| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09184708B2 |
Audio signal processing method and audio signal processing apparatus therefor
An audio signal processing apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes a stability determiner and a sigma-delta modulator. The stability determiner divides a frequency band of an input audio signal into one or more sub-frequency bands, compares a level of the input audio signal for each of the sub-frequency bands with a threshold for the sub-frequency band, and generates a stability determination signal according to a result of the comparison. The sigma-delta modulator sigma-delta modulates the input audio signal according to the stability determination signal, and outputs a modulation signal. |
| US09184707B2 |
Amplifier with switchable common gate gain buffer
An amplifier having a switchable common gate gain buffer is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a plurality of selectable gain channels that provide constant input impedance at a common input to receive an input signal and generate an output signal having at least one of selected gain and current characteristics. At least two gain channels utilize transistors having different transconductance values. The apparatus also includes at least one impedance network coupled to at least one gain channel to provide the constant input impedance. |
| US09184706B2 |
High-frequency amplifier
Since a high-frequency signal that is output from a high-frequency oscillator circuit section is detected in a detector circuit and a bias of a negative voltage is supplied from a bias circuit section to the high-frequency amplifier circuit section with a detection voltage that is detected, a negative power supply circuit such as a DC/DC converter or a peripheral circuit is not required, and since a negative bias voltage can be supplied to a high-frequency amplifier circuit, downsizing can be achieved with a low cost. |
| US09184704B2 |
Timing alignment for power amplifier
There is described a method of controlling signal alignment in a power amplifier, comprising: receiving an input signal to be amplified; receiving a supply voltage for the power amplifier, the supply voltage being derived in dependence on the signal to be amplified; amplifying the input signal to produce an output signal; comparing the output signal with a plurality of distorted versions of the input signal, each distorted version of the input signal being associated with a different time delay value; and adjusting the timing of either the input signal or the supply voltage by an amount in dependence on a time delay value determined to be associated with a distorted version of the input signal which most closely matches the output signal. |
| US09184701B2 |
Snubber for a direct current (DC)-DC converter
Circuitry, which includes a direct current (DC)-DC converter having a first switching power supply is disclosed. The first switching power supply includes a first switching converter, an energy storage element, a first inductive element, which is coupled between the first switching converter and the energy storage element, and a first snubber circuit, which is coupled across the first inductive element. The first switching power supply receives and converts a DC power supply signal to provide a first switching power supply output signal based on a setpoint. |
| US09184700B2 |
Digital amplitude modulator and control method for digital amplitude modulator
According to one embodiment, a digital amplitude modulator includes a power supply unit, a measurement unit, a calculation unit, and a power controller. The power supply unit supplies a power supply voltage to a plurality of power amplifiers. The measurement unit measures the output power and reflection coefficient of a synthesizer. The calculation unit calculates loss power occurring in each power amplifier in an ON state, and reflected power consumed by each power amplifier in the ON state. The power controller controls all the power amplifiers to be in an OFF state, and performs a normal operation, and controls the input voltage of the power supply unit or ON/OFF of the plurality of power amplifiers. |
| US09184695B2 |
Terminal box for solar cell module, and solar cell module including the same
It is an object of the invention to provide a terminal box for a solar cell module in which a positive terminal and a negative terminal are electrically isolated from each other, an occurrence of a short circuit is reduced, and reliability is enhanced, and a solar cell module including the same. In order to achieve this object, a terminal box for a solar cell module contains terminals configured to derive an output from a solar cell panel to the outside, and includes a container and a lid body covering an aperture of the container. The container includes a first region in which a first terminal configured to connect a first output conductor of the solar cell panel is disposed, a second region in which a second terminal configured to connect a second output conductor of the solar cell panel is disposed, and a partitioning portion provided so as to partition the first region and the second region and including a groove on an aperture surface of the container. The lid body includes a projection contained in the groove. |
| US09184691B2 |
Method for controlling electric drive and electric drive
A method for controlling an electric drive, having an inverter, an electric motor and control means configured in a first operating state of the electric drive to control the electric drive to run in a constant operating point, determine and store a value of an output voltage of the inverter or a value of a flux reference of the inverter, and a value of a switching frequency of the inverter with which a determined input power of the electric drive is lowest. The controller is configured in a second operating state of the electric drive to control the electric drive to use the stored values to run in the operating point. |
| US09184688B2 |
Inverter device and electric motor drive system
An inverter device according to an embodiment includes a constant power controller. The constant power controller computes and outputs, when a value of a voltage reference to an AC motor exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a d-axis current reference correction value on the basis of the value of the voltage reference and the predetermined threshold value. Moreover, the constant power controller generates the d-axis current reference correction value by using a constant power model determined by a torque reference or a speed reference and a supplied direct voltage at an output switching timing determined based on a winding switching signal and outputs the d-axis current reference correction value for a predetermined time. |
| US09184687B2 |
Motor control apparatus and motor control method
A motor control apparatus includes a calculator, a determinator, and a selector. The calculator calculates a zero vector current predicted to flow through a three-phase AC motor when an inverter operates in a first mode for applying no voltage to the motor. The determinator determines whether a difference between the zero vector current and a command current on a αβ stationary coordinate system falls within an allowable range. The selector selects the first mode as a switching mode of the inverter when the difference falls within the allowable range, and selects a second mode as the switching mode of the inverter upon determination that the difference falls outside the allowable range. The second mode corresponds to a non-zero current vector closest to the command current among six non-zero current vectors defined in fixed directions with respect to the zero vector current on the αβ stationary coordinate system. |
| US09184683B2 |
Applied-voltage electrical angle setting method for synchronous motor, and motor control device
An applied-voltage electrical angle setting method for a synchronous motor includes detecting applied voltage and current of the synchronous motor M, calculating current peak value Ip based on the detected values while calculating present applied voltage phase α, calculating target current phase βtarg based on the current peak value Ip followed by calculating target applied voltage phase αtarg corresponding to the target current phase in a target value setting unit 20, and calculating new applied voltage electrical angle instruction value θvtarg, based on change angle Δθv obtained by correcting a difference between the present applied voltage phase α and the target applied voltage phase αtarg by response time constant L/R of the synchronous motor, rotational speed ω calculated based on the applied voltage and the current, and the previous applied voltage electrical angle instruction value θvtarg, in a voltage electrical angle instruction value setting unit 10. |
| US09184682B2 |
Control of a permanent-magnet electric machine
A method of controlling a permanent magnet synchronous machine including a stator and a rotor. The method includes determining an estimated position of the rotor, and determining a second in-phase voltage setpoint that, in alternation, is equal either to a first in-phase voltage setpoint or else to the first in-phase voltage setpoint plus a predetermined periodic signal. The determining an estimated position of the rotor includes determining a coupling term, determining a speed of rotation of the rotor as a function of the coupling term, and determining the estimated position of the rotor by integrating the speed of rotation of the rotor. |
| US09184681B2 |
Vehicle including motor control device, and control method for vehicle
A vehicle, including a motor having a rotor, a resolver that detects a rotation angle of the rotor and a control device, and a control method for the vehicle are provided. The control device executes rectangular-wave control over the motor using the rotation angle of the rotor, detected by the resolver, executes zero learning for learning a deviation between an origin of an actual rotation angle of the rotor and an origin of the detected rotation angle of the rotor, corrects the detected rotation angle of the rotor on the basis of a result of the zero learning, and, when the zero learning has not been completed yet, executes avoidance control for avoiding a rapid variation in output of the motor. |
| US09184680B2 |
Motor drive control device and operating method thereof
Motor Drive Control Device configured to properly start up various types of motors under operating conditions where motor operations are performed in a wide range of temperature and power supply voltage, includes output drive controllers that supply PWM drive output signals to an output pre-driver in such a manner as to minimize the error between a current instruction signal and a current detection digital signal. In response to a detected induced voltage generated from a voltage detector upon startup of a motor, an initial acceleration controller supplies initial acceleration output signals specifying a conducting phase for initial acceleration of the motor to the output drive controllers. The initial acceleration controller, the output drive controllers, and an output driver make a conducting phase change and perform a PWM drive to provide the initial acceleration of the motor. |
| US09184676B2 |
Varying capacitance rotating electrical machine
A varying capacitance rotating electrical machine provides capacitor elements, such as capacitor plates, that move with respect to each other as separated by a thin film of fluid, for example air, on which one capacitor element floats. In one embodiment, multiple plates provide for three-phase operation. Narrow gaps provided by the floating capacitor elements increase the power density of rotating electrical machine. |
| US09184675B1 |
Variable capacitor based mechanical to electrical generator
A variable capacitor based electrical generator is described, using a detached conformal electrode that substantially conforms to surface irregularities of the exposed side of the dielectric. The conformal electrode increases the capacitance difference between a contacting state and non-contacting state. Consequently, by displacing the conformal electrode or dielectric, the capacitance can be significantly varied. By pre-charging the electrodes and by providing a displacement power source (wind, vibration, etc), power can be generated and converted into an electrical form. By networking or arranging a plurality of varactors, a significant power generator can be obtained. This system can be operated even at very low frequencies as compared to conventional magnetic generators. |
| US09184674B2 |
Power conversion apparatus that provides power conversion between AC and DC power
A power conversion apparatus includes: a bridge circuit between AC and DC ends; a converter circuit between the bridge circuit and the DC end; and a control device for the converter circuit. The converter circuit includes: first and second switches in series between terminals of the bridge circuit; third and fourth switches in series between terminals of the DC end; and a reactor between an intermediate point of the first and second switches and an intermediate point of the third and fourth switches. The control device includes: a first controller defining a part of a cycle of an AC voltage as a stop period and stopping switching the first and second switches during the stop period; and a second controller performing voltage/power factor correction controls over an entire cycle by switching the third and/or fourth switches. |
| US09184669B2 |
Power supply apparatus
Provided is a technique of detecting not only a main DC voltage but also an auxiliary DC voltage to protect a main rectifier circuit and an auxiliary rectifier circuit. A main power supply circuit drives a load. A main rectifier circuit receives an AC voltage through a first switch to supply the main power supply circuit with a main DC voltage. The first switch is turned off when an overcurrent flows through the main power supply circuit or the load is an overload for the main power supply circuit. A control circuit is supplied with operating power from an auxiliary power supply circuit. An auxiliary rectifier circuit receives the AC voltage while bypassing the first switch to supply the auxiliary power supply circuit with an auxiliary DC voltage. A DC voltage detection circuit detects the main DC voltage and the auxiliary DC voltage. |
| US09184667B2 |
Switching power converter with primary-side dynamic load detection and primary-side feedback and control
A switching power converter provides regulated voltage to a load. The switching power converter comprises a transformer including a first primary winding coupled to an input voltage, a second primary winding, a secondary winding coupled to an output of the switching power converter, and an auxiliary winding, a first switch coupled to the first primary winding, and a second switch coupled to the secondary primary winding. A controller generates a first control signal to turn the first switch on or off at a first switching frequency, and a second control signal to turn the second switch on or off at a second switching frequency that is higher than the first frequency. During off cycles of the switches, feedback voltage representing the output voltage of the power converter is generated across the auxiliary winding. The controller controls switching of the first switch to regulate the output voltage based on the feedback. |
| US09184663B2 |
Switching power supply device
In some aspects of the invention, a load state detecting circuit is configured so that a threshold voltage for determining the size of a load of a DC-DC converter is set in the load state detecting circuit based on a maximum value of an output voltage of a power factor correction converter in an operation-stopped state of the power factor correction converter, so that the load state detecting circuit outputs an operation-enable signal when a feedback voltage indicating the size of the load of the DC-DC converter exceeds the threshold voltage. Thus, by way of some aspects of the invention, it is possible to provide a switching power supply device which can control enabling and stopping operation of a power factor correction converter reliably in accordance with a load state of a DC-DC converter obtaining a predetermined DC output voltage by switching an output voltage of the correction converter. |
| US09184662B2 |
Electric power supply apparatus
An electric power supply apparatus, which enables a driving frequency of a switching circuit connected to a primary side of a transformer constant and output of a secondary side variable, comprises a transformer (5), a series circuit of two first switching elements (Q1, Q2) connected between terminals of a direct current power supply (2), an LC resonant circuit connected between both ends of one of the first switch element (Q2) and a primary winding (Np) of the transformer (5), bidirectional switch elements (Q3, Q4) connected to secondary windings (Ns1, Ns2) of the transformer (5) and having a rectification function and a phase control function, and a control circuit for inputting gate driving signals having a phase difference into the first switch elements (Q1, Q2) and the second switch elements (Q3, Q4). |
| US09184658B2 |
DC-DC converting circuit
A DC-DC converter converts an input voltage into an output voltage and includes an input terminal, an output terminal, a power stage, a switch driving circuit, a charge pump, and a capacitor. The power stage includes a high-side switch, a low-side switch and an inductor. The switch driving circuit generates a high-side switch driving signal and a low-side switch driving signal. The charge pump generates a first polarity current according to the high-side switch driving signal, and generates a second polarity current having an opposite polarity to the first polarity current according to the low-side switch driving signal. The capacitor generates a first voltage by integrating the first and second polarity currents generated by the charge pump. The switch driving circuit generates the high-side switch driving signal and the low-side switch driving signal according to a difference between the first voltage and a reference voltage. |
| US09184657B2 |
DC current sensing utilizing a current transformer
A DC/DC converter includes an internal transistor and a current sensor that is operable to sense a current passing through the transistor. The DC/DC converter also includes an output current estimator module that estimates the output current based on the sensed transistor current. |
| US09184654B2 |
Assembly for converting an input AC voltage to an output AC voltage
An assembly for converting an assembly input AC voltage to an assembly output AC voltage may include: plural converters, each including a rectifier stage for rectifying an input AC voltage to a DC voltage, the rectifier including: first and second input terminals between which the input AC voltage is applied; first and second thyristors connected in series, wherein the first input terminal is connected between the first and second thyristors; first and second diodes connected in series, wherein the second input terminal is connected between the first and second diodes; and first and second output terminals between which the DC voltage is achieved, wherein the first thyristor and the first diode are connected to the first output terminal, and the second thyristor and the second diode are at least indirectly connected to the second output terminal. |
| US09184651B2 |
Current detection and emulation circuit, and method thereof
A current detection circuit for detecting a current in a SMPS which has a first switch and a second switch; a current sensing circuit sensing a second switch current flowing through the second switch and providing a current sensing signal; and a current emulation circuit which generates a first current according to the current sensing signal and generate a second current according to the first current source, and the current emulation circuit further providing a current emulation signal based on the first current source and the second current source; wherein a current detection signal during a first period is proportional to the current emulation signal, and the current detection signal during a second period is proportional to the current sensing signal. |
| US09184648B2 |
Electric motor with permanent magnets in stator thereof
In an electric motor, each tooth of the stator has a radially extending pillar portion and the number of teeth per magnetic pole is k. When the number k is odd and a center line passing each pole agrees with a center of a circumferential width of one tooth, the pole has first and second corners which are the closest to the stator and positioned before and after the center line in a rotational direction, respectively, and the teeth includes teeth which are the closest to the first and second corners and defined as first and second teeth, respectively. The first and second corners are located according to positional relationships of the first and second teeth and edges of the pillar portions of the first and second teeth in the rotation direction. |
| US09184643B2 |
Electric machine
Electric machine (10), in particular an alternating current generator, comprising a rotor (20) having a rotational axis (26), a stator (16) made of a stator iron (17) and a stator winding (18) inserted therein, said winding having conductor ends (228), which are interconnected with a rectifier device (139), a controller (231) for controlling an excitation current, and a cooling device in the rectifier device (139), comprising a first cooling body (53), which has at least one receptacle (66) on which a current rectifier (147) is received, and a second cooling body (117), wherein the cooling body (117) has at least one receptacle (120) on which a current rectifier (150) is received, an interconnection unit (144), which interconnects the current rectifiers (147, 150) into a bridge circuit, wherein the interconnection unit (144) comprises a plurality of integral guide sockets (225) in which conductor ends (228) of the stator winding (18) are received, wherein a guide socket (225) is disposed between the end shield (13.2) and the controller (231) in the direction of the rotational axis (26). |
| US09184639B2 |
Motor support structure of lens barrel
A motor support structure of a lens barrel in which a support member of the lens barrel supports a motor having a rotary shaft, includes a radial position limiter which limits a radial position of the motor with respect to the support member in radial directions orthogonal to the rotary shaft; an axial-position limiter which limits an axial position of the motor with respect to the support member in an axial direction of the rotary shaft when the motor is turned to a predetermined position about the rotary shaft with the radial position of the motor limited by the radial position limiter; and a rotation limiter which limits the turning of the motor about the rotary shaft at the predetermined position, at which the axial position of the motor is limited by the axial-position limiter. |
| US09184638B2 |
Stator structure and stator manufacturing method
A stator structure and a stator manufacturing method which are configured so that the stress occurring in resin-molded sections or insulators of the stator can be reduced. The structure of the stator is provided with coils formed by winding conductors, and also with stator cores provided with teeth to which the coils are mounted through the insulators. The coils mounted to the insulators are resin-molded and integrated with the insulators. Spaces which continue in the radial direction of the stator cores are formed between the insulators and end surface of the stator cores in the axial direction thereof. The insulators and the side surfaces of the teeth of the stator cores are adhered or welded (fusion bonded) to each other. |
| US09184636B2 |
Electric rotating machine
An electric rotating machine includes a stator having a plurality of stator teeth facing a rotor. The rotor has a plurality of pairs of permanent magnets. Permanent magnets of each pair are located in a “V” shape configuration and form a magnetic pole. Every other tooth of the plurality of stator teeth is a long stator teeth and an adjacent tooth is a short stator teeth. Adjusting recesses formed in the rotor are at symmetrical, about a d-axis of each magnetic pole, locations in a way that each of the adjusting recesses has a width made equal to a width of one of the stator teeth and their deepest levels are equidistant from a d-axis of the magnetic pole in one and the opposite circumferential directions angularly about the axis of the rotor by 56° in electrical degrees. |
| US09184631B2 |
Photovoltaic power generation system
A photovoltaic power generation system is disclosed, which can allow a user to easily acquire information on a photovoltaic inverter, easily control the photovoltaic inverter, and save electric charges. |
| US09184630B2 |
Controlling power provided to an automated banking system
In an example embodiment, an automated banking machine causes financial transfers related to financial accounts that correspond to data read from user cards. The automated banking machine also includes devices that control the supply of power to included devices to facilitate the completing a transaction when a decline or loss of power is encountered. |
| US09184629B2 |
Stored-power system including power management
A stored-power system operating method includes: providing a human-input power-up signal from a stored-power source; turning on power for a power-using-system in response to the human-input power-up signal; and waiting for a predetermined power-down signal provided by the power-using system and determined by current to turn off power to the power-using-system to zero power consumption. |
| US09184627B2 |
Charging system for electronic device
A charging system may include a switching device to receive an output voltage from an alternative power source and to provide an output voltage of the charging system, and an algorithm device to provide a control signal to the switching device based on a sensed power from the power source and a sensed output voltage from the charging system. |
| US09184624B2 |
Energy storage system for supplying electrical energy to consumers in a vehicle
An energy storage system supplies electric energy to consuming devices in a vehicle, particularly in a motor vehicle. The system includes a first power grid having a first energy accumulator and a second power grid having a second energy accumulator, the first and second power grids being electrically coupled such that electric energy from the first power grid is feedable to the second power grid for regenerating the second energy accumulator. The energy storage system is operatively configured such that it is detected when a number of conditions has been met, the number of conditions including at least that an external charging device is connected to the first power grid for charging the first energy accumulator. In the event that the number of conditions has been met, regeneration of the second energy accumulator is carried out. |
| US09184622B2 |
Power pack charging from intermittent sources
Systems and methods to control charging of power packs. Capacities of a first and second power pack associated with a charging station are monitored. When an energy harvesting device is producing energy, it is connected to a rechargeable device when the capacities of the first and second power pack are below a respective threshold. When the energy harvesting device is producing energy, it is connected to the first power pack and the second power pack is connected to the rechargeable device when the first power pack capacity is below a first threshold and the second power pack capacity is above a second threshold. The second power pack is connected to the rechargeable device when the energy harvesting device is not producing energy, the first power pack capacity is below the first threshold, and the second power pack capacity is above the second threshold. |
| US09184621B2 |
