| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09130540B2 |
High-frequency module having inductors disposed with directions of their polarities opposite to each other
A high-frequency module includes a mount board, a wave splitter chip mounted on one principal surface of the mount board and including a transmission filter and a reception filter, a first inductor chip mounted on one principal surface of the mount board and including an inductor, and a second inductor chip mounted on one principal surface of the mount board and including an inductor. The first and second inductor chips are disposed adjacent to each other and each has a polarity. The first and second inductor chips are disposed such that the polarities thereof are opposite to each other, as viewed from the reception filter. |
| US09130539B2 |
Elastic wave device with stacked piezoelectric substrates
An elastic wave device includes a first elastic wave element, a second elastic wave element, and a first substrate. The first elastic wave element includes a first piezoelectric substrate. The second elastic wave element includes a second piezoelectric substrate. The second piezoelectric substrate is stacked on the first piezoelectric substrate. A coefficient of linear expansion of the second piezoelectric substrate is greater than a coefficient of linear expansion of the first piezoelectric substrate. The first substrate is bonded to the second piezoelectric substrate. A coefficient of linear expansion of the first substrate is lower than the coefficient of linear expansion of the second piezoelectric substrate. |
| US09130536B2 |
Radio frequency signal splitter and matcher
This application relates to systems and methods for splitting a current signal into at least two signals that are out of phase with each other. The power splitter may include a conductive element that may generate standing magnetic field that alternates at specified frequency. An inductor placed near or in the magnetic field may induce an alternating current at the specified frequency. Each end of the inductor may be coupled to a connector that may be coupled to an antenna that may be incorporated into a plasma processing chamber. |
| US09130532B2 |
Tunable RF channel select filter
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for RF filtering. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described. |
| US09130528B2 |
Electronic circuit arrangement for receiving low frequency electromagnetic waves with an adjustable attenuator element
An electronic circuit arrangement for receiving low-frequency electromagnetic waves is proposed, having an inductor (L) acting as an antenna for generating a received signal, having a first receiver (2), connected to the inductor (L), for decoding a first component of the received signal and having a second receiver (3), connected to the inductor (L), for decoding a second component of the received signal, wherein at least the second receiver (3) is connected to the inductor (L) via an attenuator element (4) having adjustable attenuation, wherein at least one adjustment signal generation circuit (5, 6) is provided for generating an adjustment signal corresponding to a voltage of the received signal which is fed to the attenuator element (4) for adjusting the attenuation. |
| US09130526B2 |
Signal processing apparatus
A signal processing apparatus is configured to change volume level or frequency characteristics of an input signal with a limited bandwidth in a first frequency range. The apparatus includes: an information extracting unit configured to extract second frequency characteristic information from a collection signal with a limited bandwidth in a second frequency range different from the first frequency range; a frequency characteristic information extending unit configured to estimate first frequency characteristic information from the second frequency characteristic information extracted by the information extracting unit, the first frequency characteristic information including the first frequency range; and a signal correcting unit configured to change volume level or frequency characteristics of the input signal according to the first frequency characteristic information obtained by the frequency characteristic information extending unit. |
| US09130523B2 |
Methods and apparatus for processing audio signals
A method for processing an audio signal (i(t)), comprises: receiving a first set (x(t)) of time-varying signals representing a first sound comprised in the audio signal (i(t)), the first set (x(t)) of time-varying signals comprising an amplitude modulation signal (a(t)), a carrier frequency signal (fc(t)), a pitch signal (f0(t)) and an FM index signal (h(t)); and modifying the first set (x(t)) of time-varying signals by modifying the amplitude of the FM index signal (h(t)), thereby providing a first modified set (x′(t)) of time-varying signals. The resulting first modified set (x′(t)) of time-varying signals may subsequently be modulated to provide an audio output signal. |
| US09130521B2 |
Operational amplifier circuit
Aspects of the invention include an operational amplifier circuit having a construction of a rail-to rail input folded circuit and includes an N-MOS differential pair composed of a pair of N-channel type MOS-FETs connected to a pair of voltage input terminals, and a P-MOS differential pair composed of a pair of P-channel type MOS-FETs connected to the pair of voltage input terminals. In some aspects, a comparator determines whether an common mode input voltage to the N-MOS differential pair and the P-MOS differential pair is higher than a half of a power supply voltage or not, and either one of the N-MOS differential pair and the P-MOS differential pair is selectively operated according to the comparison result. Active loads are provided separately for the N-MOS differential pair and for the P-MOS differential pair. |
| US09130520B2 |
Differential output circuit and semiconductor device
A highly reliable circuit is realized using the transistors having a lower withstand voltage. There are provided a differential pair including a first and a second transistor which respectively receive input signals having mutually reversed phases; a third and a fourth transistor respectively cascode-coupled to the first and the second transistor, and having the same conductivity type as the first and the second transistor; a first and a second output terminal coupled to respective drains of the third and the fourth transistor; and a voltage divider circuit which divides an intermediate potential between respective potentials of the first and the second output terminal and supplies the divided potential to gates of the third and the fourth transistor. |
| US09130518B2 |
Method and apparatus for correcting asymmetry of an input signal of an amplifier
A circuit including an amplifier, a transistor, and first, second and third resistances. The amplifier includes an input and an output. The amplifier receives an input signal. A cycle of the input signal includes first and second pulses. The input signal is asymmetrical such that the first pulse has a different peak magnitude than the second pulse. The transistor is connected to the input and the output. The first, second, and third resistances are each connected to the input of the amplifier. The second resistance receives a first input voltage. The third resistance receives a second input voltage. The input signal is based on the first resistance and the first and second input voltages. The amplifier corrects some asymmetry of the input signal to provide an output signal. An amount of asymmetry of the output signal is based on (i) the input signal, and (ii) a state of the transistor. |
| US09130516B2 |
POP noise suppression circuit and system
A POP noise suppression circuit includes a power source terminal, a clock signal input terminal, a charge unit, a discharge unit, a common-mode voltage judging and switching control unit, a charge and discharge capacitor, and a ground terminal. The charge unit includes a first clock generation circuit for generating a first pair of non-overlapped clock signal, and a first equivalent resistor. The discharge unit includes a second clock generation circuit for generating a second pair of non overlapped clock signals, and a second equivalent resistor. The charge unit generates a charge voltage changing slowly to the charge and discharge capacitor. The discharge unit generates a discharge voltage changing slowly to the charge and discharge capacitor. A POP noise suppression system is further provided. |
| US09130514B2 |
Vcom switching amplifier
Certain electronic devices with displays, such as LCDs, are configured to provide a common voltage to a display backplane. The common voltage is supplied by a common voltage application circuit coupled to the display. The common voltage application circuit includes a switching amplifier configured to output the common voltage. The switching amplifier functions as a switching power supply having improved power efficiency compared to conventional common voltage application circuits. |
| US09130511B2 |
Power amplifier and linearization techniques using active and passive devices
Designs and techniques for improving the linearity of the power amplifiers, especially of the non-linear types, operated in microwave and millimeter-wave frequency using method through purposely designed active transistors or passive devices or both, are disclosed. The techniques use the manipulation of transistors' cut-off frequencies (fT) design, attached loaded linearization stub and characteristics of space attenuation of microwave signals individually or in combination of them. The disclosed techniques provide the advantages to compromise the performance among linearity, gain and power consumption in a wide range of power amplifier types, such as Class-AB, B, C, D, E and F in the different application scenarios. |
| US09130509B2 |
SPS receiver with adjustable linearity
A device includes a low noise amplifier (LNA) for amplifying an input signal, with the LNA including a first transistor configured to receive the input signal, a second transistor configured to receive a bias current and forming a current mirror for the first transistor, and an operational amplifier (op amp) operative to generate a bias voltage for the first and second transistors to match operating points of the first and second transistors. |
| US09130508B1 |
Shunt resistor and capacitor termination for broadband resistive mixer
A mixer including a field effect transistor having a source, a drain and a gate, an input port coupled to the source or to the drain of the field effect transistor, an output port coupled to the drain of the field effect transistor if the input port is coupled to the source, or coupled to the source of the field effect transistor if the input port is coupled to the drain, a local oscillator for mixing a first frequency on the input port to a second frequency on the output port, a first micro-strip line coupling the local oscillator to the gate, and a shunt resistor capacitor termination coupled to the gate. The shunt resistor capacitor termination includes a resistor in series with a capacitor. |
| US09130504B2 |
HF resonator and particle accelerator with HF resonator
An HF resonator has a cylindrical cavity made of a dielectric material. The cavity includes a first cylindrical portion, a second cylindrical portion, and a dielectric ring that connects the first portion and the second portion. The inner face of the first cylindrical portion has an electrically conductive first inner coating. An inner face of the second cylindrical portion has an electrically conductive second inner coating. An electrically conductive first enclosed coating is arranged between the first cylindrical portion and the dielectric ring. An electrically conductive second enclosed coating is arranged between the second cylindrical portion and the dielectric ring. The first enclosed coating is conductively connected to the first inner coating. The second enclosed coating is conductively connected to the second inner coating. The HF resonator includes a device that is provided for applying a high-frequency electric voltage between the first enclosed coating and the second enclosed coating. |
| US09130503B2 |
Solar energy systems
A solar energy module includes a photovoltaic unit including a layer of one or more solar cells. The layer has a front side exposed to incident radiation and an opposite back side. The solar energy module also includes a thermal unit thermally coupled to the back side of the layer of one or more solar cells. The thermal unit includes one or more channels through which a thermal transfer fluid flows, wherein a portion of the incident radiation is converted into electricity by the layer of one or more solar cells and a portion of the incident radiation is simultaneously converted to heat for increasing the temperature of the thermal transfer fluid. The solar energy module also includes a heating system to further increase the temperature of the thermal transfer fluid. The heating system is powered by electricity generated by the one or more solar cells. The solar energy module further includes a controller for controlling the relative amounts of heat and electricity output by the solar energy module by controlling the amount of electricity produced by the one or more solar cells that is diverted to the heating system for increasing the temperature of the thermal transfer fluid. |
| US09130502B1 |
Photovoltaic panel cleaning machine
The photovoltaic panel cleaning machine is installed upon a linear array of photovoltaic (solar) panels, automatically operating periodically to remove any dust, debris, and/or light condensation from the panels to optimize their efficiency. The machine is driven back and forth along tracks extending along opposite edges of the panel array, and receives electrical power from a storage battery charged by the solar panel array. The machine includes an air compressor, a blower and nozzles that blow dust and debris from the solar panels, and two different roller brushes. Air is blown over the panels on the first pass, and the machine then reverses direction to apply a first roller to the panels for further debris removal on a second pass. A third pass is made using the air blower, and the direction reverses once again, the second roller being applied on the fourth pass to statically attract any remaining debris. |
| US09130495B2 |
Control system for brushless motor
A motor controller is configured to perform positioning of a rotor of a brushless motor immediately when power supply is turned on, and not after actually receiving a target value related to control for the brushless motor from a main ECU, which determines the target value. The motor controller finishes or is performing the rotor positioning, when the target value is received from the main ECU. For this reason, the motor controller can start rotation control for the brushless motor in accordance with the received target value in a short period of time. |
| US09130492B2 |
Animatronic system with unlimited axes
In an animatronic system, recording and playing performances of individual axes of character movement involves, during recording, continually commanding speeds and rotational directions of a stepping axis motor in response to manual movement of a joystick. The joystick commands are modified by means of a feedback motor electrically coupled to the axis motor to mechanically interact with the joystick. |
| US09130489B2 |
Vehicle and control method of vehicle
A vehicle converts DC power from a power storage device into AC power by an inverter to run by driving a three-phase motor generator. A switching unit is provided at a path electrically connecting the motor generator and the inverter. The switching unit includes a relay corresponding to each phase. Each relay is configured to connect a coil of a corresponding phase in the motor generator to a corresponding driving arm in the inverter, or to a connection node of capacitors connected in series between direct current side terminals of the inverter. When short-circuit failure is detected at a switching element of any one of the phases in the inverter, an ECU switches the relay of the corresponding phase in the switching unit to the side of the connection node. |
| US09130488B2 |
Generating set preloader
An diesel or gas engine-generator unit comprises an internal combustion engine and an alternator, the output of which unit, in use, is adapted to supply electrical power to a site load. The unit is further provided with means to apply a further load (2) to the unit controllable by a switching arrangement (4,5), the unit further comprising a controller, which can be the genset controller, which is adapted to control the switching unit to apply the further load (2) before electrical power is supplied to the site load. This preloading of the generator enables significantly greater load steps to be applied to the genset. The preload can be a resistive, capacitive or inductive load and can also be applied in steps. |
| US09130487B2 |
Control strategy for an electric machine in a vehicle
A hybrid-electric vehicle and method of controlling a hybrid-vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a traction battery, at least one electric-machine, and a controller. The controller is configured to alter a voltage between the battery and the electric-machine based on a measured voltage of the battery or the high voltage bus. In response to an indication that the measured voltage is faulty during a drive cycle, the controller instead alters the voltage between the battery and the electric machine based on a substituted battery voltage signal such that the electric-machine remains operable for the drive cycle. |
| US09130486B2 |
Motor position detecting unit and brushless DC motor system
Provided is a motor position detecting unit that includes a first computing element configured to output three-phase back-electromotive foreces (back-EMFs) based on a linear computation; a second computing element configured to output three-phase back-EMF based on a non-linear computation; and a computing controller configured to receive a control signal, three-phase voltage and current, and selecting any one of the first and second computing elements based on the received control signal, the received three-phase voltages and currents, wherein the control signal includes information on operation modes of an external motor. |
| US09130482B2 |
Pseudo zero vectors for space vector modulation and enhanced space vector modulation
A method of performing space vector modulation for PWM control for creating AC waveforms includes generating and sampling a reference signal to generate reference samples and performing a reference vector approximation to synthesize a reference vector associated with at least one of the reference samples. The reference vector approximation employs active vectors, one or more zero vectors, and one or more pseudo zero vectors in the formation thereof. Another method of performing space vector modulation (SVM) includes generating a reference signal and sampling the reference signal at a sampling frequency to generate a plurality of reference samples. The method also includes performing a reference vector approximation to synthesize a reference vector associated with at least one of the reference samples, wherein the reference vector approximation has a first portion that employs two adjacent active vectors and a remaining portion that employs two non-adjacent active vectors in the formation thereof. |
| US09130481B2 |
Power converting appartatus
In a power converting apparatus having a plurality of phases on an AC side and configured to perform conversion between DC power and AC power, a current detector detects currents flowing through a DC source line through which a plurality of phase currents commonly flow. A control unit sets a current detection period and a succeeding current control period in each successive control cycle. Using first gate signals based on reference gate signals for PWM control, the control unit calculates values of the individual phase currents from the first gate signals and the detected currents during the current detection period. Then, during the current control period, the control unit performs PWM control using phase voltage commands generated by correcting phase voltage target values so as to cancel out voltage errors that occur during the current detection period. |
| US09130480B2 |
Device for applying high voltage using pulse voltage, and method of applying high voltage
A device for applying a high voltage using a pulse voltage is provided which applies a high voltage having a pulse width τ0 to a capacitive load (1) through a pulse transformer (4), the high voltage having pulse-like peaks with a steep leading edge, wherein a capacitance C1 of the capacitive load (1) and a secondary side leakage inductance L1 of the pulse transformer (4) satisfy the equation: L1=(τ0/π)2×(1/C1). This enables enlargement of the pulse-like peaks and application of any pulse repetition frequency when the high voltage having the pulse-like peaks is applied to the capacitive load through the pulse transformer. |
| US09130478B2 |
Rectifier with bridge circuit and parallel resonant circuit
A rectifier circuit includes a bridge circuit configured to receive an alternating input signal. A parallel resonant circuit is coupled between the bridge circuit and an output. The circuit could also include a capacitive storage element coupled to the output and configured to provide an output signal. |
| US09130476B2 |
Power semiconductor device and power conversion system using the device
Aspects of the invention are related to a power semiconductor module applied to a multi-level converter circuit with three or more levels of voltage waveform. Aspects of the invention can include a first IGBT to which a diode is reverse parallel connected and a second IGBT having reverse blocking voltage whose emitter is connected to the emitter of the first IGBT are housed in one package, and each of the collector of the first IGBT, the collector of the second IGBT, and the connection points of the emitter of the first IGBT and the emitter of the second IGBT, is an external terminal. |
| US09130474B2 |
Power transforming apparatus with digital control unit
A power transforming apparatus implements a transformation of an energy signal and comprises a control unit, a pulse width modulation (PWM) unit, a transformation unit, and a slope compensation unit. The control unit outputs a target power signal. The PWM unit is coupled with the control unit and generates a switch signal. The transformation unit is coupled with the PWM unit, and implements a power transforming of the energy signal to output an energy transformation signal according to the switch signal. The slope compensation unit is coupled with the control unit and the PWM unit, and implements a slope compensation, according to the target power signal and a feedback signal, to output a compensation signal to the PWM unit. The switch signal is generated according to the target power signal and the compensation signal. |
| US09130471B2 |
Converter with transformer flux walk protection controller
An assembly includes a converter and a controller. The converter has a winding around a transformer core, first and second switches configured to alternately connect respective winding segments to an input power, and first and second resistors respectively connected in series with the switches. The controller is configured to compare voltages corresponding to currents through the resistors and terminate operation of the converter when a difference between the voltages exceeds a threshold indicative of transformer core flux walking. |
| US09130467B2 |
Switching power supply device
A primary side resonant circuit is formed by a primary side resonant inductor and a primary side resonant capacitor, and secondary side resonant circuits are formed by secondary side resonant inductors and secondary side resonant capacitors. Mutual inductances are formed equivalently through magnetic field resonant coupling between a primary winding and secondary windings, and a multi-resonant circuit that includes two or more LC resonant circuits is formed by a primary side circuit and a secondary side circuit. Electric power is transmitted from the primary side circuit to the secondary side circuit; resonant energy that is not transmitted from the primary winding and, of energy which the secondary winding has received, resonant energy that is not supplied to an output are each retained in the multi-resonant circuit; and, at the secondary side, the resonant energy is retained in a current path in which a rectifying element is not formed in series. |
| US09130466B2 |
Voltage converter controller and voltage converter circuit
A voltage converter controller and a voltage converter circuit, either of which includes a voltage-drop compensating circuit for compensating a voltage drop between an output voltage and a load. The voltage-drop compensating circuit includes a trans-conductance stage and a squarer. The trans-conductance stage outputs a compensating sink current to a voltage dividing terminal of the output voltage and outputs a compensating source current to a reference voltage terminal of an error amplifier. An input terminal of the squarer is coupled to an output terminal of the error amplifier. An output terminal of the squarer is coupled to an input terminal of the trans-conductance stage. |
| US09130461B2 |
Universal power conversion methods with disconnect after driving
Methods and systems for transforming electric power between two or more portals. Any or all portals can be DC, single phase AC, or multi-phase AC. Conversion is accomplished by a plurality of bi-directional conducting and blocking semiconductor switches which alternately connect an inductor and parallel capacitor between said portals, such that energy is transferred into the inductor from one or more input portals and/or phases, then the energy is transferred out of the inductor to one or more output portals and/or phases, with said parallel capacitor facilitating “soft” turn-off, and with any excess inductor energy being returned back to the input. Soft turn-on and reverse recovery is also facilitated. Said bi-directional switches allow for two power transfers per inductor/capacitor cycle, thereby maximizing inductor/capacitor utilization as well as providing for optimum converter operation with high input/output voltage ratios. Control means coordinate the switches to accomplish the desired power transfers. |
| US09130460B2 |
Master-slave interleaved BCM PFC controller and control method thereof
The present invention relates to a master-slave interleaved BCM PFC controller for controlling a PFC circuit with master and slave channels. In one embodiment, the PFC controller can include: a master channel controller that generates a master channel control signal and an inverted master channel control signal; a first phase shifter that provides a first phase shift for the master channel control signal, and generates a delayed opening signal therefrom; a second phase shifter that provides a second phase shift for the inverted master channel control signal, and generates a delayed shutdown signal therefrom; a slave channel controller that receives the delayed opening signal, the delayed shutdown signal, and a slave channel inductor current zero-crossing signal, and generates a slave channel control signal therefrom. |
| US09130458B2 |
Static VAR compensator with multilevel converter
A static synchronous compensator for use in reactive power compensation, the static synchronous compensator comprising at least one primary compensator limb including first and second DC terminals, and an AC terminal for connection in use to an AC network, the or each primary compensator limb defining first and second limb portions, each limb portion—including at least one switching element connected in series with a chain-link converter—between a respective one of the first and second DC terminals and the AC terminal, the switching elements of the first and second limb portions being operable to switch the respective chain-link converters in and out of circuit between the respective DC terminal and the AC terminal and the chain-link converters being operable to generate a voltage waveform at the AC terminal; and a secondary compensator limb including at least one DC link capacitor connected between the first and second DC terminals, the secondary compensator limb being connected in parallel with the or each primary compensator limb. |
| US09130451B2 |
Circuitry, multi-branch charge pump, method for controlling a charge pump and system
One example refers to a circuitry comprising a first charge pump stage controlled by a first control signal, a second charge pump stage controlled by a second control signal, wherein the first charge pump stage and the second charge pump stage are arranged subsequently to each other and comprising a control unit for providing the first control signal and the second control signal, wherein the control unit is arranged to set the second control signal to high when the first control signal is high. Also, a multi-branch charge pump, a method for controlling various charge pumps and a system for controlling various charge pumps are suggested. |
| US09130450B2 |
Power supply system, image forming apparatus having the same, and low-capacity power supply circuit
A power supply system includes: a switching power supply, which rectifies and smoothes an AC voltage of an AC power supply to generate a first DC voltage in a normal mode; a control unit, which controls the switching power supply to switch between the normal mode and a power saving mode; and a low-capacity power supply circuit, which supplies power to the control unit in the power saving mode, and which includes: a first capacitor, which includes a first electrode connected to one end of the AC power supply, and a second electrode; a second capacitor, which includes a first electrode connected to the other end of the AC power supply, and a second electrode; a rectifying circuit, which rectify an AC voltage applied to both capacitors; and a smoothing circuit, which smoothes the rectified AC voltage to generate a smooth voltage. |
| US09130439B2 |
Method of flaring stator windings
A method of flaring stator windings includes supporting a first axial end of a stator core having first and second end turn portions on a first cuff having a first central opening. The first end turn portion extends through the first central opening. The method further includes positioning a second cuff having a second central opening upon a second axial end of the stator core with the second end turn portion extending through the second central opening, positioning a flaring guide having an angled surface upon the second cuff about the second end turn portion, aligning a flaring portion of a flare tool with the second end turn portion, urging the flaring portion between first and second stator winding layers forming the second end turn portion, and flaring the second stator winding layer radially outward of the stator core. |
| US09130435B2 |
Motor vehicle drive unit
A motor vehicle drive unit and an automotive vehicle comprising such a motor vehicle drive unit are provided. An electric motor has a rotor and a main stator rotatably mounted to a support structure. A first transmission provides an output to a first wheel axle shaft from the rotor. A second transmission provides an output to a second wheel axle shaft from the main stator. An auxiliary stator at least partially surrounds the main stator and is held stationary relative to the main rotatably mounted stator. A control unit is provided for controlling the auxiliary stator to add or subtract power to the main rotatably mounted stator. |
| US09130434B2 |
Induction rotor end ring support device
An induction rotor includes a rotor core having an axial end surface, an end ring proximate the axial end surface that provides electrical communication between respective ends of conductor bars extending through the rotor core, and an end ring support structure that includes a ring member at least partially embedded in the end ring. An end ring support structure may have at least one axially extending member coupled with the ring member, such axially extending member projecting axially inwardly of the axial end surface and engaging the rotor core. An end ring support structure may include a ring member having an axially extending portion embedded in the end ring between radially inner and outer surfaces of the end ring whereby the end ring includes an outer portion, radially outwardly of the axially extending portion, and an inner portion disposed radially inwardly of the axially extending portion of the ring member. |
| US09130429B2 |
Rotating electrical machine
A rotating electrical machine includes a toric stator and a rotator located inside or outside the stator. The stator includes a plurality of teeth radially extending from the center of a circle of the stator with equal gap, and the plurality of coils arranged in order and in layers by the winding wire being turned a plurality of times around the circumference of each of a plurality of teeth. The number of turns of the two respective coils arranged on the circumference of the two adjacent teeth is different. |
| US09130427B2 |
Arrangement for producing a star connection, in particular of the stator windings of an electromotor, and electromotor
An arrangement for producing a star connection in the case of an electromotor, in particular three-phase motor; first crimp sleeves being slid onto stator winding-wire end regions and joined thereto; the first crimp sleeves being joined to the second crimp sleeves by a respective welded connection; the second crimp sleeves being slid onto an electrical line and joined thereto. |
| US09130426B2 |
Permanent magnet rotors and methods of assembling the same
A method for securing a plurality of permanent magnets about a perimeter of a rotor core is described that includes positioning the plurality of magnets with respect to the rotor core, the magnets including at least one feature formed at each side thereof, each feature opposing a feature formed in an adjacent magnet, and applying a material between the magnets that engages the features formed in the magnets to form a molded material, the material extending into a groove formed within the rotor core such that the molded material operates to engage the rotor core, the engagement of the molded material with the rotor core and the engagement of the molded material with the magnets operative to maintain a position of the magnets with respect to the rotor core. |
| US09130425B2 |
Integrated rotor pole pieces
A pole piece structure is provided to be used as part of an active rotor structure for an electrical rotary machine, wherein the active rotor structure is circular comprising pole pieces and permanent magnets magnetized in the circumferential direction of the rotor structure, wherein the rotor pole piece structure is a single structure with at least two individually spaced pole pieces connected by an integration bridge. Further provided is a method of manufacturing a rotor pole piece structure and a rotor for an electrical machine with a rotor pole piece structure. The assembly of magnets to the pole pieces is significantly enhanced using these rotor pole piece structures as described. |
| US09130424B2 |
Rotor of interior permanent magnet motor
A rotor of an interior permanent magnet motor includes a rotor core configured to form a body of the rotor. An upper permanent magnet group is configured to be inserted into the rotor core to form a magnetic pole. A lower permanent magnet group is configured to be inserted into the rotor core below the upper permanent magnet group to form a two-layered structure with the upper permanent magnet group. Each of the upper and lower permanent magnet groups may include two V-shaped permanent magnets. A polar arc angle formed by the two permanent magnets of the upper permanent magnet group may be different from a polar arc angle formed by the permanent magnets of the lower permanent magnet group. |
| US09130423B2 |
Rotor and motor
Magnets may be embedded in first recessed portions of a rotor core, and at least one stopper is each attached to an axial end of the rotor core. The rotor core may include second recessed portions each including a locking portion arranged to project inward therein. The stopper may include a base portion arranged to close the first recessed portions, and elastically deformable hook portions each arranged to be inserted into a separate one of the second recessed portions to be engaged with the locking portion. The rotor core may include first plates and second plates placed upon one another. Each first plate may include first locking elements each defining an opening, while each second plate may include second locking elements each defining a larger opening. The locking portions may be defined by arranging the second plates axially inward and placing the first plates upon the second plates. |
| US09130418B2 |
Direct current rotating electric machine with stator having magnetised structure
A DC electric rotating machine mainly for the starter of an automotive vehicle, including: a stator having a magnetized structure with permanent magnetization and extending along the circumference of the stator; a rotor; a set of brushes adapted for the electric supply of the rotor by switching the electrical current in sections of the rotor; wherein the magnetized structure (5) of the stator includes at least one sector, between two consecutive magnetic poles (N; S) of the magnetized structure, having a magnetization vector that varies in an essentially sinusoidal manner upon displacement on the stator circumference, and wherein the angular deviation of the neutral line is selected so as to improve the switching during the operation of the machine. |
| US09130415B2 |
Electric motor with balance adjustment mechanism for rotor and manufacturing process thereof
An electric motor includes an insert member situated within an insert bore formed in a rotor in order to adjust a balance of the rotor. The insert member has a body part provided with a cutout portion in a part of its circumference to define a gap extending therebetween. The insert member also has a pair of inner protrusions protruding radially inwardly from the opposite side edges of the gap. The size of the gap is determined such that the gap is not closed when the insert member elastically deforms and as a result, the outer diameter of the insert member becomes smaller than the diameter of the insert bore. |
| US09130412B2 |
Motor drive assembly for a vehicle
A motor drive assembly for a vehicle is provided and includes an electric motor. A rotor of the electric motor includes a spindle rotatably supported by a first bearing located on a first side of the spindle close to a speed reducer and a second bearing located on a second side of the spindle opposite from the first side of the spindle and remote from the speed reducer. The spindle includes a tubular, hollow, rotor core mounting portion having an inner diameter larger than the diameter of a cylindrical surface on which the first bearing is fitted. |
| US09130409B2 |
Wireless energy receiver/transmitter/system and wireless energy transmission method
A wireless energy transmission system includes a wireless energy transmitting device and a wireless energy receiving device configured to receive power from the wireless energy transmitting device through a magnetic field. The wireless energy transmitting device includes a signal generator configured to include a resonator including at least one inductor and at least one capacitor and to generate at least two signals having a 90-degree phase difference from each other. The wireless energy receiving device includes a frequency adjustor configured to match a frequency between the wireless energy transmitting device and the wireless energy receiving device. |
| US09130404B2 |
Multiple redundant solar power system
A multiple redundant solar power system comprises a primary solar power set, a secondary solar power set, a first control unit, and a second control unit. The primary solar power set includes a first solar panel, a first battery, and a first electrical output line. The secondary solar power set includes a second solar panel, a second battery, and a second electrical output line. The first control unit is connected between the first battery and the second battery. When the first battery has a low voltage, electrical power can be supplied from the second battery to the first battery. The second control unit is connected between the first battery and an external electrical power source. When the second battery has a low voltage, electrical power can be supplied from the external electrical power source to the first battery. |
| US09130403B2 |
System, method and computer program product for determining load profiles
A system, method and device for determining load profile of a power line conductor supplying power to a plurality of power customers is provided. In one embodiment the system includes an automated meter reading system configured to receive meter data including data of the power consumed by each of the plurality of power customers as measured by the power meters; a phase detection system configured to determine one of the plurality of power lines to which each of the power meters is electrically connected; a meter grouping system configured to determine groups of power meter that are commonly connected to the plurality of power line conductors; and a load profile system configured to determine a load profile for each group of power meters by combining the meter data from each meter of each group over a plurality of time periods. |
| US09130402B2 |
System and method for generating and providing dispatchable operating reserve energy capacity through use of active load management
A utility employs a method for generating available operating reserve. Electric power consumption by at least one device serviced by the utility is determined during at least one period of time to produce power consumption data, stored in a repository. A determination is made that a control event is to occur during which power is to be reduced to one or more devices. Prior to the control event and under an assumption that it is not to occur, power consumption behavior expected of the device(s) is generated for a time period during which the control event is expected to occur based on the stored power consumption data. Additionally, prior to the control event, projected energy savings resulting from the control event, and associated with a power supply value (PSV) are determined based on the devices' power consumption behavior. An amount of available operating reserve is determined based on the projected energy savings. |
| US09130399B2 |
Arrangement for an uninterruptible power supply
An arrangement for uninterruptible power supply with a rectifier, an energy store, an inverter with an input, a switch and a controller. The rectifier is connected to a rectifier input to a supply grid (AC 1), the energy store is connected to a rectifier output and to an inverter input. A network (AC 3) to be protected is connected to an inverter output of the inverter. The rectifier input or a supply grid (AC2) is connected via the switch to the inverter output, wherein the rectifier, the inverter and the switch are controlled by the controller, wherein the arrangement includes sensors for measuring voltages and/or currents. Each sensor is connected via a sensor output to exactly one controller and each sensor is configured to convert a parameter to be measured into a low-voltage signal. |
| US09130398B2 |
Wirelessly-chargeable strength-resistant light-emitting or heat-emitting structure
The present invention provides a stretch-resistant light-emitting or heat-emitting structure. The wirelessly-chargeable stretch-resistant light-emitting structure includes a woven member, conductive twisted cables, a light-emitting element, and a receiver circuit. The woven member is mounted to the article. Each conductive twisted cable includes a stretch-resistant wire and a conductive wire twisted together. The conductive twisted cables are woven in the woven member. The light-emitting element, which is arranged inside the woven member, includes a light emission section and two conductive pins. The conductive pins are respectively and electrically connected to the conductive wires of the conductive twisted cables. The wirelessly-chargeable stretch-resistant heat-emitting structure includes a carrying member, an electrical heating element mounted to the carrying member, conductive twisted cables that are in electrical connection with the electrical heating element, and a receiver circuit that is in electrical connection with the conductive twisted cables. The carrying member is woven in the article. |
| US09130397B2 |
Wireless charging and powering of electronic devices in a vehicle
Configurations and methods of wireless power transmission for charging or powering one or more electronic devices inside a vehicle are disclosed. A transmitter capable of single or multiple pocket-forming may be connected to a car lighter, where this transmitter may include a circuitry module and an antenna array integrated within the transmitter, or operatively connected through a cable. This cable may allow the positioning of the antenna array in different locations inside the vehicle suitable for directing RF waves or pockets of energy towards one or more electronic devices. Transmitter's configuration can be accessed by one or more electronic devices through Bluetooth communication in order to set up charging or powering priorities. |
| US09130396B2 |
Kinetically chargeable stylus device
There is provided a system and method for a kinetically chargeable stylus device for use with an interactive device. The method comprises charging the kinetically chargeable stylus device using one of a first mode and a second mode, wherein the first mode includes receiving a movement of a magnet in relation to an inductor, inducing a first electrical current in the inductor from the movement, and charging an energy storage unit using the first electrical current, and wherein the second mode includes inducing a second electrical current in the inductor from a non-kinetic source, and charging the energy storage unit using the second electrical current. Prior to inducing the second electrical current in the inductor, the magnet may be isolated from the inductor. Further, a movement of the stylus device may be detected using the inductor and the magnet. |
| US09130395B2 |
Non-contact charging station with planar spiral power transmission coil and method for controlling the same
Various embodiments of a non-contact power transmission station with a planar spiral power transmission coil are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a non-contact power transmission station may include: a transmission controller for transmitting power to a non-contact power-receiving apparatus and transmitting/receiving data; and a station part electrically connected with the transmission controller to generate an induced magnetic field and transmit power to the non-contact power-receiving apparatus, which is disposed on a top thereof. The station part may include a primary core where the induced magnetic field is generated. The primary core may include a core base, a central coil and two side coils which are fastened to the station part. The central coil and the two side coils may selectively generate an induced magnetic field under control of the transmission controller. |
| US09130394B2 |
Wireless power for charging devices
Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power. A host device peripheral may comprise a wireless power charging apparatus, which may include transmit circuitry and at least one antenna coupled to the transmit circuitry. The at least one antenna may be configured to wirelessly transmit power within an associated near-field region. Additionally, the host device peripheral may be configured to couple to a host device. |
| US09130393B2 |
Systems and methods to isolate lower amplitude signals for analysis in the presence of large amplitude transients
Some embodiments concern a method of isolating low amplitude signals in one or more electrical signals. The method can include: using a data acquisition device to acquire one or more electrical signals; using a first processor to compute one or more first parameters related to the one or more electrical signals; using the first processor to determine one or more first portions of the one or more electrical signal that comprise one or more transient signals; using the first processor to selectively mask the one or more first portions of the one or more electrical signals to create one or more output signals; and adjusting a gain of the data acquisition device based upon one or more second parameters of the one or more output signals. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09130388B2 |
