical support structure so as to form an integrated display. None of the LED display panels have a receiver card within the panel. A receiver box is mounted to the mechanical support. The receiver box is housed in a housing that is separate from housings of each of the LED display panels. The receiver box includes a receiver card coupled to feed data to be displayed on the integrated display to a plurality of the LED display panels. A control box is outside of the mechanical support and electrically connected to the receiver box through a data connection. A plurality of electrical connections electrically connects the receiver box with a first display panel in each row of display panels. |
| US09069516B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and device linkage method
An information processing apparatus includes a user interface unit configured to receive a function execution request for processes, the function execution request containing designations of an input function and an output function; a search and linkage unit configured to acquire pieces of specifications information indicating functions of an input device and an output device from the respective devices, and generate, based on the pieces of specifications information, a linkage flow indicating an execution sequence and a combination of an input device and an output device which respectively have an input function and an output function designated in the function execution request, the devices executing the functions, respectively, in linkage with each other; and a flow executing unit configured to send process requests to the input device and the output device designated in the linkage flow, respectively. |
| US09069515B2 |
System and method of data processing for a printing operation
Systems and methods relating to preparing data for use in a printing operation are provided. One method includes receiving selected records from a first data source. The selected records have been subjected to a first record characteristic updating step and the selected records comprise mail information useful for delivery of printed materials. The method further includes updating the selected records with a second record characteristic updating step. A time at which the second record characteristic updating step is performed is determined in relation to a print production schedule for the printed materials. The method further includes creating a postal pre-sort file based upon the updated selected records for use in the printing operation. The printing operation is performed on a printing device based on the pre-sorted records. |
| US09069513B2 |
Print control device, email transmission device, print controlling method and non-transitory computer readable recording medium
A print control device, comprises: a receiving part for receiving an email; an address extracting part for extracting an address designated as a recipient of the email received by the receiving part; and an output controlling part for controlling production of a printed output based on the email when the receiving part receives the email. The output controlling part does not produce the printed output based on the email received by the receiving part if the multiple addresses are extracted by the address extracting part. |
| US09069509B2 |
System and method for printing relevant content via a cloud print service
A system and method for printing relevant content via a cloud print service upon completion of an entertainment event in media from an associated one of one or more entertainment devices are disclosed. In one example, the relevant content is obtained from an associated one of one or more entertainment device cloud services by the cloud print service upon completion of the entertainment event in the media. Further, the obtained relevant content is printed on a web connected printer by the cloud print service. |
| US09069506B2 |
Systems and methods for reallocating image processing devices
Systems and methods for reallocating image processing devices receive usage data of each of a plurality of distributed devices, determine respective current usage rates of each of the distributed devices based on the usage data, calculate respective anticipated print counts of each of the distributed devices expected at a first predetermined time from the current usage rates, determine that one of the distributed devices is a high-usage device based at least on the anticipated print counts, determine at least one high-usage device and at least one low-usage device to reallocate so that the anticipated print count of the each of the distributed devices stays within a predetermined range of a target print count, and indicate the at least one high-usage device and the at least one low-usage device to reallocate. |
| US09069504B2 |
Printing apparatus and method for increasing storage area
A printer performs printing based on a print setting related to a session ID. A Web application transmits print data to the printer together with the session ID. If a print setting related to the session ID is present, the printer performs printing based on the print setting. If no print setting related to the session ID is present, the printer prompts a connection destination to confirm the print setting related to the session ID. When the session ends, the printer deletes the print setting related to the session ID. With the above configuration, issues are solved. |
| US09069500B2 |
Information processing device, method and computer-readable medium therefor configured to generate transmission information associated with selected target spreadsheets
An information processing device including a communication unit communicating with a conversion device, and a control unit configured to select one or more target spreadsheets from among spreadsheets contained in target information, the target information being described in a format of a markup language and contains the spreadsheets, each of the spreadsheets being individually identified based on tag information contained in the target information, generate transmission information based on the one or more selected target spreadsheets, control the communication unit to transmit the generated transmission information to the conversion device, and control the communication unit to receive one or more pieces of image information from the conversion device, each of the one or more pieces of image information being generated through conversion by the conversion device based on a corresponding one of the one or more selected target spreadsheets included in the transmission information transmitted to the conversion device. |
| US09069498B2 |
Presenting devices as applications
One or more management components mediate a bi-directional interaction between applications. The components mediate interaction between a first application such as a word processing, video conference, or multimedia application, and a second application that is a virtualization of a physical device such as a printer, camera, or multimedia device. Further, embodiments also support a second application that provides an interface to a service provider, online business, and the like. The management component(s) may function as part of an operating system (OS), allowing the OS to mediate the interaction, and enable greater flexibility and a richer user experience, including presenting a common user experience for the interaction and/or acting as a broker to present a experience generated from the second application. Embodiments also include a unified application programming interface (API) to allow applications to interact with each other via the management component(s) of the OS. |
| US09069497B2 |
Information processing apparatus having relay virtual printer and functional relay virtual printer
A print relay server relays print data generated by a print server to an image forming device. The print relay server includes a relay virtual printer that instructs the corresponding image forming device to print out print data and a functional relay virtual printer that has a function for realizing a specified print service not provided by the print server. The functional relay virtual printer acquires print data from the print server which has generated print data in response to a print request from a client, and instructs an image forming device, which executes a process for realizing the specified print service, to print out print data via the relay virtual printer. |
| US09069494B2 |
Evaluating and managing image quality performance and improving service effectiveness of groups of production printers
Method and systems maintain historical printing device information from a plurality of printing devices, maintain historical actions performed on the printing devices, and maintain historical print image quality produced by the printing devices within a storage medium of a computerized device. These methods and systems determine which of the historical actions increase the print image quality and which of the historical actions decrease the print image quality, using the computerized device. The methods and systems output an action effectiveness report from the computerized device. The action effectiveness report indicates which of the historical actions increase/decrease the print image quality. |
| US09069492B2 |
Control systems for repetitive printing
Complicating programs installed on a control device, and wasting recording media, are suppressed. A registration device driver that generates and outputs control commands instructing registering a static image in an inkjet printer based on input of information related to a static image from an application AP, and a device control driver that generates and outputs a control command to print the static image registered in the inkjet printer superimposed with the variable image based on input of information related to the variable image from an application, are installed on a host computer. An application calls the device driver appropriate to the process. |
| US09069490B2 |
Source device, communication system, method of controlling source device, and method of controlling sink device