Apparatus and method for compensating power of power supply device in vehicle using high-capacitance capacitor
An apparatus and method for compensating power of electrical load in a vehicle using a high-capacitance capacitor is provided. The high-capacitance capacitor rapidly discharges current to compensate power when voltage output from a generator and battery has temporarily dropped while the vehicle is traveling and the capacitor is charged in a constant power pulse charging manner to prevent battery voltage instability due to generator overload caused when the capacitor is charged. The capacitor is temporarily stopped from being charged and discharges current to compensate power of electrical load if terminal voltage of the battery is reduced due to the electrical load when the capacitor is charged, resulting in compensation of power supply instability such as voltage decrease in real time to improve vehicle output and to prevent temporary deceleration, thereby not only improving driving characteristics but also significantly increasing fuel efficiency and performance and lifespan of various electric parts. |
| US09184619B2 |
Accessory speaker with wireless charger for mobile device
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention there are at least a method, apparatus, and executable computer program to perform operations including detecting by an accessory speaker that a mobile device is in proximity to the accessory speaker. In response to the detecting, visually displaying a charging surface on a surface of the accessory speaker, and directing with indicator lights of the charging surface a placement of the mobile device to a specific location of the charging surface to charge the device. |
| US09184618B2 |
Electric vehicle battery storage system
According to one embodiment, a storage system includes storage devices configured to execute communication by using an identifier, a converter configured to convert the identifier of the storage devices, a controller configured to execute communication with the storage devices via the converter by using the identifier converted by the converter, convert a DC power output from the storage devices into a DC power of a predetermined magnitude and output the DC power, and charge the storage devices with the DC power of the predetermined magnitude, an AC/DC converter configured to convert the DC power output from the controller into an AC power, convert an AC power supplied from a distribution system into a DC power and supply the DC power to the controller, and a controller configured to control the controller and the AC/DC converter. |
| US09184614B2 |
Circuit for storing electrical energy
A circuit for storing electrical energy, in particular for installation within a motor vehicle, comprises at least one capacitor and a temperature-dependent resistor by means of which the at least one capacitor can be charged. The circuit may be included in a motor vehicle. Alternatively, a motor vehicle may be retrofit to include the circuit. |
| US09184609B2 |
Overcurrent and overvoltage protecting fuse for battery pack with electrodes on either side of an insulated substrate connected by through-holes
A protection element, connected onto an electric current path of an electric circuit, is provided with an insulating substrate, a heating resistor formed on one surface of the insulating substrate with a first insulating layer interposed therebetween, a low-melting-point metal body disposed above the heating resistor with a second insulating layer interposed therebetween and that constitutes part of the electric current path, and connection portions connected to both ends of the low-melting-point metal body and that electrically connect the electric current path and the low-melting-point metal body. The connection portions are formed on the surface of the insulating substrate with a first glass layer interposed therebetween. |
| US09184603B2 |
Multi-chemistry battery charging system and method of identifying and improved charging technique for primary and secondary dry-cell batteries
A microprocessor controlled multi chemistry battery charging system and method for recharging primary and secondary batteries are disclosed. The charger has multiple battery holder bays with different recess levels to accept up to four batteries of different sizes and different chemistry types particularly Primary Alkaline, Primary Titanium, Rechargeable Alkaline Manganese (RAM), NiCd and NiMH batteries. The microprocessor controlled electronic circuit automatically identifies the type of battery to be charged by monitoring and comparing voltage responses over preset time by supplying constant charging current. Depending upon the type of battery, the charger controls suitable charging current or current pulses at different frequencies till battery voltage reaches preset maximum reference voltage or battery voltage remains relatively constant below preset maximum reference voltage over preset time period. The charger has built in safety protections, battery tester function, audio visual arrangements to display status, a variable DC output port and USB ports. |
| US09184597B2 |
Non-contact power feeding apparatus having plurality of power supplies
Three power supply devices 31 are connected in series via a transmission and receiving coupler 32 to the feeder 12, a short-circuit switch 38 that short-circuits both ends of each transmission coupler 32B is provided, a circuit including three receiving couplers 32A and the feeder 12 is set to a series resonant circuit at a predetermined frequency f, impedance of a circuit including each transmission coupler 32B, and a line connecting the power supply device 31 and the transmission coupler 32B is set to capacitive reactance at the predetermined frequency f, and an voltage to be output to the circuit including the line is controlled while a current flowing through the feeder 12 is being fed back to output a constant current of the predetermined frequency f to the feeder. |
| US09184595B2 |
Wireless energy transfer in lossy environments
Described herein are improved configurations for a wireless power transfer for electronic devices that include at least one source magnetic resonator including a capacitively-loaded conducting loop coupled to a power source and configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field and at least one device magnetic resonator, distal from said source resonators, comprising a capacitively-loaded conducting loop configured to convert said oscillating magnetic fields into electrical energy, wherein at least one said resonator has a keep-out zone around the resonator that surrounds the resonator with a layer of non-lossy material. |
| US09184594B2 |
Photovoltaic voltage regulation
A photovoltaic system includes: a photovoltaic generator comprising strings that each includes one or more photovoltaic cells; a power converter; switches; and a controller. The power converter is configured to convert direct current (DC) power provided by the photovoltaic generator into alternating current (AC) power, and to output the AC power. Each switch is associated with one of the strings and is configured to connect the associated string to the power converter when set to a first setting, such that power generated by the first string can flow to the power converter. Each switch is also configured to disconnect the string from the power converter when set to a second setting. The controller is configured to control the power provided by the photovoltaic generator by selectively connecting the strings of the photovoltaic generator to the power converter by controlling the settings of the switches. |
| US09184593B2 |
Method and apparatus for storing power from irregular and poorly controlled power sources
Embodiments of the present invention feature storing excess energy from solar, wind, wave, tidal and geothermal energy sources and combinations thereof in the form of upgraded fossil fuels. |
| US09184583B2 |
Electric automobile
An electric vehicle includes an inverter unit and an ECU. The inverter unit or the ECU includes a magnetic force estimator that estimates a magnetic force of a permanent magnet structure associated with a motor rotor of a motor unit. The inverter unit or the ECU may also include a determiner for the estimated magnetic force and an abnormalities-responsive motor drive limiter. The estimator is configured to estimate, according to a predefined rule, the magnetic force, based on at least two detection signals selected from a group consisting of a detection signal indicating a rotational frequency of the motor unit, a detection signal indicating a motor voltage of the motor unit and a detection signal indicating a motor current of the motor unit. |
| US09184578B2 |
Accessory section for a cable tray system
A cable tray accessory section adapted to combine two or more sections of a cable tray system. The cable tray accessory section includes a base and side walls adapted to removably combine with each other via a locking tab connection means. The ends of the accessory section combine with the cable tray sections by weaving flexible members between cross members of the tray sections. |
| US09184575B2 |
Entry tool and methods for use for tubes or cables
Devices and methods are disclosed for gaining access to optical fibers contained within a fiber optic cable. Specifically, a cable entry tool can include a first jaw that can have a substantially V-shaped first channel formed therein, a first cutting element extending into the first channel and movable to any of a variety of depths, a second jaw positioned opposing the first jaw and that can have a substantially V-shaped second channel formed therein, and a second cutting element extending into the second channel and movable to any of a variety of depths. The first channel and the second channel can be movable with respect to each other for receiving therebetween a buffer tube having any of a variety of tube diameters. |
| US09184572B2 |
Overlap protective shutter device for electrical equipment
A protective shutter device for exposing and preventing access to electrical contacts of a switchgear. The device includes a linkage assembly coupled to the housing, the linkage assembly including a first and a second drive arm. A guide assembly is coupled to the housing, and includes a first end, a second end, and a body connecting the ends. The device further includes a first shutter coupled to the first drive arm and the body of the guide assembly. The first shutter selectively moves along the body. A second shutter is coupled to the second drive arm and the guide assembly body, the second shutter including a lower and an upper plate. The lower plate is coupled to the upper plate, wherein the plates selectively move along the body to a first position to expose the electrical contacts, and to a second position to prevent access to the electrical contacts. |
| US09184571B2 |
Automatic dead front disconnect and lockout
An electrical enclosure that includes a dead front and a lockout switch is described herein. The lockout switch detects the position of the dead front. Based on the detected position of the dead front, the lockout switch actuates a power disconnection mechanism. In one embodiment, the disconnection mechanism is a shunt trip breaker that trips at least one circuit breaker when actuated by the lockout switch detecting removal of the dead front. The shunt trip breaker receives power from a main conductor to a coil that moves a solenoid. |
| US09184569B2 |
Spark gap having a plurality of individual spark gaps connected in series and present in a stacked arrangement
The invention relates to a spark gap having a plurality of individual spark gaps connected in series and present in a stacked arrangement, spaced apart from each other by insulating spacers (5) and nearly free of secondary current under typical operating conditions, wherein the individual spark gaps comprise electrodes (4) and outer connection electrodes are provided, and further having control elements for influencing the voltage distribution across the stacked arrangement and/or designed as an ignition aid. According to the invention, a mechanically pretensioned insulating element (8) can be inserted or pivoted between two adjacent electrodes (4) of the individual spark gaps, in order to interrupt the main current path of the spark gap in case of fault or overload. |
| US09184568B2 |
Wavelength variable light source and wavelength variable light source module
A wavelength variable light source according to the present invention includes: an MMI that includes an input side and an output side, the input side connecting to one end of each of a plurality of MMI input waveguides, and the output side connecting to a plurality of MMI output waveguides, the MMI multiplexing light input from each of the MMI input waveguides and outputting the multiplexed light to each of the MMI output waveguides; a plurality of DFB-LDs connected to the other end of each of the MMI input waveguides, each of the MMI output waveguides performing a single mode oscillation at a different wavelength; and two SOAs respectively connected to two MMI output waveguides of the MMI output waveguides, and having different gains from each other. |
| US09184564B2 |
External resonator type light emitting system
An external resonator type light emitting system includes a light source oscillating a semiconductor laser light and a grating device providing an external resonator with the light source. The light source includes an active layer oscillating the semiconductor laser light. The grating device includes an optical waveguide having an incident face to which the semiconductor laser is incident and an emitting face of emitting an emitting light of a desired wavelength, a Bragg grating formed in the optical waveguide, and a propagating portion provided between the incident face and the Bragg grating. Formulas (1) to (4) are satisfied. |
| US09184563B1 |
Laser diodes with an etched facet and surface treatment
A gallium- and nitrogen-containing laser device including an etched facet with surface treatment to improve an optical beam is disclosed. |
| US09184556B2 |
Optical multiplexer and fiber laser
An object of the present invention is to provide an optical multiplexer and a fiber laser for obtaining high-output light of a single wavelength. The optical multiplexer according to the present invention is provided with input units 11 and 12, a wavelength multiplexing unit 14, a multiplexed light converting unit 15 and an output unit 16. Lights of a plurality of wavelengths λ1 and λ2 are input to the input units 11 and 12, respectively. The wavelength multiplexing unit 14 wavelength-multiplexes the lights of the plurality of wavelengths λ1 and λ2 input from the input units 11 and 12 different for each wavelength to one multiplexed light. By wavelength-multiplexing, it is possible to multiplex without a loss. The multiplexed light converting unit 15 generates Raman light with at least one wavelength out of the wavelengths λ1 and λ2 included in the multiplexed light from the wavelength multiplexing unit 14 and converts the multiplexed light of the wavelengths λ1 and λ2 from the wavelength multiplexing unit 14 to light of a single wavelength λm included in a wavelength band of the Raman light. |
| US09184551B2 |
Laser apparatus and extreme ultraviolet light generation system
A laser apparatus may include a master oscillator, an optical unit provided in a beam path of a laser beam from the master oscillator, a beam adjusting unit provided upstream from the optical unit in a beam path of the laser beam and configured for adjusting at least one of a beam path and a wavefront of the laser beam, a first detection unit provided between the beam adjusting unit and the optical unit in a beam path of the laser beam and configured for detecting the laser beam, a second detection unit provided downstream from the optical unit in a beam path of the laser beam and configured for detecting the laser beam, and a controller configured for controlling the beam adjusting unit based on outputs from the first and second detection units. |
| US09184550B2 |
Silicon-based cooling package for laser gain medium
Embodiments of silicon-based thermal energy transfer apparatus for gain medium crystal of a laser system are provided. For a disk-shaped crystal, the apparatus includes a silicon-based manifold and a silicon-based cover element. For a rectangular cuboid-shaped gain medium crystal, the apparatus includes a first silicon-based manifold, a second silicon-based manifold, and first and second conduit elements coupled between the first and second manifolds. For a right circular cylinder-shaped gain medium crystal, the apparatus includes a first silicon-based manifold, a second silicon-based manifold, and first and second conduit elements coupled between the first and second manifolds. |
| US09184549B2 |
Compact coherent high brightness light source for the mid-IR and far IR
Compact laser systems are disclosed which include ultrafast laser sources in combination with nonlinear crystals or waveguides. In some implementations fiber based mid-IR sources producing very short pulses and/or mid-IR sources based on a mode locked fiber lasers are utilized. A difference frequency generator receives outputs from the ultrafast sources, and generates an output including a difference frequency. The output power from the difference frequency generator can further be enhanced via the implementation of large core dispersion shifted fibers. Exemplary applications of the compact, high brightness mid-IR light sources include medical applications, spectroscopy, ranging, sensing and metrology. |
| US09184546B2 |
Electrical power supplying device having a central power-hub assembly supplying electrical power to power plugs, adaptors and modules while concealed from view and managing excess power cord during power supplying operations
Electrical power supplying device having a central power-hub assembly supplying AC-type electrical power to power plugs, power adaptors, and/or power adapter blocks located and concealed from view within a 3D interior volume accessible through a central opening disposed about the central power-hub assembly, while the central power-hub assembly supplies AC-type and DC-type electrical power to electrical appliances disposed external to the 3D interior volume. |
| US09184537B2 |
Self-rejecting connector apparatus and locking method thereof
A self-rejecting connector apparatus ensures that the connector apparatus of the present invention become fully engaged or fully locked when a rejection force, which pushes connector locks out of any partial-lock or partial-mate condition, ceases to be generated. A specially-shaped spring element, which is used to generate the rejection force, is blocked from being removed from the connector apparatus of this invention until the connector apparatus is fully engaged or fully locked. |
| US09184522B1 |
Latch apparatus for retaining a flexible circuit cable within a receptacle mounted on a circuit board
A latch apparatus for retaining a flexible circuit cable within a receptacle mounted on a circuit board comprises a latch body having a second planar side comprising opposing alignment pins positioned at a first edge and a second edge of the body. A second end of the body comprises alignment protrusions extending from the second end in a first direction. The second end also comprises clamping protrusions extending from the second end in the first direction. The clamping protrusions are a distance from the alignment protrusions equal to a thickness of the circuit board. A latch member extends from the second end. The latch member comprises a linear clip surface extending from the latch in a direction perpendicularly away from the second planar side, and the linear clip surface runs in a second direction and has a length less than a width of the receptacle. |
| US09184521B2 |
Connector assembly and electronic device
A connector assembly adapted to be disposed in a casing of an electronic device is provided. The connector assembly includes a connector and a locking member. The locking member includes a supporting portion and a holding portion connected to the supporting portion. The connector is disposed on the supporting portion. The locking member is adapted to clamp at an end of a substrate disposed in the casing, and the supporting portion and the holding portion lean against an upper side and a lower side of the end of the substrate respectively. An electronic device including the connector assembly aforementioned is also provided. |
| US09184520B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a base and an elastic terminal. The base has a recess. The elastic terminal is connected to the base and extends to the recess. The elastic terminal has a fixed end and a free end, the fixed end is connected to the base, and the free end is located at the recess and is curved. When the contact moves towards the recess, the contact is capable of pushing the contact protrusion to bend towards the bottom of the recess so that the free end leans against the bottom of the recess. The electrical connector may further include a contact protrusion connected to the elastic terminal. When the contact moves towards the recess, the contact is capable of pushing the contact protrusion to make the elastic terminal bend towards the bottom portion of the recess so that the free end leans against the bottom of the recess. |
| US09184519B2 |
Chip card connector with terminals disposed in openings on two sides of a partition part
A chip card connector includes a housing and a plurality of terminals. The housing has a partition part and a plurality of openings formed on two sides of the partition part. The terminals are disposed in the openings. Each of the terminals has a first end embedded in or movably attached to the partition part, a second end penetrating a side surface of the housing and exposed from the housing, and a protruding contact part disposed between the first and second end for making contact with a chip card. Therefore, the problem of the prior art is solved that a chip card is likely to hook the contact part pf a conventional chip card connector that has the contact part extending from a cantilever of a terminal when the chip card is plugged into or unplugged from the chip card connector and the terminal are easily deformed or damaged. |
| US09184518B2 |
Electrical connector header for an LED-based light
An LED-based light configured for replacing a conventional fluorescent light in a fluorescent light fixture comprises: an LED circuit board including at least one LED; a power supply circuit board configured to supply power to the at least one LED; an end cap carrying at least one pin configured for connection to the fixture; a pin connector header including a first body retentively supporting at least one pin connecting lead and configured to engage the power supply circuit board such that the pin connecting lead is positioned to electrically connect the power supply circuit board and the pin; and a circuit connector header including a second body retentively supporting at least one circuit connecting lead and configured to engage the power supply circuit board such that the circuit connecting lead is positioned to electrically connect the power supply circuit board and the LED circuit board. |
| US09184515B1 |
Terminal blocks for printed circuit boards
A screwless terminal block and insulation displacement connector device includes a housing and slide slidably engaged in the housing, the device operable to receive a lead wire having lead wire conductors and an insulation layer, and to further receive a conductive connector. Movement of the slide to a closed position with a lead wire inserted in the device causes the lead wire to contact sharp connector edges, which, with continued downward force, cut the insulation layer. Continued downward force, to full closure of the device, forces lead wire conductors into compressed multiple electrical contact with the connector. |
| US09184511B2 |
System and method for downlink channel sounding in wireless communications systems
In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a base station configured to communicate with at least one user device includes transmitting a reference signal to the at least one user device, receiving channel quality information from the at least one user device, and forming a beam based on the channel quality information received from the at least one user device. |
| US09184510B2 |
Antenna structure for a vehicle
An antenna structure for a vehicle may include an electrically conductive structure arranged on two insulating substrate plates that are arranged perpendicularly to each other and intersect each other. A dipole is provided on each electrically conductive structure. The dipoles form a first U-shaped dipole structure on each of the two substrate plates. On an upper edge region of each of the substrate plates, the dipole structure has a line element, and on the lateral regions of the substrate plate, the dipole structure has electrically conductive limbs. The electrically conductive structure has a monopole arranged asymmetrically to the dipole structure for respectively feeding the dipole. |
| US09184508B2 |
Multi-beam reflectarray
A multi-beam reflectarray includes two or more element arrays including plural elements aligned along a predetermined direction. The multi-beam reflectarray is such that, in each of a first element group and a second element group included in at least one of the element arrays, a difference between phases of radio waves reflected by corresponding two elements is in proportion to a first product of a distance between the two elements and a value of a trigonometric function with respect to an angle of reflection by the two elements, and a distance between neighboring elements in the first element group is equal to a product of a rational number and a distance between neighboring elements in the second element group. |
| US09184501B2 |
Multiband antenna
The reconfigurable multiband antenna includes the main antenna element connected to a feeding point to receive and transmit a radio signal, the at least one parasitic antenna element being placed on the side of the main antenna element. The at least one parasitic antenna is connected to the main antenna element or they are connected to each other by at least one RF switch. By changing the ON-OFF combination of the RF switches, the connection between the main antenna element and the parasitic antenna element is changed, thereby changing the resonance frequencies of the entire antenna. By this technique, the entire antenna functions as a reconfigurable multiband antenna. |
| US09184499B2 |
Hybrid beamforming for a wireless communication device
The present disclosure relates a method for performing hybrid beamforming in a wireless communication device or any device that uses signal phase shifting for transmission and/or reception. The method comprises performing phase shifting in at least two different domains (or paths), each characterized by an operational frequency, in the communication device. More in particular, the disclosure relates in a first aspect to a method for performing at a receiver beamforming on a beam of incoming signals received via plurality of antenna paths. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates a method for performing hybrid beamforming at a transmitter device, wherein also phase shifting in at least two different domains is performed. More in particular, the disclosure also relates to a method for performing at a transmitter device beamforming on a beam of outgoing signals via a plurality of antenna paths. |
| US09184496B2 |
Inductors having fluidic constructs that permit reconfiguration of the inductors
In various embodiments, an inductance of an inductor is tuned by adjusting a position of a conductor and/or a magnetic material with respect to a conducting wire of the inductor, thereby changing the electro-magnetic characteristics of the conducting wire. The conductor and/or magnetic material can be disposed in a microfluidic channel and can be moved within the microfluidic channel using a suitable actuator mechanism. |
| US09184495B2 |
Vehicular antenna apparatus
