Document | Document Title |
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US09161717B2 |
Orthopedic insert measuring system having a sealed cavity
At least one embodiment is directed to an insert for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The insert can be temporary or permanent. In one embodiment, the insert is prosthetic component for a single compartment of the knee. The insert comprises a support structure and a support structure respectively having an articular surface and a load bearing surface. The height of the insert is less than 10 millimeters. At least one internal cavity is formed when support structures are coupled together for housing electronic circuitry, sensors, and the power source. The internal cavity is isolated from the external environment and can be hermetically sealed. The exterior surfaces of the support structure and the support structure are sterilized. |
US09161714B2 |
Specificity of analyte detection in etalons
A system and method is provided for detecting concentration of an analyte in a fluid. A first container includes (i) an optical cavity detection region, (ii) a reservoir for one or more modifiers of one or more optical properties of the optical cavity detection region, and (iii) a set of one or more bounding regions through which objects in the fluid can transfer into the container. The optical cavity detection region and the reservoir define separate areas of the first container. The movement of the one or more modifiers between the reservoir and the optical cavity detection region is responsive to changes in concentration of the analyte. A second container includes an optical cavity detection region, and a set of one or more bounding regions through which objects in the fluid can transfer into the container. Also provided are optical components for guiding light into the optical cavity detection regions of the first and second containers. |
US09161709B2 |
Biological skeletal system monitoring
A method of monitoring target tissue of a biological skeletal system. The method comprises applying a mechanical excitation to a portion of the biological skeletal system to generate a mechanical wave that passes through the target tissue, the target tissue modulating the mechanical wave to produce a response of the target tissue to the mechanical wave, measuring the response; and determining structural or functional status of the target tissue from the response. A system for applying the method is also provided. |
US09161708B2 |
Generation of personalized training regimens from motion capture data
The use of motion capture data for analyzing an individual's performance on certain exercises, and more particularly relates to comparison of movement data for an individual with a database of recorded motions for a population in order to generate a training regimen for the individual, and to monitor the individual's progress when carrying out the training regimen. |
US09161705B2 |
Method and device for early detection of heart attack
A device and method for heart performance characterization and abnormality detection is disclosed herein. The device and method analyze and characterize cardiac electrophysiological signals which help in the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia in advance of a heart attack. |
US09161703B2 |
Integrated bioinformatics sensing apparatus
An integrated bioinformatics sensing apparatus includes a piezoelectric sensing layer, an upper conductive layer, a bottom conductive layer and an information transmission controller. The piezoelectric sensing layer senses a physiological rhythm of a living organism to output a physiological rhythm signal, and the upper and bottom conductive layers sense a physiological electrical signal on a body surface of the living organism. The information transmission controller receives and processes the physiological rhythm signal and the physiological electrical signal to generate and store the sensed bioinformatics, or transmit the signals to the external processing device to display the sensed bioinformatics. The simple-structured sensing apparatus can be attached onto the body surface of the living organism conveniently. |
US09161702B2 |
Electronic sphygmomanometer
A power supply unit of an electronic sphygmomanometer includes a dry cell as a primary battery, a rechargeable battery as a secondary battery, and a power supply control circuit. A voltage detector detects a voltage (characteristic value) of the rechargeable battery, and a voltage detector detects the voltage of the dry cell. A switching control unit performs switching control of the dry cell and the rechargeable battery based on a detection result by the voltage detectors. |
US09161701B2 |
Method and an apparatus for determination of blood pressure
A method and an apparatus for non-interfering blood pressure measurements, relates to an apparatus for continuously monitoring blood pressure for patients at home or at work. The apparatus includes an extra-corporal sensor for blood pressure determination with a flexible housing adapted to be attached to the body of a living being proximate to an artery, and an electronic circuit for wireless coupling to a remote transceiver in accordance with the blood pressure in the artery, the remote transceiver adapted for wireless coupling to the sensor for generation of a pressure signal in accordance with the blood pressure in the artery, and a processor connected to the remote transceiver for reception of the pressure signal and adapted to estimate systolic and diastolic pressure based on the signal. |
US09161697B2 |
System for measuring and recording a user's vital signs
A system for measuring and recording data pertaining to a user's vital signs in response to a single action by the user is provided. The system includes a base unit with a computer system, metallic layers affixed to a first side face and a bottom face of the base unit, an aperture, and a flexible shaft extending from the bottom face of the base, and an extension member pivotably mounted to a second side face of the base unit. The system receives the user's thumb on the metallic layer located on the first side face, index finger between the base unit and the extension member, lips on the bottom face metallic layer and tongue above the flexible shaft to capture the vital signs data and communicate the data to the remote location. |
US09161686B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes an alignment unit configured to align a first fundus oculi image that is an aberration-corrected image of an eye being examined and a second fundus oculi image having a larger view angle and a lower resolution than the first fundus oculi image, by using a third fundus oculi image having a smaller view angle and a higher resolution than the second fundus oculi image; a distance acquisition unit configured to acquire a distance from a macula lutea of the eye being examined to a certain position in the first fundus oculi image aligned by the alignment unit; and an evaluation unit configured to evaluate the state of the eye being examined from the distance and information concerning photoreceptor cells included in the first fundus oculi image. |
US09161684B2 |
Monitoring disposition of tethered capsule endoscope in esophagus
A scanning flexible endoscope includes a tether attached to a capsule. The tether controls a disposition of the capsule within a body lumen such as the esophagus. A scanning device in the capsule optically scans the adjacent tissue on the inside surface of the body lumen as the capsule is moved axially through the body lumen. A non-contact sensor responds to indicia on the tether to measure a relative position of the tether and the capsule in the body lumen. The indicia can be analog or digital in form and the sensor can be either magnetic, or optical. A wiper is optionally provided to remove bodily fluids from the tether when pulled from the body lumen past the sensor. A pulse of fluid can be delivered to the distal end of the tether to cause the body lumen to distend, facilitating free movement of the capsule in the lumen. |
US09161681B2 |
Motionless adaptive stereoscopic scene capture with tuneable liquid crystal lenses and stereoscopic auto-focusing methods
A motionless adaptive focus stereoscopic scene capture apparatus employing tunable liquid crystal lenses is provided. The apparatus includes at least two image sensors preferably fabricated as a monolithic stereo image capture component and at least two corresponding tunable liquid crystal lenses preferably fabricated as a monolithic focus adjustment component. Using a variable focus tunable liquid crystal lens at each aperture stop provides constant magnification focus control. Controlled spatial variance of a spatially variant electric field applied to the liquid crystal of each tunable liquid crystal lens provides optical axis shift enabling registration between stereo images. A controller implements coupled auto-focusing methods employing multiple focus scores derived from at least two camera image sensors and providing multiple tunable liquid crystal lens drive signals for synchronous focus acquisition of a three dimensional scene. Wafer manufacture provides a compact stereoscopic image capture apparatus for endoscopic surgery, optical inspection and entertainment applications. |
US09161679B2 |
Image processing system having an additional piece of scale information to be processed together with the image information
The invention relates to an image processing system, containing an optical digital camera (1) having means (4) that produce information representative of a specified geometric distance within the image using laser light in the detection range of the optical digital camera (1), said information representative of the specified geometric distance being processed together with the image information. Separating means (8) are arranged downstream of the digital camera, said separating means separating the information representative of the specified geometric distance from the image information. Subsequent evaluating means produce a distance value therefrom. Image storage means (9) additionally arranged downstream of the separating means are used to store the recorded image information. Adjustment means (14) automatically change the image size on a display in the form of a digital zoom for the purpose of setting the reproduction size according to a specified scale factor in such a way that an object contained in the image content, the physical dimension of which object corresponds to the specified geometric distance, is reproduced in a corresponding dimension that is multiplied by the specified scale factor. |
US09161675B2 |
Household appliance including information light device
A household appliance includes an information light device that projects light onto a surface to enable a user to determine whether or not the household device is in operation. The information light device may include a light guide. The light guide may be disposed along a side portion of the household appliance. |
US09161673B2 |
Wringer for a bucket
The disclosed wringer for a bucket includes flexible wall members for squeezing around a strip mop. Each wall member has an outer portion, an inner portion, and a transition zone between the outer portion and inner portion and each wall member having an upper face and an under face that is facing the container. On at least one of the wall members at the under face is a least one outwardly projecting rib extending through the transition zone. |
US09161662B2 |
Food processor comprising a weighing device
A food processor device for processing foodstuff includes a housing and a food processing container for holding foodstuff during processing. The food processing container is supported by the housing during use of the food processor device. The food processor further includes a user interface for exchanging information, during use, with the user and a food weighing device. The food weighing device includes a food weighing bowl for weighing foodstuff before the foodstuff is entered into the food processing container, and at least one weighing sensor for sensing the weight of the food weighing bowl. During weighing, the food weighing bowl is located above the food processing container. Further, the weighing bowl is suitable for covering the food processing container during food preparation. |
US09161658B2 |
Single cup brewer
A beverage making apparatus including a housing containing a water system. The water system includes a heated water reservoir and a pour-in basin for receiving water. The pour-in basin is connected to a water pump which pumps water from the basin to the heated water reservoir. Water from the heated water reservoir is moved to a spray head for dispensing to a beverage brewing substance retained in either at least one of a pod format or a cartridge format. A pair of conductance probes are contained in the fill basin to indicate the status of water in the fill basin. The brewer is designed for use with multiple beverage making substance holders so that multiple beverage substance formats can be used with the brewer. |
US09161656B2 |
Espresso coffee dispensing system and method
An espresso coffee dispensing system including at least one espresso coffee production machine including at least one espresso coffee dispensing unit, the unit comprising a filter for containing ground coffee powder and hot water feeder; a coffee grinder having an exit port for coffee powder and a temperature sensor disposed in proximity to the exit port to measure the temperature value of the ground coffee powder leaving the port; electronic controller associated with the coffee grinder to determine the water temperature value. |
US09161651B2 |
Dual drum spiral oven
In one aspect, an oven is provided and includes a drum oriented with a vertical axis and a motor for rotating the drum about the axis, a conveyor belt having a length helically surrounding the drum, and having an infeed end and outlet end, a chamber defined by walls surrounding the drum and the length of the conveyor belt, and a plenum within the chamber and being curved substantially concentrically with the drum. The plenum forms a substantially closed air pathway having an inlet at one end and an outlet at an opposite end passing air into the chamber. The oven also includes a fan arranged to circulate air within the chamber and force air into the plenum inlet, through the plenum and out of the plenum outlet, and a heat exchanger arranged in the plenum. |
US09161649B2 |
Electronic curtain moving device
Provided is an electronic curtain moving device. Thus device can comprise: a pulley operably connected to a motor, the pulley having a groove through which a cord of a curtain travels, wherein the pulley can move in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions; a head capable of movement from a first and a second position; Wherein movement of the pulley in the clockwise direction makes the head move to the first position and make contact with the cord, and movement of the pulley in the counter-clockwise direction makes the head move to the second position and make contact with the cord at a different location than contact at the first position. |
US09161647B2 |
Stand with inserts
A system for mounting decorative objects, such as Christmas trees, is disclosed. The system can include a base and a plurality of inserts. The base can comprise a plurality of feet that have a retracted position for ready storage and a deployed position for supporting a tree. The base can further comprise a locking mechanism for locking the feet in the retracted position, the deployed position, or both. The base can further comprise an adapter for receiving one or more inserts. The inserts can comprise a consistent outer diameter, for insertion into the adapter, and a variety of inner diameters for use with a variety of tree diameters. The insert can be installed on the trunk of a tree and then installed into the adapter on the base simplifying the tree erection process. |
US09161643B2 |
Implement with a handle for a user having an impaired hand grip
Provided is an implement that has a handle adapted to be positioned on a user's hand such that the user's hand goes through the handle. The handle has an aperture that is adapted to accept a user's hand. The implement of the present invention may have a wide variety of implements as described herein. Particular implements include, for example, personal care implements such as, eating utensils, a toothbrush or a hair care implement, such as, a hairbrush or comb. |
US09161641B2 |
Foldable mat
A foldable mat is provided. The foldable mat may move from a usable First Position A to a condensed Second Position B. The foldable mat has a plurality of grommets. The grommets are located along the four corners of the mat. The front and the back of the mat have a plurality of protrusions which extend outward and cover substantially the entire top and bottom surface of the mat. A first crease lacking the protrusions extends along the center of the mat parallel to the side of the foldable mat and a second crease lacking the protrusion extends along the center of the mat substantially perpendicular with respect to the first crease. The mat may be folded into a Second Position B and a fastener may secure the foldable mat in the Second Position B by securing the grommets together. |
US09161639B1 |
Folding breath guard
A folding breath guard configured to at least partially cover food in a foodservice area includes a top panel, a first side panel, a first hinge rotatably coupling the first side panel to the top panel, wherein the first side panel is movable between an extended position and a storage position, a second side panel, a second hinge rotatably coupling the second side panel to the top panel, wherein the second side panel is movable between an extended position and a storage position, a first storage position securing device for securing the first side panel in the storage position, and a second storage position securing device for securing the second side panel in the storage position. |
US09161637B2 |
Playard frame and handrail device thereof
The present invention is to disclose a handrail device adapted for a playard frame, and the handrail device includes a handrail, a connecting component, and an engaging structure for detachably connecting the handrail and the connecting component. The handrail is detachably connected to the connecting component and is assembled easily. Hence, it is beneficial to decrease a size of a package for packing the handrail device before being assembled, and the handrail device can be transported or stored easily. |
US09161636B2 |
Baby cradle and mounting device
The present invention relates to a cradle (10) for a chair (1), where the chair comprises a chair back (11) having at least one element having an upper end or edge (12), characterized in that the cradle comprises at least one hooking means (122) in the rear portion of the cradle which enables the cradle to be hooked over the upper end or edge of the chair back elements(s), said cradle also being capable of standing alone on a base, such as a floor, when it is not hooked onto the chair back and, in both cases, is used as a cradle or a seat for a baby or small child. |
US09161633B2 |
System of memory positions for an adjustable bed
This disclosure concerns a memory position user interface for accessing a predetermined range of discrete acceptable positions that are stored in the memory of an adjustable bed controller. |
US09161631B2 |
Adjustment mechanism for furniture
An adjustment mechanism for an office chair is disclosed. The adjustment mechanism may be used to adjust a height or position of an adjustable member of the chair. The adjustment mechanism can include an adjusting rod threaded through at least one, and in some arrangements two, adjusting members, the adjusting members each having a straight portion and a curved portion, the curved portion of each adjusting member received within a slot of a spreading member such that movement of the spreading member toward the adjusting rod spreads apart the adjusting members, creating a clamping force on the adjusting rod to set the height or position of the adjustable member of the chair. |
US09161630B2 |
Deformable seat shell with motion control
A seat assembly includes a seat bottom with a deformable seat shell. The deformable seat shell is configured to change shape with a changing occupant load distribution. The seat shell is coupled with a support frame via a shell motion controller having one or more motion control links. Each motion control link is coupled with the seat shell at a fixed location relative to the seat shell and with the support frame at a fixed location relative to the support frame. The shell motion controller allows these fixed locations to move relative to each other and also constrains their relative movement. The combined seat shell deformation and controlled movement relative to the support frame can provide the seat occupant with a comfortable seating experience while preventing pelvis drift and potentially eliminating traditional foam seat cushions. |
US09161629B2 |
Chair assembly
A chair assembly includes a frame, seat, and a back. The frame has two foot frames and two back supports. The foot frame has an upper rod, and an extending supporting rib is formed to the upper rod. The back support has an assembling sheet. The seat has a cut for receiving the upper rod of the foot frame on two lateral sides thereof, and the rear side of the seat also has a cut for receiving the transverse shaft of the frame. The back has two pin holes on two lateral sides of the bottom thereof for receiving the back supports of the frame, and the pin hole has a slot for receiving the assembling sheet of the back support. The seat is fixed to the frame, and the back is fixed to the frame through the assembling sheet of the back support with two fastening components. |
US09161627B2 |
Device for synchronizing the seat and backrest of a chair
Device for synchronizing the tilt of the back and the seat of a chair, of the type comprising a back frame, a seat frame and a support constrained to, or coincident with, the base of the chair, as well as at least one first crank hinged to the support and a front portion of the seat frame, and at least one second crank hinged to the support and a rear portion of the seat frame, so that the afore said at least one first and one second crank constitute a four-bar linkage with the seat frame. Advantageously, the device provides that the back frame is integral with the afore said at least one first crank. |
US09161626B2 |
Drawer guide
A drawer guide is provided for a drawer configured to be pulled out of a carcass in a pull-out direction. The drawer guide has at least two guide rails displaceable relative to one another, and a locking device for locking at least one of the at least two guide rails relative to at least one further one of the at least two guide rails with respect to the pull-out direction. The locking device has at least one locking element and at least one locking element receiver to receive the at least one locking element, which are arranged on different guide rails. The at least one locking element receiver has at least two receiver portions, between which at least one locking element is receivable in a locked state of the drawer guide. |
US09161622B1 |
Air traffic control center console
An Air Traffic Control (ATC) console provides improved structural integrity and cable routing. The ATC console includes laterally spaced apart vertical ribs including a strong center box structure and slat wall hooks on opposing flat wings. Front and rear slat wall panels attached to opposite sides of the ribs by horizontal lips on rear surfaces of the slat walls engaging the slat wall hooks. Horizontal openings for cable passage are created by spacing consecutive slat walls apart, and may be staggered to avoid light reaching an operator. Brush grommets may fill the openings in the front slat walls further preventing light from reaching the operator. Cable trays may be position under the horizontal openings and the vertical ribs may include cable pass throughs aligned with the horizontal openings and cable trays allowing cables to be routed laterally between the slat walls. |
US09161621B1 |
Toiletries dispenser
The inventive device disclosed in the present application is a convenient multi-purpose restroom storage and dispensation device. The device stores many common household toiletries and dispenses toilet paper in a more aesthetic manner, allowing the user to effortlessly have any necessary utilities at their disposal in one location. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. |
US09161620B2 |
Mobile serving cart with adjustable hinges
A mobile serving cart with adjustable hinges that allows for the production inconsistencies associated with rotational molding. The cart comprises a plurality of door assemblies, each door assembly comprising at least two hinge assemblies, at least one hinge assembly being disposed at the upper portion of the door assembly, and at least one other hinge assembly being disposed at the lower portion of the door assembly. Each hinge assembly comprises at least two door bolts, at least one cart bolt, and a pivot rod. The cart rod is disposed between the at least two door bolts at an orientation that is orthogonal to the at least two door bolts. The hinge assemblies provide a means for the rotationally molded door assemblies and side walls of the cart to be tightly or snuggly coupled together despite the manufacturing inconsistencies inherent to the rotational molding process. |
US09161615B2 |
Collapsible picnic table set
A collapsible picnic table set comprising a tabletop, where the tabletop rests atop a base. The base includes at least two pairs of legs, where each pair of legs includes a support bar; a pivot lock attached beneath the tabletop; and a tension beam attached to the support bar at one end and to the pivot lock at an opposing end. The picnic table includes a pair of collapsible benches, where each of the pair of collapsible benches includes; a seat; at least two pairs of bench legs; at least one support bar connecting the pair of bench legs to each other; a pivot lock fastened beneath the seat; and a bench tension beam attached to the support bar and the pivot lock. The legs of both the picnic table and the benches fold against the tabletop and the seat, respectfully to create a compact structure when not in use. |
US09161614B2 |
Cosmetic applicator assembly
A method of making a cosmetic applicator assembly is described. The cosmetic applicator assembly includes an applicator head comprising an applicator front portion having at least a first surface, a second surface, and a multiplicity of apertures extending between the first surface and the second surface, at least one applicator component protruding from the at one least aperture and attachable to the applicator front portion, and an applicator back portion fixed to the applicator front portion so as to cover the second surface of the applicator front portion. |
US09161612B2 |
Surface-cleaning device
A device for cleaning a surface, such as a barbeque grill, has a substantially hollow enclosure that has at least a lower side, an upper side, and a peripheral edge, and contains a plurality of motors that each has a rotational shaft selectively fixable with a rotatable brush. At least a portion of bristles of each brush projects below a plane of the lower side of the enclosure. The enclosure further contains a power source and a circuit adapted for connecting power to each of the motors for a preset period of time upon actuation of an electrical switch connected thereto. The circuit is adapted to run each motor in a first direction and then an opposing direction, such that if the device becomes stuck at an obstruction, it will eventually turns around due to the alternating directions of the motors. |
US09161603B2 |
Pad with fluid barrier
The present invention relates to a device for applying at least one product in a controlled manner onto a surface. The device comprises several layers, where a bottom layer and at least a storage layer are welded together during the manufacturing of the device in order to create a temporary liquid barrier in the storage layer. The temporary liquid barrier will form at least one closed chamber in the storage layer, where the purpose of the temporary liquid barrier is to delay the liquid running over the barrier after the storage layer has been filled with the liquid that is to be applied. This delay of the liquid running over the temporary liquid barrier will ensure that the rest of the different layers of the device can be joined together inside and around their outer peripheries, in order to create a liquid tight storage chamber for the product. |
US09161598B2 |
Ophthalmic devices for delivery of beneficial agents
Contact lenses comprising phosphorylcholine groups release beneficial polyionic or guanidinium-containing agents. |
US09161597B2 |
Protective case with internal suspension system
A protective case for a mobile electronic device can include a sliding back portion that permits quick and easy installation and removal of the mobile device. The protective case can include a chassis that resists bending or flexing during an impact event, thereby reducing stresses imparted to components of the mobile device housed in the protective case during the impact event. The protective case can include surface coverings to absorb and dissipate impact energy resulting from the impact event, thereby reducing impact forces transmitted to the mobile device. The protective case can include an internal suspension system configured to protect the electronic device from drop-induced damage and to preserve the resale value of an electronic device by minimizing cosmetic damage to external surfaces of the electronic device while housed in the case. In some examples, the protective case can be waterproof. |
US09161589B2 |
Ski boot
Ski-boot includes a rigid shell shaped to accommodate the foot, and a rigid cuff which is shaped to surround the ankle and is hinged on the shell so to be rotatable about a transversal reference axis; the shell being provided with a front sole and with a substantially duckbill-shaped front appendix which protrudes from the tip of the shell to form an extension of the front sole, and is structured so as to engaged in the front jaw of a specific ski fastening device; the front appendix having, on each lateral side, a respective side groove which starts on the appendix upper face at a distance from the appendix tip ranging between 10 and 20 millimeters, and continues by flanking the shell tip while increasing its depth, so to form a descending slope above which a corresponding prong of the front jaw of the ski fastening device is arranged. |
US09161588B2 |
Adjustable headband device for a helmet
An adjustable headband device for a helmet has a base, a headband, a driven wheel, a resilient element, a cover plate and an adjusting knob. The headband is mounted on the base and has two toothed racks. The driven wheel has a gear engaging the toothed racks, multiple engaging tabs and multiple ratchet pawls. The cover plate is mounted on the base and has multiple ratchet teeth selectively engaging the ratchet pawls. The adjusting knob of the adjustable headband device rotates to control increase and decrease of an inner diameter defined by the looped headband without being depressed. |
US09161586B2 |
Magnetic mounting clip and related method of use
A mounting clip for attaching objects, such as flashlights to an article, includes a clipping portion dimensioned for attaching the clip to the article and an object mounting portion formed with the clipping portion. Objects of different widths are removably yet snugly grasped within the object mounting portion. The clipping portion includes upper and lower members defining a slot for receiving the article through a lip of the slot and frictionally securing the clip to the article. |
US09161578B1 |
Finger guard assemblies
Finger guard assemblies and methods of manufacturing finger guard assemblies are provided. The finger guard assembly includes a finger guard housing and a finger guard component including a shroud portion and an engagement arm slidably coupled to the finger guard housing. |
US09161575B1 |
Pants, replaceable knee panels, and pants having the same
A pair of pants and replacement panels for use with the pants where a pant leg having a generally tubular configuration extends from a trunk portion of the pants, the pant leg defining a gap extending from an above-the-knee area of the pant leg to a terminal end of the pant leg, the gap originates from a position above a half-way position of the pant leg where the half-way position is measured along an inseam of the pant leg to be halfway from the terminal end of the pant leg to a crotch of the pant leg. Each leg of the pants may define a gap and each leg may be configured to have a panel connected to the leg to cover the gap. |
US09161574B2 |
Post-surgical garment
A post medical procedure garment includes front and rear panels with height adjusting straps that extend over the wearer's shoulders. The front panel includes an outer compression fabric and an inner cup assembly, which is essentially non-compressive. The cup assembly includes individual cups for each breast. An elastic band extends around the bottom portion of the garment. Tensioning structures, such as side flaps extending from the back to the front, can be provided to adjust the circumferential size of the garment. The garment can include releasable closures on the side of the garment to aid in putting on and taking off the garment. A connector can removably attach a fluid storage device to the side flaps or the elastic band. The fluid storage device can hold post-medical procedure drainage fluid. |
US09161572B2 |
Structures for creating smoking articles and methods of packaging same
Aspects of the invention generally provide methods and structures for rolling paper structures for an end user to create a cigar or cigarette. In one aspect, a rolling paper structure is provided including a first paper section having a first height, a second paper section coupled to the first paper section and the second paper section having a second height longer than the first height, and an optional adhesive disposed on the second paper section. The rolling paper structure may be folded between the first paper section and the second paper section having a portion extending beyond the first paper section. A plurality of the rolling paper structures may be disposed in a storage structure. A method for disposing rolling paper structures in and retrieving rolling papers structures from the storage structure is also provided. |
US09161570B2 |
Banded papers, smoking articles and methods
Wrapper for cigarette manufacture includes transversely extending band regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The band regions comprise starch, an anti-wrinkling agent such as 1,2 propylene glycol or glycerin, and optionally calcium carbonate. Any suitable printing technique can be used to apply the aqueous solution to the banded regions. The pattern of banded regions may be bands, stripes, two-dimensional arrays, undulated regions, and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The pattern can be applied in one or more layers. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate. |
US09161569B2 |
Smoking product wrapping material having improved smouldering properties
Disclosed is a smoking article wrapping material comprising a base wrapping material to which has been applied, at least in discrete zones, a composition comprising a mechanically fragmented, chemically crosslinked polysaccharide having a particle size (weighted average) in the range from 1 to 1000 μm for the dry product; a process for production thereof; and a smoking article comprising the smoking article wrapping material described. |
US09161567B2 |
Portion tobacco product
A portion tobacco product includes a tobacco filler containing leaf tobacco or a leaf tobacco component, and a first pouch containing a wrapping material having a function of controlling the permeation of a compound contained in the tobacco filler, wherein the tobacco filler is included in the first pouch. |
US09161565B1 |
Multivitamin-mineral regimens for longevity and wellness
Dietary vitamin-mineral supplements featuring various vitamins and minerals for benefiting individuals suffering from conditions such as nutritional deficiencies, vitamin deficiencies, aging, cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, coronary artery disease, fatigue, and stroke. Vitamins and minerals may include Vitamin C, Vitamin A, pregnenolone, coenzyme Q10, Vitamin K2, acetyl L-carnitine arginate, L-glutathione, among others. |
US09161563B2 |
Oligosaccharide mixture and food product comprising this mixture, especially infant formula
The invention discloses an oligosaccharide mixture comprising 5-70 wt % of at least one N-acetylated oligosaccharide, 5-90 wt % of at least one neutral oligosaccharide, 2-50 wt % of at least one sialylated oligosaccharide, and/or 5-70 wt % of at least one fucosylated oligosaccharide. The invention also discloses a food product, especially an infant formula, comprising said oligosaccharide mixture. |
US09161562B2 |
Natural sweetener
The invention relates to extracts, in particular non-nutrient phytochemicals, form sugar cane or sugar beet waste products, such as molasses, sugar mud and bagasse, which have Glycemic Index (GI) lowering properties and their use as sweeteners and in foods containing sugar. |
US09161561B2 |
Method and apparatus for extracting puree or juice from a vegetable or animal food
Method for extracting puree, or juice, from a starting product based on vegetable or animal food comprising a starting treatment step, for example a step of softening the food product obtaining a treated product (101). A deviation step follows (102), during which the treated product is selectively directed towards a cold extraction (110), or towards a hot extraction (200). If the treated product is directed towards a cold extraction, it follows firstly an extraction step (103), in which the treated product at the inlet is separated into a main product comprising the puree, or the juice (103a) and into a waste material (103b). The main product is then subjected to an enzymatic inactivation step which provides quickly heating the treated product up to a determined temperature T (104). In case, instead, the treated product is directed towards a hot extraction, it follows firstly the enzymatic inactivation step (203), and then it follows the extraction step, from which the main product (204a) and the waste material (204b) derive. |
US09161560B2 |
Industrial tomoato process and product obtained thereof
The invention relates to a tomato pulp composition wherein the particle size is not greater than 2.5 which does not contain seeds or peels from the tomato and has a lycopene concentration which is 5 to 15 folds higher than the lycopene concentration in the tomatoes from which said pulp is obtained. The invention further provides an industrial process for obtaining tomato pulp and tomato concentrate from tomato juice. The invention further provides a method for controlling the viscosity and lycopene concentration of tomato products, tomato concentrate or modified tomato juice, by separating a part of the pulp from the tomato juice from which said tomato products are obtained. |
US09161557B2 |
Dry composition for oral ingestion and gel composition prepared just before use for oral ingestion
A dry composition for oral ingestion characterized by comprising as an active ingredient a gas-releasing substance which releases gas by soak with water, and further comprising a gel base in an amount sufficient for gel formation; a gel composition for oral ingestion formed by adding water or a liquid diluent to the dry compound when taking; and a mixed feed obtainable by mixing the gel composition with a feed, are disclosed. |
US09161548B1 |
Animal underbelly bone splitter
An animal underbelly bone splitter preferably includes a base member, a bottom leg, a top leg and a handle portion. The bottom leg extends from one end of the base member at a bottom thereof. The top leg extends from the one end of the base member at a top thereof, such that a bone slot is created between the bottom leg and the top leg. A curved connecting surface preferably connects the bottom leg with the top leg. A cutting edge is formed on a top edge of the bottom leg. The handle portion extends from an opposing end of the base member at an acute angle from the top edge of the top leg. A resilient grip is formed on the handle portion. A second embodiment of the animal underbelly bone splitter includes a bone pocket tab, which extends downward from an end of the top leg. |
US09161546B2 |
Insect repelling methods and compositions
Compositions and methods for repelling biting midges, sand flies, and mosquitoes comprising applying to human skin compositions comprising neem oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and monoi oil. This composition is non toxic to mammals, marine vertebrates or invertebrates and other forms of aquatic life. |
US09161541B2 |
Pesticide composition comprising propamocarb-hydrochloride and an insecticide active substance
The present invention relates to a pesticide composition intended for protecting plants, crops or seeds against phyto-pathogenic fungi or damaging insects, and the corresponding methods of treatment using the said composition. More precisely, the subject of the present invention is a pesticide composition based on propamocarb-HCl, an insecticide active substance and optionally a further fungicide active substance. |
US09161537B2 |
Substituted 4-cyan-3-phenyl-4-(pyridine-3-yl)butanoates, processes for preparation thereof and use thereof as herbicides and plant growth regulators
Compounds of the formula (I) or salts thereof in which R1 and (R2)n are as defined in Claim 1 are suitable as herbicides for the control of harmful plants or as plant growth regulators. The compounds can be prepared by the processes of Claim 7. |
US09161536B2 |
Herbicidal compositions comprising 4-amino-3-chloro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-5-fluoropyridine-2-carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof and flurtamone, diflufenican, or picolinafen
Provided herein are herbicidal compositions and methods employing combinations of (a) a compound of the formula (I) or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof and (b) one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of flurtamone, diflufenican, and picolinafen. Some embodiments employ flufenacet as an additional herbicidal component. |
US09161534B2 |
Methods for cleaning a surface
A method of killing and removing bacteria, mold, mildew or fungus from a surface or keratin substrate includes contacting the surface with an aqueous solution containing a multi carboxylic alpha hydroxy acid, a mono carboxylic organic acid and optionally Aloe. The aqueous solution has a pH of less than 2. The method can also be used to deodorize fabrics, surfaces or stagnant water. The method can also be used to treat wounds and skin irritations. |
US09161532B2 |
Cinnamaldehyde-allicin formulations and methods of their use
The invention is directed to emulsifiable oil suspension concentrate formulations containing cinnamaldehyde (cinnamic aldehyde) and allicin that are effective in protecting plants from pests, especially nematodes, and methods of their use. |
US09161531B2 |
High alcohol content sanitizer
This invention relates to an antimicrobial sanitizing composition in the form of a gel or cream that contains an alcohol in an amount of at least 55% by weight. The sanitizer is capable of disinfecting and providing prolonged antimicrobial property to a variety of surfaces, including the skin, without causing, drying, cracking, redness or irritation. In addition to alcohol, the sanitizer contains an anionic phospholipid in a controlled concentration as well as components conventionally found in skin creams and gels such as emulsifiers, emollients, moisturizers, rheology modifiers, and neutralizers. The anionic phospholipid enables use of the composition without the user experiencing dryness or irritation and the feeling of a greasy and unpleasant residue on the skin following use. |
US09161528B2 |
Method for dental pulp cryopreservation
The present invention relates to a method for cryopreserving the pulp of a non-exfoliated deciduous tooth, comprising a step of making with a laser a hole into the tooth removed from its physiological seat on the tooth neck. After making the hole, the tooth is contacted with a cryopreserving agent and then cryofrozen. An object of the invention further consists in mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the pulp of a cryopreserved tooth according to the method of the invention. |
US09161526B2 |
Telescoping boom hoist system
A telescoping boom hoist system is a tree mounted system that provides a hunter with a facilitated means of raising and installing a tree stand. The telescoping boom hoist system is provided with a collapsible design that allows for facilitated transport and handling. The apparatus utilizes a telescopic boom and a frame assembly. The frame assembly provides a stable base for the apparatus. The telescopic boom is coupled to an axle member of the frame assembly, permitting the telescopic boom to pivot. The telescopic boom utilizes a plurality of guide rings that function as pulley or hoist anchor points. The telescoping boom extends the positioning of the guide rings in order to prevent interference while hoisting a tree stand. After installing the tree stand, the telescoping boom hoist system provides a means of safely raising a plurality of hunting equipment to the mounted tree stand. |
US09161522B2 |
Fishing lure
A fishing lure configured to have a rocking motion when pulled through water. The fishing lure has a body shaped like an elliptic parabaloid. A hook is mechanically coupled to the body and to an egg sinker wherein the egg sinker is proximate one end of the body. A sealer is configured to cover the body and the hook. The egg sinker causes the body to sink mimicking a fish diving. The body is configured to have the rocking motion when moving mimicking the fish swimming. |
US09161521B2 |
Lure fishing assembly with weighted wireform
A fishing lure assembly is disclosed which comprises a blade free to oscillate, yaw and produce a trailing wake as the fishing lure assembly is displaced through water. A weight is affixed to the fishing lure assembly, but affixed to an associated wireform where it is inferiorly disposed relative to the blade such that the blade is free to oscillate and have side-to-side action, substantially unaffected by mass and inertia of the weight. The fishing lure may be variably constructed to include one or more hooks and artificial or natural soft bait and hard bait bodies which are disposed to follow behind the trailing wake of the blade. A compound lure is disclosed wherein the weight is replaced by a jig hook. |
US09161520B2 |
Transgenic animal expressing Alzheimer's tau protein
The present invention provides transgenic non-human animals and non-human mammalian somatic and germ cells harboring a human DNA sequence encoding Alzheimer's Disease (AD) derived tau protein, capable of inducing AD pathology in transgenic animals. Alzheimer's tau protein is expressed on specific genetic backgrounds allowing also simulation of different human diseases including hypertension, diabetes, hyper-cholesterolemia, which are associated with neurodegeneration and are considerable risk factors for AD development. Transgenic animals and cells of the invention exhibit neurofibrillary pathology and may serve as in vivo and in vitro assay systems for screening and developing therapeutic and preventive substances and also diagnostic markers and probes for tauopathies and AD. Furthermore these transgenic animals and cell lines derived thereof provide an in vivo and in vitro assay system for neurodegenerative disorders preferably tauopathies and AD result from combinations with other disease as hypertension and others representing risk factors associated with the process of neurodegeneration. |