Contactless electricity-supplying device
There is provided a contactless electricity-supplying device that can safely and efficiently supply power to a load.A contactless electricity-supplying device includes a plurality of electricity-supplying coils; a DC/AC converter that converts an output voltage from a DC supplying unit into an AC voltage to be applied to each electricity-supplying coils; a plurality of electricity-receiving coils selectively and detachably mounted on positions where the electricity-receiving coils are electromagnetically coupled to the electricity-supplying coils to receive AC voltages from the corresponding electricity-supplying coils in a contactless manner; a plurality of rectifying/smooth units that each convert an AC voltage output from each electricity-receiving coil into a DC voltage and smooth the DC voltage; a switching device that connects the DC voltages output from the rectifying/smoothing units to a single load; an electricity-reception detection sensor for detecting that the electricity-receiving coils receive the AC voltages from the corresponding electricity-supplying coils; and a control unit that turns on the switching device when it is detected that all of the electricity-receiving coils receive the AC voltages from the corresponding electricity-supplying coils. |
| US09130385B2 |
Tablet storage and charging cart
A tablet storage and charging cart includes a mobile cabinet formed of a horizontal base frame, two opposing upright frames and one or a number of horizontal partition panels and defining therein a plurality of storage compartments, a plurality of tablet racks set in the storage compartments for holding tablet PCs individually, and a transmission control system, which includes a power management device electrically connectable to an external power source for power input and one or a number of connector modules electrically coupled with the power management device, each connector module having multiple USB sockets and multiple transmission cables respectively electrically connected to the USB sockets and adapted for electrically connecting the USB sockets to storage tablet PCs. |
| US09130383B2 |
Charging/discharging control device, battery pack, electrical equipment, and charging/discharging control method
A charging/discharging control device that can protect a chargeable/dischargeable battery cell from an excess current state while preventing the device from being increased in scale and from being complex. The charging/discharging control device includes: switches that are connected in parallel on current paths between a battery and a positive terminal of a battery pack; a switching control unit that switches between a charging current path and a discharging current path; a protective element that fuses the charging current path when a current value of the charging current path flowing through the switch exceeds a first fusing current value; and a protective element that fuses the discharging current path when a current value of the discharging current path flowing through the switch exceeds a second fusing current value higher than the first fusing current value. |
| US09130382B1 |
Charging protection circuit
Provided is a charging protection circuit. The charging protection circuit includes a wireless charging base and a charging receiving circuit. The charging receiving circuit includes first receiving coils configured to receive electromagnetic waves from the wireless charging base; a high-permeability magnetic core coupled to the first receiving coils and configured to block electromagnetic waves opposite to the electromagnetic waves from the wireless charging base; a detection circuit coupled to the high-permeability magnetic core and configured to detect whether the high-permeability magnetic core has failed; and a power supply circuit coupled to the high-permeability magnetic core and configured to convert electromagnetic energy generated by electromagnetic waves into electric energy to supply power to a power receiving device. With the technical solution, the serious result caused by continuous charging of a wireless charger after a high-permeability magnetic core has failed is avoided, thus guaranteeing the security of a power receiving device. |
| US09130381B2 |
Systems and methods for identifying and monitoring a battery charger
A charger includes a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal. The first terminal and the second terminal are configured for providing an output power to a battery module. The charger also includes a signal generation unit configured for generating an identity signal which indicates an identity of the charger. The charger is configured for outputting the identity signal to the battery module via the third terminal. |
| US09130379B2 |
Integrated circuit for controlling battery cell and vehicle power supply system
A vehicle power supply system comprises a battery module that includes a plurality of battery cells, battery cell control devices and a signal transmission path through which signals are transmitted. The battery cell control devices comprises a voltage measurement circuit that measures terminal voltages at the battery cells, an abnormality diagnosis circuit that diagnoses an abnormality in the battery cell control device, a timing control circuit that outputs a signal for instructing measurement phase and a signal for instructing diagnosis phase, and a communication circuit that outputs a signal indicating the terminal voltage and a signal based upon a diagnosis result by the abnormality diagnosis circuit. |
| US09130377B2 |
System and method for battery pack management using predictive balancing
Predictive battery pack cell balancing apparatus and methods are presented in which active bypass current switching is controlled according to initial balancing bypass current values to balance the cell depth of discharge (DOD) values by the end of a charging/discharging time period, and according to continuous balancing bypass current values representing an amount of bypass current needed to maintain a present relationship of the cell DOD values. |
| US09130376B2 |
System and method for externally controlling the charging of a battery powered device
A system and method for externally controlling the charging of a battery powered mobile computing device includes a charging unit configured to be electrically coupled to the mobile computing device to charge a battery therein. The charging unit comprises a charger configured to operate in a first mode to provide a constant charge current to the battery to be charged and to operate in a second mode to provide a constant charge voltage to the battery to be charged and where the switch from the first mode to the second mode occurs when the voltage at the battery a predefined threshold voltage. The charger including an offset compensator configured for applying an offset voltage to the measured output of the charger to maintain the charger in the first mode to compensate for voltage drops between the charger and the battery thereby allowing the battery voltage to reach the threshold voltage. |
| US09130375B2 |
Charger
The disclosure provides a charger including a base and a charging circuit. The base includes a coupling portion for detachably coupling with one of multiple supporting stands. Each of the supporting stands has a supporting container with different standards. The coupling portion has a coupling surface. The coupling surface is used for supporting one of the supporting stands. The charging circuit is disposed in the base and the charging circuit has a first electrical connector. The first electrical connector protrudes from the coupling surface. When the coupling portion is coupled with the supporting stand, a portion of the first electrical connector is disposed in the supporting container. |
| US09130374B2 |
Load control device, image forming apparatus, and method of controlling load
A switch control unit detects a power supply voltage of a heater detected by a voltage detection unit, and switch is performed on a load state of the heater in a range from a first load state to a fourth load state when the detected power supply voltage falls into a predetermined first domain. On the other hand, the switch is performed on the load state that ranges from the first load state to the third load state when the detected power supply voltage falls into a predetermined second domain that is higher in voltage than the first domain. That is, when the power supply voltage is in the second domain that is higher in voltage than the first domain, a limitation is imposed on the switch to the fourth load state where a combined resistance value is the lowest among the first and fourth load states. |
| US09130367B2 |
Display device
To provide a novel display device with improved reliability. The display device includes an insulating layer between a first wiring and a second wiring. The insulating layer includes a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer overlapping with the first insulating layer and a region where a part of the second insulating layer is removed, and the region serves as a protection circuit. In addition, the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer are included in a region where the insulating layer overlaps with a semiconductor layer of a transistor, and a region where the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer are removed is included in a region where the first wiring and the second wiring are directly connected to each other. |
| US09130366B2 |
Electronic ignition system for an engine of a vehicle in case of failure
An electronic system to discharge a transformer in case of a failure during a charging phase of the transformer. The system includes the transformer having a primary winding with a first terminal connected to a battery voltage and with a second terminal for generating a primary voltage signal, includes a switch serially connected to the primary winding and having a control terminal carrying a control voltage signal for opening or closing the switch and includes an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit further includes a current generator and a voltage clamping. |
| US09130365B2 |
Method and system for ultra miniaturized packages for transient voltage suppressors
A high temperature electronic system includes an electronics unit configured for exposure to an environment having a temperature greater than approximately 150.0° C. The remote electronics unit includes a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) assembly coupled in operative relationship with at least some electronic components of the electronics unit. The TVS assembly includes at least one TVS device comprising at least one of a punch-through wide band-gap semiconductor TVS die and an avalanche breakdown wide band-gap semiconductor TVS die encapsulated in a flip-chip package at least partially surrounding the die, and coupled to first and second electrodes exposed to a single side of the encapsulation. |
| US09130358B2 |
Method of manufacturing spark plug electrode material
A method of manufacturing an electrode material for use in spark plugs and other ignition devices. The electrode material may be manufactured into a desirable form by hot-forming a layered structure that includes a ruthenium-based material core, an iridium-based interlayer disposed over an exterior surface of the ruthenium-based material core, and a nickel-based cladding disposed over an exterior surface of the iridium-based material interlayer. The elongated layered wire produced by the hot-forming then has its nickel-based cladding removed to derive an elongated electrode material wire that includes the ruthenium-based material core encased in the iridium-based material. The elongated electrode material wire can be used to make many different spark plug/ignition device components. |
| US09130350B2 |
Laser device that includes ring resonator
A laser device includes: an optical amplifier; a first reflector configured to reflect light output from the first optical end face of the optical amplifier; a ring resonator; an input optical waveguide optically coupled to the ring resonator; a reflector optical waveguide optically coupled to the ring resonator; a second reflector configured to reflect light that propagates in the reflector optical waveguide; an output optical waveguide; and a delay interferometer that includes first and second optical couplers and a pair of optical waveguides formed between the first optical coupler and the second optical coupler. The second optical end face of the optical amplifier and one port of the first optical coupler are optically coupled. A first port of the second optical coupler and the input optical waveguide are optically coupled. A second port of the second optical coupler and the output optical waveguide are optically coupled. |
| US09130346B2 |
Device, light source device, and imaging apparatus using the same
A device includes a first resonating cavity and a second resonating cavity. The first resonating cavity includes a first end surface and a second end surface. The first resonating cavity has a first free spectral range. The first free spectral range is a first frequency of a wavelength dependent ripple in a gain of the device that is a function of a first distance between the first end surface and the second end surface. The second resonating cavity includes a third end surface and a fourth end surface. A second distance between the third end surface and the fourth end surface is set such that an amplitude of the wavelength dependent ripple is reduced. |
| US09130344B2 |
Automated laser tuning
In exemplary embodiments, an ultra short pulse system comprises a laser platform which includes an optical source configured to generate an optical pulse, an optical amplifier configured to amplify the optical pulse, and a compressor configured to temporally compress the amplified optical pulse. The ultra short pulse system further comprises monitor circuitry configured to monitor one or more performance aspects of the laser platform. Additionally, the ultra short pulse system may comprise logic configured to control the one or more performance aspects of the laser platform in response to at least the monitored one or more performance aspects. |
| US09130338B2 |
Excimer laser and laser device
An excimer laser may include a frame, a base plate on which the frame is disposed, an excimer laser configured to oscillate and output laser light by discharge-pumping within a chamber containing a laser gas, an optical element that is mounted upon the frame and that is disposed in the optical path of the outputted laser light and a heat removal mechanism connected to both the frame and the base plate. |
| US09130333B2 |
Cable installation tool
A cable installation tool includes a baseboard having a containing space for containing a circuit board, a support base disposed on the baseboard, a sliding base slidably disposed on the baseboard and located at a side of the support base, a sliding rod slidably passing through the support base to be connected to the sliding base, a link, and a driving rod having a bending portion and a handle portion. An end of the link is pivoted to the sliding rod. The bending portion is pivoted to another end of the link and the support base respectively for driving the sliding rod via the link to slide relative to the support base, so that the sliding base could be pushed by the sliding rod to drive a cable device placed on the sliding base to insert into a slot of the circuit board. |
| US09130332B2 |
Method and apparatus for protective encasement for mobile electronic devices
An apparatus including a housing, and a standard media plug connector rotatably mounted to the housing, so that the standard media plug connector can be rotated in a first plane, which is substantially perpendicular to a back surface of the housing, from a first orientation wherein the standard media plug connector is substantially parallel to the back surface of the housing to a second orientation wherein the standard media plug connector is substantially perpendicular to the back surface of the housing. The housing may be configured to be attached to a mobile electronic communications device. The apparatus may further include an electronic device connector which is configured to be connected to a data port of the mobile electronic communications device, while the housing is attached to the mobile electronic communications device. The apparatus may further include a mounting bracket to which the standard media plug connector is rotatably mounted. |
| US09130331B2 |
Rotating connector
A rotating connector includes a cable accommodation chamber formed between an outer case and an inner case in their radial direction, a flexible flat cable housed in the cable accommodation chamber, and multiple idlers housed in the cable accommodation chamber. The idlers are rotatably provided in a direction of an annular slidable member. The idlers are rotatable on their own axes. The flat cable is wound on an inner periphery of the outer case and an outer periphery of the inner case by way of a reversed portion of the flat cable. The flat cable is wound thereon in opposite directions. The idlers are pivotally supported by the slidable member so as to change a space between the idlers and the inner case and a space between the idlers and the outer case depending on winding of the flat cable. |
| US09130329B1 |
Connector and assembly method for transmission assembly of connector
A connector includes an insulated housing having a slot and a transmission assembly located inside the insulated housing. The transmission assembly includes a main circuit board, an expanded circuit board, a plurality of first terminals and at least one second terminal. The expanded circuit board is stacked on the main circuit board and a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the expanded circuit board which are opposite to each other has a plurality of first electrical contacts and at least one second electrical contact, respectively. The first terminals and the at least one second terminal are plugged in the main circuit board. One ends of the first terminals are in electrical contact with the first electrical contacts respectively. The other ends of the first terminals bend and extend towards the second lateral side of the expanded circuit board. |
| US09130322B2 |
Electrical connector assembly with an adapter assembled thereof
An electrical connector assembly includes a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector and an adapter assembled between the first and second electrical connector. The first electrical connector includes a first insulating housing and a plurality of first contacts received in the first insulating housing. The second electrical connector includes a second insulating housing and a plurality of second contacts received in the second insulating housing. The adapter includes a base and a plurality of pin contacts retained in the base, the pin contacts run through the base and contact the first and second contacts simultaneously. |
| US09130321B2 |
Electrical connector having contact for either BGA or LGA package
An electrical connector for electrically connecting an IC package to a circuit board includes an insulating housing having a plurality of receiving holes and a plurality of contacts received in the receiving holes. Each of the contacts includes a retaining portion engaging with the insulating housing, and a spring arm deforming freely in a certain range, wherein the spring arm includes an elastic deformation portion, a recess portion protruding downwardly from the elastic deformation portion for contacting with a ball grid array (BGA) package and a protrusion portion protruding upwardly from the recess portion for contacting with a land gird array (LGA) package. |
| US09130312B2 |
Cable connector assembly
A cable connector assembly comprises a housing; a plurality of first contacts received in the housing; and cable having at least a first set of cable electrically respectively connected to the corresponding first contacts. Each of the first set of cable comprises a plurality of first wires formed therein. At least one of the first wires of one first set of cable is cut out, and the rest of the first wires of one first set of cable are electrically connected with the corresponding first contact. |
| US09130308B2 |
Locking apparatus for electrical plug-type connectors
The invention proposes an electrical plug-type connector for making contact with a mating plug-type connector, said plug-type connector having a displaceable locking and unlocking apparatus, which exerts a constant pressure on the apparatus by means of a double-sided torsion spring in such a way that the plug-type connector is forcibly locked when contact is made between said plug-type connector and the mating plug.In this case, the pressure exerted by the torsion spring legs is transferred to two axially displaceable sliding posts, which are again part of the unlocking apparatus. Furthermore, the unlocking apparatus has two sliding arms, which can be displaced in a tongue-and-groove guide, at least in regions, within corresponding recesses and flush with respect to the side faces of the plug-type connector housing. |
| US09130304B2 |
Circular connector having a sealing element with a conical and a concave sealing surfaces
A specially designed sealing element (17) for a circular connector in which the sealing surface is subdivided into two areas, a first sealing section being designed to have a mainly radial sealing effect and a second sealing section being designed to have a mainly axial sealing effect. As a result, an effective sealing is achieved even in the case of counterparts having higher tolerances. |
| US09130300B2 |
Water resistant connector
A water resistant connector jointing with a housing, comprises a base, a sleeve plug disposed in the base, a clamping member disposed in the base and a locking member. The sleeve plug contacts with the neck portion of the base. The locking member is locked at the housing and contacts with the clamping member. The transmission line passes through the locking member, the clamping member, and the sleeve plug such that one portion of the transmission line is exposed at the exterior of the base. The locking member moves linearly and extrudes the clamping member and the sleeve plug such that the sleeve plug has deformation by the extrusion from the neck portion of the base. The effects of water resistance and seal may be achieved by using the sleeve plug to tightly joint with the internal wall of the base and the transmission line. |
| US09130295B2 |
Electrical plug connector
In an electrical plug connector comprising an insulating contact adapter the contact adapter has a first wing which can be pivoted between an open and a closed position. The contact adapter is designed to enclose a metal contact element between the first wing and a wall of the contact adapter when the first wing is in the closed position. |
| US09130293B2 |
Electrical connector with improved contact structure
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a number of conductive contacts received in the insulative housing. Each conductive contact is substantially located in a main surface and includes a contacting portion extending beyond the front wall of the insulative housing, an intermediate portion extending rearward from the contacting portion and received in the insulative housing, and a termination portion bending vertically from the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is torn to form at least an interfering means which extending away from the main surface to interferentially engage with the insulative housing for retaining the conductive contact in the insulative housing reliably. |
| US09130292B1 |
Card connector
A card connector includes an insulating body and electrical terminals of which each has a fastening portion molded in the insulating body, an elastic arm extending outward and rearward from an external end of the fastening portion and inclined upward during extending, and a soldering portion formed from the other end of the fastening portion. The distal end of the elastic arm further extends and then is bent downward to from a protecting arm. A notching is opened in the elastic arm and extends to the protecting arm. An inner edge of the notching slantwise extends upward and towards the protecting arm and then is arched upward to form a contact arm of which the arch peak rises above the bend peak of the protecting arm. The distal edge of the contact arm protrudes towards two sides to form a pair of blocking ears blocked under the protecting arm. |
| US09130287B2 |
Power connector assembly
A power connector includes an insulative housing, at least a pair of power contacts assembled to the at least one contact-receiving passage. The pair of power contacts are arranged oppositely along an up-to-down direction and cooperating with each other. Each of the at least a pair of power contacts includes a cable termination portion, a contacting portion and an intermediate portion connecting the cable termination portion and the contacting portion. One lateral edge of the intermediate portion is a first latching portion, and the other lateral edge of the intermediate portion is a second latching portion. Thus, when the pair of power contacts are assembled together, the first latching portion of one power contact cooperates with the second latching portion of the other power contact, while the second latching portion of the one power contacts cooperates with the first latching portion of the other power contact to form a hollow frame therebetween along an up-to-down direction. |
| US09130286B2 |
Plug-in coupling
The invention relates to a plug-in coupling for the transfer of high-power energy and for the transfer of a fluid under pressure, consisting of at least one coupler plug (2) and at least one coupler socket (3). The coupler plug (2) can be introduced into the coupler socket (3) at least to some extent to produce a coupled state and can be removed from the coupler socket (3) to produce a decoupled state. The coupler socket (3) and the coupler plug (2) advantageously comprise an inner conductor (4, 5) which is electroconductive in at least some sections and which is surrounded by a fluid channel (6) in at least some sections. The coupler socket (3) and the coupler plug (2) have means (7, 8) for sealing the fluid channel (6) in a liquid-tight manner in the decoupled state and for producing a continuous fluid channel (6) in the coupled state. |
| US09130282B2 |
Terminal fitting with electric wire
A coupling portion is approximately U-shaped with two side plates extending up from a bottom plate. Front and rear ends of the bottom plate are respectively joined to a bottom wall of a box and a mounting plate of a crimping portion. Front and rear ends of the side plates are respectively joined to side walls of the box and crimping pieces of the crimping portion. In the crimping portion, an electric wire is crimped by wrapping the first crimping pieces around a terminal portion of the electric wire mounted on a mounting plate while deforming and bending them. In respective end edges of the side plates in an upward extending direction, reinforcing portions are formed continuously extending from respective front ends that are joined to the side walls to rear ends that are joined to the crimping pieces and having regions that are bent inward. |
| US09130281B2 |
Post assembly for coaxial cable connectors
A post assembly for a coaxial cable connector comprises, in one embodiment, a post configured to be coupled to a conductor of the coaxial cable. The post assembly has a post extender disposed between the post and an interface port, and a spring configured to urge the post extender toward the interface port. |
| US09130278B2 |
Dual linear and circularly polarized patch radiator
A patch radiator suitable for operation with circular or dual linear polarizations is described. The patch radiator includes a patch antenna element and a pair of excitation circuits. The excitation circuits include a feed line and a turning circuit configured such that a single feed line enables independent operation of each polarization. This allows for the operation of the patch and therefore array as either linear, slant, elliptical, or circular polarization. |
| US09130277B2 |
RF baseband beamforming
Exemplary embodiments are directed to beamforming. A device may include a plurality of mixers, wherein each mixer is configured to receive at least one of a quadrature signal and an in-phase signal. The device may further include at least one RF phase rotator coupled to an output of each of the plurality of mixers and configured for rotating an envelope of the at least one of the quadrature signal and the in-phase signal to generate at least one of a rotated in-phase signal and a rotated quadrature signal. |
| US09130274B1 |
Systems and methods for providing distributed load monopole antenna systems
A distributed load monopole antenna system is disclosed that includes a monopole antenna comprising a radiation resistance unit coupled to a transmitter base, an adjustment unit, a current enhancing unit and a conductive mid-section. The radiation resistance unit includes a radiation resistance unit base that is coupled to ground, and includes a plurality of windings of an electrically conductive material. The adjustment unit is coupled to at least one of the plurality of windings of the radiation resistance unit, and is coupled to ground for selectively adjusting an operating frequency of the antenna. The current enhancing unit is for enhancing current through the radiation resistance unit, and the conductive mid-section is intermediate the radiation resistance unit and the current enhancing unit. |
| US09130272B2 |
Electronic device that is worn on the wrist
A wrist-worn electronic device includes an antenna that receives externally transmitted radio signals; a case of which at least part is made of a non-conductive material; an information display unit that is housed inside the case, is flat, and is made of a non-conductive material; a back cover that is attached to the case and is made of a conductive material; and a reception unit that is positioned and housed inside the case between the information display unit and the back cover, and processes a reception signal based on radio signals received by the antenna. The antenna has an antenna electrode that is disposed and formed as a line around the outside of the information display unit. The back cover is connected to the ground potential of the reception unit and reflects the radio signals. |
| US09130266B2 |
Handheld communication device and communication method of the same
A communication method used in a handheld communication device is provided. The communication method comprises the steps outlined below. Whether a voice communication is established is determined. When the voice communication is established, a sensing element is activated to determine whether the handheld communication device is operated in a hand mode. When the handheld communication device is not operated in the hand mode, an antenna module of the handheld communication device would be operated in a first operation frequency band to perform the voice communication. When the handheld communication device is operated in the hand mode, the antenna module of the handheld communication device would be operated in a second operation frequency band to perform the voice communication, in which the second operation frequency band is higher than the first operation frequency band. A handheld communication device is disclosed herein as well. |
| US09130263B2 |
Communication terminal and antenna apparatus thereof
Disclosed are to a communication terminal and an antenna apparatus thereof. The antenna apparatus includes an antenna device including a feeding point to which a signal is applied; and at least one variable reactance device connected to the antenna device. The communication terminal determines a communication network to access to drive the antenna apparatus corresponding to the determined communication network, and accesses to the determined communication network through the antenna apparatus to communicate. Accordingly, a resonance frequency band of the antenna apparatus is expanded. |
| US09130260B2 |
Antenna designing method and data card signal board of wireless terminal
Embodiments of the present invention disclose an antenna designing method and a data card single board of a wireless terminal is provided. The antenna designing method provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes: dividing a semi-closed area without other metal wirings on a data card single board of the wireless terminal; and arranging an antenna wiring in the semi-closed area, where a gap exists between the antenna wiring and the data card single board, and the antenna wiring is coupled with the data card single board via the gap. The embodiments of the present invention also disclose a data card single board of the wireless terminal. According to the embodiments of the present invention, a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value of the antenna is reduced, and meanwhile, a working bandwidth of a broadband is realized. |
| US09130258B2 |
Dielectric waveguide filter with direct coupling and alternative cross-coupling
A waveguide filter comprising a base block of dielectric material defining at least first and second resonators and a bridge block seated on top of the base block and defining at least a third resonator. In one embodiment, the base block comprises first and second base blocks that have been coupled together in an end to end relationship. An external transmission line or an interior RF signal transmission window or an RF signal transmission bridge provides a cross-coupling RF signal transmission path between the first and second resonators. At least first and second interior RF signal transmission windows provide a direct RF signal transmission path between the first and third resonators and the second and third resonators respectively. |
| US09130247B2 |
Cable-type secondary battery and preparation thereof
The present disclosure provides a cable-type secondary battery, comprising: an inner electrode; and a sheet-form laminate of separation layer-outer electrode, spirally wound to surround the outer surface of the inner electrode, the laminate being formed by carrying out compression for the integration of a separation layer for preventing a short circuit, and an outer electrode.According to the present disclosure, the electrodes and the separation layer are compressed and integrated to minimize ununiform spaces between the separation layer and the outer electrode and reduce the thickness of a battery to be prepared, thereby decreasing resistance and improving ionic conductivity within the battery. Also, the separation layer coming into contact with the electrodes absorbs an electrolyte solution to induce the uniform supply of the electrolyte solution into the outer electrode active material layer, thereby enhancing the stability and performances of the cable-type secondary battery. |
| US09130246B2 |
Rechargeable lithium battery having lithium difluorophosphate and a sultone-based compound
A rechargeable lithium battery includes a negative electrode including a negative active material, a positive electrode including a positive active material, and an electrolyte including LiPO2F2 and a sultone-based compound. |
| US09130243B2 |
Non-aqueous electrolytic solution and lithium secondary battery
The present invention provides a non-aqueous electrolytic solution for a lithium secondary battery, wherein the lithium secondary battery includes, as a cathode active material, a composite oxide in which at least 35% by mole of a transition metal included in the composite oxide is manganese, and wherein the non-aqueous electrolytic solution includes an unsaturated sultone. |
| US09130242B2 |
Gel polymer electrolyte composition, gel polymer electrolyte and electrochemical device comprising the same
A gel polymer electrolyte composition includes i) a compound acting as a monomer for forming gel polymer by polymerization and having at least two double bonds at an end thereof; ii) an electrolyte solvent containing carbonate and linear saturated ester; iii) an electrolyte salt; and iv) a polymerization initiator. A gel polymer electrolyte formed using the above composition has excellent mechanical strength and lithium ion conductivity. A secondary battery containing the gel polymer electrolyte has improved room/low temperature characteristics and rate capacity. |
| US09130241B2 |
Lithium batteries using poly(ethylene oxide)-based non-aqueous electrolytes
Lithium-air cells employing poly(ethyleneoxide) phosphate-based electrolytes may be prepared and exhibit improved charge carrying capacity. Such PEO phosphates generally have the formulas IIa, IIb, IIc, where: |
| US09130238B2 |
Methods of and hybrid factories for thin-film battery manufacturing
Methods of and hybrid factories for thin-film battery manufacturing are described. A method includes operations for fabricating a thin-film battery. A hybrid factory includes one or more tool sets for fabricating a thin-film battery. |
| US09130228B2 |
Lithium ion oxygen battery
A lithium ion oxygen battery capable of achieving a high energy density without being decreased in performance due to moisture or carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is provided. A lithium ion oxygen battery 1 comprises a positive electrode 2 containing oxygen as an active material and a lithium source, a negative electrode 3 made of a material capable of occluding or releasing lithium ions, and an electrolyte layer 4 sandwiched between the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3 and capable of conducting the lithium ions. The positive electrode 2, the negative electrode 3, and the electrolyte layer 4 are housed in a hermetic case 5. The positive electrode 2 comprises an oxygen storage material and a lithium compound (excluding a combined metal oxide of lithium and another metal) as the lithium source. |
| US09130227B2 |
Photonic crystal electrical property indicator
A photonic crystal electrical property indicator for a battery comprising: an electrically conductive working electrode and an electrically conductive counter electrode; an electrically-responsive photonic crystal material in contact with at least one of said first and second electrically conductive electrodes; an ionically conductive electrolyte provided between the working and counter electrodes; and electrical conductors for connecting the indicator to terminals of the battery; wherein the photonic crystal material has a reflectance spectrum that is responsive to a change in at least one electrical property of the battery, thereby providing an optically detectable indication of the at least one electrical property of the battery. |
| US09130225B2 |
Seawater battery of dissolved oxygen type
A seawater battery of dissolved oxygen type includes a battery frame (1), n pieces of metal anode plates (2), n pieces of inert cathode plates (3), current collectors and wires (5). The battery frame (1) is consisted of an upper base (6) and a lower base (7), wherein the upper base and the lower base are respectively consisted of an outer ring and a central fixing component. The fixing component is connected with and fixed to the outer ring by a connector, and n pieces of metal anode plates are inserted on the connector so as to construct a cylindrical or frustum-shaped structure. The inert cathode plates are inserted between the metal anode plates along radial direction of the outer ring, and are connected with and fixed to the outer ring and the fixing component of the upper base and the lower base. The metal anode plates are welded in series by wires constituting the anode of the battery and the inert cathode plates are welded in series by wires constituting the cathode of the battery. |
| US09130224B2 |
Battery pack and method of manufacturing battery pack
A battery pack and a method of manufacturing the battery pack. An embodiment of a battery pack includes: a bare cell including an electrode assembly, a can containing the electrode assembly and having an opening at an end thereof for receiving the electrode assembly, and a cap plate sealing the opening; a protection circuit module for protecting the bare cell during charging; and a lead plate press-fit coupled to the cap plate and electrically connecting the bare cell to the protection circuit module. |
| US09130220B2 |
Power source apparatus equipped with a service plug and vehicle carrying that power source apparatus
A power source apparatus provided with battery blocks (2) that have a plurality of battery cells (1) connected together, an outer case (3) that houses the battery blocks and/or electrical components connected to the battery blocks, a socket (4) connected in series with the battery blocks and disposed on the outer case, and a service plug (5) that connects with the socket in a removable manner. The service plug connects with the socket to connect the service plug in series with the batteries via the socket. The outer case is provided with a socket and service plug thermal isolation region (8) sectioned-off by a heat-shielding plate (7), and the socket and service plug are disposed in the thermal isolation region. |
| US09130219B1 |
Method of making redox materials for solid oxide redox flow battery
A method of forming a redox couple bed for a solid oxide redox flow battery is described. The method includes mixing together carbon and metal oxide. The method further includes heating the mixture while feeding an inert gas into the mixture, the inert gas removing gas products CO and CO2. The metal oxide is reduced to a metal resulting in formation of a redox couple bed. |
| US09130217B2 |
Fluidic architecture for metal-halogen flow battery
A metal-halogen flow battery system includes a stack of flow cells, an electrolyte reservoir and one or more of a concentrated halogen return line fluidly connecting the stack to the reservoir, a venturi, a mixer, a concentrated halogen pump, or a concentrated halogen line heater. |
| US09130215B2 |
Separator, method for producing the same and electrochemical device including the same
A separator includes a porous substrate, a porous organic-inorganic coating layer formed on at least one surface of the porous substrate, and an organic coating layer formed on the surface of the organic-inorganic coating layer. The porous organic-inorganic coating layer includes a mixture of inorganic particles and a first binder polymer. The first binder polymer contains a copolymer including (a) a first monomer unit including either at least one amine group or at least one amide group or both in the side chain thereof and (b) a (meth)acrylate having a C1-C14 alkyl group as a second monomer unit. The organic coating layer is formed by dispersing a second binder polymer on the surface of the organic-inorganic coating layer, leaving scattered uncoated areas. |
| US09130214B2 |
Electrode material for lithium secondary battery, method for producing the same, and lithium secondary battery including the same
An electrode material for lithium secondary battery comprises a nanoheterostructure which contains a lithium-ion conductor and an electrode active substance of which one inorganic component is a matrix, and of which the other inorganic component is three-dimensionally and periodically arranged in the matrix, and has a three-dimensional periodic structure whose average value of one unit length of a repeated structure is 1 nm to 100 nm. |
| US09130212B1 |
Positive electrode active material for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, method for manufacturing the same, and nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery using said positive electrode active material
The present invention aims to provide a positive electrode active material for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries which achieves high output and high capacity when used as a positive electrode material. Disclosed is a method for manufacturing the positive electrode active material for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, the method comprising: a first step, wherein an alkaline solution with a tungsten compound dissolved therein is added to and mixed with a lithium metal composite oxide powder represented by a general formula LizNi1-x-yCoxMyO2 (wherein, 0.10≦x≦0.35, 0≦y≦0.35, 0.97≦Z≦1.20, and M is at least one element selected from Mn, V, Mg, Mo, Nb, Ti, and Al), including primary particles and secondary particles composed of aggregation of the primary particles, and thereby W is dispersed on a surface of the primary particles; and a second step, wherein, by heat treating the mixture of the alkaline solution with the tungsten compound dissolved therein and the lithium metal composite oxide powder, fine particles containing W and Li are formed on a surface of the primary particles. |
| US09130208B2 |
Membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cells with long lifetime
The present invention relates to improved membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cells with long lifetime, comprising two electrochemically active electrodes separated by a polymer electrolyte membrane based on polybenzoxazole-polybenzimidazole block polymers. |
| US09130205B2 |
Controlling PEM fuel cell voltage during power transitions and idling
The controller (185) of a fuel cell stack (151) in a vehicle (150) responds to lower demand to cause a diverter (172) to direct all air from the cathodes (19) except as required to generate sufficient power to limit cell voltage to a safe idle voltage threshold, cause storage in an energy storage system (201) sufficient to limit cell voltage to the idle voltage threshold unless SOC is too high, connects a voltage limiting load (220) to the stack sized to consume all power not consumed by auxiliary BOP, or, for longer idles, air-starves the stack and powers BOP from storage. In response to increase in a demand signal, the controller causes flow of all air to the cathodes. In response to an off signal (223) or a start signal (193) the controller causes a shutdown routine or a startup routine in each of which all generated power is stored to maintain fuel cell voltage below a threshold, or is consumed in the voltage limiting load. |
| US09130204B2 |
System for drying the exhaust gases from a fuel cell system using the existing liquid hydrogen as a heat sink
A system for the drying of exhaust gases from a fuel cell system includes two heat exchangers alternately exposed to an exhaust gas, which ice and accumulate water vapour from the exhaust gas by cooling through a coolant. A valve arrangement with a number of valves is adapted in such a manner that it operates one of the heat exchangers in an icing phase, in which the icing of water vapour is conducted, and the other heat exchanger in a regeneration phase, in which the accumulated ice melts and is extracted, in an alternating manner. This system is especially suitable in aircraft for drying an oxygen depleted exhaust gas from a fuel cell system for inerting a tank. |
| US09130202B2 |
Method for controlling fuel cell system with in-stop-mode power generating process and startup process
A method includes an in-stop-mode power generating process and a first startup process. In the a first startup process, if an operation start instruction to start a fuel cell system is detected after the in-stop-mode power generating process, supply of a fuel gas from a fuel-gas supply apparatus is started, and supply of an oxide gas from an oxide-gas supply apparatus is started after a predetermined time has elapsed from the starting of supply of the fuel gas, when a pressure of an anode side is equal to or lower than a first threshold pressure. |
| US09130198B2 |
Compliant seal structures for protected active metal anodes