A source device includes: a low-speed data supply section configured to supply, as low-speed data, data generated in synchronization with a low clock signal out of clock signals having different frequencies, the low clock signal having a frequency lower than a predetermined value; a high-speed data supply section configured to supply, as high-speed data, data generated in synchronization with a high clock signal out of the clock signals, the high clock signal having a frequency higher than that of the low clock signal; a dividing section configured to divide the low-speed data into a predetermined number of pieces of data in accordance with a ratio between the frequencies of the high and low clock signals; and a data transmitting section configured to store the high-speed data and the divided pieces of low-speed data in data having a predetermined data size, and to transmit the stored data. |
| US09069488B2 |
Electronic devices
A storage device (3), such as an SD card, that is coupled to a host device (2), such as a mobile phone, includes a computing environment (8). The computing environment (8) includes an application processing part (6), and a separate interface processing part (7). The application processing part (6) of the computing environment 8 is operable to execute one or more applications on the storage device (3). The interface processing part (7) of the computing environment 8 includes an interface processor that interfaces between a communications protocol used between the host device (2) and the storage device (3), and a communications protocol used by the application processor in the application processing part (6) of the storage device (3). The interface processor communicates with the application processor via interrupts and a shared memory (9). |
| US09069487B2 |
Virtualizing storage for WPAR clients using key authentication
Systems, methods and media for providing to a plurality of WPARs private access to physical storage connected to a server through a VIOS are disclosed. In one embodiment, a server is logically partitioned to form a working partition comprising a WPAR manager and individual WPARs. Each WPAR is assigned to a different virtual port. The virtual ports are created by using NPIV protocol between the WPAR and VIOS. Thereby, each WPAR has private access to the physical storage connected to the VIOS. |
| US09069486B2 |
Data transfer control device and data storage device
According to one embodiment, a data transfer control device complying with a communication protocol which executes an update of information from an attachment device in a predetermined area of a system memory, the device includes a receiving part receiving the information from the attachment device, a transferring part transferring the information in the predetermined area, the information from the transferring part overwritten in the predetermined area sequentially, and a determining part inhibiting a transfer of the information in the transferring part to omit the update of the information in the predetermined area. |
| US09069481B1 |
Automated non-disruptive data encapsulation and de-encapsulation
A host computer automatically detects an encapsulating volume in a not ready device state and executes setup and synchronize operations, where the encapsulating volume is a virtualization of a physical volume. Setup applies access control to the encapsulating volume, and synchronize transitions the encapsulating volume to a protected device state. In response to a signal conveying an administrator's instruction to proceed, a commitment operation is automatically executed by atomically (a) removing the access control on the encapsulating volume to allow application access, (b) applying access control to the physical volume, and (c) remapping a device name to reference the encapsulating volume, the commitment operation also causing a transition of the encapsulating volume to a normal device state in which the encapsulating volume is available for normal application access. The technique can also include de-encapsulation and a data migration process employing the encapsulation and de-encapsulation. |
| US09069477B1 |
Reuse of dynamically allocated memory
Overall memory requirements are minimized by performing copy on write and collapse on write operations using memory pointers when storing data within memory pages. Multiple memory pointers may refer to a primary page storing a definitive copy of data. When that data is to be modified, a copy on write operation creates a second copy in another memory page which may then be modified and updates memory pointers accordingly. When data within two or more memory pages is identical to data within a primary page, a collapse on write operation updates memory pointers to refer to the primary page and de-allocates the duplicative and now unused memory pages. |
| US09069464B2 |
Data processing apparatus, operation accepting method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium encoded with browsing program
A data processing apparatus includes a browsing portion to execute a process of the type corresponding to a gesture event, a mouse event generating portion to generate a mouse event including positional information indicating the position detected by a position detecting portion, and a gesture event determining portion to determine one of gesture events on the basis of the mouse event(s). The browsing portion includes a display image generating portion operable, when content includes a description for displaying an embedded image generated as an application program is executed, to generate a display image with the embedded image arranged in an embedded area, and a selecting portion operable, when the position indicated by one of the mouse event(s) from which the gesture event has been determined falls within the embedded area, to select either the gesture event or the mouse event(s) on the basis of the type of the gesture event. |
| US09069461B2 |
Display system including first and second display devices
A display system includes an image forming apparatus for storing screen data and a portable information terminal for displaying a screen based on the screen data stored by the image forming apparatus. The display system accepts flick operation for requesting movement of a screen at the portable communication terminal and transmits flick information concerning the flick operation to the image forming apparatus. The display system successively transmits screen data of screens from the start of movement to completion of movement from the image forming apparatus to the portable communication terminal, based on the flick information. The display system displays a screen based on the transmitted screen data on the portable communication terminal. |
| US09069459B2 |
Multi-threaded conditional processing of user interactions for gesture processing using rendering thread or gesture processing thread based on threshold latency
Embodiments isolate gesture processing for improved user interactivity with content. A first thread detects user interaction with a document via a touch sensor associated with a computing device. A latency associated with a second thread is calculated. The calculated latency is compared to a threshold latency. Based on the comparison, the first thread determines whether to transfer processing of the detected user interaction from the first thread to the second thread. The detected user interaction is processed by the first thread or by the second thread based on the determination. In some embodiments, users are provided with smooth interactivity such as panning and scrolling when browsing web content with a browser executing on a mobile computing device. |
| US09069455B2 |
3D user interface for application entities
Embodiments relate to three-dimensional user interfaces for managing and accessing applications. Applications are stored on storage of a device. A user interface is displayed on a display. The user interface includes interactively rotatable three-dimensional structures each comprised of regions, each region displaying a graphic representing a corresponding application, the applications activatable by interaction with the three-dimensional structures. Applications can be assigned to structures (volumes) manually or automatically. The three-dimensional structures may be rotated and otherwise manipulated by user input. |
| US09069454B2 |
Multi-select tools
Touch-sensitive features of devices may be used to demarcate a displayed area on the device to identify a set of data points contained in the demarcated area. After identifying the data points in the demarcated area, the user may be presented with an interface on the display listing different actions that may be performed on at least one of the identified data points. After the user selects the actions to be performed, the computing device may perform the selected actions on one or more of the identified data points in demarcated area. |
| US09069452B2 |
Morphing a user-interface control object
Systems and techniques are disclosed for morphing a first control object in a user-interface into a second control object. According to some implementations, the first control object is provided for display on a graphical user interface presented on a display of a device. The first control object can be configured to control a parameter of a presentation of media content in response to a first input. An interaction input is received indicating a user interaction with the first control object. In response to the interaction input, the first control object can be morphed into a second control object, replacing the first control object. A second input can be received, the second input indicating an intention of the user to change a value of the second control object. And, the value of the second control object can be adjusted according to the second input. |
| US09069449B2 |
Methods of granting permission to annotate digital items
A user may make a digital item available to other users of a computer network, such as an instant messaging system, a chat environment, or a subscription-based computer network. Examples of digital items that may be shared with other users include digital representations of graphic images, photographs, audio segments, songs, video segments, movies, and text (such as lists of favorites (e.g., a list of favorite books, a list of favorite movies, and a list of favorite places to visit)). On-line presence information is provided to indicate the on-line presence of users with whom a digital item has been shared, may be shared or is being shared. For instance, an indication of the on-line or offline status of a user with whom an item has been shared or is being shared may be presented. |
| US09069444B1 |
Methods for synchronizing large files with a cloud network