US09161516B2 |
Radial-shape wireless dog fence system and method with reduced clock speed variation between base unit and collar
A radial-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system includes a base unit and at least one collar, and is easy to set up and use. Each of the base unit and the one collar include a component for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/−5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units. |
US09161514B2 |
Automated feeding device and method
A feeder comprising: a base assembly and a rotatable housing, wherein the rotatable housing comprises: a pivotable portioning divider and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the pivotable portioning divider so that the pivotable portioning divider can be adjusted to vary an amount of food dispensed by the feeder. |
US09161513B2 |
Bird feeder
A wild animal feeder is provided for holding a food block having a passageway therein. The feeder comprises a base member and a roof member. The base and roof members define a food receiving space there between for receiving a food block. A food block engaging member has a proximal end and a distal end. A food block engaging member coupler is provided that is attached to one of the base member and roof member for coupling the food block engaging member to one of the base member and roof member for permitting the food block engaging member to move between a food block engaging position and a food block release position. In the food block engaging position, the food block engaging member is positioned in the food receiving space between the roof and base member to engage the food block for maintaining the food block on the feeder on the food receiving space. In the food block released position, the food engaging member is positioned to permit the food block to be inserted into the food receiving space. |
US09161498B1 |
Climate control system and method for a greenhouse
A greenhouse environment control system generates a CO2-enriched air which is supplied to a greenhouse at a controlled temperature suitable for plant growth. An absorption chiller reduces temperature of a CO2-containing stream of processed gasses from an engine. A mixing and blending unit maintains CO2 at an acceptable concentration for enhanced plant growth and human occupation. An HVAC system modulates temperature and positively pressurizes the greenhouse with the CO2-enriched air to reduce risk of contaminant intrusion. Misting further controls temperature. Retractable shades regulate light supplied to plants and solar gain. |
US09161495B2 |
Method for preparing raw material for functional foods from barley or wheat seeds
A method is provided for preparing a raw material for functional foods from vernalized, pre-germinated barley or wheat seeds, plumules cultured the vernalized, pre-germinated barley or wheat seeds, or a material resulting from the fermentation of the vernalized, pre-germinated barley or wheat seeds with lactic acid bacteria. |
US09161493B2 |
Removable corn sheller discharge gate assembly
A removable discharge gate assembly for a corn shelling machine having a discharge gate rotatably mounted to the machine, a bracket mounted to the machine, and a shock absorber mounted to and extending between the gate and the bracket. |
US09161492B2 |
Header with a conveyor belt having conveyor belt supports configured for improved sealability
A header has a middle section disposed on a main frame, at least two side sections adjacent to the middle section, a rear panel extending perpendicularly to the main frame, a flexible finger bar extending across a width of the header and a conveyor device disposed behind the finger bar. The conveyer device is designed on the side sections as a continuous conveyor belt disposed adjacent to the middle section in order to transport crop cut by the finger bar laterally in the direction of the middle section. The side sections are formed as a plurality of supporting arms swivellably disposed on the main frame that support the finger bar. Each side section has a plurality of supporting elements for supporting the conveyor belt. Each of the supporting elements is supported in a bearing point to be displaceable in the axial direction relative to the main frame. |
US09161491B2 |
Method and apparatus for styling grounds and lawns
A portable device and a method for the decorative design of fields and grass surfaces with graphics, texts, logos, reliefs, engraved designs, or patterns is presented. The device is so conceived that at least one guiding element with at least one treatment actuator for applying a design to a surface is guided in a circular motion around a reference point by a drive unit. A circular treatment area results from this rotational movement. Within this treatment area, each point can be reached by the treatment actuator (realized e.g. as a spraying device having at least one nozzle) for the application of the design. The control mechanism of the device ensures that the treatment actuator undertakes the application of the design to the surface either while passing over the point to be treated or after positioning is complete. A template in digitalized form may serve as a basis for the treatment of the surface to which decoration is to be applied. |
US09161490B2 |
Zero-turn radius lawnmower with suspension system
Some embodiments of the invention provide an independent suspension system coupled to a main-frame of ride-on equipment including a subframe coupled to the main frame with a pivot including a pivot axis. Some embodiments include a transaxle assembly supported on the subframe coupled to a drive wheel, and a power source supported on the main frame coupled to the transaxle assembly. A rider can control the transaxle assembly with a compensated control linkage assembly that can compensate for movement of the subframe. Some embodiments include driven pulleys, idler pulleys and backside idler pulleys supported by the subframe coupled to the power source not supported by the subframe. In some embodiments, the pivot axis resides between the power source and the transaxle assembly. In some embodiments, the drive wheel can be driven by an electric motor supported by the subframe and the power source can be a battery. |
US09167735B2 |
Method for manufacturing electromagnetic interference shielding film
Provided is a method for manufacturing an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding film, including: (a) providing a single insulating layer on a first protective film, the insulating layer being made of an insulating layer composition including at least one resin selected from a thermoplastic resin and a thermosetting resin and at least one filler selected from a flame-retardant filler and an abrasion-resistant filler; (b) providing a metal layer on the insulating layer; (c) providing a conductive adhesive layer on the metal layer, the conductive adhesive layer being made from a conductive adhesive layer composition including at least one resin selected from a thermoplastic resin and a thermosetting resin and a conductive filler; and (d) providing a second protective film on the conductive adhesive layer, and an EMI shielding film manufactured by the method. |
US09167727B2 |
Rapidly assembling/disassembling device and electronic equipment
The disclosure discloses a rapidly assembling/disassembling device including a fixing frame, partitions, pushing brackets, and a fastening member. The fixing frame includes a first side plate and a second side plate. Fan modules are sequentially arranged between the first and second side plates. The second side plate abuts against a second side of the adjacent fan module. Each of the partitions abuts against the second side of the corresponding fan module. Each of the pushing brackets is pivotally connected in the fixing frame. Each of the pushing brackets includes a pushing arm. The fastening member is disposed on the first side plate. When the fastening member pushes the adjacent pushing bracket to abut against a first side of the adjacent fan module, each of the other pushing brackets is pushed by the corresponding pushing arm to abut against the first side of the corresponding fan module. |
US09167726B2 |
Transverse cooling system and method
A system and method for cooling a plurality of electronics cabinets having horizontally positioned electronics assemblies. The system includes at least one blower configured to direct air horizontally across the electronics assemblies, and at least one intercooler configured to extract heat from the air flow such that the system is room neutral, meaning that the ambient temperature remains constant during operation of the system. A plurality of chassis backplanes and power supplies may also include an intercooler, wherein the intercoolers are electronically controlled such that the system is room neutral. |
US09167725B2 |
Backplane structure and server system utilizing the same
A server system utilizing a backplane structure comprises first and second hard disk modules; a first backplane comprising a first wiring board comprising air vents and passive components and a second wiring board connected to a bottom portion of the first wiring board at a first angle and comprising first active components; and a second backplane comprising a third wiring board comprising second air vents and second passive components and a fourth wiring board connected to a bottom portion of the third wiring board at a second angle and comprising second active components thereon; wherein the first and second backplanes are disposed between the first and second hard disk modules; the first wiring board is directly corresponding to the first hard disk module; the third wiring board is directly corresponding to the second hard disk module; the first backplane is higher than the second backplane. |
US09167722B2 |
Electronic device provided with socket for card-shaped component
The electronic device according to the Present Disclosure is an electronic device provided with a heat-dissipating portion and an electronic component socket that can accommodate, therein, an installable electronic component, wherein the electronic component socket has a thermal connecting portion for connecting thermally to the electronic component, and, when the electronic component is operating, the electronic component and the heat-dissipating portion are connected thermally through the thermal connecting portion. |
US09167719B2 |
Systems and methods for managing heat generated by electronic equipment in an electronic equipment enclosure
A system for managing heat generated by electronic equipment in an electronic equipment enclosure is provided. The system includes a duct adapted to receive a first portion of the electronic equipment. The first portion of the electronic equipment includes an air intake opening. The duct forms a barrier between the first portion of the electronic equipment and a second portion of the electronic equipment. The second portion of the electronic equipment includes an air exhaust opening. The barrier separates cooled air entering the air intake opening and heated air exiting the air exhaust opening. |
US09167717B2 |
Connection device for cable management arm and slide assembly
A connection device includes a connection member attached to one of a cable management arm and a slide assembly, an insertion piece attached to the other one of the cable management arm and the slide assembly, and an engaging member attached to one of the connection member and the insertion piece. The connection member has a longitudinal passage and a window. The engaging member has a resilient arm and an engaging portion. The insertion piece has two insertion arms, one of which has a contact section located corresponding to the engaging portion, and a projecting portion for ensuring the insertion piece being inserted into the connection member in proper orientation. When the insertion piece is completely inserted into the longitudinal passage of the connection member, the engaging portion of the engaging member contacts the contact section to releasably lock the insertion piece to the connection member. |
US09167716B2 |
Blade server chassis bay divider
A divider for a bay of a blade server chassis includes a plurality of posts, a plurality of flex tabs, and a rail. The posts are located along a first side of the divider, and are configured to be inserted within respective holes in a first panel of the bay of the blade server chassis. The flex tabs are located along a second side of the divider, and are placed in physical communication with a second panel of the bay. The flex tabs are configured compress within the divider and away from the second panel to enable the posts to be inserted within in the holes of the first panel, the second side of the divider being opposite to the first side of the divider. The rail is located along a third side of the divider, and is configured to guide a blade server within the bay. |
US09167714B2 |
Reverse wedgelock device
A reverse wedgelock device with multiple draw blocks disposed about a lead screw passing through the draw blocks, wherein the draw blocks may be compressed together and caused to displace about respective wedge surfaces upon tightening of the screw. Compression and displacement of the draw blocks can function to draw anchors associated with the draw blocks inward, which, when engaged with opposing objects, functions to draw the objects together. |
US09167710B2 |
Embedded packaging with preformed vias
Microelectronic assemblies and methods of making the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, a microelectronic assembly includes a microelectronic element having edge surfaces bounding a front surface and contacts at the front surface; rigid metal posts disposed between at least one edge surface and a corresponding edge of the assembly, each metal post having a sidewall separating first and second end surfaces, the sidewalls have a root mean square (rms) surface roughness of less than about 1 micron; a encapsulation contacting at least the edge surfaces and the sidewalls; an insulation layer overlying the encapsulation; connection elements extending through the insulation layer, wherein at least some connection elements have cross sections smaller than those of the metal posts; a redistribution structure deposited on the insulation layer and electrically connecting first terminals with corresponding metal posts through the first connection elements, some metal posts electrically coupled with contacts of microelectronic element. |
US09167709B2 |
Electronic module for vehicle
An electronic module (10) designed to be installed in a vehicle, comprises a casing (11) containing at least two circuit boards (12, 13) connected together by at least one electrical conductor (14), the conductor having one of its ends bonded to one of the circuit boards and the other of its ends bonded to the other circuit board, the ends of the conductor being bonded by a “wedge bonding” technique, the casing also containing a protective resin (17) coating at least one of the bonded ends of the electrical conductor. This resin is a polyurethane resin. |
US09167708B2 |
Power conversion apparatus with grommet inserted into casing
A power conversion apparatus is equipped with grommets each of which hermetically seals between one of a coolant inlet tube and a coolant outlet tube of a cooler. Each of the grommets has a sealing protrusion and is fit in a cut-out formed in an end of a side wall of a casing with the sealing protrusion pressed against an inner wall of the cut-out. The installation of each of the grommets is achieved by inserting the grommet through the cut-out in a direction from outside to inside the casing so that a portion of the grommet protrudes from the wall into the casing. The visual perception of such protrusion made by an assembly worker, therefore, enables the assembly worker to determine whether the grommet has been installed in place in the cut-out to establish a desired hermetical seal or not. |
US09167706B2 |
Electronic flight bag retention device
An electronic flight bag retention device for use within an airborne vehicle. An electronic flight bag includes a tablet computer that can be retained within an airborne vehicle cockpit by configuring a rigid substrate to retain the electronic flight bag. The rigid substrate can include, for example, three clips upon the edges of the rigid substrate, two of which retain the electronic flight bag. A top edge of the rigid substrate can be angled to form a weight supporting member of the retaining device. Two elongated slots can be formed or cut into the rigid substrate to facilitate a clipboard spring clip insertion through one of the two slots in order to retain the retention device to a cockpit side window clipboard. |
US09167704B2 |
Lead-free solder alloy for printed circuit board assemblies for high-temperature environments
A solder alloy suitable for high temperature environments, such as for example electronic systems used in an oil or gas well where the temperature may be in the region of 175° C., the solder alloy having a Silver weight % in the range of 3.5 to 7.0, a Copper weight % in the range of 1.0 to 4.0, and an Antimony weight % in the range of 1.0 to 3.0. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
US09167702B2 |
Method of manufacturing wiring substrate having built-in component
A method of manufacturing a component-built-in wiring substrate which exhibits excellent reliability, through improvement of adhesion between a resin filler and a core substrate, is provided. In some embodiments the method comprises a core substrate preparation step for preparing a core substrate, an accommodation-hole forming step for forming an accommodation hole in the core substrate, and a through-hole forming step for forming through-holes. In a plating-layer forming step, a plating layer is formed on an inner wall surface of the accommodation hole and plating layers are formed on the inner wall surfaces of the through-holes, which become through-hole conductors each having a hollow. In an accommodation step, a component is accommodated in the accommodation hole. In a resin charging step, a resin filler is filled into a gap between component side-surfaces and the inner wall surface of the accommodation hole and into the hollows. |
US09167696B2 |
Low profile memory module
An electronic component module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a printed circuit board including a low-profile plug and at least one memory component thereon, and a connector for connecting the printed circuit board to a motherboard, the connector being mateable with the plug on the printed circuit board and having a z-height of no more than about 1.5 mm. The low-profile plug includes one hundred seventy pins and the number of pins allocated for VSS is no more than twenty-two and the number of pins allocated for VDD is no more than sixteen. Further, the low-profile plug includes an insulative portion protruding from a surface of the printed circuit board and having a “”-like or inverted “”-like profile in its center. The connector includes two sub-connectors, and an insulative portion having a “”-like or inverted “m”-like profile in the center. |
US09167692B2 |
Wiring board, semiconductor device, and method of manufacturing wiring board
A wiring board includes a first via hole in a first insulating layer to expose a first wiring layer. A first via in the first via hole includes an end surface. A second wiring layer is arranged on the first insulating layer and the end surface of the first via. A second insulating layer covers the second wiring layer. A second via hole in the second insulating layer exposes the second wiring layer. A second via in the second via hole is arranged above the first via through the second wiring layer. The outer surface of the first insulating layer is lower in surface roughness than an inner surface of the first via hole. |
US09167688B2 |
Micro-wire pattern for electrode connection
Micro-wires are arranged to form an electrical conductor connected to an electrode structure. The electrical conductor includes a plurality of spaced-apart first micro-wires extending in a first direction, wherein one of the first micro-wires is a connection micro-wire. A plurality of spaced-apart second micro-wires extends in a second direction different from the first direction. At least two adjacent second micro-wires are spaced apart by a distance greater than the spacing between at least two adjacent first micro-wires. Each second micro-wire is electrically connected to at least two first micro-wires. The electrode structure includes a plurality of electrically connected third micro-wires electrically connected to the connection micro-wire at spaced-apart connection locations and at least some of the adjacent connection locations are separated by a distance greater than any of the distances separating the second micro-wires. |
US09167687B2 |
Flexible printed circuit board, chip on film and manufacturing method
The invention discloses a flexible printed circuit board, a chip on film and a manufacturing method. The flexible printed circuit board used for hot pressing includes an insulating substrate with long edges; the insulating substrate is provided with a plurality of pins used for hot pressing; the pins of the flexible printed circuit board used for hot pressing are along the long edge of the insulating substrate; the spacing between two adjacent pins is gradually reduced from both ends to the middle. In the invention, after hot lamination, the spacing between the pins can almost keep constant and is equivalent to the expansion result of the LCD panel; thus, better electrical connection of the pins and the leads of the LCD panel can be ensured, and electrical contact is more reliable. |
US09167684B2 |
Apparatus and method for forming printed circuit board using fluid reservoirs and connected fluid channels
A substrate including a fluid reservoir and a connected fluid channel, the fluid reservoir positioned away from a component region of the substrate, the fluid channel configured to extend from the fluid reservoir to guide an electrically conductive fluid from the fluid reservoir at a reservoir end of the fluid channel through the fluid channel to a component end of the fluid channel, the component end extending to the component region of the substrate to enable the formation of an electrical connection to a connector of an electronic component appropriately positioned in the component region, formation of the electrical connection allowing the electronic component to be interconnected to other electronic components using one or more of the fluid reservoir and fluid channel. |
US09167681B2 |
Traveling wave linear accelerator based x-ray source using current to modulate pulse-to-pulse dosage
Provided herein are systems and methods for operating a traveling wave linear accelerator to generate stable electron beams at two or more different intensities by varying the number of electrons injected into the accelerator structure during each pulse by varying the electron beam current applied to an electron gun. |
US09167676B2 |
Linear ionizing bar with configurable nozzles
Ionizing bars for delivering charged carriers to charge neutralization target objects may include an ion emitter for establishing an ion cloud of charge carriers in response to application of an ionizing voltage. Disclosed bars may also include a reference electrode that presents a non-ionizing electric field to urge ions to move away from the ion emitter. The disclosed bars may also include a manifold. The manifold may receive and divide gas into plural gas streams directed past the ion emitter in a pattern to thereby urge charge carriers toward the target. The manifold may have plural apertures with nozzled inserts received therein. At least some of the inserts may have at least one aperture through which gas may flow and the nozzle inserts may collectively direct the divided gas streams away from the manifold and toward the target in one or more predetermined patterns. |
US09167673B2 |
Method for controlling a plurality of street lamps
A method of controlling multiple street lamps with a mobile terminal includes receiving event information regarding a street lamp, among the multiple street lamps, from a gateway via an Internet in real-time. The event information indicates that a predetermined event has occurred in the street lamp. Notification information indicating that the event information has been received, is provided to a user of the mobile terminal in real-time. A control instruction for controlling the first street lamp based on control information input by the user, is transmitted to the first street lamp. |
US09167672B2 |
Method and system for automatically verifying the possibility of rendering a lighting atmosphere from an abstract description
The invention relates to automatically verifying the possibility of rendering a lighting atmosphere from an abstract description, for example from a lighting atmosphere specified in XML (Extensible Markup Language) independent of a specific lighting infrastructure and of a room layout. A basic idea of the invention is to translate the possibilities of a lighting infrastructure into so called light element templates. A light element template contains an indication of the possibilities of the lighting infrastructure at a certain semantic location, for example in a shop or a home in which the lighting infrastructure is provided. For every type of light effect of a lighting infrastructure, a different light element template may be created. This allows to automatically verify the possibility of rendering a lighting atmosphere from an abstract description in a lighting infrastructure at an early stage of the lighting atmosphere design process. |
US09167668B1 |
Systems and methods for commissioning lighting fixtures
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention a lighting device comprising a processor and a memory comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, are configured to cause the lighting device to access identification information relating to the lighting device and transmit the identification information to a remotely located system controller automatically upon commissioning the lighting device. |
US09167667B2 |
Removable night light
The present invention is directed to an electrical device that includes a lighting circuit is disposed in the second housing and coupled to the voltage output terminals. The lighting circuit includes a control circuit coupled to a plurality of first light elements and at least one second lighting element. The plurality of first light elements is configured to provide a relatively wide illumination beam when energized by the control circuit in a first operational state, and the at least one second lighting element being configured to provide a relatively narrow illumination beam when energized by the control circuit in a second operational state. The control circuit is configured such that the first operational state and second operational state do not simultaneously occur. |
US09167663B2 |
Display apparatus and method of repairing the same
Provided is a display apparatus including a plurality of unit pixels, each including a plurality of sub-pixels; a first line branched in a first direction from a common line as many as the number of sub-pixels in each of the unit pixels so as to connect sub-pixels emitting light of the same color in neighboring unit pixels to each other; a second line extending in a second direction that crosses the first direction and connected to the sub-pixels; and a third line adjacent to the second line, extending in the second direction, and including a hole formed on a portion where the first line and the third line cross each other, and connected to the sub-pixels. |
US09167658B2 |
Light emitting element lighting device and lighting fixture using same
The light emitting element lighting device in accordance with the present invention, includes: a light emitting unit including a light emitting element; and a power supply circuit configured to supply a supply voltage to the light emitting unit. The power supply circuit is configured to increase the supply voltage from a first voltage lower than a lighting start voltage of the light emitting element to a second voltage higher than the lighting start voltage to light up the light emitting unit. The power supply circuit is configured to, in a process of increasing the supply voltage from the first voltage to the second voltage, decrease a rate of increase in the supply voltage as the supply voltage gets closer to the second voltage. |
US09167657B2 |
Organic light emitting device
An organic light emitting device includes a first electrode formed over a substrate; an intermediate layer that is formed over the first electrode and includes an organic light emitting layer; a second electrode that includes a central electrode unit disposed in a central region and a peripheral electrode unit disposed in a peripheral region, the intermediate layer being disposed between the first and second electrodes; and a power unit configured to apply voltages to the first electrode and the second electrode. The power unit is configured to apply different voltages to the first electrode, the central electrode unit, and the peripheral electrode unit. |
US09167655B2 |
Backlight adjustment system
A preferred embodiment relates to controlling the amount of backlight power in an electronic display to account for the temperature in the backlight cavity. Another embodiment relates to a system for controlling the amount of backlight based on both the temperature of the backlight and the amount of ambient light. |
US09167654B2 |
Solid light source lighting device, illumination apparatus, and illumination system
A solid light source lighting device includes: a step-down chopper circuit including a switching element and outputting a DC power by turning on and off the switching element; a capacitor connected in parallel to a solid light source connected across output terminals of the step-down chopper circuit; and a control circuit determining a control value for a switching operation of the switching element based on a dimming signal for indicating a dimming ratio of the solid light source, and performing switching control of the switching element based on the control value. When performing switching control of the switching element so that the dimming ratio becomes high based on the dimming signal indicating a first dimming ratio, the control circuit performs the switching control of the switching element based on the control value that becomes a second dimming ratio higher than the first dimming ratio for a prescribed time period. |
US09167653B2 |
Power supply device and luminaire
A power supply device includes a control circuit and a first circuit. The control circuit switches between a current control mode and a voltage control mode according to an inputted dimming signal and thus dims a light-emitting element. In the current control mode the control circuit controls an output current supplied to the light-emitting element to a target current, and in the voltage control mode the control circuit controls an output voltage supplied to the light-emitting element to a target voltage. The first circuit detects the output current and the output voltage, and sets the target voltage at which switching between the current control mode and the voltage control mode is carried out as a first voltage. |
US09167646B2 |
Pulse width modulation fault mode for illuminating device drivers
A PWM architecture of a microcontroller is disclosed that includes a fault module for regulating and detecting faults in current sensing or illuminating devices (e.g., LED strings). The fault module is part of a hardware regulation loop of LED voltage and LED current that allows the CPU to be placed in idle mode (“IDLE”) while an LED string is regulated in illumination. The microcontroller includes a PWM generator having a double channels PWM timer with a specific fault mode and an amplified comparator with a voltage reference. The architecture allows tuning of various parameters, including LED peak current, LED voltage supply, LED voltage regulation step and LED dimming value. In IDLE mode, the hardware regulation loop can regulate LED peak current and LED voltage supply without any CPU resource (microcontroller in IDLE mode). The fault module part of the hardware regulation loop can also detect and inform the CPU of: 1) an open LED; 2) a weak battery; and 3) an LED voltage that is under a target value. |
US09167643B2 |
High-precision LED control circuit, method and LED driver thereof
In one embodiment, a light-emitting diode (LED) driver can include: (i) a reference voltage control circuit configured to provide a reference voltage signal in response to an enable signal; (ii) a current control circuit configured to control an output current of the LED driver in response to the reference voltage signal; and (iii) the LED driver being configured to drive an LED load when the enable signal is active. |
US09167642B2 |
LED lighting device and illuminating apparatus using the same
An LED lighting device includes: a resistor R1 configured to output a detection value of an inductor current I1 flowing through an inductor L1 during an ON period of a switching element Q1; a threshold generation section 42 configured to generate a threshold value Vs of the inductor current I1 corresponding to a dimming level; and a switching control section 44 configured to control the switching element Q1 to turn on and off. The switching control section 44 is configured to determine an OFF timing of the switching element Q1 based on comparison between the detection value and the threshold value Vs of the inductor current I1. The LED lighting device increases a period of a switching cycle of the switching element Q1 with decrease of the dimming level. |
US09167637B2 |
LED drive circuit
An LED drive circuit includes: a rectifier circuit that outputs a full-wave rectification waveform voltage; a primary LED row that includes a first partial LED row and a second partial LED row; an auxiliary LED row; a bypass circuit that is connected to part connecting the first partial LED row and the second partial LED row and that returns current from the first partial LED row to the rectifier circuit; and a current limiting circuit that limits the current flowing through the auxiliary LED row wherein the primary LED row and the auxiliary LED row are connected in parallel to the rectifier circuit; and the bypass circuit blocks the current passing through the bypass circuit in accordance with the current flowing through the primary LED row, and controls and blocks the current flowing through the auxiliary LED row. |
US09167636B2 |
Variable lighting apparatus
Provided is a variable lighting apparatus that may include a lighting unit to emit light and including a plurality of connection end portions extending in different directions and at different angels, a supporting unit selectively connected with one of the plurality of connection end portions of the lighting unit to support the lighting unit, and to provide power to the connected lighting unit based on a contact point connection scheme. At least one of a light angle, a light direction, an elevation of light, and an amount of light associated with light emitted from the lighting unit varies based on a change in a state of connections between the plurality of connections portions and the supporting unit. The variable lighting apparatus may readily vary a lighting condition by changing a state of a connection between the lighting unit and the supporting unit. |
US09167635B2 |
Light emitting apparatus, driving circuit of light emitting element, and driving method
A light emitting apparatus includes a light emitting element, a driving circuit which has a driving transistor having a gate, a drain, and a source, and a capacitor having one end connected to the gate, a power line, and first and second voltage lines, and, in a period in which the gate and the drain are short-circuited and the drain and the light emitting element are blocked, the source is connected to the first voltage line and the other end of the capacitor is connected to the second voltage line to hold a voltage in the capacitor, and, in a period in which the gate and the drain are disconnected and the drain and the light emitting element are connected, the source is connected to the power line, and the other end of the capacitor is connected to the source to supply a current to the light emitting element. |
US09167631B2 |
Power system component protection system for use with an induction heating system
When a power system experiences a disruptive event, conditions may exist that threaten the survival of power devices used in the system. Embodiments described herein provide an improved means of protecting these devices under such circumstances. |
US09167624B2 |
Method and operation for operation between WPAN and WLAN for a network interface card
A wireless network adapter may provide an absence indicator to devices in a first network to alert such devices to a time period when the wireless network adapter is not available in the first network. The wireless network adapter may operate in multiple networks, wherein the multiple networks are time division multiplexed on a same transmission channel. The absence indicator may be provided as a Notice Of Absence (NOA) Information Element (IE). |
US09167622B2 |
Methods and a system of multiplexing multiple concurrent operational modes on a single physical transceiver by opportunistic time stealing
Systems and methods are provided for enhancing the concurrency of a wireless device operating in multiple network contexts. By identifying opportunity instants that may exist within the normal exchange of information by a device having a single physical transceiver in a first network context, tasks for a second network context may be performed using the transceiver with minimal impact on performance related to the first network context and preferably in complete transparence to the first network context. |
US09167621B2 |
Communication device with phase/angle transformation and methods for use therewith
A communication device includes antennas to receive a first signal from a remote device, wherein the first signal corresponds to a first operational mode. A baseband processor selects either a first operational mode for transmitting a second signal or a second operational mode for transmitting the second signal. When the second operational mode is selected the baseband processor transforms the phase-related information corresponding to the first operational mode to transformed phase-related information corresponding to the second operational mode. The antennas transmit the second signal to the remote device in accordance with the transformed phase-related information corresponding to the second operational mode. |
US09167620B2 |
Base station, service providing device, user equipment, mobile communication system, and communication control method therefor
In order to improve utilization efficiency of communication resources in a case of acquiring a reception status at a user equipment of a radio signal upon providing LCS, an E-SMLC (40) forming a mobile communication system requests an eNB (10) to notify a result of measurement on a reception status at a UE (20) of a radio signal at least from the eNB (10) for a predetermined number of times. The E-SMLC (40) calculates a location of the UE (20) using the result of the measurement when the notification is performed for the number of times, and provides a service corresponding to the location. In response to the request, the eNB (10) instructs the UE (20) to perform the measurement for the number of times and sequentially notifies the E-SMLC (40) of the result of the measurement reported from the UE (20) for the number of times. The UE (20) performs measurement on the reception status for the number of times and sequentially notifies the eNB (10) of the result of the measurement for the number of times. |
US09167619B2 |
Secure, distributed hierarchical convergence network
A facility for performing employing multiple frequencies in a secure distributed hierarchical convergence network is described. The facility receives a signal in a first frequency, converts the received signal to an internal representation, applies a business rule to the converted signal, and, when the business rule indicates that the signal should be transmitted in a second frequency, causes the internal representation of the signal to be translated to a second frequency and transmitted in the second frequency. |
US09167614B2 |
Tunneled direct link setup systems and methods with consistent link information maintenance
A method includes directly receiving, at a first station, a signal transmitted from a second station. Each of the first and second stations respectively includes a link status indicator that indicates whether a direct link exists between the first and second stations. The signal was transmitted based on the link status indicator of the second station indicating that a direct link does exist between the first and second stations. Responsive to the link status indicator of the first station indicating that a direct link does not exist between the first station and the second station, the signal is dropped, and a teardown signal is transmitted from the first station to the second station. Responsive to the teardown signal, the link status indicator of the second station is to be changed, by the second station, to indicate that a direct link does not exist between the first and second stations. |
US09167609B2 |
Systems and methods for low-overhead wireless beacon timing
Systems, methods, and devices for communicating a compressed beacon are described herein. In some aspects, a method of communicating in a wireless network includes transmitting, at an access point, a full beacon at a first multiple of a beacon interval. The method further includes transmitting a compressed beacon at each beacon interval that is not the first multiple of the beacon interval. Another method of communicating in a wireless network includes receiving, at a wireless device, a full beacon at a first multiple of a beacon interval. The method further includes receiving a compressed beacon at a beacon interval that is not the first multiple of the beacon interval. |
US09167607B2 |
Communication apparatus, and communication method
A communication apparatus includes a main control portion corresponding to a terminal determination portion and a connection management portion. Upon determining, from identification information such as IP addresses, that a session establishment request has been received from a gateway that relays facsimile communication between an Internet network and a telephone network, the main control portion establishes a session corresponding to the session establishment request within a range of a preset first maximum number of simultaneous connections. Upon determining that the communication destination terminal is not the gateway, the main control portion establishes a session corresponding to the request within a preset second maximum number of simultaneous connections which is smaller than the first maximum number of simultaneous connections and is obtained by subtracting a preset secured number from the first maximum number of simultaneous connections which is the maximum number of simultaneous connections between the communication apparatus and the gateway. |
US09167606B2 |
Network connection control method and apparatus of mobile terminal
A network connection control method and apparatus of a mobile terminal maintains or releases connection to a wireless network based on the existence of downlink traffic from the wireless network. The method preferably includes connecting to a wireless network transmitting a signal greater than a predetermined value in strength when an Internet access request is detected; requesting the connected wireless network for traffic; determining whether the traffic is received from the connected wireless network; and releasing the connection to the wireless network by determining the wireless network as an idle wireless network when no traffic is received. The determination as to whether to maintain or release the connection to the currently connected WLAN based on whether actual traffic is received from the WLAN. When the mobile terminal is connected to an Access Point not coupled to the Internet, the mobile terminal immediately switches the connection to a cellular network. |
US09167603B2 |
System and method for optimized access messaging in a wireless network
A method is provided for managing wireless network traffic that includes designating a first resource block of a macro base station and a second resource block of a small cell base station for access by a physical random access channel (PRACH). The method further includes designating a first random access subframe associated with the first resource block and a second random access subframe associated with the second resource block for access by a random access channel message. The first random access subframe has a first allocation of random access signatures that are configured to receive a plurality of random access requests. The second random access subframe is time-aligned with the first random access subframe and has a second allocation of random access signatures that are configured to receive a plurality of random access requests. |
US09167601B2 |
System and method for medium access control enabling both full-duplex and half-duplex communications
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for a modified MAC protocol which can facilitate communications with both full-duplex and half-duplex devices. A system configured according to the disclosed method can enable communications between an Access Point (AP) and a client in either full duplex or half duplex. The system can similarly enable peer-to-peer communications in both full duplex and half duplex communication modes. |
US09167600B2 |
Radio system, radio base station and radio terminal
One of a plurality of radio terminals that transmit radio signals to a radio base station under a space multiplexing scheme, including a receiving unit that receives an access right request signal with respect to the radio base station from an other radio terminal, a prevention unit that prevents transmission of radio signals when receiving radio signals directed to an other radio terminal, a cancellation unit that cancels the prevention of transmission when receiving an access right assignment signal during the prevention of transmission and a transmitting unit that transmits a data signal to the radio base station according to the assignment signal, wherein radio signals are transmitted to the radio base station simultaneously with the other radio terminals and under the space multiplexing scheme. |
US09167594B2 |
Method and related device of a trigger mechanism of buffer status report and scheduling request in a wireless communication system