Protected anode architectures have ionically conductive protective membrane architectures that, in conjunction with compliant seal structures and anode backplanes, effectively enclose an active metal anode inside the interior of an anode compartment. This enclosure prevents the active metal from deleterious reaction with the environment external to the anode compartment, which may include aqueous, ambient moisture, and/or other materials corrosive to the active metal. The compliant seal structures are substantially impervious to anolytes, catholyes, dissolved species in electrolytes, and moisture and compliant to changes in anode volume such that physical continuity between the anode protective architecture and backplane are maintained. The protected anode architectures can be used in arrays of protected anode architectures and battery cells of various configurations incorporating the protected anode architectures or arrays. |
| US09130190B2 |
Display and method of manufacturing the same
A display includes: a light-emitting element formed by laminating a first electrode layer, an organic layer including a light-emitting layer and a second electrode layer in order on a base; and an auxiliary wiring layer being arranged so as to surround the organic layer and being electrically connected to the second electrode layer, in which the auxiliary wiring layer includes a two-layer configuration including a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, the first conductive layer has lower contact resistance to the second electrode layer than that of the second conductive layer, the two-layer configuration in the auxiliary wiring layer is formed so that an end surface of the second conductive layer is recessed inward from an end surface of the first conductive layer, thereby a part of a top surface of the first conductive layer is in contact with the second electrode layer. |
| US09130189B2 |
Optoelectronic component and method for the production thereof
An optoelectronic component having a substrate (1), an anode (2) and a cathode (10) and at least one active layer (6) disposed between the anode and the cathode. An amorphous dielectric layer (3) which contains or consists of a metal oxide, a metal nitride or a metal oxynitride is disposed directly on the cathode-side surface of the anode. The metal contained in the metal oxide, metal nitride or metal oxynitride is selected from one or several of the metals of the group consisting of aluminum, gallium, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, tantalum, lanthanum and zinc. |
| US09130184B2 |
Light-emitting device, electronic device, and lighting device utilizing phosphorescence
A new light-emitting device utilizing phosphorescence is provided. Further, an electronic device and a lighting device which utilize phosphorescence are provided. One embodiment of the present invention is a light-emitting device including a phosphorescent organometallic iridium complex comprising iridium and either pyrimidine having an aryl group at the 4-position or 1,3,5-triazine having an aryl group at the 2-position. One of nitrogen in the pyrimidine or 1,3,5-triazine is coordinated to the iridium. Also, each of the pyrimidine and 1,3,5-triazine has a substituent such as an alkyl group or an aryl group. Further the ortho position of the aryl group which is bonded to the 4-position of the pyrimidine or the 2-position of the 1,3,5-triazine is bonded to the iridium. |
| US09130183B2 |
Organic electroluminescent element, displaying device and lighting device
This invention provides an organic electroluminescent element comprising a substrate and an electrode and one or more organic layers provided on the substrate. The organic electroluminescent element is characterized in that the layer density of at least one of the organic layers is 1.10 to 1.25 g/cm3. The organic electroluminescent element exhibits good luminescence brightness, causes no significant voltage rise and dark spot in the constant-current driving, and has good temporal stability under high temperature and high humidity conditions. There are also provided a display device and a lighting device using the organic EL element. |
| US09130178B2 |
Oligomers of isonitrile-metal complexes as triplet emitters for OLED applications
The present invention relates to light-emitting devices and in particular organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs). In particular, the invention relates to the use of luminescent isonitrile/metal complexes as oligomer emitters in devices of this type. |
| US09130176B2 |
Material for hole injection transport layers, ink for forming hole injection transport layers, device, and production methods thereof
The present invention is to provide the following: a material for hole injection transport layers and a production method thereof, the material capable of forming a hole injection transport layer by the solution application method and increasing device lifetime; an ink for forming hole injection transport layers and a production method thereof, the ink capable of forming a hole injection transport layer by the solution application method and increasing device lifetime; and a long-life device and a production method thereof; wherein disclosed is a material for hole injection transport layers, which is a reaction product of a molybdenum complex with a compound represented by the following chemical formula (i): wherein R1, R2, X1 and X2 are as explained in the Description. |
| US09130173B2 |
Quinolino[3,2,1-kl]phenoxazine compound and organic light emitting element using the same
Provided is an excellent organic light emitting element having high emission efficiency and a low drive voltage. The organic light emitting element includes an anode, a cathode, and an organic compound layer disposed between the anode and the cathode, in which the organic compound layer includes a quinolino[3,2,1-kl]phenoxazine compound represented by the following general formula [1]: where R1 to R4 each represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R1 to R4 may be identical to or different from each other, and Ar represents a single bond or an oligophenylene group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms. |
| US09130172B2 |
Naphthyl-containing compounds for light-emitting devices
Naphthyl-containing compounds having structural formula S2R for use in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). R may include an aromatic group, a heterocyclic group, or a group that is both aromatic and heterocylic. In some examples, R is phenyl, biphenyl, and thiophenyl. OLEDs including these compounds are shown to emit in a range between 400 nm and 700 nm. These OLEDs are suitable for devices including televisions, laptop computers, computer monitors, personal digital assistants, mobile phones, portable media players, watches, test devices, advertising displays, information displays, indication displays, and large-area light-emitting elements for general illumination. |
| US09130171B2 |
High-mobility structures, apparatuses and methods therefor
Various apparatuses, systems and methods involve high mobility materials. In accordance with one or more example embodiments, a material includes a conjugated molecule and a side chain bonded to the conjugated molecule. The side chain includes at least one of a siloxane-terminated unit and a derivative of a siloxane-terminated unit that enhance solubility of the conjugated molecule. Further, the side chain facilitates a π-stacking distance between the conjugated molecules when stacked (e.g., in an organic semiconductor film), thereby facilitating carrier mobility between the conjugated molecules. |
| US09130169B2 |
Piezoelectric element, piezoelectric actuator, piezoelectric sensor, hard disk drive, and inkjet printer device
A piezoelectric element includes, as a piezoelectric layer, a thin film of potassium sodium niobate that is a perovskite compound represented by a general expression ABO3, in which Sr (strontium) is substituted on both of an A site and a B site and Mn (manganese) is substituted only on the A site. Accordingly, the piezoelectric element is provided to decrease a leak current of the piezoelectric element using the thin film of potassium sodium niobate, to increase a withstand voltage thereof and to improve piezoelectric characteristics thereof. |
| US09130166B2 |
Resistive non-volatile memory, cell structure and manufacturing method thereof
A cell structure of a non-volatile memory includes a first metal layer, a first dielectric layer, a first transition layer, a second metal layer, a second dielectric layer, a second transition layer, and a third metal layer. The first dielectric layer is disposed over the first metal layer, and has a first via. The first transition layer is arranged between the first via and the first metal layer. The second metal layer is formed within the first via and contacted with the first transition layer. The second dielectric layer is disposed over the second metal layer and the first dielectric layer, and has a second via. The second transition layer is arranged between the second via and the second metal layer. The third metal layer is formed within the second via and contacted with the second transition layer. |
| US09130160B2 |
Non-volatile memory device having multi-level cells and method of forming the same
A non-volatile memory device including multi-level cells is provided. The device includes first and second conductive patterns. Additionally, the device includes an electrode structure and a data storage pattern between the first and second conductive patterns. The data storage pattern may include a phase change material and a first vertical thickness of a first portion of the data storage pattern may be less than a second vertical thickness of a second portion of the data storage pattern. The electrode structure may include first and second electrodes and a vertical thickness of the first electrode may be greater than that of the second electrode. |
| US09130159B2 |
Method of fabricating element including nanogap electrodes
Disclosed is a fabrication method of an element with nanogap electrodes including a first electrode, a second electrode provided above the first electrode, and a gap provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, the gap being in an order of nanometer to allow resistive state to be switched by applying a predetermined voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, the method comprising: forming the first electrode; forming a spacer on an upper surface of the first electrode; forming the second electrode in contact with an upper surface of the spacer; and removing the spacer to form the gap. |
| US09130156B2 |
Process to remove film from semiconductor devices
Embodiments of the present disclosure are a method of forming a semiconductor device, a method of forming an MRAM device, and a method of forming a semiconductor device. An embodiment is a method of forming a semiconductor device, the method comprising forming a second layer over a first layer, and performing a first etch process on the second layer to define a feature, wherein the first etch process forms a film on a surface of the feature. The method further comprises performing an ion beam etch process on the feature, wherein the ion beam etch removes the film from the surface of the feature. |
| US09130154B2 |
Three-electrode linear and bending polymeric actuator
A polymeric actuator includes a first and a second electrode layer (2, 3), both containing electrically conductive material and able to change size in at least one direction of deformation under the action of charge injection or ion intercalation. A solid polymer electrolyte layer (4) is interposed between the first and the second electrode layer, in which the solid polymer electrolyte layer is electrically insulating and ionically conductive. The actuator is able to deform by the action of the dimensional changes of the first and second electrode layer. The actuator further includes a passive electrode (5) immersed in the solid electrolyte layer to be electrically insulated relative to the first and second electrode layer, in which the passive electrode is electrically conductive and elastically deformable material, so as to support mechanically the deformations of the actuator induced by the dimensional changes of the first and second electrode layer. |
| US09130147B2 |
Vibrating reed, gyro sensor, electronic apparatus, and mobile unit
A vibrating reed includes a base part. A drive vibrating arm, a detection vibrating arm, and an adjustment vibrating arm extend from the base part. A first adjustment electrode and a second adjustment electrode are connected to the adjustment vibrating arm. The first adjustment electrode generates an electrical signal in first phase. The second adjustment electrode generates an electrical signal in second phase opposite to the first phase. The electrical signals of the adjustment electrodes are superimposed on the detection signal of the detection vibrating arm, and thereby, vibration leakage components are cancelled out. The adjustment vibrating arm is partially sandwiched between a first electrode piece and a second electrode piece, and the adjustment vibrating arm is partially sandwiched between a third electrode piece and a fourth electrode piece. |
| US09130145B2 |
Surface acoustic wave component
A surface acoustic wave component contains two fan-shaped interdigital transducers disposed on a piezoelectric substrate, the prongs and gaps of which transducers forming groups having the same length, called cells, between them, and narrow in the averaged prong direction. The cells are structured like cells of unidirectional transducers, and at least one of the fan-shaped interdigital transducers is composed of partial transducers. The partial transducers are disposed one behind the other, perpendicular to the averaged prong direction. |
| US09130141B2 |
Light-emitting diode element and light-emitting diode device
Disclosed is a light-emitting diode element including a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type, an active layer. A first electrode is provided on a surface of the second semiconductor layer. A second electrode is provided in a second region of the principal surface of the first semiconductor layer. A conductive layer is arranged such that the conductive layer covers a third region, a fourth region, and a fifth region in the rear surface of the first semiconductor layer. In the rear surface of the first semiconductor layer, the first semiconductor layer includes a sixth region which is not covered with the conductive layer and which overlaps another part of the first electrode. The first semiconductor layer is not provided with a through electrode. |
| US09130138B2 |
Light-emitting device manufacturing method
A method for manufacturing a light-emitting device comprises retaining a conductor wire so that a straight-line distance between adjacent mounting portions while the conductor is retained is less than a distance along the conductor wire between the adjacent mounting portions; mounting a plurality of light emitting diodes to respective ones of the mounting portions on the retained conductor wire; and after the mounting step, sealing the plurality of light-emitting diodes mounted on the conductor wire. |
| US09130133B2 |
Light-emitting device package and method of manufacturing the same
A light-emitting device package and method of manufacturing the same. The method includes: preparing a package main body comprising a plurality of cavities, wherein a light-emitting device chip is mounted in each of the cavities and a through hole is formed in a bottom of each of the cavities; preparing a fixed mold providing a first surface that blocks the cavity; coupling the package main body to the fixed mold such that an end portion of the cavity contacts the first surface; supplying an encapsulation material into the cavity through the through hole; hardening the encapsulation material; and separating the package main body from the fixed mold, and dicing the package main body into a plurality of light-emitting device packages using a singulation operation. The encapsulation material is supplied while disposing the package main body on the fixed mold so that the encapsulation material is supplied in a gravitational direction. |
| US09130131B2 |
Garnet-based phosphor ceramic sheets for light emitting device
Some embodiments disclosed herein include a lighting apparatus having a composite. The composite may include a first emissive layer and a second emissive layer. The first emissive layer may include a first garnet phosphor having a common dopant. The second emissive layer may include a second garnet phosphor having the common dopant. In some embodiments, the first emissive layer and the second emissive layer are fixed together. Some embodiments disclosed herein include efficient and economic methods of making the composite. The method may include, in some embodiments, sintering an assembly that includes pre-cursor materials for the first emissive layer and the second emissive layer. |
| US09130129B2 |
Light-emitting diode chip
A light-emitting diode (LED) chip comprising a first semiconductor layer; an active layer disposed on said first semiconductor layer; a second semiconductor layer disposed on said active layer; metal layers which disposed on said second semiconductor layer and overlapped with each other indirectly, comprising a first metal layer which connected to a first electrode deposited on said first semiconductor, and a second metal layer which connected to a transparent conductive layer and a second electrode deposited on said second semiconductor layer; wherein said second metal layer deposited on said first metal layer which further connected to said first semiconductor layer through an indentation. |
| US09130122B2 |
Light emitting diode
A light emitting diode (LED) including a first-type doped GaN substrate, a first-type doped semiconductor layer, an active layer, a second-type semiconductor layer, a first electrode, and a second electrode is provided. The first-type doped GaN substrate has a first doped element. The first-type semiconductor layer is disposed on the first-type doped GaN substrate. The first-type semiconductor layer has a second doped element different from the first doped element, and the doped concentration of the second doped element—may have a peak from 3E18/cm3 to 1E20/cm3 at an interface between the first-type doped GaN substrate and the first-type semiconductor layer. The active layer is disposed on the first-type semiconductor layer, and the second-type semiconductor layer is disposed on the active layer. The first electrode and the second electrode are respectively disposed on the first-type doped GaN substrate and the second-type semiconductor layer. Other LEDs are also provided. |
| US09130119B2 |
Non-polar and semi-polar light emitting devices
An (Al, Ga, In)N light emitting device, such as a light emitting diode (LED), in which high light generation efficiency is realized by fabricating the device on non-polar or semi-polar III-Nitride crystal geometries. Because non-polar and semi-polar emitting devices have significantly lower piezoelectric effects than c-plane emitting devices, higher efficiency emitting devices at higher current densities can be realized. |
| US09130116B1 |
System and method for providing multi-conductive layer metallic interconnects for superconducting integrated circuits
Superconducting integrated circuits require several wiring layers to distribute bias and signals across the circuit, which must cross each other both with and without contacts. All wiring lines and contacts must be fully superconducting, and in the prior art each wiring layer comprises a single metallic thin film. An alternative wiring layer is disclosed that comprises sequential layers of two or more different metals. Such a multi-metallic wiring layer may offer improved resistance to impurity diffusion, better surface passivation, and/or reduction of stress, beyond that which is attainable with a single-metallic wiring layer. The resulting process leads to improved margin and yield in an integrated circuit comprising a plurality of Josephson junctions. Several preferred embodiments are disclosed, for both planarized and non-planarized processes. These preferred and other methods may be applied to digital circuits based on Rapid Single Flux Quantum logic, and to quantum computing using Josephson junction qubits. |
| US09130115B2 |
Light-emitting diode with textured substrate
A light-emitting diode (LED) device is provided. The LED device has raised semiconductor regions formed on a substrate. LED structures are formed over the raised semiconductor regions such that bottom contact layers and active layers of the LED device are conformal layers. The top contact layer has a planar surface. In an embodiment, the top contact layers are continuous over a plurality of the raised semiconductor regions while the bottom contact layers and the active layers are discontinuous between adjacent raised semiconductor regions. |
| US09130109B2 |
Optical apparatus
An optical apparatus includes a substrate 1, a wiring pattern 8 formed on the substrate 1, a light-receiving element 3 and a light-emitting element 2 provided on the substrate 1 and spaced apart from each other in a direction x, a light-transmitting resin 4 covering the light-receiving element 3, a light-transmitting resin 5 covering the light-emitting element 2, and a light-shielding resin 6 covering the light-transmitting resin 4 and the light-transmitting resin 5. The wiring pattern 8 includes a first light-blocking portion 83 interposed between the light-shielding resin 6 and the substrate 1 and positioned between the light-receiving element 3 and the light-emitting element 2 as viewed in x-y plane. The first light-blocking portion 83 extends across the light-emitting element 2 as viewed in the direction x. |
| US09130106B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor light emitting apparatus by mounting semiconductor light emitting device having stacked dielectric films having different refractive indexes on mounting member
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting apparatus having first semiconductor layer and second semiconductor layer sandwiching a light emitting layer, first and second electrodes provided on respective major surfaces of the first semiconductor and second semiconductor layers to connect thereto, stacked dielectric films having different refractive indexes provided on portions of the major surfaces not covered by the first and second electrodes, and a protruding portion erected on at least a portion of a rim of at least one of the first and second electrodes. The mounting member includes a connection member connected to at least one of the first and second electrodes. The method includes causing the semiconductor light emitting device and a mounting member to face each other, and causing the connection member to contact and join to the at least one of the first and second electrodes using the protruding portion as a guide. |
| US09130105B2 |
Thin light emitting diode and fabrication method
A method for fabrication a light emitting diode (LED) includes growing a crystalline LED structure on a growth substrate, forming alternating material layers on the LED structure to form a reflector on a back side opposite the growth substrate and depositing a stressor layer on the reflector. A handle substrate is adhered to the stressor layer. The LED structure is separated from the growth substrate using a spalling process to expose a front side of the LED structure. |
| US09130098B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting device includes a light emitting layer, a light transmitting layer and a first semiconductor layer. The light transmitting layer is transmittable with respect to light emitted from the light emitting layer. The first semiconductor layer contacts the light transmitting layer between the light emitting layer and the light transmitting layer. The light transmitting layer has a thermal expansion coefficient larger than a thermal expansion coefficient of the light transmitting layer, has a lattice constant smaller than a lattice constant of the active layer, and has a tensile stress in an in-plane direction. |
| US09130095B2 |
Substrate for power module having uniform parallel switching characteristic and power module including the same
Provided are a substrate for a power module having a uniform parallel switching characteristic and a power module including the same. The substrate for the power module includes a plurality of areas on which input terminals are mounted, an area on which an output terminal is mounted, a plurality of areas on which devices are mounted, and an area on which a plurality of control pins are mounted. The plurality of areas on which the devices are mounted are bilaterally symmetric about the area on which the plurality of control pins are mounted. The plurality of areas on which the input terminals are mounted, respectively, are provided into three areas spaced apart from each other and bilaterally symmetric to each other. The plurality of areas on which the device are mounted are bilaterally symmetric about the area on which the control pins are mounted. |
| US09130092B1 |
Photovoltaic solar cell
A photovoltaic solar concentrator is disclosed with one or more transverse-junction solar cells (also termed point contact solar cells) and a lens located above each solar cell to concentrate sunlight onto the solar cell to generate electricity. Piezoelectric actuators tilt or translate each lens to track the sun using a feedback-control circuit which senses the electricity generated by one or more of the solar cells. The piezoelectric actuators can be coupled through a displacement-multiplier linkage to provide an increased range of movement of each lens. Each lens in the solar concentrator can be supported on a frame (also termed a tilt plate) having three legs, with the movement of the legs being controlled by the piezoelectric actuators. |
| US09130086B2 |
Light sensor and manufacturing method thereof
A light sensor and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The light sensor is capable of being coupled to a carry object and includes a sensing chip and a plurality of conductive connecting elements. The sensing chip includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The sensing chip also includes a sensing unit disposed between the first surface and the second surface and at least partially exposed by a window formed on the second surface. The first surface faces the carry object when the light sensor is coupled to a carry object. The conductive connecting elements are disposed on the first surface and coupled to the sensing unit in order to couple the light sensor to the carry object. |
| US09130084B2 |
Liquid precursor for deposition of copper selenide and method of preparing the same
Liquid precursors containing copper and selenium suitable for deposition on a substrate to form thin films suitable for semiconductor applications are disclosed. Methods of preparing such liquid precursors and methods of depositing a precursor on a substrate are also disclosed. |
| US09130082B2 |
Apparatus for generating/detecting terahertz wave using graphene and manufacturing method of the same
Provided is a terahertz wave generating/detecting apparatus and a method for manufacturing the same. The terahertz wave generating/detecting apparatus includes; a substrate having an active region and a transmitting region; a lower metal layer extending in a first direction on the active region and the transmitting region of the substrate; a graphene layer disposed on the lower metal layer on the active region; and upper metal layers extending in the first direction on the graphene layer of the active region and the substrate in the transmission region, wherein a terahertz wave is generated or amplified by a surface plasmon polariton that is induced on a boundary surface between the graphene layer and the lower metal layer by beated laser light applied to the graphene layer and the metal layer. |
| US09130080B2 |
Encapsulation of backside illumination photosensitive device
An encapsulation of backside illumination photosensitive device including a circuit sub-mount, a backside illumination photosensitive device, a plurality of conductive terminals, and a heat dissipation structure is provided. The backside illumination photosensitive device includes an interconnection layer and a photosensitive device array, wherein the interconnection layer is located on the circuit sub-mount, and between the photosensitive device array and the circuit sub-mount. The conductive terminals are located between the interconnection layer and the circuit sub-mount to electrically connect the interconnection layer and the circuit sub-mount. The heat dissipation structure is located under the interconnection layer, and the heat dissipation structure and the photosensitive device array are respectively located at two opposite sides of the interconnection layer. |
| US09130079B2 |
Detector apparatus having a cooling component
A detector apparatus is configured to receive light and generate electrical signals. The detector apparatus includes a light sensor having a light incidence side and a cooling component. The cooling component is in direct contact with at least one of the light sensor, on the light incidence side, or a substrate carrying the light sensor. |
| US09130078B2 |
Solar cell and method for manufacturing the same
A solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same are discussed. The solar cell includes a substrate formed of an n-type crystalline semiconductor, an emitter region of a p-type positioned at a first surface of the substrate, a first dielectric layer positioned on a second surface opposite the first surface of the substrate, second dielectric layers respectively positioned on the emitter region and the first dielectric layer, a third dielectric layer positioned on the second dielectric layer that is positioned on the emitter region, a first electrode which is positioned on the first surface of the substrate and is connected to the emitter region, and a second electrode which is positioned on the second surface of the substrate and is connected to the substrate. |
| US09130073B2 |
Method and an apparatus for producing a solar cell module and a solar cell module
A method for producing a continuous film of at least one solar cell module comprises the steps of depositing (8) a material forming a release layer onto a surrogate substrate in the form of a belt (1) being moved in a continuous loop, depositing (12, 14, 17) layers forming a solar cell film onto said release layer, applying (25) a first protective plastic layer onto the solar cell film, separating (31) a film including at least said solar cell film and said plastic layer attached thereto from said belt, and applying (35) a second protective plastic layer on the side of said film separated opposite to said first protective plastic layer. |
| US09130072B1 |
Backside illuminated image sensor and method of manufacturing the same
A backside illuminated (BSI) image sensor device includes a substrate including a front side and a back side; a radiation-sensing region in the substrate; a metal post with a longitudinal height and disposed over the back side; and a color filter adjacent to the metal post and substantially over the radiation-sensing region. The radiation-sensing region is configured to detect a radiation wave entering from the back side. |
| US09130069B2 |
Method for manufacturing nitride semiconductor layer and method for manufacturing semiconductor light emitting device
According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a nitride semiconductor layer. The method can include forming a first nitride semiconductor layer on a substrate in a reactor supplied with a first carrier gas and a first source gas. The first nitride semiconductor layer includes indium. The first carrier gas includes hydrogen supplied into the reactor at a first flow rate and includes nitrogen supplied into the reactor at a second flow rate. The first source gas includes indium and nitrogen and supplied into the reactor at a third flow rate. The first flow rate is not less than 0.07% and not more than 0.15% of a sum of the first flow rate, the second flow rate, and the third flow rate. |
| US09130067B2 |
Display device
In order to take advantage of the properties of a display device including an oxide semiconductor, a protective circuit and the like having appropriate structures and a small occupied area are necessary. The protective circuit is formed using a non-linear element which includes a gate insulating film covering a gate electrode; a first oxide semiconductor layer over the gate insulating film; a channel protective layer covering a region which overlaps with a channel formation region of the first oxide semiconductor layer; and a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer each of which is formed by stacking a conductive layer and a second oxide semiconductor layer and over the first oxide semiconductor layer. The gate electrode is connected to a scan line or a signal line, the first wiring layer or the second wiring layer is directly connected to the gate electrode. |
| US09130065B2 |
Power module having stacked flip-chip and method for fabricating the power module
Provided are a power module having a stacked flip-chip and a method of fabricating the power module. The power module includes a lead frame; a control device part including a control device chip; a power device part including a power device chip and being electrically connected to the lead frame; and an interconnecting substrate of which the control and power device parts are respectively disposed at upper and lower portions, and each of the control and power device chips may be attached to one of the lead frame and the interconnecting substrate using a flip-chip bonding method. The method includes forming bumps on power and control device chips on a wafer level; separately sawing the power and control device chips into individual chips; adhering the power device chip onto a thermal substrate and the control device chip onto an interconnecting substrate; combining a lead frame, the thermal substrate, and the interconnecting substrate with one another in a multi-jig; and sealing the power and control device chips, and the control and power device chips may be attached to one of the lead frame and the interconnecting substrate using a flip-chip bonding method. |
| US09130062B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Provided is a semiconductor device having improved reliability. In the semiconductor device in an embodiment, a mark is provided correspondingly to the bonding area of a belt-like wiring exposed from an opening provided in a solder resist. As a result, in an alignment step for the wire bonding area, the coordinate position of the wire bonding area can be adjusted using not the end portion of the opening formed in the solder resist, but the mark formed correspondingly to the wire bonding area as a reference. Also, in the semiconductor device in the embodiment, the mark serving as a characteristic pattern is formed. This allows the wire bonding area to be adjusted based on camera recognition. |
| US09130058B2 |
Forming crown active regions for FinFETs
A device includes a plurality of intra-device insulation regions having a first height; and a plurality of semiconductor fins horizontally spaced apart from each other by the plurality of intra-device insulation regions. A portion of the plurality of semiconductor fins is disposed above the plurality of intra-device insulation regions. The device further includes a first inter-device insulation region and a second inter-device insulation region with the plurality of semiconductor fins disposed therebetween. The first and the second inter-device insulation regions have a second height greater than the first height. |
| US09130056B1 |
Bi-layer wafer-level underfill mask for wafer dicing and approaches for performing wafer dicing
Methods of dicing semiconductor wafers, each wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits, are described. In an example, a method of dicing a semiconductor wafer having integrated circuits on a front side thereof involves laminating a pre-patterned bi-layer wafer-level underfill material stack on the integrated circuits of the semiconductor wafer. The pre-patterned bi-layer wafer-level underfill material stack has regions corresponding to the integrated circuits and gaps corresponding to dicing streets between the integrated circuits. The method also involves plasma etching to form trenches in the semiconductor wafer in alignment with the dicing streets to singulate the integrated circuits. An upper layer of the pre-patterned bi-layer wafer-level underfill material stack protects the integrated circuits during the plasma etching. |
| US09130053B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and method of fabricating the same
This technology relates to a nonvolatile memory device and a method of fabricating the same. The nonvolatile memory device may include a pipe connection gate electrode configured to have a bottom buried in a groove formed in a substrate, one or more pipe channel layers formed within the pipe connection gate electrode, pairs of main channel layers each coupled to the pipe channel layer and extended in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate, and a plurality of interlayer insulating layers and a plurality of cell gate electrodes alternately stacked along the main channel layers, wherein the pipe connection gate electrode includes a metal silicide layer formed within the groove. The electric resistance of the pipe connection gate electrode may be greatly reduced without an increase in a substantial height by forming the metal silicide layer buried in the substrate under the pipe connection gate electrode. |
| US09130048B2 |
Method for manufacturing a thin film semiconductor device
A highly reliable semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device are provided. The semiconductor device is manufactured with a high yield, so that high productivity is achieved. In a semiconductor device including a transistor in which a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer are provided over and in contact with an oxide semiconductor film, entry of impurities and formation of oxygen vacancies in an end face portion of the oxide semiconductor film are suppressed. This can prevent fluctuation in the electric characteristics of the transistor which is caused by formation of a parasitic channel in the end face portion of the oxide semiconductor film. |
| US09130046B2 |
Display device including transistor and manufacturing method thereof
An object is to provide a display device which operates stably with use of a transistor having stable electric characteristics. In manufacture of a display device using transistors in which an oxide semiconductor layer is used for a channel formation region, a gate electrode is further provided over at least a transistor which is applied to a driver circuit. In manufacture of a transistor in which an oxide semiconductor layer is used for a channel formation region, the oxide semiconductor layer is subjected to heat treatment so as to be dehydrated or dehydrogenated; thus, impurities such as moisture existing in an interface between the oxide semiconductor layer and the gate insulating layer provided below and in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer and an interface between the oxide semiconductor layer and a protective insulating layer provided on and in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer can be reduced. |
| US09130040B2 |
FinFET semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same. The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an active fin on a substrate; oxidizing a portion of the active fin to form an insulating pattern between the active fin and the substrate; forming a first gate pattern on the substrate, wherein the first gate pattern crosses the active fin; exposing the substrate on both sides of the first gate pattern; and forming source/drain regions on the exposed substrate. |
| US09130035B2 |
Trench power MOSFET and manufacturing method thereof
A trench power MOSFET and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The trench power MOSFET has a buried oxide layer formed in the epitaxial layer, wherein the buried oxide layer is located under a body region for changing a vertical electric field distribution to increase a breakdown voltage of the MOSFET, thereby obtaining a lower on-state resistance. |
| US09130034B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
According to an embodiment, semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, first and second isolation regions provided in the semiconductor substrate, extending in a first direction, and adjacent to each other, first and second word lines provided in the semiconductor substrate, extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and adjacent to each other, first and second upper insulating regions provided on the first and second word lines, extending in the second direction, and adjacent to each other, a source/drain diffusion region provided in a surface area of the semiconductor substrate and between the first and second isolation regions, and including a portion positioned between the first and second upper insulating regions, and a first conductive portion provided in the source/drain diffusion region and formed of a material containing metal. |
| US09130032B2 |
Semiconductor device
Provided is a semiconductor device including a substrate, a gate structure, a second dielectric layer and a source/drain region. A first dielectric layer is disposed on the substrate, and the first dielectric layer has a trench therein. The gate structure is disposed on the substrate in the trench and includes a work function metal layer and a metal layer. The work function metal layer is disposed in the trench, and includes a TiAl3 phase metal layer. A height of the work function metal layer disposed on a sidewall of the trench is lower than a height of a top surface of the first dielectric layer. The metal layer fills the trench. The second dielectric layer is disposed between the gate structure and the substrate. The source/drain region is disposed in the substrate at two sides of the gate structure. |
| US09130029B2 |
Recessing and capping of gate structures with varying metal compositions
A approach for recessing and capping metal gate structures is disclosed. Embodiments include: forming a dummy gate electrode on a substrate; forming a hard mask over the dummy gate electrode; forming spacers on opposite sides of the dummy gate electrode and the hard mask; forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD) over the substrate adjacent the spacers; forming a first trench in the ILD down to the dummy gate electrode; removing the dummy gate electrode to form a second trench below the first trench; forming a metal gate structure in the first and second trenches; and forming a gate cap over the metal gate structure. |
| US09130028B2 |
Field effect power transistors
A normally OFF field effect transistor (FET) comprising: a plurality of contiguous nitride semiconductor layers having different composition and heterojunction interfaces between contiguous layers, a Fermi level, and conduction and valence energy bands; a source and a drain overlying a top nitride layer of the plurality of nitride layers and having source and drain access regions respectively comprising regions of at least two of the heterojunctions near the source and drain; a first gate between the source and drain; wherein when there is no potential difference between the gates and a common ground voltage, a two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) is present in the access region at a plurality of heterojunctions in each of the source and drain access regions, and substantially no 2DEG is present adjacent any regions of the heterojunctions under the first gate. |
| US09130027B2 |
High electron mobility bipolar transistor
A high electron mobility bipolar transistor including a substrate, a pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) sub structure, a sub collector/separating layer and a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) sub structure sequentially stacked from bottom to top is disclosed. The sub collector/separating layer and the pHEMT sub structure are combined to form a pHEMT, and the sub collector/separating layer and the HBT sub structure are combined to form an HBT. The carbon concentration in the sub collector/separating layer is within 5×1017 cm−3 and 1×1020 cm−3, and/or the oxygen concentration within 5×1018 cm−3 and 1×1020 cm−3.The lattice during the process of epitaxy growth is stabilized and it is possible to prevent the dopants, the elements, the vacancies or the defects from diffusing into the neighboring layers, thereby improving the problem of mobility degradation and resistance increase, and sustaining the stability of the manufacturing process. |
| US09130026B2 |
Crystalline layer for passivation of III-N surface
Some embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a crystalline passivation layer for effectively passivating III-N surfaces. Surface passivation of HEMTs reduces or eliminates the surface effects that can otherwise degrade device performance. The crystalline passivation layer reduces the degrading effects of surface traps and provides a good interface between a III-nitride surface and an insulator (e.g., gate dielectric formed over the passivation layer). |
| US09130023B2 |
Isolated insulating gate structure
Systems and methods are presented for forming a gate structure comprising an insulative portion, whereby the insulative portion is utilized to electrically isolate an electrically conductive portion of the gate structure from a conductive element located in the vicinity of the gate structure. The insulative portion is formed by chemically modifying a conductive portion of the gate. Chemical modification is an oxidation process, converting aluminum conductor to aluminum oxide insulator material. Utilizing a chemically modified gate structure enables self aligning contact technique(s) to be utilized with semiconductor devices comprising a replacement metal gate(s). The chemical modification process can be performed prior or after forming a contact opening. |
| US09130021B2 |
3D IC method and device
A method of three-dimensionally integrating elements such as singulated die or wafers and an integrated structure having connected elements such as singulated dies or wafers. Either or both of the die and wafer may have semiconductor devices formed therein. A first element having a first contact structure is bonded to a second element having a second contact structure. First and second contact structures can be exposed at bonding and electrically interconnected as a result of the bonding. A via may be etched and filled after bonding to expose and form an electrical interconnect to interconnected first and second contact structures and provide electrical access to this interconnect from a surface. Alternatively, first and/or second contact structures are not exposed at bonding, and a via is etched and filled after bonding to electrically interconnect first and second contact structures and provide electrical access to interconnected first and second contact structure to a surface. Also, a device may be formed in a first substrate, the device being disposed in a device region of the first substrate and having a first contact structure. A via may be etched, or etched and filled, through the device region and into the first substrate before bonding and the first substrate thinned to expose the via, or filled via after bonding. |
| US09130019B2 |
Formation of carbon-rich contact liner material
Conductive contact structure of a circuit structures and methods of fabrication thereof are provided. The fabrication includes, for instance, providing at least one contact opening disposed over a semiconductor substrate; forming a carbon-rich contact liner material including a carbon-containing species and an elemental carbon disposed therein, the carbon-containing species and the elemental carbon together defining a set carbon content within the carbon-rich contact liner material; and depositing the carbon-rich contact liner material conformally within the at least one contact opening disposed over the semiconductor substrate. |
| US09130018B2 |
Plasma etching method and storage medium
A plasma etching method that can increase the selection ratio of a stop layer to an interlayer insulation film. The plasma etching method is carried out on a substrate that has the interlayer insulation film formed of CwFx (x and w are predetermined natural numbers) and a stop layer that stops etching and is exposed at the bottom of a hole or a trench formed in the interlayer insulation film. The interlayer insulation film and the stop layer are exposed at the same time to plasma generated from CyFz (y and z are predetermined natural numbers) gas and hydrogen-containing gas. |
| US09130015B2 |