Disclosed are methods and systems for providing cloud services to personal computing devices that store large personal files such as personal videos and personal photographs in a lossless format. The methods and systems include a cloud server that synchronizes large personal files in a lossless format between first and second local computing devices. The cloud server may also store the personal large files in a lossy format on the cloud server. The lossy file can be used to facilitate syncing of the lossless file between a first and second local computing device. The lossy file stored on the cloud can also be provided to a third local computing device having limited capabilities (e.g., a mobile device with a limited internet connection or limited screen resolution). |
| US09069442B2 |
Virtual universe desktop exploration for resource acquisition
The present invention is directed to a system, method and program product that allows a user to acquire resources from a local computer during a session with a virtual universe. Disclosed is a system that allows a user to: invocate a local operating system session that displays an operating system interface onto a client computer during a virtual universe session; navigate the operating system interface using an avatar; and acquire resources from the client computer via the operating system interface using the avatar. |
| US09069439B2 |
Graphical user interface with customized navigation
The present application relates to a multi-dimensional icon that includes a plurality of panels linked together in a user-configurable structure. Based on user input, such as a flick or other gesture, the multi-dimensional icon can rotate to the next of a series of linked panels. In one embodiment, each linked panel can also have functionality or content associated therewith that is customizable by the user. For example, the user can select the panel to launch an application, a web page, or view content (e.g., a photo). In another embodiment, data can also be associated with a panel so that if the user selects the panel, an application can be launched or a website opened, using the data as a customization parameter. |
| US09069438B2 |
Allocating virtual machines according to user-specific virtual machine metrics
The performance monitoring system allocates virtual machines to users or user sessions according to a user categorization that is determine using user session information and virtual machine metrics. A session monitor of the performance monitoring system is notified that a user session terminated, where the user session accessed a virtual machine. The session monitor responsively records the user session information and obtains virtual machine metrics for the virtual machine from a virtual machine performance monitor. The performance monitoring system updates a user workload profile using the user session information and the virtual machine metrics, and categorizes the user of the user session according to the user workload profile. Upon receiving a request from a user for a virtual machine, a virtual desktop infrastructure requests a virtual machine from a virtual machine manager. The virtual machine manager responsively allocates a virtual machine to the user according to the user's categorization. |
| US09069437B2 |
Window management method, apparatus and computing device
A window management method, apparatus and a computing device are provided. The window management apparatus comprises a window rendering management device for managing the at least two windows in response to an input operation, to change the size and location of a target window of the at least two windows to which the input operation is directed, and simultaneously adaptively change the size and location of at least one other window of the at least two windows. With the embodiments of the present invention, upon detection of an input operation, a window control operation can be performed on at least two opened windows to change the sizes and locations of at least two opened windows simultaneously. In this way, a plurality of windows can be managed collectively by fewer operations, and the required numbers of user operations can be reduced. |
| US09069436B1 |
System and method for information delivery based on at least one self-declared user attribute
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing a user the ability to self-declare one or more permission attributes about the user that form the basis for the filtering (e.g., the dynamic filtering) of current and/or future content. In this manner, access to the content may thus be governed by the self-declared permission attributes (in one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the present invention may operate within a secure, tracked content delivery infrastructure). |
| US09069431B2 |
Touch pad
A touch pad includes detection means for outputting a variable with respect to an operation surface, and control means for recognizing an operation finger candidate. In a case of one operation finger candidate, when a touch area exceeds a first threshold value, the control means determines the operation finger candidate to be an operation valid target finger. When a touch area does not exceed the first threshold value, the control means determines the operation finger candidate to be an operation invalid target finger. In a case of plural operation finger candidates, when a touch area exceeds a second threshold value indicating an area smaller than the first threshold value, the control means determines the operation finger candidate to be an operation valid target finger. When a touch area does not exceed the second threshold value, the control means determines the operation finger candidate to be an operation invalid target finger. |
| US09069429B2 |
Method and device for image segmentation
The invention provides a method and a device for image segmentation. After obtaining an image constructed of a plurality of 1D sensing information, each line piece in each 1D sensing information, which corresponds to touch or proximity of one or more external conductive objects, is determined. Next, the line pieces corresponding to touch or proximity of different external conductive objects are segmented based on overlapping relationships between the adjacent line pieces. |
| US09069423B2 |
Buffer-reference self-capacitance measurement
In one embodiment, a method includes modifying an amount of charge of a capacitance of a touch sensor resulting in a voltage at the capacitance being a reference voltage level. The method also includes modifying the amount of charge of the capacitance resulting in the voltage at the capacitance being a first pre-determined voltage level. The modified amount of charge of the capacitance induces a first amount of charge on an integration capacitor and the first amount of charge modifies the voltage at the integration capacitor from an integration-reference voltage level to a first charging voltage level. The method also includes modifying the amount of charge of the capacitance resulting in the voltage at the capacitance being a second pre-determined voltage level. The modified amount of charge of the capacitance inducing a second amount of charge on the integration capacitor. |
| US09069421B2 |
Touch sensor and touch display apparatus and driving method thereof
The present invention provides a dual-mode touch sensing apparatus. The apparatus includes a sensor; a plurality of first conductive line, a first direction selection line, and a first direction transmission line arranged in parallel to each other and in a first direction, wherein the first direction selection line corresponds to the first direction transmission line; and a plurality of second conductive line, a second direction selection line, and a second direction transmission line arranged in parallel to each other and in a second direction, wherein the second conductive lines, the second direction selection line and the second direction transmission line cross the first conductive lines, the first direction selection line and the first direction transmission line. |
| US09069417B2 |
Hover and touch detection for digitizer
A method and system for tracking a hover event on a digitizer sensor that treats hover and touch events differently comprises configuring at least one parameter of the digitizer sensor for hover tracking; wherein the at least one parameter is configured differently than for touch tracking, and detecting a pattern of input signals from a plurality of conductive lines on the digitizer sensor defining a tracking point responsive to the pattern of hover input signals detected. |
| US09069414B2 |
Touchscreen sensor for touchscreen display unit
Proposed is a touchscreen sensor for touchscreen devices such as iPhones, iPads, etc. The sensor comprises a substrate that supports an IR laser light source that transmits light to a light-delivery ridge waveguide formed on one side of the substrate and an array of photoreceivers on the opposite side of the substrate. The light-delivery waveguide and the photoreceivers of the array are interconnected by a plurality of strip-like illumination waveguides that are divided by touch-sensitive detectors into input and output waveguides. The touch-sensitive detectors are distributed under the external plate with a density that changes optical conditions of the touch-sensitive optical detector when an object, e.g., a finger, touches the external plate. The place of contact is detected and is then used to activate the appropriate command. |
| US09069412B2 |
Touch-sensor-equipped display device comrpising photodetecting elements
Provided is a display device having a photodetecting element in a pixel, and having an input function that is not dependent on light environments. This is a display device having an optical sensor in a pixel region. The optical sensor includes a first sensor pixel circuit that outputs a sensor signal corresponding to electric charges accumulated during an accumulation period in an ON time of a light source for the sensor; and a second sensor pixel circuit that that outputs a sensor signal corresponding to electric charges accumulated during an accumulation period in an OFF time of the light source. A sensor driving circuit for driving the first sensor pixie circuit and the second sensor pixel circuit supplies reset signals (RST1, RST2) to the first sensor pixel circuit and the second sensor pixel circuit, respectively, during vertical flyback periods in pixel display in the pixel region. |
| US09069411B2 |
Capacitive touch screen