A method of a trigger mechanism of buffer status report (BSR) and scheduling request (SR) for a media access control layer of a user equipment in a wireless communication system, the method including receiving a first data, identifying a state of semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) resource configuration and a type of the first data when the first data arrives at a transmission buffer and deciding a state of a BSR-SR triggering according to the state of SPS resource configuration, the type of the first data and a comparison between a size of a second data in the transmission buffer and a threshold. |
US09167585B2 |
Transmission mode and feedback designs to support MTC type devices in LTE
A base station is configured to support communications with at least one user equipment (UE) configured for machine type communications (MTC). The base station includes processing circuitry configured to determine a transmission scheme based on a category of the at least one UE. The base station also includes a transmitter configured to transmit, using a determined transmission scheme, a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in a reduced bandwidth to the at least one UE. The UE includes a receiver configured to receive a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in a reduced bandwidth from at least one base station. The UE also includes processing circuitry configured to determine a transmission scheme utilized by at least one base station. |
US09167580B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmission of physical channel in DwPTS
For use in a wireless network, a method for scheduling a Downlink Pilot Time Slot (DwPTS) subframe is provided. The method comprises expanding Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) in a subframe prior to a DwPTS subframe to include resource elements (REs) of the DwPTS subframe, a number of OFDM symbols of the DwPTS subframe being less than or equal to a threshold OFDM symbol number. The method further comprises facilitating for a UE to demodulate REs in a DwPTS subframe based on DeModulation Reference Signals (DMRS) transmitted in a downlink subframe prior to the DwPTS subframe. |
US09167576B2 |
Method for transmitting control information and apparatus for same
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for transmitting uplink channel state information (CSI) in a wireless communication system that supports carrier aggregation, and to an apparatus for the method. The method for reporting CSI in a wireless communication system that supports carrier aggregation comprises the steps of: configuring a plurality of downlink component carriers (DL CCs); setting a CSI report mode on the plurality of DL CCs for each DL CC; and performing an operation for transmitting CSI according to the CSI report mode set on each DL CC. If a P-number of CSI overlap in the same subframe and a first condition is satisfied, a Q-number of CSI among the P-number of CSI are transmitted through a first physical channel, and if the P-number of SCI overlap in the same subframe and a second condition is satisfied, only an R-number of CSI among the P-number of CSI are transmitted through a second physical channel which is different from the first physical channel, wherein R is smaller than Q. |
US09167575B2 |
Control information transmission and uplink control channel resource mapping
The disclosure is related to transmitting downlink control information through a downlink control channel adopted in a data region, and transmitting uplink control information for user equipment receiving the downlink control information. Furthermore, the disclosure is related to performing a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource mapping for uplink HARQ-ACK/NACK feedback of user equipment. Herein, the uplink HARQ-ACK/NACK feedback may be performed by the user equipment in response to a downlink data channel assigned according to downlink scheduling information transmitted through the adopted downlink control channel. |
US09167572B2 |
Method of reference signaling resource allocation for control channel transmission in wireless communication system
In legacy systems such as 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) releases 8 to 10, the control channel is transmitted using the first few Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in a subframe. The limited control channel capacity will impact the system performance in future releases as more and more User Equipments (UEs) will be scheduled in a subframe with technologies such as MulitUser-Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) and Coordinated Multipoint (CoMP) transmission being enhanced or introduced. A new Enhanced Control CHannel (E-CCH) is necessary to be designed, which will use the resource in the Physical Downlink Shared CHannel (PDSCH) in the legacy systems. The E-CCH will support UE-specific DeModulation Reference Signal (DMRS) based transmission and receiving. However, the configuration of DMRS for E-CCH is necessary to be known to UE in prior. This invention discloses multiple methods in which DMRS is configured for E-CCHs and respective eNB and UE behaviors. |
US09167571B2 |
Base station and method for resource allocation using localized and distributed resource blocks
Embodiments of a base station and method for resource allocation using localized and distributed resource blocks are generally described herein. The base station comprises processing circuitry to allocate localized resources to user stations based on receipt of channel quality information received from the user stations and to allocate distributed resource to user stations based on non-receipt of channel quality information. The base station also comprises physical layer circuitry to transmit control information on a physical channel to indicate the resources that are allocated to each scheduled user station. |
US09167570B2 |
Method and system of wireless communications
The present invention relates to wireless communications. More especially it relates to wireless packet data communications. Particularly it relates to latency reduction by distinguishing connection initiation of circuit switched and packet switched connections, respectively. |
US09167567B2 |
Method for configuring a backhaul link subframe in a wireless communication system to which a carrier aggregation scheme is applied and an apparatus for the same
A method for configuring a backhaul link subframe in a wireless communication system to which a carrier aggregation scheme is applied and an apparatus for the same are disclosed. The method comprises determining one of a plurality of subframe configurations as a first subframe configuration for a primary component carrier allocated to the relay node; configuring subframe configuration candidates for one or more secondary component carriers allocated to the relay node on the basis of the determined first subframe configuration; determining a second subframe configuration for each of the one or more secondary component carriers by using the configured subframe configuration candidates; and transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the relay node in accordance with the first subframe configuration and the second subframe configuration. |
US09167565B2 |
Method of transmitting and receiving downlink data in wireless communication system
A method of transmitting data through a downlink common transport channel in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method comprises receiving measurement information transmitted from a user equipment at an upper network node, forwarding control information of the common transport channel, which is acquired from the measurement information, from the upper network node to a base station, and transmitting downlink data from the base station to the user equipment through the common transport channel in accordance with the control information. |
US09167554B1 |
Method and system for tracking communication devices in a radio communication network in a facility
The present disclosure provides a method and system for tracking one or more portable communication devices in a radio communication network in a facility. The system comprises two or more sensors and a server. Each of the two or more sensors is configured to record a radio signal strength corresponding to each of one or more radio signal probes from each of the one or more portable communication devices, by utilizing a corresponding media access control address of each of the one or more portable communication devices. The server is configured to determine a location coordinate of each of the one or more portable communication devices using the recorded radio signal strengths and an adaptive supervised machine learning system. A learning cycle of the adaptive supervised machine learning system is configured to initiate when a variation in one or more technical attributes of the radio communication network in the facility is detected. |
US09167551B2 |
Mobile access point detection
Methods and devices for detecting mobile access points are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of detecting mobile access points comprises collecting crowdsourcing data associated with one or more access point devices, quantizing the crowdsourcing data to generate a quantized crowdsourcing data, for each access point device, determining an interfracile range of the access point device using the quantized crowdsourcing data, where the interfracile range is a measure of statistical dispersion of the quantized crowdsourcing data with respect to the access point device, identifying the access point device as a mobile access point device in response to the interfracile range exceeds a first predetermined range. The method of collecting crowdsourcing data comprises collecting the crowdsourcing data within a predetermined sliding time window. |
US09167549B2 |
Method and apparatus for location update in a wireless communication system
Provided are a method and apparatus for location update in a wireless communication system. A machine-to-machine (M2M) device transmits a mobility access classifier indicating the mobility access classification of the M2M device to a first base station, and receives information on a reattachment zone indicating a list of base stations accessible by the M2M device from the first station. The M2M device transits to an idle mode, and provides a location update to a second base station based on whether or not the second M2M device has exited the reattachment zone. |
US09167546B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing discontinuous reception (DRX)
Providing discontinuous reception (DRX) is disclosed. In DRX mode a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may periodically wake up, in relation to a DRX interval, to check for a paging message. The WTRU may reenter the DRX mode if there is no paging message. The WTRU may receive another specified DRX interval, in connection with a broadcast message, based on the activity of the WTRU. The another DRX interval may be increased as inactivity of the WTRU increases. |
US09167545B2 |
Receiver, method of calculating time difference, and program
There is provided a receiver including a first delay time calculating unit configured to calculate a first delay time indicating a time lag between transmission of a transmission signal by a transmitter and reception of the transmission signal by the receiver, a second delay time calculating unit configured to calculate a second delay time indicating a time lag between transmission of a response signal by the receiver and reception of the response signal by the transmitter, and a time difference calculating unit configured to calculate a time difference between a time of a clock in the transmitter and a time of a clock in the receiver. |
US09167543B2 |
Synchronization of mobile client multicast
A method includes subsequent to a client associating with a first access node and the client being communicatively coupled with a first controller through the first access node: storing information on one or more of: active broadcast sessions for the client or active multicast sessions for the client. The method further includes subsequent to the client associating with a second access node and the client being communicatively coupled with a second controller through the second access node: the second controller establishing one or more of: the active broadcast sessions for the client or the active multicast sessions for the client using the information. |
US09167539B2 |
Method for adapting a downlink transmit power of a first base station adapted for serving a closed subscriber group in the presence of second base station
Method for adapting a downlink transmit power of a first base station adapted for serving a closed subscriber group. It is described a method for adapting a downlink transmit power of a first base station adapted for serving a closed subscriber group. The method includes scanning a neighborhood of the first base station for a second base station adapted for serving an open subscriber group, wherein the first base station and the second base station use the same carrier frequency, detecting whether the second base station is present within the neighborhood of the first base station, and adapting the downlink transmit power of the first base station depending on the presence of the second base station. It is further described a base station, a computer-readable medium and a program element for carrying out the method. |
US09167537B2 |
Methods and apparatus for DLTPC rejection in downlink windup mode
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for rejecting unreliable downlink (DL) transmit power control (TPC) commands in windup mode. In one aspect, the method includes receiving by a user equipment (UE) a plurality of DLTPC commands from a base station, analyzing on one or more transmitted uplink (UL) TPC commands, detecting a windup mode based on the one or more DLTPC and ULTPC commands, and rejecting one or more DLTPC down commands in the windup mode. |
US09167532B2 |
Radio base station, a network control node and methods therein for outer loop power control in dual-carrier HSUPA
The invention relates to a radio base station (13) for handling Outer Loop Power Control of a user equipment (12) in a radio communications network of a multiple cell (10,11) High Speed Uplink Packet Access configuration: The user equipment (12) is connected to at least two cells (10,11) using at least two carriers, one cell per carrier, wherein the radio base station (13) reports number of hybrid automatic repeat requests of the two or more carriers to a network control node (14). The radio base station (13) and the network control node (14) are comprised in the radio communications network. The radio base station determines (401) a number of hybrid automatic repeat requests over a first carrier of the at least two or more carriers, and signals (402) a user plane frame to the network control node (14). The user plane frame comprises the determined number of hybrid automatic repeat requests and an identity associated to the first carrier, enabling the network control node (14) to control an Outer Loop Power Control parameter to be used in an Outer Loop Power Control process for the first carrier. |
US09167530B2 |
Power saving modes in wireless devices
Various aspects of apparatus for accessing a network through a wireless access point and methods of power savings for such apparatus include scheduling a sleep state interval, entering a sleep state at the beginning of the scheduled sleep interval, and buffering data during the sleep state for transmission following the sleep state. |
US09167526B2 |
Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof
A mobile terminal including a user input unit configured to input information into the mobile terminal; a display unit configured to display data; a Wi-Fi module configured to provide an Access Point (AP) function such that an external terminal can access a wireless network through the Wi-Fi module providing the AP function; and a controller configured to control a state of the Wi-Fi module to be switched between 1) a power saving mode in which the Wi-Fi module is alternated between a sleep state and an awake state and 2) a power saving off mode in which the Wi-Fi module is continuously maintained in the awake state until a Wi-Fi connection request signal is received from the external device or a predetermined amount of time passes from a specific timing point. |
US09167524B2 |
Assistant method and system for retrieving wireless signals for mobile devices
A method, system, and device are provided for obtaining auxiliary information about various wireless signal sources and for the subsequent sharing the received information with other UE devices located nearby. The method includes broadcasting, by a UE Assistance Module, a request for obtaining auxiliary information from a public LPWN and receiving broadcast messages containing auxiliary information from the LPWN; checking the received broadcast messages for presence of auxiliary information regarding desired sources of wireless communication; refining, on the basis of the received auxiliary information, the indeterminacy range of the wireless signal parameters by means of the UE Assistance Module and by switching the UE transceiver on and off; storing the auxiliary information in a UE local cache and keeping the auxiliary information updated; and adding the auxiliary information from the UE local cache to a broadcast message via the LPWN. |
US09167523B2 |
Method and apparatus for consuming low power by terminal in mobile communication system
A method for operating a terminal using reduced power consumption in a mobile communication system is provided. The method includes receiving a signal, determining whether the received signal corresponds to a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) update request message, if the received signal corresponds to an SIP update request message, sending the SIP update request message to an SIP processor in a communication processor; and handling the SIP update request message by the SIP processor. |
US09167520B2 |
Controlling applications in a mobile device based on environmental context
A method for controlling an application in a mobile device is disclosed. The method includes receiving environmental information, inferring an environmental context from the environmental information, and controlling activation of the application based on a set of reference models associated with the inferred environmental context. In addition, the method may include receiving a sound input, extracting a sound feature from the sound input, transmitting the sound feature to a server configured to group a plurality of mobile devices into at least one similar context group, and receiving, from the server, information on a leader device or a non-leader device and the at least one similar context group. |
US09167519B2 |
Methods and apparatus for power saving in discontinuous reception—adaptive neighbor cell search duration
Methods and apparatus for adaptively adjusting temporal parameters (e.g., neighbor cell search durations). In one embodiment, neighbor cell search durations during discontinuous reception are based on a physical channel metric indicating signal strength and quality (e.g. Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), Reference Signal Receive Quality (RSRQ), etc.) of a cell. In a second embodiment, neighbor cell search durations are based on a multitude of physical layer metrics from one or more cells. In one variant, the multitude of physical layer metrics may include signal strength and quality metrics from the serving base station as well as signal strength and quality indicators from neighbor cells derived from the cells respective synchronization sequences. |
US09167518B2 |
Power save method, access point device, and station device
A power save method, an AP device and an STA device are provided. According to whether power save is allowed in a current TXOP and whether a station STA is newly added in an operation object identifier of a subsequent frame of each frame of the current TXOP, the AP device respectively sets a TXOP power save indication of each frame, and when the TXOP power save indication of the current frame is power save allowed, the STA device determines whether to enter the Doze state according to a judgment result for a doze condition. The adoption of the method and the device can expand the power save application range, and enhance the power save effect. |
US09167514B2 |
Unequal amplifier gain compression via shaping table
A communication device, such as a smart phone, includes an envelope tracking power supply that provides a voltage supply signal for a power amplifier. The envelope tracking signal input to the envelope tracking power supply arises from application of a shaping table on a desired transmit signal. The shaping table implements non-uniform gain compression across a range of output powers, and in particular may aggressively compress the power amplifier for low output powers, and less aggressively compress the power amplifier at high output powers. The non-uniform gain implemented via the shaping table may provide significant power savings, while still allowing the transmitter to meet spectral mask requirements. |
US09167511B2 |
Utilizing client mobile devices for wireless network monitoring
Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to utilizing client mobile devices for wireless network monitoring. Link quality data for wireless networks are measured by a plurality of wireless client devices and are provided to a network controller. The link quality data is usable to manage a wireless local area network (WLAN). The wireless networks include at least the WLAN and a cellular network. A recommendation for connection is provided to the wireless client devices, where the recommendation indicates if the cellular network is recommended or an access point of the WLAN. |
US09167509B2 |
Intelligent wireless access point notification
In one or more embodiments, one or more methods and/or systems described can determine whether a first encounter of a mobile device with a wireless access point is concluded. The determination may include determining whether a first period of time has expired, the mobile device continuously receiving a signal from the wireless access point during the first period of time, and determining whether a second period of time following the first period of time has expired. The methods and/or systems may increment a count of encounters with the wireless access point in response to determining that the second encounter with the wireless access point is concluded. |
US09167505B2 |
Access management for wireless communication
Provisioning and access control for communication nodes involves assigning identifiers to sets of nodes where the identifiers may be used to control access to restricted access nodes that provide certain services only to certain defined sets of nodes. In some aspects provisioning a node may involve providing a unique identifier for sets of one or more nodes such as restricted access points and access terminals that are authorized to receive service from the restricted access points. Access control may be provided by operation of a restricted access point and/or a network node. In some aspects, provisioning a node involves providing a preferred roaming list for the node. In some aspects, a node may be provisioned with a preferred roaming list through the use of a bootstrap beacon. |
US09167504B2 |
Inter-technology handoff
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate effectuating inter-technology handoffs utilizing pilots. A sector can utilize a first technology to communicate on a first bandwidth. Further, to indicate presence of the first technology, the sector can transmit a pilot on a second bandwidth (e.g., where the second bandwidth can be utilized with a second technology). While a mobile device is communicating data utilizing the second technology upon the second bandwidth, the pilot related to the first technology can be obtained. Based upon the pilot, communication of data (e.g., received and/or transmitted by the mobile device) can be switched to using the first technology on the first bandwidth. Accordingly, the mobile device need not discontinue communicating data with the second technology prior to identifying availability of the first technology and/or initiating handoff to the first technology. |
US09167497B2 |
Method for sending packet data, base station, and mobile station
A method for sending packet data is provided, which includes the following steps. Packet data from a source mobile station (MS) is received. The packet data includes an identity of a destination MS. A routing cache table is searched for a path to the destination MS. An interface is selected if the path to the destination MS is found. The packet data is forwarded through the selected interface according to the found path. Other two methods for sending packet data corresponding to the method for sending packet data as well as an MS and a base station (BS) corresponding to the method for sending packet data are provided. Therefore, link processing can be performed at the MS. |
US09167495B2 |
Cell selection
To determine a cell for usage in wireless communication, a signal-to-noise ratio or a signal-to-power ratio can be used in selecting an appropriate cell. However, cell selection can also configure to take both signal-to-noise ratio and signal-to-power ratio into account. Multiple available cells can be analyzed and a highest ranking cell can be selected through balancing the aforementioned ratios. In addition, to minimize transferring between cells, a limitation can be placed such that a cell is not left unless there is better of both the aforementioned ratios at another cell. |
US09167492B2 |
Cell handover and activation in heterogeneous networks
A scheme to identify the uplink border between two neighboring cells (10, 20) in an LTE-based heterogeneous network, especially one Macro cell (10) and another Small Cell (20). A trigger event is configured for a connected mode UE (1) such that the UE is triggered to send the measurement report about the neighboring cell (20) when the condition “neighbor is offset better than Pcell on UL” is fulfilled. Such a measurement report can be used by the current serving eNB (11) to decide whether one or more neighboring cells (20) should be activated or handed-over to, and/or whether certain information should be sent to one or more neighboring eNBs (21) so that they can start monitoring the uplink connection quality of the UE. In particular it is possible to offload at least part of the UE's uplink traffic from the serving cell (10) to a neighbor cell (20). |
US09167491B2 |
Method and apparatus for window size selection to optimize inter rat handover
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided in which a system for optimizing pilot search window size selection for inter RAT handovers is implemented. An IWS may receive a message including at least one measurement value for each 1x pilot PN in a 1x network, obtained from measurements requested by an eNB and performed by a UE. The IWS may select one or more parameters for pilot search based on the at least one measurement value for the UE to use for pilot searching in the 1x network. Further the IWS may transmit the selected one or more parameters for pilot search to the UE for pilot searching in the 1x network. |
US09167490B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for relocating user equipment between radio network controllers
The present invention, relating to the field of communications technologies, discloses a method, an apparatus, and a system for relocating a user equipment between radio network controllers. The present invention is directed to configuring the coding scheme configured for the user equipment UE to a coding scheme consistent with the coding scheme supported by a target radio network controller to relocate the UE to the target RNC. The present invention is mainly applicable to inter-RNC handovers. |
US09167489B2 |
Wireless communication method and apparatus for supporting reconfiguration of radio link control parameters
A variety of wireless communication methods and apparatus for supporting reconfiguration of radio link control (RLC) parameters are disclosed. A radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration message is generated that indicates that an RLC unit in a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) or a universal terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) should be reconfigured from supporting flexible size RLC protocol data units (PDUs) to supporting fixed size RLC PDUs. If an information element (IE) “one sided RLC re-establishment” is present in the RRC reconfiguration message, only a receiving side subassembly in the RLC unit is re-established. Otherwise, both the receiving side subassembly and a transmitting side subassembly in the RLC unit are re-established. Flexible size RLC PDUs may be discarded and a message indicating the discarded flexible size RLC PDUs may be transmitted. The flexible size RLC PDUs may be modified such that they correspond to a set of pre-defined sizes. |
US09167487B2 |
Communication system including a gateway device and method thereof
A communication system is described in which mobile telephones that are members of closed subscriber groups associated with home base stations are able to roam between neighbouring home node base stations in a manner that reduces load on the core network. |
US09167484B2 |
Transition from packet-switched to circuit-switched connection based on communication quality
Techniques for transitioning a synchronous communication engaged in by a telecommunication device from a packet-switched connection to a circuit-switched connection are described herein. The techniques include either or both of the telecommunication device or the telecommunication network determining a quality metric for a synchronous communication based at least in part on monitoring of the synchronous communication, the synchronous communication being transmitted using a packet-switched connection associated with the telecommunication network. Based at least in part on the quality metric, the telecommunication network and telecommunication device switch the synchronous communication from the packet-switched connection to a circuit-switched connection associated with the telecommunication network. |
US09167483B2 |
In-device coexistence interference report control method and apparatus of network in mobile communication system
An in-device coexistence interference report control method of a network for terminal to inform the network of interference among heterogeneous radio communication modules coexisting in the terminal is provided. The method includes determining, at a terminal when a terminal capability enquiry message is received from a base station, whether the base station supports an In-Device Coexistence (IDC) interference report, transmitting, when the IDC interference report is supported, a terminal capacity information message to the base station, receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection reconfiguration message including information on whether terminal's IDC interference indicator transmission is permitted from the base station; and transmitting an RRC connection reconfiguration complete message to the base station in response to the RRC connection reconfiguration message. The in-device coexistence interference indication control method is advantageous in preventing the UE from transmitting useless in-device coexistence interference indication messages, resulting in reduction of unnecessary signaling. |
US09167482B2 |
Method and system for realizing network switching
A method and system for realizing network switching, and a mobile node are provided. An LMA receives a PBU message from a second MAG, wherein the PBU message carries identifier information of the mobile node, the IP address of a first interface, and the IP address of the second MAG. The LMA checks in the stored BCE whether the identifier information of the mobile node and the IP address of the first interface exist. If the existence is checked, the LMA continually judges whether the Proxy Care-of-Address in the BCE is the same as the Proxy Care-of-Address in the PBU message. If they are different, the LMA determines that the connection of the mobile node is a switchable connection, and determines that the mobile node has the ability of address preservation, then sends the IP address of the first interface to the second MAG. |
US09167481B2 |
Access feedback by a multimode terminal
A method for providing access feedback when a User Equipment, UE, with an established a connection over multiple accesses towards a Gateway, GW, initiates a set-up of a new service for a service session. The method comprises a step where the GW or a Policy and Charging Rules Function, PCRF, initiates a Quality of Service, QoS, resource reservation as a response of the set-up of the new service initiated by the UE. The GW or the PCRF in the QoS resource reservation selects a first access as present access.The method is particularly characterized in a step where the UE rejects said first access as present access and sends a reject message to the GW, wherein the GW or the PCRF as a result of the reject message initiates a new QoS resource reservation selecting a second access as present access. |
US09167476B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving packet in wireless communication system
A method for simultaneously transmitting packets having different lengths to two or more users in a wireless communication system includes: generating the packets to transmit to the respective users, the packets containing information on the maximum transmission length of the packets having different lengths; and simultaneously transmitting the generated packets to the respective users. The maximum transmission length is represented by the number of symbols, and each of the packets sequentially contains control information required for transmitting the packet, data, a tail field, and a PHY pad field, and is generated by inserting a MAC pad between the control information and the data such that the tail field and the PHY pad field are positioned at the last byte of the last symbol of the maximum transmission length. |
US09167474B2 |
Sharing of radio resources between a backhaul link and a radio access network
Systems and methods are presented for effectively sharing a plurality of radio transceiver chains between a Backhaul link and a Radio Access Network (RAN), in which there is a wireless Base Station (BS) with some number of radio transceiver chains, the system initially allocates such chains between the Backhaul link and the RAN according to some criterion, the system dynamically monitors the performance of the Backhaul link and RAN to detect any deficiencies in desired levels of performance, and the system then reallocates the radio transceiver chains between the Backhaul link and the RAN in a manner calculated to help achieve the desired levels of performance. Optionally and in various embodiments, the digital signals to and from the Backhaul link, or to and from the RAN, may be MIMO signals, MRC signals, MMSE signals, or ML signals. |
US09167467B2 |
Radio base station
A radio base station determines at least any one type of subframe constituted of multiple system information subframes for sending system information to a mobile station, paging subframes for sending paging messages for the mobile station in idle mode, or on-duration subframes corresponding to on-durations at which the mobile station receives downlink control channel signals in discontinuous reception mode for the downlink control channel signals. The radio base station allocates, to the mobile station, inter-frequency measurement periods for inter-frequency measurement at the mobile station, while avoiding simultaneous occurrence of inter-frequency measurement periods and the subframes determined by the subframe determiner. |
US09167466B2 |
Enhanced measurement reporting to improve throughput when using multicarrier cells
A method for measurement reporting to improve throughput when using multicarrier cells is disclosed. The method can include a wireless communication device performing a first measurement of a primary carrier and performing a second measurement of a secondary carrier. The method can further include the wireless communication device deriving a combined measurement as a function of the first measurement and the second measurement. The method can also include the wireless communication device reporting the combined measurement to a serving network. |
US09167465B2 |
Method for transceiving channel state information and transceiving device
The present invention relates to a method, in which a terminal transmits channel state information in a multi-node system, which includes the steps of: receiving information about cooperative transmission candidate nodes from a network; calculating first channel state information about the cooperative transmission candidate nodes; calculating second channel state information by assuming that the nodes included in the interference candidate modes are interference nodes among the cooperative transmission candidate nodes; and transmitting the calculated first and second channel state information to the network. |
US09167464B2 |
Method for reporting measurement information of terminal in wireless communication system and apparatus therefor
The present invention relates to a method for enabling a terminal to process a signal in a wireless communication system. Specifically, the method includes the steps of: selecting a cell according to a measurement based on a first sub-frame pattern; transmitting a first message to the cell; and receiving a second message from the cell on the basis of a second sub-frame pattern, wherein the first message indicates that the measurement is performed on the basis of the first sub-frame pattern. |
US09167463B2 |
Communication node operable to estimate faults in an ad hoc network and method of performing the same
A communication node operable to estimate faults in a mobile ad hoc network and method of performing the same. In one embodiment, the communication node includes a processor and memory including computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the communication node to monitor a set of observable parameters at the communication node, produce a fault estimate at the communication node from the set of observable parameters, and provide the fault estimate to a global fault detector at another communication node. |
US09167455B2 |
Virtualized wireless communication system and establishing method thereof
The present application discloses a virtualized wireless communication network and an establishing method thereof. The virtualized wireless communication network system includes a plurality of virtual nodes, the plurality of virtual nodes being divided into multiple virtual node cliques according to interference relations among the plurality of virtual nodes, wherein, each virtual node represents a wireless communication node; and a plurality of clique communication management modules that are one-to-one associated with the multiple virtual node cliques, wherein, each clique communication management module is configured to manage data exchange between an associated virtual node clique and other virtual node cliques, so as to emulate communication behavior of the wireless communication node. The present invention has many advantages such as high flexibility, good scalability, low cost and the like. Compared with a centralized virtualization solution, this solution can significantly reduce management data overhead and thus enhance the real-time behavior of the whole system. |
US09167454B1 |
Wireless communication system to detect an abnormal condition associated with wireless communication device types
A wireless communication system has wireless base stations that serve wireless communication devices located in a plurality of wireless communication sectors. The wireless communication devices have wireless device types. The wireless base stations generate performance data that characterizes the performance of the wireless device types in the wireless communication sectors. A data processing system processes the performance data to associate an abnormal condition with one of the wireless device types in one of the wireless communication sectors. The data processing system generates notice data for the one or more wireless device types associated with an abnormal condition. The wireless base stations broadcast the notice data in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) System Information Block (SIB). The notice data identifies the wireless device type. The wireless communication devices decode the LTE SIB to identify the notice data and the wireless device type. If the wireless communication device comprises the wireless device type identified in the notice data, the wireless communication device configures the wireless communication device based on the notice data. |
US09167447B2 |
Failure event report for initial connection setup failure
A method of failure event reporting for initial connection setup failure is proposed. In one embodiment, a UE first camps in RRC_IDLE mode in a cell served by a base station. The UE then detects a connection setup failure when performing a random access channel (RACH) procedure with the base station in an RRC connection attempt. The UE records a failure event report when the RACH procedure fails. Later, the UE transmits the failure event report to the network in RRC_CONNECTED mode. The failure event report comprises information that refers to the earlier RRC connection attempt. The failure event report also comprises available location information or available mobility measurements at the time the initial connection setup failure occurs. Based on the failure event report, the network can adopt corrective actions accordingly to mitigate the failure. |
US09167446B2 |
Apparatus and method for mitigating voltage droop in a dual-transceiver wireless communication device
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a user equipment (UE) and a method of wireless communication using the UE that includes a first transceiver and a second transceiver. The method includes determining that the first transceiver is scheduled to communicate using a first transmission simultaneous to the second transceiver being scheduled to communicate using a second transmission, and altering an operation of at least one of the first and second transceivers to mitigate battery voltage droop due to simultaneous transmissions of the transceivers. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described. |
US09167442B2 |
Mobile cellular networks
Multiple mobile cellular network (MCN) communication systems can be networked together to form a network of MCN communication systems (NOM). Each MCN communication system within the NOM can operate as an independent cellular network to provide communications between user equipment within a covered area. The MCN can be managed by a network management control center (NMCC). The NMCC can be configured generate coverage maps of the NOM and NMC system coverage areas. |
US09167441B2 |
Network analysis method, information processing device, and storage medium
A network analysis method using an information processing device includes receiving packets from a wired network; extracting, from a set of the received packets, a delay packet that was received after at least a predetermined period of time had elapsed since an immediately preceding packet was received; and determining that a packet delay because of a control signal wirelessly sent from an access point coupled to the wired network has occurred, based on periodicity of a timing at which the delay packet was received. |
US09167440B2 |
Mobile terminal device for positioning system based on magnetic field map and method thereof
A mobile terminal device for a positioning system based on a magnetic field map and a method thereof, are provided. The mobile terminal includes a memory configured to store a magnetic field map including magnetic field values at positions. The mobile terminal further includes a magnetic field sensor configured to measure a magnetic field value at a position of the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal further includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor configured to measure an acceleration value and a gyro value of the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal further includes a processor configured to determine the position of the mobile terminal based on the magnetic field map, the magnetic field value, the acceleration value, and the gyro value. |
US09167435B2 |
Apparatus for supporting layout of wireless base stations in building
In the construction of a wireless network in a building, structure conditions such as the floor plan of the building and the shape of the floor, material conditions such as materials for structures, and the like have a great effect on radio wave propagation characteristics. This causes a problem that unless these pieces of information are taken into consideration, an accurate layout design of wireless base stations cannot be made. In the construction of a new wireless network in a building, a wireless network similar to structure conditions of a newly constructed building is extracted from structure conditions of past buildings in which a wireless network is constructed. The layout positions of wireless base stations used in the extracted wireless network are regarded as the layout positions of wireless base stations in the new wireless network. |
US09167431B2 |
Verifying an application identifier on a mobile device through a telecommunication network
A system for verifying an association between an application and a mobile computing device. The application is identified by an application instance identifier, which uniquely identifies the instance of the application on the mobile computing device. The system receives a request to verify the application, including the application instance identifier. The system also obtains a mobile device identifier used to communicate with the mobile computing device. The system initiates one or more telephone call setup messages, which signal a voice call request, to the mobile computing device using the mobile device identifier. Based on receiving an indication that the one or more telephone call setup messages were detected at the mobile computing device, the system associates the application instance identifier with the mobile device identifier. |
US09167428B2 |
Method and system for authenticating entities by means of terminals
In the disclosed method, users are provided with sets of authentication codes, each set includes a secret, a private key container and a matching public key container, the private and public key container are generated from respectively a first string including a domain name of an authentication server system and a PKI private key and a second string including the same domain name and a matching PKI public key. Upon receipt on the authentication server system of the first strings as a result of a first user reading the respective private key container, an action definition procedure is performed in which the first user is requested to enter a secret of the same set of authentication codes. If a check returns a positive result, the first user can define a set of actions to be performed upon receipt of the second string belonging to the same set of authentication codes. |
US09167426B2 |
Ad hoc service provider's ability to provide service for a wireless network
Exemplary embodiments are directed to devices and methods for supporting a wireless access point for one or more mobile clients. A mobile device may include a first module for supporting access to a network via a first wireless access protocol. The device may further include a second module for supporting a wireless access point for the one or more mobile clients to the network using a second wireless access protocol. |