A vehicular antenna apparatus includes a substrate, a circuit portion, a case, and a heat transfer path. The substrate has an antenna portion. The circuit portion is mounted on the substrate and configures at least a part of a wireless communication circuit electrically coupled with the antenna portion. The case is made of resin material and configures a protruded portion of an outer surface of a vehicle. The substrate and the circuit portion are arranged in the case. The heat transfer path is arranged between the circuit portion and the case, and has a thermal conductivity higher than air. The circuit portion is electrically coupled with the antenna portion by a solid phase diffusion bonding. |
| US09184491B2 |
Manipulation-proof RFID antenna having safety feature
The invention relates to a manipulation-proof RFID antenna structure having a carrier substrate, an RFID antenna, a chip, and an adhesive coating. The structure includes the following layers in varying sequence: a) a carrier substrate, b) a thin UV-curable varnish layer into which a hologram is imprinted, c) a partial metallization as a mirror layer, k) optionally a smoothing varnish layer, l) optionally a partial copper layer forming the antenna, m) optionally a strap or a microchip, n) an adhesive layer, o) optionally a removable cover film (release liner), p) optionally a printed layer, and q) optionally a non-imprinted UV varnish layer. |
| US09184487B2 |
Resonantor structure for wireless power transfer system
A resonator structure for a wireless power transfer system Includes resonators, which are to transfer wireless power, and a dielectric substance, which includes at least one exposure region formed on the dielectric substance to fix the resonators in a covered shape and to selectively expose parts of the resonators. |
| US09184485B2 |
Directional coupler
Disclosed is a directional coupler including a broadside coupled line 1031 provided with a main signal line conductor 1001 and a secondary signal line conductor 1011 arranged in parallel with the main signal line conductor 1001, and an offset broadside coupled line 1032 provided with a main signal line conductor 1002 having an end portion connected to an end portion of the main signal line conductor 1001 and a second secondary signal line conductor 1012 having an end portion connected to an end portion of the secondary signal line conductor 1011, and arranged in parallel with the main signal line conductor 1002, in which a coupled line impedance in the broadside coupled line 1031 is lower than a terminal impedance and a coupled line impedance in the offset broadside coupled line 1032 is higher than the terminal impedance. |
| US09184481B2 |
Power combiners and dividers based on composite right and left handed metamaterial structures
Techniques, apparatus and systems that use composite left and right handed (CRLH) metamaterial structures to combine and divide electromagnetic signals at multiple frequencies. The metamaterial properties permit significant size reduction over a conventional N-way radial power combiner or divider. Dual-band serial power combiners and dividers and single-band and dual-band radial power combiners and dividers are described. |
| US09184475B2 |
Method for controlling at least one operating parameter that influences the aging state of an electrical energy store in an open-loop or closed-loop manner
A method is provided for the open-loop or closed-loop control of at least one operating parameter of an electric energy accumulator influencing the aging state of the electric energy accumulator. The method determines the actual aging state of the electric energy accumulator, compares the actual aging state with a target aging state predefined for the momentary age of the energy accumulator, and restricts an operating parameter range permitted for the at least one operating parameter if the actual aging state is worse than the target aging state. |
| US09184472B2 |
Battery pack and method of manufacturing battery pack with interconnected half contact pads
A method of manufacturing a battery pack of a plurality of bare cells is disclosed. The method comprises: preparing a protective circuit module comprising N pads, wherein each pad comprises a first half pad and a second half pad, N is a natural number greater than 1, the plurality of bare cells comprises M tabs, and M is a natural number equal to N; connecting first through Mth tabs to the first half pads of first through Nth pads, respectively; and electrically connecting the first half pads to the second half pads in a sequential order of potential. |
| US09184467B2 |
Low molecular weight salts combined with fluorinated solvents for electrolytes
Provided are electrochemical cells and electrolytes used to build such cells. An electrolyte includes at least one salt having a molecular weight less than about 250. Such salts allow forming electrolytes with higher salt concentrations and ensure high conductivity and ion transport in these electrolytes. The low molecular weight salt may have a concentration of at least about 0.5M and may be combined with one or more other salts, such as linear and cyclic imide salts and/or methide salts. The concentration of these additional salts may be less than that of the low molecular weight salt, in some embodiments, twice less. The additional salts may have a molecular weight greater than about 250. The electrolyte may also include one or more fluorinated solvents and may be capable of maintaining single phase solutions at between about −30° C. to about 80° C. |
| US09184466B2 |
Electrolyte for rechargeable lithium battery, and rechargeable lithium battery including the same
An electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a first lithium salt; a second lithium salt including a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1, Chemical Formula 3-1 or 3-2, or combinations thereof; a non-aqueous organic solvent; and an additive including a compound represented by Chemical Formula 9. |
| US09184463B2 |
Nitric acid regeneration fuel cell systems
The present invention disclosed herein is directed to nitric acid regeneration fuel cell systems that comprise: an anode; a cathode confronting and spaced apart from the anode; an anolyte flowstream configured to flowingly contact the anode, wherein the anolyte flowstream includes a fuel, preferably methanol, for reacting at the anode; a catholyte flowstream configured to flowingly contact the cathode, wherein the catholyte flowstream includes nitric acid for reacting at the cathode to thereby yield cathode reaction products that include nitric oxide and water in a catholyte effluent flowstream; and a hydrogen peroxide flowstream configured to contact and react hydrogen peroxide with the nitric oxide of the catholyte effluent flowstream at a hydrogen peroxide oxidation zone to thereby yield a regenerated nitric acid flowstream. The regenerated nitric acid flowstream is preferably reused in the catholyte flowstream. |
| US09184462B2 |
Fuel cell module and method manufacturing the same
A fuel cell module and a method manufacturing the same that improves a contact structure of the inter-connectors to prevent gas leaks, thereby to improving the performance and the durability of the unit cell. The fuel cell module includes a plurality of inter-connectors, wherein at least one of the inter-connectors has a first face contacting a first electrode layer, a second face opposing the first face, and third and fourth faces connecting the first face to the second face, respectively, wherein at least a portion of the at least one of the inter-connectors also contacts an electrolytic layer, wherein a length of the first face of the at least one of the inter-connectors is 20% to 80% of a length of the second face. |
| US09184460B2 |
Hybrid membranes containing titanium dioxide doped with fluorine
Hybrid membranes based on crystalline titanium dioxide containing fluorine atoms within the crystalline lattice comprising atoms of titanium and oxygen are described; these hybrid membranes are particularly suitable for the production of fuel cells and electrolyzers. A process for producing the aforesaid hybrid membranes is also described. |
| US09184459B2 |
Sulfonated polymers useful for forming fuel cell membranes
The invention relates to a polymer comprising at least one polymeric chain of a first type, the said chain comprising at least two blocks, the same or different, the said blocks comprising repeat units derived from the polymerisation of styrene monomers, the said units comprising at least one phenyl pendant group carrying at least one —SO3R group, R possibly being a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or cationic counter-ion, the said two blocks being separated by a spacer group, the spacer group is a perfluorocarbon group. |
| US09184457B2 |
Solid oxide fuel cell device
The SOFC of the present invention has a plurality of individual solid oxide fuel cells (84) disposed within an generating chamber (10), a fuel supply unit (38) for supplying fuel to the individual solid oxide fuel cells, a temperature sensor (142) for measuring the temperature of the generating chamber (T1), and a control section (110) for changing the amount of fuel supplied in response to an amount of generation required based on control characteristics for supplying fuel, wherein the control section is furnished with a temperature band for monitoring purposes, having a minimum temperature value (Ta) and a maximum temperature value (Tb) for adaptive control, predetermined based on a minimum amount and maximum amount of rated electrical generation, and a maximum temperature value for adaptive control in response to anomalies, which is higher than the maximum temperature value (Tb) of the adaptive control temperature band, and a minimum temperature value for adaptive control in response to anomalies, which is lower than the minimum temperature value (Ta) of the adaptive control temperature band, and the control section is furnished with: an anomaly response control section for executing anomaly response control by restricting operation of the fuel cell when the generating chamber temperature (T1) is higher than the maximum temperature value for anomaly response control or lower than the minimum temperature value for anomaly response control, and with an adaptive control section for executing adaptive control by correcting the amount of fuel supplied based on a temperature signal from the temperature measurement sensor so that the generating chamber temperature (T1) is kept within the temperature band when the generating chamber temperature (T1) exceeds the minimum temperature value (Ta) or maximum temperature (Tb) for adaptive control and goes outside the temperature band. |
| US09184452B2 |
Solid flow field plate with end turns
A method of assembly of a fuel cell plate includes forming channels in a body to provide a flow field. A porous media is inserted into the flow field. The fuel cell plate is a non-porous body including a side having the flow field providing a fluid flow path. The porous media is provided in the fluid flow path. |
| US09184445B2 |
Nonaqueous electrolyte battery and battery pack
According to one embodiment, a nonaqueous electrolyte battery is provided. The battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode includes lithium iron phosphate having an olivine structure as positive electrode active material. The negative electrode includes lithium titanate having a spinel structure and a monoclinic β-type titanium complex oxide as a negative electrode active material. |
| US09184442B2 |
Secondary battery
A secondary battery 100 includes a positive electrode current collector 221 and a positive electrode mixture layer 223 coated on the positive electrode current collector 221. The positive electrode mixture layer 223 includes a positive electrode active material 610 and an electrically conductive material 620. A ratio (Vb/Va) of a volume Vb of holes formed inside the positive electrode mixture layer 223 to an apparent volume Va of the positive electrode mixture layer 223 satisfies 0.30≦(Vb/Va). In addition, in a micropore distribution of differential micropore volume with respect to a micropore diameter as measured by the mercury intrusion method, the positive electrode mixture layer 223 has a first peak at which a micropore diameter D1 satisfies D1≦0.25 μm and a second peak at which a micropore diameter D2 is greater than the first peak micropore diameter D1. |
| US09184439B2 |
Negative-electrode active material for non-aqueous-system secondary battery and production process for the same
Providing a noble negative-electrode active material including silicon, and a production process for the same.A negative-electrode active material for non-aqueous-system secondary battery including a silicon phase and a composite oxide phase (a CaSiO3 phase, for instance) is obtained by mixing a silicon oxide (SiO, for instance) with a silicon compound (CaSi2, for instance), which includes silicon and at least one member of elements being selected from the group consisting of Group 2 (or Group 2A) elements in the Periodic Table, to prepare a mixed raw material, and then reacting the mixed raw material. The composite oxide phase demonstrates the advantage of inhibiting electrolytic solutions from decomposing in a smaller amount than does the conventional SiO2 phase. |
| US09184438B2 |
Method of fabricating structured particles composed of silicon or a silicon-based material and their use in lithium rechargeable batteries
A process for etching silicon to form silicon pillars on the etched surfaces, includes treating silicon with an etching solution that includes 5 to 10M HF 0.01 to 0.1M Ag+ ions and 0.02 to 0.2M NO3− ions. Further, NO3− ions in the form of alkali metal, nitric acid or ammonium nitrate salt is added to maintain the concentration of nitrate ions within the above range. The etched silicon is separated from the solution. The process provides pillars, especially for use as the active anode material in lithium ion batteries. The process is advantageous because it uses an etching bath containing only a small number of ingredients whose concentration needs to be controlled and it can be less expensive to operate than previous processes. |
| US09184431B2 |
Modular battery system and components
A battery cell connector for a battery module includes a pair of cantilevered arms and base portions that are linked at the base portion by a bridge. An interconnect board for connecting a plurality of battery cells includes a circuit board and a plurality of battery cell connectors. A battery block system includes a battery block that has a tray and a plurality of battery cells, and an interconnect board in mating relationships with the tray. A battery system includes first and second bus bars, a first and second pluralities of battery cells, and an interconnect board having a plurality of battery cell connectors linking the first and second plurality of battery cells. |
| US09184420B2 |
Digitized OLED light source
Embodiments described herein may provide for devices comprising a digitized OLED light source (900) and/or methods of manufacturing such devices. In some embodiments, a first method may be provided. The first method may include the steps of depositing a first conductive layer (902) over a substrate (901), depositing a first organic layer (904) comprising electroluminescent material over the first conductive layer, and depositing a first patterned image layer (903) over some but not all of the first conductive layer. The first patterned image layer may locally alter the emissive properties of the first organic layer, and the shape of the first patterned image layer may be based on a non-uniform visual image. The first method may further comprise the step of depositing a second conductive layer (905) over the first organic layer. |
| US09184419B2 |
Flexible lighting devices
A first device and methods for manufacturing the first device are provided. The first device may comprise a flexible substrate and at least one organic light emitting device (OLED) disposed over the flexible substrate. The first device may have a flexural rigidity between 10−1 Nm and 10−6 Nm, and the ratio of the critical strain energy release rate to the material density factor for the first device may be greater than 0.05 J m/Kg. |
| US09184415B2 |
Display device and electronic apparatus
It is an object to propose a display device in which reflection of external light on a reflective polarizing plate is prevented and also extraction efficiency of light from a light-emitting layer is improved. If the display device has a light-emitting layer provided over a reflective electrode, a transparent electrode provided over the light-emitting layer, a transparent substrate provided over the transparent electrode, a reflective polarizing plate provided over the transparent substrate, a quarter wave plate provided over the reflective polarizing plate, and a polarizing plate provided over the quarter wave plate, reflection of an outside image can be suppressed, and light emitted in the light-emitting layer can be extracted efficiently. |
| US09184413B2 |
Flat panel display device and manufacturing method thereof
A flat panel display device provides a sealing structure for comprising and sealing a display unit disposed in a first region on a substrate. The display unit includes the first region and a second region, and a barrier is disposed in the first region on the substrate, on an outer side of the display unit, and adjacent to the second region. The sealing structure contacts the barrier, and includes at least one first layer of an inorganic material and at least one second layer of an organic material. A method of manufacturing the flat panel display device is also disclosed. |
| US09184412B2 |
Organic light-emitting display apparatus and related manufacturing method
An organic light emitting display apparatus includes a substrate and includes an organic light emitting device that overlaps the substrate and includes an organic layer. The organic light emitting display apparatus further includes a planarization layer that overlaps the organic light emitting device and includes an organic material, wherein the organic light emitting device is disposed between the substrate and the planarization layer. The organic light emitting display apparatus further includes an encapsulation layer that overlaps the planarization layer and includes an inorganic material, wherein the planarization layer is disposed between the organic light emitting device and a portion of the encapsulation layer. The organic light emitting display apparatus further includes an intermediate layer that is disposed between the planarization layer and the portion of the encapsulation layer. |
| US09184403B2 |
Organic light emitting display apparatus
An organic light emitting display apparatus including a substrate including a plurality of pixel areas; a pixel electrode on the substrate; an opposite electrode on the pixel electrode, the opposite electrode transmitting light; an organic light emitting layer between the pixel electrode and the opposite electrode, the organic light emitting layer emitting a first light toward the opposite electrode; a light emitting layer on the opposite electrode, the light emitting layer absorbing a portion of the first light and emitting a second light; and a sealing layer on the light emitting layer, the sealing layer sealing the pixel electrode, the opposite electrode, the organic light emitting layer, and the light emitting layer. |
| US09184397B2 |
Heteroleptic iridium complexes as dopants
Novel phosphorescent heteroleptic iridium complexes with phenylpyridine and dibenzo-containing ligands are provided. Alkyl substitution at specific positions on the ligands gives rise to compounds with improved OLED properties, including saturated green emission. |
| US09184393B2 |
Composition and organic photoelectric converter
A composition containing a polymer having a structural unit represented by the following formula (1) and a structural unit represented by the following formula (2), and a fullerene with a carbon number of 70 or more or a fullerene derivative having a fullerene skeleton with a carbon number of 70 or more: wherein, Q, R, R1 and R2 each independently denote a hydrogen atom, and so on. |
| US09184388B2 |
Layered structure, electronic device using same, aromatic compound, and method for manufacturing said compound
The present invention provides: a layered structure having a substrate and a hole injection and/or hole transport layer comprising an aromatic compound having, on a side chain, at least one type of group having a cationic center; an electronic device having the layered structure; an aromatic compound having, on a hydrocarbon side chain, at least one type of group having a cationic center; an aromatic compound having a leaving group on a hydrocarbon side chain; and a method for manufacturing the aromatic compound having, on a hydrocarbon side chain, at least one type of group having a cationic center, the method comprising reacting the aromatic compound having a leaving group on a hydrocarbon side chain with a specific nitrogen compound, phosphorus compound, sulfur compound, or a combination of two or more of these compounds, thereby converting the aromatic compound into an onium salt thereof. When used as an electronic device material, and particularly as a hole transport and/or hole injection material, the aromatic compound can achieve a higher current density at a given voltage. |
| US09184387B2 |
Organic light-emitting display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are an organic light-emitting display apparatus having a very low defect rate in a manufacturing process, and a method of manufacturing the organic light-emitting display apparatus. The organic light-emitting display apparatus includes: a substrate; a planarization layer covering the substrate and having a top surface including a recessed portion; a pixel electrode in the recessed portion of the planarization layer; a step forming unit on the top surface of the planarization layer outside of the recessed portion; and a pixel-defining layer exposing at least a central portion of the pixel electrode, and covering the step forming unit so that a top surface of the pixel-defining layer includes a protruding portion corresponding to the step forming unit. |
| US09184384B2 |
Memory cells and methods of forming memory cells
Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. An opening is formed over a first conductive structure to expose an upper surface of the first conductive structure. The opening has a bottom level with a bottom width. The opening has a second level over the bottom level, with the second level having a second width which is greater than the bottom width. The bottom level of the opening is filled with a first portion of a multi-portion programmable material, and the second level is lined with the first portion. The lined second level is filled with a second portion of the multi-portion programmable material. A second conductive structure is formed over the second portion. Some embodiments include memory cells. |
| US09184382B2 |
Memristive devices with layered junctions and methods for fabricating the same
Memristor systems and method for fabricating memristor system are disclosed. In one aspect, a memristor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a junction disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The junction includes at least one layer such that each layer has a plurality of dopant sub-layers disposed between insulating sub-layers. The sub-layers are oriented substantially parallel to the first and second electrodes. |
| US09184375B1 |
Magnetic junctions using asymmetric free layers and suitable for use in spin transfer torque memories
A magnetic junction usable in a magnetic device is described. The magnetic junction includes a pinned layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, an asymmetric free layer and a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) inducing layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the pinned layer and the free layer. The free layer is between the nonmagnetic spacer layer and the PMA inducing layer. The asymmetric free layer includes a first ferromagnetic layer having a first boron content and a second ferromagnetic layer having a second boron content. The second boron content is less than the first boron content. The first boron content and the second boron content are each greater than zero atomic percent. The magnetic junction is configured such that the asymmetric free layer is switchable between stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic junction. |
| US09184374B2 |
Magnetoresistive element
According to one embodiment, a magnetoresistive element includes first, second and third magnetic layers, and first and second nonmagnetic layers. The third magnetic layer has stack layers including a first stack layer close to the second magnetic layer, and a second stack layer far from the second magnetic layer. Each of the first and second stack layers includes a first layer made of a ferromagnetic material and a second layer made of a nonmagnetic material, and a first ratio of a film thickness of the first layer to that of the second layer in the first stack layer is higher than a second ratio of a film thickness of the first layer to that of the second layer in the second stack layer. |
| US09184372B2 |
Piezoelectric polymer material and method for producing same
A piezoelectric polymer material comprising a helical chiral polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 1,000,000 and optical activity, the piezoelectric polymer material having: crystallinity as obtained by a DSC method of from 40% to 80%; a transmission haze with respect to visible light of 50% or less; and a product of the crystallinity and a standardized molecular orientation MORc, which is measured with a microwave transmission-type molecular orientation meter at a reference thickness of 50 μm, of from 40 to 700. |
| US09184370B2 |
Ultrasonic transducer device, ultrasonic measurement apparatus, head unit, probe, and ultrasonic imaging apparatus
An ultrasonic transducer device includes an ultrasonic element array and a common electrode wiring. The ultrasonic element array has three ultrasonic element rows with each of the three ultrasonic element rows including a plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged along a first direction and electrically connected to each other. The three ultrasonic element rows are arranged along a second direction intersecting with the first direction. The common electrode wiring is configured and arranged to supply a common voltage to at least one of the three ultrasonic element rows. The common electrode wiring extends in the first direction and is arranged between two of the three ultrasonic element rows positioned on outer sides among the three ultrasonic element rows with respect to the second direction. |
| US09184365B2 |
Thermoelectric device
A thermoelectric device contains at least one module having a first carrier layer and a second carrier layer, an interspace disposed between the first carrier layer and the second carrier layer, and an electrical insulation layer disposed on each of the first carrier layer and on the second carrier layer toward the interspace. The thermoelectric device further has a plurality of p and n-doped semiconductor elements, which are arranged alternately in the interspace between the insulation layers and are alternately electrically connected to one another. |
| US09184363B2 |
Power generator
Disclosed is a generator. The generator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: a thermoelectric element, which creates an electromotive force by using a temperature difference between a high-temperature portion and a low-temperature portion; a heat source, which is thermally coupled to the high-temperature portion and transfers heat to the high-temperature portion; and a vibrating capillary-shaped heat-pipe, which has a working fluid injected therein, is thermally coupled to the low-temperature portion, and discharges heat of the low-temperature portion. The generator in accordance with the present invention can increase an efficiency of power generation using the thermoelectric element by employing a highly exothermic vibrating capillary-shaped heat-pipe to maintain the temperature difference required for power generation. |