Electronic circuits including planar electronic devices
A method for use in the manufacture of an electronic circuit comprising at least one substantially planar electronic device is disclosed. The method comprises: forming a structure comprising a layer of active material, at least a first conductive track spaced from and extending in a plane generally parallel to the layer of active material, and a layer of insulative material separating the first conductive track from the layer of active material, the layer of active material having a plurality of insulative features formed therein, each insulative feature at least partly inhibiting electrical current flow in the layer of active material and the plurality of insulative features defining at least a first substantially planar electronic device in the layer of active material comprising at least a respective first terminal and a respective second terminal, each terminal comprising a respective area of the layer of active material, and at least a portion of said first conductive track overlapping one of the first and second terminals; forming a first hole in said structure, said first hole extending through the layer of insulative material and connecting an overlapping portion of the first conductive track to one of the first and second terminals; and filling said first hole at least partly with electrically conductive material so as to provide an electrical connection between the first conductive track and one of the first and second terminals. |
| US09130009B2 |
Memory transistors with buried gate electrodes
A device includes a semiconductor region surrounded with the isolation region and includes a first active region, a channel region and a second active region arranged in that order in a first direction. A first side portion of the first active region and a second side portion of the second active region faces each other across a top surface of the channel region in the first direction. A gate electrode covers the top surface and the first and second side portions and extends in a second direction that intersects the first direction. A first diffusion layer is formed in the first active region. A second diffusion layer is formed in the second active region. An embedded contact plug is formed in the first active region and extends downwardly from the upper surface of the semiconductor region and contacts with the first diffusion layer. |
| US09130008B2 |
Robust ESD protection with silicon-controlled rectifier
Some embodiments relate to a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) that includes a current path which couples an SCR anode to an SCR cathode. The current path includes a first vertical current path component coupled to the SCR anode, and a second vertical current path component coupled to the SCR cathode. A horizontal current path component includes a first well region and a second well region that meet at a junction lying along a first plane. The first and second well regions cooperatively span a distance between the first and second vertical current path components. The first and second vertical current path components mirror one another symmetrically about the first plane. |
| US09130007B2 |
Semiconductor device
In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type having first and second faces, and a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type disposed above the first face of the first semiconductor layer. The device further includes control electrodes facing the first and second semiconductor layers via insulating layers, and extending to a first direction parallel to the first face of the first semiconductor layer, and third semiconductor layers of the first conductivity type and fourth semiconductor layers of the second conductivity type alternately disposed along the first direction above the second semiconductor layer. The device further includes fifth semiconductor layers of the first conductivity type disposed below the second semiconductor layer or disposed at positions surrounded by the second semiconductor layer, the fifth semiconductor layers being arranged separately from one another along the first direction. |
| US09130006B2 |
Semiconductor device with buried conduction path
A device includes a semiconductor substrate, emitter and collector regions disposed in the semiconductor substrate, having a first conductivity type, and laterally spaced from one another, and a composite base region disposed in the semiconductor substrate, having a second conductivity type, and including a base contact region, a buried region through which a buried conduction path between the emitter and collector regions is formed during operation, and a base link region electrically connecting the base contact region and the buried region. The base link region has a dopant concentration level higher than the buried region and is disposed laterally between the emitter and collector regions. |
| US09129997B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A miniaturized semiconductor device including a transistor in which a channel formation region is formed using an oxide semiconductor film and variation in electric characteristics due to a short-channel effect is suppressed is provided. In addition, a semiconductor device whose on-state current is improved is provided. A semiconductor device is provided with an oxide semiconductor film including a pair of second oxide semiconductor regions which are amorphous regions and a first oxide semiconductor region located between the pair of second oxide semiconductor regions, a gate insulating film, and a gate electrode provided over the first oxide semiconductor region with the gate insulating film interposed therebetween. Hydrogen or a rare gas is added to the second oxide semiconductor regions. |
| US09129996B2 |
Non-volatile memory (NVM) cell and high-K and metal gate transistor integration
A method of making a semiconductor device includes depositing a layer of polysilicon in a non-volatile memory (NVM) region and a logic region of a substrate. The layer of polysilicon is patterned into a gate in the NVM region while the layer of polysilicon remains in the logic region. A memory cell is formed including the gate in the NVM region while the layer of polysilicon remains in the logic region. The layer of polysilicon in the logic region is removed and the substrate is implanted to form a well region in the logic region after the memory cell is formed. A layer of gate material is deposited in the logic region. The layer of gate material is patterned into a logic gate in the logic region. |
| US09129994B2 |
Fin field effect transistor and fabrication method
A fin field effect transistor (FET) including a fin structure and a method for forming the fin FET are provided. In an exemplary method, the fin FET can be formed by forming at least one fin seed, including a top surface and sidewalls, on a substrate. A first semiconductor layer can then be formed at least on the sidewalls of the at least one fin seed. A second semiconductor layer can be formed on the first semiconductor layer. The second semiconductor layer and the at least one fin seed can be made of a same material. The first semiconductor layer can be removed to form a fin structure including the at least one fin seed and the second semiconductor layer. |
| US09129991B2 |
Vertical MOSFET transistor with a vertical capacitor region
A method to manufacture a vertical capacitor region that comprises a plurality of trenches, wherein the portions of the semiconductor region in between the trenches comprise an impurity. This allows for the trenches to be placed in closer vicinity to each other, thus improving the capacitance per unit area ratio. The total capacitance of the device is defined by two series components, that is, the capacitance across the dielectric liner, and the depletion capacitance of the silicon next to the trench. An increase of the voltage on the capacitor increases the depletion in the silicon and the depletion capacitance as a result, such that the overall capacitance is reduced. This effect may be countered by minimizing the depletion region which may be achieved by ensuring that the silicon adjacent to the capacitor is as highly doped as possible. |
| US09129987B2 |
Replacement low-K spacer
A method includes providing a gate structure having a gate, a first spacer along at least one side of the gate and an interlayer dielectric on at least one of the gate and the first spacer. The interlayer dielectric is removed to reveal the first spacer. The first spacer is removed and a second spacer is deposited on at least one side of the gate. The second spacer is formed of material having a lower dielectric constant than the first spacer. |
| US09129986B2 |
Spacer chamfering for a replacement metal gate device
Approaches for spacer chamfering in a replacement metal gate (RMG) device are provided. Specifically, a semiconductor device is provided with a set of fins formed from a substrate; a silicon-based layer conformally deposited over the set of fins; an etch-stop layer (e.g., titanium nitride (TiN)) formed over the silicon-based layer, the etch-stop layer being selective to at least one of: silicon, oxide, and nitride; a set of RMG structures formed over the substrate; a set of spacers formed along each of the set of RMG structures, wherein a vertical layer of material from each of the set of spacers is removed selective to the etch-stop layer. By chamfering each sidewall spacer, a wider area for subsequent work-function (WF) metal deposition is provided. Meanwhile, each transistor channel region is covered by the etch-stop layer (e.g., TiN), which maintains the original gate critical dimension during reactive ion etching. |
| US09129980B2 |
Package 3D interconnection and method of making same
A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit (IC) package is provided. The method includes mounting a fast plurality of contact members on a surface of a package member, and coupling a second plurality of contact members located on a first surface of an interposer substrate to corresponding ones of the first plurality of contact members. The interposer substrate is configured such that a circuit member mounted to a second surface of the interposer substrate is electrically coupled to the first plurality of contact members. |
| US09129979B2 |
Semiconductor device
It is made for the layout of the mounting wiring at the time of mounting to become efficient by changing the structure of a semiconductor device.A first chip is mounted on a first die pad, and a second chip is also mounted on a second die pad. A first die pad and a second die pad do division structure in parallel to the first side and second side of sealing body 40. As a result, the pin for an output from a first chip and the pin for control of the circuit for a drive can make it able to project from a counter direction, and can set the wiring layout at the time of mounting as the minimum route. |
| US09129978B1 |
Integrated circuit packaging system with void prevention mechanism and method of manufacture thereof
An integrated circuit packaging system, and a method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system thereof, includes: a singulation substrate having an air vent portion having longitudinal grooves in the air vent portion, the longitudinal grooves all parallel to each other; an integrated circuit die attached to the singulation substrate; and a molding compound on the singulation substrate, on the air vent portion, in a portion of the longitudinal grooves, and on the integrated circuit die. |
| US09129976B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor apparatus and semiconductor apparatus
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor apparatus includes: a charging step of charging the thermosetting resin in excess of an amount necessary for forming the sealing layer to fill the inside of the first cavity with the thermosetting resin and discharging an excess of the thermosetting resin from the first cavity; an integrating step of integrating the substrate on which the semiconductor device is mounted, the substrate on which no semiconductor device is mounted and the sealing layer by molding the thermosetting resin while pressurizing the upper mold and the lower mold; and a dicing step of extracting the integrated substrates from the molding mold and dicing the integrated substrates to obtain an individual semiconductor apparatus. |
| US09129975B2 |
Method of forming a thin substrate chip scale package device and structure
In one embodiment, a method for forming an electronic package structure includes providing a single unit leadframe having first terminals on a first or top surface. An electronic device is attached to the single unit leadframe and electrically connected to the first terminals. The leadframe, first terminals, and the electronic device are encapsulated with an encapsulating material. Second terminals are then formed by removing portions of a second or bottom surface of the leadframe. In one embodiment, the method can be used to fabricate a thin substrate chip scale package (“tsCSP”) type structure. |
| US09129971B2 |
Semiconductor device with bump interconnection
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor die having contact pads disposed over a surface of the semiconductor die, a die attach adhesive layer disposed under the semiconductor die, and an encapsulant material disposed around and over the semiconductor die. The semiconductor device further includes bumps disposed in the encapsulant material around a perimeter of the semiconductor die. The bumps are partially enclosed by the encapsulant material. The semiconductor device further comprises first vias disposed in the encapsulant. The first vias expose surfaces of the contact pads. The semiconductor device further includes a first redistribution layer (RDL) disposed over the encapsulant and in the first vias, and a second RDL disposed under the encapsulant material and the die attach adhesive layer. The first RDL electrically connects each contact pad of the semiconductor die to one of the bumps, and the second RDL is electrically connected to one of the bumps. |
| US09129958B2 |
3D integrated circuit package with window interposer
3D integrated circuit packages with window interposers and methods to form such semiconductor packages are described. For example, a semiconductor package includes a substrate. A top semiconductor die is disposed above the substrate. An interposer having a window is disposed between and interconnected to the substrate and the top semiconductor die. A bottom semiconductor die is disposed in the window of the interposer and interconnected to the top semiconductor die. In another example, a semiconductor package includes a substrate. A top semiconductor die is disposed above the substrate. An interposer is disposed between and interconnected to the substrate and the top semiconductor die. A bottom semiconductor die is disposed in a same plane as the interposer and interconnected to the top semiconductor die. |
| US09129954B2 |
Semiconductor package including antenna layer and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor package and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The semiconductor package includes a substrate, a semiconductor chip, a package body and an antenna layer. The semiconductor chip is disposed on the substrate. The package body encapsulates the semiconductor chip and includes an upper surface. The antenna layer is formed on the upper surface of the package body and includes two antenna slot groups connected together. Each antenna slot group includes a wave guiding slot extending along a first direction, and an irradiation slot group extending along a second direction, wherein the irradiation slot group is connected to the wave guiding slot. |
| US09129951B2 |
Coated lead frame bond finger
A lead frame includes a lead formed of a conductive material and having first and second ends, opposing first and second main surfaces, and opposing first and second side surfaces each extending between the first and second main surfaces. A polymeric layer is formed at least on the first main surface and the first and second side surfaces of the lead at least proximate the second end of the lead. An opening in the polymeric layer on the first main surface of the lead proximate the second end is provided for connecting the lead to, for example, a semiconductor die via a bond wire. |
| US09129941B2 |
Wireless module with plural in-plane terminals
The wireless module according to the present invention includes a wireless IC chip for processing transmission/reception signals, a substrate on which the wireless IC chip is mounted, an antenna provided on the substrate, and a plurality of terminals extending off from the substrate in an in-plane direction of the substrate. |
| US09129938B1 |
Methods of forming germanium-containing and/or III-V nanowire gate-all-around transistors
Methods of forming gate-all-around transistors which include a germanium-containing nanowire and/or an III-V compound semiconductor nanowire. Each method includes the growth of a germanium-containing material or an III-V compound semiconductor material that includes an upper portion and a lower portion within a nano-trench and on an exposed surface of a semiconductor layer. In some instances, the upper portion of the grown semiconductor material is used as the semiconductor nanowire. In other instances, the upper portion is removed and then a semiconductor etch stop layer and a nanowire template semiconductor material of a Ge-containing material or an III-V compound semiconductor material can be formed atop the lower portion. Upon subsequent processing, each nanowire template semiconductor material provides a semiconductor nanowire. |
| US09129936B2 |
Devices, components and methods combining trench field plates with immobile electrostatic charge
N-channel power semiconductor devices in which an insulated field plate is coupled to the drift region, and immobile electrostatic charge is also present at the interface between the drift region and the insulation around the field plate. The electrostatic charge permits OFF-state voltage drop to occur near the source region, in addition to the voltage drop which occurs near the drain region (due to the presence of the field plate). |
| US09129933B2 |
Semiconductor module and an inverter mounting said semiconductor module
A semiconductor module has a first substrate and a second substrate placed opposite to the first substrate. A first semiconductor element is provided such that the high-heat main face of the first semiconductor faces the second substrate and is thermally connected to the second substrate via a wiring layer. A second semiconductor element is provided such that the high-heat main face of the second semiconductor faces the first substrate and is thermally connected to the first substrate via another wiring layer. The emitter electrode of the first semiconductor element and the collector electrode of the second semiconductor element are electrically connected to each other via a heat spreader. |
| US09129929B2 |
Thermal package with heat slug for die stacks
A semiconductor assembly comprises a package, which in turn comprises at least one substrate, a first die stacked onto the substrate, at least one further die stacked onto the first die, at least one heat spreader in the package, and TSV:s extending through the stacked dies. The ends of the TSV:s are exposed at the further die. |
| US09129922B2 |
Organic light-emitting display device and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light-emitting display device and a method of manufacturing the same. The organic light-emitting display device has a structure including an organic layer between a pixel electrode and an opposite electrode, the organic layer including a emissive layer and an insulating layer defining a light emission area. Accordingly, the insulating layer included in the organic layer functions as a pixel-defining layer, and thus, “edge open”, which is generated when forming an emissive layer on a thick pixel-defining layer according to the comparable art, may be reduced or prevented. |
| US09129918B2 |
Systems and methods for annealing semiconductor structures
Systems and methods are provided for annealing a semiconductor structure. For example, a semiconductor structure is provided. An energy-converting material capable of increasing the semiconductor structure's absorption of microwave radiation is provided. A heat reflector is provided between the energy-converting material and the semiconductor structure, the heat reflector being capable of reflecting thermal radiation from the semiconductor structure. Microwave radiation is applied to the energy-converting material and the semiconductor structure to anneal the semiconductor structure for fabricating semiconductor devices. |
| US09129916B2 |
Display device including touch sensor
A display device including a touch sensor is disclosed. In one aspect, the display device includes a lower substrate and a display layer formed over the lower substrate. An upper substrate is formed over the display layer and a touch sensing layer is formed over the upper substrate. The display device also includes a first flexible printed circuit board electrically connected to the display layer and attached to a surface of the lower substrate and a second flexible printed circuit board electrically connected to the touch sensing layer and attached to the surface of the lower substrate. The second flexible printed circuit board includes a body having a first end connected to the touch sensing layer and a tail extending from a second end. The tail includes a connection portion electrically connected to the first flexible printed circuit board and at least a portion of the tail is bent. |
| US09129915B2 |
Organic EL display device and method of manufacturing the same
Increase in resolution of an organic EL display panel is made achievable with a relatively simple process. An emissive layer of an OLED is formed by stacking an R emissive layer, a G emissive layer, and a B emissive layer corresponding to an R color, a G color, and a B color. The glass-transition temperatures Tg-R, Tg-G, and Tg-B of the R emissive layer, the G emissive layer, and the B emissive layer are set to satisfy Tg-R |
| US09129912B2 |
Encapsulant, encapsulated substrate having semiconductor devices mounting thereon, encapsulated wafer having semiconductor devices forming thereon, semiconductor apparatus, and method for manufacturing semiconductor apparatus
The invention provides an encapsulant for collectively encapsulating a semiconductor devices mounting surface of a substrate having semiconductor devices mounting thereon or a semiconductor devices forming surface of a wafer having semiconductor devices forming thereon, and the encapsulant comprises a supporting substrate having a difference of a linear expansion coefficient from that of the substrate or the wafer of 5 ppm or less and a thermosetting resin layer being laminated, wherein the thermosetting resin layer has a shape having a height difference to a thickness direction. |
| US09129911B2 |
Boron-doped carbon-based hardmask etch processing
Boron-doped carbon-based hardmask etch processing is described. In an example, a method of patterning a film includes etching a boron-doped amorphous carbon layer with a plasma based on a combination of CH4/N2/O2 and a flourine-rich source such as, but not limited to, CF4, SF6 or C2F6. |
| US09129910B2 |
Wafer processing
Semiconductor device and method for forming a semiconductor device are presented. A substrate having top and bottom pad stacks is provided. Each pad stack includes at least first and second pad layers. The second pad layer of the bottom pad stack is removed by a batch process. Trench isolation regions are formed in the substrate. |
| US09129909B2 |
Method of patterning
In a patterning method according to the present embodiment, a guide pattern is formed on a processing target film. The guide pattern is configured by concave portions and convex portions extending in a predetermined direction. A block copolymer layer is formed on the guide pattern. The block copolymer layer contains at least two block chains. A layer of microphase-separated structures is formed on the concave portions and the convex portions, respectively, by microphase-separating the block copolymer layer. The processing target film is formed into predetermined patterns by selectively removing the processing target film. At least a part of the block copolymer layer is used as a mask. |
| US09129908B2 |
Manufacturing a semiconductor package including an embedded circuit component within a support structure of the package
A method and apparatus are provided in which a cavity is formed in a support structure, the support structure being operable to support a semiconductor device, disposing at least a portion of a circuit element in the cavity in the support structure, filling the cavity in the support structure with an electrically non-conductive filling material so as to at least partially surround the circuit element with the non-conductive filling material, and electrically connecting the semiconductor device to the circuit element. In an example embodiment, the circuit element is operable to substantially block direct current that is output by the semiconductor device or another semiconductor device. |
| US09129905B2 |
Planar metrology pad adjacent a set of fins of a fin field effect transistor device
Approaches for providing a planar metrology pad adjacent a set of fins of a fin field effect transistor (FinFET) device are disclosed. A previously deposited amorphous carbon layer can be removed from over a mandrel that has been previously formed on a subset of a substrate, such as using a photoresist. A pad hardmask can be formed over the mandrel on the subset of the substrate. This formation results in the subset of the substrate having the pad hardmask covering the mandrel thereon and the remainder of the substrate having the amorphous carbon layer covering the mandrel thereon. This amorphous carbon layer can be removed from over the mandrel on the remainder of the substrate, allowing a set of fins to be formed therein while the amorphous carbon layer keeps the set of fins from being formed in the portion of the substrate that it covers. |
| US09129899B2 |
Method and system for thinning wafer thereof
Embodiments of a method for thinning a wafer are provided. The method includes placing a wafer on a support assembly and securing an etching mask to a backside of the wafer. The etching mask covers a peripheral portion of the wafer. The method further includes performing a wet etching process on the backside of the wafer to form a thinned wafer, and the thinned wafer includes peripheral portions having a first thickness and a central portion having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness. Embodiments of system for forming the thinned wafer are also provided. |
| US09129895B2 |
In situ real-time wafer breakage detection
The disclosure provides a real-time wafer breakage detection method. The detection method includes the following operations. A wafer is positioned on a wafer holder of a process chamber in which a thermal process is being performed. Then, the temperature at the wafer holder is measured. And, a notification for corrective action is issued if the temperature is out of a predetermined alarm range. |
| US09129893B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a spin torque written in-plane magnetization magnetoresistive element, placed over the main surface of a semiconductor substrate, whose magnetization state can be changed according to the direction of a current flow; and a first wiring electrically coupled with the magnetoresistive element and extended toward the direction along the main surface. The aspect ratio of the magnetoresistive element as viewed in a plane is a value other than 1. In a memory cell area where multiple memory cells in which the magnetoresistive element and a switching element are electrically coupled with each other are arranged, the following measure is taken: multiple magnetoresistive elements adjoining to each other in the direction of length of each magnetoresistive element as viewed in a plane are so arranged that they are not on an identical straight line extended in the direction of length. |
| US09129890B2 |
Group III-V device with a selectively modified impurity concentration
There are disclosed herein various implementations of a semiconductor structure and method. The semiconductor structure comprises a substrate, a transition body over the substrate, and a group III-V intermediate body having a bottom surface over the transition body. The semiconductor structure also includes a group III-V device layer over a top surface of the group III-V intermediate body. The group III-V intermediate body has a continuously reduced impurity concentration wherein a higher impurity concentration at the bottom surface is continuously reduced to a lower impurity concentration at the top surface. |
| US09129889B2 |
High electron mobility semiconductor device and method therefor
In one embodiment, Group III-nitride materials are used to form a semiconductor device. A fin structure is formed in the Group III-nitride material, and a gate structure, source electrodes and drain electrodes are formed in spaced relationship to the fin structure. The fin structure provides both polar and semi-polar 2DEG regions. In one embodiment, the gate structure is configured to control current flow in the polar 2DEG region. Shield conductor layers are included above the gate structure and in spaced relationship with drain regions of the semiconductor device. |
| US09129881B2 |
Solid-state imaging device with charge holding section between trenched transfer gate sections, manufacturing method of same, and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging device includes a pixel having a photoelectric conversion element which generates a charge in response to incident light, a first transfer gate which transfers the charge from the photoelectric conversion element to a charge holding section, and a second transfer gate which transfers the charge from the charge holding section to a floating diffusion. The first transfer gate includes a trench gate structure having at least two trench gate sections embedded in a depth direction of a semiconductor substrate, and the charge holding section includes a semiconductor region positioned between adjacent trench gate sections. |
| US09129878B2 |
Mechanisms for forming backside illuminated image sensor device structure
Embodiments of mechanisms of a backside illuminated image sensor device structure are provided. The backside illuminated image sensor device structure includes a substrate having a frontside and a backside and a pixel array formed in the frontside of the substrate. The backside illuminated image sensor device structure further includes an antireflective layer formed over the backside of the substrate, and the antireflective layer is made of silicon carbide nitride. |
| US09129877B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions
A first waveguide member is formed, as viewed from above, in an image pickup region and a peripheral region of a semiconductor substrate. A part of the first waveguide member, which part is disposed in the peripheral region, is removed. A flattening step is then performed to flatten a surface of the first waveguide member on the side opposite to the semiconductor substrate. |
| US09129876B2 |
Image sensor and process thereof
An image sensor including a microlens, a substrate, a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer and a color filter is provided. The microlens receives light; the substrate includes a light sensing element in a light sensing area for receiving light incident to the microlens. The first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer are stacked on the substrate from bottom to top, wherein the second dielectric layer has a recess on the first dielectric layer and in an optical path between the microlens and the light sensing element. The color filter is disposed in the recess. Moreover, the present invention also provides an image sensing process for forming said image sensor. |
| US09129875B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and method for manufacturing the same
In a pixel unit of a solid-state imaging device, a semiconductor substrate is provided with a plurality of photodiodes, a first insulating film includes a recess in a portion above each of the photodiodes, a second insulating film embeds the recess, a plurality of color filters is formed on the second insulating film, the color filters each corresponding to one of the photodiodes, a partition is provided between adjacent ones of the color filters, the partition being a part of a third insulating film, and in an area outside of the pixel unit, (i) a conductive film at least partially covered by the third insulating film is formed on the second insulating film, and (ii) the third insulating film formed on the conductive film and on the second insulating film near the conductive film has a film thickness smaller than a film thickness of the partition. |
| US09129874B1 |
Light sensor having IR cut interference filter with color filter integrated on-chip
Techniques are described to furnish a light sensor that includes a patterned IR interference filter integrated with a patterned color pass filter. In one or more implementations, the light sensor includes a substrate having a surface. An IR interference filter configured to block infrared light is disposed over the surface of the substrate. The light sensor also includes one or more color pass filters placed above or below the IR interference filter. The color pass filters are configured to filter visible light to pass light in a limited spectrum of wavelengths to the one or more photodetectors. |
| US09129873B2 |
Package of finger print sensor and fabricating method thereof
Various aspects of the present disclosure provide a semiconductor device, for example comprising a finger print sensor, and a method for manufacturing thereof. Various aspects of the present disclosure may, for example, provide an ultra-slim finger print sensor having a thickness of 500 μm or less that does not include a separate printed circuit board (PCB), and a method for manufacturing thereof. |
| US09129872B2 |
Imaging pixels with improved photodiode structures
A photodiodes may be formed on a substrate such as an imager substrate. The photodiode may include first and second layers in the substrate that form a p-n junction. The first layer may have a first doping type such as p-type doping, whereas the second layer may have a second, opposite doping type such as n-type doping. A counter-doping implant region may be provided that only partially overlaps with the second layer of the photodiode. The counter-doping implant region may have an opposite doping type to the second layer and may have a dopant concentration that is less than the dopant concentration of the second layer. The counter-doping implant region may extend into a third layer of the substrate that may have the same doping type of the second layer but at a lower concentration than the counter-doping implant region. |
| US09129871B2 |
Radioactive-ray imaging apparatus, radioactive-ray imaging display system and transistor
Disclosed herein is a transistor including: a semiconductor layer; a first gate insulation film and a first interlayer insulation film which are provided on a specific surface side of the semiconductor layer; a first gate electrode provided at a location between the first gate insulation film and the first interlayer insulation film; an insulation film provided on the other surface side of the semiconductor layer; source and drain electrodes provided by being electrically connected to the semiconductor layer; and a shield electrode layer provided in such a way that at least portions of the shield electrode layer face edges of the first gate electrode, wherein at least one of the first gate insulation film, the first interlayer insulation film and the insulation film include a silicon-oxide film. |
| US09129868B2 |
Mask level reduction for MOFET
A method of fabricating a TFT and IPS with reduced masking operations includes a substrate, a gate, a layer of gate dielectric on the gate and surrounding substrate surface and a semiconducting metal oxide on the gate dielectric. A channel protection layer overlies the gate to define a channel area in the semiconducting metal oxide. A S/D metal layer is patterned on the channel protection layer and a portion of the exposed semiconducting metal oxide to define an IPS area. An organic dielectric material is patterned on the S/D terminals and at an opposed side of the IPS area. The S/D metal is etched to expose the semiconducting metal oxide defining a first IPS electrode. A passivation layer covers the first electrode and a layer of transparent conductive material is patterned on the passivation layer to define a second IPS electrode overlying the first electrode. |
| US09129865B2 |
Display panel and driving method thereof
A display panel and a driving method thereof are provided. In a pixel array substrate of the display panel, each first transistor electrically connects to a corresponding first pixel electrode, each second transistor electrically connects to a corresponding second pixel electrode, each third transistor electrically connects to a corresponding third pixel electrode, and each fourth transistor electrically connects to a corresponding fourth pixel electrode. A plurality of data lines electrically connect to the corresponding first, second, third and fourth transistors. Each first scan line electrically connects to the first and third transistors. Each second scan line electrically connects to the second and fourth transistors. A plurality of third scan lines are located between the corresponding first and second scan lines and electrically connect to the corresponding third and fourth pixel electrodes via fifth transistors. |
| US09129861B2 |
Memory device
Provided is a memory device including first to third selection lines extending in a first direction and sequentially arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction, multiple sets of first to third vertical pillars, each set coupled with a corresponding one of the first to third selection lines and sequentially arranged in the second direction, a first sub-interconnection connecting the third vertical pillar coupled with the first selection line to the first vertical pillar coupled with the second selection line, a second sub-interconnection connecting the third vertical pillar coupled with the second selection line to the first vertical pillar coupled with the third selection line, and bit lines extending in the second direction and connected to corresponding ones of the first and second sub-interconnections. |
| US09129858B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a memory cell transistor that is formed via a first gate insulating film on an active region of a memory cell region and has a gate electrode including a first charge storage layer, a first interelectrode insulating film, and a first control gate electrode film. A transistor, which includes a second gate insulating film on the active region or a peripheral circuit region and a gate electrode including a second charge storage layer, a second interelectrode insulating film, and a second control gate electrode film, is also provided. A groove with a funnel shape is formed in a trap film of the second charge storage layer, and the second control gate electrode film and the polysilicon film of the second charge storage layer are interconnected via the groove. |
| US09129854B2 |
Full metal gate replacement process for NAND flash memory
A NAND flash memory chip is made by forming sacrificial control gate structures and sacrificial select structures, and subsequently replacing these sacrificial structures with metal. Filler structures are formed between sacrificial control gate structures and are subsequently removed to form air gaps between neighboring control gate lines and between floating gates. |
| US09129853B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate having transistors formed thereon, a first interlayer insulating film formed above the semiconductor substrate and the transistors, a ferroelectric capacitor formed above the first interlayer insulating film, a second interlayer insulating film formed above the first interlayer insulating film and the ferroelectric capacitor, a first metal wiring formed on the second interlayer insulating film, and a protection film formed on an upper surface of the wiring but not on a side surface of the wiring. |
| US09129851B2 |
Semiconductor device
In a semiconductor device having a vertical semiconductor element configured to pass an electric current between an upper electrode and a lower electrode, a field stop layer includes a phosphorus/arsenic layer doped with phosphorus or arsenic and a proton layer doped with proton. The phosphorus/arsenic layer is formed from a back side of a semiconductor substrate to a predetermined depth. The proton layer is deeper than the phosphorus/arsenic layer. An impurity concentration of the proton layer peaks inside the phosphorus/arsenic layer and gradually, continuously decreases at a depth greater than the phosphorus/arsenic layer. |
| US09129850B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method
A semiconductor device comprises a conductor film and a capacitor comprising a lower electrode provided on the conductor film. The conductor film includes a first conductive film containing a first metal, a second conductive film containing a second metal on the first conductive film, and an oxide film of the second metal on the second conductive film. The oxide film of the second metal has a lower electric resistivity than an oxide film of the first metal. |
| US09129848B2 |
Method and structure for integrating capacitor-less memory cell with logic
Methods for fabricating integrated circuits include fabricating a logic device on a substrate, forming an intermediate semiconductor substrate on a surface of the logic device, and fabricating a capacitor-less memory cell on the intermediate semiconductor substrate. Integrated circuits with capacitor-less memory cells formed on a surface of a logic device are also disclosed, as are multi-core microprocessors including such integrated circuits. |
| US09129845B2 |
Buried low-resistance metal word lines for cross-point variable-resistance material memories
Variable-resistance material memories include a buried salicide word line disposed below a diode. Variable-resistance material memories include a metal spacer spaced apart and next to the diode. Processes include the formation of one of the buried salicide word line and the metal spacer. Devices include the variable-resistance material memories and one of the buried salicided word line and the spacer word line. |
| US09129844B2 |
Vertical meander inductor for small core voltage regulators
Vertical meander inductors for small core voltage regulators and approaches to fabricating vertical meander inductors for small core voltage regulators are described. For example, a semiconductor die includes a substrate. An integrated circuit is disposed on an active surface of the substrate. An inductor is coupled to the integrated circuit. The inductor is disposed conformal with an insulating layer disposed on an essentially planar surface of the substrate. The insulating layer has an undulating topography. |
| US09129839B2 |
Method of fabricating a FinFET device
A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a plurality of fin structures. A first fin structure and a second fin structure are spaced at a distance D1. A first dummy fin structure is adjacent to the first fin structure, and a second dummy fin structure is adjacent to the second fin structure. The device further includes an isolation layer over the substrate and the first and second dummy fin structures, and surrounding the first and second fin structures. The fin structures are arranged such that a distance D2 between the first fin structure and the first dummy fin structure is greater than the distance D1. |
| US09129834B2 |
Submount for LED device package
A light emitting diode (LED) assembly may include an LED semiconductor attached to a first surface of a submount made of optically transparent material. The submount may redirect back side light emitted by the LED semiconductor light away from the LED semiconductor to increase recovery of back side light. The submount may be used with an external bulk reflecting element. The submount may itself include a reflective coating at a second surface opposite from the first surface and be mounted on a reflecting substrate. The submount may include a phosphor forming the first surface or the second surface. The first surface or the second surface may be a textured surface. An array of LED semiconductors may be mounted to the submount. The array of LED semiconductors may be disposed on the submount in an arrangement that optimizes total light output of the LED assembly. |
| US09129831B2 |
Resistor memory bit-cell and circuitry and method of making the same
A resistive memory cell control unit, integrated circuit, and method are described herein. The resistive memory cell control unit includes a switching transistor and a resistive memory cell. The switching transistor includes a gate disposed on a first surface of a semiconductor substrate, a source, and a drain each disposed in the semiconductor substrate, a gate terminal disposed on the first surface and connected to the gate, a source terminal disposed on the first surface and connected to the source, and a drain terminal connected to the drain and disposed on a second surface opposite the first surface. The resistive memory cell is disposed on the second surface and has a first end connected to the drain terminal. The structure provides a small area and simple manufacturing process for a resistive memory cell integrated circuit. |
| US09129828B2 |
Semiconductor device with chip having a different number of front surface electrodes and back surface electrodes
A semiconductor device in which a plurality of semiconductor chips having different planar sizes are stacked with a degree of freedom in design of each of the semiconductor chips is provided. A logic chip, a redistribution chip, and a memory chip having a larger planar size than the logic chip are mounted over a wiring board. The logic chip and the memory chip are electrically connected via the redistribution chip. The redistribution chip includes a plurality of front surface electrodes formed to a front surface facing the wiring board, and a plurality of back surface electrodes formed to a back surface opposite to the surface. The redistribution chip has a plurality of through silicon vias, and a plurality of lead wirings formed to the front surface or the back surface and electrically connecting the plurality of through silicon vias and the front surface electrodes or the back surface electrodes. |
| US09129823B2 |
Silicon recess ETCH and epitaxial deposit for shallow trench isolation (STI)
The embodiments described provide methods and semiconductor device areas for etching an active area region on a semiconductor body and epitaxially depositing a semiconductor layer overlying the active region. The methods enable the mitigation or elimination of problems encountered in subsequent manufacturing associated with STI divots. |
| US09129820B2 |
Integrated circuit and method of manufacturing an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit is formed in a semiconductor substrate. The integrated circuit includes a trench formed in a first main surface of the semiconductor substrate. The trench includes a first trench portion and a second trench portion. The first trench portion is connected with the second trench portion. Openings of the first and second trench portions are adjacent to the first main surface. The integrated circuit further includes a trench transistor structure including a gate electrode disposed in the first trench portion, and a trench capacitor structure including a capacitor dielectric and a first capacitor electrode. The capacitor dielectric and the first capacitor electrode are disposed in the second trench portion. The first capacitor electrode includes a layer conformal with a sidewall of the second trench portion. |