US09167424B2 |
Method of handling security in SRVCC handover and related communication device
A method for handling security in an SRVCC handover for a mobile device in a wireless communication device is disclosed. The method includes having an active Circuit-Switched (CS) service or a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection in a CS domain when the mobile device is served by a first network, wherein the first network supports the CS domain and a Packet-Switched (PS) domain; receiving a handover command to handover from the first network to a second network, wherein the second network supports the PS domain; deriving a plurality of security keys used in the second network from a plurality of CS domain keys used in the first network; and applying the plurality of security keys for transmission and reception in the second network. |
US09167423B2 |
Wireless handheld configuration device for a securable wireless self-organizing mesh network
A self-organizing mesh network is made up of individual devices configured to use other network devices to pass data from one point to another. The network also includes a secondary operating mode that accommodates handheld and other non-fixed transient network nodes. Each device in the network maintains a configuration link that is used to detect the presence of a handheld device. The handheld device uses the configuration link to identify nearby network devices. A user of the handheld device can then select one of the network devices and establish a small point-to-point subnetwork between the handheld device and the selected network device. |
US09167420B2 |
Mobile terminal system
A system, apparatus and method for enabling interaction between a mobile device and a dynamic list of remotely hosted applications. A mobile device is provided with a removable module implementing a virtual machine defined by a set of instructions. The mobile device requests an initial application from an application server. The application server generates a message, including a set of commands and any parametric information, such as text to be displayed, which is then compiled into executable code. The executable code is then forwarded to the mobile device for execution. The mobile device interprets the executable code and runs it, possibly causing text or a menu to be displayed. In a first embodiment, the mobile device requests a list of currently available applications and is provided with such a list by a first application server. The user is then able to select from the list of applications, some which can be located on other servers. In another embodiment, an application server initiates a communication by transmitting a set of commands causing one or more actions on the mobile device, such as the sounding of an audio alarm, the displaying of text, etc. |
US09167419B2 |
Discovery and launch system and method
A method, apparatus and/or system related to automatic detection of a similar application stored on a networked media device through a multicast capability of an operating system of a mobile device. In one embodiment, a method of a mobile device includes accessing a multicast capability of an operating system through an application of the mobile device, determining if there is a similar application locally stored on a networked media device to the application on the mobile device when a multicast message is broadcast to the networked media device communicatively coupled to the mobile device through a local area network, and automatically launching the similar application on the networked media device based on a communication of the multicast message from the mobile device to the networked media device. |
US09167417B2 |
Application based network information maintenance
Various communication systems may benefit from notifications of network information. For example, cellular optimization may be accomplished by selective use of a data technique by applications on network devices, which may further benefit from notifications that may reduce the need for external data requests, used in coordination with application observations of current network conditions. According to certain embodiments, a method can include monitoring network service viability for a user or application. The method can also include sending a push message to a user equipment when network service viability is detected for the user or the application. The push message can indicate at least one threshold associated with network service viability. |
US09167415B2 |
Cloud-based connectivity information discovery
A method includes detecting a change in connectivity information for a mobile device. The connectivity information allows another device to connect to the mobile device at least while the mobile device is wirelessly connected to a network. In response to the change in connectivity information for a mobile device, performing an update with a service provider to indicate the change in connectivity information. Another method includes receiving an update from a first electronic device, where the update indicates one or more changes in connectivity information for the first electronic device. The method includes updating one or more second electronic devices with changed connectivity information of the first electronic device. Another method includes receiving from a service provider an update of changed connectivity information for a first electronic device for which a second electronic device is subscribed at the service provider for updates to connectivity information for the first electronic device. |
US09167414B2 |
Management of subscriber data in mobile system
The present invention relates to a mobile system comprising a mobile network having a mobile services switching center (MSC, MSCA) for switching connections in the mobile network, and at least one subscriber database server (CSE) for maintaining data on the subscribers of the mobile network. The mobile services switching center (MSC, MSCA) comprises means for querying for and receiving subscriber data from the subscriber database server (CSE) wherein subscriber data are maintained in www page format, and the subscriber database server (CSE) comprises at least one www page for each subscriber in the mobile network, in which page the subscriber's subscriber data are stored, the search address of the www page being created based on the subscriber's identity. |
US09167413B2 |
Local breakout with parameter access service
The present invention relates to a method, apparatus, and computer program product for providing access via a cellular access network to a packet data net-work, wherein control plane functions of a gateway device of a core net-work are emulated to the core network, and the emulated control plane functions are used to provide to the core network a set of parameters for local breakout. |
US09167412B2 |
Techniques for roaming between wireless local area networks belonging to a social network
Examples are disclosed for roaming between wireless local area networks (WLANs) belonging to a social network. In some examples, configuration information for a WLAN may be received for setting up the WLAN for a social network. The social network may have one or more roaming members. Information about the roaming members and one or more policies for the roaming members to connect to the WLAN may also be received. For these examples, the configuration information, roaming member information and the one or more policies may be maintained at a server for a service provider related to the WLAN. Other examples are described and claimed. |
US09167408B2 |
Methods and apparatus for identifying and categorizing distributed devices
Systems for identifying and categorizing distributed devices, e.g., lighting fixtures and thermostats, is disclosed. In an embodiment, a user (200) sends a low power discovery message to devices (201) using a portable programming tool (100). The devices (201) within range respond with identification information. The portable programming tool (100) organizes the responses by proximity and sends a “flash” message to the device with the closest perceived proximity. That device responds with a visual or audible signal (202), allowing the user (200) to determine whether that device is the one intended for selection. If so, the user initiates a store routine in which identification information, including category information, is stored in one or more locations, such as, the selected device (201), the portable programming tool (100), and/or a central or local controller (1100). The identification and categorization can, for example, be used to automate load shedding and to reduce energy consumption. |
US09167405B2 |
Network billing of text messages sent/received by fixed user devices
A device receives a message from a fixed user device associated with a first user. The first user is associated with a first mobile user device, and the message is destined for a second mobile user device associated with a second user. The device generates a first charge record for the first user based on the message and on a telephone number associated with the first mobile user device, and provides the first charge record to a billing system. The device generates a copy of the message, provides the copy of the message to the first mobile user device, and forwards the message toward the second mobile user device. |
US09167396B2 |
Method and apparatus to transmit data through tones
Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for transmitting data. The method includes encoding data, by a first device, symbol-by-symbol into a first electrical signal of frequencies in a specific range, mixing, by the first device, the first electrical signal with a second electrical signal corresponding to captured voices, and transmitting, by the first device, the mixed electrical signal to a second device via a channel being configured for transmitting the captured voices. |
US09167388B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatically adjusting the operation of reminders based on device event history
A processor-based personal electronic device (such as a smartphone) uses combinatorial logic to automatically adjust alarms, notifications reminders, and the like based on data from device event histories, on-board sensors, user-entered data, and similar information. One particular representative embodiment comprises a process for automatically deleting an unneeded reminder. For example, a user may have a personal electronic device that is set to issue a reminder for a meeting in a certain place, on a certain date at a certain time. If location sensors detect that the user is already at the certain place on the certain date at (or reasonably before) the certain time the now superfluous reminder is automatically cancelled. |
US09167383B1 |
Systems and methods for optimizing message notification timing based on geographic location
Systems and methods are provided for timing message notifications to be provided to mobile device users based on their respective geographic locations with respect to a targeted content area. The timing of message notifications may be controlled in order to optimize the chances of delivering targeted content to a mobile device user based on the current geographic location of the user's device relative to a targeted content area. As the particular client application may not be actively executing at a time when the user's device happen to be located within a targeted content area, a general message notification sent to the user's device, which may be displayed at any time, may increase the likelihood that the user will launch the client application when it is not already executing at the device and thereby, allow targeted content to be delivered to the user's mobile device at the appropriate time and location. |
US09167382B2 |
Method and system for wireless communication
The present disclosure relates to a method for facilitating wireless communication. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a method for multiband communication based on communication criteria's set by the specific wireless environment and the geographical location where the wireless communication is to be performed. The disclosure also relates to a corresponding wireless communication device and to a wireless communication system comprising such a wireless communication device. Still further, the disclosure relates to a corresponding computer program product. |
US09167380B2 |
Activating a mobile device based on location of mobile device in a sector of a cell
A method for activating mobile device activity is disclosed. A mobile device may receive an action association to a stance, wherein the stance comprises a sector of the mobile device relative to a base, wherein a user specifies an action associated to the stance. The mobile device can receive a signal that the mobile device is present in the sector. Further, the mobile device, responsive to receiving the signal, may perform the action. |
US09167374B2 |
Machine-to-machine rules management methods and systems
An exemplary method includes a machine-to-machine (“M2M”) rules management system associated with an M2M platform 1) processing a plurality of events associated with one or more M2M objects in substantially real-time as the events occur over a period of time, 2) receiving, while the events are being processed in substantially real-time, data representative of a rule created by a user associated with the M2M platform, and 3) dynamically applying, in response to receiving the data representative of the rule, the rule to the substantially real-time processing of the events. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. |
US09167373B2 |
Multiple SIM support with single modem software architecture
Disclosed are methods, apparatus and computer program products that provide an enhanced multi-SIM wireless communication device. For example, a method includes providing in a wireless communication device a protocol stack software component composed of a first native protocol stack software and a second native protocol stack software each comprising layer 1, layer 2 and layer 3 protocol stack functionality. The first native protocol stack software and the second native protocol stack software are each associated with a respective subscriber identity module and are independent of one another. The method further includes providing in the wireless communication device a common software component that includes protocol stack framework software elements, a hardware arbitration layer and a hardware adaptation layer. The method further includes linking the protocol stack software component and the common software component into a modem software executable capable of operation with hardware of the wireless communication device. |
US09167371B2 |
Wireless communication system, and wireless communication device and control method for establishing a connection with another wireless device before an elapsed time period without the intervention of a base station
This invention has as its object to set a one-to-one relationship upon establishing a wireless communication channel between a wireless communication device on the information transmitting side and a wireless communication device that receives and processes the information even in an environment including a plurality of wireless communication devices, and to assure simple user's operations at least until the communication channel is established. To this end, when the user inputs a wireless communication channel establishment instruction to both a digital camera and printer having wireless communication functions, these devices execute wireless communication establishment processes within an allowable time period which is specified by a time set in a timer and a retry count. When the devices can seize each other within that time period, the communication channel is established. After that, the digital camera sends a sensed image to the printer, which prints the sensed image. |
US09167368B2 |
Event notification on a mobile device using binaural sounds
In one example, information is presented to a user through an electronic device in a non-visual manner. In this example, an informational event is received. Next, a determination is made if the informational event has been previously associated with a binaural sound sequence, the binaural sound sequence includes a user's nominal ear spacing for sound localization in a 3D space. The binaural sound sequence is presented to a multimedia port, in response to a binaural sound sequence being previously associated with the event. The localization in the 3D space using a binaural sound can be associated with importance, future times, source of information associated with the event, a person associated with the event, or a combination thereof. |
US09167367B2 |
Optimized low-bit rate parametric coding/decoding
A parametric coding method and apparatus are provided for coding a multichannel digital audio signal. The method includes a coding step for coding a signal from a channel reduction matrixing of the multichannel signal. The coding method also includes: obtaining, for each frame of predetermined length, spatial information parameters of the multichannel signal; dividing the spatial information parameters into a plurality of blocks of parameters; selecting a block of parameters as a function of the index of the current frame; and coding the block of parameters selected for the current frame. |
US09167362B2 |
Implantable receptacle for a hearing aid component
An implantable receptacle for receiving a hearing aid component includes a body having a proximal portion, a distal cylindrical portion and a joining portion joining the proximal portion to the distal cylindrical portion. First flexible tines extending from an outer wall of the distal cylindrical portion in the general direction of the proximal portion are configured to engage with and lock the distal cylindrical portion to a wall of a fenestration in a bone of the patient in a permanent fashion in response to pressing the sleeve into the fenestration. Second flexible tines extending from an outer wall of the distal cylindrical portion in a direction generally tangential to the circumference of the distal cylindrical portion are configured to engage with and prevent rotation of the distal cylindrical portion within the wall of the fenestration. |
US09167359B2 |
Hearing system and method for operating a hearing system
A hearing system (1) capable of assisting a user of the hearing system (1) to find a location where satisfactory hearing performance is achievable is described. The hearing system (1) comprises at least one hearing device (11, 12) with an input transducer (20), an output transducer (40), and a processing unit (30) operatively connected to the input transducer (20) as well as to the output transducer (40). The hearing system (1) further comprises a first means (50) for determining from a signal of the input transducer (20) at least one parameter (60) representative of a current acoustic environment at a current location, and a second means (40, 200, 201) for indicating to a user of the hearing system (1) a degree of suitability of the current location to achieve satisfactory hearing performance based on the at least one parameter (60). |
US09167358B2 |
Method for the binaural left-right localization for hearing instruments
A method and system for improving signal-to-noise ratio of output signals of a microphone system having two or more microphones due to acoustic useful signals at sides of the system are used in hearing instruments, especially hearing aids worn on the head. High and low frequency portions (cut-off frequency between 700 Hz and 1.5 kHz, approx. 1 kHz) are processed differently. In low frequency ranges, differential microphone signals directed towards left right are produced to determine lateral useful and noise sound levels using these two directional signals. These levels are used for subjecting every microphone signal to individual Wiener filtering. The natural head shadowing effect is used in high frequency ranges as a pre-filter for noise and useful sound estimation for subsequent Wiener filtering. The methods are used in hearing instruments worn on the head individually for high or low frequencies or in combination and complement each other. |
US09167357B2 |
Method for the binaural left-right localization for hearing instruments
A method and system for improving signal-to-noise ratio of output signals of a microphone system having two or more microphones due to acoustic useful signals occurring at sides of the system, is used in hearing instruments, especially hearing aids worn on the head. High and low frequency portions (cut-off frequency between 700 Hz and 1.5 kHz, approx. 1 kHz) are processed differently. In low frequency ranges, differential microphone signals directed towards left and right are produced to determine lateral useful and noise sound levels using two directional signals. These levels are used for individual Wiener filtering for every microphone signal. The natural head shadowing effect is used in high frequency ranges as a pre-filter for noise and useful sound estimation for subsequent Wiener filtering. The methods are used in hearing instruments worn on the head individually for high or for low frequencies and in combination complement each other. |
US09167353B2 |
Electrically conductive membrane pump/transducer and methods to make and use same
An improved electrically conductive membrane pump/transducer. The electrically conductive pump/transducer includes an array of electrically conductive membrane pumps that combine to generate a desired sound by moving a membrane (such as a membrane of PDMS), a piston, and/or by the use of pressurized airflow in the absence of such a membrane or piston. The electrically conductive membranes in the array can be, for example, graphene-polymer membranes. The electrically conductive pump can include mid-range, tweeter, and sub-woofer speakers. |
US09167350B2 |
Magnetic circuit and coaxial speaker using the same
A magnetic circuit for coaxial speaker includes a first magnetic unit, at least one second magnetic unit arranged around the first magnetic unit and at least one third magnetic unit arranged around the at least one second magnetic unit. The magnetic pole arrangement of the second magnetic unit is reversed to the magnetic pole arrangement of the first magnetic unit and the third magnetic unit, enabling a first magnetic loop to be established between the first magnetic unit and the at least one second magnetic unit and a second magnetic loop to be established between the at least one second magnetic unit and the at least one third magnetic unit. The magnetic circuit is practical for use in the inner and outer drivers of a coaxial speaker, providing uniform magnetic field distribution, and facilitating speaker miniaturization. |
US09167346B2 |
Object-oriented audio streaming system
Systems and methods for providing object-oriented audio are described. Audio objects can be created by associating sound sources with attributes of those sound sources, such as location, velocity, directivity, and the like. Audio objects can be used in place of or in addition to channels to distribute sound, for example, by streaming the audio objects over a network to a client device. The objects can define their locations in space with associated two or three dimensional coordinates. The objects can be adaptively streamed to the client device based on available network or client device resources. A renderer on the client device can use the attributes of the objects to determine how to render the objects. The renderer can further adapt the playback of the objects based on information about a rendering environment of the client device. Various examples of audio object creation techniques are also described. |
US09167345B2 |
Method and device of channel equalization and beam controlling for a digital speaker array system
A method and device of channel equalization and beam controlling for a digital speaker array system includes (1) converting digital format; (2) performing channel equalization; (3) controlling beam-forming; (4) performing multi-bit Σ-Δ modulation; (5) performing thermometer code conversion; (6) performing dynamic mismatch-shaping processing; and (7) extracting the channel information to send to the digital power amplifier and drive the array sound. A device includes a sound source, a digital converter, a channel equalizer, a beam-former, a Σ-Δ modulator, a thermometer coder, a dynamic mismatch shaper, an extraction selector, a multi-channel digital power amplifier and a speaker array. Each unit connects to each other serially. |
US09167344B2 |
Spectrally uncolored optimal crosstalk cancellation for audio through loudspeakers
A method and system for calculating the frequency-dependent regularization parameter (FDRP) used in inverting the analytically derived or experimentally measured system transfer matrix for designing and/or producing crosstalk cancellation (XTC) filters relies on calculating the FDRP that results in a flat amplitude vs frequency response at the loudspeakers, thus forcing XTC to be effected into the phase domain only and relieving the XTC filter from the drawbacks of audible spectral coloration and dynamic range loss. When the method and system are used with any effective optimization technique, it results in XTC filters that yield optimal XTC levels over any desired portion of the audio band, impose no spectral coloration on the processed sound beyond the spectral coloration inherent in the playback hardware and/or loudspeakers, and cause no (or arbitrarily low) dynamic range loss. |
US09167339B2 |
Hearing damage limiting headphones
A device includes an input for receiving an audio signal, a speaker to convert the audio signal into an audible sound, and a memory for storing remediation instructions and detection instructions. The device further includes a processor coupled to the input, the speaker, and the memory. The processor is configured to process the audio signal according to the detection instructions and the remediation instructions to modulate amplitude of the audio signal based on the remediation instructions. |
US09167338B2 |
Hearing protector
An ear cup for a hearing protection unit comprises a partition wall for separating a first part of the ear cup, facing the wearer, from a second part of the ear cup, facing the surroundings. A speaker is located in the first part of the ear cup and an electric connector is located in the second part of the ear cup. The speaker is mounted in a speaker holder, having a first cavity facing the ear of the wearer, to seal off a resonance space, the speaker holder in turn being arranged on the partition wall above a first aperture in the partition wall. Further, the speaker holder comprises a membrane above the first aperture. The speaker and the electric connector are connected by an electric cable, extending through the first aperture or through a second aperture in the partition wall. The speaker holder sealingly engages the electric cable. |
US09167337B2 |
Ear microphone and voltage control device for ear microphone
Disclosed is an ear microphone which includes: a microphone for converting a voice signal provided from the external auditory meatus of a user to an electric signal; a speaker for converting the electric signal provided from an external device to the voice signal; and a soundproof member having a microphone receiving groove for fixing and supporting the microphone to the inside of the housing and a speaker receiving groove for fixing and supporting the speaker to the inside of the housing. |
US09167336B2 |
Deformable ear tip for earphone and method therefor
A removable component for use with an earphone is disclosed. As an example, the removable component can be an ear tip. According to one aspect, an improved ear tip can be provided for use with a headphone. The ear tip is suitable for in-ear operation and can have a cosmetic deformable outer member. The deformable outer member can enable the ear tip to readily conform to a user's ear. The ear tip can also include an inner member to structurally support the outer member and to facilitate attachment to a headphone. Methods for forming such ear tips are also disclosed. |
US09167327B1 |
Microphone with rounded magnet motor assembly, backwave chamber, and phantom powered JFET circuit
A novel ribbon microphone incorporates rounded-edge magnet motor assembly, a backwave chamber, and a phantom-powered JFET circuit. In one embodiment of the invention, one or more novel rounded-edge magnets may be placed close to a ribbon of the ribbon microphone, wherein the one or more novel rounded-edge magnets reduce or minimize reflected sound wave interferences with the vibration of the ribbon during an operation of the ribbon microphone. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the invention, a novel backwave chamber operatively connected to a backside of the ribbon can minimize acoustic pressure, anomalies in frequency responses, and undesirable phase cancellation and doubling effects. Moreover, in one embodiment of the invention, a novel phantom-powered JFET preamplifier gain circuit can minimize undesirable sound distortions and reduce the cost of producing a conventional preamplifier gain circuit. |
US09167317B2 |
Battery monitoring system
A battery monitoring system including an on-site battery event monitor (BEM) that sends out battery-related data to a server over a wide area network (WAN). The BEM sends out data in a broadcast (or unicast manner) to predetermined server(s) without being queried or polled. This improves network security and data security and also eliminates the need for on-site network configuration and administration. |
US09167315B2 |
Method and apparatus for communicating emergency information
A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example transmitting, by a system comprising a processor, via a first emergency media channel a first video stream comprising first evacuation routing information for a first evacuation group responsive to receiving a notification of an emergency event, instructing, by the system, a first media processor device to select the first emergency media channel while disabling selection of other media channels according to the first evacuation routing information, where the content of the emergency media channel is presented at a display device by way of the first media processor device, and enabling, by the system, the first media processor device to select the other media channels responsive to receiving user input acknowledging the emergency media channel. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
US09167314B2 |
Embedding information in an image
A method for embedding information in an image includes defining a code corresponding to a unit of content where the code includes at least one character. The method includes defining a cryptographic representation for each character of the at least one character in the code. Each cryptographic representation includes a group of regularly spaced mark locations and each mark location has a mark selected from a normative mark or a native mark. A pattern of marks in the group of regularly spaced mark locations is unique to each character of the at least one character in the code. The method includes embedding the cryptographic representation for each character of the at least one character of the code into at least a portion of an image. A distance between mark locations in the image indicates an orientation of the image. |
US09167310B2 |
Optimized delivery techniques
Systems and methods are described that relate to on-demand compression for electronic data, such as media content, through a communication pathway. The communication pathway may be a configured to multicast media content to a plurality of end-users in a service group. In certain embodiments, the service group may comprise a service group node having a quadrature amplitude modulation device. In one exemplary method, it may be determined whether the amount of media content being transmitted meets a first utilization threshold. The determination may be based on, at least in part, by measurements taken at one or more electronic devices located throughout a network or system. If the first bandwidth utilization threshold is not met, media content may be transmitted in a first format. If the first bandwidth utilization threshold is met, at least a portion of the media content may be transmitted in a first optimized delivery technique. |
US09167309B2 |
Method and system for transmitting broadcast and data stream and method and apparatus for converting broadcast and data stream in HFC-based cable network
A method for transmitting broadcast and data streams in an HFC-based cable network includes a first transmission step of a broadcast transmission apparatus sending broadcast and data service streams in an IP-based stream or RF signal form through an optical section up to a cell node that is a contact point between the optical section and a cable section of a cable network and a second transmission step of the cell node converting the broadcast and data service streams into one of RF signal, IP-based stream, and RF/IP convergence service stream forms depending on a service type of a subscriber terminal and sending the converted broadcast and data service streams to the subscriber terminal through the cable section. |
US09167305B2 |
Authorable content rating system
Techniques for generating customized rating systems for use in a DVR are described. According to one technique, a user submits a rating system definition that comprises two or more different ratings of the user's choosing. The rating system definition is stored. The rating system definition defines a customized ratings system. That system's creator and other users may then associate various entities, such as channels, series, and episodes, with ratings from the customized rating system. DVRs may use these associations between entities and ratings for various purposes. For example, DVRs may use these associations to allow a user to search for entities that satisfy specified rating criteria. For another example, DVRs may use these associations to restricting which entities and information about those entities can be displayed or recorded when the DVR is in a restricted mode of operation. Customized rating systems may be modified by multiple users in collaboration. |
US09167304B2 |
System and method for recognition of items in media data and delivery of information related thereto
The system and method disclosed herein relate to the establishment of both the location and identity of individual items in pictures or videos. Once the one or more items in the picture/video are identified and matched to images in a reference database, the locations of the items is established and additional information relating to the items is accessed. Collectively, the position data and additional data is merged in the electronic pictures or videos and then provided to a user as a merged data stream. Additional functionality related to those identified items can occur when those identified locations are “pointed to”, “clicked” or otherwise selected (e.g., purchase an item, request information, select another video stream, play a game, share the item, rate, “Like”, and the like). |
US09167298B2 |
Methods and apparatus for using audience member behavior information to determine compliance with audience measurement system usage requirements
Example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture determine compliance with usage guidelines of an audience measurement system. Initially, location information associated with an audience member is obtained. It is then determined whether the audience member is in compliance with the usage guidelines based on the location information. Media monitoring information corresponding to the location information is then tagged as non-compliant if the audience member is not in compliance with the usage guidelines. |
US09167296B2 |
Customized playback at sink device in wireless display system
This disclosure describes techniques to improve a user experience in a Wireless Display (WD) system. The WD system includes a source device that provides media data to one or more sink devices. The techniques are directed toward reducing end-to-end latency in the WD system while improving video playback quality at the sink devices. More specifically, the techniques include customized playback at the sink devices based on the type of media data received from the source device. If the media data only includes video data and does not include audio data, a processing pipeline of the sink device is configured to render the video data without waiting to synchronize with non-existent audio data. If the media data includes both video data and audio data, an audio rendering start-up timer is reduced and the processing pipeline renders synchronized audio and video data according to the reduced start-up timer. |
US09167295B2 |
Multi-source content retrieval
An apparatus, method, and system are provided for providing content to a user. In some embodiments the content may be transmitted using a first transmission technique. In some embodiments, when the user “catches up to” the content as it is being received via the first transmission technique, a switch may be made to obtain the content via a second transmission technique, allowing reception of the content via the first transmission technique to be terminated. In some embodiments, a user equipment device may include a buffer that may be used to store the content received via the second transmission technique, which may support earlier termination with respect to receiving content via the first transmission technique. In some embodiments, the buffer may support a rewind operation. |
US09167294B2 |
Apparatus for switching television channels and method thereof
An apparatus for switching television channels and a method thereof are provided. The apparatus for switching television channels includes a tuner unit, at least two video de-multiplexing modules and a switch unit. The tuner unit locks a specific frequency point in a broadcast stream, and the frequency point has at least two program channels. After the tuner unit locks the specific frequency point, each of the video de-multiplexing modules simultaneously and respectively receives the broadcast stream, and performs a de-multiplexing operation and a decoding operation to each of the program channels to generate at least two program streams. The switch unit selects and displays one of the at least two program streams corresponding to a first program channel, and when a second program channel is selected, the switch unit selects and displays the other one of the at least two program streams corresponding to the second program channel. |
US09167288B2 |
System and method for optimizing memory usage in a universal controlling device
A method for optimizing memory usage in a device having a universal controlling application includes receiving into the device data for use in configuring the universal controlling application wherein the data is used to identify from within a library of command code sets stored in a memory of the device a command code set that is appropriate for use in commanding functional operations of the appliance and causing a non-identified one or more of the command code sets of the library of command code sets stored in the memory of the device to be discarded to thereby create freed space in the memory of the device. |
US09167287B2 |
Controlling a viewing session for a video program
A method includes requesting, by a user device, video program related content. The video program related content includes content related to one or more video programs provided by a service provider. The method also includes receiving the video program related content. A selection of a video program from the one or more video programs is received. The video program is selected at a set top box. The method also includes controlling a viewing session for the video program using the user device. |
US09167282B2 |
Enhanced HDMI system and method
A multiplexer includes a first interface configured to receive one or more HDMI or DVI signals for transmission over a respective one of an HDMI or DVI interface; a second interface configured to receive external data from a data source, the external data being intended for transmission over the HDMI or DVI interface; a data multiplexing device having inputs coupled to the first and second interfaces, and having an output, and being configured to multiplex the external data with information on one or more signal paths of the HDMI or DVI interface; and a transmitter coupled to the output of the data multiplexing device, configured to transmit the external data across the HDMI or DVI interface. |
US09167278B2 |
Method and system for automatic content recognition (ACR) based broadcast synchronization
An automatic content recognition (ACR) enabled display communication device that is operable to receive and consume content from a linear feed and a corresponding IP-based feed. The linear feed and the IP-based feed includes one or more content identifiers that identify similar content within the linear feed and the IP-based feed and also includes one or more corresponding automatic content recognition triggers. The ACR-enabled display communication device determines a first content identifier that is associated with a first content in the linear feed that is being consumed and requests IP segments in the IP-based feed that corresponds to the determined first content identifier and switches from consuming content in the linear feed to consuming content in the requested IP segments. The ACR-enabled display communication device stores the determined first content identifier and receives the requested IP segments from a remote server. |
US09167275B1 |
Systems and methods for autonomous broadcasting
Computer-implemented systems and methods provide for the autonomous broadcasting of video data, audio data, or video and audio data during an event, wherein the broadcasting can be schedule in advance and from a remote location (i.e., over a network). |
US09167271B2 |
Image processing device, method, and program, dynamic image encoding device, method, and program, dynamic image decoding device, method, and program, and encoding/decoding system and method
In order to preserve edges of a picture and to suppress a residual distorted signal in a reproduced picture, a picture processing device (in-loop filter) includes a first filter unit for applying a first filter to an input picture to generate a first filter picture, an attribute information generator which generates an attribute value indicating whether or not to apply a second filter to each pixel of the generated first filter picture, and a second filter unit for applying the second filter to a target pixel of the first filter picture selected on the basis of the attribute value of each pixel of the generated first filter picture, to generate a second filter picture. |
US09167269B2 |
Determining boundary strength values for deblocking filtering for video coding
A video coder associates a first boundary strength value with an edge in response to determining that a first video block or a second video block is associated with an intra-predicted coding unit (CU), where the edge occurs at a boundary between the first video block and the second video block. The video coder may associate a second or a third boundary strength value with the edge when neither the first video block nor the second video block is associated with an intra-predicted CU. The video coder may apply one or more deblocking filters to samples associated with the edge when the edge is associated with the first boundary strength value or the second boundary strength value. The third boundary strength value indicates that the deblocking filters are turned off for the samples associated with the edge. |
US09167261B2 |
Video decoder with constrained dynamic range
A technique for decoding video including receiving quantized coefficient level values representative of a block of video representative of a plurality of pixels and a quantization parameter related to the block of video. The technique includes de-quantizing the quantized coefficient level values based upon the quantized coefficient level values and the quantization parameter only if the quantized coefficient level values and the quantization parameter are jointly within a predefined range of acceptable values. The technique also includes inverse transforming the dequantized coefficients to determine a decoded residue. |
US09167255B2 |
Region-of-interest aware video coding
An encoder comprising an encoding module and an adaptation module. The encoding module is configured to encode video in at least one region-of-interest and outside the region-of-interest. The encoding comprises quantization, and the encoding module is operable to apply a difference in quantization granularity between the encoding inside and outside the region-of-interest. The adaptation module is configured to determine at least one metric representative of a difference in benefit of the quantization inside and outside the region-of-interest, and to adapt the difference in quantization granularity in dependence on this metric. |
US09167249B2 |
Method and apparatus for decoding a bitstream for a video signal with a decoding apparatus
The present invention relates to a video signal decoding method for adding an intra prediction mode as a sub-macroblock type to prediction of a macroblock in coding a video signal. Some implementations may include obtaining a macroblock type, when a macroblock includes the intra prediction coded sub-macroblock and the inter prediction coded sub-macroblock based on the macroblock type, obtaining prediction mode flag information indicating whether the sub-macroblock is the intra prediction coded or the inter prediction coded, and obtaining a prediction value of the sub-macroblock. Accordingly, implementations disclosed herein may raise coding efficiency of video signal by adding an intra prediction mode as a sub-macroblock type in predicting a macroblock. |
US09167247B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for encoding and decoding video using inter-color-plane prediction
Methods and apparatuses for performing inter-color-plane prediction with adaptability to various existing video content representations are provided. A plurality of predetermined rescaling schemes based on a color plane format is selected. A first block of original samples of a first color plane is encoded into a compressed bitstream. A block of reconstructed samples of the first color plane is reconstructed. An inter-color-plane prediction process is performed to produce samples of a second color plane. Said block of prediction samples of the second color plane is subtracted from a second block of original samples of the second color plane to produce a block of residual samples of the second color plane where the positions of the first block and the second block of original samples are aligned. Finally, the block of residual samples of the second color plane is encoded. |
US09167244B2 |
Image coding apparatus and method thereof
An image coding apparatus configured to support a coding scheme capable of selecting a size of a block to be coded from a plurality of sizes includes a quantization unit configured to assign a quantization step size to each block of an image to be coded and quantize each block, a coding unit configured to code image data relating to each block quantized by the quantization unit, a minimum quantization step value setting unit configured to set a minimum quantization step value according to the size of each block and apply the minimum quantization step value to each block of the image to be coded, and a quantization step determination unit configured to determine the quantization step size of each block not to fall below the minimum quantization step value thereof. |