| US09184362B2 |
Electronic-component mounting structure
An electronic-component mounting structure includes an electronic component which includes a metal substrate, a semiconductor ceramic layer located on the metal substrate, a pair of split electrodes located on the semiconductor ceramic layer, and plating films located on the split electrodes and the metal substrate, and a mounting body on which lands to be connected to the respective split electrodes of the electronic component are provided. The position of a peripheral end portion of each land to be connected to the corresponding split electrode is located farther inside than the position of a peripheral end portion of the split electrode. In addition, a plane area of the land is smaller than that of the split electrode. |
| US09184361B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device and method for manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting device includes: a semiconductor layer including a first face, a second face, a side face, and a light emitting layer; a p-side electrode provided on the second face; an n-side electrode provided on the side face; a first p-side metal layer provided on the p-side electrode; a first n-side metal layer provided on the periphery of the n-side electrode; a first insulating layer provided on a face on the second face side in the first n-side metal layer; a second p-side metal layer connected with the first p-side metal layer on the first p-side metal layer, and provided, extending from on the first p-side metal layer to on the first insulating layer; and a second n-side metal layer provided on a face on the second face side in the first n-side metal layer in a peripheral region of the semiconductor layer. |
| US09184357B2 |
Light emitting device and method for manufacturing same
A method for manufacturing a light emitting device includes forming a multilayer body including a light emitting layer so that a first surface thereof is adjacent to a first surface side of a translucent substrate. A dielectric film on a second surface side opposite to the first surface of the multilayer body is formed having first and second openings on a p-side electrode and an n-side electrode. A seed metal on the dielectric film and an exposed surface of the first and second openings form a p-side metal interconnect layer and an n-side metal interconnect layer separating the seed metal into a p-side seed metal and an n-side seed metal by removing a part of the seed metal. A resin is formed in a space from which the seed metal is removed. |
| US09184354B2 |
Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device includes a plurality of LED chips arranged in series and each including a chip substrate and a crystal layer including a light-emitting layer. One of the plurality of LED chips is configured such that the chip substrate thereof includes a side surface facing another adjacent LED chip of the plurality of LED chips. The side surface has a highest cleavability among all side surfaces of the chip substrate of the one of the plurality of LED chips. |
| US09184353B2 |
Light-emitting device
Disclosed is a light-emitting device (1) including a light-emitting element (2) emitting primary light, and a light converter (3) absorbing a part of the primary light emitted from the light-emitting element (2) and emitting secondary light having a longer wavelength than the primary light. The light converter (3) contains a green light-emitting phosphor (4) and a red light-emitting phosphor (5). The green light-emitting phosphor (4) is composed of at least one phosphor selected from a divalent europium-activated oxynitride phosphor substantially represented by the following formula: EuaSibAlcOdNe and a divalent europium-activated silicate phosphor substantially represented by the following formula: 2(Ba1-f-gMIfEug)O.SiO2, while the red light-emitting phosphor (5) is composed of at least one phosphor selected from tetravalent manganese-activated fluoro-tetravalent metalate phosphors substantially represented by the following formulae: MII2(MIII1-hMnh)F6 and/or MIV(MIII1-hMnh)F6. Consequently, the light-emitting device (1) has excellent color gamut (NTSC ratio). |
| US09184351B2 |
Polymeric binders incorporating light-detecting elements
In accordance with certain embodiments, semiconductor dies are embedded within polymeric binder to form, e.g., light-emitting dies and/or composite wafers containing multiple light-emitting dies embedded in a single volume of binder. |
| US09184350B2 |
Light emitting device for illuminating plants
A spectrally adapted light emitting device for illuminating plants includes at least one semiconductor light-emitting diode (LED), at least one light conversion element for down-converting a portion of light emitted at the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength between 600 nm-680 nm, and at least one scattering device to diffuse light within the light emitting device. The at least one LED is configured to emit at least a first wavelength between 400 nm and 480 nm. The spectral light output from the spectrally adapted light emitting device is bi-modal with wavelengths in a range of 400 nm and 800 nm including a first local maximum between 400 nm and 480 nm and a second local maximum between 600 nm-680 nm with a local minimum between the first local maximum and the second local maximum. |
| US09184348B2 |
Light emitting diode structure
An LED structure includes a substrate, an emitting multilayer structure, a plurality of microstructures and a transparent conductive layer. The emitting multilayer structure is formed on the substrate. The microstructures are spaced apart from each other on the light emitting multilayer structure, and an upper surface of each microstructure has a concave-convex surface. The transparent conductive layer is conformably covered over the light emitting multilayer structure and the microstructures. The transparent conductive layer has similar concave-convex surfaces due to the concave-convex surface of each microstructure. The light emitted from the emitting multilayer structure is changed due to the concave-convex surface of the transparent conductive layer, so that the phenomenon of total internal reflection can be reduced so as to increase the light transmittance. |
| US09184343B2 |
Nano structure semiconductor light emitting device, and system having the same
A nanostructure semiconductor light emitting device may include a substrate including a plurality of light emitting nanostructures comprising nanocores including a first conductivity type semiconductor, active layers and second conductivity type semiconductor layers sequentially formed on the nanocores. The light emitting region may include a first region and a second region. The interval between the light emitting nanostructures disposed in the first region may be different than the interval between the light emitting nanostructures disposed in the second region. The first region may be closer to a non-light emitting region than the second region and may have a smaller interval between the light emitting nanostructures than that of the second region. Systems implementing such a nanostructure semiconductor light emitting device and methods of manufacture are also disclosed. |
| US09184338B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: a step of forming a semiconductor laminate on a growth substrate with a lift-off layer therebetween; a step of providing grooves in a grid pattern in the semiconductor laminate, thereby forming a plurality of semiconductor structures each having a nearly quadrangular transverse cross-sectional shape; a step of forming a conductive support body; and a step of removing the lift-off layer using a chemical lift-off process, in which step, in supplying an etchant to the grooves via through-holes provided in a portion above the grooves, the lift-off layer is etched from only one side surface of each semiconductor structure. |
| US09184335B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
There are provided a semiconductor light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same. A method of manufacturing a plurality of light emitting nanostructures of a semiconductor light emitting device includes: forming a plurality of first conductivity type semiconductor cores on a first type semiconductor seed layer, each first conductivity type semiconductor core formed through an opening in an insulating film; forming an active layer on each first conductivity type semiconductor core; forming, using a mask pattern, a second conductivity type semiconductor layer on each active layer to cover the active layer, to form a plurality of light emitting nanostructures; and forming an electrode on the plurality of light emitting nanostructures. |
| US09184332B2 |
Inverted metamorphic multi-junction (IMM) solar cell and associated fabrication method
An IMM solar cell and an associated method of fabricating an IMM solar cell are provided. In the context of a method, a first subcell may be formed upon a temporary substrate and a second subcell may be formed upon the first subcell. The second subcell may have a smaller band gap than the first subcell. The method may also bond the first and second subcells to a silicon subcell and then remove the temporary substrate. In the context of an IMM solar cell, the IMM solar cell includes first and second subcells with the first subcell disposed upon the second subcell and the second subcell having a smaller band gap than the first subcell. The IMM solar cell may also include a silicon subcell supporting the first and second subcells thereupon with a metal-to-metal bond between the silicon subcell and the second subcell. |
| US09184322B2 |
Titanium incorporation into absorber layer for solar cell
A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes forming a film including titanium on a conductive layer formed on a substrate. An absorber layer is formed including a Cu—Zn—Sn containing chalcogenide compound with a kesterite structure of the formula: Cu2-xZn1+ySn(S1-zSez)4+q wherein 0≦x≦1; 0≦y≦1; 0≦z≦1; −1≦q≦1 (CZTS) on the film. The absorber layer is annealed to diffuse titanium therein and to recrystallize the CZTS material of the film. A buffer layer is formed on the absorber layer, and a transparent conductive layer is formed on the buffer layer. |
| US09184321B2 |
Concentrating solar mirror panel assembly with corrugated stiffener
A concentrating solar mirror panel assembly having a reflective sheet with a reflective major surface and an opposing major surface and a corrugated stiffener having ridges and troughs each having an outer surface with land areas, wherein the land areas of at least a portion of the ridges are joined to at least a portion of the opposing major surface of the reflective sheet. The concentrating solar mirror panel assembly is non-planar and substantially rigid. The concentrating solar mirror panel assembly is assembled such that a desired non-planar shape is maintained: either using a locking sheet or having the corrugated stiffener attached so that its principal axes of corrugation are substantially perpendicular to the axis of curvature of the assembly. Methods of making the concentrating solar mirror panel assembly are also disclosed. Concentrated solar power systems and solar collection devices are also disclosed. |
| US09184320B2 |
Photoelectric conversion device
A photoelectric conversion device includes a front electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer formed of a semiconductor material, a transparent conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive oxide, a back electrode formed of a metal material, and a conductive layer formed of a semiconductor material primarily of silicon and having a refractive index higher than the transparent conductive layer contactually sandwiched between the transparent conductive layer and the back electrode. The photoelectric conversion device exhibits a high photoelectric conversion efficiency by keeping low the electrical resistance between the semiconductor layer and the back electrode and by increasing reflectance for light having passed though the semiconductor layer. |
| US09184316B2 |
Solid-state imaging apparatus and method for manufacturing same
An insulating layer is layered above a substrate, and a plurality of pixel electrodes are formed above the insulating layer in a matrix with intervals therebetween. A photoelectric conversion layer and an opposing electrode are formed in respective order above the pixel electrodes. A dummy layer is formed above the insulating layer in a region that in plan-view is more peripheral than a pixel region in which the pixel electrodes are formed. The dummy layer is formed from the same material as the pixel electrodes. The dummy layer is composed of a plurality of dummy layer portions that are each equal to each of the pixel electrodes in terms of size in plan-view. The dummy layer functions as a support layer for planarization during polishing by chemical mechanical polishing. |
| US09184313B1 |
PV module cell matrix placement station and methods for removing air or bubbles during the manufacturing process
Methods and devices for removing entrapped bubbles or air in photovoltaic solar cells during a manufacturing process including an encapsulation process include, for example, wiggling the photovoltaic solar cells or pushing out air bubbles by applying vibrations and/or light pressures. Optional additional steps include liquid wetting or dispensing to or around the photovoltaic solar cell matrix for air releasing before the placement of the matrix into a liquid for encapsulation. |
| US09184309B2 |
Solar module
A solar module comprising a sheet; a plurality of solar cells electrically connected in series between first and second conductor lines, and arranged on a first side of the sheet, wherein the first and second conductor lines each extend along a length on the sheet; a first conductor lead in electrical connection with the first conductor line and a second conductor lead in electrical connection with the second conductor line; and a through-hole in the sheet through which the first conductor lead extends to a second side of the sheet and a further through-hole through which the second conductor lead extends to the second side of the sheet. |
| US09184307B2 |
Silicon carbide semiconductor device
A silicon carbide semiconductor device includes: a drift layer of the a first conduction type; a guard ring region of a second conduction type formed in annular form in a portion of one surface of the drift layer; a field insulating film formed on the one surface of the drift layer and surrounding the guard ring region; a Schottky electrode covering the guard ring region and the drift layer exposed inside the guard ring region and having an outer peripheral end existing on the field insulating film; and a surface electrode pad on the Schottky electrode, wherein an outer peripheral end of the surface electrode pad comes into contact with the field insulating film over the outer peripheral end of the Schottky electrode. |
| US09184306B2 |
Silicon carbide semiconductor device
A silicon carbide semiconductor device of the present invention comprises a silicon carbide drift layer formed on a silicon carbide substrate, a P-type region formed in a surface layer of the silicon carbide drift layer, and a Schottky electrode formed above the silicon carbide drift layer correspondingly to a forming portion of the P-type region. The P-type region is formed of a plurality of unit cells arranged therein. Each of the unit cells has at least a first distribution region in which the P-type impurity is distributed at first concentration and a second distribution region in which the P-type impurity is distributed at second concentration higher than the first concentration. With this structure, it is possible to provide a silicon carbide semiconductor device in which a sufficient breakdown voltage can be achieved with less number of ion implantations. |
| US09184302B2 |
Three dimensional semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a three dimensional semiconductor device. The device may include mold layers vertically and sequentially stacked, a conductive pattern between the stacked mold layers, a plugging pattern vertically penetrating the stacked mold layers, an intermediate pattern between the conductive pattern and the plugging pattern, and protective layer patterns between the mold layers and the plugging pattern, wherein the protective layer patterns are separated by the intermediate pattern. |
| US09184299B2 |
Semiconductor device
An intrinsic or substantially intrinsic semiconductor, which has been subjected to a step of dehydration or dehydrogenation and a step of adding oxygen so that the carrier concentration is less than 1×1012/cm3 is used for an oxide semiconductor layer of an insulated gate transistor, in which a channel region is formed. The length of the channel formed in the oxide semiconductor layer is set to 0.2 μm to 3.0 μm inclusive and the thicknesses of the oxide semiconductor layer and the gate insulating layer are set to 15 nm to 30 nm inclusive and 20 nm to 50 nm inclusive, respectively, or 15 nm to 100 nm inclusive and 10 nm to 20 nm inclusive, respectively. Consequently, a short-channel effect can be suppressed, and the amount of change in threshold voltage can be less than 0.5 V in the range of the above channel lengths. |
| US09184295B2 |
Method for manufacturing a suspended membrane and dual-gate MOS transistor
A method for manufacturing a suspended membrane in a single-crystal semiconductor substrate, including the steps of: forming in the substrate an insulating ring delimiting an active area, removing material from the active area, successively forming in the active area a first and a second layers, the second layer being a single-crystal semiconductor layer, etching a portion of the internal periphery of said ring down to a depth greater than the thickness of the second layer, removing the first layer so that the second layer formed a suspended membrane anchored in the insulating ring. |
| US09184294B2 |
High mobility strained channels for fin-based transistors
Techniques are disclosed for incorporating high mobility strained channels into fin-based transistors (e.g., FinFETs such as double-gate, trigate, etc), wherein a stress material is cladded onto the channel area of the fin. In one example embodiment, silicon germanium (SiGe) is cladded onto silicon fins to provide a desired stress, although other fin and cladding materials can be used. The techniques are compatible with typical process flows, and the cladding deposition can occur at a plurality of locations within the process flow. In some cases, the built-in stress from the cladding layer may be enhanced with a source/drain stressor that compresses both the fin and cladding layers in the channel. In some cases, an optional capping layer can be provided to improve the gate dielectric/semiconductor interface. In one such embodiment, silicon is provided over a SiGe cladding layer to improve the gate dielectric/semiconductor interface. |
| US09184293B2 |
Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices having punch-through stopping regions
Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices are provided including providing a substrate having a first region and a second region, the substrate defining trenches in the first and second regions; forming active fins on the first and second regions, the active fins protruding from the trenches in the first and second regions; forming spacers on sidewalls of the active fins in the first and second regions; recessing floors of the trenches under the spacers to provide extensions of the active fins; implanting impurities of a first type in the extensions of the active fins in the first region; and implanting impurities of a second, type, different from the first type, in the extensions of the active fins in the second region. |
| US09184289B2 |
Semiconductor device and formation thereof
A semiconductor devices and method of formation are provided herein. A semiconductor device includes a gate structure over a channel and an active region adjacent the channel. The active region includes a repaired doped region and a growth region over the repaired doped region. The repaired doped region includes a first dopant and a second dopant, where the second dopant is from the growth region. A method of forming a semiconductor device includes increasing a temperature during exposure to at least one of dopant(s) or agent(s) to form an active region adjacent a channel, where the active region includes a repaired doped region and a growth region over the repaired doped region. |
| US09184283B2 |
High voltage device
A method of forming a device is presented. The method includes providing a substrate having a device region which includes a source region, a gate and a drain region defined thereon. The method also includes implanting the gate. The gate comprises one or more doped portions with different dopant concentrations. A source and a drain are formed in the source region and drain region. The drain is separated from the gate on a second side of the gate and the source is adjacent to a first side of the gate. |
| US09184282B2 |
Ultra-high voltage laterally-diffused MOS devices and methods of forming the same
Embodiments for the present disclosure include a semiconductor device, an ultra-high voltage (UHV) laterally-diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor, and methods of forming the same. An embodiment includes a first well region of a first conductivity type in a top surface of a substrate, and a second well region of a second conductivity type in the top surface of the substrate. The second well region laterally separated from the first well region by a portion of the substrate. The embodiment further includes a third region of the second conductivity type in the first well region, and a first field oxide region in the first well region, a second field oxide region in the second well region, the second field oxide region having a second bottom surface, and the first field oxide region having a first bottom surface lower than the second bottom surface and on and directly contacting the third region. |
| US09184276B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing silicon carbide semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing an SiC semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a first oxide film on a first surface of an SiC semiconductor, removing the first oxide film, and forming a second oxide film constituting the SiC semiconductor device on a second surface exposed as a result of removal of the first oxide film in the SiC semiconductor. Between the step of removing the first oxide film and the step of forming a second oxide film, the SiC semiconductor is arranged in an atmosphere cut off from an ambient atmosphere. |
| US09184275B2 |
Semiconductor devices with integrated hole collectors
Transistor devices which include semiconductor layers with integrated hole collector regions are described. The hole collector regions are configured to collect holes generated in the transistor device during operation and transport them away from the active regions of the device. The hole collector regions can be electrically connected or coupled to the source, the drain, or a field plate of the device. The hole collector regions can be doped, for example p-type or nominally p-type, and can be capable of conducting holes but not electrons. |
| US09184271B2 |
III-V HEMT devices
A semiconductor device has a stacked structure in which a p-GaN layer, an SI-GaN layer, and an AlGaN layer are stacked, and has a gate electrode that is formed at a top surface side of the AlGaN layer. A band gap of the AlGaN layer is wider than a band gap of the p-GaN layer and the SI-GaN layer. Moreover, impurity concentration of the SI-GaN layer is less than 1×1017 cm−3. Semiconductor devices including III-V semiconductors may have a stable normally-off operation. |
| US09184269B2 |
Silicon and silicon germanium nanowire formation
Among other things, one or semiconductor arrangements, and techniques for forming such semiconductor arrangements are provided. For example, one or more silicon and silicon germanium stacks are utilized to form PMOS transistors comprising germanium nanowire channels and NMOS transistors comprising silicon nanowire channels. In an example, a first silicon and silicon germanium stack is oxidized to transform silicon to silicon oxide regions, which are removed to form germanium nanowire channels for PMOS transistors. In another example, silicon and germanium layers within a second silicon and silicon germanium stack are removed to form silicon nanowire channels for NMOS transistors. PMOS transistors having germanium nanowire channels and NMOS transistors having silicon nanowire channels are formed as part of a single fabrication process. |
| US09184268B2 |
Semiconductor device
A trench gate MOS structure is provided on one main surface of a semiconductor substrate which will be an n− drift region. An n shell region is provided in the n− drift region so that it contacts a surface of a p base region close to the n− drift region forming the trench gate MOS structure. The n shell region has a higher impurity concentration than the n− drift region. The effective dose of n-type impurities in the n shell region is equal to or less than 5.0×1012 cm−2. The n− drift region has a resistivity to prevent a depletion layer, which is spread from a p collector region on the other main surface when reverse rated voltage is applied with an emitter as positive electrode, from reaching either n shell region or the bottom of a first trench, whichever is closer to the p collector region. |
| US09184255B2 |
Diode with controllable breakdown voltage
Disclosed is a diode. An embodiment of the diode includes a semiconductor body, a first emitter region of a first conductivity type, a second emitter region of a second conductivity type, and a base region arranged between the first and second emitter regions and having a lower doping concentration than the first and second emitter regions. The diode further includes a first emitter electrode only electrically coupled to the first emitter region, a second emitter electrode in electrical contact with the second emitter region, and a control electrode arrangement including a first control electrode section, and a first dielectric layer arranged between the first control electrode section and the semiconductor body. At least one pn junction extends to the first dielectric layer or is arranged distant to the first dielectric layer by less than 250 nm. |
| US09184253B2 |
Thin film transistor substrate and display device having the same
A thin film transistor substrate includes a semiconductor pattern on a base substrate, a first insulation member disposed on the semiconductor pattern, a second insulation pattern disposed on the first insulation member, and a gate electrode disposed on the first insulation member and the second insulation pattern. The second insulation pattern overlaps a first end portion of the semiconductor pattern, and exposes a second end portion of the semiconductor pattern opposite to the first end portion. The gate electrode overlaps both the first insulation member and the second insulation pattern. |
| US09184246B2 |
Silicon carbide substrate, semiconductor device, and methods for manufacturing them
A silicon carbide substrate has a first main surface, and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface. A region including at least one main surface of the first and second main surfaces is made of single-crystal silicon carbide. In the one main surface, sulfur atoms are present at not less than 60×1010 atoms/cm2 and not more than 2000×1010 atoms/cm2, and carbon atoms as an impurity are present at not less than 3 at % and not more than 25 at %. Thereby, a silicon carbide substrate having a stable surface, a semiconductor device using the substrate, and methods for manufacturing them can be provided. |