The present invention provides a mutual capacitive multi-touch screen. The conductive strip pattern allows that, when a touch range of each external conductive object on the mutual capacitive multi-touch screen is larger than a predetermined condition, capacitive coupling between each external conductive object and first conductive strip is greater than capacitive coupling between each external conductive object and second conductive strip, such that the proportion of a driving signal flowing out of the first conductive strip via at least one first external conductive object in the external conductive objects and into the second conductive strip via at least one second external conductive object in the external conductive objects decreases as the number of second external conductive objects increases. |
| US09069408B2 |
Single-chip multi-stimulus sensor controller
A multi-stimulus controller for a multi-touch sensor is formed on a single integrated circuit (single-chip). The multi-stimulus controller includes a transmit oscillator, a transmit signal section that generates a plurality of drive signals based on a frequency of the transmit oscillator, a plurality of transmit channels that transmit the drive signals simultaneously to drive the multi-touch sensor, a receive channel that receives a sense signal resulting from the driving of the multi-touch sensor, a receive oscillator, and a demodulation section that demodulates the received sense signal based on a frequency of the receive oscillator to obtain sensing results, the demodulation section including a demodulator and a vector operator. |
| US09069392B2 |
Operational display device and method of controlling the same, and recording medium
An operational display device includes a display portion for displaying an image based on image data including a specific portion, a detection portion for detecting an orientation in which the display portion is held, and a display control unit for controlling a manner of display on the display portion. The display control unit causes an image of the specific portion to be displayed as being zoomed-in and rotated in accordance with an orientation of holding of the display portion when the orientation in which the display portion is held is changed from a first orientation to a second orientation. |
| US09069391B2 |
Method and medium for inputting Korean characters using a touch screen
A method for inputting a Korean character using a touch screen of a mobile device determines a vowel as a neutral vowel according to multi-touches centered around a consonant input key displayed on the touch screen. The method can minimize the number of character input keys arranged on the touch screen utilized in the mobile device, and can combine the Korean characters through the minimal touch action for inputting the Korean character. |
| US09069389B2 |
Remote control with top and lower surface inputs
A remote control having a housing with a top surface and bottom surface. The top surface has a first set of one or more inputs adapted to be used when the housing is held in one hand of a user. The bottom surface has a plurality of second inputs configured in a recessed portion of the bottom surface corresponding at least in part to an area adapted to be held in one hand of a user when activating the first set of inputs. The remote control also has at least one short range transmitter responsive to activation of the first and second inputs. |
| US09069386B2 |
Gesture recognition device, method, program, and computer-readable medium upon which program is stored
The present invention provides a gesture recognition device which can accurately recognize a user's gesture in a free space with a simple configuration, and which is mounted on a processing unit and which causes the processing unit to execute an operation corresponding to the recognized gesture. The gesture recognition device (1000) comprises a palm centroid determining unit (30) for determining centroid of a palm, a palm area determining unit (40) for determining the area of a palm, a finger length/angle determining unit (50) for calculating length of finger by obtaining the length between the centroid and the fingertips and for calculating the angles formed by lines connecting the centroid and the fingertips, and a gesture identifying unit (60) for identifying the gesture by the combination of the variation of the centroid of the palm, the change of the palm area, the change of length between the centroid and the fingertips and the change of angles formed by the lines connecting the centroid and the fingertips. |
| US09069384B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device 10 according to an embodiment includes: a display section 12 for displaying an operation area 40; a touch panel 11 disposed on a display surface side of the display section 12; a vibration section 13 for vibrating the touch panel 11; a vibration control section 33 for controlling a vibration pattern of the vibration section 13; and a detection section 20 for detecting whether an operation to the touch panel 11 has been made with a has been made with a finger of a user or a pen. The vibration control section 33 varies the vibration pattern of the vibration section 13 depending on whether a finger or a pen is detected by the detection section 20. |
| US09069382B1 |
Using visual layers to aid in initiating a visual search
Methods and devices for initiating a search are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving video data captured by an image-capture device on a wearable computing device, segmenting the video data into a number of layers and, based on the video data, detecting that a pointing object is in proximity to a first layer. The method further includes initiating a first search on the first layer. In another embodiment, a wearable computing device is disclosed that includes an interface configured to receive video data captured by an image-capture device, a processor, and data storage comprising instructions executable by the processor to segment the video data into a number of layers and, based on the video data, detect that a pointing object is in proximity to a first layer. The instructions are further executable by the processor to initiate a first search on the first layer. |
| US09069378B2 |
Bending threshold and release for a flexible display device
A flexible display device and method for detecting a bend on the device are discussed. The method includes detecting a first bend on the flexible display device and measuring a first degree of the first bend; recognizing the first bend as a first valid flex input when the measured first degree of bend surpasses a first error threshold value; and recognizing an end of the first valid flex input when the measured first degree of bend falls below a first release threshold value, wherein a maximum degree of bend measured during the first bend is recognized as a first peak value, wherein the first error threshold value is determined based on a degree before the flexible display device is bent and the first release threshold value is determined based on the first peak value, and wherein the first release threshold value is different from the first error threshold value. |
| US09069375B2 |
Method and system for platform-independent application development
A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions that when executed cause the implementation of a method is disclosed herein. The medium has instructions for facilitating the execution of at least a first hybrid application on a first device, the first hybrid application comprising commands related to platform-specific functionality and platform-independent functionality of the first device. The method includes initializing a loosely-coupled native engine configured to receive commands from the first hybrid application and to facilitate platform-specific functionality on the first device. The loosely-coupled native engine comprises a webserver module. The method includes receiving commands from the first hybrid application, wherein at least one of the commands comprises a device command to be converted to a corresponding platform-specific code prior to execution of the platform-specific code. And the method includes creating a handler to serve the device command and facilitate execution of the corresponding platform-specific code. |
| US09069374B2 |
Web video occlusion: a method for rendering the videos watched over multiple windows
Computer-implemented methods, computer program products and computer systems that render display of a video on a first page, that has been occluded from view by the subsequent viewing of a second page, to viewing on such subsequently viewed second page. Source location of the video is identified from source code of the first page, the identified video source is retrieved, and then it is input into source code of the second page to transfer the video to the second page. The video may then me displayed on the second page. The computer program products and computer systems both include a number of program instructions for effecting the transfer of the video from the first page to the second page for the continuous unobstructed or non-occluded viewing thereof. |
| US09069371B2 |
Hysteresis generating pedal apparatus
Provided is a hysteresis generating pedal apparatus. More specifically, the hysteresis generating pedal apparatus includes: a housing fixed to a vehicle; a pedal arm rotatably supported by the housing; and a friction member having an end supported by a spring and an other end in contact with a portion of the pedal arm and generating friction by contacting the housing when rotated by a driver's pedal effort received from the pedal arm. In particular, in a center of rotation of the friction member is different from a center of rotation of the pedal arm. |
| US09069370B2 |
Digital low drop-out regulator
A low drop-out regulator circuit includes a control circuit and a switching device. The control circuit has an output node. The switching device has a first terminal coupled with the output node of the control circuit. The switching device is configured to receive an input voltage at a second terminal of the switching device and provide an output voltage at a third terminal of the switching device. The control circuit is configured to provide a digital signal at the output node of the control circuit based on a feedback voltage of the output voltage at the third terminal of the switching device. |
| US09069368B2 |
Light load stability circuitry for LDO regulator