US09167243B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing remote diagnostics to a television receiver
Described herein are techniques for allowing a customer support agent to remotely analyze a television receiver. A television receiver is communicatively coupled to a customer support center through a communication network. A customer support agent remotely accesses the television receiver and the television receiver transmits video content to the customer support center through the communication network. The video output is outputted to the customer support agent at the customer support center for analysis of the television receiver. |
US09167242B1 |
Sensor measurement system and method
Systems and methods for using sensors with electronic devices are described. In one embodiment, a resistive-type sensor, such as a force sensor, is connected between the audio input and audio output of the electronic device. The device is programmed to provide a signal to the audio output and measure a signal at the audio input. The resistance of the sensor, and thus sensor measurement, may thus be determined. |
US09167240B1 |
Methods and compositions for validation of fluorescence imaging and tomography devices
Methods and compositions are provided and include the construction of a simple solid phantom and a measurement approach for the quantification of excitation light leakage and measurement sensitivity of fluorescence imaging devices. |
US09167237B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing 3-dimensional image
A method and apparatus for providing a three-dimensional (3D) image are provided. The method includes receiving a left-eye image and a right-eye image, estimating an overlap region of the left-eye image and right-eye image; generating an overlap image based on the estimated overlap region; and controlling the left-eye image, the right-eye image and the overlap image to be output. |
US09167234B2 |
Display device
A display device capable of displaying both a 3D image and a 2D image is provided. The display device includes a plurality of optical filter regions where light-blocking panels for producing binocular disparity are arranged in matrix. The light-blocking panel can select whether to transmit light emitted from a display panel in each of the plurality of optical filter regions. Thus, in the display device, some regions where binocular disparity is produced can be provided. Consequently, the display device can display both a 3D image and a 2D image. |
US09167233B2 |
Naked-eye stereoscopic display apparatus
A plurality of pixels is arrayed on a display device. On the display device, a lenticular lens is arranged in a state where a periodic direction thereof is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction. The lenticular lens divides video data of N different viewpoints into separate viewpoint directions, presents the divided video data, and creates stereoscopic vision. In the event of assigning respective pieces of pixel data of video data composed of less than N viewpoint images to the plurality of pixels and displaying the pixel data, the drive unit lowers brightness of pixel data of viewpoint images seen to overlap each other. |
US09167228B2 |
Instrumented sports paraphernalia system
A real time system to televise sporting events from amongst the players on the playing field is disclosed. Sports paraphernalia that are ordinarily used by the players on the playing field are instrumented with a variety of TV cameras, microphones, and bi-directional communication electronics. Sports paraphernalia like footballs, ice hockey pucks, baseball first bases, baseball second bases, baseball third bases, baseball home plates and baseball pitcher's rubbers are disclosed. The instrumentation is built into and contained within the sports paraphernalia themselves. The instrumented sports paraphernalia televise signals to an antenna array relay junction, which relays the signals to a remote base station where they are processed and finally broadcast to a TV viewing audience. The cameraman in the remote base station exercises command and control over the functions of the instrumented sports paraphernalia. |
US09167226B2 |
Selecting viewpoints for generating additional views in 3D video
A method of encoding a video data signal (15) is provided, the method comprising providing at least a first image (21) of a scene (100) as seen from a first viewpoint, providing rendering information (22) for enabling the generation of at least one rendered image of the scene (100) as seen from a rendering viewpoint, providing a preferred direction indicator (23), defining a preferred orientation of the rendering viewpoint relative to the first viewpoint, and generating (24) the video data signal (15) comprising encoded data representing the first image, the rendering information and the preferred direction indicator. |
US09167224B2 |
Image processing device, imaging device, and image processing method
The present invention includes an image acquisition device configured to acquiring multiple viewpoint images that are generated by pupil-division imaging and that are different in viewpoint, a parallax calculation device 40a for calculating a first parallax amount between viewpoint images for the multiple viewpoint images, a memory 48 in which parallax correction information indicating the relationship between the first parallax amount and the deviation amount in the parallax direction for the corresponding object images, which is a deviation amount between viewpoint images for the multiple viewpoint images and is caused by the pupil-division imaging, is stored, and a parallax correction device 40b for calculating a second parallax amount, which is an amount resulting from correcting the first parallax amount to the deviation amount in the parallax direction for the object images, based on the first parallax amount and the parallax correction information stored in the memory 48. |
US09167217B2 |
High efficiency laser modulation
A scanning laser projector drives laser light sources with waveforms for higher efficiency. Optical light power values for pixels are mapped to amplitude/duration pairs. Laser diodes are driven with electrical currents having the amplitude for time period specified by the duration. For increasing optical light power values, amplitude values are increased, and then durations are increased. |
US09167215B2 |
Machine vision system editing environment for a part program in which a continuous stream of image acquisition operations are performed during a run mode
In a machine vision system editing environment for a part program, a continuous stream of image acquisition operations are performed during a run mode. Previously, a continuous stream of image acquisition operations was achieved by utilizing different programming representations and syntax for programming and grouping image acquisition operations together in the part program. A new common syntax and representations are utilized wherein such continuous image acquisition operations are recorded in the same way as regular operations, with the running of the part program being performed in two stages. First, the portion of the part program that is to have the continuous stream of image acquisition is scanned for image acquisition operations, and the most efficient order for acquiring the images is determined. Second, while the image acquisition process is being performed, the portion of the part program is scanned again, with the image analysis operations then being performed. |
US09167204B2 |
Systems and methods for managing teleconference participant mute state
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for managing a mute state of a participant in a teleconference may include detecting, based on analysis of at least one characteristic of audio data received from a microphone associated with the participant or image data received from a camera associated with the participant, whether the participant is attempting to speak to other teleconference participants. The method may also include providing an alert to the participant in response to a detecting that the participant is attempting to speak to other conference participants while the microphone is muted. |
US09167203B2 |
Method and apparatus for video call in communication system
A method for a video call in a terminal for performing the video call includes receiving at least one of a video of another party user side or a video of a terminal user side; determining whether a preset capture condition is satisfied based on the received video; capturing an image satisfying the preset capture condition; determining whether the video call is terminated; and displaying at least one of the captured images on a display unit when the video call is terminated. |
US09167200B2 |
Communication apparatus
Disclosed is a communication apparatus including an image input unit that includes an image input member that inputs an image of an object and a retaining member that retains the image input member at its one edge; an enclosure to which a concave portion is formed at its one side surface; a uniaxial hinge device that includes a first hinge member and a second hinge member rotatably connected with each other and capable of rotating around a first axial line with respect to each other, the first hinge member being connected to the enclosure and the second hinge member being connected to the other edge of the retaining member. The image input unit is rotated via the uniaxial hinge device around the first axial line with respect to the enclosure between a housing position and a protruding position. |
US09167199B2 |
Image input apparatus with high-speed, high-quality still image successive capturing capability and still image successive capturing method using the same
An apparatus and a method of successively capturing high quality image data at high speed are provided. The image input apparatus includes an image sensor for capturing image data from a subject; an image signal processor encoding the image data transmitted from the image sensor to produce digital image data; and a memory for storing the digital image data. The image signal processor decodes the digital image data according to an operating signal from a user and provides the user with the decoded digital image data. Therefore, the high quality image data can be obtained at high speed, and the lifespan of an external memory can be increased. |
US09167197B1 |
Providing a multi-pane display
Systems and methods for providing a multi-pane display of programs being viewed by a plurality of social contacts include storing a user identifier for a user; storing an association of the user identifier with user identifiers for each of the plurality of social contacts of the user; receiving, from the plurality of social contacts of the user, program identifier data representing programs currently being viewed by the social contacts or previously viewed by the social contacts; and providing display data in a multi-pane display. |
US09167196B2 |
Systems and methods for trimming recorded content using a media guidance application
Systems and methods for trimming recorded content or segments using a media guidance application are provided. A first program scheduled for recording during one timeslot. A determination is made that the first program will run beyond the scheduled broadcast time. The first program may be rescheduled for recording during a second larger timeslot that overlaps with the scheduled broadcast time of a second program. Content provided by the program source may be recorded during the second timeslot. The recorded content may be trimmed to remove portions of the recorded content that correspond to the second program. |
US09167194B2 |
Method for generating a unique service set identifier on a wireless projector
A projector includes a network interface card, a basic input output system, and a service set identifier module. The network interface card is configured to communicate with a computer. The basic input output system is in communication with the network interface card, and is configured to store a model number and identification data for the projector. The service set identifier module is in communication with the basic input output system, and is configured to retrieve the model number and the identification data, and to utilize the model number and the identification data to create a unique service set identifier for the projector. |
US09167193B2 |
Image display device
A display device is provided that controls, considering affection due to a watcher's age and his viewing distance as human-visual characteristics, a display-screen brightness level at which the watcher does not feel glare. The display-screen brightness is most suitably set by simple calculation using relationships among watcher's ages, display sizes, glare levels, and screen-illuminance levels, etc. obtained by a subjective-assessment experiment. According to this display device, considering watcher's various conditions such as the age, the visual acuity, and the viewing distance, even if the watcher watches the display for a relatively long time, the watcher does not feel tiredness; thus, comfortable watching can be achieved. |
US09167192B2 |
Display system
A display system includes a base member, a rear support member which is connected to one end of the base member in an upward and downward direction, a display device, a support unit which is disposed on an upper portion of the rear support member, and supports the display device such that the display device is movable in position and changeable in position in at least two axial directions, a sound output device which is disposed on the display device and the rear support member, and a control device which controls operations of the support unit, the sound output device and the display device. A bed, a mattress, a bedding covering or the like is provided on the base member such that a user can watch a screen of the display device in a posture where the user has lain above the base member. |
US09167191B2 |
Display control system and method, display control apparatus and method, and program
A display control system for controlling display of images on a plurality of display units, the plurality of display units being arranged in an array, includes a determining unit determining whether or not information of interest is being displayed; a first recording control unit controlling recording of a first image displayed on the display units when the determining unit determines that the information of interest is being displayed; a second recording control unit controlling recording of a second image displayed on the display units when a user performs a recording operation; and a display control unit controlling display of the first image or the second image on the display units. |
US09167189B2 |
Automated content detection, analysis, visual synthesis and repurposing
A content summary is generated by determining a relevance of each of a plurality of scenes, removing at least one of the plurality of scenes based on the determined relevance, and creating a scene summary based on the plurality of scenes. The scene summary is output to a graphical user interface, which may be a three-dimensional interface. The plurality of scenes is automatically detected in a source video and a scene summary is created with user input to modify the scene summary. A synthetic frame representation is formed by determining a sentiment of at least one frame object in a plurality of frame objects and creating a synthetic representation of the at least one frame object based at least in part on the determined sentiment. The relevance of the frame object may be determined and the synthetic representation is then created based on the determined relevance and the determined sentiment. |
US09167181B2 |
Imaging apparatus and method for controlling the imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging element, a reading scheme setting unit, and an image processing unit. A phase-difference detecting pixel for detecting a focal point is arranged at part of the imaging pixels of the imaging element. The reading scheme setting unit sets a reading scheme for reading pixel data from the imaging pixels and phase-difference detecting pixel. The image processing unit corrects the pixel data of the phase-difference detecting pixel. The image processing unit performs the correction, to change a use ratio of the pixel data of the phase-difference detecting pixel to the data interpolated from the pixels adjacent to the phase-difference detecting pixel. |
US09167180B1 |
Address mapped repartitioned digital pixel with sub-frame residual accumulation
The accumulation of registered sub-frame residuals in an address-mapped repartitioned digital pixel matches the intensity resolution (dynamic range) to the spatial resolution of the image. The digital accumulation of pixel quantization events (QEs) is extended to include sub-frame residuals. After all QEs are digitally accumulated, then removed from the analog accumulator, an analog residual value remains. Residual capture logic is configured to trigger residual digitization logic at least twice per frame interval for selected pixels to capture, digitize and then clear the residual value on the storage device. Memory update logic is configured to accumulate the quantization event digital values and residual digital values into existing digital values at the address-mapped memory locations in digital memory. Resolution enhancement is enabled by an address mapping that maps a one-pixel spacing on the detector to two or more pixel spacing in the digital memory. |
US09167177B2 |
Systems and methods for creating an eternalism, an appearance of sustained three dimensional motion-direction of unlimited duration, using a finite number of images
Data comprising a compressed image frame and temporal redundancy information is received. The image frame is decompressed. A plurality of bridge frames that are visually dissimilar to the image frame are generated. The image frame and the plurality of bridge frames are blended, generating a plurality of blended frames, and the plurality of blended frames are displayed. |
US09167176B2 |
Method and device for handling multiple video streams using metadata
A method and device for dynamically overlaying two or more video streams uses specialized metadata that are attached to at least one of the video streams. |
US09167174B1 |
Systems and methods for high-dynamic range images
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for high-dynamic range images. In use, a first pixel attribute of a first pixel is received and a second pixel attribute of a second pixel is received. Next, a scalar based on the first pixel attribute and the second pixel attribute is identified. Finally, the first pixel and the second pixel are blended, based on the scalar, wherein the first pixel is brighter than the second pixel. Additional systems, methods, and computer program products are also presented. |
US09167167B2 |
System and method for high dynamic range image sensor sensitive array
A method is disclosed of a heterogeneous image sensor array comprising more than one image sensor structures that are interconnected. The final image sensor array image output for each image sensor structure or pixel is computed using single image sensor structure output data or output data from more than one image sensor structures. The heterogeneous array exhibits complexity, cost, power consumption, device yields and reliability benefits when compared to other image sensor array structures. |
US09167159B2 |
Camera mobile phone with anti-shaking function and anti-shaking method for use by the camera mobile phone in image capturing
A camera mobile phone with an anti-shaking function and an anti-shaking method for use by the camera mobile phone in image capturing are disclosed. The anti-shaking method including the following steps of: A. using a gravity sensor module of the mobile phone to detect a shaking level of the mobile phone when capturing an image; B. according to the shaking level detected by the gravity sensor module, controlling an exposure time of the mobile phone in the process of capturing the image so that a camera module of the mobile phone captures the image according to the exposure time and C. using an image processing software program to carry out deblurring processing on the blurred image according to a displacement vector generated due to shaking. |
US09167157B2 |
Drive apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes an outer shell, a camera body arranged inside the outer shell and moving along the outer shell, drivers arranged inside the outer shell and configured to drive the camera body, a drive controller configured to control the drivers, a power source arranged inside the outer shell, a power receiver arranged inside the outer shell so as to move together with the camera body and configured to receive power from the outside of the outer shell to supply the power to the power source, and a power supply detector configured to determine whether or not the power is supplied from the outside of the outer shell. When the power is supplied, the drive controller moves the camera body to a predetermined power supply position. |
US09167156B2 |
Photographing apparatus for photographing panoramic image and method thereof
A photographing method and apparatus is provided. The photographing apparatus includes a photographing unit; a sensing unit for sensing motion of the photographing apparatus; a display unit for displaying at least one guide image for panorama photographing; a controller for controlling the photographing unit to automatically photograph, if a photographing direction that changes in accordance with motion of the photographing apparatus corresponds to one of the at least one guide image; and a storage unit for storing the photographed image data. |
US09167155B2 |
Method and system of spacial visualisation of objects and a platform control system included in the system, in particular for a virtual fitting room
The disclosure relates to a method and a system for virtual visualization of objects and a platform control system included in the system, in particular for a virtual fitting room. Users can combine garments and accessories and watch the presented objects in a virtual environment in different perspectives. The system includes a rotatable platform with a control system thereof, wherein on the platform there is situated a spatial pattern. The rotatable platform is connected to an image or video capture device, which in turn is connected to a processing device. The processing device includes a processing module. The processing module comprises an input module, which cooperates with a comparator module. The comparator module cooperates with or without a coherence module, which in turn cooperates with a combination creating module for matching objects on the spatial pattern through a segmentation module. |
US09167151B2 |
Focus detection apparatus, focus detection method, and image capturing apparatus
A focus detection apparatus comprises: a sensor unit provided with a plurality of sensor pairs, including a first and second sensor pairs, each of which receives a light beam from an object, accumulates charge, and outputs a pair of image signals for focus detection; a control unit configured to detect a level of a predetermined signal based on the accumulated charge in each sensor pair, and controls charge accumulation time in accordance with the level of the predetermined signal; and a setting unit configured to set a priority of each sensor pair in accordance with the object. The priority of the first sensor pair is set higher than that of the second sensor pair, and the control unit detects the level of the predetermined signal of the first sensor pair in prior to that of the second sensor pair. |
US09167150B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing image in mobile terminal having camera
An apparatus and method process an image in a portable terminal having a camera. The apparatus obtains a final image from a plurality of images by performing a focusing function based on a plurality of images photographed by varying focus characteristics of an identical subject. |
US09167149B2 |
Lens apparatus and imaging apparatus including the same
A lens apparatus includes an imaging optical system including a movable lens unit, a drive unit configured to drive the movable lens unit, and a control unit configured to cause the movable lens unit to perform a wobbling motion in an optical axis direction by alternatively outputting to the drive unit a first drive command for driving the movable lens unit at a first driving speed and a stop command for stopping driving of the movable lens unit, and to move the movable lens unit based on contrast information obtained from an image pickup unit during the wobbling motion of the movable lens unit, wherein, at least one of before and after outputting the first drive command to the drive unit, the control unit outputs to the drive unit a second drive command for driving the movable lens unit at a second driving speed lower than the first driving speed. |
US09167147B2 |
Mobile device field of view region determination
A method and system for determining a field of view region on a mobile device display is provided. The method includes receiving by a mobile device from a user facing camera of the mobile device, an image of a user currently using the mobile device. Key features of the image are identified and attributes of the key features are determined. The attributes are analyzed and a specified region within a field of view of an object facing camera of the mobile device is determined. Data associated with the specified region is provided for a software application. |
US09167145B2 |
Receiving device for receiving a wireless operation signal for controlling a lens or a camera by a first or a second method
An image pickup apparatus includes a photographic lens including a photographic optical system, a photographic camera configured to be attachable to and detachable from the photographic lens and including an image sensor configured to receive light from the photographic lens, and a receiving device connected to the photographic lens via a cable and configured to receive an operation signal for controlling the photographic lens or the photographic camera from a remote operation device, wherein the receiving device is configured to be fixable to the photographic lens or the photographic camera by a plurality of different methods. |
US09167143B2 |
Apparatus, a method, and a computer program for automatic focusing
An apparatus (500) comprises: an image detector (122) for capturing an image frame (FN), a driving unit (200) for adjusting focusing of light onto said image detector (122), and a pulse generating unit (120), wherein said pulse generating unit (120) is configured to generate one or more synchronization pulses (S11, S12) based on the timing of optical exposure of a predetermined portion (TRIGLN) of said image frame (FN), and said driving unit (200) is configured to perform said adjusting based on the timing of said one or more synchronization pulses (S11, S12). |
US09167142B2 |
Imaging apparatus and method for controlling the same
An imaging apparatus includes a control unit configured to perform control to record an uncombined image captured in a multiple exposure shooting mode on a recording medium, and, if the number of images to be combined to generate a multiple combined image is one when the multiple exposure shooting mode ends, to prevent the multiple combined image from being generated or recorded. |
US09167138B2 |
Pattern projection and imaging using lens arrays
A method for projection includes generating a pattern of illumination, and positioning an array of lenses so as to project different, respective parts of the pattern onto a scene. |
US09167136B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer program products for digital image capture
A method including initiating video functionality of an optical image capture device, using the video functionality to capture a plurality of still images at video speed, saving the plurality of still images as a cached timeline from which a user may select a desired still image, and providing a user interface on a display screen to allow the user to select a desired still image. |
US09167126B2 |
Image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus
An image reading apparatus sets an irradiation region below a fixed reading glass when light guide members diffuse light of LEDs upward so that the irradiation region corresponding to a significantly sagged portion in a main scanning direction is wider than that corresponding to portions on both sides of the significantly sagged portion, and sets a light intensity of a plurality of LEDs corresponding to the significantly sagged portion in the main scanning direction to be larger than that of a plurality of LEDs corresponding to the portions on both sides of the significantly sagged portion. Therefore, the degradation of the illuminance corresponding to the significantly sagged portion due to the pressed fixed reading glass can be prevented, and the entire document can be read with uniform reading precision. |
US09167125B2 |
Image reading device and recording device
An image reading device includes a transparent plate and a CIS. The transparent plate has a placement area in which an original document is placed and a transport area which corresponds to a transport position of the original document by a transport device. The CIS reads an image of the original document via the transparent plate. The transport device includes an inverting path at a position on the transparent plate opposite to the placement area seen from the transport area. On a second surface side of the transparent plate, the CIS is moved among a first reading area which corresponds to the placement area of the transparent plate, a second reading area which corresponds to the transport area of the transparent plate, and a standby position defined below the inverting path of the transport device. |
US09167123B2 |
Image reader apparatus and method of driving the same
The present invention provides an image reader apparatus capable of obtaining an image having stable brightness while suppressing an increase of the cost of the apparatus. The image reader apparatus 1 for reading an image on a document 2 being fed and outputting an image signal includes a synchronization signal generation circuit 4 for generating a synchronization signal SS synchronous with a feed timing and a feed cycle of the document 2, a CCD 6 for reading an image on the document 2 in synchronism with the synchronization signal SS, an LED 9 for emitting white light, and a lighting control circuit 7 for turning the LED 9 on in synchronism with the synchronization signal SS and turning the light source off so that a lighting period is equalized for each line irrespective of a variation of the feed cycle of the document 2. The lighting control circuit 7 turns the LED 9 off so that the lighting period of the LED 9 is equal to a predetermined preset period. |
US09167121B2 |
Lighting unit and image scanner using same
A lighting unit is provided with: LED arrays in which light-emitting elements are positioned in an array in a main scanning direction; cylindrical parabolic mirrors that project light emitted from the LED arrays on an illumination region of an illuminated item; and a housing that houses or holds the LED arrays and the cylindrical parabolic mirrors. Each cylindrical parabolic mirror forms a shape in which a cylindrical paraboloid having curvature with respect to a sub-scanning direction has been clipped by an axial plane that is perpendicular to the vertex of the cylindrical paraboloid in the main scanning direction. The LED arrays are positioned so as to include the focal position of the cylindrical paraboloid in the light-emitting region, the central axis in the light-emitting direction being perpendicular to the axial plane. |
US09167117B2 |
Main body device, slave device, and program update method
An update program is acquired in a main body device from an external device, a generation of noise from a noise generating source that has possibility to generate noise to a communication between the main body device and the slave device is suppressed, and after that, a slave device update program is transferred from the main body device to the slave device in the second communication method (second communication speed) which is faster than the first communication method (first communication speed). |
US09167111B2 |
Information processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
An information processing apparatus according to the invention includes a manipulating unit receiving an instruction based on a user manipulation and outputting an instruction signal, a setting unit for setting a rule for arranging a file or files based on the instruction signal from the manipulating unit, a detecting unit for detecting a file number, and a controlling unit for arranging the file or files based on the rule set with the setting unit in a case where the file number exceeds a threshold value. |
US09167107B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program
An image processing apparatus implements appropriate image processing on image data stored in a storage unit of the image processing apparatus easily and efficiently, and distributes the image data to an external apparatus. An image format conversion unit implements image processing such as resolution conversion processing, filter processing, γ correction processing, and halftone processing on image data stored in an HDD serving as an image data storage unit so that the image data conform to conditions, such as image quality and format, specified by an external client apparatus. The image-processed image data are then distributed to the external client apparatus. |
US09167104B2 |
Telecommunications data usage management
Telecommunications data usage management may be provided. A network state associated with a communication network may be identified. Upon determining that the network state is not in compliance with a data usage policy, access to the communication network may be restricted for at least one application. |
US09167103B2 |
Subsidizing wireless services in geo-fenced zones
A method for subsidizing wireless services in geo-fenced zones is provided in the illustrative embodiments. A geo-fenced zone is configured, the geo-fenced zone comprising a boundary defined by a set of fixed points in space. A subsidized pricing is configured for the wireless service when the wireless service is consumed by a mobile device within the geo-fenced zone, forming a subsidized wireless service. The mobile device is detected in the geo-fenced zone. The mobile device is provided the subsidized wireless service. A billing entry is applied to an account associated with the mobile device, wherein the billing entry charges the account a subsidized amount corresponding to a measured amount of subsidized wireless service used by the mobile device while the mobile device remains within the geo-fenced zone. |
US09167099B2 |
Computational systems and methods for identifying a communications partner
Methods, apparatuses, computer program products, devices and systems are described that carry out accepting at least one telephone communication from at least one member of a network; disambiguating the at least one search term including associating the at least one search term with at least one of network-participation identifier data or device-identifier data; and presenting the sender profile in association with the at least one telephone communication. |
US09167096B2 |
Automatic delivery of visual voicemail
A visual voicemail may be automatically transmitted to a receiving mobile device after the visual voicemail fails to reach the receiving mobile device during an initial delivery attempt. For example, a visual voicemail delivery system may receive an indication of an incoming voicemail, and a visual voicemail associated with the incoming voicemail may be generated. The system may maintain the delivery status of the visual voicemail. For example, if the receiving mobile device retrieves the visual voicemail from the system via a communication session, the system may mark the visual voicemail as delivered. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the system may determine whether the visual voicemail has been delivered to the mobile device. If the system determines that the visual voicemail has not been delivered to the mobile device, the system may automatically transmit visual voicemail to the mobile device. |
US09167095B1 |
Call center agent management
Call center personnel, i.e., company agents may be monitored and information from monitoring the call center agents may be presented on a portable device. The information from monitoring the call center agents may include various key performance indexes (KPIs) that enable the performance of the call center agents to be assessed. The KPIs may be updated in near-real time based on monitoring pending calls handled by the agents. Sound analytics may also be performed on the calls. Information regarding the call center agents may be graphically organized by the portable device so that call centers agents who may need assistance may be easily identified. The portable device may join a call. For example, a setting for a session associated with the call may be modified to include the manager device in the session. |
US09167093B2 |
System and method for real-time process management
A system and method for real-time process management. An attribute of a process currently performed may be related to a key performance indicator (KPI) threshold. A system may determine, in real-time, the KPI threshold was breached. An indication may be provided to, for example, a mobile device. Feedback related to an intervention of an expert may be received on the mobile device. |
US09167090B2 |
Public safety answering point language detection
A Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) is disclosed. The PSAP is configured to enable the detection of language preferences, capabilities, or inabilities and, based on such detection, assist the PSAP agent in assisting the PSAP caller. The PSAP may additionally or alternatively utilize the detection of language information to assist in the decision to route or re-route the PSAP caller to appropriate PSAP resources. |
US09167085B2 |
System and method for coordinated call-back revocation
System and method to revoke call-back requests, the method including: transmitting a plurality of communication requests from a caller to one or more callees; determining mootness of a request for a call-back from at least some of the callees; initiating, by use of a single command, a plurality of call-back cancellation requests to the at least some of the callees; and transmitting one or more call-back cancellation requests to the at least some of the callees. The method may further include determining a characteristic shared by the communication requests to the at least some of the callees. Determining a characteristic may include determining subject matter from message content, metadata, or sending time of the communication requests. The request for a call-back is determined by the caller or inferred by a callee. Call-back cancellation may include removal of a call indication from a notification list of the callee. |
US09167084B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing call connection notification to a caller by displaying public relation (PR) information of a callee
Apparatus and method for providing call connection notification. In order to provide a call connection notification service, a telephone number of a callee may be received when a caller transmits a call connection request to the callee. Based on the telephone number of the callee, public relations (PR) information may be searched for. A result of the searching may be provided to a user equipment of the caller. |
US09167082B2 |
Methods and systems for voice augmented caller ID / ring tone alias
A communication device and method can include one or more processors operatively coupled to memory and an audible output device, where the one or more processors receive a call from a calling party that includes caller identification information and a voice or video message associated with the caller identification information, presenting the caller identification information, present the voice message or video message as an alias of or to a ring tone or interleaved with the ring tone before the call from the calling party is answered or rejected. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
US09167080B2 |
System and method for providing callers with local time and other information at called locations
A system and method for distributing remote location information to callers who place calls to the remote locations may include storing information at a central computing system. The information may be associated with locations in multiple different time zones and include telephone number identifiers and local times associated with the different respective telephone number identifiers. The information may be distributed to communications network nodes in different time zones. Telephone calls may be processed from callers local to the communications network nodes. In response to receiving a call request at a communications network node from a local caller, a determination by the communications network node using a portion of a called telephone number may be made to determine current time local to the called telephone. The current time local may be communicated to the caller prior to connecting the call with a communications device associated with the called telephone number. |
US09167078B2 |
Systems and methods of processing inbound calls
Methods and systems for reducing the impact of fraudulent or spam calls are disclosed. One or more calls to a first phone address are received, the first phone address not currently associated with a communication for a customer prospect. The calling party phone addresses associated with the calls received prior to the association of the first phone address to the first communication are stored. Then the first phone address is associated to the first communication. A first call to the first phone address is received. Prior to answering the first call and at least partly in response to a determination that a calling party phone address of the first call matches one of the previously stored calling party phone address, the first call is identified as a spam or otherwise undesirable call candidate and may be rejected. |
US09167070B2 |
Widget discovery in computing devices
A system and a method are disclosed for discovering widgets for computing devices. A computing device parses data to identify rich content. The computing device searches for widgets supporting the identified rich content in a remote server and retrieves a widget supporting the identified rich content. The computing device executes the widget to process the rich content. |
US09167064B2 |
Universal dock and cable
A docking station, method, and system are disclosed including a universal dock and connection cable to establish a network connection between a mobile device and a local data network such as an enterprise Private Branch Exchange (PBX). The cable connection is reconfigurable within so that the docking station can receive a mobile communications device in different orientations. Sliding tiles within the universal dock may be repositioned for different locations of the connection cable. USB and micro-USB cable connections are described. |
US09167062B1 |
Holder for hand-held electronic communication device
The holder for a hand-held electronic communication device comprises a base that is constructed for hand-held use, shoulder support, and surface support in a multiplicity of portrait inclination angles and landscape orientations. The holder incorporates two clamping mechanisms, one being operative for fixing its gripping part in selected positions of extension and the other desirably acting dynamically, such as by pivotal movement, for cooperatively clamping the mounted communication device in place. |
US09167061B2 |
Gyroscopic alerting mechanism for portable communications device
A portable communications device, such as a mobile phone, includes a novel tactile alerting mechanism capable of alerting the user of an incoming communication or other event. A gyroscopic mechanism is coupled to a housing of the portable communications device and controlled by a processor. The processor is configured to control a spin velocity of the gyroscopic mechanism based on receiving an alert of an incoming call or message, or detecting a fall. The gyroscopic mechanism may spin up or change a spin state to provide a tactile signal via the housing of the communications device, by imparting stabilizing force to the housing that can be felt by a person wearing the communications device, or to change an orientation of the device while falling. |
US09167060B2 |
Mobile phone housing with tool frame
A mobile phone housing with a tool frame has a main casing, a tool frame slidably mounted in the main casing, and a slider connected to the tool frame. By pushing the slider, the tool frame can be driven to protrude out of the mobile phone housing or to be stored in the mobile phone housing. The tool frame may be an eyeglasses frame for mounting glasses. The glasses mounted in the tool frame can be replaced with other glasses of different lens prescriptions or different functions according to user's need, such that the mobile phone housing with the eyeglasses frame is convenient for people with eye defects to use. Or the tool frame may be a mirror frame for mounting the mirror to allow user to look at himself in the mirror. |
US09167059B2 |
Mobile terminal and control method thereof
A mobile terminal may be provided that includes a squeeze sensor disposed at a lateral surface of a housing to sense a pressure greater than a predetermined value being applied thereto; and a controller configured to change the location of an object displayed on a display based on a pressure applied position when the sensed pressure is greater than a predetermined value. |
US09167057B2 |
Dual-mode encoder, system including same, and method for generating infra-red signals
A dual-mode encoder. The encoder includes a logic device. The logic device includes a first input terminal for receiving a signal associated with an audio source, a second input terminal for receiving a mode instruction signal, and an output terminal for outputting an encoded signal. The logic device is configured to operate in a first mode by encoding the received associated signal according to a first protocol, and to operate in a second mode by encoding the received associated signal according to a second protocol. |
US09167056B2 |
In-house location based services
A mobile device of a user discovers topological information about electronic devices in a premise environment, and shares such information with a media gateway. The media gateway uses the topological information to augment content from a server, such as a web page that supports access to media content, to add graphical objects corresponding to those electronic devices in proximity to the mobile device that are capable of reproducing the streaming media content. Selection of the one of the add-on graphical objects causes delivery of the media content to the corresponding electronic device instead of the display of the mobile device. In this manner, a more natural selection mechanism than that available using conventional pull-down lists of options is provided. |