| US09184244B2 |
High voltage gallium nitride based semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
A high voltage gallium nitride based semiconductor device includes an n-type gallium nitride freestanding substrate, and an n-type gallium nitride based semiconductor layer including a drift layer formed on the surface of the n-type gallium nitride freestanding substrate so as to have a reverse breakdown voltage of not less than 3000 V. The drift layer is configured such that a carbon concentration is not less than 3.0×1016/cm3 in a region which has an electric field intensity of not more than 1.5 MV/cm when a maximum allowable voltage where there occurs no breakdown phenomenon is applied as a reverse bias voltage. |
| US09184240B2 |
Method of producing semiconductor wafer, and semiconductor wafer
There is provided a method of producing a semiconductor wafer, including: forming a compound semiconductor layer on a base wafer by epitaxial growth; cleansing a surface of the compound semiconductor layer by means of a cleansing agent containing a selenium compound; and forming an insulating layer on the surface of the compound semiconductor layer. Examples of the selenium compound include a selenium oxide. Examples of the selenium oxide include H2SeO3. The cleansing agent may further contain one or more substances selected from the group consisting of water, ammonium, and ethanol. When the surface of the compound semiconductor layer is made of InxGa1-xAs (0≦x≦1), the insulating layer is preferably made of Al2O3, and Al2O3 is preferably formed by ALD. |
| US09184239B2 |
Dislocation in SiC semiconductor substrate
A semiconductor substrate has a main surface and formed of single crystal silicon carbide. The main surface includes a central area, which is an area other than the area within 5 mm from the outer circumference. When the central area is divided into square areas of 1 mm×1 mm, in any square area, density of dislocations of which Burgers vector is parallel to <0001> direction is at most 1×105 cm−2. Thus, a silicon carbide semiconductor substrate enabling improved yield of semiconductor devices can be provided. |
| US09184234B2 |
Transistor design
Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a transistor device formed in a semiconductor substrate containing dopant impurities of a first impurity type. The transistor device includes channel composed of a delta-doped layer comprising dopant impurities of the first impurity type, and configured to produce a peak dopant concentration within the channel. The channel further includes a layer of carbon-containing material overlying the delta-doped layer, and configured to prevent back diffusion of dopants from the delta-doped layer and semiconductor substrate. The channel also includes of a layer of substrate material overlying the layer of carbon-containing material, and configured to achieve steep retrograde dopant concentration profile a near a surface of the channel. In some embodiments, a counter-doped layer underlies the delta-doped layer configured to reduce leakage within the semiconductor substrate, and includes dopant impurities of a second impurity type, which is opposite the first impurity type. |
| US09184233B2 |
Structure and method for defect passivation to reduce junction leakage for finFET device
The present disclosure provides one embodiment of a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate of a first semiconductor material; shallow trench isolation (STI) features formed in the semiconductor substrate; and a fin-like active region of a second semiconductor material epitaxy grown on the semiconductor substrate. The first semiconductor material has a first lattice constant and the second semiconductor material has a second lattice constant different from the first lattice constant. The fin-like active region further includes fluorine species. |
| US09184226B2 |
Embedded tungsten resistor
A high TCR tungsten resistor on a reverse biased Schottky diode. A high TCR tungsten resistor on an unsilicided polysilicon platform geometry. A high TCR tungsten resistor between two parallel polysilicon leads on remaining contact etch stop dielectric. A high TCR tungsten resistor embedded in a intermetal dielectric layer above a lower interconnect layer and below an upper interconnect layer. A method of forming a high TCR tungsten resistor on a reverse biased Schottky diode. A method of forming high TCR tungsten resistor on an unsilicided polysilicon platform geometry. A method of forming high TCR tungsten resistor between two parallel polysilicon leads on remaining contact etch stop dielectric. A method of forming high TCR tungsten resistor embedded in a inter metal dielectric layer above a lower interconnect layer and below an upper interconnect layer. |
| US09184225B1 |
Display unit
A display unit is provided including a first insulating film, a plurality of anode electrodes disposed on the first insulating film, a second insulating film disposed on the anode electrodes, a plurality of organic layers disposed on the anode electrodes, a cathode electrode disposed on the organic layer, and a first wiring disposed on the first insulating film. The cathode electrode is connected to an extraction electrode via a first wiring provided in a peripheral area of the anode electrodes. Moreover, one of the organic layers extending in a column direction is provided over two of more rows of the anode electrodes. |
| US09184224B2 |
Organic light-emitting diode display and manufacturing method thereof
An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. One inventive aspect includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a first insulation layer, a metal layer and a second insulation layer formed on the first insulation layer. The metal layer is formed on the first insulating layer and has a first through hole. The second insulation layer is formed on the metal layer and has a second through hole. The inventive aspect further includes a sealing member formed by filling the first and second through hole so as to seal the first substrate to the second substrate. |
| US09184220B2 |
Organic light-emitting display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light-emitting display apparatus includes: a substrate; a thin film transistor (TFT) on the substrate and including an active layer, a gate electrode overlapping a gate region of the active layer, a source electrode overlapping a source region of the active layer, and a drain electrode overlapping a drain region of the active layer; a first electrode electrically connected to one of the source electrode or the drain electrode; a first dummy conductive pattern overlapping a dummy region of the active layer between the gate region and one of the source region or the drain region corresponding to the one of the source electrode or the drain electrode; an intermediate layer on the first electrode and comprising at least an organic emission layer; and a second electrode on the intermediate layer. |
| US09184217B2 |
Memory device
According to one embodiment, a memory device includes: a first interconnect extending in a first direction; a plurality of second interconnects extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, and having lower ends positioned on the first interconnect; a plurality of third interconnects extending in a third direction intersecting with the second direction; a memory layer provided between the second interconnects and the third interconnects; and selectors respectively provided between the first interconnect and the lower ends of the plurality of second interconnects. |
| US09184213B2 |
Nanoscale switching device
A nanoscale switching device has an active region containing a switching material capable of carrying a species of dopants and transporting the dopants under an electrical field. The switching device has first, second and third electrodes with nanoscale widths. The active region is disposed between the first and second electrodes. A resistance modifier layer, which has a non-linear voltage-dependent resistance, is disposed between the second and third electrodes. |
| US09184209B2 |
TDI-type linear image sensor
In a TDI-type linear image sensor in which pixels are constituted of CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) of n phases (n being an integer not smaller than 3), a gate opening portion and a gate non-opening portion functioning as a TDI transfer channel (15) are formed in all of transfer gates of the CCDs of n phases constituting the pixels. Within one pixel pitch in a TDI transfer direction, n microlenses (18) are formed such that light is concentrated at the gate non-opening portion formed at the transfer gate of each phase. |
| US09184207B2 |
Pad structures formed in double openings in dielectric layers
An image sensor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a front side and a backside. A first dielectric layer is on the front side of the semiconductor substrate. A metal pad is in the first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer is over the first dielectric layer and on the front side of the semiconductor substrate. An opening penetrates through the semiconductor substrate from the backside of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the opening includes a first portion extending to expose a portion of the metal pad and a second portion extending to expose a portion of the second dielectric layer. A metal layer is formed in the first portion and the second portion of the opening. |
| US09184204B2 |
Multi-spectrum photosensitive device
A multi-spectrum photosensitive device comprises two, three, or four composite sensing pixels arranged in layers up and down in a base layer of P-type or N-type silicon by means of single-sided processing or double-sided processing, each composite sensing pixels can sense respectively spectrum orthogonal or complementary to each other in visible light or visible and infrared light. The basic sensing pixels on different layers of the composite sensing pixels can be designed to sense different colors or spectrums, so that a multi-spectrum photosensitive chip can be achieved by repeatedly arranging the macro units consisting of more than one composite sensing pixel. The present disclosure also includes a new multi-layer sensing pixel, and examples of which used in a single-sided double-layer, or a double-sided double-layer, or a double-sided three-layer, or a double-sided four-layer, or a single-sided mixed double-layer, or a double-sided mixed with double-layer or a multi-layer multi-spectrum sensing device. A multi-spectrum photosensitive device according to the present disclosure has the advantage of better color sensing performance, integration of color sensing and infrared sensing, and a simple processing technique. |
| US09184201B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and manufacturing method of the same, and electronic apparatus
The present disclosure relates to a solid-state imaging device and a manufacturing method of the same, and an electronic apparatus, capable of more reliably suppressing occurrence of color mixing.A trench is formed between PDs so as to be opened to a light receiving surface side of a semiconductor substrate on which a plurality of the PDs, each of which receives light to generate charges, are formed, an insulating film is embedded in the trench and the insulating film is laminated on a back surface side of the semiconductor substrate. Then, a light shielding portion is formed so as to be laminated on the insulating film and to have a convex shape protruding to the semiconductor substrate at a location corresponding to the trench. The present technology can be applied to a back surface irradiation type CMOS solid-state imaging device. |
| US09184199B2 |
Optical assembly including plenoptic microlens array
An optical assembly includes a solid spacing layer between a plenoptic microlens array (MLA) and a pixel-level MLA, avoiding the need for an air gap. Such an assembly, and systems and methods for manufacturing same, can yield improved reliability and efficiency of production, and can avoid many of the problems associated with prior art approaches. In at least one embodiment, the plenoptic MLA, the spacing layer, and the pixel-level MLA are created from optically transmissive polymer(s) deposited on the photosensor array and shaped using photolithographic techniques. Such an approach improves precision in placement and dimensions, and avoids other problems associated with conventional polymer-on-glass architectures. Further variations and techniques are described. |
| US09184190B2 |
Photodiode array
This photodiode array 10 includes quenching resistors 7 which are connected in series to respective avalanche photodiodes APDs, a peripheral wiring WL which surrounds a region in which the plurality of avalanche photodiodes APDs are formed, and a plurality of relay wirings 8 which are electrically connected to the peripheral wiring WL, so as to respectively connect at least two places of the peripheral wiring WL. One of an anode and a cathode of each avalanche photodiode APD is electrically connected to any one of the relay wirings 8 via the quenching resistor 7, and the other of the anode and the cathode of each avalanche photodiode APD is electrically connected to another electrode 6 provided on a semiconductor substrate. |
| US09184188B2 |
Thin-film transistor array substrate, organic light-emitting display device including the same, and method of manufacturing the thin-film transistor array substrate
A thin-film transistor (“TFT”) array substrate includes: a TFT including an active layer, a gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, a first insulating layer disposed between the active layer and the gate electrode, and a second insulating layer disposed between the gate electrode, and the source and drain electrode; a pixel electrode including a transparent conductive oxide and disposed in an opening defined in the second insulating layer; a capacitor including a first electrode disposed on a layer on which the active layer is disposed, and a second electrode disposed on a layer on which the gate electrode is disposed; a pad electrode disposed on the second insulating layer and including a material substantially the same as a material in the source electrode and the drain electrode; a first protective layer disposed on the pad electrode; and a second protective layer disposed on the first protective layer. |
| US09184187B2 |
Thin film transistor array manufacturing method
A TFT array manufacturing method is disclosed herein and includes steps: forming a first metal layer on a substrate; depositing a first insulating layer to cover the first metal layer; forming an oxide semiconductor layer on the first insulating layer in a TFT area; forming a second insulating layer on the first insulating layer and the oxide semiconductor layer; etching the second insulating layer in the TFT area to expose the oxide semiconductor layer and etching the second insulating layer and the first insulating layer in a signal wire area simultaneously to expose the first metal layer; and forming a second metal layer on the second insulating layer of the TFT area, and the second metal layer being connected the oxide semiconductor layer, and forming the second metal layer on the first metal layer of the signal wire area to contact the first metal, layer. |
| US09184168B2 |
Semiconductor devices with peripheral gate structures
A semiconductor device includes a substrate including a cell region and a peripheral region, a cell gate electrode buried in a groove crossing a cell active portion of the cell region, a cell line pattern crossing over the cell gate electrode, the cell line pattern being connected to a first source/drain region in the cell active portion at a side of the cell gate electrode, a peripheral gate pattern crossing over a peripheral active portion of the peripheral region, a planarized interlayer insulating layer on the substrate around the peripheral gate pattern, and a capping insulating layer on the planarized interlayer insulating layer and a top surface of the peripheral gate pattern, the capping insulating layer including an insulating material having an etch selectivity with respect to the planarized interlayer insulating layer. |
| US09184159B2 |
Simplified pitch doubling process flow
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises patterning a layer of photoresist material to form a plurality of mandrels. The method further comprises depositing an oxide material over the plurality of mandrels by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. The method further comprises anisotropically etching the oxide material from exposed horizontal surfaces. The method further comprises selectively etching photoresist material. |
| US09184153B2 |
Chip stack structure and method for fabricating the same
A chip stack structure taking a wafer as a stacking base and stacking chips thereon is provided. The chip stack structure is capable of achieving high density electrode bonding and breaking the bottleneck of requiring interposer to serve as a transferring interface in three dimensional chip package. The chip stack structure is easily fabricated and compatible with wafer level process, so as to reduce processing time and manufacturing cost. A method for fabricating the chip stack structure is also provided. |
| US09184150B2 |
Electronic device with bimetallic interface element for wire bonding
An electronic device includes a chip with an integrated electronic component and a terminal made of a first metal material. The device further includes a lead made of a second metal material different from the first metal material. A bonding wire made of a selected one of the first and second metal materials has opposite ends coupled with the terminal and the lead. An interface element having a first layer made of a selected one of the first and second metal materials and a second layer made of an unselected one of the first and second metal materials has the first layer coupled with the bonding wire and the second layer coupled with a component, wherein the component is ether the terminal or the lead. |
| US09184149B2 |
Semiconductor device with an interlocking wire bond
In one embodiment, a semiconductor device having a die attach pad, an interlocking wire bond, a semiconductor die and an adhesive material is disclosed. The adhesive material may be configured to adjoin the semiconductor die and the die attach pad. A portion of the interlocking wire bond may be submerged within the adhesive material. In another embodiment, a device having a semiconductor die, a die attach glue and a die attach pad is disclosed. The device may comprise an interlock bonding structure submerged within the adhesive material. In yet another embodiment, a light-emitting device comprising an interlock structure is disclosed. |
| US09184148B2 |
Semiconductor package and method therefor
In one embodiment, an electronic package structure includes a lead having a first width. An electronic chip having a conductive bump on a major surface, the conductive bump has a second width greater than the first width. The conductive bump is attached to the lead such that a portion of the conductive bump extends to at least partially surround a side surface of the lead. A molding compound resin encapsulates the electronic chip, the conductive bump, and at least a portion of the lead. The lead is configured so strengthen the joining force between the lead and conductive bump. |
| US09184146B2 |
Semiconductor package and wiring board having the semiconductor package thereon
A semiconductor package includes a chip, a sealing body covering the chip, and a plurality of external connection terminals connected to the chip. The external connection terminals expose from a surface of the sealing body and are arranged in a grid on the surface of the sealing body. In the grid on the surface of the sealing body, each external connection terminal is adjacent to an area vacant of an other external connection terminal in at least one direction of eight directions from each external connection terminal, the eight directions including first linear directions along a row of the grid, second linear directions along a row of the grid perpendicular to the first linear directions, and four diagonal directions defined between the first linear directions and the second linear directions. |
| US09184140B2 |
Semiconductor packages having emi shielding layers, methods of fabricating the same, electronic systems including the same, and memory cards including the same
Semiconductor packages are provided. In some embodiments, the semiconductor package includes a substrate, a first ground line including a first internal ground line disposed along edges of the substrate and a plurality of first extended ground lines between the first internal ground line and sidewalls of the substrate, a chip on the substrate, a molding member disposed on the substrate to cover the chip, and an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding layer covering the molding member, the EMI shielding layer extending along the sidewalls of the substrate and contacting the end portions of the plurality of first extended ground lines. The plurality of first extended ground lines include end portions that are exposed at the sidewalls of the substrate. |
| US09184138B2 |
Semiconductor integrated device with mechanically decoupled active area and related manufacturing process
A semiconductor integrated device is provided with: a die having a body of semiconductor material with a front surface, and an active area arranged at the front surface; and a package having a support element carrying the die at a back surface of the body, and a coating material covering the die. The body includes a mechanical decoupling region, which mechanically decouples the active area from mechanical stresses induced by the package; the mechanical decoupling region is a trench arrangement within the body, which releases the active area from an external frame of the body, designed to absorb the mechanical stresses induced by the package. |
| US09184136B2 |
Semiconductor devices and methods for fabricating the same
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, forming an alignment key and a connection contact that penetrate a portion of the semiconductor substrate and extend from the first surface toward the second surface, forming a first circuit on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate such that the first circuit is electrically connected to the connection contact, recessing the second surface of the semiconductor substrate to form a third surface exposing the alignment key and the connection contact, and forming a second circuit on the third surface of the semiconductor substrate such that the second circuit is electrically connected to the connection contact. |
| US09184135B1 |
System and method for metallization and reinforcement of glass substrates
A system for backside metallization and reinforcement of glass substrates to provide support and protection during handling and processing of the glass substrates. A sacrificial substrate is removeably attached to a glass substrate comprising through-holes, backside metallized pads, and under-bump metallization (UBM) pads enclosing the backside metallized pads. The sacrificial substrate comprises a sacrificial layer, an opaque film, and an adhesive. The sacrificial substrate protects the backside metallized pads and UBM pads, and reinforces the glass substrate. |
| US09184130B2 |
Electrostatic protection for stacked multi-chip integrated circuits
One feature pertains to a multi-chip module that comprises at least a first integrated circuit (IC) die and a second IC die. The second IC die has an input/output (I/O) node electrically coupled to the first IC die by a through substrate via. The second die's active surface also includes a fuse that is electrically coupled to the I/O node and adapted to protect the second IC die from damage caused by an electrostatic discharge (ESD). In particular, the fuse protects the second IC die from ESD that may be generated as a result of electrically coupling the first die to the second die during the manufacturing of the multi-chip module. Upon coupling the first die to the second die, the fuse may bypass the ESD current generated by the ESD to ground. After packaging of the multi-chip module is complete, the fuse may be blown open. |
| US09184126B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
In an LCD driver, in a high voltage resistant MISFET, end portions of a gate electrode run onto electric field relaxing insulation regions. Wires to become source wires or drain wires are formed on an interlayer insulation film of the first layer over the high voltage resistant MISFET. At this moment, when a distance from an interface between a semiconductor substrate and a gate insulation film to an upper portion of the gate electrode is defined as “a”, and a distance from the upper portion of the gate electrode to an upper portion of the interlayer insulation film on which the wires are formed is defined as “b”, a relation of a>b is established. In such a high voltage resistant MISFET structured in this manner, the wires are arranged so as not to be overlapped planarly with the gate electrode of the high voltage resistant MISFET. |
| US09184125B2 |
Heterogeneous annealing method and device
A method of integrating a first substrate having a first surface with a first insulating material and a first contact structure with a second substrate having a second surface with a second insulating material and a second contact structure. The first insulating material is directly bonded to the second insulating material. A portion of the first substrate is removed to leave a remaining portion. A third substrate having a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) substantially the same as a CTE of the first substrate is bonded to the remaining portion. The bonded substrates are heated to facilitate electrical contact between the first and second contact structures. The third substrate is removed after heating to provided a bonded structure with reliable electrical contacts. |
| US09184124B2 |
Reliable surface mount integrated power module
A surface mount packaging structure that yields improved thermo-mechanical reliability and more robust second-level package interconnections is disclosed. The surface mount packaging structure includes a sub-module having a dielectric layer, semiconductor devices attached to the dielectric layer, a first level metal interconnect structure electrically coupled to the semiconductor devices, and a second level I/O connection electrically coupled to the first level interconnect and formed on the dielectric layer on a side opposite the semiconductor devices, with the second level I/O connection configured to connect the sub-module to an external circuit. The semiconductor devices of the sub-module are attached to the first surface of a multi-layer substrate structure, with a dielectric material positioned between the dielectric layer and the multi-layer substrate structure to fill in gaps in the surface-mount structure and provide additional structural integrity thereto. |
| US09184118B2 |
Micro lead frame structure having reinforcing portions and method
In one embodiment, a micro lead frame structure includes one or more stiffness reinforcing structures formed on leads and/or connecting structures. The stiffness reinforcing structures can be formed by leaving predetermined portions of the micro lead frame at full thickness including, for example, portions of an inner lead, portions of an outer lead, and portions of a connecting bar, combinations thereof, and other structures. The stiffness reinforcing structures are configured to reduce deformation defects and electrical short defects caused by assembly processes. |
| US09184117B2 |
Stacked dual-chip packaging structure and preparation method thereof