| US09129819B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A breakdown voltage structure portion includes a field plate with an annular polysilicon field plate and a metal field plate. In the breakdown voltage structure portion, a plurality of annular guard rings are provided in a surface layer of the semiconductor substrate. The polysilicon field plates are separately arranged on the inner circumferential side and the outer circumferential side of the guard ring. Polysilicon bridges that connect the polysilicon field plates on the inner and outer circumferential sides are provided on at least one guard ring among the plurality of guard rings at a predetermined interval so as to be arranged over the entire circumference of the guard ring. The metal field plate is provided on the guard ring in a corner portion of the breakdown voltage structure portion and at least one guard ring in a straight portion of the breakdown voltage structure portion. |
| US09129818B2 |
Semiconductor device having conductive pads and a method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a plurality of conductive pads formed in consecutive conductive layers, and a bump structure. The plurality of conductive pads is aligned and arranged one above another over the substrate. The plurality of conductive pads comprises a first conductive pad and a second conductive pad. The first conductive pad is above the second conductive pad. A redistribution layer extends the second conductive pad. The first conductive pad is not extended by a redistribution layer. The bump structure is formed directly on the first conductive pad and electrically coupled to the plurality of conductive pads. |
| US09129816B2 |
Contact test structure and method
A system and method for testing electrical connections is provided. In an embodiment one or more floating pads may be manufactured in electrical connection with an underbump metallization structure. A test may then be performed to measure the electrical characteristics of the underbump metallization structure through the floating pad in order to test for defects. Alternatively, a conductive connection may be formed on the underbump metallization and the test may be performed on the conductive connection and the underbump metallization together. |
| US09129815B2 |
Semiconductor device
Provided is a semiconductor device comprising a substrate including a first area and a second area, first through third crystalline layers sequentially stacked on the first area and having first through third lattice constants, respectively, a first gate electrode formed on the third crystalline layer, fourth and fifth crystalline layers sequentially stacked on the second area and having fourth and fifth lattice constants, respectively, and a second gate electrode formed on the fifth crystalline layer, wherein the third lattice constant is greater than the second lattice constant, the second lattice constant is greater than the first lattice constant, and the fifth lattice constant is smaller than the fourth lattice constant. |
| US09129812B2 |
Method for directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers
In directed self-assembly (DSA) of a block copolymer (BCP), a patterned sublayer on a substrate serves as a guiding chemical prepattern on which BCPs form more uniform and/or denser patterns. A layer of a blend of a BCP and functional homopolymers, referred to as inks, is deposited on the patterned sublayer and annealed to change the initial chemical prepattern to a 1:1-like chemical pattern that is more favorable to DSA. After annealing, the inks selectively distribute into blocks by DSA, and part of the inks graft on the substrate underneath the blocks. The BCP blend layer is then rinsed away, leaving the grafted inks. A second layer of BCP is then deposited and annealed as a second DSA step to form alternating lines of the BCP components. One of the BCP components is removed, leaving lines of the other BCP component as a mask for patterning the substrate. |
| US09129811B2 |
Method and board for growing high-quality graphene layer using high pressure annealing
This invention relates to a method and board for forming a graphene layer, and more particularly, to a method of forming a high-quality graphene layer using high pressure annealing and to a board used therein. The method of forming the graphene layer includes forming a reaction barrier layer on a substrate layer, forming a metal catalyst layer which functions as a catalyst for forming the graphene layer on the reaction barrier layer, subjecting a board including a stack of the layers to high pressure annealing, and growing the graphene layer on the metal catalyst layer. This board is subjected to high pressure annealing before growth of the graphene layer, and the reaction barrier layer is formed using a material having high adhesion energy to the metal catalyst layer so as to suppress migration of metal catalyst atoms. |
| US09129810B2 |
System and method for depositing a material on a substrate
A method and apparatus for depositing a film on a substrate includes introducing a material and a carrier gas into a heated chamber. The material may be a semiconductor material, such as a cadmium chalcogenide. A resulting mixture of vapor and carrier gas containing no unvaporized material is provided. The mixture of vapor and carrier gas are remixed to achieve a uniform vapor/carrier gas composition, which is directed toward a surface of a substrate, such as a glass substrate, where the vapor is deposited as a uniform film. |
| US09129806B2 |
Protection device and related fabrication methods
Protection device structures and related fabrication methods are provided. An exemplary semiconductor protection device includes a base well region having a first conductivity type, an emitter region within the base well region having a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type, a collector region having the second conductivity type, a first floating region having the second conductivity type within the base well region between the emitter region and the collector region, and a second floating region having the first conductivity type within the base well region between the first floating region and the collector region. The floating regions within the base well region are electrically connected to reduce current gain and improve holding voltage. |
| US09129805B2 |
Diode biased ESD protection device and method
An ESD protection device includes an MOS transistor with a source region, drain region and gate region. A node designated for ESD protection is electrically coupled to the drain. A diode is coupled between the gate and source, wherein the diode would be reverse biased if the MOS transistor were in the active operating region. |
| US09129796B2 |
Pre-metal deposition clean process
A process of forming an integrated circuit including an MOS transistor, in which a pre-metal deposition cleanup prior to depositing metal for silicide formation includes an HF etch, a first SC1 etch, a piranha etch and a second SC1 etch, so that a native oxide on the source/drain regions is less the 2 nanometers thick before deposition of the silicide metal. A process of forming a metal silicide layer on an integrated circuit containing an MOS transistor, in which a pre-metal deposition cleanup prior to depositing metal for silicide formation includes an HF etch, a first SC1 etch, a piranha etch and a second SC1 etch, so that a native oxide on the source/drain regions and the MOS gate is less the 2 nanometers thick before deposition of the silicide metal. |
| US09129791B2 |
RF coupler stabilization in an induction RF fluorescent light bulb
An induction RF fluorescent light lamp capable of providing increased structural support and axial alignment for a power coupler located in a re-entrant cavity of a lamp envelope of the induction RF fluorescent light lamp, the lamp envelope with re-entrant cavity both covered on a partial vacuum side with phosphor and filled with a working gas mixture, the re-entrant cavity having an open entrance end and a closed innermost end, and a pliable spacer positioned between and in contact with both the innermost end of the power coupler and the innermost end of the re-entrant cavity, the pliable spacer having a shape that both provides structural support to prevent movement of the power coupler with respect to the re-entrant cavity and to provide axial alignment of the power coupler to the re-entrant cavity. |
| US09129790B2 |
Orthogonal acceleration TOF with ion guide mode
Mass spectrometry systems include an electronic controller and a time-of-flight mass analyzer in communication with the electronic controller. The time-of-flight mass analyzer includes a pulsing region defining a channel that extends along an axis. The pulsing region includes: a first electrode extending along the axis, the first electrode defining one or more apertures; a second electrode extending along the axis, the first and second electrodes being positioned on opposing sides of the axis in a first direction perpendicular to the axis. The electronic controller is programmed to apply a first set of voltages to the electrodes to constrain a motion of ions propagating along the axis in a radial direction relative to the axis, and apply a second set of voltages to the electrodes to accelerate the ions out of the pulsing region through the one or more apertures. |
| US09129786B2 |
Systems and methods for analyzing a sample
The invention generally relates to systems and methods for sample analysis. In certain embodiments, the invention provides systems for analyzing a sample that include an electric source, a vacuum chamber including a conducting member, in which the conducting member is coupled to the electric source, a sample introduction member coupled to the vacuum chamber, and a mass analyzer. The system is configured such that a distal end of the sample introduction member resides within the vacuum chamber and proximate the conducting member, such that an electrical discharge may be produced between the sample introduction member and the conducting member. A neutral gas that has been introduced into the vacuum chamber interacts with the generated discharge, producing ions within the vacuum chamber that are subsequently transferred into the mass analyzer in the vacuum chamber. |
| US09129773B2 |
Charged particle beam apparatus
In many cases, the charged particle beam apparatus is used basically for observation at a magnification of 10,000 times or higher. It is thus difficult to recognize how the orientation of a sample seen with the naked eye corresponds to the origination of the sample appearing on an acquired image. This makes it difficult intuitively to grasp the tilt direction and other details of the sample. An object of this invention is to provide a charged particle beam apparatus allowing the orientation and the tilted state of the sample to be grasped intuitively. The apparatus includes: a charged particle beam source that emits a charged particle beam; a charged particle beam optical system that irradiates the sample with the charged particle beam; a platform on which the sample is placed; a stage capable of moving the platform at least in a tilt direction; a display unit that displays a tilted state of the platform by use of a simulated image of the platform; an operation input unit that allows a user to designate the position and direction of the sample for observation; and a control unit that controls the amount of movement of the stage based on a signal input from the operation input unit. |
| US09129772B2 |
Transmission electron microscope, and method of observing specimen
Provided is means which enables observation of the shape of a specimen as it is without deforming the specimen. Observation is made by allowing a specimen-holding member having an opening (for example, microgrid and mesh) to hold an ionic liquid and charging a specimen thereto, to allow the specimen to suspend in the ionic liquid. Furthermore, in the proximity of the specimen-holding member, a mechanism of injecting an ionic liquid (ionic liquid introduction mechanism) and/or an electrode are provided. When a voltage is applied to the electrode, the specimen moves or deforms in the ionic liquid. How the specimen moves or deforms can be observed. Furthermore, in the proximity of specimen-holding member, an evaporation apparatus is provided to enable charge of the specimen into the ionic liquid while evaporating. Furthermore, in the proximity of the specimen-holding member, a microcapillary is provided to charge a liquid-state specimen into the ionic liquid. Note that the specimen-holding member is designed to be rotatable. |
| US09129770B2 |
Ion source having negatively biased extractor
An ion source for use in a radiation generator includes a sealed envelope containing an ionizable gas therein. The ion source also includes a RF antenna external to the sealed envelope, the RF antenna to transmit time-varying electromagnetic fields within the sealed envelope for producing ions from the ionizable gas. There is at least one extractor within the sealed envelope having a potential such that the ions are attracted toward the at least one extractor. |
| US09129766B2 |
Switching device
A switching device includes at least a first input and a second input, as well as at least a first output and a second output. The first input is connected with the first output through a first controller and a first switch contact pair. The second input is connected with the second output through a second controller and a second switch contact pair. The switching device further includes a transformer with a core. The first controller forms at least a first coil of the transformer and the second controller forms at least a second coil of the transformer. A switch arrangement is configured to maintain an unsaturated state of the core. |
| US09129763B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a terminal main body and a keypad assembly provided in the main body and formed to receive a control command, wherein the keypad assembly includes a key top disposed on one surface of the main body to cover a switch installed in the main body, an actuator mounted on the key top and having at least a portion protruded to press the switch, and a pattern member including a base portion coupled to the actuator and a plated layer having at least a portion penetrating the key top to form a pattern exposed to the outside and plated on an outer surface of the base portion. |
| US09129762B2 |
Push switch
There is provided a push switch including an insulating case, a conductive member, a movable electrode and an operating member. The insulating case has a wall portion defining a recess. The conductive member has a first portion embedded into the wall portion and a second portion disposed in the recess as a fixed electrode. The movable electrode is disposed in the recess and is displaced between a first position and a second position. The operating member is moved to displace the movable electrode from the second position to the first position. An anchor member protrudes from the conductive member in a direction not parallel to the direction in which the operating member is moved, and embedded into the wall portion. |
| US09129761B2 |
Switching device suitable for direct current operation
A switching device includes at least a first current path and a second current path, each of which have a first connection and a second connection, whereby the first connections are arranged on the first side of the switching device and the second connections on the second side of the switching device, each current path has at least one contact pair, that has a first contact and a second contact, whereby at least the second contact is arranged on a contact member that is movable to the first contact and whereby in the switched-on status of the switching device, both the contacts are in contact with each other, each contact pair has at least one extinguishing device, whereby the extinguishing devices of both the current paths are arranged in a direction from the first connections to the second connections, behind one another and at least partly covering each other. |
| US09129759B2 |
Circuit for detecting the positions of contactors in a turbine engine
A circuit for detecting individual positions of a plurality of electrical contactors, including a plurality of modules each including a contactor having k separate contact positions each connected in series to a resistor associated with an integer status value between 1 and k and separate from other status values of a same module, each module being associated with a weighting coefficient and the weighting coefficients following a geometric progression of no less than k+1, the electrical conductance value of each resistor being equal to the status value thereof multiplied by the weighting coefficient of the module thereof. |
| US09129756B2 |
Composite electrode for lithium ion capacitor
A lithium-ion capacitor includes a cathode, an anode, and a porous separator positioned between the cathode and the anode. The cathode is formed using activated carbon, and the anode is formed from a composite material that includes lithium titanium oxide and a carbon material such as hard carbon or graphite. |
| US09129754B2 |
Electrode for power storage device and power storage device
To provide an electrode for a power storage device, which has high reliability and can be miniaturized. To provide a power storage device including the electrode. In the electrode, a stress-relieving layer which relieves internal stress of an active material layer including a whisker is provided over a current collector. By the stress-relieving layer, deformation of the current collector can be suppressed and the productivity of the power storage device can be increased. In addition, the size of the power storage device can be reduced and the reliability thereof can be increased. Graphene may be formed so as to cover the active material layer including a whisker. |
| US09129751B2 |
Highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells using microtextured electron collecting anode and nanoporous and interdigitated hole collecting cathode and method for making same
The present invention generally relates to the field of photovoltaic devices. Specifically, the present invention relates to the areas of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). |
| US09129748B2 |
Electrostatic capacitor device
An electrostatic capacitor device is disclosed including first and second spaced apart electrode structures separated by a dielectric structure in which the first and second electrode structures are each formed from a composite material which includes electrically conductive fibers in a binder matrix. |
| US09129746B2 |
Multilayer ceramic electronic component and board for mounting the same
A multilayer ceramic electronic component includes a hexahedral ceramic body including dielectric layers and having first and second main surfaces opposing each other in a thickness direction, first and second end surfaces opposing each other in a length direction, and first and second side surfaces opposing each other in a width direction; first and second internal electrodes stacked to have the dielectric layer interposed therebetween within the ceramic body and alternately exposed through the first and second end surfaces; and first and second external electrodes electrically connected to the first and second internal electrodes, respectively, and including first and second head parts formed on the first and second end surfaces, wherein width of the first and second head parts is less than width of the ceramic body, and when length, width and thickness of the ceramic body are defined as L, W, and T, respectively, T/W>1.0 is satisfied. |
| US09129744B2 |
Electrical power sources having a composite structure including hollow fibers
An electrical power source including at least one hollow fiber incorporated in a material structure, wherein the at least one hollow fiber forms part of an electric circuit capable of storing or generating electrical power. In this way power sources may be provided as an integral part of a fiber composite structure or fabric. |
| US09129738B2 |
Oil-filled transformer switching frame
An oil-filled transformer switching frame is disclosed which includes at least one longitudinal channel element that is essentially formed by a wall that is curved in a U-shaped manner, for receiving in its inner region stranded conductors of an oil tank of an oil transformer. The wall of the channel element can include a first layer of mechanically strong, planar insulating material and a second layer of mechanically strong, planar insulating material that is adjacent to and fundamentally parallel to said first layer, the first layer and the second layer being connected to and spaced apart by a third layer of a mechanically strong, corrugated insulating material having hollow spaces that can be flooded with a fluid by way of lateral edges. |
| US09129736B2 |
Transformer capable of suppressing common mode current and power converter thereof
A transformer capable of suppressing common mode current and a power converter thereof are provided. The transformer comprises a primary winding, a secondary winding, a magnet core and a shielding winding layer. The shielding winding layer has a first shielding winding and a second shielding winding. A voltage jump direction of the first shielding winding is constantly opposite to that of the second shielding winding. The shielding winding layer is coupled to a static terminal coupled with the primary winding or the secondary winding. |
| US09129733B2 |
Laminated inductor element and manufacturing method thereof
A laminated inductor element is configured to prevent warpage of the entire element with a structure in which a non-magnetic ferrite layer on an upper surface side is reduced in thickness to achieve a reduction in height of the entire element, a non-magnetic ferrite layer on a lower surface side is increased in thickness to be thicker than the non-magnetic ferrite layer so as to prevent a metal component diffused from a magnetic ferrite layer from coming into electrical contact with a land electrode of a mounting substrate, and an inductor is disposed toward the lower surface side across a non-magnetic ferrite layer. |
| US09129731B2 |
Sintered magnet
Disclosed is a sintered magnet which is a rare-earth magnet using a less amount of a rare-earth element but having a higher maximum energy product and a higher coercivity. The sintered magnet includes a NdFeB crystal; and an FeCo crystal adjacent to the NdFeB crystal through the medium of a grain boundary. The FeCo crystal includes a core and a periphery and has a cobalt concentration decreasing from the core to the periphery. The FeCo crystal has a difference in cobalt concentration of 2 atomic percent or more between the core and the periphery. In the NdFeB crystal, cobalt and a heavy rare-earth element are unevenly distributed and enriched in the vicinity of the grain boundary. |
| US09129729B2 |
Ceramic electronic component
A ceramic electronic component includes a ceramic base body and first and second outer electrodes. The ceramic base body includes first and second primary surfaces, first and second side surfaces, and first and second end surfaces. The first and second outer electrodes are arranged on the ceramic base body so that front end portions of the outer electrodes face each other. The first and the second outer electrodes include outermost layers each containing Cu. Outermost layers of the facing front end portions of the first and the second outer electrodes are more oxidized than outermost layers of the other portions of the first and the second outer electrodes. |
| US09129727B2 |
Communication cable with embossed tape having encapsulated gas
A layered tape having pockets therein is used as part of a communication cable to improve alien crosstalk attenuation. In one embodiment, a single layered tape has an embossed layer bonded to a matrix tape layer having non-continuous conductive traces, with the resulting layered tape reducing alien crosstalk between cables. Pockets resulting from the embossing are filled with a gas such as dry air to decrease the dielectric constant through the effective thickness of the tape. A layered tape may alternatively be provided as a separate tape from a matrix tape, such that coupling between conductive pairs of the cable and the matrix tape is reduced. Decreasing the dielectric constant of materials between adjacent cables also decreases alien crosstalk coupling between the cables. |
| US09129725B2 |
Conductive paste composition containing lithium, and articles made therefrom
A paste composition contains an electrically conductive silver powder, one or more glass frits or fluxes, and a lithium compound dispersed in an organic medium. The paste is useful in forming an electrical contact on the front side of a solar cell device having an insulating layer. The lithium compound aids in establishing a low-resistance electrical contact between the front-side metallization and underlying semiconductor substrate during firing. |
| US09129722B2 |
Power cable
A power cable includes a steel pipe coupled to a reference potential node, three transmission cables within the steel pipe and respectively including a conductor to transmit three-phase alternating current power, and a return cable within the steel pipe and coupled to the reference potential node. Each of the three transmission cables includes a first insulating layer covering the conductor, a metal layer covering the first insulating layer, and a second insulating layer covering the metal layer. The three transmission cables are twisted around a periphery of the return cable along a longitudinal direction of the return cable, and the metal layer is coupled to the reference potential node. |
| US09129716B2 |
Methods for manufacturing three-dimensional devices and devices created thereby
In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, three-dimensional micro-mechanical devices and/or micro-structures can be made using a production casting process. As part of this process, an intermediate mold can be made from or derived from a precision stack lamination and used to fabricate the devices and/or structures. Further, the micro-devices and/or micro-structures can be fabricated on planar or nonplanar surfaces through use of a series of production casting processes and intermediate molds. The use of precision stack lamination can allow the fabrication of high aspect ratio structures. Moreover, via certain molding and/or casting materials, molds having cavities with protruding undercuts also can be fabricated. |
| US09129715B2 |
High speed x-ray inspection microscope
A high resolution x-ray microscope with a high flux x-ray source that allows high speed metrology or inspection of objects such as integrated circuits (ICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), and other IC packaging technologies. The object to be investigated is illuminated by collimated, high-flux x-rays from an extended source having a designated x-ray spectrum. The system also comprises a stage to control the position and orientation of the object; a scintillator that absorbs x-rays and emits visible photons positioned in very close proximity to (or in contact with) the object; an optical imaging system that forms a highly magnified, high-resolution image of the photons emitted by the scintillator; and a detector such as a CCD array to convert the image to electronic signals. |
| US09129713B2 |
Passive high pressure safety injection tank system (HPSIT) for responding to station blackout (SBO) and loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCA)
A high pressure safety injection tank (HPSIT) system includes one safety injection tank (HIT) which replaces a core makeup tank (CMT) and a low pressure (approximately 4.3 Mpa or below) safety injection tank (SIT) and which can shift to and operate on a high pressure (approximately 17 Mpa) operation mode, to enable injection of emergency core coolant into a reactor system both under low pressure (approximately 4.3 Mpa or below) and high pressure (approximately 17 Mpa). |
| US09129711B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes memory cells each given one of threshold voltages to store data, and a controller configured to use read voltages to determine threshold voltages of the memory cells. The controller is configured to use voltages over a window to read data from the memory cells to determine distribution of the threshold voltages of the memory cells to estimate a read voltage. The controller is further configured to execute the estimation of a read voltage for each of the read voltages. The controller is further configured to use an estimated value of a first read voltage of the read voltages to determine a window for estimation of a second read voltage of the read voltages. |
| US09129704B2 |
Semiconductor memory devices and semiconductor systems including the same
The semiconductor memory device includes an internal flag signal generator and an active information generator. The internal flag signal generator generates a plurality of internal flag signals which are selectively enabled when combination signals of bank address signals and row address signals supplied are inputted from an external device at least a predetermined number of times. The active information generator outputs a flag signal enabled when at least one of the plurality of internal flag signals is enabled in response to a start signal for extracting information on a number of times that a word line is activated and outputs a plurality of bank information signals according to the plurality of internal flag signals. The active information generator generates internal bank address signals and internal row address signals according to the plurality of internal flag signals to refresh a bank. |
| US09129698B2 |
Solid state storage device and sensing voltage setting method thereof
A solid state storage device and sensing voltage setting method thereof are provided, and the method includes following steps. A predetermined read voltage of the memory cells is adjusted to obtain a plurality of detection read voltages. The predetermined read voltage and the detection read voltages are respectively applied to a plurality of memory cells in order to read a plurality of verification bit data. A plurality of statistical parametric values between the predetermined read voltage and the detection read voltages adjacent to each other is calculated and recorded according to the verification bit data corresponding to the predetermined read voltage and the detection read voltages. An optimized read voltage is obtained according to the statistical parametric values. |
| US09129694B2 |
Slew rate modulation
Apparatus and methods may operate so that arrival times of a data signal at gates of transistors are controlled to switch the transistors at different times to modulate the slew rate of a signal on a node. Additional embodiments are also described. |
| US09129692B1 |
High density magnetic random access memory
A method for writing to a magnetic memory comprising: providing a plurality of magnetic tunnel junctions arranged into columns and rows, applying a first current to a first conductive line coupled to a row of magnetic tunnel junctions at their ends adjacent to a free ferromagnetic layer to produce a bias magnetic field; and applying a second current to a second conductive line electrically coupled to a column of magnetic tunnel junctions at their ends adjacent to a pinned ferromagnetic layer to produce a spin momentum transfer in the free ferromagnetic layer of a first magnetic tunnel junction disposed at a first intersection region formed by the first conductive line and the second conductive line; wherein a joint effect of the first and second currents applied simultaneously reverses a magnetization direction of the free ferromagnetic layer of the first magnetic tunnel junction. Other embodiments of the magnetic memory are disclosed. |
| US09129689B2 |
Tracking erase pulses for non-volatile memory
A data storage device includes a memory and a controller and may perform a method that includes comparing, in the controller, a count of erase pulses to an erase pulse threshold. The count of erase pulses corresponds to a particular region of the non-volatile memory. The method includes, in response to the count of erase pulse satisfying the erase pulse threshold, initiating a remedial action with respect to the particular region of the non-volatile memory. |
| US09129688B2 |
Semiconductor memory device capable of reducing chip size
According to one embodiment, a first well of the first conductivity type which is formed in a substrate. a second well of a second conductivity type which is formed in the first well. The plurality of memory cells, the plurality of first bit line select transistors, and the plurality of second bit line select transistors are formed in the second well, and the plurality of first bit line select transistors and the plurality of second bit line select transistors are arranged on a side of the sense amplifier with respect to the plurality of memory cells of the plurality of bit lines. |
| US09129683B2 |
High performance semiconductor memory device that has different page addresses allotted to multiple bits of memory cells
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array having a plurality of memory cells, each memory cell configured to store plural bits of data, and a controller. The controller is configured to execute a write operation on the memory cells such that user data are written in at least one of the plural bits of data and prescribed data are written in the remaining bits of the plural bits of data. As a result, the number of bits of user data stored in the memory cells is less than the number of plural bits of data that each memory cell is configured to store. |
| US09129681B2 |
Thin film transistor
Disclosed herein are thin film transistors (TFTs) and techniques for fabricating TFTs. A major plane of the gate electrode of the TFT may be vertically oriented with respect to a horizontal layer of polysilicon in which the TFT resides. An interface between the gate electrode and gate dielectric may be vertically oriented with respect to a horizontal layer of polysilicon in which the TFT resides. The TFT may have a channel width that is defined by a thickness of the horizontal layer of polysilicon. The TFT may be formed by etching a hole in a layer of polysilicon. Then, a gate electrode and gate dielectric may be formed in the hole by depositing layers of dielectric and conductor material on the sidewall. The body may be formed in the horizontal layer of polysilicon outside the hole. |
| US09129679B2 |
Shift register type magnetic memory
A shift register type magnetic memory according to an embodiment includes: a magnetic nanowire; a magnetic material chain provided in close vicinity to the magnetic nanowire, the magnetic material chain including a plurality of disk-shaped ferromagnetic films arranged along a direction in which the magnetic nanowire extends; a magnetization rotation drive unit configured to rotate and drive magnetization of the plurality of ferromagnetic films; a writing unit configured to write magnetic information into the magnetic nanowire; and a reading unit configured to read magnetic information from the magnetic nanowire. |
| US09129678B2 |
Method and apparatus for reforming a memory cell of a memory
A memory including a memory cell and first and second modules. The memory cell has first and second states, where the second state is different than the first state. The first module, subsequent to an initial forming of the memory cell and subsequent to a read cycle or a write cycle of the memory cell, determines a first difference between the first state and a first predetermined threshold or a second difference between the first state and the second state. The second module, subsequent to the first module determining the first difference or the second difference, reforms the memory cell to reset and increase the first difference or the second difference. The second module, during the reforming of the memory cell, applies a first voltage to the memory cell. The first voltage is greater than a voltage applied to the memory cell during the read cycle or the write cycle. |
| US09129676B2 |
Electronic devices containing switchably conductive silicon oxides as a switching element and methods for production and use thereof
In various embodiments, electronic devices containing switchably conductive silicon oxide as a switching element are described herein. The electronic devices are two-terminal devices containing a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact in which at least one of the first electrical contact or the second electrical contact is deposed on a substrate to define a gap region therebetween. A switching layer containing a switchably conductive silicon oxide resides in the gap region between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. The electronic devices exhibit hysteretic current versus voltage properties, enabling their use in switching and memory applications. Methods for configuring, operating and constructing the electronic devices are also presented herein. |
| US09129674B2 |
Hybrid memory device
Memory devices, controllers, and electronic devices comprising memory devices are described. In one embodiment, a memory device comprises a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, and a controller comprising a memory buffer, and logic to transfer data between the nonvolatile memory and the volatile memory via the memory buffer in response to requests from an application, wherein data in the memory buffer is accessible to the application. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed. |
| US09129672B2 |
Semiconductor device and operating method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a first stage register for storing events occurring for a first period, a second stage register for storing events occurring for a second period shorter than the first period and a controller for controlling the second stage register to select events from the second stage register each having a reference value larger than a second threshold value to the first stage register and for controlling the first stage register to store events which are selected from the second stage register. |
| US09129665B2 |
Dynamic brownout adjustment in a storage device
The various embodiments described herein include systems, methods and/or devices used to enable dynamic brownout adjustment in a storage device. In one aspect, the method includes: (1) obtaining a set of power tolerance settings, the set of power tolerance settings used for determining whether one or more power supply voltages provided to the storage device are out of range, (2) in response to a predefined trigger, adjusting the set of power tolerance settings in accordance with one or more parameters of the storage device, (3) determining, in accordance with the adjusted set of power tolerance settings, whether the one or more power supply voltages are out of range, and (4) in accordance with a determination that the one or more power supply voltages are out of range, latching a power fail condition. |
| US09129663B2 |
Semiconductor memory device including plurality of memory chips
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory chips each including a chip identification (ID) generation circuit. The chip ID generation circuits of the respective memory chips are operatively connected together in a cascade configuration, and the chip ID generation circuits are activated in response to application of a power supply voltage the memory device to sequentially generate respective chip ID numbers of the plurality of device chips |
| US09129661B2 |
Single port memory that emulates dual port memory
A single-port memory that operates in single-cycle dual-port mode has a logical capacity of N=k·m memory words and (k+1) single-port RAM having an overall physical capacity of (k+1)·m memory words. A status register holds words identifying which RAM bank has the last data at the ith address in the RAM banks and defining k status words for valid data among the (k+1) RAM banks. Write data is written to the write address of a valid RAM bank for a write operation in the absence of RAM bank read address contention. Write data is written to the write address of a different RAM bank that has no valid data for a write operation if there is contention with the RAM bank read address RADDR of a read operation. The status register is updated to identify the RAM bank of the write operation. |
| US09129660B2 |
Transducer resistor shunt structure for low-cost probing
Embodiments described herein generally relate to resistive shunt design in a read sensor for providing accurate measurements from an electronic lapping guide (ELG). More specifically, embodiments described herein relate to a transducer resistor shunt structure for low cost probing. A bleed resistor network for a read sensor may comprise one or more first resistors arranged in parallel with one another and a second resistor arranged in series with the one or more first resistors. The resistor arrangement may require a small physical area and reduce or prevent ELG measurement errors. |
| US09129658B1 |
Magnetic disk drive and method for controlling data rewrite
According to one embodiment, a controller in a magnetic disk drive manages the influence, on a first track on a disk, of data writes to tracks within outer and inner adjacent track ranges, using first and second counters associated with the first track. The first and second counters are indicative of the numbers of data writes to tracks within the outer and inner adjacent track ranges, respectively. Based on the values of the first and second counters, the controller reads data from the first track, and rewrites the read data to the first track. |
| US09129656B2 |
Theme-based methods and systems for shifting between user interface views associated with a media service
An exemplary method includes a computer-implemented media service system presenting a first user interface view within which a presentation of a media program is provided for experiencing by a user, determining that the media program is included in a first set of curated media programs associated with a first theme, identifying a second theme that is different than the first theme, detecting a theme shift event that occurs in association with the presentation of the media program, and switching, in response to the theme shift event, from presenting the first user interface view to presenting a second user interface view for experiencing by the user, the second user interface view related to a second set of curated media programs associated with the second theme and unassociated with the first theme. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US09129654B1 |
Systems and methods for data-path protection
A system including a first first-in first-out (FIFO) module, a control module, and a second FIFO module. The first FIFO module is configured to receive, from a host, (i) a first block and (ii) a first logical block address corresponding to the first block, where the first block includes first data. The control module is configured to generate a second block, where the second block includes (i) the first data and (ii) the first logical block address. The second FIFO module is configured to receive a third block from the first FIFO module, where the third block includes a second logical block address, and to determine whether the third block is different than the first block depending on whether the second logical block address included in the third block is different than the first logical block address included in the second block. |
| US09129652B1 |
Method for efficient write operations on a data carrier with overlapping data tracks and device thereof
A method and a device for efficient write operations are disclosed, which may be used in connection with shingled magnetic recording (SMR) in order to reduce write amplification (read-modify-write). The tracks on at least one data carrier surface are grouped into bands, and the address space of logical block addresses is divided into address subsets. Each of these address subsets is permanently assigned to a dedicated selection of tracks derived from all bands. Depending on the embodiment, the dedicated selection of tracks may be chosen in such a way that no write amplification occurs in a first phase and/or that recent data or newly added data can be altered without necessitating read-modify-write. |
| US09129649B2 |
Data storage device and a method for providing a synchronization signal for at least one of a read operation or a write operation carried out by means of a head in a data storage device
According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for providing a synchronization signal for at least one of a read operation or a write operation carried out by means of a head in a data storage device is provided. The method includes obtaining a readback servo signal from a storage medium of the data storage device by means of the head, the readback servo signal having at least one frequency associated with a servo track of the storage medium, frequency mixing the readback servo signal with a local signal having a local frequency to provide a frequency mixed signal, and filtering the frequency mixed signal to provide the synchronization signal for at least one of the read operation or the write operation. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a data storage device is also provided. |
| US09129646B2 |
Array-reader based magnetic recording systems with mixed synchronization
A magnetic recording system includes an array of analog inputs operable to receive an array of analog signals retrieved from a magnetic storage medium, where one of the array of analog signals corresponds with a reference channel, a timing recovery circuit operable to generate a clock signal based on the analog signal for the reference channel, a number of analog to digital converters each operable to sample one of the array of analog signals based on the clock signal to yield a number of digital channels, and a joint equalizer operable to filter the digital channels to yield an equalized output. |
| US09129645B2 |
Data demodulation device, data demodulation method, reproduction device for magnetically recorded data, and program
A data demodulation method may include converting an analog signal into a digital signal; detecting a peak point of a reproduced signal; creating a plurality of preliminary data rows for creating demodulated data; and creating demodulated data. The preliminary data rows may include the first individual data to be identified on the basis of the interval, and are formed of the first individual data of plural bits. Creating a plurality of preliminary data rows may use a template listing part of, or all of, a plurality of bit patterns being formed of second individual data. |
| US09129643B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating a media sequence with automatic selection of an optimal sequence preset
A method and apparatus for creating a media sequence with an optimal sequence preset comprising accessing a plurality of media, wherein each media file in the plurality of media files comprises at least one frame comprising at least one object; calculating a sequence perimeter based on a union of a plurality of calculated frame perimeters for the plurality of media files, wherein the frame perimeter comprises each of the at least one objects in the at least one frame of the plurality of files; determining a sequence preset within a threshold of the calculated sequence perimeter; creating a sequence using the determined sequence preset; importing into the sequence that portion of the at least one frame of each media file in the plurality of media files that is within the calculated frame perimeter; and aligning each calculated frame perimeter of each file imported into the sequence with the sequence preset. |
| US09129642B2 |
Automatic generation of video from structured content
Apparatus for generation of playable media from structured data, comprises a structured data reading unit for reading in of content of a first structure, a transformation unit for transforming said content into a second structure, said transformation comprising incorporating media play instructions, and a rendering unit for rendering content from the second structure using said media play instructions to generate playable media from the content. |
| US09129639B1 |
Method of imbalance correction using a grooved disk clamp
A disk clamp that can engage a disk hub to couple a disk media to a disk hub, the disk clamp having a body portion, and a groove formed in a surface of the body portion and extending at least in a circumferential direction substantially parallel to at least a portion of the circumference of the disk clamp; and a balance weight installed in the groove formed in the surface of the disk clamp, the balance weight having a quantity of material applied in the groove. A disk drive assembly using the disk hub and a method of correcting a drive imbalance using the disk hub. |