US09167055B2 |
Method and system of displaying frame
A method and a system of displaying a frame are provided. The method is applicable for an electronic apparatus, and the method includes: obtaining capability information of each client apparatus in a subnet where the electronic apparatus is located, so as to obtain total capability information; connecting a server system and receiving a capability inquiring instruction from the server system; reporting the total capability information to the server system in response to the capability inquiring instruction, so that the server system sends a drawing instruction; co-generating the frame with the client apparatuses according to the drawing instruction sent by the server system. |
US09167050B2 |
Control pool based enterprise policy enabler for controlled cloud access
A method for controlling access to a Cloud, comprising receiving traffic from an Enterprise user at a gateway, wherein the traffic carries a first key specific to the Enterprise user for use internal to the gateway, replacing the first key with a second key, wherein the second key is a Cloud-negotiated key generic to a plurality of Enterprise users which permits access to the Cloud, and sending traffic to the Cloud. |
US09167046B2 |
Social context for applications
In one embodiment, a method includes determining one or more applications on one or more first client computing devices of a first user of a social-networking system; determining one or more second users of the social-networking system that are connected to the first user within the social-networking system; determining one or more applications on one or more second client computing devices of the second users; comparing the applications on the first client computing devices with the applications on the second client computing devices; determining one or more application recommendations for the first user based at least in part on the comparison; and sending the application recommendations to the first user. |
US09167045B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for intercutting advertisement
A method of intercutting advertisement disclosed comprises: receiving a playing request message carrying user information and media information from a user terminal; determining whether advertisement needs to be intercut for the user based on the user information and the media information; when it is determined that advertisement needs to be intercut for the user, making a pause in playing a stream media corresponding to the playing request message, obtaining an advertisement stream corresponding to the user information and the media information, and delivering the advertisement stream to the user to play; when it is detected that play of the advertisement stream is finished, sending the playing request message to a stream media server, and forwarding to the user terminal the stream media obtained from the stream media server, corresponding to the playing request message. |
US09167040B2 |
Closed network presentation with external router
Systems, methods and computer readable memory devices for delivering a presentation are provided. In one example, a method includes communicatively coupling the host computing device to an external router, and establishing the closed wireless network using the router. An encrypted communication session is established via the closed wireless network with a plurality of client computing devices that each comprises a display. Each of the client computing devices is communicatively coupled to a virtual network server on the host computing device. Frame buffer data is retrieved from a storage subsystem of the host computing device. The frame buffer data is sent to each of the client computing devices to modify the display of each device. |
US09167039B2 |
Caching large objects with multiple, unknown, and varying anchor points at an intermediary proxy device
Methods and arrangements for caching video object portions. A request for stand-alone content in a video object is received, the content neither being cached nor being adjacent to a cached video object portion, and a first portion of the video object is cached. A value is assigned to the first video object portion. A subsequent request for content in the video object is received, the subsequent request corresponding to access to the first video object portion and a second, uncached portion of the video object. The value of the first video object portion is updated. For the second video object portion, an amount to cache and a value are determined. |
US09167034B2 |
Optimized peer-to-peer file transfers on a multi-node computer system
A method and apparatus performs peer-to-peer file transfers on a High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster such as a Beowulf cluster. A peer-to-peer file tracker (PPFT) allows operating system, application and data files to be moved from a pre-loaded node to another node of the HPC cluster. A peer-to-peer (PTP) client is loaded into the nodes to facilitate PTP file transfers to reduce loading on networks, network switches and file servers to reduce the time needed to load the nodes with these files to increase overall efficiency of the multi-node computing system. The selection of the nodes participating in file transfers can be based on network topology, network utilization, job status and predicted network/computer utilization. This selection can be dynamic, changing during the file transfers as resource conditions change. The policies used to choose resources can be configured by an administrator. |
US09167033B2 |
Transmission device load balancing
A content providing service may employ a variety of streaming devices such as servers, and may associate or assign the servers to different content duration time ranges. Each server may then be responsible for servicing requests for content whose duration lies within the server's assigned content duration time range. In response to overload or underload status of a server, the server's time range may be adjusted. The time range of other servers in the system may also be adjusted to compensate. |
US09167032B2 |
Internet protocol version 6 content routing
A content delivery system includes a cache server, a domain name server, and a redirector. The domain name server is configured to receive a request for a cache server address, and provide an IPv6 anycast address. The redirector is configured to receive a content request addressed to the IPv6 anycast address from a client system, receive load information from the cache server, and determine if the cache server is available. The redirector is further configured to forward the content request to the cache server when the cache server is available. The cache server is configured to receive the content request forwarded from the redirectors, send a response to the content request to a client system, the response including an IPv6 unicast address of the cache server as a source address, an IPv6 unicast address of the client system as a destination address, and the IPv6 anycast address as a home address, and provide the content to the requestor. |
US09167029B2 |
Adjusting individuals in a group corresponding to relevancy
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for managing group members. A computer identifies a collaboration activity that corresponds to a defined group, wherein the defined group includes one or more individuals, and the collaboration activity is comprised of the defined group and one or more additional individuals. The computer determines participation and contribution information that correspond to the one or more individuals of the defined group and the one or more additional individuals included in the identified collaboration activity. The computer determines relevant individuals from the identified collaboration activity by utilizing determined participation and contribution information. In response to determining the relevant individuals, the computer determines an updated group wherein the updated group includes determined relevant individuals. |
US09167026B2 |
Communication system, communication apparatus, and control method of relay apparatus
A communication system includes: a communication apparatus; and a relay apparatus. The communication apparatus includes: a contents-summary-information address request unit; a contents-summary-information display unit; a selection-information transmission unit; a selection-completion notification unit; and a contents get unit. The relay apparatus includes: an order-information addition unit that adds order information of contents to electronic data information; a contents-summary-information address transmission unit that transmits address information of a contents summary information item and the electronic data information, to which the order information is added, in response to a request of transmission of the address information of the contents summary information item; a contents-address get unit that gets the address information of the contents selected based on selection information from the selection-completion notification unit; and a contents-address transmission unit that transmits the address information of the contents got by the contents-address get unit to the communication apparatus. |
US09167024B2 |
Formatted data file communication
Methods and systems are provided. A sending device offers to provide a graphic image to a receiving device by way of a network. The receiving device responds by providing desired parameters including an overall file size to the sending device. A data file formatted according to the desired parameters is provided to the receiving device. The sending device or another entity can be the source of the data file. |
US09167023B2 |
Power measurement circuit
A system for power measurement in an electronic device includes a sensing unit, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a controller. The sensing unit senses voltage across a power source and modulates a carrier signal based on the sensed voltage. The ADC converts a combination of the modulated carrier signal and audio signals received by the electronic device to generate a digitized combined signal and provides the digitized combined signal to the controller. The controller separates digitized modulated carrier signal and digitized audio signals. The digitized modulated carrier signal is demodulated to generate an output signal that provides a measure of the power consumed by the electronic device. |
US09167019B2 |
System and method for establishing a voice over IP session
A method, computer program product, and computer system for establishing a Voice over IP (VoIP) session. One or more computing devices initiate the VoIP session between a plurality of devices. A first communication channel is established as an active channel for a first computing device of the plurality of devices, where the active channel is fully enabled for use by the first computing device. A second communication channel is established as a passive channel for the first computing device while maintaining the active channel, where the passive channel is at least partially enabled for use by the first computing device. |
US09167015B2 |
Method and system for caching streaming multimedia on the internet
An apparatus and method to enhance existing caches in a network to better support streaming media storage and distribution. Helper machines are used inside the network to implement several methods which support streaming media including segmentation of streaming media objects into smaller units, cooperation of Helper machines, and novel placement and replacement policies for segments of media objects. |
US09167009B2 |
Presenting data to electronic meeting participants
Described are a system and method for presenting web conference contents to one or more attendees in a shared session. Metadata is aggregated that is related to one or more participant electronic devices and a presenter electronic device that communicate with each other in the web conference. A presentation parameter is determined from the metadata. A selection interface is generated from the presentation parameter. A conference setting is selected from the selection interface. A set of content is presented at the presenter electronic device and shared with the one or more participant devices according to the selected conference setting. |
US09167006B1 |
Connection bucketing in mirroring asymmetric clustered multiprocessor systems
Creating a connection between one of a first plurality of computing devices in a primary chassis and one of a second plurality of computing devices in a failover chassis. A first plurality of buckets may be associated with the primary chassis, a second plurality of buckets may be associated with the failover chassis, where the first plurality of buckets may correspond to the second plurality of buckets. One of the first plurality of computing devices may be associated with one of the first plurality of buckets, and can create a connection with attributes such that a disaggregator in the failover chassis routes the connection to one of the second plurality of computing devices, wherein the one of the second plurality of computing devices may be associated with a bucket of the second plurality of buckets that corresponds to the one of the first plurality of buckets. |
US09167003B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for detecting proximity-based mobile malware propagation
Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. An agent resides in a mobile communication device. The agent detects Proximity-based Mobile Malware Propagation. The agent injects one or more trigger network connections in the candidate connection list. These connections appear as legitimate networks and devices, but instead trigger connection to an agent server on a service provider's network. By attempting to connect through the trigger network connection, the malware reveals itself. The system helps collect the malware signature within a short period of time after the malware outbreak in local areas, though such attacks typically bypass network based security inspection in the network. |
US09166999B1 |
Security risk aggregation, analysis, and adaptive control
Methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, are described for transaction-based security risk aggregation and analysis. A server computing device receives security risk data elements from a plurality of data sources, the data elements corresponding to a transaction submitted by a remote computing device to the server computing device for execution. The server computing device aggregates the security risk data elements into a weighted risk matrix. The server computing device generates a risk score for the submitted transaction based upon the weighted risk matrix. The server computing device determines an internal environment risk factor and an external environment risk factor based upon environmental risk data received from the plurality of data sources. The server computing device adjusts the risk score for the submitted transaction based upon the internal environment risk factor and the external environment risk factor, and determines a disposition for the transaction based upon the adjusted risk score. |
US09166993B1 |
Anomaly detection based on profile history and peer history
A method and apparatus for automatic anomaly detection based on profile history and peer history are described. An anomaly detection system collects file-activity data pertaining to file accesses activities in a network share. The system computes file access patterns for the individual users and compares the individual user's file access pattern against a profile history to find a first deviation. The system also identifies a cluster of users from the group based on at least one of user collaborations of individual users of the group or a reporting structure of the group of users. When the first deviation is found, the system compares the user's file access pattern against a peer history of the other individual users in the cluster to find a second deviation. The system reports an anomaly in the file access patterns by the individual user when the first deviation and the second deviation are found. |
US09166986B1 |
Witnessing documents
A server receives, from a first client device associated with a first user, a certification request including information associated with an electronic document, along with a representation of a credential associated with a second user. The server validates the representation of the credential associated with the second user. Responsive to validating the representation of the credential, the server attaches a badge to the electronic document, the badge corresponding to the credential and providing a certification that the second user has witnessed the electronic document. The server stores information corresponding to the electronic document with the attached badge. |
US09166974B2 |
Captcha systems and methods
Systems and methods for verifying human users through cognitive processes that computers cannot imitate are described herein. Human cognitive language processing techniques may be used to verify human users. Visual patterns and tests may be used to distinguish between humans and computers because computer-based visual recognition is fundamentally different from human visual processing. Persistent plugins and tests may be used to continuously verify human users. |
US09166970B1 |
Dynamic framework for certificate application configuration
A script hosting server receives a script from an authenticated source, associates the script with a certificate profile for digital certificates based on input from the authenticated source, receives user enrollment information for the certificate profile from the authenticated source, receives a script request of a client device, the script request identifying the certificate profile and a user of the client device, determines whether the user is enrolled in the certificate profile based on the user enrollment information, and, upon determining that the user is enrolled, providing the scripts to the client device. |
US09166969B2 |
Session certificates
A client device requests permission from a network access device to access a network associated with the network access device. The client device sends credentials of a user associated with the client device for authenticating with the network access device. The client device receives from the network access device permission to access the network along with a session certificate and an associated key. The session certificate and the key are associated with the credentials of the user. The client device establishes a network session using the network based on receiving the permission. During the network session, the client device establishes a secure communications channel with a website. The client device authenticates the user to the website by sending the session certificate to the website over the secure communications channel. The client device then receives permission from the website to access contents of the website. |
US09166967B2 |
Comprehensive authentication and identity system and method
A comprehensive authentication and identity system and method are disclosed. A central profile is created for a user which includes user information that can be passed back or otherwise utilized by websites (e.g. for registrations, logins, etc.) The user information may include the user's username, password, contact information, personal information, marketing preferences, financial information, etc. For website registrations, the user may provide a mobile communication number that is utilized to perform a type of mobile communication device verification process. As part of a website login, the user may provide identifiable information (e.g. a username) that is looked up by the system or website to determine a mobile communication number for the user, which is used for a verification process. If the verification process is completed successfully, the user may be logged into the website. For accessing the system directly, a user may go through a mobile communication device verification process. |
US09166965B2 |
Method and system for automated user authentication for a priority communication session
An approach is provided for automated user authentication for a priority communication session. An authentication platform receives a session request for establishing a priority communication session over a data network between a user device and a service platform. The authentication platform determines network information and device information associated with the session request and the user device, respectively. The authentication platform further determines user history information regarding one or more prior communication sessions of a user of the user device. The authentication platform authenticates the user based on the network information, the device information, and the user history information for establishing the priority communication session. |
US09166963B2 |
Distributed security architecture
A distributed security architecture may include: a mobile anti-tamper hardware policy enforcement point configured to control communication behaviors of a mobile or stationary client by enforcing communication policies within a policy decision point; an anti-tamper hardware policy decision point encapsulated within the anti-tamper hardware policy enforcement point; a policy exchange channel for policy distribution modes configured to distribute and/or update communication and routing security policies to the client; a context manager configured to handle system-wide status change update signaling; and an authentication manager configured to provide clients with registration and credential/role assignments based on access policies. The distributed security architecture may be configured to provide open system interconnection layer 3.5 policy-based secure routing, and open system interconnection layer 2 policy-based mandatory access control address filtering to provide secure communication and computing for layers 4, 5, 6, and 7. |
US09166961B1 |
Social networking behavior-based identity system
Disclosed are various embodiments for a social networking behavior-based identity system that employs social networking data that a user has elected to share through an opt-in procedure. First social networking data is stored in association with a user identity. An assertion of the user identity is received from a client after the first social networking data is stored. Second social networking data is received in response to receiving the assertion of the user identity. An identity confidence level as to whether the user identity belongs to a user at the client is generated based at least in part on a comparison of the second social networking data with the first social networking data. |
US09166954B2 |
Document-authorized access to a shared workspace
Various embodiments described herein each provide one or more of systems, methods, software, and data structures that facilitate document-authorized access to a shared workspace. Some of these embodiments provide access to a shared workspace, such as a document review comment repository, through data embedded within a document. Mere possession of a document with a key, or other data element, allows a possessor of the document to participate in a workflow process. |
US09166951B2 |
Strict communications transport security
Strict transport security controls are arranged to detect a first navigation command of a network-enabled application to navigate from a secure connection established with a first network address and to navigate to a second network address using an unsecure reference. A filter is used to filter, in response to the detection of the first navigation command, referring information in a second navigation command used to establish a second address secure connection with a device having the second network address. The strict transport security controls service is optionally arranged to provide a warning signal upon detecting formation of the second navigation command. |
US09166947B1 |
Maintaining private connections during network interface reconfiguration
A request is received to change an association of a network interface record from a first resource instance to a second resource instance. The network interface record may include an IP address associated with the first resource instance. In response to the request, the first resource instance is prevented from receiving data packets addressed to the IP address of the network interface record through a first network interface object attached to the first resource instance. The network interface record is associated with the second resource instance so that the second resource instance is enabled to receive data packets addressed to the IP address of the network interface record through a second network interface object attached to the second resource instance. |
US09166946B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for AP to manage wireless repeater
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of communications technologies, disclose a method, an apparatus and a system for an access point (AP) to manage a wireless repeater, and include: receiving an internet protocol (IP) address request message that includes a domain name of a repeater to be managed and that is sent by a management console; parsing the IP address request message to obtain the domain name of the repeater to be managed; obtaining, from a domain name management list, an IP address of the repeater that corresponds to the domain name of the repeater to be managed, where correspondence between an IP address of a repeater and domain name information of the repeater is recorded in the domain name management list; and sending, to the management console, the IP address of the repeater that corresponds to the domain name of the repeater to be managed. |
US09166944B2 |
Systems and methods for using social network analysis to schedule communications
Systems and methods for improving the effectiveness of communications over a social network. A method for controlling network communication, comprises analyzing a social network in response to a request made by a user to send a message to a node in the social network, delaying for a period of time sending of the message based on a result of the analyzing, and sending the message to the node in the social network after the period of time has elapsed. |
US09166942B2 |
Identification of patterns in stateful transactions
A system for the identification of patterns in stateful transactions may include a message interceptor, a message pattern processor, a message handler, and a memory. The message interceptor may be operative to intercept messages transmitted by a first device over a network to a recipient. The message interceptor may be operative to intercept the messages before the messages are received by the recipient. The message pattern processor may be operative to add the message to a message pattern and store the message pattern in a memory. The message pattern processor may compare the message pattern to a plurality of exemplary message patterns and identify when the message pattern matches at least one of the exemplary message patterns. The message handler may be operative to determine an action to take with respect to the message based on the at least one matching exemplary message pattern identified by the message pattern processor. |
US09166936B1 |
Message customization
A communications hub receives a messaging job creation request sent over a network connection. The messaging job creation request includes a destinations uniform resource locator (“URL”) plus an inline contents list containing content specifiers, a contents URL plus an inline destinations list containing recipient specifiers, or a destinations URL plus a contents URL. The destinations URL identifies a list of recipient specifiers, each with a delivery address and mode. The contents URL identifies content specifiers for content to be delivered. Some recipient specifiers include merge fields for merging values into message contents. The contents URL itself may include a merge field for merging to obtain a merged contents URL which then identifies a content specifier location. The URLs and the merge fields can appear in various combinations, thereby supporting flexible message customization without hindering bulk messaging. |
US09166935B1 |
System and method for managing and displaying data messages
A system and method for managing and displaying data messages includes a computing device configured to receive stream data, assign data messages of the stream data to one or more display columns of a graphical user interface, and display the data messages in the assigned columns. The stream data may be embodied as short data messages such as text messages having predetermined maximum character length. The data messages may be assigned to the display columns based on meta-data associated with the data messages such as the author of the data message, the source of the data message, and/or the type of the data message. |
US09166929B1 |
Performing scalable L2 wholesale services in computer networks using customer VLAN-based forwarding and filtering
In general, techniques are described that facilitate scalable wholesale layer two (L2) connectivity between customers and service providers and a demarcation between the L2 wholesale network and one or more ISPs with which customers communicate L2 PDUs. In one example, a network device receives PDU having both a service identifier identifying a service virtual local area network (SVLAN) and a customer identifier identifying a customer VLAN (CVLAN). A virtual switch determines whether an entry of a L2 learning table is associated with both the service identifier and the customer identifier of the PDU. When no such entry exists, a VLAN learning module updates the L2 learning table to create a new entry that maps to a network device interface and is associated with both the service identifier of the PDU and a plurality of customer identifiers that includes the customer identifier of the PDU. |
US09166921B2 |
Selective packet sequence acceleration in a network environment
At least one first frame of a first data flow is inspected by a general processing unit to at least determine whether a subsequent portion of the first data flow can be delegated to a network processing unit for accelerated processing. A deceleration trigger is defined for the first data flow from the inspection of the first frame. A first subsequent portion of the first data flow is delegated to a network processing unit for accelerated processing based, at least in part, on the defining of the first deceleration trigger. The first deceleration trigger defines at least one first condition that, when met during accelerated processing of the first data flow, prompts returning processing of the first data flow from the network processing unit to the general processing unit for further inspection of subsequent packets. |
US09166918B1 |
Methods and apparatus for scheduling transmission of data in a network
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a transmission schedule module in at least one of a memory or a processing device that can select, at a first time, a data unit to send to a network device based at least in part on a value of a transmission rate counter indicating that the network is in a first state. The transmission schedule module can receive, at a second time, an indication of a number of buffers associated with the data unit and can calculate a size estimate of the data unit based on the number of buffers and a capacity associated with each buffer. The transmission schedule module can calculate at a third time, a temporary transmission rate count and can send a signal to transition the network device from the first state to a second state if the temporary transmission rate count meets a criterion. |
US09166916B1 |
Traffic spraying in a chassis-based network switch
In a modular switching device that includes a plurality of packet processors interconnected by a plurality of connecting devices, one or more data packets are received at a first packet processor. The first packet processor generates a communication frame that includes at least a portion of a first data packet among the one or more data packets. The first packet processor divides the communication frame into a plurality of transmission units, includes a communication frame identifier in respective transmission units, and includes a respective position identifier in respective transmission units. The transmission units are transmitted to the plurality of connecting devices via a first plurality of uplinks, and the plurality of connecting devices transmits the transmission units to the second packet processor via a second plurality of uplinks. The communication frame is reassembled from the plurality of transmission units using the communication frame identifier and the position identifiers. |
US09166915B2 |
Communication device, communication method, and recording medium
A communication device includes a memory configured to store a program, and a processor, based on the program, configured to control a number of communication segments that are allowed to be continuously transmitted after a first communication segment to be transmitted in accordance with a number of acknowledgments that have been received, and set a communication segment length of the first communication segment based on a length of time before completion of reception of an acknowledgment for a transmitted second communication segment. |
US09166914B2 |
FIFO affinity for multiple ports
A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for shared buffer affinity for multiple ports. The mechanism configures a physical first-in-first-out (FIFO) buffer with a plurality of FIFO segments associated with a plurality of network ports. The plurality of network ports share the physical FIFO buffer. The mechanism identifies a FIFO segment under stress within the plurality of FIFO segments. The mechanism reconfigures the physical FIFO buffer to assign a portion of buffer space from a FIFO segment not under stress within the plurality of FIFO segments to the FIFO segment under stress. |
US09166912B2 |
Translating network forwarding plane models into target implementation using sub models and hints
A routing controller in a communication network may be responsible for issuing routing rules to forwarding devices in the network. Exemplary embodiments allow forwarding functionality to be implemented by the forwarding devices in a device-specific manner. The routing controller may specify a routing rule to be implemented by the forwarding device, and may provide a default or suggested implementation of the function in the specification of the rule. If the forwarding device does not have a predetermined implementation of the function that is specific to the routing device, the forwarding device may use the default implementation provided by the routing controller. However, if the forwarding device does have a predetermined implementation of the function, the forwarding device may override the implementation described in the specification and use the predetermined implementation instead. |
US09166910B2 |
Data relay apparatus
A first receiver receives an activation signal from a first network and gives the activation signal to an input side of a second transmitter via a first connection line; thereby, the activation signal is sent out via the second transmitter to a second network. Thus, the activation signal is not directly transmitted from the first network to the second network; instead, the activation signal is transmitted by using conversion functions of the first receiver and the second transmitter. This configuration can prevent occurrence of distortion or attenuation in the activation signal. The activation signal from the first network thus enables ECUs belonging to the second network to be activated certainly without delay. |
US09166909B2 |
Dynamic redirection of network traffic within a system under test
Redirecting network traffic within a system under test (SUT) can include receiving, within a proxy included within the SUT, a request sent from an upstream component that is directed to a downstream component, wherein the upstream component is configured to direct communications through the proxy. Within the proxy, the request can be redirected from the downstream component to a simulation component according to a routing rule within the proxy using a processor. A response can be received, within the proxy, from the simulation component and sent to the upstream component. |
US09166903B2 |
System, method and apparatus to resolve RPF-vector attribute conflicts
Systems, methods and apparatus to resolve join packet RPF vector attribute conflicts in a network by adding an identified proxy to a proxy list, the proxy being valid if it is reachable and if a valid PIM adjacency exists on one of the next route hops, and selecting one of multiple valid proxies within the proxy list according to a hierarchy of selection mechanisms. |
US09166900B2 |
Automatic setup of reflector instances
A method of establishing a service operations administration and maintenance (OAM) session between an originator and a reflector in a communication network includes continuously monitoring, by the reflector, any test packets transmitted by the originator. The originator transmits to the reflector, at a time indicated by a first timestamp, a test packet. The reflector receives the test packet at a time indicated by a second timestamp and generates a unique flow identifier that identifies the reflector. The reflector transmits the test packet to the originator. The reflector assigns a sequence number to the test packet. The originator receives the test packet at a time indicated by a fourth timestamp. The reflector stores the unique flow identifier at least for the duration of the OAM session. |
US09166899B2 |
Self-forming network
A connected computer may be operated as node by inspecting communications from other nodes that pass through that node. From the communications, two or more pointers may be determined for the given node. These pointers may include a first pointer identified by a default designation that links the given node to a first node in the network, and a second pointer to another node. The second pointer may be identified by a determination that a designated criteria has been satisfied after the given node is placed on the network. |
US09166895B1 |
Detecting process execution state change using measurement of resource consumption
A method measures performance for computing entities being run concurrently. A tool manager samples usage of a computing resource associated with a computing entity. A first state is determined based on the usage. Then, the tool manager determines that an application running in the computing entity started execution of a test that is being run in the plurality of computing entities when the usage changes from the first state. Upon determining the change, the tool manager sends a start command to a performance measurement tool that is configured to measure the performance of the computing entity. The tool manager determines the computing entity is in a second state based on the usage and determines the application ended execution of the test when the usage changes from the second state. Upon determining the change, the tool manager sends a stop command to the performance measurement tool. |
US09166894B2 |
Method and apparatus for rapid group synchronization
A first device of a network may decide to transmit a flood of packets that is longer in duration than the maximum amount of time that the first device can continuously transmit. The first device may coordinate with one or more second devices of the network such that each of the one or more second devices transmits a respective second portion of the flood of packets following transmission of a first portion of the flood of packets by the first network device. The packets may advertise a pending network event that is to occur at a time indicated by the contents of the packets. The first device may select the one or more second devices from a plurality of devices based on a location of the one or more second devices and/or how many third devices are in the network. |
US09166889B1 |
System and method for cost-savings reporting
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for calculating and reporting the cost-savings associated with communicating content on a single stream of data from a content server versus communicating that same content to clients where each client has an individual data stream connection, and the comparison of those costs over various data paths. These costs can be the actual bandwidth, the data throughput, or monetary in nature. They can also include other factors beyond communication rates, such as setup, maintenance, and switching costs. |
US09166887B2 |
Multicast convergence
A method in a network element is provided for improved convergence in a network that includes the network element. The network element is one of a plurality of network elements in the network each of which implement the method. The network element includes a database to store the topology of the network. The topology of the network includes a plurality of network elements and links between the network elements. The method classifies convergence actions for the network element to identify convergence actions that can be implemented prior to complete digest synchronization during a convergence process to simplify and reduce convergence latency once digest synchronization is achieved. |
US09166885B2 |
Lawful identification of unknown terminals
The present invention relates to methods and arrangements to establish an identity of a target T. The method comprises the following steps:—Collecting geographical location points A, B, C, D indicating presence of the target.—Interrogating at least one mobile network to fetch lists of identities of users located in defined areas C1-C3, each area covering a collected geographical location point.—Crosschecking between the fetched lists.—Identifying a single identity that is common to the fetched lists. |
US09166882B1 |
Remote browsing session management
A browsing process is directed to the generation and management of a browse session at a network computing provider. A client computing device requests a remote browse session instance at a network computing provider. The browse session instance may correspond to requested network content. The network computing provider determines one or more browse configurations. Different browse configurations can be determined for separate portions of the requested network content. The browse configurations may identify a communication protocol and various processing actions. The network computing provider retrieves the requested content through an instantiated network browse session instance, and performs a first set of processing actions to generate a processing result. The processing result may be provided to the client computing device for display, including performing a second set of processing actions on the processing result at the client computing device. |
US09166879B2 |
System and method for enabling the establishment and use of a personal network
A personal network may be established by interconnecting a plurality of satellites as part of the personal network. Each satellite may be configured to communicate with one or more other satellites. On any given one of the plurality of satellites, data indicating a connectivity status for the one or more other satellites is automatically received, and information indicating a capability of the one or more other satellites is automatically received. The given satellite may be configured to enable at least one other corresponding satellite in the plurality of satellites to be made available for use, so that a capability of the at least one other corresponding satellite is made available for the given satellite. |
US09166876B2 |
Power communications monitor for power line carrier and audio tone communication systems
An apparatus for monitoring and measuring analog signal levels, current and reflected power (SWR) in an electric utility substation environment. The apparatus includes selective measurement capabilities for at least five individual frequencies, respectively, and includes programmable event recording and remote alarms. The apparatus will provide data to support in-band spectral analysis of recorded events, and can be located at any point along an associated communication path. The apparatus is non-intrusive and will not affect any existing signals present on an associated communication path. |
US09166875B2 |
Method and apparatus for network optimization using SON solutions
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided in which a communication event is detected, one or more aspects of the detected communication event are analyzed and at least one of the one or more aspects of the detected communication event is stored on an user equipment in a log. |
US09166874B2 |
Communication network system and communication network configuration method
A redundant path configuration method and a control method are disclosed. An intercommunication path for mutually transmitting and receiving a signal is provided among the BHEs each of which is a top of a tree. When failures occur in an active system path in certain AE, a standby system path (BHE) relays communication between the AE and the (active system) BHE so as to secure continuity of communication. The intercommunication path through which a data signal does not flow in a normal operation is used as a traffic accommodation path in an emergency among the BHEs. By setting a bypass between the tops of the trees, when a failure occurs in one tree, a signal is transferred from the active system BHE to the standby system path in which another BHE is a top to build a sub-tree bypassing the failure point and to secure a communication path. |
US09166871B2 |
Data communication
A management device is used in an access network including a plurality of data connections between end user devices and an aggregation transceiver device where the connections are aggregated for onward connection through the access network. The access network stores a plurality of different profiles, each of which specifies a set of values for a plurality of parameters associated with each data connection. The device applies one of the stored profiles to each connection, and receives a notification in the event of one of a predetermined set of notifiable events occurring on the connection. It is determined if more than a predetermined number of notifications are received within a predetermined period for a respective connection and, in the event of such a determination being made, a different one of the profiles is caused to be applied to the connection. |
US09166869B2 |
Management of distributed network switching cluster
Management of a network may be provided by moving management functions from each switch in a network cluster into a locally controlled server. The management functions may be organized into an Ethernet distributed fabric switching protocol (E-DFP) based management plane. Control functions of each switch may also be organized into a control plane. The management plane and control plane of the network may be moved from each switch and integrated into the server. Efficiency in network switching may be provided by releasing the switches of their management and control responsibilities and centralizing these responsibilities to the server. In some embodiments, the server may be outside the cluster. |
US09166866B2 |
Hydration and dehydration with placeholders