The invention relates to a power semiconductor device and a preparation method, particularly relates to preparation of stacked dual-chip packaging structure of MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) using flip chip technology with two interconnecting plates. The first chip is flipped and attached on the base such that the first chip is overlapped with the third pin; the back metal layer of the first chip is connected to the bonding strip of the first pin through a first interconnecting plate; the second chip is flipped and attached on a main plate portion of the first interconnecting plate such that the second chip is overlapped with the fourth pin; and the back metal layer of the second chip is connected to the bonding strip of the second pin through the second interconnecting plate. |
| US09184116B2 |
Method of manufacturing resin-encapsulated semiconductor device, and lead frame
A method of manufacturing a resin-encapsulated semiconductor device capable of supporting finer pitches comprises forming a metal plating layer on an inner lead and an outer lead of a lead. A semiconductor chip is mounted on a die pad, and an electrode on a surface of the semiconductor chip is electrically connected to the inner lead via a thin metal wire. The semiconductor chip, the thin metal wire and the inner lead are encapsulated by an encapsulation resin so that the outer lead extends beyond the encapsulation resin and is exposed. Resin burrs formed during resin encapsulation are removed by a defocused laser, and any metal adhered on the lead is lifted off. |
| US09184115B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
The purpose of the present invention is to increase the reliability of a semiconductor device in which a semiconductor element and a substrate are connected by solder and which is molded by resin.Solder containing easily volatized metals (Zn, Mg, Sb) is used for a solder material 106, and after a semiconductor element 104 is connected to a lead frame 102 and wire bonding is carried out, vacuum heat treatment is applied, the easily volatized metals in the solder are volatized to adhere to a substrate surface, and an alloy 103 with the lead frame is formed, thereby roughening the substrate surface and improving the adhesive strength of a sealing resin 101 and the substrate. |
| US09184110B2 |
Latch-up suppression and substrate noise coupling reduction through a substrate back-tie for 3D integrated circuits
Roughly described, an integrated circuit device has a conductor extending entirely through the substrate, connected on one end to the substrate topside surface and on the other end to the substrate backside surface. In various embodiments the conductor is insulated from all RDL conductors on the backside of the substrate, and/or is insulated from all conductors and device features on any below-adjacent chip in a 3D integrated circuit structure. Methods of fabrication are also described. |
| US09184106B2 |
Heat sink and semiconductor device
A heat sink includes a frame having an opening, the opening extending in a thickness direction of the frame, the opening having a first opening part and a second opening part, the second opening part being larger than the first opening part in a plan view perpendicular to the thickness direction, a wall standing on the frame at an edge of the opening, a groove formed in the frame beside the wall, and a plate member including a first plate disposed in the first opening part and a second plate disposed in the second opening part and larger than the first plate in the plan view, wherein the second opening part is larger than the second plate in the plan view to leave a gap therebetween, and the wall is bent toward the opening to be in contact with an edge along a perimeter of the second plate. |
| US09184105B2 |
Semiconductor device packages including thermally insulating materials and methods of making and using such semiconductor packages
Semiconductor devices may include a first semiconductor die comprising a heat-generating region located at a periphery thereof. A second semiconductor die is attached to the first semiconductor die. At least a portion of the heat-generating region is located laterally outside a footprint of the second semiconductor die. A thermally insulating material is located on a side surface of the second semiconductor die. Methods of forming semiconductor devices may involve attaching a second semiconductor die to a first semiconductor die. The first semiconductor die includes a heat-generating region at a periphery thereof. At least a portion of the heat-generating region is located laterally outside a footprint of the second semiconductor die. A thermally insulating material is located on a side surface of the second semiconductor die. |
| US09184104B1 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming adhesive layer over insulating layer for bonding carrier to mixed surfaces of semiconductor die and encapsulant
A semiconductor device has a semiconductor die disposed over the substrate. A conductive via is formed partially through the substrate. An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die and substrate. An insulating layer is formed over the semiconductor die and encapsulant. The insulating layer includes an organic or inorganic insulating material. An adhesive layer is deposited over the insulating layer. The adhesive layer contacts only the insulating layer. A carrier is bonded to the adhesive layer. The insulating layer provides a single CTE across the entire bonding interface between the adhesive layer and semiconductor die and encapsulant. The constant CTE of the insulating layer reduces stress across the bonding interface. A portion of the substrate is removed by backgrinding to expose the conductive via. An insulating layer is formed over the substrate around the conductive via. An interconnect structure is formed over the conductive via. |
| US09184100B2 |
Semiconductor device having strained fin structure and method of making the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, at least a first fin structure, at least a second fin structure, a first gate, a second gate, a first source/drain region and a second source/drain region. The semiconductor substrate has at least a first active region to dispose the first fin structure and at least a second active region to dispose the second fin structure. The first/second fin structure partially overlapped by the first/second gate has a first/second stress, and the first stress and the second stress are different from each other. The first/second source/drain region is disposed in the first/second fin structure at two sides of the first/second gate. |
| US09184096B2 |
Semiconductor structure and manufacturing method for the same
A semiconductor structure and a manufacturing method for the same are provided. The method includes following steps. A first gate structure is formed on a substrate in a first region. A protecting layer is formed covering the first gate structure. A second gate structure is formed on the substrate in second region exposed by the protecting layer and adjacent to the first region. |
| US09184094B1 |
Method and system for forming a membrane over a cavity
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing an assembly substrate including a split plane defining a handle region and a transfer region, a film layer coupled to the transfer region, and one or more active devices coupled to the film layer. The method also includes providing a device substrate including one or more bonding regions and joining the assembly substrate to the device substrate. The method further includes splitting the assembly substrate to remove the handle region. |
| US09184091B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming the same
First dopant regions and second dopant regions are provided at both sides of the gate structures. Conductive lines cross over the gate structures and are connected to the first dopant regions. Each of the conductive lines includes a conductive pattern and a capping pattern disposed on the conductive pattern. Contact structures are provided between the conductive lines and are connected to the second dopant regions. Each of the contact structures includes a lower contact pattern disposed on the second dopant region and an upper contact pattern disposed on the lower contact pattern. A bottom surface of the upper contact pattern is lower than a top surface of the conductive pattern. |
| US09184086B2 |
Methods of fabricating semiconductor device having shallow trench isolation (STI)
Methods of fabricating a semiconductor device include forming a field trench in a silicon substrate, forming a first oxide layer in the field trench, forming a first thinned oxide layer by partially removing a surface of the first oxide layer, and forming a first nitride layer on the first thinned oxide layer. |
| US09184085B2 |
Substrate supporting edge ring with coating for improved soak performance
Embodiments of the present invention provide a substrate supporting edge ring for supporting a substrate. In one embodiment, a substrate support ring is provided. The substrate support ring comprises an annular body. The annular body comprises an outer band extending radially inward from an outer annular sidewall; and a substrate supporting region extending inward from an inner portion of the outer band, wherein the annular body comprises a first material that is exposed and at least a portion of the substrate supporting region is covered with a coating comprising a second material that is different than the first material. |
| US09184084B2 |
Wafer handling traction control system
A wafer handling traction control system is provided that is able to detect slippage of a semiconductor wafer with respect to an end effector and is able to adjust the end effector's movement in order to minimize further slippage. Upon the detection of relative motion of the semiconductor wafer with respect to the end effector past a threshold amount, the end effector's movements are adjusted to minimize slippage of the semiconductor wafer. The wafer handling traction control system may include a sensor that detects relative motion between the semiconductor wafer and the end effector. |
| US09184079B2 |
Systems and methods for handling wafers
A system for handling wafers comprising: at least one unload station; at least one intermediate station designed to hold the wafers at an angle; a processing station; and a transfer device configured to move the wafers between the stations. The intermediate station may be configured to receive the wafers in a back-to-back arrangement. An apparatus for handling wafers comprising: on one side, a vacuum gripper configured to grip individual wafers; and, on the other side, a gravity gripper configured to support one or more wafers when positioned beneath the wafers and lifted. A method for handling wafers, comprising: unloading wafers; transferring the wafers to an intermediate station; transferring the wafers from the intermediate station to a processing station; treating the wafers; unloading the wafers from the processing station; and reloading the wafers in a carrier, wherein the wafers are unloaded, transferred and reloaded by a transfer device. |
| US09184077B2 |
Wafer pod and wafer positioning mechanism thereof
Embodiments of mechanisms of a wafer pod including a wafer positioning mechanism are provided. The wafer positioning mechanism includes a base including a blocking portion, and a linking bar pivoted on the base and including a resilient portion. The wafer positioning mechanism also includes a pushing element pivoted on the linking shaft. Further, when the pushing element is at a retaining position, the resilient portion abuts against the blocking portion, and a force generated by the linking bar is applied to the pushing element. |
| US09184076B2 |
Electronic component conveying apparatus
A first and second guide block pieces retain a plurality of electronic components in an electronic component retention space formed and fixed on a shuttle plate by using a position determination hole formed in advance in accordance with a distance between a pair of opposing corners of a bottom surface of an electronic component, and by emitting light ranging from one end portion to the other end portion of the shuttle plate along an upper surface of a plurality of electronic components interposed and retained between the electronic component interposing-and-retaining portions along longitudinal directions of the first and second guide block pieces, an optical sensor detects that the emitted light is blocked by an irregularly inclined electronic component. |
| US09184070B2 |
Dense composite material, method for manufacturing the same, joined body, and member for semiconductor manufacturing apparatuses
A dense composite material according to the present invention contains, in descending order of content, silicon carbide, titanium silicon carbide, and titanium carbide as three major constituents. The dense composite material contains 51% to 68% by mass of silicon carbide and no titanium silicide and has an open porosity of 1% or less. This dense composite material has properties such as an average linear thermal expansion coefficient of 5.4 to 6.0 ppm/K at 40° C. to 570° C., a thermal conductivity of 100 W/m·K or more, and a four-point bending strength of 300 MPa or more. |
| US09184067B1 |
Methods of mitigating defects for semiconductor packages
Semiconductor packages with multiple substrates can incorporate apertures or slots between devices to minimize or reduce formation of defects during a molding process. The apertures or slots can be formed adjacent a top substrate in alignment with removable regions adjacent a bottom substrate whereby the apertures or slots can facilitate outflow of materials from cavities between the substrates. The apertures or slots may subsequently be removed in conjunction with the removable regions during a singulation process thereby producing the desired semiconductor packages with improved device reliability and yield. |
| US09184064B1 |
System and method for metallization and reinforcement of glass substrates
A method for backside metallization and reinforcement of glass substrates to provide support and protection during handling and processing of the glass substrates. Through-holes are created in a glass substrate and filled with a conductive type material. Backside metallized pads are applied to the glass substrate and enclosed with an under-bump metallization (UBM) pad. A sacrificial substrate is removeably attached to the glass substrate. The sacrificial substrate comprises a sacrificial layer, an opaque film, and an adhesive. The sacrificial substrate protects the backside metallized pads and under-bump metallization (UBM) pads, and reinforces the glass substrate. |
| US09184063B2 |
Multi-layer interconnection structure
Provided are a multi-layer interconnection structure and a manufacturing method thereof. The multi-layer interconnection structure includes a substrate; a first wiring on the substrate; an interlayer insulation layer on the first wiring; a second wiring on the interlayer insulation layer; and a via contact including at least one conductive filament penetrating through the interlayer insulation layer between the second wiring and the first wiring to be electrically connected to the first wiring and the second wiring. |
| US09184060B1 |
Plated metal hard mask for vertical NAND hole etch
The embodiments herein relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for forming recessed features at high aspect ratios. Often, such features are formed in the context of fabricating a vertical NAND (VNAND) memory device. Various disclosed embodiments relate to process flows that involve depositing and shaping sacrificial posts on a metal seed layer that covers an underlying stack of materials, electroplating or electroless plating metal hard mask material around the sacrificial posts, removing the sacrificial posts, and etching the underlying stack of materials to form a high aspect ratio recessed feature. |
| US09184059B2 |
Method for increasing pattern density
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes the steps of providing a hard mask cover using a patterned photoresist layer, wherein the patterned photoresist layer comprises at least four first holes arranged in two rows and two columns. Part of the hard mask is removed to form at least four second holes by taking the pattered photoresist layer as a mask. Next, each of the first holes is widened, and the widened first holes and the second holes are filled up by a filler. Later, the patterned photoresist layer is removed entirely. Part of the hard mask is removed to form at least a fourth hole by taking the filler as a mask. Finally, the filler is removed entirely. |
| US09184058B2 |
Methods of forming patterns by using a brush layer and masks
Some embodiments include methods of forming patterns. A first mask is formed over a material. The first mask has features extending therein and defines a first pattern. The first pattern has a first level of uniformity across a distribution of the features. A brush layer is formed across the first mask and within the features to narrow the features and create a second mask from the first mask. The second mask has a second level of uniformity across the narrowed features which is greater than the first level of uniformity. A pattern is transferred from the second mask into the material. |
| US09184057B2 |
Method for manufacturing integrated circuit devices, optical devices, micromachines and mechanical precision devices having patterned material layers with line-space dimensions of 50 nm and less
A method for manufacturing integrated circuit devices, optical devices, micromachines and mechanical precision devices, the said method comprising the steps of (1) providing a substrate having patterned material layers having line-space dimensions of 50 nm and less and aspect ratios of >2; (2) providing the surface of the patterned material layers with a positive or a negative electrical charge by contacting the substrate at least once with an aqueous, fluorine-free solution S containing at least one fluorine-free cationic surfactant A having at least one cationic or potentially cationic group, at least one fluorine-free anionic surfactant A having at least one anionic or potentially anionic group, or at least one fluorine-free amphoteric surfactant A; and (3) removing the aqueous, fluorine-free solution S from the contact with the substrate. |
| US09184055B2 |
Processing systems and methods for halide scavenging
Systems, chambers, and processes are provided for controlling process defects caused by moisture contamination. The systems may provide configurations for chambers to perform multiple operations in a vacuum or controlled environment. The chambers may include configurations to provide additional processing capabilities in combination chamber designs. The methods may provide for the limiting, prevention, and correction of aging defects that may be caused as a result of etching processes performed by system tools. |
| US09184054B1 |
Method for integrated circuit patterning
Provided is a method of patterning a substrate. The method includes forming a resist layer over the substrate, wherein a layer of resist scum forms in between a first portion of the resist layer and the substrate. The method further includes patterning the resist layer to form a plurality of trenches in the first portion, wherein the layer of resist scum provides a floor for the plurality of trenches. The method further includes forming a first material layer in the plurality of trenches, wherein the first material layer has a higher etch resistance than the resist layer and the layer of resist scum. The method further includes etching the first material layer, the resist layer, and the layer of resist scum, thereby forming a patterned first material layer over a patterned layer of resist scum over the substrate. |
| US09184053B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
An area in a top view of a region where a low-voltage field effect transistor is formed is reduced, and an area in a top view of a region where a high-voltage field effect transistor is formed is reduced. An active region where the low-voltage field effect transistors (first nMIS and first pMIS) are formed is constituted by a first convex portion of a semiconductor substrate that projects from a surface of an element isolation portion, and an active region where the high-voltage field effect transistors (second nMIS and second pMIS) are formed is constituted by a second convex portion of the semiconductor substrate that projects from the surface of the element isolation portion, and a trench portion formed in the semiconductor substrate. |
| US09184052B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of semiconductor device using metal oxide
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device using a metal oxide includes forming a metal oxide layer on a substrate, forming an amorphous semiconductor layer on the metal oxide layer, and forming a polycrystalline semiconductor layer by crystallizing the amorphous semiconductor layer using the metal oxide layer. |
| US09184051B2 |
Method for producing an optoelectronic nitride compound semiconductor component
A method of producing a nitride compound semiconductor component includes providing a growth substrate having a silicon surface, growing a buffer layer containing an aluminum-containing nitride compound semiconductor onto the silicon surface, growing a stress layer structure that produces a compressive stress, and growing a functional semiconductor layer sequence onto the stress layer structure, wherein the stress layer structure includes a first GaN semiconductor layer and a second GaN semiconductor layer, a masking layer is embedded in the first GaN semiconductor layer, an Al(Ga)N-intermediate layer that produces a compressive stress is disposed between the first GaN semiconductor layer and the second GaN semiconductor layer, and the stress layer structure does not contain further Al(Ga)N-intermediate layers. |
| US09184045B2 |
Bottom-up PEALD process
The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for performing a plasma enhanced ALD (PEALD) process that provides for improved step coverage. The process introduces a precursor gas into a processing chamber comprising a semiconductor workpiece. The first gas is ionized to from a plurality of ionized precursor molecules. A bias voltage is subsequently applied to the workpiece. The bias voltage attracts the ionized precursor molecules to the workpiece, so as to provide anisotropic coverage of the workpiece with the precursor gas. A reactant gas is introduced into the processing chamber. A plasma is subsequently ignited from the reactant gas, causing the reactant gas to react with the ionized precursor molecules that have been deposited onto the substrate to form a deposited layer on the workpiece. |
| US09184043B2 |
Edge electrodes with dielectric covers
The embodiments provide apparatus and methods for removal of etch byproducts, dielectric films and metal films near the substrate bevel edge, and chamber interior to avoid the accumulation of polymer byproduct and deposited films and to improve process yield. In an exemplary embodiment, a plasma processing chamber configured to clean a bevel edge of a substrate is provided. The plasma processing chamber includes a substrate support configured to receive the substrate. The plasma processing chamber also includes a bottom edge electrode surrounding the substrate support. The bottom edge electrode and the substrate support are electrically isolated from one another by a bottom dielectric ring. A surface of the bottom edge electrode facing the substrate is covered by a bottom thin dielectric layer. The plasma processing chamber further includes a top edge electrode surrounding a top insulator plate opposing the substrate support. The top edge electrode is electrically grounded. A surface of the top edge electrode facing the substrate is covered by a top thin dielectric layer. The top edge electrode and the bottom edge electrode oppose one another and are configured to generate a cleaning plasma to clean the bevel edge of the substrate. |
| US09184041B2 |
Integrated circuit with backside structures to reduce substrate warp
Wafer bowing induced by deep trench capacitors is ameliorated by structures formed on the reverse side of the wafer. The structures on the reverse side include tensile films. The films can be formed within trenches on the back side of the wafer, which enhances their effect. In some embodiments, the wafers are used to form 3D-IC devices. In some embodiments, the 3D-IC device includes a high voltage or high power circuit. |
| US09184040B2 |
Abridged multipole structure for the transport and selection of ions in a vacuum system
An abridged multipole structure for the transport and selection of ions along a central axis in a vacuum system is constructed from a plurality of rectilinear electrode structures, each having a substantially planar face with a first dimension and a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension. When a voltage is applied across the second dimension, an electrical potential is produced at the planar face whose amplitude is a linear function of position along the second dimension. Two electrode structures can be arranged parallel to each other with the first dimension extending along the central axis or more electrodes structures can be arranged to form multipole structures with various polygonal cross sections. |
| US09184032B1 |
Performance regulated image intensifier power supply
Power supplies and methods for regulating performance of image intensifiers are disclosed. Performance is regulated by controlling the duty factor of the image intensifiers. |
| US09184028B2 |
Dual plasma volume processing apparatus for neutral/ion flux control
A semiconductor wafer processing apparatus includes a first electrode exposed to a first plasma generation volume, a second electrode exposed to a second plasma generation volume, and a gas distribution unit disposed between the first and second plasma generation volumes. The first electrode is defined to transmit radiofrequency (RF) power to the first plasma generation volume, and distribute a first plasma process gas to the first plasma generation volume. The second electrode is defined to transmit RF power to the second plasma generation volume, and hold a substrate in exposure to the second plasma generation volume. The gas distribution unit includes an arrangement of through-holes defined to fluidly connect the first plasma generation volume to the second plasma generation volume. The gas distribution unit also includes an arrangement of gas supply ports defined to distribute a second plasma process gas to the second plasma generation volume. |
| US09184022B2 |
Method and apparatus for control of coherent synchrotron radiation effects during recirculation with bunch compression
A modulated-bending recirculating system that avoids CSR-driven breakdown in emittance compensation by redistributing the bending along the beamline. The modulated-bending recirculating system includes a) larger angles of bending in initial FODO cells, thereby enhancing the impact of CSR early on in the beam line while the bunch is long, and 2) a decreased bending angle in the final FODO cells, reducing the effect of CSR while the bunch is short. The invention describes a method for controlling the effects of CSR during recirculation and bunch compression including a) correcting chromatic aberrations, b) correcting lattice and CSR-induced curvature in the longitudinal phase space by compensating T566, and c) using lattice perturbations to compensate obvious linear correlations x-dp/p and x′-dp/p. |
| US09184020B2 |
Tiltable or deflectable anode x-ray tube
A x-ray tube comprising an anode sealed to a flexible coupling. The flexible coupling can allow the anode to deflect or tilt in various directions to allow an electron beam to impinge upon various selected regions of an anode target.A method of utilizing different regions of an x-ray tube target by tilting or deflecting an x-ray tube anode to cause an electron beam to impinge on a selected region of the target. |
| US09184018B2 |
Compact magnet design for high-power magnetrons