| US09129638B1 |
High performance perpendicular magnetic granular media consisting of multiple exchange control layers
A perpendicular magnetic recording media comprises a substrate, a first magnetic oxide layer, a first exchange control layer, a second magnetic oxide layer, a second exchange control layer, and a magnetic cap layer positioned above the substrate, in this order. The first magnetic oxide layer may have an anisotropy energy (Ku) between 6×106 and 8×106 erg/cm3, and a magnetization (Ms) between 600 and 800 emu/cm3. The second magnetic oxide layer may have a Ku between 5×106 and 8×106 erg/cm3, and an Ms between 550 and 750 emu/cm3. The first exchange control layer may have an Ms between 0 and 100 emu/cm3. The second exchange control layer may have an Ms between 0 and 40 emu/cm3. |
| US09129633B1 |
Adaptive defect avoidance device
A device may be configured at least with a controller connected to a transducer or transducing assembly that is positioned proximal a data storage medium having at least one thermal asperity or other similar defect. The controller may be configured to select a clearance height above the data storage medium in response to a measured severity of the at least one thermal asperity. |
| US09129625B2 |
Perpendicular magnetic recording heads including components made of nickel alloys
A magnetic device including a write pole, a magnetic reader, or both; and one or more shields adjacent at least a portion of the write pole or the magnetic reader, or both, wherein at least a portion of the one or more shields includes or is made from Ni100-aXa, wherein X is chosen from: Ru, Re, Zr, Cr, and Cu; and a is the atomic percent of the element X, and can range from about 20 to about 90. |
| US09129619B2 |
Partial main pole lamination for pole erasure improvement
The embodiments of the present invention relate to a magnetic write head and a method for forming the magnetic write head. The magnetic write head includes a partially laminated main pole that has a magnetic layer that is recessed from a media facing surface, a nonmagnetic spacer layer disposed on and adjacent to the magnetic layer and a laminated stack disposed on at least a portion of the nonmagnetic layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer has a first end at the media facing surface and a second end at a distance from the media facing surface and the laminated stack has a first end at the media facing surface and as second end at a distance from the media facing surface. |
| US09129612B2 |
Six-dimensional optical multilayer storage using two-photon absorption writing, erasing and optical coherence tomography reading
This invention relates a method of six-dimensional optical multilayer storage using two-photon absorption writing, erasing and optical coherence tomography reading and the apparatus designed based on this method. The invented system stores data in three spatial dimensions plus three physical dimensions of wavelength, intensity and polarization. It has large storage capacity of over 32 Tbytes per DVD sized disk and ultrafast reading speed of over 25 Gbits/s with high signal-to-noise ratio of over 76 dB. The larger capacity of over 1 Pbyte per disk is potential. Furthermore, the invented system has relatively simple optical structure, easy light manipulation for addressing the storage cell and high compatibility with the CDs and DVDs. It is an actually practicable optical large capacity storage technology. |
| US09129610B2 |
Filtering for detection of limited-duration distortion
Processing a signal includes: receiving data that includes an input signal; filtering the input signal to generate a filtered signal, such that if the input signal includes at least one instance of a nonlinear distortion of a desired signal then the filtered signal includes a signature signal corresponding to the nonlinear distortion, the nonlinear distortion characterized by a time duration that is within a predetermined range; and detecting whether or not the filtered signal includes the signature signal. |
| US09129609B2 |
Speech speed conversion factor determining device, speech speed conversion device, program, and storage medium
A speech speed conversion factor determining device has a physical index calculation unit including a sound/silence judgment unit that distinguishes between sound and silent intervals of an input signal, a fundamental frequency calculation unit that calculates a fundamental frequency of the signal in the sound intervals and determines stable and unstable intervals, a frequency smoothing unit that smoothes the fundamental frequency in the stable intervals, a pseudo fundamental frequency calculation unit that calculates, for the intervals, a pseudo fundamental frequency by interpolation , and a fundamental frequency general shape connection unit that connects the smoothed and pseudo frequencies to obtain sampled values of a general shape of the frequency, such that the sampled values are output as an index, based on which conversion factor are calculated. |
| US09129604B2 |
System and method for using information from intuitive multimodal interactions for media tagging
System and method for using information extracted from intuitive multimodal interactions in the context of media for media tagging are disclosed. In one embodiment, multimodal information related to media is captured during multimodal interactions of a plurality of users. The multimodal information includes speech information and gesture information. Further, the multimodal information is analyzed to identify speech portions of interest. Furthermore, relevant tags for tagging the media are extracted from the speech portions of interest. |
| US09129603B2 |
Method of enabling a foolproof home energy device control network including human language catchphrases
A foolproof method of adding network-enabled energy control devices to a home energy device control network by associating an easy-to-remember catchphrase composed of ordinary words with a unique MAC address or EUI identifier of the network-enabled device. The device manufacturer associates a unique catchphrase with each device and stores the catchphrases and associated MAC addresses in a database along with the device information required to commission the device onto the user's network. When the user enters the catchphrase, the catchphrase is sent to the manufacturer's server for retrieving the MAC address and corresponding device information. When a valid catchphrase is entered and accepted, the device can be commissioned onto the user's network. |
| US09129597B2 |
Audio signal decoder, audio signal encoder, methods and computer program using a sampling rate dependent time-warp contour encoding
An audio signal decoder configured to provide a decoded audio signal representation on the basis of an encoded audio signal representation including a sampling frequency information, an encoded time warp information and an encoded spectrum representation includes a time warp calculator and a warp decoder. The time warp calculator is configured to adapt a mapping rule for mapping codewords of the encoded time warp information onto decoded time warp values describing the decoded time warp information in dependence on the sampling frequency information. The warp decoder is configured to provide the decoded audio signal representation on the basis of the encoded spectrum representation and in dependence on the decoded time warp information. |
| US09129596B2 |
Apparatus and method for creating dictionary for speech synthesis utilizing a display to aid in assessing synthesis quality
Apparatus for creating a dictionary for speech synthesis includes a sentence storage unit configured to store N sentences, a sentence display unit configured to selectively display a first sentence which is one of the N sentences, a recording unit configured to record each user speech, a necessity determination unit configured to make a determination of whether to create the dictionary, a dictionary creation unit configured to create the dictionary by utilizing the user speech, and a speech synthesis unit configured to convert a second sentence to a synthesized speech with the dictionary. The display unit is configured to stop displaying the currently displayed sentence according to an evaluation of a quality of its synthesis. The determination unit makes the determination under a condition that the recording unit records the user speech of M first sentences (M is less than N) and the determination is based on at least one of an instruction from the user, M and an amount of the recorded user speech. |
| US09129590B2 |
Audio encoding device using concealment processing and audio decoding device using concealment processing
Disclosed are an audio encoding device and an audio decoding device which reduce degradation of subjective quality of a decoding signal caused by power mismatch of a decoding signal which is generated by a concealing process upon disappearance of a frame. When a frame is lost, a past encoding parameter is used to obtain a concealed LPC of the current frame and a concealed sound source parameter. A normal CELP decoding is performed from the obtained concealed sound source parameter. Correction is performed by using a conceal parameter on the obtained concealed LPC and the concealed sound source signal. The power of the corrected concealed sound source signal is adjusted to match a reference sound source power. A filter gain of the synthesis filter is adjusted so as to adjust the power of a decoded sound signal to the power of a decoded sound signal during an error-free state. Moreover, a synthesis filter gain adjusting coefficient is calculated by using an estimated normalized residual power so that a filter gain of a synthesis filter formed by using a concealed LPC is a filter gain during an error-free state. |
| US09129589B2 |
Drive apparatus, ultrasonic probe, and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
A drive apparatus for an ultrasonic device includes a transmission circuit for outputting a first through n-th (where n is an integer 2 or greater) drive signal to first through n-th driving electrode line belonging to the ultrasonic device, as well as a control unit for controlling the transmission circuit. In a case where the phase difference between an i-th (where i is an integer 1≦i≦n−1) drive signal and an i+1-th drive signal is a first phase difference, the transmission circuit outputs the first through n-th drive signals at a greater voltage amplitude than a case where the phase difference between the i-th drive signal and the i+1-th drive signal is a second phase difference greater than the first phase difference. |
| US09129585B2 |
Electronic percussion instrument
An electronic percussion instrument includes a head, a frame, and an impact sensor. The back of the head is divided into a main area (e.g. a main strike area) and an auxiliary area. At least one connecting part is arranged above or below the main area in the back of the head and reduced in thickness compared to the auxiliary area, thus reducing vibration from being transmitted through the head. The impact sensor is attached to the back of the main strike area of the head via a cushion member. When the main strike area of the head is being struck with a beater, a vibration is caused to occur in the head and detected by the impact sensor to produce an electric signal which is used to generate an electronic musical sound while suppressing mechanical noise due to an impact between the beater and the head. |
| US09129578B2 |
Shift register circuit and display device using the same
The display device according to the present invention comprises a substrate and at least one optical coupler having an optical receiver and an optical transmitter formed on the substrate, wherein the optical transmitter transmits an optical signal to the optical receiver. |
| US09129576B2 |
Gate driving waveform control
A gate driver and associated method for a double gate liquid crystal display (LCD) is disclosed. A gate driving signal generating circuit, such as coupled shift registers, generates the gate driving signals in response to horizontal synchronization signal. In one embodiment, a phase control circuit, such as logic AND gates, is coupled to receive the outputs of the shift registers for determining phase relationship between the outputs of the shift registers and the horizontal synchronization signal. |
| US09129573B2 |
Image display system and method
An image display system and method. A pixel of the system has a latch circuit and a display circuit. According to a scan line signal, the latch circuit receives and temporarily stores a data line signal. The display circuit works according to a reset signal and a set signal. According to the reset signal, the display circuit resets a voltage level of a control terminal of liquid crystal materials of the pixel. According to the set signal, the display circuit receives the data line signal stored in the latch circuit, to adjust the control terminal of the liquid crystal materials and thereby the liquid crystal materials are rotated and the expected image of the pixel is displayed accordingly. The active interval of the reset signal is arranged after a last scan line signal is disabled and prior to the enabling of the set signal. |
| US09129571B2 |
Partially-driven display apparatus
A display apparatus and an operation method thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes a display panel. The display panel includes a plurality of data lines, a plurality of scan lines and a plurality of pixels. The pixels are arranged in a matrix manner, and each pixel is electrically connected to one of the data lines and one of the scan lines. The operation method includes steps of: dividing the scan lines into N scan line groups, wherein N is an integer from 2 to the number of the scan lines; and in N frame periods sequentially driving the N scan line groups of scan line respectively and thereby sequentially updating display data of the pixels electrically connected to the N scan line groups of the scan line respectively. |
| US09129570B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus, includes: a display panel including: gate lines extended in a first direction, data lines extended in a second direction, sub-pixels, and a first color filter, a second color filter, and a substantially colorless portion sequentially arranged in the first direction in one-to-one correspondence with the sub-pixels; and a light providing unit configured to supply a first color of light and a second color of light different from the first color of light to the display panel in association with a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame, respectively. At least some of the sub-pixels are grouped into a sub-pixel group including an “a”דb” matrix arrangement, the sub-pixel group being connected to an amount “a” of the gate lines and an amount “b” of the data lines, and “a” and “b” are positive integers greater than zero and “b” is greater than “a.” |
| US09129569B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device (100A) according to the present invention includes a plurality of pixels (10) which are arranged in columns and rows to form a matrix pattern. Each of the plurality of pixels (10) includes first and second subpixels (10a, 10b), which are arranged in a column direction, one of which is a bright subpixel that exhibits a higher luminance than the other at least at a particular grayscale, and the other of which is a dark subpixel. The plurality of pixels define a plurality of color display pixels, each of which includes an even number of pixels including first, second, third and fourth pixels (Y, R, G, B) that are arranged in a row direction. In an arbitrary row of pixels, a row of subpixels including the bright subpixels includes the respective bright subpixels of all of the first, second, third and fourth pixels. |
| US09129556B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a scan driver, a data driver, a power supply unit configured to supply power through a plurality of power supply inlet portions, a pixel unit including a plurality of pixels that receives scan signals, emission control signals, data signals and the power so as to display an image, the pixel unit being partitioned into a plurality of partition areas to correspond to the respective power supply inlet portions, and a current limit circuit configured to calculate values of current for each of the partition areas based on gray scale data of an image signal, and configured to correct the gray scale data so as to limit luminance of the pixel unit when at least one of the values of current for each partition area is a reference value or more. |
| US09129555B2 |
Light emitting diode display device
An LED display device includes a first scan switching element between a data line and a first node, a first voltage transfer switching element between a first drive voltage line and the first node, a first detection switching element between second and third nodes, a first driving switching element between the first drive voltage line and the third node, a first emission control switching element between the third node and a first LED, a second scan switching element between the data line and the second node, a second voltage transfer switching element between the first drive voltage line and the second node, a second detection switching element between the first node and a fourth node, a second driving switching element, a second emission control switching element between the fourth node and a second LED, and a common capacitor between the first node and the second node. |
| US09129554B2 |
Organic light-emitting display device with data driver operable with signal line carrying both data signal and sensing signal
An organic light emitting display device having a data line that is used for sending data voltage signals to pixels from a data driver as well as send sensor signals for detecting threshold voltage levels of driving transistors in the pixels at different times. By using the same data line to transmit the data voltage signals and the sensor signals, the number of signal lines in the organic light emitting display can be reduced. The data driver also includes switches for selectively coupling the data line to a driver unit or an analog to digital converter (ADC) unit. |
| US09129553B2 |
Display device and electronic equipment
A display device is disclosed. The display device includes: a pixel array unit and a driving unit which drives the pixel array unit. The pixel array unit includes rows of first scanning lines and second scanning lines, columns of signals, pixels in a matrix state arranged at portions where the scanning lines and the signal lines cross each other and power supply lines and ground lines supplying power to respective pixels. The driving unit includes a first scanner performing line-sequential scanning to pixels by each row by supplying a first control signal to each first scanning line sequentially, a second scanner supplying a second control signal to each second scanning line sequentially so as to correspond to the line-sequential scanning and a signal selector supplying a video signal to rows of signal lines so as to correspond to the line-sequential scanning. |
| US09129550B2 |
Adjusting orientation of content regions in a page layout
When a device is rotated from a portrait orientation to landscape orientation, or vice versa, the display device rotates the content items within distinct respective content regions of a page template (“slots”) that each appear to stay in their same position with respect to a frame of reference of the display device. While the content regions stay in their same positions, the content within each content region counter-rotates in place to offset the rotation of the display device. Thus, the content within the content regions maintains an orientation with respect to a constant (non-rotating) frame of reference, regardless of the orientation or rotation of the display device. In one embodiment, a slot's position, height, and width in a template in a second orientation are determined from the slot's position, height, and width in the template in a first orientation. |
| US09129549B2 |
Automatic brightness control for displays
An automatic brightness adjustment for devices with displays includes the capability to assess ambient light. The assessment may be made using circuitry, such as a light meter circuit, by exploiting exposure control circuitry, or using other approaches. The ambient light value is sent to a brightness adjustment driver, which may employ a look-up table to keep track of brightness adjustments for particular ambient conditions. The look-up table may include distinct adjustment values. |
| US09129547B2 |
Spectral color reproduction using a high-dimension reflective display
A method for color reproduction in a display device includes receiving spectral color input to be displayed on the display device. The method additionally includes selecting a primary from a plurality of available primaries that is a closest match of a spectral reflectance of the spectral color input, wherein each of the plurality of available primaries is assigned an association with an associated spectral reflectance. The method also includes displaying the selected primary in a temporal frame of a set of temporal frames for a pixel and passing remaining spectral errors to a next temporal frame of the set of temporal frames. The method further includes passing remaining spectral errors to neighbor pixels for spatial error diffusion at each spectral band after all temporal frames of the set of temporal frames are used. |
| US09129540B2 |
Traffic beacon having irregular pattern
A flashing beacon may include a signal unit, a control unit associated with the signal unit, a solar panel or collector, and an activation device that may all be mounted or otherwise positioned on a post of a roadway sign. Light units associated with the signal unit may be programmed to flash on and off in a unique wig-wag pattern. Further, a light bar may also be used with the beacon to generate an intense flash of light soon after activation of the beacon as an additional means of grabbing the attention of the operator of a vehicle. |
| US09129539B2 |
Device for displaying information
A device for displaying information comprising at least one display element which includes: a liquid, the surface energy thereof being variable by means of an electric field; a first and a second volume for receiving the liquid, wherein said first and said second volume are defined by a first effective radius or a second effective radius, respectively, a fluidic passage between said first and said second volume, wherein in a first state said liquid substantially occupies said first volume and wherein in a second state said liquid substantially occupies said second volume, is characterized in that said passage is configured such that the fraction of the liquid facing to the unoccupied volume comprises a radius which is smaller than the effective radius of the presently occupied volume. |
| US09129536B2 |
Circuit for secure provisioning in an untrusted environment
Embodiments of electronic circuits enable security of sensitive data in a design and manufacturing process that includes multiple parties. An embodiment of an electronic circuit can include a private key embedded within the electronic circuit that is derived from a plurality of components including at least one component known only to the electronic circuit and at least one immutable value cryptographically bound into messages and residing on the electronic circuit, public key generation logic that generates a public key to match the private key, and message signing logic that signs messages with the private key. |
| US09129533B2 |
Valve and valve extension
A combination valve and valve extension allows an operator to open and close a hose bib. A ball valve attaches to the free end of a hose bib. An extension member includes a coupling end that slides over the handle of the ball valve. A handle is provided at an opposite end of the extension member to allow torque to be exerted on the ball valve handle to open and close it. In this manner, a simple and cost effective method of controlling a hose bib without incurring many of the problems associated with bushes planted in front of the hose. |
| US09129529B2 |
Traffic management system
A traffic management system provides traffic information and allows controlling and influencing traffic in a traffic network, such as a street network in a city. The system includes a traffic management center with a generator for the central creation of an information message for road users. The traffic management system includes terminals to be carried along by the road users for receiving and outputting the information message. Data transmitters transfer the information message from the traffic management center to the terminal. The generators are configured to localize the information message by assigning a location code for destination-oriented transmission and/or output of the located information message. The location code represents a location or section of the traffic network relating to the information message. The road user on the move within the traffic network can be provided directly and explicitly with up-to-date information messages. |
| US09129525B2 |
Traffic light control using destination information in calendar data of a user device
Traffic light control using destination information in calendar data of a user device includes storing calendar data including destination information in a plurality of user devices in a community. A next step includes obtaining the calendar data by a community authority coordinator operable to communicate with the user devices through a community network. A next step includes controlling at least one traffic light in the community in response to the destination information. Optionally, the traffic light can be controlled in response to time, date, location, route, and number of vehicles, to alleviate future road congestion. |
| US09129524B2 |
Method of determining parking lot occupancy from digital camera images
Described herein is a method of determining parking lot occupancy from digital images, including a set-up procedure that includes receiving a layout of a parking lot and estimating parking space volume for at least one viewing angle and the probability that an observed pixel belongs to the parking space volume. The method further includes acquiring one or more image frames of the parking lot from at least one digital camera; performing pixel classification using a vehicle detector on the acquired image frames to determine a likelihood that a pixel belongs to a vehicle; computing a probability that a parking space is occupied by a vehicle based on a spatially varying membership probability density function and a likelihood of vehicle pixels within a region of interest; and determining parking lot vacancy via a comparison of the computed probability that a parking space is occupied by a vehicle to a pre-determined threshold. |
| US09129518B2 |
Device control system, wireless control apparatus, and computer readable recording medium
The device control system includes: a device controller connected to a load device via a signal line; a wireless master connected to the signal line; and a wireless slave. The device controller outputs a first control signal indicative of an intended state of the load device when receiving a second control signal from the wireless slave via the wireless master or receiving via the signal line a third control signal sent in response to a state check signal. When receiving a state change notice sent in response to the first control signal, the device controller sends the state change notice to the wireless master. When receiving the state change notice, the wireless master sends the received state change notice to the wireless slave. |
| US09129517B2 |
Method and apparatus for collecting data from automatic meter reading for smart power grid
A communication network system includes a solid-state meter, an optical line terminal (“OLT”) based device, and a meter network management device. In one embodiment, the solid-state meter, which can be an electricity meter or a gas meter, provides a measurement, and has a serial communication interface. The OLT based device transfers the information between network devices via a communication network. The meter network management device, which may be an optical network terminal (“ONT”), is capable of communicating with the solid-state meter using the serial communication interface via an RS-232 port. |
| US09129515B2 |
Ultrasound mesh localization for interactive systems
In general, techniques are described for locating a user using an ultrasound mesh. The techniques may be performed by an interactive system comprising one or more processors. The processors may be configured to determine an amplitude of a first ultrasound signal emitted by one or more transducers and received by a microphone. This first ultrasound signal may be of a first frequency. The processors may then determine an amplitude of a second ultrasound signal emitted by the one or more transducers and received by the microphone. The second ultrasound signal may be of a second frequency different from the first frequency. The processors may be further configured to determine a location of the microphone relative to the one or more transducers based at least on the determined amplitude of the first ultrasound signal and the determined amplitude of the second ultrasound signal. |
| US09129514B2 |
Number of sons management in a cell network
The present technology relates to protocols relative to utility meters associated with an open operational framework. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to protocol subject matter for advanced metering infrastructure, adaptable to various international standards, while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field. The present subject matter supports meters within an ANSI standard C12.22/C12.19 system while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field, all to permit cell-based adaptive insertion of C12.22 meters within an open framework. Cell isolation is provided through quasi-orthogonal sequences in a frequency hopping network. Additional features relate to apparatus and methodology subject matters relating to Number-of-sons' management. |
| US09129513B1 |
Floor mat system
A floor mat system features a mat base. A mat top surface is designed to interface with a foot or a shoe sole of a user, and a mat bottom surface is designed to interface with a ground surface. The system features a microprocessor operatively connected to a power source. The microprocessor and the power source are located in the mat base. The system features a pressure sensor located in the mat base operatively connected to the microprocessor. The system features a transmitter located in the mat base operatively connected to the microprocessor. The transmitter is designed to operatively communicate with a remote receiver. |
| US09129510B2 |
Monitoring operating condition of electrical component
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for monitoring an operating condition of an electrical component, such as electrical switchgear. In one example, temperatures associated with an electrical conductor connection within the electrical component may be evaluated against one or more expected temperatures curves derived from a linear regression model to determine whether the electrical conductor connection has failed or is starting to fail. In another example, temperature readings may be monitored to determine whether a temperature reading at one location is out of sync with temperature readings at other locations. An electrical conductor connection associated with a location of the out of sync temperature may be determined as faulty. In another example, a Euclidean distance model and/or a correlation coefficient model may be used to identify a faulty electrical conductor connection. In this way, failure and/or potential failure of the electrical component may be predicted. |
| US09129508B2 |
Method for wakening up a driver of a motor vehicle
Disclosed is a method and system to avoid traffic accident by waking up, without false alarm, a sleeping or completely inactive motor vehicle driver. The method and the system utilizes simultaneously at least four different specified detections with so arranged thresholds for wake-up alarm, that the driver after waking up without false alarm has the possibility to avoid an impending traffic accident by evasive maneuver and other vehicle control. |
| US09129504B2 |
Tracking device incorporating cuff with cut resistant materials
A mounting strap assembly or cuff of a tracking device includes a primary mounting strap and at least one secondary reinforcing strap. Cut resistant material having the form of a woven, knitted, stranded, mesh or stacked material is also provided to further resist cutting or severing of the cuff. |
| US09129502B2 |
Remote unit link quality monitoring
A method and range monitoring system for verifying that communication between two communicating units is of satisfactory quality and that the units are within a predetermined range from one another, wherein the units are in non-continuous communication. One or both units test that the quality and distance by sending a signal to the other unit, and expecting a response signal. If no response signal is received, an alert is fired. The check is initiated upon a trigger, such as a timer, a sensed motion, or a user-initiated event such as when the user presses a button. |
| US09129501B1 |
Augmented acknowledgement of alarms and messages in mobile health systems
Systems and methods can support managing clinical care user responses to patient alarms. An alarm management system can maintain models of alarm response behavior for the clinical care users. The system can receive an alarm indication and an alarm context from a patient. A target user associated with the patient can be determined. The system can determine alarm response options to be offered to the target user. The system can transmit the alarm indication and the determined alarm response options from the alarm management system to a mobile device associated with the target user. The system can receive a response to the transmitted alarm from the target user. The system can interpret the received response to the transmitted alarm. The model of response behavior associated with the target user can be adapted in light of the received response to the transmitted alarm. |
| US09129496B1 |
Rotatable tags for automated location and monitoring of moveable objects and related systems
A rotatable tag is provided that is configured to be affixed to a moveable object, the tag includes a housing configured to provide an increased volume and occupy a relatively small amount of surface area on the object to which the tag is affixed. The rotatable tag is configured to transmit information related to the tag and/or an environment surrounding the tag. Related systems are also provided herein. |
| US09129490B2 |
Electronic system for playing of reel-type games
There is disclosed an electronic gaming system (100) comprising one or more player interfaces (6, 7, 17), and a main video display screen (1). The system enables players to simultaneously play a plurality of reel-type games and to place bets on lines of the games. The system displays a plurality of display windows on the main display screen, each window being associated with a respective one of the simultaneously played games and displaying the reels of that game, each reel displaying reel indicia. The system is configured for any one of the games to enter a feature phase when a feature-triggering event occurs. At the start of the feature phase, all the display windows on the main screen, except the particular display window associated with the feature phase, reduce in size or disappear, while the size of the feature game's display window increases, and the other games are also suspended, until the feature phase is completed. |
| US09129489B2 |
Remote gaming method where venue's system suggests different games to remote player using a mobile gaming device
A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. While the player is playing one game on the mobile device, the venue's system recommends other games to the player via the player's tablet either based on the player's past gaming history, if the player used a player tracking card, or based on real time game play, if the player is anonymous. Upon the player selecting a different game, the system automatically transfers communications to a different gaming terminal and transfers the player's credits. The gaming terminals may be gaming machines, where each gaming machine carries out a different game. |
| US09129488B2 |
Gaming machine reel having a rotatable dynamic display
A gaming machine reel having a motor capable of rotating the reel operatively coupled to a controller to control a reel rotation speed, a support mechanism coupled to the motor having an outer circumferential region, a rotatable display mounted on the outer circumferential region operable to rotate about an axis of the reel. The rotatable display may be used to display game play indicia utilized in a wager-based game of chance. A game controller coupled to the rotatable display may be configured to determine a portion of the rotatable display that is visible through a viewing window on the gaming machine at a particular, determine pixel locations associated with the visible portions and map visual content to the visible portions as a function of time while the rotatable display is rotating. |
| US09129483B2 |
Variable payout wager games
A central gaming server communicates with a gaming workstation over a network, such as a local area network or wide area computer network. The gaming server makes an initial determination of payout percentage for an instance of a game engaged in by the workstation, and generates results of turns of the game in accordance with the initial payout percentage. In one embodiment, the payout percentage is dynamically changed by the gaming server, and it generates additional results of turns of the game using the new payout percentage. Triggers for determining a new payout percentage could be that a predetermined number of turns of play at the initial payout percentage have occurred, the elapsing of a certain amount of time, or the player logging off the game and then logging back on. In further embodiments, the gaming workstation includes a processor and instructions for locally determining an initial payout percentage, the results of play, and dynamically changing the payout percentage without requiring communication with a central gaming server. |
| US09129477B2 |
Visualizing wagering game establishment patron flow
A patron flow system aggregates wagering game data from a plurality of wagering game machines in a wagering game establishment. The wagering game data indicates a plurality of patrons and times. Patron flow data is generated from the aggregated wagering game data. The patron flow data indicate flows of the plurality of patrons among the plurality of wagering game machines in the wagering game establishment with respect to the times. |
| US09129476B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing player incentives
A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location. In another aspect, a method is provided for permitting a person to take one or more actions within a gambling location and in response inviting the person to play an electronic game separate from the games offered in a gambling environment at the gambling location, where the game has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome, and if the person obtains a winning outcome, requiring the person to redeem the at least one outcome at the gambling location. In one embodiment, the method includes the acts of qualifying a person. Qualification may require specific acts, for example, referring another person, and/or providing an invitation to play an electronic game to another person. Various systems and method assist in tracking and maintaining such referrals. Additionally group gaming in and amongst referrals and/or designated groups may be performed, and in some embodiment required for qualification and/or redemption. Further, another aspect relates to providing special incentives, for example for referral of a new player, for providing casino affiliation or membership information, among others. |
| US09129474B2 |
System and method for providing a bonus with remote non-game event input
A system for providing a bonus with multiple remote inputs includes a bonus machine and at least one remote device. The bonus machine includes a game capable of providing a player with an award and maintains a bonus value. The remote device is independent of the bonus machine and transmits information associated with an event which can influence the bonus value. A method for providing a bonus with multiple remote inputs includes providing a first bonus machine having a bonus value and at least one game capable of providing a player with an award, providing a remote device, and communicating information from the remote device to the first bonus machine which can influence the bonus value. |
| US09129472B2 |
Gaming device having one or more shared award-modifier reels
A video gaming device having a plurality of indicia-bearing spinning reels in a first set of reels and a second set of reels is disclosed. A determination is made as to whether the display of the indicia of the plurality of spinning reels in the first and second sets of reels are winning outcomes. Award-multiplier indicia of a first shared spinning base game award-multiplier reel is positioned between the first and second set of reels. The base game award-multiplier indicia modifies the winning outcome on the first set of reels, modifies the winning outcome on the second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, forms a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation with the first and second set of reels, or combinations thereof. |
| US09129463B2 |
Method for filling at least one thin-walled transport container with at least one valuable object and device for safekeeping at least one valuable object
A method for filling at least one thin-walled transport container with at least one article of value, in which a frame having an opening is contacted by a part of the outside surface of a transport container, which outside surface is turned inside. A part of the transport container is moved through the opening of the frame in the feeding direction of the article of value during filling so that at least a part of the inside surface of the transport container that is turned outside is turned inside. |
| US09129457B2 |
Electronic door lock with modular components
An electronic door lock mounts to a door and includes an inner side and an outer side. The electronic door lock is operable to control access to an access controlled area positioned adjacent the inner side of the door. The electronic door lock includes an outer base connected to the outer side of the door, an inner base connected to the inner side of the door, a locking mechanism coupled to the door and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to a control signal, and a control circuit disposed within the inner base and operable to generate the control signal in response to an input credential. An attachment interface is at least partially formed as part of the outer base. Each of a plurality of different types of credential readers is selectively attachable and removable from the attachment interface when the outer base is attached to the door to electrically connect a selected one of the plurality of different types of credential readers to the control circuit to provide the input. A communication module is connected to the control circuit, and the communication module is operable to communicate with a device that is separate from the electronic door lock. |
| US09129451B2 |
Access control device
From the prior art, access control devices are already known in which a distinction is made between a first detection device (2) and the actual access and access is enabled or not, on the basis of a comparison of the data detected by the first detection device (2) with the data detected again at the actual access lock (7). Starting from the prior art, the solution according to the invention proposes an expansion of the system such that modern Internet booking procedures are considered and furthermore the new possibilities of facial recognition are performed in a quasi manner as the last examination before access is enabled, and access is granted or rejected depending on the examination result, in other words the examination of a biometric feature. The invention can be used for a border crossing control device. |
| US09129447B2 |
Method and device for generating graphic images
A method generates an image from a set of image zones each delimited by a contour of polygonal shape defined by a set of vertexes, and comprising pixels having an attribute value which can be deduced from the value of a corresponding attribute of each of the vertexes of the image zone. The method includes determining to within a pixel the pixels that belong to each image zone according to the dimensions in number of pixels of the image to be generated; associating the pixels of each image zone in blocks of pixels; and determining an attribute value for each block of pixels of each image zone as a function of the value of the corresponding attribute of each vertex of the image zone. |
| US09129445B2 |
Efficient tone-mapping of high-bit-depth video to low-bit-depth display
Several embodiments of an efficient tone mapping of high bit depth video to low bit depth displays are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system maps an input image data of a high dynamic range (HDR) onto output image data of a lower dynamic range (LDR) and where the mapping does not transform the input image data from one color space to another color space. One embodiment comprises a tone mapping module which outputs a tone-mapped luminance signal for output image data and a color mapping module which outputs chroma signals for the output image data. Intermediate image processing steps may be avoided and hence may increase the efficiency of the mapping. |
| US09129441B2 |
Lookup tables for text rendering
Systems and methods are provided for improved filtering and correcting of glyphs on a GPU. The computational intensity required for filtering and/or rendering can be reduced by pre-calculating some or all of the calculations needed for converting coverage data into corrected pixel values. Additional efficiencies may be realized in some embodiments by transferring data from a CPU to a GPU in an improved format. The improvements can be realized in a variety of graphics formats. |
| US09129439B2 |
Three-dimensional image processing apparatus and three-dimensional image processing method
A three-dimensional image processing apparatus includes an obtainer that obtains three-dimensional image information including information of a first image and a second image, a shade information obtainer that obtains shade information from the information of the first image and/or the second image, and a disparity adjuster that adjusts a disparity of a subject contained in the first and the second images based on the shade information. |
| US09129438B2 |
3D modeling and rendering from 2D images
A method of converting an image from one form to another form by a conversion apparatus having a memory and a processor, the method including the steps of receiving a captured image, extracting at least one image dimension attribute from the image, calculating at least one dimension attribute of the image based on the image dimension attribute, modifying the image based on the calculated dimension attribute and the extracted dimension attribute, and displaying the modified image on a display unit. |
| US09129437B2 |
Line plotting method
A line plotting method for plotting lines whose coordinates are given on a display screen on which pixels are arranged according to a prescribed rule, the method includes correcting coordinates at the end point of a line on the basis of which the end point is a starting point or an ending point or whether the end point is inside a prescribed frame determining whether a direction from a starting point of a line after correction toward its ending point horizontally or vertically is the same as a direction from a starting point before correction of a line toward its ending point determining whether integer values of the coordinates of starting and ending points after correction are the same when directions from starting points after and before correction of a line toward their ending points are not matched. |