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to file system placeholders. In aspects, placeholders may be used by a client to represent remote file system objects. The placeholders may include metadata and may also include none, some, or all of the content of the represented remote file system objects. In conjunction with placeholders and based on one or more factors, a client may hydrate or dehydrate file system objects of the client to follow user directives, inferred user intent, and storage policies of the client. |
US09166857B2 |
Systems and methods for fast and precise frequency estimation
Systems and methods are provided for fast and precise estimation of frequency with relatively minimal sampling and relatively high tolerance to noise. |
US09166852B2 |
Low noise amplifiers with transformer-based signal splitting for carrier aggregation
Low noise amplifiers (LNAs) supporting carrier aggregation are disclosed. In an exemplary design, an apparatus (e.g., a wireless device, an integrated circuit, etc.) includes an amplifier circuit, a transformer, and a plurality of downconverters. The amplifier circuit receives and amplifies an input radio frequency (RF) signal and provides an amplified RF signal. The input RF signal includes transmissions sent on multiple carriers at different frequencies to a wireless device. The transformer includes a primary coil coupled to the amplifier circuit and a plurality of secondary coils providing a plurality of output RF signals. The plurality of downconverters downconvert the plurality of output RF signals with a plurality of local oscillator (LO) signals at different frequencies. Each downconverter includes a pair of mixers that receives one output RF signal and one LO signal and provides inphase and quadrature downconverted signals for one set of carriers being received. |
US09166848B2 |
Frequency-shift keying receiver
A frequency-shift keying (FSK) receiver includes an injection-locking oscillating circuit to receive a FSK input signal, and a phase detecting circuit. The injection-locking oscillating circuit outputs a locked signal having a phase that tracks a phase of the FSK input signal. A difference between the phases of the FSK input signal and the locked signal is associated with a difference between a frequency of the FSK input signal and a free-running frequency of the injection-locking oscillating circuit. The phase detecting circuit receives the FSK input signal and the locked signal, and outputs a baseband logic signal according to the difference between the phases of the FSK input signal and the locked signal. |
US09166845B2 |
Optimizing throughput of data frames in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication networks
In one embodiment, a device maintains a predetermined number of high-priority subcarriers for use in communicating high-priority data frames and a predetermined number of low-priority subcarriers for use in communicating low-priority data frames. A data frame is received and a data frame priority is determined for the data frame. If the data frame is determined to be a low-priority data frame, a minimum number of subcarriers, from the low-priority subcarriers, required for communication of the data frame is determined and the data frame is communicated using the minimum number of subcarriers. If the data frame is determined to be a high-priority data frame, a maximum number of subcarriers available, including the high-priority subcarriers and the low-priority subcarriers, is determined and the data frame is communicated using the maximum number of subcarriers. |
US09166844B2 |
Receiver with duobinary mode of operation
An integrated circuit is disclosed that includes a receiver circuit to receive duobinary data symbols from a first signaling lane. The receiver circuit includes sampling circuitry to determine symbol state, and a duobinary decoder. The duobinary decoder is coupled to the sampling circuitry and converts the detected states to a PAM2 coded symbol stream. A decision-feedback equalizer (DFE) is provided that has inputs coupled to the sampling circuitry in parallel with the duobinary decoder. The DFE cooperates with the sampling circuitry to form a feedback path, such that the duobinary decoder is external to the feedback path. |
US09166843B2 |
Digital pulse width generator and method for generating digital pulse width
A digital pulse width generator and a method for generating a digital pulse width are provided. The method for generating a digital pulse width includes the following. Generating a first period according to first set of bits of pulse data. The first period includes an interval. First phase signals are set to a first logic value in the interval and are generated according to first phase clock signals after an end of the interval. Second phase signals are set to the first logic value in the first period and are generated according to second phase clock signals after an end of the first period. Selecting a first signal from the first phase signals and the second phase signals according to second set of bits of the pulse data as a pulse width signal. |
US09166840B2 |
Method of transmitting data samples with reduced bandwidth
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for compressing and decompressing data to reduce bandwidth requirements in transmissions of predistorted signals between a processing node and a remote transmitting node of a power amplifier with digital predistortion (PA-DPD) system. In the processing node, predistorted signals are decomposed into a high-dynamic range signal of a first sample rate and a low-dynamic range signal of a second sample rate greater than the first sample rate. Samples of both signals are combined to generate a compressed signal for transmission to the remote transmitting node, which decompresses the compressed signal to restore the predistorted signal. |
US09166836B1 |
Channel tracking in a wireless multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system
An estimate of a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) channel is computed, and an equalizer to be applied to signals received via the MIMO channel is computed. The equalizer is initialized based on the estimate of the MIMO channel. The equalizer is applied to a received signal, and the received signal is demodulated to generate a demodulated signal. The demodulated signal is decoded according to an error correction code to generate decoded data, and the decoded data is re-encoded according to the error correction code to generate re-encoded data. The re-encoded data is re-modulated to generate a re-modulated signal. The received signal is compared to the re-modulated signal, and the equalizer is updated based on the comparison. After updating the equalizer, the equalizer is applied to the received signal. |
US09166832B1 |
Methods and apparatus for decision feedback equalization adaptation
A receiver circuit includes a feedback filter having multiple taps for receiving a quantized signal and outputting a feedback signal and adaptation circuitry for adapting tap weights of the feedback filter. In one embodiment, the tap weights may be adapted with variable update resolution. In another embodiment, the feedback filter may have fixed and floating taps. Other embodiments relate to methods of equalizing an input signal using a feedback filter. In one embodiment, tap weights of the feedback filter are adapted using adaptation circuitry with variable update resolution. In another embodiment, the adaptation circuitry adapts fixed and floating tap weights of the feedback filter. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed. |
US09166829B2 |
Method for estimating a radio channel
This method for the estimation of a channel between an emitter and a receiver, where the said emitter emits a signal comprising symbol frames distributed in time and frequency, among which pilot symbols known to the receiver, is characterized in that it comprises the following steps: •—computation (30) of a covariance matrix MF and MT of the channel in the frequency and time domains respectively; •—decomposition (32) of the covariance matrices MF and MT into eigenvectors according to the relations MF−WFHNFWF and MT−WTHNTWT; •—computation (34) of the Kronecker product of the matrices NVF and WT to obtain an eigenvector matrix W; •—computation (34) of a diagonal eigenvalue matrix N equal to the Kronecker product of the eigenvalue matrices NF and NT; and •—estimation of the channel with the help of pilot symbols and matrices W and N using the maximum a posteriori or quadratic error minimisation criterion. |
US09166828B1 |
Estimating and compensating for noise in a multi-antenna wireless system
A method for estimating and compensating for noise on antennas of a multi-antenna wireless system. The method includes receiving multiple signals via multiple receive antennas of a receiver, where each of the signals is received via a respective antenna. The method further includes estimating noise power imbalance corresponding to the receive antennas based on the multiple signals. |
US09166825B2 |
Routing information generating apparatus, routing information generating method and routing information generating program
Network connecting sections of an own station deliver routing information notified from a relay section on the same base to network connecting sections of other stations of own networks. If new routing information is present in routing information received from the network connecting sections of the other stations, the network connecting sections of the own station notify the relay section on the same base of the routing information. The relay section updates, based on the routing information notified from the network connecting sections on the same base, routing information held by the relay section. |
US09166821B2 |
Provider presence information
In some embodiments, a client computer includes a memory, a client presence program adapted to be located in the memory, and a processor. The processor is coupled to the memory and is adapted to execute the client presence program to receive provider presence information from an instant messaging (IM) server and to store the provider presence information in the memory. The provider presence information includes at least a provider status for at least one service provider. |
US09166820B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing an enhanced text messaging service
A method and apparatus for providing a text messaging service are disclosed. For example, the method receives a text message destined to a customer, and determines a preference of the customer for forwarding the text message, wherein the preference comprises a plurality of customer endpoint devices for receiving the text message. The method forwards the text message in accordance with a sender input, if the preference of the customer allows for processing of the text message in accordance with the sender input, and forwards the text message in accordance with the preference of the customer; if the preference of the customer does not allow sender input. |
US09166819B2 |
Method and device for realizing flexible QinQ
A method for realizing flexible QinQ, including: after receiving a message, searching for a Media Access Control (MAC) address entry corresponding to the message in a MAC address table, if the corresponding MAC address entry is searched out, performing flexible QinQ for the received message according to the flexible QinQ information included in the MAC address entry, and forwarding the message after completing the flexible QinQ transformation. The present invention also provides a device for realizing flexible QinQ and a QinQ transformation board. The present invention gets rid of a high-cost network processor, enables storage of the flexible QinQ information and fast forwarding of the messages just on a simple interface board, it overcomes the problem in the prior art that the speed of massively searching the QinQ entry is slow and enlarges the profits of operators and network product users at the same time. |
US09166814B1 |
Server controlled network overlay for wireless devices
A method and apparatus in which multiple Internet Protocol (IP) based wireless data transmissions are simultaneously provided between a wireless device and a server, including providing multiple antennas, multiple T/R units, multiple processors and multiple I/O ports on the wireless device. The method includes receiving multiple IP data packets on the I/O ports at substantially the same time, and sending multiple data packets from the wireless device to the server, whereby the transmission rate between the wireless device and the server is increased. |
US09166813B2 |
System for simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactive broadband service
A method and apparatus is provided for the delivery of digital television and interactive broadband service in a manner that maximizes the usage of the digital broadcast spectrum. A digital television signal is transmitted to a given broadcast area in a relatively small part (for example, a 1 MHz band) of one or more licensed portions of the digital broadcast spectrum. Interactive broadband service is delivered within at least a portion of the same broadcast area covered by the broadcast digital television signal, in the remainder (for example, a 5 MHz band) of an unused part of the same licensed portion of the digital broadcast spectrum as is occupied by the digital television signal, or within an unlicensed (unused) portion of the digital broadcast spectrum. The broadcasting of the digital television and delivery the interactive broadband service occur simultaneously. In one embodiment, digital television and broadband service are delivered by the same equipment within the same bandwidth. |
US09166812B2 |
Home electrical device control within a wireless mesh network
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for associating a first node in a mesh network with an electrical device, wherein the electrical device comprises a home control device, enabling the mesh network to perform channel adjustment, transmitting data through the mesh network between the first node and a second node in the mesh network, wherein the transmission utilizes channel adjustment; and performing an action based at least in part on the transmitted data. |
US09166805B1 |
Scalable IP-services enabled multicast forwarding with efficient resource utilization
Methods, apparatus and data structures are provided for managing multicast IP flows. According to one embodiment, a network switch module includes a memory and multiple processors partitioned among multiple virtual routers (VRs). Each VR maintains a data structure containing therein information regarding the multicast sessions, including a first value for each of the multicast sessions, at least one chain of one or more blocks of second values and one or more transmit control blocks (TCBs). Each first value is indicative of a chain of one or more blocks of second values. Each second value corresponds to an outbound interface (OIF) participating in the multicast session and identifies a number of times packets associated with the multicast session are to be replicated. The TCBs have stored therein control information to process or route packets. Each second value is indicative of a TCB that identifies an OIF of the network device through which packets are to be transmitted. |
US09166800B2 |
Authentication method, authentication system, and authentication chip using common key cryptography
A method is disclosed for authenticating, by a processor that controls a parent device, a child device includes: authenticating the child device by making a comparison between a value obtained by operating, for a first response value, a third transform function, which is decided based on a number of a difference between the value set in an authentication chip of the parent device and the value set in an authentication chip of the child device, and the second response value, wherein a first and a second response values are obtained by operating a first and a second transform functions for output values generated by operating an encryption function for performing encryption for secret keys in authentication chips of the parent device and the child device, respectively. |
US09166797B2 |
Secured compartment for transactions
Systems and methods that establish a secured compartment that manages sensitive user transactions/information on a user's machine. The secured compartment qualifies user interaction with the machine, and separates such qualified interaction from other user activity on the machine. A user is switched to such secured compartment upon occurrence of a predetermined event, such as in form of: an explicit request (e.g., a secure attention sequence); an implicit request (e.g., inference of user activities); and presence of a peripheral device that is bound to the secured compartment (e.g., a USB)—wherein such actions typically cannot be generated by an application running outside the secured compartment. |
US09166792B2 |
Data management device, power usage calculation system, data management method, and computer program product
According to an embodiment, a data management device includes a receiver; a first calculator; a second calculator; and a transmitter. The receiver is configured to receive at least one piece of encrypted data obtained by encrypting a piece of data and at least one message authentication code for the piece of encrypted data. The first calculator is configured to aggregate pieces of encrypted data received to calculate aggregated encrypted data corresponding to a sum of the pieces of data encrypted. The second calculator is configured to sum up message authentication codes received to calculate a total value of the message authentication codes for the aggregated encrypted data. The transmitter is configured to transmit the aggregated encrypted data and the total value of the message authentication codes. |
US09166790B2 |
Commission information generator for making processes on communication performed by another computer
In a communicator in a communication system, a commission information generator for generating a commission parameter to make a process on a communication between communicators performed by another computer includes a first memory for storing a secret key and an encrypter for generating N number of the commission parameters, where N is a natural number, from a first to an N-th commission parameter. The encrypter regards a j-th shared key, where j is a positive integer equal to or less than N, out of the N number of shared keys as key information, encrypts a bit sequence representation of j-th partial information, associated with the j-th shared key, out of N pieces of partial information, and thereby generates a j-th commissioned parameter. |
US09166786B2 |
Personal portable secured network access system
Authenticating a customer for access to a content server. The customer is biometrically authenticated to a secure terminal based on information stored in a secure personal storage device belonging to the customer. The customer is allowed access to the secure terminal after a successful authentication. The customer is authenticated to the content server based on account credentials stored on the secure personal storage device issued by the content server. |
US09166785B2 |
Cryptography processing device and cryptography processing method
A device that uses homomorphic encryption is disclosed. The device includes a public key data generator configured to generate public key data, and a secret key data generator configured to generate secret key data that includes, as a secret key, an integer that is an element of a matrix obtained as a product of the first public key matrix element and an inverse matrix of the secret key matrix and that is not a multiple of the plain text space size. |
US09166781B2 |
Key change management apparatus and key change management method
According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a permission/inhibition information storage which stores a permission/inhibition information file, a changer which changes a first encryption key of a first private key encrypted with the first public key to the second public key by using the first re-encryption key, a first storage which stores a second private key in a device private key temporary storage, a second storage which stores a second re-encryption key in a re-encryption key storage, a permission/inhibition information registration module which registers second permission/inhibition information in the permission/inhibition information file, and a transmitter which transmits the second private key in the re-encryption key storage to the second terminal. |
US09166780B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method
To limit use of content, when a source receives a request for transmitting content from a sink, the source performs an authentication process. When the authentication is successful, the source transmits to the sink key information necessary for decrypting the encryption applied to the content. The sink can receive the content by receiving the key information and by decrypting the encryption applied to the content by using the key information. |
US09166779B2 |
System and method of secure encryption for electronic data transfer
A system for secure transfer of encrypted data involves a sender client, a recipient client, a main server, and a key server. The sender client receives instructions from a first user identifying transfer data and a recipient identifier, creates a key, encodes the transfer data using the key, and communicates the key and the recipient identifier to a server. The server creates a secure package identifier and communicates such to the sender client. The recipient client receives and identifies the secure package identifier and the encoded transfer data, receives from a second user a user identifier, and communicates the user identifier and the secure package identifier to the server. The server communicates the key to the recipient client only if the secure package identifier received from the recipient client matches the secure package identifier created by the server and if the user identifier matches the recipient identifier. |
US09166775B2 |
Cross-channel data communication with data phase-locked loop
A data communication system includes a unit that receives edge-encoded data from a data link. The unit includes a counter, a data bit reader, and a phase-locked loop. The counter counts at a sampling frequency between a minimum value and an end-count value. The data bit reader is connected to receive the edge-encoded data. The data bit reader samples the edge-encoded data at the sampling frequency to detect data bits of the edge-encoded data. The phase-locked loop updates the end-count value if consecutive bits of the data bits are detected prior to an expected iteration of the counter. The phase-locked loop also updates the end-count value if consecutive bits of the data bits are detected later than the expected iteration of the first counter. |
US09166769B2 |
Data transmission method and data restoration method
Disclosed are a data transmission method and a data restoration method. The data transmission method includes forming a plurality of transmission preparatory packets by dividing data to be transmitted by the predetermined number (n) of bits, forming transition inducing packets different from the transmission preparatory packets while having the predetermined number (n) of bits, forming transition included data packets by performing a logical operation on the transition inducing packet and each of the transmission preparatory packets, and transmitting the transition included data packets and the transition inducing packet. |
US09166761B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocating resources in wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting a bandwidth request (BR) header in a wireless communication system. User equipment transmits a standalone BR header to a base station through a first uplink (UL) resource allocated by a BR-acknowledgement (ACK) A-MAP information element (IE), receives from the base station a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ)-non-acknowledgement (NACK) which indicates the base station has not successfully received the standalone BR header, receives a CDMA allocation A-MAP IE from the base station, and retransmits the standalone BR header through a second UL resource allocated by the CDMA allocation A-MAP IE. |
US09166760B2 |
Method and system for supporting multiple hybrid automatic repeat request processes per transmission time interval
A method and apparatus may be used for supporting multiple hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) processes per transmission time interval (TTI). A transmitter and a receiver may include a plurality of H-ARQ processes. Each H-ARQ process may transmit and receive one TB per TTI. The transmitter may generate a plurality of TBs and assign each TB to a H-ARQ process. The transmitter may send control information for each TB, which may include H-ARQ information associated TBs with the TBs. The transmitter may send the TBs using the associated H-ARQ processes simultaneously per TTI. After receiving the TBs, the receiver may send feedback for each of the H-ARQ processes and associated TBs indicating successful or unsuccessful receipt of each of the TBs to the transmitter. The feedback for multiple TBs may be combined for the simultaneously transmitted H-ARQ processes, (i.e., TBs). |
US09166758B2 |
Method and user equipment for transmitting uplink control information
A user equipment (UE) transmits uplink control information (UCI) of 3 bits or more to a base station (BS) after modulating the UCI into 1-bit or 2-bit sub-UCI units. Here, the UE maps each 1-bit or 2-bit sub-UCI unit to one of a plurality of corner constellation points regardless of modulation order of data which is multiplexed with the UCI. The corner constellation points are points having a maximum Euclidean distance from among a plurality of constellation points corresponding to the modulation order. |
US09166756B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting SRS in LTE TDD system
A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting and receiving an uplink Sounding Reference Signal (SRS). The method includes determining a number of single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) symbols in an uplink pilot time slot (UpPTS); receiving index information for a sounding reference signal (SRS); determining an SRS offset, based on the index information; and transmitting the SRS, based on the SRS offset. If the index information includes an integer from 0 to 9, and if the UpPTS includes two SC-FDMA symbols, a first symbol is indicated by SRS offset 0 and a second symbol is indicated by SRS offset 1. If the index information includes an integer from 0 to 9, and if the UpPTS includes one SC-FDMA symbol, a first symbol is indicated by the SRS offset 1. |
US09166752B2 |
Radio communication device and radio communication method
A radio base station 100 judges a receiving state of a radio signal in conformity with the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing scheme, and changes a symbol string configuration of a symbol string defined by a size in a frequency axis direction and in a time axis direction, on the basis of the judged receiving state. |
US09166750B1 |
Soft decision analyzer and method
A soft decision analyzer system is operable to interconnect soft decision communication equipment and analyze the operation thereof to detect symbol wise alignment between a test data stream and a reference data stream in a variety of operating conditions. |
US09166747B2 |
Method and device for a hybrid automatic repeat request in a multi-carrier system
A method of performing hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) in a carrier aggregation system is provided. The method includes: monitoring a downlink (DL) grant for initial DL data transmission in a first DL component carrier (CC); receiving initial DL data through a second DL CC indicated by the DL grant; decoding the initial DL data; transmitting a not-acknowledgment (NACK) signal when decoding of the initial DL data fails; monitoring a DL grant for retransmission of the DL data in the first DL CC; and receiving DL data retransmitted through the second DL CC, wherein the second DL CC is any one of a plurality of DL CCs having a predetermined link relation with the first DL CC, and the DL grant for the initial transmission includes a carrier indication field indicating the second DL CC and resource allocation information for the initially transmitted DL data. |
US09166746B2 |
Operating method and apparatus according to data duplicate retransmission in mobile communication system
An operating method and an apparatus according to data duplicate retransmission in a mobile communication system are provided. A method of a User Equipment (UE) according to data duplicate retransmission in a mobile communication system includes storing a Media Access Control Protocol Data Unit (MAC PDU) received from an Evolved Node B (ENB) in a soft buffer, decoding the MAC PDU, determining whether the decoding is a first successful decoding of data of the corresponding soft buffer, and determining whether to forward the decoded MAC PDU to an upper layer according to the determination result. |
US09166740B1 |
Low complexity distance metrics for maximum likelihood receivers
Systems and methods are provided for determining a data value for a bit of interest in a received data signal. A closest 0-bit symbol candidate is selected from a plurality of 0-bit symbol candidates using a symbol selection distance approximation. A closest 1-bit symbol candidate is selected from a plurality of 1-bit symbol candidates using the symbol selection distance approximation. A 0-bit distance between the received data signal and the selected 0-bit symbol candidate is determined, and a 1-bit distance between the received data signal and the selected 1-bit symbol candidate is determined. A log likelihood ratio is calculated for the bit of interest using the determined 0-bit distance and the determined 1-bit distance. |
US09166738B2 |
Semiconductor device and data transmission method
In a semiconductor device, a transmitting circuit generates a delayed data signal and a first delayed retransmission request signal by delaying a data signal and a first retransmission request signal, respectively, and outputs a pulse signal at an edge of the delayed data signal and the first delayed retransmission request signal and prohibits output of the pulse signal at an edge of the first delayed retransmission request signal during a specified period across an edge of the delayed data signal. |
US09166734B2 |
Method and device for frame aggregation transmission of wireless network system
The invention directed to an efficient frame aggregation transmission scheme with network coding to improve transmission efficiency in 802.11n/ac networks. According to network conditions, the proposed scheme can dynamically utilizes either modified systematic network coding or mixed generation coding to efficiently transmit the aggregated frame. |
US09166730B2 |
RF jamming detection and mitigation system
A vehicle system for detecting a jamming signal may include a receiver configured to receive a signal, the signal having signal properties. A controller may be in communication with the receiver configured to determine a jamming event probability based at least in part on the signal properties. |
US09166723B2 |
Network fragmentation measurement in an optical wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) network
A method implemented in a network apparatus used in a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical network is disclosed. The method includes (a) finding K-shortest routes between each node pair (s, d), where s, dεV and |V|≦K, where V is a set of reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) nodes, (b) selecting unconsidered node pair (s, d), (c) selecting unconsidered route k between nodes s and d out of the K-shortest routes, (d) finding a bit map of route k by performing bit-wise logical AND operation on bit vectors of fibers along route k, (e) selecting unconsidered line rate l out of offered set L of line rates, and (f) finding a probability αls,d,k of provisioning a connection with line rate l. Other apparatuses, systems, and methods also are disclosed. |
US09166722B2 |
Method and apparatus for increasing a transmission performance of a hybrid wavelength division multiplexing system
A hybrid wavelength division multiplexing system wherein one or more intensity modulated signals generated by optical amplitude modulators are co-propagated with one or more phase modulated signals generated by optical phase modulators, wherein a drive voltage of said optical amplitude modulator is adapted to reduce an extinction ratio of the intensity modulated signal to minimize a cross-phase modulation impact on the co-propagating phase modulated signals. |
US09166719B2 |
Method of transmitting and receiving signals in a mobile communication system using a radio frame including multiple types of subframes and apparatus thereof
A method of transmitting signals by a first base station in a mobile communication system is disclosed. The present invention comprises transmitting subframe allocation information to a second base station, the subframe allocation information being related to allocating multiple types of subframes; and transmitting the signals on subframes according to the subframe allocation information, wherein the multiple types of subframes includes a first type subframe and a second type subframe, and wherein the transmission of the signals is not limited on the first type subframe, and the transmission of the signals is limited on the second type subframe. |
US09166714B2 |
Method of and system for presenting enriched video viewing analytics
A method of and system for presenting enriched video viewing analytics is presented. A method of presenting enriched statistical and analytical information includes receiving a catalog of a plurality of content items. Each content item has associated metacontent characterizing the content item. The method also includes receiving and storing operations of a user for interacting with one or more of the content items. The method further includes determining use and/or viewing statistics for, for example, the content items, metacontent associated with the content items, the numbers and types of devices viewing the content items, subscriber information, household information, and/or viewer demographic information for past and present time periods. The method also, optionally, includes estimating the likelihood of future user interaction operations. |
US09166711B2 |
Method and system to influence a viewer to select a feed
A method and apparatus for influencing a viewer to select a second feed. A shared medium is loaded beyond a loading threshold. One or more high viewership feeds being provided over the shared medium are designated preferred feeds, and one or more user devices providing low viewership feeds to viewers are designated candidate user devices. The candidate user devices are instructed to influence their respective viewers to select one of the high viewership feeds. The candidate user devices select a second feed from one or more preferred feeds, and provide information pertaining to the second feed to the viewer. |
US09166705B2 |
Semiconductor apparatuses having optical connections between memory controller and memory module
Semiconductor apparatuses having optical connections between a memory controller and a memory module are provided. A semiconductor apparatus includes a memory controller, at least one socket configured to receive a memory module, and a first optical-electrical module. A second optical-electrical module is mounted in the socket and optically coupled to the first optical-electrical module via at least one optical channel. |
US09166702B2 |
Signal level detect circuit with reduced loss-of-signal assertion delay
A signal level detect circuit configured to assess an input signal with varying amplitude signal levels and to generate an indicator signal includes an input circuit configured to receive the input signal and to process the input signal, the input circuit including a first node on which the input signal is sampled; a comparator configured to compare the processed input signal to a signal level threshold and generate a comparator output signal; and an active discharge circuit configured to provide a first discharge current to the first node in response to the comparator output signal. The comparator output signal changes from a low output state to a high output state in response to the comparator input signal, and the active discharge circuit generates the first discharge current to discharge the sampled input signal on the first node after the comparator output signal changes to the high output state. |
US09166701B1 |
System and method for receiving optical signals
A stream of wavelength division multiplexed optical signals can be converted into the electrical domain and processed electrically to discriminate the information on each optical signal. An optical medium can transmit multiple optical communication signals, each having a different wavelength and each imprinted with different information. Detectors can receive the optical communication signals, with each detector receiving some of each communication signal. Thus, any one of the detectors can output an electrical signal according to a composite of multiple optical communication signals. Accordingly, each output electrical signal can include features or energy of each of the optical communication signals. An electrical circuit can process the electrical signals output by the detectors. The processing can remove from each electrical signal contributions from all but one of the optical communication signals, so that each processed electrical signal carries the information of a single wavelength division multiplexed optical signal. |
US09166699B2 |
Infrared reception circuit and infrared reception method
An infrared reception circuit and an infrared reception method are provided. The infrared reception circuit includes an infrared receiver for receiving infrared signals and converting the infrared signals into analog signals, an amplifier for amplifying the analog signals, an analog/digital converter for converting the amplified analog signals into digital signals, a digital filter for filtering the digital signals via respective frequency bands, a digital frequency-adjusting demodulator for demodulating the filtered digital signals into digital audio frequency signals, and a digital/analog converter for converting the digital audio frequency signals into analog audio signals. Compared with the prior art, the infrared reception circuit and the infrared reception method require far less elements that are used for receiving infrared signals and can still achieve optimal reception, thereby simplifying processes of manufacture and increasing throughput and good yield as a result. |
US09166697B2 |
Optical transmitter and method for controlling the same
Since it is difficult to emit a stable and reliable modulated lightwave signal by means of IQ modulators used for QAM format, a method for controlling an optical transmitter according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes the steps of (a) keeping an optical amplitude of a continuous wave light output from the optical transmitter constant, (b) making operating point values in optical modulation converge to predetermined values during step (a), and (c) modulating the continuous wave light with multiple amplitudes and phase levels around the operating point values converged in step (b). |
US09166696B2 |
Upsampling optical transmitter
An apparatus including a photodiode, a low pass filter, an analog-to-digital converter, an interpolation circuit and a digital signal processor is disclosed. The photodiode receives a portion of a plurality of optical signals, each of which is modulated in accordance with a corresponding one of a plurality of data streams, and each having a corresponding one of a plurality of wavelengths. The photodiode supplies an electrical output. The low-pass filter supplies a filtered output in response to the electrical output. The analog-to-digital converter is configured to sample the filtered output at a first sampling rate to generate a plurality of first data samples. The interpolation circuit is configured to receive the plurality of first data samples and supply a plurality of second data samples at a second sampling rate less the first sampling rate. The digital signal processor circuit is configured to receive the plurality of second data samples. |
US09166693B2 |
Optical transceiver having reset sequence
An electronic apparatus is disclosed where the apparatus provides the I2C bus and enables to resume the I2C bus even after the apparatus receives external RESET independent of the status of the I2C communication. A circuit unit communicating with the controller by the I2C bus, which is necessary to be reset, is further coupled with the controller by an internal RESET. The controller, receiving the external RESET, first completes the communication on the I2C bus, then sends the internal RESET to the circuit unit, finally resets itself. |
US09166686B2 |
Multiple access point laser communications terminal
A laser communications terminal configured for simultaneous two-way stabilized communications links to multiple ground sites. One example of such a laser communications terminal includes a plurality of laser channels, each including a channel transceiver configured to transmit and receive an optical signal, an afocal telescope optically coupled to each of the channel transceivers, a coelostat mirror pair optically coupled to the afocal telescope, and a plurality of beam steering mirrors, at least one beam steering mirror associated with each channel of the plurality of laser channels and configured to independently steer the corresponding optical signal within a field of view of the afocal telescope. |
US09166681B2 |
Determining asymmetries in a communication network
A method for measuring asymmetry in propagation delay of first and second links which connect a first node to a second node of a communication network. The method comprises measuring (101) a round trip delay of the first link. The round trip delay can be measured by transmitting (102) a test signal from the first node to the second node over the first link and receiving a reply to the test signal from the second node over the first link. The method further comprises measuring (105) a round trip delay of the second link. The round trip delay can be measured by transmitting (106) a test signal to the second node over the second link and receiving a reply to the test signal from the second node over the second link. A difference in the propagation delay of the first link with respect to the second link is determined (109) using the measured round trip delays of the first link and the second link. |
US09166667B2 |
Antenna selection diversity scheme for zigbee or other wireless devices and related apparatus and method
A method includes identifying, at a wireless device, transmit and receive link costs respectively associated with transmitting data to and receiving data from one or more neighboring nodes of the wireless device. The method also includes selecting at least one of multiple antennas to be used to further communicate with the neighboring node(s). The at least one antenna is selected using the link costs. At least some of the link costs are identified using link status messages received from the neighboring node(s). For each neighboring node, one antenna can be selected as a unicast antenna for unicast communications with that neighboring node. Also, one antenna can be selected as a broadcast/multicast antenna for broadcast or multicast communications with multiple neighboring nodes. An identity of the at least one antenna selected to communicate with the neighboring node(s) may not be communicated from the wireless device. |
US09166665B2 |
System, method and apparatus for mobile transmit diversity using symmetric phase difference
Communication is performed for a first communication device having a set of antenna elements. A quality-indication signal is received from a second communication device (e.g., a basestation). A complex weighting is calculated based on the quality-indication signal. A pre-transmission signal is modified based on the complex transmit diversity weighting to produce a set of modified-pre-transmission signals, wherein the modifications are symmetric by making approximately half the magnitude of the transmit diversity modification to one signal in a first direction, and approximately half the magnitude of the transmit diversity modification to the other signal in a second direction, opposite the first direction. Each modified pre-transmission signal from the set of modified-pre-transmission signals is uniquely associated with an antenna element from the set of antenna elements. The set of modified-pre-transmission signals is sent from the set of antenna elements to produce a transmitted signal. |
US09166664B2 |
Active antenna system and method for combining signals
An active antenna transceiver system is disclosed. The active antenna transceiver system comprises a bandpass filter adapted to filter first telecommunication signals in a first frequency band, the first telecommunication signals being transceived in a first antenna section, an active transceiver arrangement adapted to transceive second telecommunications signal in a second frequency band, an antenna arrangement adapted to radiate and/or collect signal in both the first and second frequency bands. A combining element is provided for combining first telecommunications signal and second telecommunication signal into a combined telecommunications signal to be fed into antenna arrangement and the combining element being adapted for splitting the combined telecommunications signal from the antenna arrangement into first telecommunication signals and second telecommunications signals. |
US09166658B2 |
Base station device, terminal device, and wireless communication system using the base station device and the terminal device
A wireless communication system in which a base station apparatus having a plurality of transmission antennas and one or more terminal apparatuses communicate with each other is provided with at least two methods of a first feedback method and a second feedback method regarding propagation path information at the time of reception. In accordance with a communication condition between the base station apparatus and the terminal apparatus, or the function of the terminal apparatus, the terminal apparatus performs feedback by one of the two methods of the first feedback method and the second feedback method. The base station apparatus performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the basis of the propagation path information that has been fed back. Thus, in a system in which CSI is fed back for MIMO transmission, desired transmission characteristics can be efficiently obtained. |
US09166657B2 |
Radio frequency shield with proximity change alert for a contactless data carrier
A device, system, antenna system including a reader and a plurality of antennae, antenna product, method for the addressing antennae, and method for switching the antenna in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system, wherein the method includes switching the reader in a sequential manner to each of the antennae successively according to a radio frequency communication signal from said reader, where the radio frequency communication signal is provided for the reader to communicate with a tag such that it is simple to form a network and easy to implement the network at low cost. |