A high-power magnetron assembly includes a high-power magnetron and a compact magnetic field generator. The high-power magnetron includes a cathode configured to emit electrons in response to receiving a supply of voltage from a power supply. The high-power magnetron includes an anode configured to concentrically surround the cathode and to attract the emitted electrons across an interaction region between the cathode and the anode. The compact magnetic field generator includes a plurality of permanent magnets including: a cathode magnet that has a longitudinal axis of symmetry annularly and that is surrounded by the cathode and disposed within the magnetron; and an anode magnet configured to annularly surround an outer perimeter of the magnetron. An arrangement of the plurality of permanent magnets concentrically about the longitudinal axis of symmetry forms a specified magnetic field within the interaction region that bounds the electrons emitted within the interaction region. |
| US09184017B2 |
Fluorescent display tube with touch switch and method of forming electrode and wiring of same
An object of the present invention is to provide a fluorescent display tube with a touch switch allowing electrodes such as touch electrode, anode electrode, and wirings thereof to be formed on the same substrate at the same time, and having an easy structure, and to provide a method of forming the electrodes and wirings of the fluorescent display tube. The anode electrodes, the touch electrodes, the shield electrode, and the anode wirings are formed on the front substrate. The shield electrode is formed in between the touch electrodes and the anode electrodes, and in between the touch electrodes and the anode wirings. The shield electrode is made of a continuous single conductive film. The touch electrodes are so formed as to surround the corresponding one of the anode electrodes. |
| US09184016B2 |
Field emission cathode device and field emission equipment using the same
A field emission cathode device includes a cathode electrode. An electron emitter is electrically connected to the cathode electrode, wherein the electron emitter includes a number of sub-electron emitters. An electron extracting electrode is spaced from the cathode electrode by a dielectric layer, wherein the electron extracting electrode defines a through-hole. The distances between an end of each of the sub-electron emitters away from the cathode electrode and a sidewall of the through-hole are substantially equal. |
| US09184014B2 |
Electrical operator for circuit breaker and method thereof
An electrical operator for a circuit breaker includes a carriage moving assembly and a solenoid having a reciprocating plunger. The plunger is configured to engage with the carriage moving assembly in response to a pulsating current. |
| US09184012B2 |
Integrated circuit fuse and method of fabricating the integrated circuit fuse
A fuse formed as part of an integrated circuit has cavities disposed to the sides of the fuse to provide more reliable operation with less chance of re-connection. A method of providing the fuse is also described. |
| US09184009B2 |
Electronic switching device and method for manufacturing the same
Provided are an electronic switching device and a method for manufacturing the same. The electronic switching device includes a fixed unit including a fixed unit body defining an outer appearance thereof and a fixed contact part disposed within the fixed unit body, a movable unit including a movable contact part selectively contacting the fixed contact part to supply current, a moving part provided in the movable unit to guide a movement of the movable contact part toward the fixed contact part, a coil to which power is applied to move the moving part, and an elastic member that is elastically deformable while the moving part moves. At least one of the fixed unit and the moving part has a through hole so that an inner component of the fixed unit or the moving part communicates with the outside to allow a preset signal to pass therethrough. |
| US09184007B1 |
Millimeter-wave electro-mechanical stripline switch
An electromechanical microswitch, comprising first and second electromagnets mounted in spaced-apart orientation to one another where each electromagnetic has a field center located a first distance above the mounting surface. A permanent magnet is positioned between the electromagnets and includes a magnetic field center that is higher above the mounting surface than that of the electromagnets so that the permanent magnet is magnetically biased toward the mounting surface. A stripline switch element is mountable between the permanent magnet and mounting surface, and biased against circuit structures on the mounting surface, whereby the stripline switch element moves between first and second activated positions under influence of the electromagnets. |
| US09184006B2 |
Relay acoustical noise reduction system
A system for controlling a relay to reduce acoustic noise of connections and disconnections being made within the relay. An impact of closing and opening contacts in a relay may cause the acoustic noise. For instance, when a relay coil causes the contacts to come together for a connection, an acoustic noise may occur. When the relay coil causes the contacts to separate for breaking a connection, another acoustic noise may occur. Reduction of acoustic noise may be realized by controlling movement of the contacts. The present system may control current to the relay coil to slow the movement of contacts while closing and opening to reduce the acoustic noise. |
| US09183999B2 |
Vehicle push button switch
In a vehicle push button switch, a case fixed to a vehicle body or a lid is provided with a guide portion for guiding a push button and supports a switch used to change a switching state in response to a push operation of the push button. The switch is protected by using a sealing structure. The case includes: a first case member; a second case member fixed to the first case member; and an elastic member interposed between the first and second case members. The push button is connected to the center portion of the elastic member, and the switch housed in a housing chamber formed between the first case member and the elastic member is supported by the first case member such that the switching state is changed in response to bending of the elastic member which occurs with the push operation of the push button. |
| US09183997B2 |
Switch for an electric device
A switch has a housing and an actuating element retained on a travel path in the housing. A restoring member (4) provides a restoring force urging the actuator to an off position at one end of the travel path. A resistance generator provides a resistance force which opposes the restoring force when the actuator is in a fully actuated position to reduce the holding force require to keep the actuating element in the fully actuated position. |
| US09183995B2 |
Negative electrode for power storage device and power storage device
A decomposition reaction of an electrolyte solution and the like caused as a side reaction of charge and discharge is minimized in repeated charge and discharge of a lithium ion battery or a lithium ion capacitor, and thus the lithium ion battery or the lithium ion capacitor can have long-term cycle performance. A negative electrode for a power storage device includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer which includes a plurality of particles of a negative electrode active material. Each of the particles of the negative electrode active material has an inorganic compound film containing a first inorganic compound on part of its surface. The negative electrode active material layer has a film in contact with an exposed part of the negative electrode active material and part of the inorganic compound film. The film contains an organic compound and a second inorganic compound. |
| US09183990B2 |
Electroconductive polymer composition, electroconductive polymer material, electroconductive substrate, electrode and solid electrolytic capacitor
Provided is an electroconductive polymer composition with a good film forming property. Also, provided is an electroconductive polymer material with a high electroconductivity and a high transparency as well as an electroconductive substrate having the electroconductive polymer material on a substrate, and an electrode. Further, provided is an electronic device having the electrode as well as a solid electrolytic capacitor with a high capacitance and a low ESR. Disclosed is an electroconductive polymer composition, containing an electroconductive polymer in which a dopant is doped, a water-soluble polymer resin, and a solvent which contains water and an organic solvent whose dielectric constant is higher than that of water. |
| US09183989B2 |
Variable capacitance type double-layered capacitor including inside member housed in outside member
A variable capacitance type capacitor includes an inside member and an outside member including a space for housing the inside member. The inside member has a columnar shape, and a first conductor pattern is formed on a circumferential surface thereof. The outside member has a predetermined dielectric constant, and a second conductor pattern is formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof so as to oppose the first conductor pattern formed on the inside member. The inside member housed in the space of the outside member is displaced relative to the outside member in a direction of a central axis of the inside member in response to an externally applied force, and an opposed area between the first conductor pattern and the second conductor pattern changes to thereby form a capacitance corresponding to the externally applied force between the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US09183987B2 |
Multilayered ceramic component
Disclosed herein is a multilayered ceramic component having a structure in which internal electrode layers and dielectric layers are alternately multilayered, wherein the internal electrode layer includes 0.01 to 12 wt % of common material based on weight of metal powders, and an average particle size of the common material is 30 to 50% of an average particle size of a dielectric base material included in the dielectric layer. According to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the particle size and the added amount of the common material squeezed out from the internal electrode layers at the time of firing thereof at a high temperature are controlled, thereby making it possible to improve the capacity and the reliability of the internal electrode. |
| US09183986B2 |
Laminated ceramic electronic component and manufacturing method therefor
A laminated body is divided into a large grain region and a small grain region. The large grain region is located outside the small grain region, and a boundary surface between the regions is located inside the outer surface of the laminated body while surrounding a section in which internal electrodes are present in the laminated body. To obtain the laminated body, firing is carried out with a profile in which the average rate of increase from room to the maximum temperature is 40° C./second or more. |
| US09183985B2 |
Method for winding coil on an object
A method for winding a coil on an object, wherein the coil includes a plurality of first coils and a plurality of second coils, may have winding the first coils on an exterior circumferences of the second coils, wherein an outer circumferences of the respective second coil is enclosed and in contact with outer circumference of at least three first coils, and wherein cross-sectional area of the second coil is smaller than that of the first coil, and wherein the outer circumference of the at least three first coils are in contact each other. |
| US09183982B2 |
Power-electronic-type fault current limiter using magnetic turn-off principle
The present invention provides a fault current limiter which can reduce an abnormal current, such as a fault current, in a power system through the magnetic turn-off which increases the reactance of an electric circuit by changing the magnetic circuit. The fault current limiter for limiting a current supplied through a power supply path, according to the present invention, includes: an iron core having three legs of which the upper and lower portions are connected to each other; a primary winding wound around each of the three legs of the iron core and having both ends connected to the power supply path; and a secondary winding wound around each of the three legs of the iron core and having both ends connected to each other through a first switching device. |
| US09183977B2 |
Method for fabricating a coil by way of a rounded trench
A method for manufacturing an electronic device and an electronic device are disclosed. In an embodiment the method comprises forming an opening in an isolation layer, isotropically etching the opening thereby forming an extended opening with curved sidewalls, and forming a conductive material in the opening. |
| US09183976B2 |
Springless electromagnet actuator having a mode selectable magnetic armature
A standard solenoid body and coils are combined with a non-magnetic armature tube containing a permanent magnet, preferably neodymium. The magnet is located in one of three positions within the armature. When biased toward the stop end of the solenoid, it may be configured to act as a push solenoid. When biased toward the collar end of the solenoid, it may be configured to act as a pull solenoid. In either case, no spring is required to return the armature to its de-energized position. Positioning the magnet in the middle of the armature defines a dual-latching solenoid requiring no power to hold it in a given state. A positive coil pulse moves the armature toward the stop end, whereas a negative coil pulse moves the armature toward the collar end. The armature will remain at the end to which it was directed until another pulse of opposite polarity comes along. |
| US09183973B2 |
Diffusion barrier coated substrates and methods of making the same
Devices on a diffusion barrier coated metal substrates, and methods of making the same are disclosed. The devices include a metal substrate, a diffusion barrier layer on the metal substrate, one or more insulator layers on the diffusion barrier layer, and an antenna and/or inductor on the one or more insulator layer(s). The method includes forming a diffusion barrier layer on the metal substrate, forming one or more insulator layers on the diffusion barrier layer; and forming an antenna and/or inductor on an uppermost one of the insulator layer(s). The antenna and/or inductor is electrically connected to at least one of the diffusion barrier layer and/or the metal substrate. Such diffusion barrier coated substrates prevent diffusion of metal atoms from the metal substrate into device layers formed thereon. |
| US09183972B2 |
Magnetic, acrylic strongly basic anion exchange microsphere resin and the manufacturing method thereof
This invention relates to the field of resin, particularly to a magnetic, acrylic strongly basic anion exchange microsphere resin and its manufacturing method. Its basic structure is as follow: wherein its matrix contains magnetic grains and A is a group containing quaternary ammonium salts; the manufacturing method is: taking acrylic compounds as the monomer and mixing it with the crosslinking agent and porogenic agent to form an oil phase; evenly mixing the oil phase with magnetic grains and then conducting suspension polymerization; aminating and alkylating the polymerized magnetic grains so as to form the quaternary ammonium salts, namely the magnetic, acrylic strongly basic anion exchange microsphere resin. The exchange capacity of this resin is higher than that of any magnetic strongly basic anion exchange microsphere resin available either on both Chinese and overseas markets or in literature; it is able to take the place of the traditional strongly basic anion exchange resin in separating and removing soluble organics, particularly precursors of disinfection by-products, and various anions such as nitrates and phosphates. |
| US09183968B1 |
Metal nanowire inks for the formation of transparent conductive films with fused networks
Fusing nanowire inks are described that can also comprise a hydrophilic polymer binder, such as a cellulose based binder. The fusing nanowire inks can be deposited onto a substrate surface and dried to drive the fusing process. Transparent conductive films can be formed with desirable properties. |
| US09183965B2 |
Conductive hard carbon film and method for forming the same
A film is formed under vacuum by a step of purifying and/or flattening the base material (13) by irradiating the base material (13) with a gas cluster ion beam (4a); by a step of forming an intermediate layer film by evaporating/vaporizing an intermediate layer film forming material, allowing the evaporated/vaporized material to adhere to the surface of the base material (13), and irradiating the intermediate layer film forming material with a gas cluster ion beam (4a); and by evaporating/vaporizing a carbon film forming material containing a carbonaceous material containing substantially no hydrogen, and a boron material, allowing the evaporated/vaporized material to adhere to the surface of the intermediate layer film, and irradiating the carbon film forming material with a gas cluster ion beam (4a). |
| US09183955B2 |
Suspension type high-density storage rack for nuclear fuel assemblies
A suspension type high-density storage rack for nuclear fuel assemblies may include a plurality of body parts each having a basket cell storing the corresponding nuclear fuel assembly and having a generally square tube-like shape elongated in a height direction thereof, a plurality of connection plates integrally connecting the basket cells adjacent to each other, while maintaining them at a predetermined distance, and a base plate fixedly coupling the undersides of the basket cells thereto; and a plurality of cap parts each closing the opened upper portion of the corresponding body part and suspending the corresponding nuclear fuel assembly therefrom. |
| US09183952B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for compressing data received over multiple memory accesses
Apparatuses and methods for compressing data responsive to a plurality of memory accesses is described. An example compression circuit includes a comparator configured to compare data provided by a group of memory cells associated with a repair address. Each subset of one or more bits of the data is sequentially provided by the group of memory cells responsive to a respective memory access of a plurality of memory accesses. The example compression circuit further including an error bit latch coupled to the comparison circuit. The error bit latch configured to, responsive to an output received from the comparison circuit indicating an error, compress the data to an error bit by setting the error bit to an error detected state and latching the error bit having the error detected state. |
| US09183951B2 |
Resistance change memory and test method of the same
According to one embodiment, a resistance change memory includes a memory cell array, an address counter, a word line driver, a power supply circuit, and a write driver. Memory cells include resistive storage elements and cell transistors. The power supply circuit generates a stress voltage different from a power supply voltage used to write data into the memory cells in a normal operation. The write driver applies the stress voltage across first bit and source lines to pass a stress current through the memory cell selected by a first word line. The write driver applies the stress voltage across second bit and source lines to pass the stress current through the memory cell selected by a second word line. |
| US09183950B2 |
Memory card
A memory card includes a memory cell, a connector, a controller, and firmware. The memory cell can switch between a plurality of states. The connector can be connected to an external device and exchange signals including commands and data with the external device. The controller exchanges signals with the connector, analyzes a received signal, and accesses the memory cell to record, retrieve or modify data based on the analysis result. The firmware is located within the controller, controls the operation of the controller, and can be set to a test mode or a user mode. When the firmware receives a test command from the external device and the firmware is set to the test mode, the firmware performs a defect test on the memory cell and transmits the result of the defect test to the external device through the connector. |
| US09183944B2 |
Method of writing data in non-volatile memory device
A method of writing data in a non-volatile memory device includes receiving a program command and a first row address corresponding to a first word line; performing a first partial programming operation with respect to first memory cells coupled to the first word line; performing a second partial programming operation with respect to second memory cells coupled to a second word line adjacent to the first word line; performing a first verification operation by verifying the first partial programming operation; and selectively performing a first additional programming operation with respect to the first memory cells depending on a result of the first verification operation. |
| US09183940B2 |
Low disturbance, power-consumption, and latency in NAND read and program-verify operations
A HiNAND array with a hierarchical-BL scheme configured to divide a large global bit line (GBL) capacitance into J number of small local bit line (LBL) capacitances for reducing bit line precharge voltage and discharge time to achieve faster Read and Program-Verify speed, lower power consumption, lower latency, and lower word line disturbance for a reliable DRAM-like latch sensing. A reduced precharge voltage can be increased by M-fold (M≧2) using a Multiplier between each bitline and each Latch sense amplifier (SA). Between each Multiplier and each Latch SA, there is a Connector with two optional designs for either fully passing a sense voltage to the Latch SA with a same-polarity and value or reversing the polarity the sensing voltage with additional amplification. The Latch SA is configured to transfer stored threshold states of a memory cell into a bit of a page buffer. |
| US09183933B2 |
Memory cell
Cell layouts for a memory cell, such as for ternary content addressable memory (TCAM), are disclosed. Some cell layouts include a well strap structure. A cell layout may include a p-doped well, an n-doped well, and a p-doped well sequentially along a layout. Another cell layout may include a p-doped well, an n-doped well, a p-doped well, and an n-doped well sequentially along a layout. A well strap structure may be in a p-doped well or an n-doped well. Various metallization layers having a mesh may be used with a memory cell layout. In some disclosed examples, a first metallization layer may have one, two, or four ground traces, and a second metallization layer may have two ground traces. These various ground traces may be electrically coupled together to form a mesh. |
| US09183931B2 |
Resistive memory device capable of increasing sensing margin by controlling interface states of cell transistors
Memory systems can include a memory device having an array of nonvolatile memory cells therein, which is electrically coupled to a plurality of bit lines and a plurality of word lines. The nonvolatile memory cells may include respective nonvolatile resistive devices electrically coupled in series with corresponding cell transistors. A controller is also provided, which may be coupled to the memory device. The controller can be configured to drive the memory device with signals that support dual programming of: (i) the nonvolatile resistive devices; and (ii) interface states within the cell transistors, during operations to write data into the memory device. |
| US09183916B2 |
Electro-mechanical diode non-volatile memory cell for cross-point memory arrays
A non-volatile electro-mechanical diode memory cell is described for implementation of compact (4F2) cross-point memory arrays. The electro-mechanical diode memory cells operate with relatively low set/reset voltages and excellent retention characteristics, and are multi-time programmable. Due to its simplicity, this electro-mechanical diode memory cell is attractive for implementation of three-dimensional memory arrays for higher storage density. |
| US09183914B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A first ReRAM unit having a resistance change layer is provided between a first access transistor configuring the SRAM and a first bit line, and a second ReRAM unit having a resistance change layer is provided between a second access transistor and a second bit line. When a low potential (L=0V) is held at a first storage node and a high potential (H=1.5V) is held at a second storage node at the end of a normal operation period of the SRAM, the first ReRAM unit is set to ON state (ON), and the second ReRAM unit is set to OFF state (OFF); accordingly, the retained data of the SRAM is written in to the ReRAM units. When the SRAM returns to the normal operation again, data corresponding to the storage nodes are written back and the ReRAM units are both set to ON state (reset). |
| US09183911B2 |
Hybrid read scheme for spin torque MRAM
A method of reading data from a plurality of bits in a spin-torque magnetoresistive memory array includes performing one or more referenced read operations of the bits, and performing a self-referenced read operation, for example, a destructive self-referenced read operation, of any of the bits not successfully read by the referenced read operation. The referenced read operations can be initiated at the same time or prior to that of the destructive self-referenced read operation. |
| US09183903B2 |
Reading memory data
A circuit includes one or more memory cells, a data line associated with the one or more memory cells, one or more reference cells, a reference data line associated with the one or more reference cells, a first circuit coupled to the reference data line and the data line, and a second circuit. The first circuit is configured to output a first logical value based on a voltage level of the data line upon occurrence of a voltage level of the reference data line reaching a trip point. The second circuit is configured to output a second logical value based on the voltage level on the data line prior to the occurrence of the voltage level of the reference data line reaching the trip point, and to output the first logical value after the occurrence of the voltage level of the reference data line reaching the trip point. |
| US09183895B2 |
Memory with dynamic feedback control circuit
A memory comprising a word line having a word line voltage, a charge pump coupled to the word line, and a dynamic feedback control circuit coupled to the charge pump. The dynamic feedback control circuit is configured to boost the word line voltage to a predetermined voltage value greater than a target threshold voltage, change a clock frequency of a clock signal supplied to the charge pump from a non-zero frequency to a zero frequency if the word line voltage is above the predetermined voltage value, and change the clock frequency from the zero frequency to the non-zero frequency if the word line voltage is below the target threshold voltage. |
| US09183894B2 |
Semiconductor device
The memory device includes a first logic element which is supplied with a first power supply voltage, and inverts a polarity of a potential of an input terminal to output the potential with the inverted polarity from an output terminal, a second logic element which is supplied with a second power supply voltage supplied through a different path from the first power supply voltage, and inverts a polarity of a potential of an input terminal to output the potential with the inverted polarity from an output terminal, a first memory circuit connected to the input terminal of the first logic element, and a second memory circuit connected to the input terminal of the second logic element. The input terminal and the output terminal of the first logic element are connected to the output terminal and the input terminal of the second logic element, respectively. |