A linear regulator contains an additional AC-coupled feedback loop between the output of the error amplifier and the base of the pass transistor that increases the frequency of the pole at the output of the error amplifier at light load currents to at least partially offset the decreased frequency of the output pole at the lighter load currents. Thus, a desired phase margin is preserved. The AC-coupled feedback loop includes a bipolar feedback transistor connected in parallel with the pass transistor. A resistor is connected to the emitter of the feedback transistor to reduce the relative gain of the feedback transistor above light load currents. A feedback capacitor Cfb is connected between the collector of the feedback transistor and the output of the error amplifier. The negative AC feedback increases the pole frequency at the output of the error amplifier and the base of the pass transistor. |
| US09069364B2 |
Enhanced on-time generator
This document discusses, among other things, voltage converters and computed on-time voltage converters. In an example, an on-time generator for a voltage converter can include a timing capacitor configured to provide a timing voltage, a comparator configured to receive the timing voltage and a threshold voltage and to provide the timing signal using a comparison of the timing voltage and the threshold voltage, a current source configured to discharge the timing voltage of the timing capacitor after a start-up delay, and first and second compensation capacitors configured to bias the timing voltage of the timing capacitor to compensate for the start-up delay. |
| US09069354B2 |
Method for planning path for autonomous walking humanoid robot
The present invention provides a method for planning a path for an autonomous walking humanoid robot that takes an autonomous walking step using environment map information, the method comprising: an initialization step of initializing path input information of the autonomous walking humanoid robot using origin information, destination information, and the environment map information; an input information conversion step of forming a virtual robot including information on the virtual robot obtained by considering the radius and the radius of gyration of the autonomous walking humanoid robot based on the initialized path input information; a path generation step of generating a path of the virtual robot using the virtual robot information, the origin information S, the destination information G, and the environment map information; and an output information conversion step of converting the path of the autonomous walking humanoid robot based on the virtual robot path generated in the path generation step. |
| US09069351B2 |
System and a method for controlling movements of an industrial robot
A system and a method for controlling movements of an industrial robot during a work cycle including visiting and performing work on a plurality of workstations in a work cell. The system includes a set of predefined workstations. Each workstation includes preprogrammed robot code adapted to the workstation, an entry point defining the entrance position to the workstation, and one or more predefined paths to be followed by the robot at the workstation. A user interface is adapted to provide information about the predefined workstations and allows an operator to select one or more of the predefined workstations and to specify a desired part flow between the workstations. A scheduling unit is adapted during execution of the work cycle to schedule the execution order for the workstations based on the workstations selected from the predefined workstations and the desired part flow, and to control the movements of the robot based on the scheduled execution order and the predefined paths. |
| US09069345B2 |
Controlling a manufacturing process with a multivariate model
A method, controller, and system for controlling a manufacturing process (batch-type or continuous-type) with a multivariate model are described. Dependent variable data and manipulated variable data are received. Dependent variable data represents values of uncontrolled process parameters from a plurality of sensors. Manipulated variable data represents controlled or setpoint values of controllable process parameters of a plurality of process tools. A predicted operational value, multivariate statistic, or both are determined based on the received data, and operating parameters of the manufacturing process are determined based on the predicted score, multivariate statistic, or both. |
| US09069338B2 |
Systems and methods for statistical control and fault detection in a building management system
A building management strategy includes using exponentially weighted moving averages with statistical models to detect changes in the behavior of the building management system. Detected changes in the behavior of the system may indicate a detected fault, a change in a predicted behavior, or a need for the statistical models to be updated. |
| US09069334B2 |
Radio clock
A radio clock including: an antenna configured to receive a satellite signal transmitted from GPS satellite; a receiving unit configured to perform a receiving process to acquire information contained in the satellite signal received by the antenna within a predetermine upper limit period; and a control unit configured to change the number of receiving processes to be performed in a predetermined period and change the upper limit period in accordance with a total sum of durations of the receiving processes performed in the predetermined period. |
| US09069333B1 |
Personal alarm watch
The personal alarm watch is an improved athletic sports watch, which includes the traditional time related features of a wristwatch along with a plurality of personal alarm features integrated therein. The wristwatch includes a pulse sensor integrated into a bottom surface that is in dermal contact with the end user's wrist in order to detect pulse, and which relays said information to a processing means located inside of the wristwatch. The wristwatch also includes a location-based technology along with the ability to communicate with the local authorities upon depression of a panic button in order to provide an alarm thereto. A speaker being manifested with said watch nay provide an additional level of security by emitting an audible alarm. Upon transmission of said alarm to said local authorities, the wristwatch further transmits an electronic file containing biographical and/or medical information about the end user. |
| US09069331B2 |
Support unit and image forming apparatus
A support unit that supports a member to be supported is inserted in an apparatus main body thus to be mounted therein. The support unit includes a wall portion, a connector unit, and a cover member. The wall portion is provided on an upstream end portion of the support unit in the direction in which the support unit is inserted. The connector unit is provided on the wall portion for electrical connection between the apparatus main body and the support unit. The cover member is pivotably supported by a bearing portion provided on the wall portion, so as to pivot between a first position in which the connector unit is exposed so as to allow an operator to grasp the cover member, and a second position in which the connector unit is concealed. |
| US09069329B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a movable member movable between first and second inside positions and between the second inside position and an outside position, supporting cartridges arranged in an arranging direction. At the outside position, the cartridges are detachably mountable outside a main assembly of the image forming apparatus in a direction crossing with the arranging direction and with a longitudinal direction of each cartridge. At the first inside position, the cartridges are positioned inside the main assembly. The second inside position is inside the main assembly partway of a movement path between the outside position and the first inside position. The movable member supports the cartridges so that a distance between adjacent two cartridges of the cartridges is increased with respect to the arranging direction in interrelation with movement of the movable member from the first inside position to the second inside position. |
| US09069328B2 |
Cartridge
A cartridge may include a conveyor roller extending along a rotational axis and a bearing member for rotatably supporting the conveyor roller. The conveyor roller may include a larger-diameter portion for conveying a sheet, and a smaller-diameter portion. The bearing member may rotatably support the smaller-diameter portion of the conveyor roller, and engage the housing. In one or more arrangements, the entire smaller-diameter portion of the conveyor roller may be located at a more outward position, relative to a midpoint of the larger-diameter portion, than a portion of the bearing member supporting the smaller-diameter portion of the conveyor roller. |
| US09069323B2 |
Image forming apparatus including endless belt disposed above photosensitive drum
An image forming apparatus includes a frame, a photosensitive drum, an endless belt disposed above the photosensitive drum, and a pressing member. The photosensitive drum includes a drum body and a flange portion that is provided on one end portion of the drum body. The flange portion has a contacted portion and a pressed portion. The pressing member presses the pressed portion upward to permit the photosensitive drum to be in contact with the endless belt. The frame has a positioning portion disposed above the pressing member and above the photosensitive drum. The positioning portion is configured to be in contact with the contacted portion and to position the photosensitive drum when the pressing member presses the pressed portion. The pressed portion is disposed farther from the drum body in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum than the contacted portion. |
| US09069322B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a chassis having a first opening on a first side, photosensitive members, an intermediate transfer belt arranged to have a surface thereof facing the photosensitive members, primary-transfer members, a secondary-transfer roller, a first feed roller, a cleaner device, a waste toner container, which is removably installed in the chassis through the first opening and settled in a position opposite from the photosensitive members across the intermediate transfer belt, a connector, a first feeding path extending in a range between the first feed roller and the secondary-transfer roller, and a second feeding path being formed in clearance between the intermediate transfer belt and the waste toner container to convey a recording sheet being inserted through a sheet inlet and merging into the first feeding path in the vicinity of the first feed roller. |