| US09129436B2 |
Techniques for smoothing scripted stereo curves for stereoscopic computer animation
A computer-implemented method for smoothing a stereo parameter for a computer-animated film sequence. A timeline for the film sequence is obtained, the timeline comprising a plurality of time entries. A stereo parameter distribution is obtained, wherein the stereo parameter distribution comprises one stereo parameter value for at least two time entries of the plurality of time entries, and wherein the stereo parameter value corresponds a stereo setting associated with a pair of stereoscopic cameras configured to produce a stereoscopic image of the computer-animated film sequence. Depending on a statistical measurement of the stereo parameter distribution, either a static scene parameter is calculated, or a set of smoothed parameter values is calculated. |
| US09129434B2 |
Method and system for 3D surface deformation fitting
A method is provided for animating a three-dimensional object using an animation rig. An exemplary method according to the invention is a method that defines a positional relationship between the location of one or more known points on first surface and an equal number of corresponding points on a virtual surface, and a time interval. The time interval is incremented, and the positional offsets of one or more known points on the first surface are determined. The corresponding point or points on the virtual surface are then transformed by the positional offset, and the change in animation rig control values for the transformed points on the virtual surface are calculated. The animation rig control values are then updated based on said calculations. |
| US09129432B2 |
Image-based procedural remodeling of buildings
Systems and methods are provided to facilitate architectural modeling. In one aspect, a modeling system is provided. This includes a processor configured to generate remodeled images associated with one or more architectural structures. A procedural model is configured to integrate an approximate model from aerial images of the architectural structures and a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction model from ground-level images of the architectural structures. |
| US09129429B2 |
Augmented reality on wireless mobile devices
An augmented reality control system in which the generation and utilization of simple geometric forms of real world objects at the enterprise level are layered onto or based on real world objects. Digital data is aligned to real world objects via surrogate of simplified geometric forms. |
| US09129428B2 |
Map tile selection in 3D
Methods and systems are provided for efficiently identifying map tiles of a raised-relief map to retrieve from a server. An electronic device can use estimates of height(s) for various region(s) of the map to determine map tiles that are likely viewable from a given position of a virtual camera. The device can calculate the intersection of the field of view of the virtual camera with the estimated heights to determine a location of the map tiles (e.g., as determined by a 2D grid) needed. In this manner, the electronic device can retrieve, from a map server, the map tiles needed to display the image, without retrieving extraneous tiles that are not needed. Identifying such tiles can reduce the amount of data to be sent across a network and reduce the number of requests for tiles, since the correct tiles can be obtained with the first request. |
| US09129425B2 |
Reconstruction of dynamic multi-dimensional image data
Disclosed is a method of reconstructing a multi-dimensional data set representing a dynamic sample at a series of reconstruction instants. The multi-dimensional data set comprises a static component and a dynamic component. The method comprises acquiring a plurality of projection images of the dynamic sample; reconstructing a static component of the multi-dimensional data set from the acquired projection images; acquiring a further plurality of projection images of the dynamic sample; and reconstructing a dynamic component of the multi-dimensional data set at each reconstruction instant from the further plurality of acquired projection images using a priori information about the sample. The multi-dimensional data set is the sum of the static component and the dynamic component at each reconstruction instant. |
| US09129422B2 |
Combined surface reconstruction and registration for laparoscopic surgery
A computer-implemented method of performing a combined surface reconstruction and registration of stereo laparoscopic images includes a computer system generating an intraoperative three-dimensional model of an anatomical area of interest and receiving a plurality of stereo endoscopic images of the anatomical area of interest from a laparoscope. The computer system performs a first stereo reconstruction process using the stereo endoscopic images to yield a first surface image corresponding to the anatomical area of interest and aligns the first surface image with a surface of the intraoperative three-dimensional model using a rigid registration process. Then, the computer system performs a second stereo reconstruction process using the first surface image and prior knowledge from a pre-operative three dimensional model to yield a second surface image corresponding to the anatomical area of interest and aligns the second surface image with the surface of the intraoperative three-dimensional model using a non-rigid registration process. |
| US09129419B2 |
Method and system for monitoring the evolution of a physical quantity
A method monitors an evolution of a physical quantity. The method includes measuring the evolution of the value of the physical quantity, and displaying in a first graphical zone a bar graph representing the evolution of the value received from the sensor until this value reaches a first threshold, the graphical zone has a first displaying scale. When the monitored value reaches the first threshold, the bar graph is displayed and represents the evolution of the value received from the sensor in a second graphical zone. The second graphical zone is a zoom of a part of the first graphical zone and has at least a second displaying scale. At least one magnified portion of the second graphical zone is further displayed, the magnified portion having at least a third displaying scale. |
| US09129418B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining optimal image viewing direction
A computer-implemented method for the determination of the optimal image viewing direction of an asymmetrical object is included. The method generates a 3D surface reconstruction of the object from 2D images of the object obtained from different perspectives. A point of interest can be specified in at least one of the used 2D images and an area of interest can be specified in the object where the point of interest lies within. A plane containing view directions with reduced foreshortening for the specified area of interest is generated and a 3D point corresponding to the specified point of interest is determined on the 3D surface reconstruction of the object. At least one particular view direction corresponding to the 3D point and located with the identified plane is considered as the optimal image viewing direction of the asymmetrical object. A corresponding apparatus and computer program are also disclosed. |
| US09129417B2 |
Method and system for coronary artery centerline extraction
A method and system for extracting coronary artery centerlines from 3D medical image volumes is disclosed. Heart chambers are segmented in a 3D volume. Coronary artery centerlines are initialized in the 3D volume coronary artery based on the segmented heart chambers. The coronary artery centerlines are locally refined based on a vesselness measure. A length of each coronary artery centerline is shrunk to verify that the coronary artery centerline is within a coronary artery. The coronary artery centerline is the extended using data-driven vessel tracing. |
| US09129416B2 |
Digital art undo and redo
The subject disclosure is directed towards saving undo state information for a digital art program. Changed state data is computed (e.g., via GPU-side logic) based upon the state information of the current state of a canvas and the previous state information, e.g., via an XOR operation or parallel XOR operations. The changed state data is compressed into compressed state data, e.g., via run-length encoding, and the compressed state data is stored, e.g., in a circular buffer in GPU memory. For an undo command, the compressed data is decompressed into the changed state data, and the bitwise operation reversed. |
| US09129414B2 |
Image compositing apparatus, image compositing method, image compositing program, and recording medium
A device is provided that generates a composite image using a first image and a second image having different exposure conditions. The device includes an image input unit, a likelihood calculating unit, an exposure estimating unit, and a compositing unit. The image input unit inputs the first image and the second image. The likelihood calculating unit calculates a subject motion likelihood at each pixel based on a difference between the first image and the second image. The exposure estimating unit estimates an exposure transform function that conforms the exposure conditions of the first image and the second image to each other based on the subject motion likelihood. The compositing unit composites the first image and the second image by using the exposure transform function. |
| US09129410B2 |
Image processing apparatus and pixel interpolation method
A periodicity determining unit determines whether an image region including a target pixel is a periodic region in which pixel values vary periodically. A first generating unit generates a pixel value using a first interpolation method. A second generating unit generates a pixel value using a second interpolation method. A control unit determines, based on the determination result of the periodicity determining unit, which one of the first and second generating units is to be used for generating a pixel value of the target pixel. A pixel value inserting unit inserts the generated pixel value to the target pixel. The periodicity determining unit includes a cycle estimating unit to estimate, using pixel values of pixels within the image region, a variation cycle of the pixel values, and/or a determining unit to determine whether each region positioned at left and right sides of the target pixel is the periodic region. |
| US09129401B2 |
Image processing apparatus, imaging apparatus, and image processing method, configured to process reduced-size images
An image processing apparatus includes a size reducing unit that reduces sizes of a plurality of continuous images, which are still images obtained by continuously capturing images of a moving object, to thereby generate reduced continuous images; a mask generating unit that extracts moving object regions from the reduced continuous images, to thereby generate reduced moving object extraction mask images; a size restoring unit that enlarges the reduced moving object extraction mask images to the same size as original sizes of the continuous images that are not reduced by the size reducing unit, to thereby generate moving object extraction mask images; and a combining unit that extracts the moving object regions from the continuous images by using the moving object extraction mask images to thereby obtain moving object images, and combines the moving object images in a predetermined one of the continuous images. |
| US09129397B2 |
Human tracking method and apparatus using color histogram
A human tracking method using a color histogram is disclosed. The human tracking method using the color histogram according to the present invention can more adaptively perform human tracking using different target color histograms according to the human poses, instead of applying only one target color histogram to the tracking process of one person, such that the accuracy of human tracking can be increased. The human tracking method includes performing color space conversion of input video data; calculating a state equation of a particle based on the color-space conversion data; calculating the state equation, and calculating human pose-adaptive observation likelihood; resampling the particle using the observation likelihood, and estimating a state value of the human; and updating a target color histogram. |
| US09129396B2 |
Display driving architectures
A display driving architecture that can include two graphics pipelines with an optional connection between them to provide a mirrored mode. In one embodiment, one of the two pipelines can be automatically configured (e.g. routed in one of a plurality of ways, such as routing to do color conversion) based upon the type of cable that is coupled to a connector of the one pipeline. In another embodiment, a connection of a cable can cause display information (e.g. resolutions of an external display) to be provided to an application which can select a display mode while one of the graphics pipelines is kept in a low power state. |
| US09129395B2 |
Graphic rendering engine and method for implementing graphic rendering engine
A method for implementing a graphic rendering engine may be provided. In the method, rendering function information of a first graphic processing interface and a second graphic processing interface may be extracted. The first graphic processing interface and the second graphic processing interface may be encapsulated as a graphic rendering engine interface. Member functions of the graphic rendering engine interface may be defined according to the rendering function information. A rendering function corresponding to the member functions may be implemented by calling the first graphic processing interface or the second graphic processing interface with the graphic rendering engine interface. |
| US09129392B2 |
Automatic quantification of mitral valve dynamics with real-time 3D ultrasound
A series of rt-3DE images of the mitral valve are quantitatively analyzed so as to enable, for example, prediction of the degree of recurrent ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) and comprehensive assessments of leaflet tethering and “tenting” for the entire mitral valve. In accordance with the method, first, the rt-3DE images are registered with symmetric diffeomorphism to obtain information about how the mitral valve deforms over time. Second, the mitral valve is segmented with the level sets or other known segmentation method at each time point in the cardiac cycle with minimal user interaction. Third, the information about mitral valve structure is reduced into a 3D medial model, a compact representation of shape. In other words, a volumetric segmentation of the mitral valve is condensed to a form that is amenable to clinically relevant morphometry. |
| US09129387B2 |
Progressive model-based adaptation
The invention relates to an adaptation system for adapting a deformable model comprising a plurality of model elements to an object of interest in an image data set, the adaptation system comprising a selector for selecting at least one image- driven model element from the plurality of model elements and an adapter for adapting the deformable model on the basis of optimizing a model energy of the deformable model, the model energy comprising an internal energy of the plurality of model elements and an external energy of the at least one image-driven model element, thereby adapting the deformable model. By enabling the adaptation system to selectively choose the image- driven model elements, the adaptation system of the current invention allows excluding a poorly adaptable model element from interacting with the image data set and thus from being pulled and/or pushed by the image data set into a wrong location. |
| US09129385B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method and apparatus for high precision document corners extraction
The present invention provides an image processing device, an image processing method and an apparatus so as to improve at least the precision of extracting document corners in image processing performed on an image captured for a document. The image processing device includes: an extracting unit for extracting boundaries of a document in a first direction and roughly-detected document corners, where the first direction is a horizontal direction or a vertical direction of the document image; a determining unit for determining candidate page corners on the boundaries in the first direction around the roughly-detected document corners; and a selecting unit for determining document corners of the document among the candidate page corners. With the foregoing technology of the invention, more precise document corners can be extracted, a better effect of image processing can be obtained, and applications in the field of image processing are possible. |
| US09129383B2 |
Character string detection device, image processing device, character string detection method, control program and storage medium
A character string detection device for detecting a character string including at least one character in an image has a clustering unit that defines at least one cluster including at least a fixed number of pixel groups having similar colors based on color information included in each pixel configuring the image, a clipping unit that partitions the image into a region of the pixel groups belonging to the cluster defined by the clustering unit and a region of other pixel groups, and generating a clipped image excluding the region of the other pixel groups from the image, and a character string detection unit that detects each character in a detection target character string to be detected so as to detect the detection target character string in the clipped image generated by the clipping unit. |
| US09129381B2 |
Modification of post-viewing parameters for digital images using image region or feature information
A method of generating one or more new digital images using an original digitally-acquired image including a selected image feature includes identifying within a digital image acquisition device one or more groups of pixels that correspond to the selected image feature based on information from one or more preview images. A portion of the original image is selected that includes the one or more groups of pixels. The technique includes automatically generating values of pixels of one or more new images based on the selected portion in a manner which includes the selected image feature within the one or more new images. |
| US09129380B2 |
Background understanding in video data
Long-term understanding of background modeling includes determining first and second dimension gradient model derivatives of image brightness data of an image pixel along respective dimensions of two-dimensional, single channel image brightness data of a static image scene. The determined gradients are averaged with previous determined gradients of the image pixels, and with gradients of neighboring pixels as a function of their respective distances to the image pixel, the averaging generating averaged pixel gradient models for each of a plurality of pixels of the video image data of the static image scene that each have mean values and weight values. Background models for the static image scene are constructed as a function of the averaged pixel gradients and weights, wherein the background model pixels are represented by averaged pixel gradient models having similar orientation and magnitude and weights meeting a threshold weight requirement. |
| US09129376B2 |
Pitch determination systems and methods for aerial roof estimation
User interface systems and methods for roof estimation are described. Example embodiments include a roof estimation system that provides a user interface configured to facilitate roof model generation based on one or more aerial images of a building roof. In one embodiment, roof model generation includes image registration, image lean correction, roof section pitch determination, wire frame model construction, and/or roof model review. The described user interface provides user interface controls that may be manipulated by an operator to perform at least some of the functions of roof model generation. In one embodiment, the user interface provides user interface controls that facilitate the determination of pitch of one or more sections of a building roof. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US09129374B2 |
Image sharpening method and device
Embodiments of the present invention provide an image sharpening method and device. The method includes performing bilateral filtering processing and difference of Gaussians filtering processing on original image information to obtain first image-layer information and second image-layer information respectively. The first image-layer information is subtracted from the original image information to obtain third image-layer information. Fusion and superimposition processing is performed on the second image-layer information and the third image-layer information to obtain fourth image-layer information. The original image information and the fourth image information are added to obtain processed image information. |
| US09129370B2 |
Medical diagnostic imaging apparatus and image correction method
The CT image processor determines the position of the liver in the body of a subject based on CT image. The PET image processor determines the position of the liver in the body of a subject based on PET image. The CT image processor calculates the displacement in the positions of the liver determined by the CT and PET images. The CT image processor extracts the contour of the liver from a CT image. The CT image processor generates a correction CT image by modifying a CT image by moving a CT image to decrease the displacement of the extracted contour in the internal area. The PET image processor performs decrease correction based on the modified CT image. |
| US09129368B2 |
Thermal image smoothing method, surface temperature-measuring method, and surface temperature-measuring device
The thermal image smoothing method, which is a method for smoothing thermal images produced on the basis of thermal image values measured with a work that has been coated with a black body coating, is provided with a removal process wherein estimated thermal image values are set as values on respective line segments between maximum points and thermal image values that are smaller than the estimated thermal image values are removed from the thermal image values as anomalous thermal image values. |
| US09129361B2 |
Visual indexing system for medical diagnostic data
The present invention is a system and method for visually indexing medical data about a patient by generating an image for presentation to a user depicting a subset of the patient's body parts, with body parts having associated diagnostic data highlighted. A user may then select a highlighted body part and be presented with some or all of the associated diagnostic data. The user may manipulate the presented image, which is derived from a three dimensional model, to rotate it or zoom is to expose more body parts, or more detailed body parts depicting child body parts associated with the diagnostic data. The system or method may employ a patient index comprising a hierarchical graph with nodes corresponding to body parts and associated with diagnostic data for those body parts. |
| US09129360B2 |
Visualization apparatus for visualizing an image data set
The invention relates to a visualization apparatus (1) for visualizing an image data set. The visualization apparatus (1) comprises an image data set providing unit (2) for providing the image data set, a differential property determination unit (5) for determining local differential properties for different regions of the image data set, an assigning unit (6) for assigning visualization properties to the different regions of the image data set depending on the determined local differential properties, wherein a visualization property defines the visualization of a region, to which the visualization property is assigned, and a display unit (7) for displaying the visualization properties assigned to the different regions of the image data set. By displaying the visualization properties assigned to the different regions of the image data set different objects can visually be separated from each other without requiring large computational costs. |
| US09129356B2 |
Shotspot system
A system for identifying a hit on a target. The system includes a digital camera. The system also includes a computing device configured to produce a reference image of a target prior to a shot occurring. The computing device is also configured to produce a comparison image of the target subsequent to the shot occurring. The computing device is further configured to compare the comparison image to the reference image. The system further includes a networking device configured to connect the digital camera to the computing device. |
| US09129352B2 |
Optical proximity correction modeling method and system
An optical proximity correction modeling method for predicting a topography effect due to a pattern stack structure that includes a first material pattern, a second material pattern, and a boundary region between the first material pattern and the second material pattern. The method includes generating a first region filter that corresponds to the first material pattern, a second region filter that corresponds to the second material pattern, and an edge function corresponding to the boundary region; generating a bulk image signal from a layout using the first region filter and the second region filter; generating an edge image signal from the layout using the edge function, a characteristic kernel that represents characteristics of the boundary region, the first region filter, and the second region filter; and generating a final model signal from the bulk image signal and the edge image signal. |
| US09129348B2 |
Container file for large format imagery and method of creating the container file and organizing data within the container file
A method of creating a container file for large format imagery and organizing data within the container file are described. In one embodiment, the method of creating the container file includes validating user input parameters for the file container, and determining whether the container file already exists, the container file having file container metadata. If the file container does not exist, creating the container by creating one or more empty records in a storage device, the one or more empty records having an image file section reserved for storing an image, an image metadata section reserved for storing data about the image and a record metadata section having at least a mark indicating that the image file section is empty. A size of the image file section, a size of the image metadata section and a size of the record metadata section are determined using the user input parameters. |
| US09129343B2 |
System and method for policing spectrum usage
Transferring spectrum use rights may include ascertaining information regarding available spectrum for use in wireless communications. A request for spectrum use from a spectrum user system may be matched with available spectrum. A spectrum certificate may be issued to the spectrum user system, where the spectrum certificate contains at least one spectrum-related variable under which the spectrum user system is to engage in wireless communications. |
| US09129342B2 |
Method and system for facilitating electronic communication between the public and a public personality or representative
The invention is concerned with a virtual trading card system, comprising a data source that provides information associated with a public figure, and a user device configured to display a first and a second virtual view of an electronic card associated with the public figure, wherein the second virtual view includes a plurality of updateable data fields. |
| US09129340B1 |
Apparatuses, methods and systems for remote deposit capture with enhanced image detection
The APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REMOTE DEPOSIT CAPTURE WITH ENHANCED IMAGE DETECTION (hereinafter “RDC-Detection”) provides a platform for remote deposit by submitting captured images of a check via a user device, wherein the RDC-Detection transforms captured check images and/or entered check deposit information inputs via RDC-Detection components into deposit confirmation outputs. For example, in one embodiment, a financial institution may receive a check image captured by a scanner, a camera, and/or the like, and process the check image to extract deposit information to process the deposit request. |
| US09129336B2 |
Remote vehicle rental systems and methods
A system for renting vehicles is disclosed. The system can comprise a vehicle access communicator (“VAC”) capable of interfacing with one or more functions of a rental vehicle and a user provided portable electronic device. The VAC can control various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the door locks and/or enabling/disabling the vehicle. The VAC can also monitor various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the fuel level and/or the odometer readings. The VAC can connect to the portable electronic device using a suitable connection method to access additional functionality such as, for example and not limitation, locations services, cellular, and/or internet access. The VAC and the portable electronic device can be used to provide a rental system with reduced infrastructure and operating costs. The system can enable the use of “Green Zones” to provide permanent or temporary vehicle rental areas. |
| US09129335B1 |
Localization of merchant data
Disclosed are various embodiments for localization of merchant data. A computing device provides at least one localization option to a merchant, where the localization option relates to an offer listing associated with an item. A localization request is obtained from the merchant relating to the offer listing, and the content contained in the offer listing is parsed. Based at least in part on the localization request, the content is translated to generate a localized offer listing. |
| US09129334B2 |
Leveraging a social network to search for local inventory
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for leveraging a social network to search for local inventory includes communicating with a first mobile communication device over a network, the first mobile communication device associated with a user, and communicating with a second mobile communication device over the network, the second mobile communication device associated with a social network contact. The method further includes obtaining a geo-location of the second mobile communication device, processing a search request from the first mobile communication device, obtaining a radius of coverage for a merchant, determining whether the geo-location of the second mobile communication device is within the radius of coverage of the merchant, and providing a listing to the first mobile communication device of one or more items for sale by the merchant when the second mobile communication device is within the radius of coverage of the merchant. |
| US09129329B2 |
System and method for providing electronic multi-merchant gift registry services over a distributed network
A method of providing a gift registry service over a distributed network of computers. The method includes the steps of running a gift registrar application on at least one gift registry site, running a gift registration agent application on at least one goods or services provider (SP) site, a gift registrant accessing the at least one SP site and making a gift selection from the site, the gift registration agent application sending the gift selection to the gift registrar application, gift registrar application storing the gift selection as an update to a wish list in a wish list data memory structure accessible to the at least one gift registry site, and a gift purchaser accessing the stored wish list from a site on the distributed network remote from any gift registry site. |
| US09129327B1 |
Screenshot-based e-commerce
Provided are computer systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable medium configured for analyzing and using screenshots. The analysis and use can entail receiving a screenshot comprising identifying information of a merchandise, retrieving a candidate merchandise, offered for sale by a vendor, which candidate merchandise is a potential match to the merchandise according to the identifying information; and displaying the candidate merchandise. |
| US09129320B2 |
Default phone bill charging
A consumer payment control system receives a request to increase a stored value of the consumer account by a credit value, transmits a funding request to a consumer account funding infrastructure, the funding request including a credit value, and increases a stored value of the consumer account by the credit value. A communication and routing module receives a charge request, including an amount and identifies a selected one of the consumer accounts. A transaction processing system processes the charge request based on an account detail of the selected consumer account. The consumer payment control system determines whether a top-up confirmation has been received from the consumer account funding infrastructure after a predetermined period of time, and causes charging of the consumer account if the top-up confirmation has not been received. |
| US09129319B2 |
Methods and apparatus for on-line ordering
Systems and methods for ordering supplies from suppliers or for other e-commerce activities are described. Standards for placing orders and registering catalog information in a database are described. Systems and methods for placing orders, preprocessing supplier information using geographic information, conducting data searches and analysis locally on user access devices, continuously updating displays of browser frames, tracking orders using accounting codes, placing graphical custom orders, submitting graphical orders to suppliers, placing group orders, reducing risks associated with delinquent accounts receivable, and combinations thereof are described. |
| US09129318B2 |
System and method for allocating suppliers using geographical information system and supplier capability
A system and method for allocating suppliers to customers locate a plurality of suppliers in a geographical information system. Relative capability associated with each of the plurality of suppliers is determined. For each supplier in the plurality of suppliers, the system and method generate lines by linking said each supplier to neighboring suppliers in the plurality of suppliers, establish relative capability points on the lines between said each supplier and the neighboring suppliers, and define boundaries of a coverage region associated with said each supplier based on the relative capability points. A customer located in the coverage region is allocated to the associated supplier of the coverage region. |
| US09129317B2 |
Method, medium, and system for providing location aware classified content
A system and method in accordance with exemplary embodiments may include receiving, from a seller system, seller classified profile information via a network, receiving, from a buyer system, buyer classified profile information via the network, receiving, from a Global Positioning System (GPS) enabled device associated with a buyer, polling information via the network, matching the buyer classified profile information to the seller classified profile information in response to receiving the polling information based on at least one of the seller classified profile information, the buyer classified profile information, and the polling information, and transmitting a notification of the match to the Global Positioning System (GPS) enabled device via the network. |
| US09129311B2 |
Social networking system data exchange
An online publisher provides content items such as advertisements to users. To enable publishers to provide content items to users who meet targeting criteria of the content items, an exchange server aggregates data about the users. The exchange server receives user data from two or more sources, including a social networking system and one or more other service providers. To protect the user's privacy, the social networking system and the service providers may provide the user data to the exchange server without identifying the user. The exchange server tracks each unique user of the social networking system and the service providers using a common identifier, enabling the exchange server to aggregate the users' data. The exchange server then applies the aggregated user data to select content items for the users, either directly or via a publisher. |
| US09129310B1 |
NFC-enabled apparatus for providing contents
An NFC-enabled apparatus for providing contents is disclosed. The apparatus includes a display, a near field communication (NFC) module and a data module control for supplying contents to the display and for supplying data corresponding to the display to the NFC module for making them available for NFC transmission to an NFC-enabled mobile terminal. |
| US09129309B2 |
Methods, systems and computer program products for tailoring advertisements to a user based on actions taken using a portable electronic device
A method of advertising tailored based on usage patterns of a portable electronic device includes determining if a portable electronic device has entered an area associated with a local area network (LAN). A link is established between the portable electronic device and the LAN if it is determined that the portable electronic device has entered the area associated with the LAN. User services are established between the portable electronic device and a remote server using the established link based on a user profile associated with the portable electronic device. Devices associated with the remote server communicatively coupled to the LAN are controlled using the portable electronic device. Actions and/or behaviors of a user are tracked based on use of the portable electronic device. Advertisements are displayed and/or played on at least one of the controlled devices based on the tracked user actions and/or behaviors. |
| US09129308B2 |
Systems for associating advertising with internet content
The present invention provides method and system for associating an advertisement with one or more content on Internet. The method comprising gathering one or more feeds associated with the one or more content from a plurality of content. The method further comprises categorizing the one or more content into at least one general web-based category belonging to a set of general web-based categories based on the one or more feeds. Thereafter, the set of general web-based categories is translated to a set of pre-defined categories, such that one or more general web-based categories are translated to a pre-defined category. Finally, the advertisement is associated with the one or more content in one or more pre-defined categories based on at least one predetermined criterion. |
| US09129305B2 |
Systems and methods for targeted advertising
Methods of generating recommendations may include obtaining social network data from one or more network resources. Word relationships may be created between selected words in the social network data to produce relationship data. Advertisement or other asset recommendations may be generated for a target user by analyzing browse information of the target user to identify one or more words. Other words in the relationship data may be identified that are related to the words in the target user's browse information. One or more advertisements may be identified having at least one keyword that corresponds to the other words. At least a portion of these advertisements may be selected from a data repository to provide to the target user. |
| US09129304B2 |
Method of conducting social network application operations
In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises: receiving, by a social networking system, location information for a device associated with a first user of the social networking system; associating the location information with the first user in a user profile associated with the first user of the social networking system; sending, from the social networking system, to a second user a communication generated based at least in part on the location information. |
| US09129303B2 |
Method of conducting social network application operations
In one embodiment, a method of sharing locations of users participating in a social networking service at a geographic location and communicating app related information of users participating in the social networking service, the method executed by a computer system and comprises: receiving location information and text descriptive information from a mobile device of a first user of the social networking service, the location information representing a geographic location of the first user, the text descriptive information manually provided by the first user on an input module of the mobile device; associating the location information with the text descriptive information of the first user in a database; sending the text descriptive information and the location information of the first user to a second user for display. |
| US09129302B2 |
Methods and systems for coupon service applications
A coupon service application operated on multiple platforms, including mobile devices, PC/Internet and display screens on home appliances. The application maintains a home inventory defining the consumable products within a user's home and a shopping list defining the consumable products the user wishes to purchase, and compares the home inventory and shopping list against a database of available coupons. Users can share and save coupons, use coupons for online purchases, check their home inventory while away from home, monitor the price of certain products and compare the price against an average price and track historical savings. The application maintains a recipe bank, suggests recipes based on the home inventory, and enables users to select recipes, adding ingredients therefrom to the shopping list, all while identifying coupons for items on the shopping list and the home inventory. Users can input a budget, and tracks spending against the budget. |
| US09129300B2 |
Using external sources for sponsored search AD selection
A system and a method are provided for using external sources (e.g., landing pages) for sponsored search ad selection. In one example, the system identifies one or more regions of an external source. The one or more regions are relevant to a query. The external source includes a source that includes relevant data that is usable for augmenting an ad selection process. The system extracts one or more features from the one or more regions. The system determines which of the one or more features are relevant for item indexing. The system then augments an item selection process by using the one or more features that are relevant for item indexing. |
| US09129299B1 |
Systems and methods for computing performance metrics for a sourcing department
Computerized systems and methods compute performance metrics for a sourcing department of a firm that measure the value-added from sourcing-related activities. Evaluation of the firm's sourcing department with the metrics should drive behaviors that optimize performance across the firm's entire sourcing portfolio. The new performance metrics include several metrics that isolate the impact of price changes and quantity changes on the overall run-rate of sourcing contracts, and several that measure of the attribution of run-rate impacts to both the sourcing department and the relevant business units. Other new metrics measure the changes in run-rate that are expected from and uncorrelated to, respectively, changes in market prices. The performance metrics can be aggregated across an expense category (or categories) and/or vendor (or vendors) to enhance expense management analytics. |
| US09129298B2 |
System and method for tracking and rating non-gaming activities
A system and method for tracking patron events at a plurality of devices is provided. The plurality of devices include electronic gaming machines and non-gaming machines. Each game device has a value associated therewith. The system includes a plurality of player tracking devices (each associated with one of the electronic gaming machines) and a server. The player tracking devices identify patrons interacting with the system, track wagers made by the patrons on the electronic gaming machines and record wager data. The server receives the wager data and stores the wager data in a database and receives transaction data associated with a transaction associated with the patrons use of the non-gaming devices and stores the transaction data in the database, and establishes a player rating associated with each player as a function of the wager data and the transaction data. |
| US09129297B2 |
System and method for providing internet based dating services
A system and method for providing a dating service using dating cards with unique QR code/s. A registered member of the dating service acquires one or more dating cards with unique QR codes and presents the card a potential date. When the potential date scans the QR code, the potential date is forwarded to personal information of the registered member. The potential date therefore can appraise the merits of the registered member based on the personal information and decide whether to establish further contact. Preferably, the dating card has a detachable tab with a unique QR code that correlates to the QR code on the card that is handed to the potential date for tracking and access control purposes. Each card can reveal a partial or different façade of the personal information and display a different personal greeting message. |
| US09129294B2 |
Coin counting machines having coupon capabilities, loyalty program capabilities, advertising capabilities, and the like
Systems and methods for providing coupons, including targeted coupons associated with, for example, loyalty programs and the like from coin counting kiosks are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for providing a coupon includes receiving coins from a consumer and counting the coins to determine a value. The method further includes providing a voucher to the consumer that is redeemable for cash and/or merchandise. The method can further include providing a coupon to the consumer that is based at least in part on prior purchase information associated with the consumer. |
| US09129292B2 |
System and method for example based targeted marketing
Embodiments of the invention provide retailers with the ability to employ concept-based marketing using only a few representative examples. Embodiments of the invention take seed examples, utilize the seed examples to provide an expanded list (that can be edited as desired) representative of the concept, and map the expanded list to a final set of customers to be included in a targeted marketing operation. |
| US09129285B2 |
Previewing in live electronic commerce environment
Future promotions can be tested on a live production website with a preview web application that is separate from a live production web application used by customers. A preview session is established with the preview web application on a live production server responsive to receiving a request to perform a command on the live production server in a preview mode that allows testing of a future promotion. A preview context and a content context are instantiated for the preview session. The preview context indicates a time in the future to use in processing the request on the live production server. The preview web application dispatches the request to the live production web application on the live production server. The second web application processes the request with business logic based, at least in part, on the preview context and the content context. |
| US09129282B2 |
Near field communication apparatus and method for supporting security modules