US09166655B2 |
Magnetic induction communication system for an implantable medical device
A communication system for an active implantable medical device. The communication system includes an isolation transformer a coil coupled to the isolation transformer, and first and second communication components each coupled to the isolation transformer such that the first and second communication components are electrically isolated from the coil, and such that the isolation transformer enables the first and second communication components to communicate, via magnetic induction (MI) using the coil, with at least one external component. |
US09166654B2 |
Wireless power transmission and communication between devices
An electronic device includes: a device main body having a battery; a power reception unit configured to receive a first wireless power signal formed by a first apparatus; a charging unit configured to charge the battery based on the received first wireless power signal; a power conversion unit configured to form a second wireless power signal for transmitting power to a second apparatus by using power of the battery; and a controller configured to determine whether to activate a power reception function or a power transmission function, wherein when the power reception function is activated, the controller controls the power reception unit to receive the first wireless power signal, and when the power transmission function is activated, the controller controls the power conversion unit to form the second wireless power. |
US09166652B2 |
Near field coupling solutions for Wi-Fi based wireless docking
Described herein are techniques related one or more systems, apparatuses, methods, etc. for a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) based wireless docking in an enterprise environment. In an implementation, a separate low radiating antenna is constructed and installed at a bottom surface of a wireless device and at a docking surface of a docking station. In this implementation, the low radiating antenna is configured to provide local wireless communication (i.e., Wi-Fi based communication) between a docking pair that includes the wireless device and the docking station. |
US09166647B2 |
Expandable device for wireless audio input
An expandable device for wireless audio input is provided in the present invention. The expandable device for wireless audio input is compatible with an audio provider, wherein the audio provider is used for converting an audio to a wireless signal to output the wireless signal. The expandable device for wireless audio input is used for outputting an audio signal to an audio output device, wherein, the audio output device includes a first audio jack. The expandable device for wireless audio input includes a first audio jack plug, a wireless receiver and a second audio jack. The first audio jack plug is used for outputting a first audio signal. The wireless receiver receives the wireless signal outputting from the audio provider and converts the wireless signal into the first audio signal to transmit to the first audio jack plug. When a second audio signal is inputted from the second audio jack plug, the second audio signal is provided to the first audio jack plug. |
US09166645B2 |
Cooperative management of business devices
A method includes receive network information for a network at an intelligent cellular router modem associated with a business device. The method also includes compressing the network information. Business device information associated with the business device is received. The business device information is also compressed. The method includes sending the compressed business device information and network information to the intelligent management host device via the network. The method also includes determining whether a response based on the compressed business device information and network information is received within a predetermined response time. An action is determined based on a received response in response to a determination that the response has been received. An action is also determined based on absence of a received response in response to a determination that the response has not been received. |
US09166641B1 |
Method and apparatus for receiver VGA adaptation
One embodiment relates to a receiver circuit for a data link. The receiver circuit includes a linear equalizer for receiving an input data signal and outputting an equalized signal, and a variable gain amplifier for receiving the equalized signal and outputting an amplified signal. Adaptation circuitry is connected to the linear equalizer and the variable gain amplifier. The adaptation circuitry adapts both a gain of the variable gain amplifier and a direct current voltage setting of the linear equalizer. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed. |
US09166632B1 |
Mixer circuits with programmable characteristics
A receiver including a mixer, a clock generator, a plurality of capacitances, a plurality of resistances, and a controller. The mixer includes a plurality of switches. The clock generator is configured to generate clock signals to drive the plurality of switches of the mixer. The plurality of capacitances couples the clock signals to respective inputs of the plurality of switches. The plurality of resistances couples to the respective inputs of the plurality of switches. The controller is configured to output a first signal to the plurality of resistances. The first signal determines one or more attributes of the clock signals. One or more switching characteristics of the plurality of switches of the mixer are based on the one or more attributes of the clock signals. |
US09166631B2 |
Software-defined radio terminal apparatus, and method for distributing and installing radio applications
According to the present invention, a software-defined radio terminal apparatus is a software-defined radio terminal apparatus which is adaptively constituted based on radio applications, and may comprise a storage unit, a microprocessor, and a baseband accelerator. The microprocessor reads, from the storage unit, a code, including a radio controller layer and a baseband driver layer, and executes the code, wherein the radio controller layer delivers a control command for controlling the baseband accelerator and information to be transmitted, from an upper layer to the baseband accelerator, and delivers the information received from the baseband accelerator to the upper layer, wherein the baseband driver layer provides interface between the radio controller layer and the baseband accelerator. In addition, the microprocessor is configured to load at least one functional block required for the implementation of a radio application from the storage unit to the baseband accelerator, and the functional block loaded to the baseband accelerator includes a baseband control functional block for controlling the baseband accelerator in real time. |
US09166629B1 |
Method and apparatus for using profile structures to deploy components on a software defined radio
A method and apparatus for processing a number of profiles for a software defined radio is provided. In one illustrative example, an apparatus comprises a pre-compiler and a compiler. The pre-compiler is configured to receive a number of profiles for the software defined radio in a first format. The pre-compiler is further configured to form a number of profile structures in a second format during build time based on the number of profiles. A profile structure in the number of profile structures corresponds to a profile in the number of profiles and includes a set of substructures comprised of a number of dynamic substructures and a number of static substructures. The compiler is configured to convert the number of profile structures into compiled code during the build time for use in deploying a set of components on the software defined radio at runtime. |
US09166628B2 |
Use of parity-check coding for carrier-phase estimation in an optical transport system
An optical transport system is configured to use a modulation scheme in which a phase rotation applied to a sequence of PSK or QAM constellation symbols encoding a codeword of an FEC code produces a modified sequence of PSK or QAM constellation symbols encoding a bit-word that is not a valid codeword of that FEC code. Based on this property of the modulation scheme, an optical receiver may be configured to relatively accurately recover the absolute phase of the optical carrier wave of the received modulated optical signal by applying maximum likelihood sequence estimation processing to each portion of the signal carrying a valid codeword of the FEC code. For example, for a modulation scheme employing a 2n-PSK constellation, the optical receiver may be able to recover the absolute phase of the optical carrier wave with an accuracy that is better than 360/2n degrees. |
US09166626B2 |
Encoding, decoding, and multi-stage decoding circuits for concatenated BCH, and error correction circuit of flash memory device using the same
The present disclosure relates to a BCH encoding, decoding, and multi-stage decoding circuits and method, and an error correction circuit of a flash memory device using the same. The concatenated BCH multi-stage decoding circuit includes: a first stage encoding unit that receives a part or all of data input to a flash memory device, performs BCH encoding, and outputs a first output BCH code or a parity bit thereof; an interleaving unit that receives a part or all of data input to the flash memory device, interleaves, and outputs the data, and a second stage encoding unit that performs BCH encoding of the BCH code or data that is the output of the interleaving unit, and outputs a second output BCH code or a parity bit thereof. |
US09166625B2 |
Circuits, integrated circuits, and methods for interleaved parity computation
Circuits, integrated circuits, and methods are disclosed for interleaved parity computation. In one such example circuit, an interleaved parity computation circuit includes a first parity circuit that receives a first set of bits and a second parity circuit that receives a second set of bits. The first set of bits includes a first parity bit, and is received in the first parity circuit during a first clock cycle. The first parity circuit generates a first signal indicative of the parity of the first set of bits. The second set of bits includes a second parity bit, and is received in the second parity circuit during a second clock cycle. The second parity circuit generates a second signal indicative of the parity of the second set of bits. A combining circuit combines the first signal and the second signal into an alert signal. |
US09166624B2 |
Error-correcting code processing method and device
An error-correcting code processing method includes: calculating descending symbols or ascending symbols or both, and calculating, as a parity, exclusive OR of all elements of an information symbol sequence; one or both of calculating exclusive OR for each element of the descending symbols, to generate low-order n bits of the descending symbols and calculating exclusive OR for each element of the ascending symbols, to generate low-order n bits of the ascending symbols; one or both of calculating exclusive OR of elements obtained by selecting, in descending order, elements from an element sequence resulting from arranging parities, to generate a high-order m bit of the descending symbols and calculating exclusive OR of elements obtained by selecting, in ascending order, elements from the element sequence, to generate a high-order m bit of the ascending symbols; and outputting the descending symbols or the ascending symbols or both as check symbols or a syndrome. |
US09166622B2 |
Programmable quasi-cyclic low-density parity check (QC LDPC) encoder for read channel
The present invention is a programmable QC LDPC encoder for encoding user data. The encoder may be configurable for implementation with a read channel. The encoder may include a plurality of barrel shifter circuits. The barrel shifter circuits are configured for generating a plurality of parity bits based on interleaved user bits received by the encoder. The barrel shifter circuits are further configured for outputting the parity bits. The encoder may further include an encoder interleaver memory. The encoder interleaver memory may be communicatively coupled with the barrel shifter circuits and may receive the parity bits output from the barrel shifter circuits. The encoder interleaver may be configured for interleaving the parity bits. Further, the encoder may be configured for outputting the interleaved parity bits to a multiplexer. The barrel shifter circuits may generate the plurality of parity bits via an encoding algorithm: p=u*GT. |
US09166617B1 |
Communication unit, digital band-pass sigma-delta modulator and method therefor
A communication unit comprises a power DAC. The DAC comprises: a switched mode power amplifier (SMPA); and a digital band-pass sigma-delta modulator operably coupled to the SMPA. The sigma-delta modulator comprises an input to receive an input baseband signal; a delay; an adder module arranged to add a feedback signal with an output from the delay; and at least two feedback branches. The sigma-delta modulator is arranged to digitally oversample the input baseband signal such that a ratio of a sampling frequency employed by the sigma-delta modulator to a radio frequency (RF) output from the DAC is fixed and the sampling frequency tuned or wherein the sampling frequency is fixed and the ratio is adjusted, such that a first feedback branch in the sigma-delta modulator is formed using at least one from a group of: a zero gain, an additive inverse of a second feedback branch. |
US09166616B2 |
Signal conversion method, signal transmission method, signal conversion device, and transmitter
A signal conversion method including converting an input signal into a 1-bit pulse train representing an analog signal is provided. The 1-bit pulse train has a pulse rising waveform frise and a pulse falling waveform ffall. The pulse rising waveform frise includes a first distortion component with respect to an ideal pulse rising waveform, and the pulse falling waveform ffall includes a second distortion component with respect to an ideal pulse falling waveform. The first distortion component and the second distortion component are substantially line-symmetric with respect to a time axis. |
US09166615B2 |
System and method for cascaded PWM digital-to-analog converter with hybrid DAC interface
A system and method is disclosed for a digital to analog converter which includes an interpolation filter to up-sample a digital signal, a cascaded digital pulse width modulation noise shaper having multiple stages to suppress in-band quantization errors due to digital pulse width modulation and truncation errors, and a hybrid finite impulse response filter/digital to analog converter coupled to a reconstruction filter which outputs the analog signal. The cascaded noise shaper stages each operate using the same quantization error signal. |
US09166614B2 |
Ramp-signal generator circuit, and image sensor and imaging system including the same
The ramp-signal generator circuit includes a reference voltage generator that changes the voltage of a reference signal Vr to a comparator setting voltage VR for compensating for a voltage difference between a reference signal Vr and an analog input signal (Vs1-Vsn) before comparison by an analog-to-digital converter circuit and outputs a ramp signal whose slope starts from the comparator setting voltage VR in response to a start of the comparison. The ramp-signal generator circuit is configured to add a predetermined enhanced voltage VA to the comparator setting voltage VR before the comparison. |
US09166611B2 |
Efficient high speed ADC interface design
A system can include a first section with an ultra high speed digital sampler configured to sample at a first rate, a scrambler connected to the sampler, and a set of ultra high speed serial data outputs. The system can further include a second section with a set of ultra high speed serial data inputs, a set of serial to parallel converter circuits connected to the inputs and outputting data at a second rate, a descrambler having inputs connected to the reduced speed data outputs, and a set of parallel outputs configured to output the serial data. The set of ultra high speed serial data outputs of the first section are configured to be connected to the set of ultra high speed serial data inputs in the second section by a set of ultra high speed communication pathways clocked at a speed substantially equal to the first rate. |
US09166609B2 |
AD converter and receiving apparatus
It is intended to provide an AD converter capable of increasing its conversion accuracy. An AD converter is equipped with a clock generator which generates a first clock using a second clock and a comparator which includes a comparison circuit for comparing an input signal with a prescribed value in a first period of the first clock and a precharging circuit for precharging, in a second period of the first clock, an internal voltage to a prescribed value for the next comparison operation. The clock generator includes a replica circuit of the precharging circuit of the comparator. In the replica circuit of the precharging circuit, a precharging period from the start to the end of precharging is set as the second period of the first clock. |
US09166607B2 |
Capacitor leakage compensation for PLL loop filter capacitor
An output portion of a charge pump receives control signals from a phase frequency detector and in response outputs positive current pulses and negative current pulses to a loop filter. A current control portion of the charge pump controls the output portion such that the magnitudes of the positive and negative current pulses are the same. Within the current control portion there is a “Charge Pump Output Voltage Replica Node” (CPOVRN). The voltage on this CPOVRN is maintained to be the same as a voltage on the charge pump output node. A capacitor leakage compensation circuit indirectly senses the voltage across a leaking capacitor of the loop filter by sensing the voltage on the CPOVRN. The compensation circuit imposes the sensed voltage across a replica capacitor, mirrors a current leaking through the replica, and supplies the mirrored current in the form of a compensation current to the leaking capacitor. |
US09166605B2 |
Low-power and all-digital phase interpolator-based clock and data recovery architecture
The proposed invention is about an improved method for serial-in and serial-out transceiver applications. The proposed system includes a dual loop phase locked loop (PLL) architecture having a PLL and a phase rotator (PR)-based delay locked loop (DLL). An advantage of this architecture is that a single PLL offers decoupled bandwidths; a wide jitter-tolerance (JTOL) bandwidth for receiving data and a narrow jitter transfer (JTRAN) bandwidth for the data transmission. Thus, the amount of jitter at the output can be substantially reduced relative to the input while offering sufficient jitter tracking bandwidth. Also, this architecture is suitable for low-power applications since a phase shifter in the data path, which is one of the most power-hungry blocks in conventional DPLL designs, is not required. |
US09166603B2 |
Digital calibration for multiphase oscillators
A phase-locked loop circuit comprises a multi-phase oscillator having a plurality of coupled oscillators. A calibration module detects mismatches between frequency characteristics of the different oscillators in the phase-locked loop circuit during a calibration process. The calibration module then calibrates the various oscillators to compensate for the detected mismatch. Once calibrated, the phase-locked loop circuit can operate with little or no performance degradation despite the mismatch in frequency characteristics between the different oscillators. |
US09166601B2 |
Semiconductor device incorporating a power on circuit
A semiconductor device which makes it possible to reduce a wasteful standby time at power-on is provided. In this semiconductor device, a reset of an internal circuit is canceled as described below. When a data signal stored in a storage section is at “0,” the reset is canceled by bringing an internal reset signal to the “H” level when a relatively short time has passed after the rising edge of a power on reset signal. When the data signal is at “1,” the reset is canceled by bringing the internal reset signal to the “H” level when a relatively long time has passed after the rising edge of the power on reset signal. Therefore, a wasteful standby time at power-on can be reduced by writing the data signal logically equivalent to the rise time of supply voltage to the storage section. |
US09166600B2 |
Semiconductor device and a display device
A standard cell used for the logic synthesis and the routing of layout is configured by a logic circuit on an output side and a logic circuit on an input side, and a driving capacity of the logic circuit on the output side is made large while gate input capacitance of the logic circuit on the input side is made small. |
US09166595B2 |
Configurable flip-flop circuit
A configurable flip-flop circuit has modifiable connections between its circuit elements that allow it to be modified for primary and secondary uses. For example, the flip-flop circuit can be modified to provide secondary functions of NOR and NAND gates during an implementation of an ECO. At other times, the flip-flop circuit can be used to deliver normal flip-flop functionality. A configurable latch circuit is provided that can be modified to provide an output signal or an inverted output signal. A scan circuit is provided that can provide the functionality of a multiplexer. |
US09166591B1 |
High speed IO buffer
A high speed IO buffer is disclosed. The high speed IO buffer includes a first P-type metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor coupled to an IO voltage source. The high speed IO buffer also includes a first N-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistor coupled to a ground source, a second PMOS transistor coupled to the first PMOS transistor and a pad and a second NMOS transistor coupled to the first NMOS transistor and the pad. The first PMOS transistor, the first NMOS transistor, the second PMOS transistor and the second NMOS transistor are arranged in a cascoded arrangement. |
US09166588B2 |
Semiconductor device including enhanced variability
A Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, and a well formed in the semiconductor substrate. The well includes a first region having a first concentration of ions, and at least one second region having a second concentration that is less than the first concentration. First and second FETs are formed on the well. The first and second FETs have a voltage threshold mismatch with respect to one another based on the first region and the at least one second region. |
US09166580B2 |
Gate signal line drive circuit and display
A gate signal line drive circuit and a display using the circuit, which suppress a leak current to reduce a power consumption. A gate signal line drive circuit that supplies a high voltage in a signal high period, and supplies a low voltage in a signal low period, the gate signal line drive circuit including: a high voltage supply switching element that turns on in response to the high period, supplies a voltage of a first basic clock signal to gate signal lines; a high voltage supply off control circuit that supplies a first low voltage to a switch of the high voltage supply switching element in response to the signal low period; and a low voltage supply switching circuit that supplies a second low voltage higher than the first low voltage to the gate signal lines in response to the signal low period. |
US09166578B2 |
Fine pulse generator and method for generating fine pulse
There are provided a pulse generator capable of securing a maximum transfer rate of an IR-UWB signal, while maintaining low power consumption characteristics of an all-digital scheme, and a method for generating a fine pulse. A bandwidth of a fine pulse is determined by adjusting a difference in delay time between two adjacent pulses and a pulse is generated by selecting only one of a rising edge and a falling edge of an input pulse, and thus there is no need to remove an unnecessary batch of pulses afterwards and a transfer rate is enhanced. |
US09166573B2 |
Semiconductor device and command control method for the same
According to an aspect of the present invention, in a semiconductor device, a plurality of commands for specifying a circuit configuration of an analog front-end unit are transmitted from a processing unit to the analog front-end unit, an analysis is performed on the plurality of commands received by the analog front-end unit, and when a circuit configuration of the analog front-end unit which is to be updated and is determined according to the plurality of commands includes a forbidden condition that has been previously set, updating processing of the circuit configuration according to the plurality of commands is stopped. |
US09166565B2 |
Calibrated output driver with enhanced reliability and density
An output driver configured to drive an output node includes a pull-down section having a plurality of legs and a pull-up section having a plurality of pull-up legs. Each leg and pull-up leg includes a data path and a calibration path. The data paths in the pull-down section are configured to conduct to ground responsive to an assertion of a complement data output signal whereas the data paths in the pull-up section are configured to conduct to a power supply node responsive to a de-assertion of the complement data output signal. |
US09166563B2 |
Asynchronous sample rate converter
An asynchronous sample rate converter and method for converting an input signal to a resampled output signal is disclosed. An efficient and cost-effective sample rate converter for converting an input signal of arbitrary sample rate to a resampled output signal of a second sample rate is disclosed. A hardware-efficient sample-rate converter for resampling an audio input signal with an arbitrary sample rate to an output audio signal with a known sample rate for use in an audio processor is disclosed. |
US09166561B1 |
Variable transmission line
Embodiments provide a variable-impedance transmission line. In some embodiments, a variable-impedance transmission line may include one or more conductors that may be isolated or configured as parts of forward or return paths based on states of switches of the variable-impedance transmission line. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
US09166560B2 |
Decoupling circuit and semiconductor integrated circuit
A decoupling circuit comprises an output buffer that includes a transistor, and a capacitor that has an end thereof connected to an output node of the output buffer and the other end thereof connected to a power supply line, and a logic level outputted by the output node of the output buffer is fixed. |
US09166558B2 |
High-frequency filter
Assigning multiple functions to a PA and simplifying wiring and circuits are achieved without using switches in a transmission-and-reception system using a high-frequency filter that supports multiple bands. Provided is a high-frequency filter including: first and second transmission filters; first and second reception filters; and a matching circuit connected to input sides of the first and second transmission filters. Transmission signals are inputted to the first and second transmission filters via the matching circuit. A resonator forming the matching circuit is serially connected to an input side of, among the first and second transmission filters, a filter whose passband is a higher frequency band. |
US09166557B2 |
Piezoelectric thin film resonator and filter
A piezoelectric thin film resonator includes: a substrate; a piezoelectric film located on the substrate; a lower electrode and an upper electrode located to sandwich the piezoelectric film; a load film formed from patterns in a resonance region in which the lower electrode and the upper electrode face each other across the piezoelectric film, wherein the patterns are formed so as to surround a center of the resonance region and intersect with a pathway extending from the center to an outer periphery of the resonance region. |
US09166551B2 |
Apparatus and method for matching impedance using standing wave ratio information
An apparatus and method for matching impedance of an antenna by using Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) information is provided. While the impedance of the impedance matching unit is controlled, a region of a Smith chart in which initial total impedance of the impedance matching unit and the antenna is located by using an SWR calculated by an SWR operation unit, and the impedance of the impedance matching unit is controlled according to the determined region, thus correctly matching the impedance of the antenna. |
US09166549B2 |
High-frequency filter
In a high-frequency filter, four LC parallel resonators include four capacitors and four resonance coils, and are aligned in a predetermined direction. The four capacitors are defined by a ground conductor and a resonance capacitor conductor. The four coils are defined by a first via conductor, a second via conductor, and a line conductor. A floating conductor is provided astride within the four coils, and a sum of electrostatic capacitance between line conductors and the floating conductor is larger than electrostatic capacitance between the resonance capacitor conductor and the floating conductor, the line conductors overlapping with the floating conductor in planar view from a lamination direction. |
US09166548B1 |
Acoustic wave filter manufacturing method using photo-definable epoxy for suppression of unwanted acoustic energy
A SAW filter is fabricated with input and output transducers on a piezoelectric substrate and an epoxy based photo-definable acoustic absorber on the substrate for suppressing unwanted acoustic waves. The photo-definable acoustic absorber has a viscosity in a range from about 50 centistokes to 12000 centistokes and a thickness from about 10 microns to 120 microns. One acoustic absorber includes an SU-8 family member epoxy. |
US09166546B2 |
Post-filter common-gain determination
An apparatus for processing an input sound signal, the apparatus including: gain circuitry configured to control a gain based on a plurality of respective sub-signals of the input sound signal; and an amplification apparatus configured to adjust the amplification of all the plurality of amplitudes based on the gain. |
US09166543B2 |
Circuits and methods for compensating for miller capacitance
Amplifier circuits and methods of cancelling the Miller effects in amplifiers are disclosed herein. An embodiment of an amplifier circuit includes an input and an output. An amplifier is connected between the input and the output of the circuit. A voltage source is connected to the output, wherein the voltage source output is one hundred eighty degrees out of phase with the voltage output by the amplifier, and wherein the voltage source cancels gain due to the Miller effect of a Miller capacitance between the input and output. |
US09166540B2 |
Gain invariant impedance feedback amplifier
A system includes a weighting element, a transconductance circuit, a feedback loop, and an auxiliary loop. In some implementations, the transconductance circuit may accept an input and provide a first portion of an output for amplification at a variable amplification level to generate an amplifier output. The feedback loop may provide a portion of the amplifier output as a first feedback to the input. The first feedback may be associated with an impedance that may vary with the amplification level. The auxiliary loop may provide a second feedback to the input to reduce the dependence of the impedance on the amplification level. |
US09166538B2 |
Integrated circuit wireless communication unit and method for providing a power supply
An integrated circuit is described for providing a power supply to a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA). The integrated circuit comprises a low-frequency power supply path comprising a switching regulator and a high-frequency power supply path arranged to regulate an output voltage of a combined power supply at an output port of the integrated circuit for coupling to a load. The combined power supply is provided by the low-frequency power supply path and high-frequency power supply path. The high-frequency power supply path comprises: an amplifier comprising a voltage feedback and arranged to drive a power supply signal on the high-frequency power supply path; and a high-frequency-path supply module arranged to provide a high frequency supply to drive the amplifier, where the high-frequency-path supply module comprises a pulse-width modulator operably coupled to the high frequency supply via a filter and arranged to provide a filtered pulse-width modulated signal to the high frequency supply. |
US09166536B2 |
Transmitter architecture and related methods
A radio frequency (RF) transmitter includes one or more power amplifiers and a controller that is configured to adjust amplitudes and phases of RF input signals of the one or more power amplifiers and supply voltages applied to the one or more power amplifiers. In embodiments where multiple power amplifiers are used, a combiner may be provided to combine outputs of the power amplifiers. In at least one implementation, amplitude adjustment of the RF input signals of the one or more power amplifiers may be used to provide transmit power control and/or power backoff for the RF transmitter. |
US09166531B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device and high-frequency power amplifier module
The invention provides a semiconductor integrated circuit device and a high-frequency power amplifier module capable of reducing variations in the transmission power characteristics. The semiconductor integrated circuit device and the high-frequency power amplifier module each include, for example, a bandgap reference circuit, a regulator circuit, and a reference-voltage correction circuit which is provided between the bandgap reference circuit and the regulator circuit and which includes a unity gain buffer. The reference-voltage correction circuit corrects variations in a bandgap voltage from the bandgap reference circuit. The reference-voltage correction circuit includes first to third resistance paths having mutually different resistance values, and corrects the variations by selectively supplying a current which reflects an output voltage of the unity gain buffer to any one of the first to third resistance paths. The selection in this case is performed by connecting a bonding wire to any one of the terminals REF1 to REF3. |
US09166530B2 |
Low noise amplifier and receiver
A low noise amplifier is disclosed. The low noise amplifier comprises a current mirror circuit, a bias circuit, a cascode amplifying circuit and a power gain compensating circuit. The current mirror circuit is used for providing a mapping current. The bias circuit is used for receiving a mapping current and outputting a first bias voltage and a second bias voltage according to the mapping current. The cascode amplifying circuit respectively receives the first bias voltage and the second bias voltage, and accordingly to work at an operation bias point. The power gain compensating circuit is used for receiving a RF output signal and accordingly outputs a gain compensating signal to the current mirror circuit so as to dynamically adjust current value of the mapping current and further to compensates power gain of the low noise amplifier in order to increase linearity. |
US09166529B2 |
Amplifier circuit with cross wiring of direct-current signals and microwave signals
Provided is an amplifier circuit with cross wiring of direct-current signals and microwave signals, which includes: two branch sub-circuits being mirrors with each other and a third capacitor The sub-circuit includes a direct-current feeding circuit and a microwave signal circuit. The direct-current feeding circuit further comprising: a transistor core drain power-up port (Vds) of a heterojunction field effect transistor (FET), a first micro-strip inductor, a first capacitor, a pair of third inductors, a pair of branched second inductors. The microwave signal circuit further comprising: A pair of third inductors, a pair of first capacitors, a pair of second capacitors, a pair of ground inductors, a pair of fourth inductors, a serially connected fifth inductor. |
US09166528B2 |
RF power transmission, modulation, and amplification embodiments
Methods and systems for vector combining power amplification are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of signals are individually amplified, then summed to form a desired time-varying complex envelope signal. Phase and/or frequency characteristics of one or more of the signals are controlled to provide the desired phase, frequency, and/or amplitude characteristics of the desired time-varying complex envelope signal. In another embodiment, a time-varying complex envelope signal is decomposed into a plurality of constant envelope constituent signals. The constituent signals are amplified equally or substantially equally, and then summed to construct an amplified version of the original time-varying envelope signal. Embodiments also perform frequency up-conversion. |
US09166526B2 |
Solar panel rack
A solar panel rack may comprise one or more sheet metal brackets configured to attach solar panels to the solar panel rack. The sheet metal brackets may include clinching tabs configured to be clinched to features on the solar panels to attach the solar panels to the solar panel rack. The sheet metal brackets may further include protrusions configured to facilitate electrical contact between the brackets and the solar panels when the clinching tabs are clinched to features on the solar panels. The sheet metal brackets may additionally or alternatively include positioning tabs configured to contact features on the solar panels to position the solar panels in desired locations on the solar panel rack. |
US09166523B2 |
Low profile solar roof shingle system with integrated nano-inverters
A solar roof shingle for providing AC electrical power when exposed to sunlight includes a shingle frame having a bottom panel supportable on a roof deck, a top panel, and a thickness between the bottom panel and the top panel. The solar roof shingle also includes a solar collector mounted to and covering at least a portion to the top panel of the shingle frame, with the solar panel producing DC electrical energy at DC terminals when the solar collector is exposed to sunlight. A nano-inverter is disposed within the shingle frame between the bottom panel and the top panel and is electrically coupled to the DC terminals. The nano-inverter converts DC electrical energy to AC electrical energy available at AC terminals mounted to the shingle frame. |
US09166521B2 |
Solar panel rack
A solar panel rack may comprise a vertical support, a transverse support, brackets attaching hollow beams to the transverse support, and brackets configured to attach solar panels or solar panel assemblies to the hollow beams. Internal splices may couple collinearly arranged hollow beams in the solar panel rack. Some or all of these components may be formed from folded sheet metal blanks comprising bend lines predefined by bend-inducing features formed in the blanks. Preformed slots, holes, or other openings in the sheet metal blanks may predefine the relative positions of various components in the solar panel rack and predefine the positions of solar panels or solar panel assemblies to be supported by the solar panel rack. Individual components of the solar panel rack may be useful in other structures and applications apart from solar panel racks. |
US09166519B2 |
Motor control device
A motor control device includes: a frequency instruction setting section for outputting a plurality of frequency instructions; an AC voltage instruction generation section for generating and outputting an AC voltage instruction based on each of the frequency instructions; a voltage application section for applying voltage to a motor based on the AC voltage instruction; a current detection section for detecting motor current flowing in the motor; and a type determination section for determining the type of the motor based on a transfer characteristic of the motor calculated from the motor current, the AC voltage instruction, and the frequency instruction. |
US09166517B2 |
Motor control device, brushless motor, and motor control system
A motor controller comprises a PWM demodulation processor for restoring speed command value Vr from PWM command signal Si, a rotation control section for generating drive value Dd of a motor according to the speed command value Vr, a power drive section for generating driving voltages Uo, Vo and Wo to energize and drive a motor winding according to the drive value Dd, a rotation speed calculating section for generating detected speed value Vd as an information signal to be transmitted to outside, and a PWM modulation processor for generating PWM information signal Fp pulse-width modulated by detected speed value Vd. The PWM modulation processor outputs the PWM information signal Fp generated in synchronization with the PWM command signal. |
US09166513B2 |
Inverter apparatus, method of controlling inverter apparatus, and electric motor drive system
Provided is an inverter apparatus 20 configured to switch a current winding to an optimal winding when a rotation speed of a rotor of an AC electric motor 40 is within a hysteresis region defined by first and second switch timings for switching a state of an armature winding between a first winding and a second winding and when the current winding differs from the optimal winding. |
US09166511B2 |
Control system for AC motor
A converter controls a system voltage, which is a DC link voltage of an inverter, in accordance with a voltage command value. The inverter outputs a rectangular wave voltage having the system voltage as amplitude to an AC motor during application of rectangular wave voltage control. During application of rectangular wave voltage control, a voltage command value for the system voltage is modified such that a current phase on a d-q plane of the AC motor is brought closer to a target current phase line. The target current phase line is set on an advance side relative to an optimal current phase line which is a set of current phases at which output torque is maximized for the same amplitude of a motor current in the AC motor. |
US09166509B2 |
Method for operating a wind farm, wind farm controller and wind farm
The disclosure concerns a method for operating a wind farm, the wind farm includes a wind turbine, and an energy storage device, the wind farm being connected to an external grid, the method comprising determining a demanded active power, determining a demanded reactive power, determining power production of the wind turbine, and charging the energy storage device, when the power production is above the demanded active power, the demanded reactive power, or the vector sum of demanded active power and demanded reactive power. Furthermore, corresponding wind farm controllers, wind farms, program elements, and computer readable media are subject of the current disclosure. |
US09166507B2 |
Sensing a back electromotive force of a motor
An apparatus includes a controller and a comparator. The controller generates pulse width modulation (PWM) signals to drive stator windings of a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor in a commutation sequence such that one of the stator windings at a given time is open; and generates a tracking signal synchronized to the PWM signals and indicative of times when a leakage current is present in the open stator winding. The comparator senses when a back electromotive force of the open stator winding has an associated zero crossing. The sensing by the comparator is selectively enabled and disabled by the tracking signal. |
US09166503B2 |
Actuator control system and actuator system
An actuator control system includes a controlling controller and one or more driving controllers connected to the controlling controller via a power line, wherein the controlling controller generates a serial signal that composites a power-supply voltage to be supplied to an actuator and a command signal generated in order to control driving of the actuator and transmits the generated serial signal to the driving controllers via the power line, and the driving controllers separate and retrieve the power-supply voltage and the control signal. Due to the configuration described above, the driving controllers supply a drive voltage and a drive control signal to actuators connected thereto. Accordingly, an actuator control system can be provided whose amount of installed wiring has been significantly reduced. |
US09166501B2 |
Power supply unit for converting power between DC and AC and operating method of the same
A highly efficient power supply unit compatible with a single-phase three-wire system and an operating method of such a power supply unit are provided. The power supply unit includes first and second switching legs connected in parallel to a first capacitor leg with a DC power supply connected thereto. One end of the second capacitor leg is connected to the middle point of the first switching leg through a first inductor, and the other end is connected to the middle point of the second switching leg through a second inductor. The two ends of the second capacitor leg and the middle point of the second capacitor leg are defined as AC terminals. A switch is provided between middle points of first and second capacitor legs. A control part sets the switch to OFF when power is input/output only between one end of the second capacitor leg and the other end. |
US09166499B2 |
Electronic circuit operating based on isolated switching power source
In an electronic circuit, a first circuit region is electrically connected to an input circuit region of an isolated switching power source, and a second circuit region is electrically connected to an output circuit region thereof. A driver of an IC is located in the second circuit region and drives a target device based on output power supplied to the second circuit region via the output circuit region from the isolated switching power source. A transferring module of the IC transfers a value of a parameter indicative of the output power from the second circuit region to the first circuit region while maintaining electrical isolation between the first and second circuit regions. An operating module of the IC performs on-off operations of a switching element to perform feedback control of the value of the parameter indicative of the output power to a target value. |
US09166496B2 |
Load control device
A two-wire load control device prevents load malfunctioning, such as erroneous emission of an LED, due to a leak current, even when loads not taking countermeasures against noise are connected. The load control device is connected in series between a commercial power source and a load and an off power supply for ensuring an inner power supply at the time of turning off the load is provided with capacitors, which are switched to be connected in series or parallel, based on an input voltage. The control device makes the capacitors repeat charging and discharging, and a power discharged from the capacitors is used as the inner power supply, thereby reducing standby power requirement of the load control device at the time of turning off the load. |