| US09069316B2 |
Image forming apparatus including movable guide unit
An image forming apparatus includes a main body, sheet discharge unit, fixing unit, and conveying guide. The fixing unit thermally fixes a developer image deposited on a sheet to provide an image-fixed sheet. The conveying guide defines at least a part of a conveying path. The conveying guide guides one surface of the image-fixed sheet. The conveying guide includes a fixed guide unit and movable guide unit. The fixed guide unit guides end portions of the image-fixed sheet in a widthwise direction orthogonal to a conveying direction of the image-fixed sheet. The fixed guide unit is immovable relative to the main body. The movable guide unit is disposed adjacent to the fixed guide unit in the widthwise direction and movable relative to the fixed guide unit. The movable guide unit guides the image-fixed sheet in a first position. The movable guide unit exposes the conveying path in a second position. |
| US09069311B2 |
Image forming apparatus controlling fixing temperature
An image forming apparatus includes a toner image forming section, a fixing section, and a control section. The toner image forming section forms a toner image based on image data for printing on printing paper. The fixing section fixes the toner image on the printing paper through thermocompression. The control section controls a toner image forming operation by the toner image forming section and a fixing operation by the fixing section. The control section calculates a size parameter associated with a size of a uniform density region included in the toner image based on the image data for the printing and controls a fixing temperature of the fixing section according to a calculation result. |
| US09069310B2 |
Image heating apparatus
An image heating apparatus includes: an exciting coil; a current applying device configured to apply a high-frequency current to the exciting coil; a rotatable heating member configured to heat a toner image on a recording material at a nip, wherein the rotatable heating member includes a first electroconductive layer for generating heat by electromagnetic induction of magnetic flux from the exciting coil; a rotatable pressing member configured to press-contact the rotatable heating member to form the nip, wherein the rotatable pressing member includes a second electroconductive layer electrically insulated from the first electroconductive layer; and a rectifying element configured to be connected between the second electroconductive layer and the ground in a direction in which a surface potential of the rotatable pressing member has an opposite polarity to a normal charge polarity of a toner. |
| US09069309B2 |
Fixing device
A fixing device that includes a heater, a first endless belt, a first roller, and a second roller is provided. The first endless belt confronts the heater at a confronting part and providing a nip region upon contacting the heater. The first endless belt is movable in a first direction at the confronting part, and has an inner peripheral surface. The first roller supports the inner peripheral surface, and nips the first endless belt in cooperation with the heater. The nip region has a part facing the first roller. The second roller is disposed downstream of the nip region in the first direction and supports the inner peripheral surface. The second roller is positioned such that a part of the endless belt mounted over the second roller is out of contact from the heater. |
| US09069308B2 |
Surface coating and fuser member
There is described a fuser member comprising a substrate layer and a surface layer disposed on the substrate. The surface layer comprises a non-woven polymer fiber matrix having dispersed throughout a cross-linked fluoropolymer and a release agent. The release agent is a liquid at a temperature about 100° C. |
| US09069306B2 |
Fixing device
A fixing device may include first and second fixing members arranged to form a nip portion, an urging member that provides an urging force to urge the first fixing member toward the second fixing member, a change member configured to change a width of the nip portion from a first nip width to a second nip width by applying a pressing force to the first fixing member against the urging force of the urging member and change the width of the nip portion from the second nip width to the first nip width by releasing the pressing force, and a restriction portion configured to restrict movement of the first fixing member and restrict a maximum value of the first nip width of the nip portion while the pressing force against the urging force is released. |
| US09069301B2 |
Image heating apparatus
An image heating apparatus includes a rotary member, a heating member configured to heat the rotary member, the heating member being held in contact with the rotary member, a temperature detecting element configured to detect the temperature of the rotary member or the heating member, a protection element configured to interrupt power supply to the heating member, the protection element being activated when sensing an abnormal rise in the temperature of the heating member, and a control portion configured to control the image heating apparatus. When the temperature detected by the temperature detecting element exceeds a threshold value, the control portion stops rotation of the rotary member. |
| US09069299B2 |
Image heating apparatus and image forming apparatus
An image heating apparatus includes an image heating unit including a pair of rotatable members between which a sheet is nipped and fed while heating a toner image thereon; and a retracting unit retractable from the image heating unit, the retracting unit including an air discharging portion configured to discharge air for separating the sheet from the rotatable member, and a feeding portion provided with a pair of rotatable members and configured to nip and feed therebetween the sheet heated by the image heating unit. |
| US09069297B2 |
Self lubricating fuser and method of operation
A belt fuser assembly which dispenses lubricant oil or other depleted lubricant component to the inner surface of the fuser belt. The belt fuser assembly may include a lubricant dispenser positioned to be heated by the heating element of the fuser assembly for dispensing a lubricant oil to the inner surface of the fuser belt. The lubricant dispenser may include a reservoir containing the lubricant oil and an exit port for delivering the lubricant oil from the reservoir to the inner surface of the fuser belt upon the reservoir being heated by the heating element at a temperature above the fusing temperature of the belt fuser assembly. |
| US09069296B2 |
Heater
A heater (A1) includes a substrate (1), a heating resistor (2) formed on the substrate (1) and a protective film (3) covering the heating resistor (2). The protective film (3) includes a crystallized glass layer (31) and an amorphous glass layer (33) covering the crystallized glass layer (31). The protective film (3) further includes a semi-crystalline glass layer (32) surrounding an edge (31a) of the crystallized glass layer (32). The semi-crystalline glass layer (32) intervenes between the substrate (1) and a portion of the amorphous glass layer (33) that projects relative to the crystallized glass layer (31). |
| US09069293B2 |
Developing device, image forming apparatus, and control method of developing device
A developing device includes a developing roller, a magnetic roller opposed to the developing roller so as to form a magnetic brush, a high voltage power supply including a transformer having secondary side outputs one of which is connected to the developing roller while the other output is connected to the magnetic roller, so as to apply AC voltages to the developing roller and the magnetic roller, a detection portion for detecting occurrence of discharge between the developing roller and the photoreceptor drum, a restriction portion for restricting movement of toner from the magnetic roller to the developing roller, and a moving portion configured to move the restriction portion in discharge start voltage detection mode so as to restrict toner movement to the developing roller. |
| US09069286B2 |
Rotational sensing for a replaceable unit of an image forming device
A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. A rotatable shaft is positioned within the reservoir. A drive element is exposed on an exterior of the housing unobstructed to receive rotational force. The drive element is operatively connected to the shaft to rotate the shaft upon receiving the rotational force. A sensor is positioned to sense a rotational motion of the shaft. A processor is mounted on the housing and in electrical communication with the sensor. An electrical contact in electrical communication with the processor is exposed on the exterior of the housing unobstructed to mate with a corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device. The processor is programmed to send information related to the rotational motion sensed by the sensor to a controller in the image forming device. |
| US09069285B2 |
Detection device and image forming apparatus
In a detection device, in a case where toner on a developing material carrier is caused to adhere to an electrode, a controller connects an assembly havin a quartz oscillator to a first capacitor using a first switch and connects the assembly to a second capacitor using a second switch; and in a case where a detection unit detects the oscillation frequency of the quartz oscillator, the controller disconnects the assembly from the first capacitor using the first switch and disconnects the assembly from the second capacitor using the second switch. |
| US09069283B2 |
Image formation unit and image formation apparatus
An image formation unit includes a developer storage configured to store developer, an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a developer carrier being in contact with the image carrier and configured to transfer developer to the electrostatic latent image, a developer housing portion located below the developer storage and above the image carrier and configured to house the developer from the developer storage, a supply port provided above the developer housing portion to communicate with the developer storage and configured to supply the developer in the developer storage into the developer housing portion, a developer amount detection member rotatably disposed in the developer housing portion at a position below the supply port, and protrusions disposed on the developer amount detection member. |