The present disclosure provides a terminal comprising: a socket configured to receive a security module; an NFC (Near Field Communication) unit configured to communicate with an external reader or another terminal; and a protocol identifying unit configured to supply a voltage to the security module and to identify whether the security module supports a first protocol by transmitting a signal for using the first protocol through a first contact of the security module and receiving from the security module a first information associated with a protocol supported by the security module, wherein the terminal additionally receives a second information associated with the protocol supported by the security module through a second contact of the security module, and wherein the NFC unit receives a information from the security module through the first contact based on the first protocol identified by the protocol identifying unit, and transmits the received information to the external reader or another terminal. |
| US09129280B2 |
Secure smart card system
A smart card usable in magnetic stripe swipe transactions with a transaction terminal configured to read transaction information encoded on a magnetic stripe of a standard transaction card includes a card body, which includes a magnetic stripe emulator for use with the transaction terminal, a smart card chip programmed with at least one transaction application for providing secured data for use in a transaction and dynamic card verification data, a power supply, and a card controller in communication with the magnetic stripe emulator. The card controller is configured to receive the dynamic card verification data and control the magnetic stripe emulator to emit a magnetic field encoded with at least a portion of the secured data and the dynamic card verification data. |
| US09129275B2 |
POS device
An embodiment of a POS system according to the present invention stores log information and RAS information into a storage device (11) which stores an operating system, an application program and the like without being equipped with any non-volatile memories for storing the log information and the RAS information, wherein the log information is a record of a process, an operation and the like; and the RAS information is information pertaining to a hardware life-time. The POS device does not need to be equipped with a nonvolatile memory which is different from a storage device to store an operating system (OS), an application program and the like. Nevertheless the POS device is able to retain log information, RAS information and the like. |
| US09129272B2 |
Methods for providing electric vehicles with access to exchangeable batteries and methods for locating, accessing and reserving batteries
Electric vehicles that use replaceable and exchangeable batteries, applications for communicating with a service that provides access to kiosks of batteries, and methods and systems for finding charged batteries, reserving batteries, and paying for use of the batteries, are disclosed. One example is a method for receiving, by a server, a request from a user associated with user account to locate batteries usable to power an electric vehicle. The request is for a geographic location and the user account is associated with a service that enables access to exchange batteries have reduced charge for batteries that have increased charge. The sever processing information regarding an inventory of available batteries at each of a plurality of kiosks, and each of the kiosks is at a respective kiosk location and each kiosk having receptacle slots for storing and charging batteries. The method also includes sending, by the server, data identifying at least one kiosk location proximate to the geographic location. The data including at least one battery available for exchange at the at least one kiosk location and options for reserving said at least one battery available for exchange. |
| US09129269B2 |
Secured point-of-sale transaction system
The present invention relates to a secured transaction system. In one embodiment, a point-of-sale (POS) system includes an input module configured to receive a transaction description from a mobile client device, an encryption engine configured to generate an encrypted transaction description using the transaction description from the mobile client device, and a communication module configured to transmit the encrypted transaction description for processing. |
| US09129267B2 |
Project management systems and methods thereof
Project management systems and methods to streamline project planning, task management, time management, and other similar applications. The method includes filing a request to start a project on a project management system. The method further includes receiving notice that role handlers have been assigned to a plurality of tasks required to complete the project. The method further includes performing at least one task of the plurality of tasks. The method further includes receiving notice that the at least one task has been reviewed by at least one of the assigned role handlers. |
| US09129264B2 |
Electronic calendar auto event resolution system and method
A system and method for event resolution. The method includes determining whether a post-scheduled event or a pre-scheduled event conflicts with a scheduled event. The method further includes extracting details of the post-scheduled event or the pre-scheduled event and automatically populating a response with at least some of the extracted details. The method further includes sending the response with an accept indication when the post-scheduled event or the pre-scheduled event does not conflict with the scheduled event, or sending the response with a cancel indication when the post-scheduled event or the pre-scheduled event conflicts with the scheduled event, or sending the response with a tentatively accept indication when the post-scheduled event or the pre-scheduled event conflicts with the scheduled event. |
| US09129260B2 |
Methods and apparatus for submitting and reviewing auditions
Auditions need no longer be held locally within the casting director's office. Talent registration forms, size cards, talent worksheets and the duplication of numerous DV tapes or DVDs are no longer necessary, thus resulting in the saving of time, money and energy. Auditions may be conducted collectively by talent agents or individually by talent who use their computer or mobile devices to film their individual audition and submit it via the internet using proprietary software from anywhere in the world. Auditions are saved digitally on a storage server and transmitted over the internet, saving on both duplicating and courier transfer costs. Audition corrections, if required, can be communicated to talent that have already submitted their auditions, and they can resubmit their corrections using the internet from wherever they are. Clients will have the ability to review and download individual video tracks, headshots, enlarged profile images, resumes, size cards and talent logs, as well as open and view the talent's multi-media profile. |
| US09129258B2 |
Systems, methods, and devices for communicating during an ongoing online meeting
In various embodiments, an attendee of a live online meeting selects screen data from an earlier point in time in the online meeting for playback while the meeting is still ongoing. Automatically generated image thumbnails of the screen data for the online meeting may be employed to navigate to the earlier point in time. Attendees may annotate screenshots associated with the thumbnails, and a summary document may be generated that includes the screenshots and the annotations. |
| US09129257B2 |
Method and system for monitoring high risk users
An approach for enabling the monitoring of high risk users is described. A high risk user (HRU) event management platform designates a user as a high risk user candidate and then initiates monitoring of activities of a computing device associated with identity information of the user. The HRU event management platform then collects data from the computing device and from one or more data sources according to one or more predetermined parameters specifying asset information. The data is correlated with the identity information of the user for confirming that the user is a high risk user. |
| US09129252B2 |
Potential realization system with electronic communication processing for conditional resource incrementation
Selected embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, systems and media for systematically processing electronic communications for conditionally incrementing resources. In certain embodiments, electronic communications are received and processed in order to evaluate potential realization assistance functions by potential realization assistants according to processes that include resource incrementations that are conditioned on satisfactory potential realization function processing. Other methods, systems and media are also provided. |
| US09129251B2 |
Rail-mounted robotic inventory system
Examples of a rail-mounted robotic inventory system are provided. The system includes a rail-mounted robot having an electronic tag reader configured to receive electronic tag data from electronic tags associated with inventory items. The system can include a navigation module configured to direct the rail-mounted robot along a rail through an inventory area, detect obstacles, and determine a position of the rail-mounted robot within the inventory area. The system can include an inventory identification module configured to receive the electronic tag data from the rail-mounted robot and identify and/or locate the inventory items in the inventory area based at least partly on the electronic tag data. |
| US09129249B2 |
Enhancing a user's shopping experience
The subject disclosure provides systems and methods for enhancing a purchasing experience by enabling a purchaser to receive a variety of real-time updates or recommendations regarding products that the purchaser, such as a user, may need or intend to purchase. A recommendation provided by the system may be based upon comparing the product with a plurality of sources. The recommendation may include a recommendation that a product may near depletion and thus may need to be replaced, a recommendation that the user may already have a sufficient amount or number of the product, a recommendation that the product may or may not match an existing item owned by the user, or a recommendation not to purchase a product. A virtual closet may also be created according the systems and methods of the subject disclosure, allowing users and contacts selected by the user to collaborate on products. |
| US09129246B2 |
System and method for facilitating communication of data among entities in an electronic trading network
An electronic commerce protocol stack includes a connectivity layer that receives business data from a first entity. The business data indicates that the destination of the business data is a second entity. The protocol stack also includes a translation layer that receives the business data and that translates the business data as appropriate for the second entity using one or more translation rules. The protocol stack also includes a semantic routing layer that receives the translated business data, determines the semantic meaning of at least a portion of the business data using one or more semantics rules, determines one or more appropriate destinations for the business data based on the semantic meaning, and communicates the business data the determined destinations to the connectivity layer. The connectivity layer communicates the business data to the determined destinations. |
| US09129242B2 |
Notification system and method
A dispatching system adjusts resources to meet real-time changes in demand. When a customer requests service, a work assignment is generated and sent to an employee. When a customer cancels the requested service, a cancellation code is sent to the employee. The cancellation code informs the employee that the work assignment has been canceled. |
| US09129240B2 |
Transitioning between iterations in agile software development
A computer-implemented method of managing work items associated with agile software development includes displaying a first group of incomplete work items associated with a current iteration of an agile software development project. In response to a first user input, a first incomplete work item of the first group is transferred from the current iteration to a subsequent iteration of the agile software development project. A determination is made that no incomplete work items remain associated with the current iteration. The current iteration is closed and the subsequent iteration is activated. |
| US09129239B2 |
Driver/parent arrival notification system and method of notification
A system for providing a user/child with the arrival status of a driver/parent and method therefore includes providing a mobile code carrier, a code reader that identifies a code stored on the code carrier, a processor communicatively coupled to the code reader, a memory communicatively coupled to the processor storing a data base that includes a data structure, and a plurality of displays each communicatively coupled to the processor and located in one of a plurality of disparate locations within a building. The method further includes identifying the code, associating the code with a target and at least one location within the building, and displaying to one of the plurality of displays where the target is located a message indicating that the driver/parent has arrived. |
| US09129238B2 |
Dynamic web services work flow system and method
A Dynamic Web Service server may facilitate custom Enterprise Application interface development with little or no developer input by dynamically creating a web service for performing a particular transaction according to a transaction map. An Enterprise Application client device may create a transaction map by “recording” a transaction between an Enterprise Application client and an Enterprise Application server and mapping transaction fields to a custom interface generated to collect data for re-performing the recorded transaction. The Enterprise Application client device may call the dynamic web service, and the Dynamic Web Service server may then perform the recorded transaction using input data collected in the custom interface. Such a dynamic web service may be performed as part of an automated business process managed by a workflow server. |
| US09129237B2 |
Integrated interfacing system and method for intelligent defect yield solutions
Disclosed is an integrated interfacing system for intelligent defect yield solutions. The integrated interfacing system is configured to have a web server, which initiates a web interface for containing a plurality of functional items provided for clicking to activate a corresponding function. Through the graphical user interface, users may select one or more functions for viewing the multiple solutions regarding wafer yield. The system uses a memory to store the computer-executable instructions for selectively performing corresponding functionalities. When the wafer images are inputted through the interface, the system performs a defect coordinate conversion, dashboard summary, defect screening, defect sampling, defect yield diagnosis, design for yield, yield prediction, pattern diagnosis, data management, and system administration. By the interfacing system, an additional viewing method is also introduced to provision of full-chip viewing over the data retrieved during the wafer manufacturing procedure. |
| US09129230B2 |
Virtual badge, device and method
A system, method, and device comprising a virtual badge are disclosed. A virtual badge can be displayed on a cell phone or in another linked portable device, and for security purposes, has images which can be scanned, and the capability to alternate colors and/or self-destruct on a pre-set schedule. Whether for after a disaster or for daily use, the system uses cell phones or mobile devices loaded with specialized software. Using plugin technologies, the system optionally can enable field collected photos and notes on customizable forms to be mapped, tracked, and time/date stamped—including in a 100% disconnected environment. A modifiable virtual badge can aid in inventory, accountability, organization, and efficiency. The system can be employed by the “Whole Community”—citizens, businesses, not-for-profits, and government agencies—for social media, business, cleanup, insurance adjusters, or personnel focused on day to day operations or on mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. |
| US09129223B1 |
Sound localization with artificial neural network
The location of a sound within a given spatial volume may be used in applications such as augmented reality environments. An artificial neural network processes time-difference-of-arrival data (TDOA) from a known microphone array to determine a spatial location of the sound. The neural network may be located locally or available as a cloud service. The artificial neural network is trained with perturbed and non-perturbed TDOA data. |
| US09129221B2 |
Spiking neural network feedback apparatus and methods
In one approach, spiking neurons receive sensory stimulus and context signal that correspond to the same context. When the stimulus provides sufficient excitation, neurons generate response. Context connections are adjusted according to inverse spike-timing dependent plasticity. When the context signal precedes the post synaptic spike, context synaptic connections are depressed. Conversely, whenever the context signal follows the post synaptic spike, the connections are potentiated. The inverse STDP connection adjustment ensures precise control of feedback-induced firing, eliminates runaway positive feedback loops, and enables self-stabilizing network operation. In another aspect, the connection adjustment methodology facilitates robust context switching when processing visual information. When a context (such an object) becomes intermittently absent, prior context connection potentiation enables firing for a period of time. If the object remains absent, the connection becomes depressed thereby preventing further firing. |
| US09129219B1 |
Crime risk forecasting
A computer-based crime risk forecasting system and corresponding method are provided for generating crime risk forecasts and conveying the forecasts to a user. With the conveyed forecasts, the user can more effectively gauge both the level of increased crime threat and its potential duration. The user can then leverage the information conveyed by the forecasts to take a more proactive approach to law enforcement in the affected areas during the period of increased crime threat. |
| US09129218B1 |
Intelligent control with hierarchical stacked neural networks
An intelligent control system based on an explicit model of cognitive development (Table 1) performs high-level functions. It comprises up to O hierarchically stacked neural networks, Nm, . . . , Nm+(O−1), where m denotes the stage/order tasks performed in the first neural network, Nm, and O denotes the highest stage/order tasks performed in the highest-level neural network. The type of processing actions performed in a network, Nm, corresponds to the complexity for stage/order m. Thus N1 performs tasks at the level corresponding to stage/order 1. N5 processes information at the level corresponding to stage/order 5. Stacked neural networks begin and end at any stage/order, but information must be processed by each stage in ascending order sequence. Stages/orders cannot be skipped. Each neural network in a stack may use different architectures, interconnections, algorithms, and training methods, depending on the stage/order of the neural network and the type of intelligent control system implemented. |
| US09129214B1 |
Personalized markov chains
In an approach, a method comprises receiving title interaction data, wherein the title interaction data specifies, an order in which users interacted with a plurality of titles; generating a plurality of statistical models, each statistical model of the plurality of statistical models specifying a plurality of probabilities, wherein the plurality of probabilities represent, for each first title of the plurality of titles and each second title of the plurality of titles, a likelihood that a user will interact with the first title then next interact with the second title; refining the plurality of statistical models based on the title interaction data; determining a plurality of weight values corresponding to the plurality of statistical models for a particular user; identifying, for the particular user, one or more recommended titles of the plurality of titles based on the plurality of weight values and the plurality of statistical models. |
| US09129210B2 |
Systems and methods of processing scanned data
An efficient method and system to enhance digital acquisition devices for analog data is presented. The enhancements are available to the user in local as well as in remote deployments yielding efficiency gains for a large variety of business processes. The quality enhancements of the acquired digital data are achieved efficiently by employing virtual reacquisition, which renders unnecessary the physical reacquisition of the analog data in case the digital data by the acquisition are of insufficient quality. The method and system allows multiple users to access the same acquisition device for analog data. One or more users can virtually reacquire data provided by multiple analog or digital sources. The acquired raw data can be processed by each user according to his personal preferences and/or requirements. |
| US09129201B2 |
Technology enhancement clip for hard tags
A technology clip and method for supplementing a security tag with the technology clip for application to a product. The technology clip includes a technology element providing for an additional security and/or an identification feature when coupled to a tag, thus enhancing features of the security tag. The technology clip attaches about the tag and remains secured to the tag for when the tag is affixed to merchandise. |
| US09129199B2 |
Portable E-wallet and universal card
Universal cards are used in place of all the other traditional cards which a person may want to carry. The universal card can include a short range communications transceiver to communicate with a mobile device. The mobile device can include a user interface and an e-wallet application so that the user can interface with the e-wallet application for programming the universal card via the short range communication link. Once programmed, the universal card emulates a function of a traditional card. |
| US09129196B2 |
Image capturing device and recording apparatus
An image capturing device includes: a housing; a reference pattern used for color measurement and arranged in the housing; an image capturing element that captures an image of the reference pattern in a first area and an image of an object in a second area of the image capturing area; an image forming element causing the image of the reference pattern and the image of the object to be formed on the image capturing element by being arranged on a first optical path between the image capturing element and the reference pattern and a second optical path between the image capturing element and the object; and an optical member that guides any one of the images of the reference pattern and the object formed by the image forming element so that the images are to be formed on an element surface of the image capturing element. |
| US09129195B2 |
Data transmitting and receiving device, liquid ejection apparatus, and non-transitory storage medium storing instructions executable by data transmitting and receiving device
A data transmitting and receiving device includes: a clock signal generator which modulates a reference clock signal having a reference frequency to produce a clock signal whose frequency changes in a set cycle within a set frequency band; and a frequency range storage which stores a first frequency range as a part of the set frequency band and/or a second frequency range as the rest part of the set frequency band. The first transmitter does not transmit first communication data to a first receiver based on the clock signal having the frequency belonging to the first frequency range and transmits the first communication data to the first receiver based on the clock signal having the frequency belonging to the second frequency range. The first receiver receives the first communication data from the first transmitter based on the clock signal having the frequency belonging to the second frequency range. |
| US09129194B2 |
Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium
An image forming apparatus includes a first retrieval unit that retrieves a table of document data, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium in accordance with the document data, a second retrieval unit that retrieves a cumulative amount of images formed by the image forming unit, a third retrieval unit that retrieves a threshold value of the cumulative amount of images formed by the image forming unit, and a display unit that displays a selection screen that allows a user to select document data forming an image from the document data included in the table. If the cumulative amount does not exceed the threshold value, the display unit displays a screen including a batch selection screen. If the cumulative amount exceeds the threshold value, the display unit displays an individual selection screen. |
| US09129193B2 |
Methods and apparatus for parallel processing page description language data
Methods and apparatus for processing a page description language (“PDL”) data stream are provided. The methods and apparatus divide the PDL data stream to provide a plurality of PDL segments, create associated first and second data files for each of the PDL segments, and assign the first data file or the second data file associated with each of the PDL segments to at least one of a plurality of PDL processors. |
| US09129189B2 |
Performing vocabulary-based visual search using multi-resolution feature descriptors
In general, techniques are described for performing a vocabulary-based visual search using multi-resolution feature descriptors. A device may comprise one or more processors configured to perform the techniques. The processors may generate a hierarchically arranged data structure to be used when classifying objects included within a query image based on multi-resolution query feature descriptor extracted from the query image at a first scale space resolution and a second scale space resolution. The hierarchically arranged data structure may represent a first query feature descriptor of the multi-resolution feature descriptor extracted at the first scale space resolution and a second corresponding query feature descriptor of the multi-resolution feature descriptor extracted at the second scale space resolution hierarchically arranged according to the first scale space resolution and the second scale space resolution. The processors may then perform a visual search based on the generated data structure. |
| US09129185B1 |
System and method for reducing image clutter
A method and system for reducing clutter in a number of images. Sub-image pixel values are identified for a sub-image at a location in an image in the number of images. A first portion of the sub-image pixel values corresponds to a number of suspected target pixels in the sub-image. A second portion of the sub-image pixel values corresponds to clutter pixels in the sub-image. Modeled pixel values are generated using a clutter model fitted to the second portion of the sub-image pixel values. The modeled pixel values are subtracted from the sub-image pixel values to form new pixel values. |
| US09129182B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method for controlling the same
An information processing apparatus detects a moving member that moves in a background area and that includes an object other than a recognition target. The apparatus sets a partial area as a background undetermined area if the moving member is present in the background area and sets a partial area as a background determined area if it is regarded that the recognition target is not present in the background area in each of the partial areas set as the background undetermined area. The apparatus recognizes an operation caused by the recognition target that moves in the background determined area. |
| US09129181B1 |
Object detection, location, and/or tracking with camera and lighting system
A method and system for monitoring objects senses, by an electromagnetic sensor, ambient electromagnetic radiation including at least a particular frequency band reflected from a marker on the object. Data is transmitted about the ambient electromagnetic radiation to a tracking system including at least one memory system and a processor having at least one processor. The processor system determines data representing the marker, the data representing the marker being derived from the data about the ambient electromagnetic radiation. The processor system also determines a location of the object based on the data representing the marker. |
| US09129179B1 |
Image-based object location
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for identifying objects within images. Analysis are performed, comparing metadata, tags, and similarity of images, to determine trends and similarity. Based on these trends and similarities, metadata and tags are copied and generated, with the associated images then being more closely associated with one another. These images can then be organized in more meaningful and useful formats. The associated objects can also be used to provide a user with information about an object located in an image provided by a user, where the information can include location, pricing, availability, or other such information that can be determined from the metadata, tags, and other information associated with the images. |
| US09129177B2 |
Image cache
Techniques described herein provide a method for automatically and intelligently creating and updating an OCR cache while performing OCR using a computing device. An image captured using a camera coupled to the computing device may be matched against prior images stored in the OCR cache. If a match is found, the OCR cache may be updated with new or better information utilizing the new image. The matched prior image may be retained in the OCR cache, or the new captured image may replace the matched prior image in the OCR cache. In one embodiment, techniques are described to remove or reduce glare before storing the image in the OCR cache. In some embodiments, glare is removed or reduced in the absence of performing OCR. |
| US09129174B2 |
Mobile computing unit for reducing usage fatigue
A mobile unit (MU) is described. The MU includes a handle configured for gripping the MU with fingers of one hand of a user's arm. The MU includes a trigger switch positioned on the handle and configured to activate a data capture function of the MU when the trigger switch is depressed. The MU includes a display device positioned above the handle of the MU such that the display device is viewable to the user when the fingers grip the handle of the MU and the user's arm is maximally extended. The MU includes a data acquisition device located on an opposite side of the display device so as to capture data from an object positioned in a field of view of the data acquisition device when the trigger switch is depressed. |
| US09129171B2 |
Code reading device and code reading method
A code reading device includes a neighbor searching and voting unit that, for each of a part of dot marks located in a matrix displaced from virtual lattice points, votes on coordinate values of four neighboring dot marks, using each of the part of the dot marks as a reference point, in a plane; a direction detecting unit that determines first and second directions from the voting results; an order determining unit that determines a raster order for the part of the dot marks based on the directions; and a code detecting unit that detects a relative position of each of lattice points determined based on coordinate values of the part of the dot marks and the raster order, to a closest dot mark among the part of the dot marks according to the raster order, thereby encoding the part of the dot marks to provide the positional information. |
| US09129164B2 |
Vehicle driver assist system
A driver assist system is provided that generates a video signal representing a vehicle environment outside a vehicle. At least one feature is extracted from the video signal. A reference is selected from a plurality of reference features stored as location attributes in a map database. The extracted feature is compared to at least one reference feature. An object in the vehicle environment is identified based on the comparison of the extracted feature and the reference feature. An indication is provided to a driver of the vehicle on the basis of the identified object. In one example, the system includes a video capturing device, an indicating device, a vehicle-based processing resource and access to a map database server. Processing tasks may be distributed among the vehicle-based processing resource and an external processing resource. |
| US09129160B2 |
Vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus
A vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus detects the presence of a moving object along a vehicle periphery. The apparatus sets multiple detection lines along a horizontal axis of an image captured by a camera, and detects a brightness change of a pixel along the detection lines. With reference to the brightness change detected along the detection line and a parameter for determining whether such brightness change is caused by the moving object, the apparatus determines the presence of the moving object. In addition, the apparatus changes a determination condition for determining the moving object such that as the number of detection lines along which the brightness change is detected decreases, the harder it is to satisfy the determination condition for determining that the moving object is present. |
| US09129157B2 |
Method for image-based status determination
Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for image-based status determination are presented. In some embodiments, a method includes capturing at least one image of a moving path. At least one feature within the at least one image is analyzed and based on the analysis of the at least one feature, a direction of movement of the moving path is determined. In some embodiments, a method includes capturing an image of an inclined path. At least one feature within the image is analyzed and based on analysis of the at least one feature, a determination is made whether the image was captured from a top position relative to the inclined path or a bottom position relative to the inclined path. |
| US09129156B2 |
Method for detecting and recognizing an object in an image, and an apparatus and a computer program therefor
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for detecting and recognizing an object in an image, the method comprising a plurality of stages, wherein at least one of the stages comprises an integrated approach of feature detection and object recognition of at least a part of the object. In a further embodiment at least one of the stages comprises identifying an image part that contains a feature point, and matching the image part to a set of hierarchies of templates, wherein a hierarchy comprises templates for an object to be recognized, a template describes at least a part of an object to be recognized, and a child template describes a sub-part of the part of the object described by its parent template. |
| US09129155B2 |
Systems and methods for initializing motion tracking of human hands using template matching within bounded regions determined using a depth map
Systems and methods for initializing motion tracking of human hands within bounded regions are disclosed. One embodiment includes: a processor; reference and alternate view cameras; and memory containing a plurality of templates that are rotated and scaled versions of a base template. In addition, a hand tracking application configures the processor to: obtain reference and alternate view frames of video data; generate a depth map; identify at least one bounded region within the reference frame of video data containing pixels having distances from the reference camera that are within a specific range of distances; determine whether any of the pixels within the at least one bounded region are part of a human hand; track the motion of the part of the human hand in a sequence of frames of video data obtained from the reference camera; and confirm that the tracked motion corresponds to a predetermined initialization gesture. |
| US09129151B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated analysis and identification of a person in image and video content
A method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for identifying a person in an image includes an image analyzer. The image analyzer determines the content of an image such as a person, location, and object shown in the image. A person in the image may be identified based on the content and event data stored in a database. Event data includes information concerning events and related people, locations, and objects determined from other images and information. Identification metadata is generated and linked to each analyzed image and comprises information determined during image analysis. Tags for images are generated based on identification metadata. The event database can be queried to identify particular people, locations, objects, and events depending on a user's request. |
| US09129150B2 |
Electronic apparatus and display control method
According to at least one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a detector, a classifier and a display controller. The detector detects face images in images. The classifier classifies, based on the face images, one or more images corresponding to a first face into a first group and one or more images corresponding to a second face into a second group. The display controller displays on a screen, if a number of images in the first group is greater than or equal to a threshold and a number of images in the second group is less than the threshold, a first representative image of the first group that is distinguishable from a second representative image of the second group. |
| US09129148B1 |
System, method and apparatus for scene recognition
An image processing system for recognizing the scene type of an input image generates an image distance metric from a set of images. The image processing system further extracts image features from the input image and each image in the set of images. Based on the distance metric and the extracted image features, the image processing system computes image feature distances for selecting a subset of images. The image processing system derives a scene type from the scene type of the subset of images. In one embodiment, the image processing system is a cloud computing system. |
| US09129147B1 |
Optimal automatic capture of facial movements and expressions in video sequences
Computerized methods for creating tracks of locations across frames of a video corresponding to a facial feature of a human. A set of feature location hypotheses is generated, as applied to images derived from the sequence of frames representing images of the human. Each hypothesis is refined, and a first set of confidence measures is associated with each hypothesis. A second set of confidence measures is associated with interframe transition, and a cost function that is a combination of hypotheses and transition confidence measures is minimized. A set of tracks is generated, characterizing each of a plurality of facial features within each frame of the sequence of frames. Performance analysis data may further be derived in a performance driven animation production pipeline, based on the generated tracks. |
| US09129146B2 |
Method of transforming stereoscopic image and recording medium storing the same
Disclosed is a method of transforming a stereoscopic image, including: extracting a depth map from a left-eye image and a right-eye image of the stereoscopic image as the left-eye image and the right-eye image are input; obtaining transformation information from the depth map; and transforming red, green, and blue (RGB) values of the stereoscopic image based on the transformation information. It is possible to provide a stereoscopic image having an improved three-dimensional effect, compared to an existing stereoscopic image. |
| US09129142B2 |
Method and system for generating a representation of a finger print minutiae information
The invention relates to a method for generating a representation of a finger print minutiae information. The invention also relates to a method for generating a representation of a finger print for biometric template protection purposes Biometric template protection techniques provide technological means to protect the privacy of biometric reference information stored in biometric. systems These methods stand in sharp contrast to approaches where biometric information is protected only by legislation and procedures around storage facilities. These systems are not reliable as they are susceptible to human and procedural errors. Template protection guarantees the protection of biometric information without the assumption that individuals are trusted or procedures are properly implemented. |
| US09129138B1 |
Methods and systems for a portable data locker
The embodiments provide for binding files to an external drive, a secured external drive, or portable data locker. The files are bound in order to help restrict or to prevent access and modification by certain computers or users. Computers or users that are authorized or within the authorized domain are permitted full access. The files stored on the external drive may be bound in various ways. The files may be encapsulated in a wrapper that restricts the use and access to these files. The bound files may require execution of a specific application, plug-in, or extension. A computer may thus be required to execute program code that limits the use of the secured files. In one embodiment, the external drive provides the required program code to the computer. In other embodiments, the required program code may be downloaded from a network or provided by an external authority. |
| US09129136B2 |
System and method for verifying the integrity of read-only components in deployed mixed-mode applications
A method of ensuring the integrity of read-only components in deployed mixed-mode applications that includes generating a digital fingerprint prior to the deployment of a mixed-mode application is discussed. The digital fingerprint is based on a read-only component in the mixed-mode application and uniquely identifies the read-only component. The method also deploys the mixed-mode application and the digital fingerprint. Additionally, the method verifies, at execution time by using the digital fingerprint, that the read-only component in the mixed-mode deployed application that served as the basis for the digital fingerprint is identical to the same read-only component originally packaged with the mixed-mode application. |
| US09129131B2 |
Distributed database
The invention relates to a module to be included onboard the equipment of a telecommunication network and comprising: a database storing at least search field values including URL addresses, at least some of said URL addresses being stored in an encrypted form, encryption means capable of encrypting a piece of information received by the module in order to allow an information search in the database by comparison with the encrypted search field values. |
| US09129130B2 |
Systems and methods for data verification and replay prevention
A system and method are provided for the secure sharing of information stored using cloud storage services and for performing data verification and replay protection for information stored on an open network. |
| US09129129B2 |
Automatic data protection in a computer system
Techniques are provided for a data security system that includes two mappings: a first mapping that maps a security policy to sensitive type and a second mapping that maps the sensitive type to one or more data sets. The sensitive type indicates a class of sensitive data. Example data sets include columns, tables, tablespaces, files, and directories in a file system. Because a security policy is not tightly coupled to a target data set, the security policy becomes data-agnostic, portable, and reusable. Also, a security policy may be objectless in that, at some point in time, the security policy is not associated with any data set. A security policy may also be multifunctional in that the security policy may include multiple security features or requirements. A security policy may also be exhaustive in that all necessary security requirements prescribed for a data set can be included in the security policy. |
| US09129126B2 |
Updating changes to caches
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for updating changes to caches. In aspects, a provisioning server can receive by a hardware processor a security data provisioning request from a first application server in a set of application servers. In response to receiving the security data change provisioning request, identifying updated security data compatible with the cache of a second application server of the set of application servers. Further, sending a command to the second application server of the set of application servers to clear the cache of the second application server of the set of application servers. A provisioning server sending the updated security data to the cache of the second application server of the set of application servers. |
| US09129125B2 |
Data sharing method and device
A method includes receiving a request by a second user through a uniform resource locator (URL) for a user key of a shared file of a first user. The second user is a legitimate user authorized by the first user through a trust center to access the shared file. The shared file is a shared file encrypted by using the user key of the first user. A file description of the corresponding shared file is obtained from a cloud server according to the URL. The file description is a file description obtained by encrypting the user key by using a public key of the trust center. The file description is decrypted using a private key corresponding to the public key of the trust center to obtain the user key of the first user. The user key is sent to the second user. |
| US09129124B2 |
Dynamic provisioning of virtual systems
A method for dynamic provisioning of virtual systems includes, with a server system that hosts virtual systems, detecting a new virtual system on the server system, and with the server system, using a physical address of the new virtual system to perform network authentication on behalf of the new virtual system. |
| US09129112B2 |
Methods, systems and machine-readable media for providing security services
Systems, methods and machine-readable media for providing a security service are disclosed. The methods include receiving a modification of the application object code to allow the software application to transmit a request for the security service; retrieving the modified application object code corresponding to the software application from memory; receiving, via a processor, the request for the security service from the modified application object code; and providing, via the processor, the security service. The systems and machine-readable media performing operations according to the methods disclosed. |
| US09129109B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting a malware in files
An apparatus for detecting a malware in files includes an acquisition unit configured to obtain from a file system information about a first time point when an interested folder is created by the file system, and information about a second time point when an interested file is created in the interested folder by the file system, a candidate determination unit configured to determine whether the interested file is a candidate file to be subjected to a malware inspection, based on the information on the first and the second time point, and an inspection unit configured to perform the malware inspection on the interested file determined to be the candidate file for the malware inspection. |