| US09069275B2 |
Carrier resins with improved relative humidity sensitivity
The disclosure generally describes carrier resins, and in particular, resins used for carrier coatings which include at least one ester functional group and at least one cyclic aliphatic group containing at least one nitrogen atom in the cyclic ring structure. Carriers having such resins in the coating exhibit high charge and excellent relative humidity (RH) sensitivity of charge to changing environmental conditions. |
| US09069274B2 |
Toner
The present invention provides a toner excellent in light resistance. The toner includes toner base particles, each of which contains a binder resin, a wax and a coloring agent, and a coloring matter compound represented by the general formula (1) is contained as the coloring agent. wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent an alkyl group or an acyl group, or R1 and R2 may be bonded to each other so as to form a cyclic organic functional group containing, as a hetero atom, a nitrogen atom to which R1 and R2 are bonded; R3 and R4 each independently represent an alkyl group; R5 and R6 each independently represent an alkyl group or an alkoxy group; R7 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group; and R8 represents an alkyl group. |
| US09069269B2 |
Toner for electrostatic latent image development and method of producing toner for electrostatic latent image development
There is disclosed a toner for electrostatic latent image development which includes at least a colorant, a charge control agent, and a release agent in a binder resin and is produced using a pulverizing process. An average circularity of the toner is 0.960 or more and 0.980 or less with respect to toner particles having a primary particle diameter of 3 μm or more and 10 μm or less. A numerical proportion of toner particles, having a concave portion of which outer diameter is 200 nm or more and being observed by a predetermined condition, is 10% by number or less. |
| US09069266B2 |
Alignment method, alignment apparatus, and exposure apparatus
In the present invention, the number of brightness changes detected at the same position while a substrate moves by a certain distance is added up, a plurality of edge count data arranged corresponding to the detected positions of the brightness changes is obtained, a plurality of correlation value data by performing a correlation operation for the plurality of calculated edge count data while moving a template is obtained, positions of the plurality of patterns based on a plurality of correlation value data exceeding a predetermined threshold value are identified, a position of a pattern close to a target position of an imaging device is selected, and a photomask is moved in the direction substantially orthogonal to the conveying direction of the substrate so that the amount of the position displacement between the selected position of the pattern and the target position of the imaging device is a predetermined value. |
| US09069264B2 |
Metrology method and apparatus, and device manufacturing method
A target structure including a periodic structure is formed on a substrate. An image of the target structure is detected while illuminating the target structure with a beam of radiation, the image being formed using a first part of non-zero order diffracted radiation while excluding zero order diffracted radiation. Intensity values extracted from a region of interest within the image are used to determine a property of the periodic structure. A processing unit recognizes locations of a plurality of boundary features in the image of the target structure to identify regions of interest. The number of boundary features in each direction is at least twice a number of boundaries of periodic structures within the target structure. The accuracy of locating the region is greater than by recognizing only the boundaries of the periodic structure(s). |
| US09069258B2 |
Mask having assist pattern
A mask may include a circuit area and a pixel area. The circuit area includes a circuit pattern. The pixel area includes a pixel pattern which is extended in a length direction and an assist pattern which is at an end portion of the pixel pattern and adjacent to the circuit area. |
| US09069250B2 |
Electrowetting display unit and method for manufacturing thereof
A method for manufacturing an electrowetting display unit includes the following steps. A first substrate and a second substrate are provided. A first conductive layer is disposed on one side of the first substrate. A second conductive layer is disposed on one side of the second substrate. A polymer layer, which includes a siloxane containing a light-induced cross linkable group and a Si—H bond, is disposed on the first conductive layer. The molecular weight of the monomer of the siloxane is equal to or greater than 5000. A part of the polymer layer is exposed to a light so as to form a plurality of hydrophobic sections. A hydrophilic section is developed by treating a developing agent. The hydrophilic section and the plurality of hydrophobic sections form a pattern layer together. Polar liquid and non-polar liquid are disposed between the pattern layer and the second conductive layer. |
| US09069249B2 |
Self aligned patterning with multiple resist layers
A method for using self aligned multiple patterning with multiple resist layers includes forming a first patterned resist layer onto a substrate, forming a spacer layer on top of the first patterned resist layer such that spacer forms on side walls of features of the first resist layer, and forming a second patterned resist layer over the spacer layer and depositing a masking layer. The method further includes performing a planarizing process to expose the first patterned resist layer, removing the first resist layer, removing the second resist layer, and exposing the substrate. |
| US09069248B1 |
Forming conductive metal patterns using water-soluble copolymers
A conductive pattern can be formed using a polymeric layer that contains a reactive composition that comprises a reactive polymer that is metal ion-complexing, water-soluble, and crosslinkable. This reactive polymer comprises photosensitive non-aromatic unsaturated carbocyclic groups as well as metal ion-complexing and water solubilizing groups. The reactive composition can be patternwise exposed to suitable radiation to induce crosslinking within the reactive polymer. The reactive composition and reactive polymer in the non-exposed regions can be removed due to their aqueous solubility, but the exposed regions of the polymeric layer are contacted with electroless seed metal ions, which are then reduced. The resulting electroless seed metal nuclei are electrolessly plated with a suitable metal to form the desired conductive pattern. Various articles can be prepared during this process, and the product article can be incorporated into various electronic devices. |
| US09069245B2 |
Near-infrared absorptive layer-forming composition and multilayer film
A composition comprising (A) a near-infrared absorbing dye of formula (1), (B) a polymer, and (C) a solvent is used to form a near-infrared absorptive layer. In formula (1), R1 and R2 are a monovalent hydrocarbon group which may contain a heteroatom, k is 0 to 5, m is 0 or 1, n is 1 or 2, Z is oxygen, sulfur or C(R′)(R″), R′ and R″ are hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon group which may contain a heteroatom, and X− is an anion. |
| US09069244B2 |
Mask for near-field lithography and fabrication the same
Methods for fabricating nanopatterned cylindrical photomasks are disclosed. A master pattern having nanometer scale features may be formed on a master substrate. A layer of an elastomer material may be formed on a surface of a transparent cylinder. The master pattern may be transferred from the master to the layer of elastomer material on the surface of the transparent cylinder. Alternatively, a nanopatterned cylindrical photomask may be fabricated by forming a pattern having nanometer scale features on an elastomer substrate and laminating the patterned elastomer substrate to a surface of a cylinder. In another method, a layer of elastomer material may be formed on a surface of a transparent cylinder and a pattern having nanometer scale features may be formed on the elastomer material by a direct patterning process. |
| US09069242B2 |
Three-dimensional display and method of installing a three-dimensional display
A method of assembling a three-dimensional display apparatus involves providing a support unit, made up of a projector mounting and a screen mounting surface having a first aperture therethrough; and a screen unit, made up of a diaphragm and an inflatable screen affixed thereto-the diaphragm defining a second aperture in communication with the inflatable screen. The screen mounting surface and the diaphragm are brought into contact so as to align the first and second apertures; and to secure the support unit to the screen unit to thereby create a seal between the support surface and the diaphragm around the first and second apertures. The seal being sufficiently gas tight to enable inflation of the screen. |
| US09069241B2 |
Method and device for optical focusing
A device for optically focusing a projection image projected by a projector includes a detector for controlled creation of at least one observation shot of the projection image over a time period, a processing unit for defining at least one image section within the projection image generated by the projector, where the image section is modulated over the time period with respect to the optical power and/or the optical spectrum thereof, and the at least one image section of the projection image is essentially synchronous compared with the corresponding respective image section of the observation shot, where the processing unit also calculates a variable derived from the comparison of the respective image sections and a control signal derived from the derived variable, and outputs the control signal to a focusing device of the projector. |
| US09069237B2 |
Projection type display apparatus having a light source and display element configured to provide increased lifespan of optical constituent components
A projection type display apparatus including a light source, a display element, an illumination optical system and a projection lens to project a magnified image of the optical image. The illumination optical system includes a first array lens and a second array lens, each includes a plurality of lens elements arranged in a matrix, each of the lens elements having a rectangular opening, and a polarization conversion element having polarization conversion function by use of a plurality of polarized beam splitters and a plurality of half-wave phase plates, arranged in an array and opposing to the lens elements of the second array lens, to emit predetermined polarized light. The light source includes a light emitting plane of a rectangle or an ellipse shape, a longitudinal direction of the light emitting plane being parallel to a longitudinal direction of each opening of the polarization conversion element. |
| US09069228B2 |
Acousto-optic device having wide diffraction angle, optical scanner, light modulator, and display apparatus using the acousto-optic device
An acousto-optic device having a wide range of diffraction angle and an optical scanner, a light modulator, and a display apparatus using the acousto-optic device are provided. The acousto-optic device includes a core layer having a periodic photonic crystal structure in which unit cells of predetermined patterns are repeated, a first clad layer on a first surface of the core layer, the first clad layer having a refractive index that is different from a refractive index of the core layer, a second clad layer on a second surface of the core layer, the second surface being opposite the first surface, the second clad layer having a refractive index that is different from the refractive index of the core layer, and a sound wave generator configured to apply surface acoustic waves (SAW) to the core layer, the first clad layer, the second clad layer, or any combination thereof. |
| US09069224B2 |
Optical modulator and optical modulation control method
An optical modulator includes: a modulator including an optical waveguide provided in a semiconductor substrate having an electro-optical effect and an electrode to apply an electric field depending on a bias voltage and a modulation signal to the optical waveguide; a driver circuit to generate a modulation signal in accordance with an input signal; a superimposer to superimpose a reference signal on the bias voltage, the reference signal having lower frequency than the modulation signal; and a controller to control a bias voltage in a direction orthogonal to a modulation direction of the modulator based on the frequency component of the reference signal extracted from a modulated optical signal generated by the modulator. |
| US09069219B2 |
Thin film transistor substrate and liquid crystal display device provided with same
A source section (S) is made of a source metal (25s) provided above a gate insulating film (23) and an oxide semiconductor film (24a), and a drain section (DR) includes a low resistance portion (24ad) which is part of the oxide semiconductor film (24a), where the part includes a surface of the oxide semiconductor film (24a) opposite to the gate insulating film (23), and the resistance of the part is reduced. |
| US09069217B2 |
Display panel and method for manufacturing the same
A display panel includes a first substrate including a common electrode, a second substrate including a first solid pixel electrode and a second solid pixel electrode, and a liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second solid pixel electrode is spaced apart from the first solid pixel electrode, and surrounds the first solid pixel electrode. |
| US09069216B2 |
Liquid crystal grating module and two dimension-three dimension switchable liquid crystal display device using the same
A liquid crystal grating module (3) and a two dimension-three dimension switchable liquid crystal display device using the same. The liquid crystal grating module (3) comprises a first transparent electrode layer (20) and a second transparent electrode layer (50). The first transparent electrode layer (20) and the second transparent electrode layer (50) are provided with interval. The first transparent electrode layer (20) comprises a plurality of lateral electrode bars (202,204). The second transparent electrode layer (50) comprises a plurality of vertical electrode bars (502,504). The lateral electrode bars (202,204) and the vertical electrode bars (502,504) are alternately superposed on each other with interval to form a grating structure. The vertical electrode bars (502,504) have three different widths in the direction vertical to the liquid crystal display pixels. |
| US09069210B2 |
Display device and method of manufacturing the same
A display device includes a first substrate, a first alignment layer disposed on the first substrate, a second substrate, a second alignment layer disposed on the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second alignment layers and having liquid crystal molecules. At least one of the first and second alignment layers includes an initial alignment layer and a pretilting layer including a self-assembled monolayer disposed on the initial alignment layer. |
| US09069209B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display which is a reflective liquid crystal display includes: a front substrate; a rear substrate; and a liquid crystal material layer disposed between the front substrate and the rear substrate, wherein an optical design is performed such that an extreme value of a liquid crystal applied voltage-reflectance curve in a state of being observed from a normal observing direction is shifted further to a lower voltage side than an extreme value of a liquid crystal applied voltage-reflectance curve in a state of being observed from a direction deviated from the normal observing direction, and wherein an anisotropic scatterer disposed such that a direction where scattering characteristics are the maximum is aligned with the normal observing direction is provided on the front substrate side. |
| US09069201B2 |
Waterproof user interface display panels
A waterproof user interface panel includes an electronic display assembly having a touch or presence-sensitive surface. |
| US09069199B2 |
Liquid crystal module and liquid crystal display device including the same
A liquid crystal module 15 includes a liquid crystal display panel 10;a rear frame member 44 located on a rear side of the liquid crystal display panel; and a wiring board 60 located on the rear side of the liquid crystal display panel. A part of the wiring board has an opening 65 running through the board and/or a notch 70 formed therein. An inspection patch 80A, 80B having a thickness equal to, or larger than, that of the wiring board is attached to the opening and/or the notch. A part of the wiring board around the inspection patch is secured to the rear frame member via a double-sided adhesive tape 55A, 55B. |
| US09069196B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes at least one pixel. The pixel includes a first sub-pixel charged with a first voltage and a second sub-pixel charged with a second voltage different from the first voltage. A first sub-pixel electrode provided in the first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel electrode provided in the second sub-pixel include slits having different widths according to directions. Due to the slits, average directors of the first and second sub-pixels are tilted in a horizontal or vertical direction. Accordingly, a side visibility of the display apparatus is improved. |
| US09069192B2 |
Optical signal processing
An optical regenerator for regenerating a multi-level phase encoded signal. A first non-linear medium (HNLF1) generates a comb of frequency harmonics from the signal under the action of a coherent pump, each component bearing the phase encoded data. A filter selects the first and (M−1)th order components. The filtered signal is then input to a second non-linear medium (HNLF2) where a further pump is applied, to coherently add the first and (M−1)th order components and regenerate the signal by reducing phase noise. |
| US09069191B1 |
Eyeglass structure having flexible temples
The present disclosure provides an eyeglass structure having flexible temples, comprising: a main body; and two flexible plastic temples respective connected at two ends of the main body. The two flexible plastic temples each have a front portion proximal to the main body and a rear portion extending from the respective front portion. The degree of flexibility of the rear portions is greater than that of the front portions. The rear portions can be bent to from a support structure for the ear portion of a user. By this configuration the conformity and comfort of the eyeglass structure is improved. |
| US09069186B2 |
Thermoformed ophthalmic insert devices
The present invention describes single-piece or multi-piece Rigid Inserts that may be included in an Ophthalmic Lenses or may comprise the Ophthalmic Lens, wherein the Rigid Insert may be formed through the processing of thin sheet material by thermoforming. Single piece annular Rigid Inserts may perform the function of providing a template for printed patterns to be included in Ophthalmic Lenses. Single piece full Rigid Inserts may perform the function of polarizing light or filtering light based on the properties of materials used to form the insert. Multi-piece Rigid Inserts may include activation and energization elements. The present invention also includes methods and apparatus for forming the Rigid Inserts. |
| US09069185B2 |
High efficiency optic
Ophthalmic lenses and methods for their design and use involve displacement functions based on the sum of a continuous cosine function and a continuous sine function, optionally over a plurality of echelettes. Exemplary monofocal and multifocal diffractive ophthalmic lenses provide reduced light scatter and/or improved light energy distribution properties. Such properties can be provided by diffractive profiles, often having subtlety shaped echelettes with appropriately curving profiles. Light scatter may be generated by the sharp corners associated with vertical steps between adjacent conventional diffractive echelettes. Smooth diffractive profiles of the invention reduce light scatter. Light energy directed toward non-viewing diffractive orders may have a unwanted effects on vision quality. Diffractive profiles as described herein may limit the light energy in certain, selected orders, thereby improving viewing quality and mitigating unwanted effects such as dysphotopsia. Diffractive profiles may also vary the light energy distributed between individual echelettes, providing additional advantages in various viewing situations. |