| US09183890B2 |
Stacked semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
The stacked semiconductor device including a first chip, a second chip positioned on the first chip, the second chip being connected to a plurality of first penetration electrodes and including a first memory and a memory controller that are each controlled by the first chip, and a second memory positioned on the second chip and connected to a plurality of second penetration electrodes and controlled by the memory controller. |
| US09183887B2 |
Interactive multimedia apparatus
An interactive multimedia apparatus (1) usable in combination with a software suite of authoring programs (2) installed in a computing means of a mobile data processing apparatus (3) of the type having a display means (4) and one or more input means (4) is disclosed. The interactive multimedia apparatus (1) provides a bundle of tools which together enable a multimedia composition to be generated in real time on the mobile data processing apparatus (3). The present invention utilizes individual channels (11, 40) to ensure users can interact directly with individual files (10) and set various composition authoring parameters (14) both before and during a mixing cycle to dynamically create a multimedia composition. |
| US09183886B2 |
Method and apparatus for synchronizing data streams containing audio, video and/or other data
Several data streams contain video, audio and/or other data. Some of the data streams are pre-recorded in a multiplex on a storage medium while other data streams are located out of the data stream multiplex on the storage medium. The data streams are synchronized using a navigation file (List_of_PlayItems), which comprises descriptors (PlayItems, SubPlayItems) pointing to parts of said data streams, wherein said descriptors define the arrangement in time for said data streams by means of data sub stream paths. |
| US09183885B2 |
User-initiated control of an audio/video stream to skip interstitial content between program segments
Various embodiments are described for skipping, filtering, or replacing content from an audio/video stream using text data associated with the stream, wherein the stream has segments of a show interspersed with commercial breaks. A method for processing the stream determines that a commercial break is currently being output for presentation, and monitors for receipt of a user-initiated command to skip the commercial break. When a user-initiated skip command is received during the commercial break, the method automatically skips to a location in the stream that is at or near an end of the commercial break, and seamlessly continues presentation of the stream from that location. If a skip command is not received during output of the commercial break, then output of the current commercial break continues as usual. This methodology is repeated for all subsequent commercial breaks in the stream. |
| US09183883B2 |
Method and system for generating data for controlling a system for rendering at least one signal
A method of generating data for controlling a rendering system (9) includes obtaining data representative of a recording of at least intervals of an event, the recording having at least two components (22,23) obtainable through different respective modalities. The data is analyzed to determine at least a dependency between a first and a second of the components (22,23). At least the dependency is used to provide settings (30) for a system (9) for rendering in perceptible form at least one output through a first modality in dependence on at least the settings and on at least one signal for rendering in perceptible form through a second modality. |
| US09183882B2 |
Moving-image playback device
According to a moving-image playback device of an embodiment of the invention, a frame rate control circuit uses an input interval Tc of a plurality of input images in an input video, a display interval Td of a plurality of display images in a display video, and a time extension magnification N of the display video with respect to the input video as inputs and that outputs the number “m” of images of the same content and a constant “n” greater by one than the number “a” of interpolation images which are each inserted between the input images.The frame rate control circuit outputs the number “m” of images and the constant “n”, which are determined based on a combination (m, n) of a natural number for satisfying an equation of n×m=N×Tc/Td, to the interpolation image generation circuit. |
| US09183878B2 |
Reading method for linear tape open
A method for operating a tape storage system includes simultaneously receiving readback signals from a set of data readers reading from data tracks of a set of adjacent data tracks extending along a longitudinal extension of a tape storage medium. Each data track has a width and each data reader has a width that exceeds the width of a data track. In the readback signal, of one of the data readers of the set a simultaneous presence of two defined waveforms is detected stemming from two different servo patterns arranged in servo sections of adjacent data tracks of the set. At least one of lateral position, velocity, gain and timing information is derived from a measure of the energy of the two defined waveforms detected in the readback signal of the data reader and applying this information in the operation of the tape storage system. |
| US09183874B1 |
Determining estimated position information of a magnetic recording tape using media thickness estimation
In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring actual position information from encoding on a magnetic medium, calculating estimated position information of the magnetic medium using a media thickness value, comparing the estimated position information with the position information acquired from encoding, determining whether an error between the estimated position information and the acquired position information is within a specified range, in response to determining that the error is within the specified range, storing the media thickness value to a memory, and in response to determining that the error is outside the specified range, changing the media thickness value. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a controller and logic integrated with and/or executable by the controller, the logic being configured to cause the controller to perform the foregoing method. |
| US09183871B2 |
Optical recording device, optical recording method and multi-layer disk
An optical recording device that records to a multi-layer disk having multiple recording layers includes a controller which sets a data area in which user data is recorded, and a calibration area including a main calibration area and at least one sub-calibration area which are used to calibrate the intensity of laser light for recording, with the same layout among the plurality of recording layers, conducts first calibration for performing initial recording in the data area by using the main calibration area, records dummy data in the remainder of the main calibration area, and conducts second calibration for performing additional recording in the data area by using the sub-calibration area. |
| US09183867B1 |
Systems and methods for forming implanted capping layers in magnetic media for magnetic recording
Systems and methods for forming implanted capping layers in magnetic media for magnetic recording are provided. One such method includes providing an underlayer, providing a magnetic recording layer on the underlayer, the magnetic recording layer including a bottom surface and a top surface where the bottom surface is between the top surface and the underlayer, and implanting a capping material in the top surface of the magnetic recording layer using a direct implantation technique or an indirect implantation technique. |
| US09183866B2 |
Magnetic disk substrate with offset portion on a main surface within a range of 92.0 to 97.0% in a radial direction from a center, magnetic disk with substrate and magnetic disk device
A magnetic disk substrate having a flat main surface, an end face, and a chamfered face formed between the main surface and the end face. The substrate has an offset portion, present on the main surface within a range of 92.0 to 97.0% in a radial direction from a center of the substrate. A distance from the center of the substrate to the end face of the substrate in a radial direction is 100%, the offset portion being raised or lowered with respect to a virtual straight line connecting two points on the main surface, set at positions of 92.0% and 97.0%. A maximum distance from the virtual straight line to the offset portion in a direction perpendicular to the virtual straight line is a “maximum offset value.” |
| US09183865B1 |
Patterned perpendicular magnetic recording medium with ultrathin noble metal interlayer
A bit-patterned media (BPM) magnetic recording disk has a cobalt (Co) alloy recording layer (RL), a ruthenium (Ru) containing underlayer (UL), and a noble metal film (NMF) as an interlayer between the RL and the UL. The RL is preferably oxide-free and is a Co alloy, like a CoPtCr alloy, with a hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) crystalline structure with its c-axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane of the RL. The NMF is an element from the Pt group (Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir) and Au, or an alloy of two or more of these elements, and has a thickness less than 3.0 nm, preferably between 0.3 and 1.0 nm. The NMF does not interrupt the epitaxial growth of the RL and has little to no effect on the distribution of the RL c-axis orientation. The NMF increases the coercivity (Hc) and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy constant (Ku) of the RL. |
| US09183861B1 |
Hard disk drive suspension dimple
Approaches to a suspension for a hard disk drive (HDD) include a non-hemispherical dimple for movably coupling a flexure with a load beam, where the length of the non-hemispherical dimple exceeds the width. Therefore, in the context of a microactuator system, piezo actuating devices may be installed closer together to improve the microactuator stroke performance in moving the slider over the disk surface. |
| US09183857B2 |
Magnetic devices having shields including a nickel alloy
A device including a magnetoresistive sensor; a top shield; and a bottom shield, wherein the magnetoresistive sensor is positioned between the top shield and the bottom shield, and wherein at least one of the bottom shield and the top shield include NiFeX, wherein X is chosen from Nb, Mo, Ta, or W. |
| US09183850B2 |
System and method for tracking sound pitch across an audio signal
A system and method may be configured to analyze audio information derived from an audio signal. The system and method may track sound pitch across the audio signal. The tracking of pitch across the audio signal may take into account change in pitch by determining at individual time sample windows in the signal duration an estimated pitch and an estimated fractional chirp rate of the harmonics at the estimated pitch. The estimated pitch and the estimated fractional chirp rate may then be implemented to determine an estimated pitch for another time sample window in the signal duration with an enhanced accuracy and/or precision. |
| US09183842B2 |
Transcoder with dynamic audio channel changing
A transcoder is arranged to transcode a stream having a dynamically changing audio configuration, such as a changing number of audio channels. The transcoder can receive an input stream whereby changes in the content associated with the input stream causes corresponding changes to the configuration of audio data encoded in the input stream. The transcoder is arranged to detect the change in audio configuration and, in response, to dynamically reconfigure its decoder and encoder modules to continue to transcode the audio data after the audio configuration change. |
| US09183841B2 |
Identification of watermarked content
There are provided methods and systems for identifying watermarked content. In one implementation, such a method includes receiving content including a digital watermark, and detecting the digital watermark, the detecting being performed without use of a decoder configured to read the digital watermark. In implementations in which the content includes an audio watermark, detecting the audio watermark includes filtering an audio frequency spectrum of the content, sampling the audio frequency spectrum to generate data corresponding to the content, determining a first audio level for searching the data based on the sampling, and searching the data at the first audio level. The content may be identified as watermarked content including an audio watermark when multiple, single frequency tones are detected. |
| US09183839B2 |
Apparatus, method and computer program for providing a set of spatial cues on the basis of a microphone signal and apparatus for providing a two-channel audio signal and a set of spatial cues
An apparatus for providing a set of spatial cues associated with an upmix audio signal having more than two channels on the basis of a two-channel microphone signal has a signal analyzer and a spatial side information generator. The signal analyzer is configured to obtain a component energy information and a direction information on the basis of the two-channel microphone signal, such that the component energy information describes estimates of energies of a direct sound component of the two-channel microphone signal and of a diffuse sound component of the two-channel microphone signal, and such that the directional information describes an estimate of a direction from which the direct sound component of the two-channel microphone signal originates. The spatial side information generator is configured to map the component energy information and the direction information onto a spatial cue information describing the set of spatial cues associated with an upmix audio signal having more than two channels. |
| US09183837B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining bit rate for audio content
An apparatus and a method for determining a bit rate of audio content, and more particularly, an audio content bit rate determining apparatus and a method capable of quickly and correctly identifying audio content compressed at a constant bit rate from among audio content compressed at a variable bit rate and a constant bit rate, are provided. The apparatus includes a first bit rate determiner for determining a bit rate type of audio content having frames with the same frame size by skipping a predetermined number of frames with respect to the audio content, and a second bit rate determiner for determining a bit rate type of audio content having frames with different frame sizes by skipping a predetermined number of frames with respect to the audio content. |
| US09183836B2 |
Adaptive voice print for conversational biometric engine
A computer-implemented method, system and/or program product update voice prints over time. A receiving computer receives an initial voice print. A determining period of time is calculated for that initial voice print. This determining period of time is a length of time during which an expected degree of change in subsequent voice prints, in comparison to the initial voice print and according to a speaker's subsequent age, is predicted to occur. A new voice print is received after the determining period of time has passed, and the new voice print is compared with the initial voice print. In response to a change to the new voice print falling within the expected degree of change in comparison to the initial voice print, a voice print store is updated with the new voice print. |
| US09183832B2 |
Display apparatus and method for executing link and method for recognizing voice thereof
A display apparatus and a method for executing a link and a method for recognizing a voice thereof are provided. The method for executing a link of the display apparatus includes displaying a user interface, determining a text included in a link included in the user interface, displaying the text determined in the link to be distinguished from other texts, recognizing a voice input from a user, and if the voice uttered by the user matches the text determined in the link, executing the link associated with the matching text. Accordingly, possibility of misrecognition of a voice input by the user is reduced, and the user controls a display apparatus using more exact voice recognition. |
| US09183828B2 |
Noise control panels to provide a noise-free environment for infants
According to embodiments of the invention, systems, methods and devices are directed to a noise control panel which serves as a sound barrier intended to provide a noise-free environment for infants. Various embodiments of the invention implement several novel features, including, in one embodiment, the noise control having a main body formed from a panel forming either a straight or curved upright sound barrier in front of a baby bed. Multiple panels may cover all sides of the bed and may have sound detectors incorporated therein. A vent serves to provide air circulation and/or conditioning if the panels are in a position enclosing the bed. |
| US09183824B2 |
Timbre selector, musical instrument, and timbre selecting method
A timbre selector includes a first signal processing unit, a second signal processing unit and a first switch. The first signal processing unit includes a first input terminal, a first filter and a first output terminal. The first input terminal receives a first tone signal. The first filter processes the first tone signal to generate a first processed signal. The second signal processing unit includes a second input terminal, a second filter and a second output terminal. The second input terminal receives a second tone signal. The second filter processes the second tone signal to generate a second processed signal. The first switch is connected to the first output terminal at the first position. The first switch is connected to the first and second output terminals at the second position. The first switch is connected to the second output terminal at the third position. |
| US09183823B2 |
Pickup and sustainer for stringed instruments
A bridge pickup for stringed musical instruments is described that incorporates piezoelectric pickups and an integrated magnetic sustain system. |
| US09183821B2 |
System and method for analysis and creation of music
A method and system for analyzing patterns in the relationships of notes of an input piece of music. The method comprises generating a set of the most frequently occurring note pitches in ascending pitch order that matches an interval pattern, and detecting out-of-key pitches that lie outside of this interval pattern. One or more potential key sequence bifurcations are identified which represent a list of possible key sequences according to forwards and backwards analysis. By finding patterns of repetition in the chordal sequences that may be generated according to these key sequence bifurcations, a key sequence that allows the most frequently recurring chord sequences may be chosen. Chord sequences may be analyzed by using ghost chords, temporary harmonic structures that are created, updated and finalized over time according to a combination of essential and inessential note fragments. The method further comprises identifying non-harmony pitches according to the analyzed chord sequence. |
| US09183820B1 |
Electronic music instrument and method for controlling an electronic music instrument
An electronic music instrument comprises an input device having a plurality of input elements configured for generating at least one digital signal corresponding to a particular note when activated, the input device configured to be organized in sounding input elements and non-sounding control input elements and configured for transposing a range of input elements to an intended range of notes; and a software module, wherein the software module is configured for receiving a transposition state of then input device and for remapping the control input elements according to the transposition state. |
| US09183819B2 |
Sleeve for a fretted musical instrument
A removable sleeve that encloses and protects the neck of a fretted musical instrument is provided. The bottom edge of the sleeve can be tightened about the neck of the fretted musical instrument with a closure to form a discrete environment inside the sleeve. The sleeve has one or more chutes on the inside of the sleeve into which a humidifying device can be inserted to impart and regulate the humidity level inside the sleeve. The control of humidity prevents damage to the neck of the musical instrument, such as cracking or warping, as well as loosening of the frets. A method for using the sleeve to protect and to control humidity levels around the neck of a fretted musical instrument or of other wood structures is also provided. |
| US09183817B2 |
Reed affixing device for wind instruments
Disclosed herein is a reed affixing device for a wind instrument. The device includes a puller means disposed on an upper portion of the mouthpiece in a longitudinal direction thereof and having a puller, with hollow portions formed in the puller in the longitudinal direction of the mouthpiece. A string-shaped cord passes through the hollow portions in the form of a unidirectional spiral from a side of the puller to wind around the reed and the mouthpiece at several times, and is secured to first and last hollow portions formed, respectively, in both ends of the puller. An affixing means is fastened to a side of the puller means to secure the reed to the mouthpiece. A pair of sound adjusting members is provided on opposite sides of the reed to be in close contact with the cord that is wound several times, thus adjusting a tone of sound. |
| US09183816B2 |
Protective system
A protective system includes a protective multi-layered body portion for protecting an instrument from debris, wind, temperature extremes, and visual observation. The body portion encapsulates the instrument fully assembled, so that a user has to remove the cover to utilize the instrument. The body portion minimizes contact with instrument. The body portion includes multiple layers. Each layer provides a unique, novel function for protection of the instrument. An inner layer engages the instrument. An intermediate layer contours to the shape of the instrument and provides insulation. An exterior layer forms the exterior protective surface and includes a pouch and a handle. Outside the body portion, a fastener regulates access to the inside. Inside the body portion, an instrument enhancing device, such as silica packs help protect the instrument. At least one wire carries a current along the body portion to provide heat for the instrument from an external source. |
| US09183814B2 |
Image displaying apparatus and image displaying method
An image displaying apparatus is provided, which includes: a display unit that displays an image, and which has a horizontal width and a vertical width; an image processing unit which processes the image; and a controller which controls the image processing unit, if an aspect ratio of the image is different from an aspect ratio of the display unit, to extend the image in a first direction until a horizontal width or a vertical width of the image becomes identical to any one of the horizontal width and the vertical width of the display unit, to extend the image in a second direction to maintain the aspect ratio of the image, and to move the extended image in the second direction on the display unit. |
| US09183812B2 |
Ambient light aware display apparatus
Systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed herein for adjusting the operation of a display based on ambient lighting conditions. One such apparatus includes a sensor input for receiving sensor data indicative of an ambient lighting condition, output logic and color gamut correction logic. The output logic is configured to simultaneously cause light sources of at least two colors to be illuminated to form each of at least three generated primary colors. The color gamut correction logic is configured to cause the output logic to adjust the output of at least one display light source for each of the at least three generated primary colors to change the saturation of each of the at least three generated primary colors based on the received ambient light sensor data. |
| US09183807B2 |
Displaying virtual data as printed content
The technology provides embodiments for displaying virtual data as printed content by a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display device system. One or more literary content items registered to a reading object in a field of view of the display device system are displayed with print layout characteristics. Print layout characteristics from a publisher of each literary content item are selected if available. The reading object has a type like a magazine, book, journal or newspaper and may be a real object or a virtual object displayed by the display device system. The reading object type of the virtual object is based on a reading object type associated with a literary content item to be displayed. Virtual augmentation data registered to a literary content item is displayed responsive to detecting user physical action in image data. An example of a physical action is a page flipping gesture. |
| US09183804B2 |
Display with wide view angle
A display comprises independently addressable pixels, a pixel comprising first and second electrodes (12a,12b) disposed on a first substrate and spaced apart from one another. A counter electrode (22) is provided on a second substrate, with an electro-optical material provided between the first substrate and the second substrate. A controller, in use, applies a first voltage to the first electrode of the pixel, a second voltage different to the first voltage to the second electrode of the pixel, and a third voltage to the counter electrode of the pixel to define in the pixel at least one of a first region (18a), a second region (18c) and a third region (18b). The first, second and third voltages are selected such that an area of the first region, second region and third region or each of the first, second region and third region defined in the pixel produces a desired greyscale level for the pixel. |
| US09183802B2 |
Displayer and pixel circuit thereof
A displayer and a pixel circuit thereof are provided. The displayer comprises the pixel circuit and a driving circuit for supplying a driving voltage to the pixel circuit. The pixel circuit belongs to a two data lines and one gate line architecture and comprises two pixel electrodes at least. The two pixel electrodes belong to the same pixel type and are positioned adjacent to each other. Thereby, the pixel circuit can improve the color shift effectively. |
| US09183801B2 |
Source driver apparatus and driving method of display panel
A source driver apparatus configured to drive a display panel is provided. The source driver apparatus includes a data operation circuit and a pixel driving circuit. The data operation circuit is configured to receive pixel data and perform a polarity determination operation on the pixel data to determine a polarity distribution information of pixels on the display panel. The pixel driving circuit is coupled to the data operation circuit. The pixel driving circuit is configured to drive the display panel according to the pixel data and the polarity distribution information. Furthermore, a driving method of the display panel is also provided. |
| US09183799B2 |
Additional application of voltage during a write sequence
With respect to liquid crystal display inversion schemes, a large change in voltage on a data line can affect the voltages on adjacent data lines due to capacitive coupling between data lines. The resulting change in voltage on these adjacent data lines can give rise to visual artifacts in the data lines' corresponding sub-pixels. Various embodiments of the present disclosure serve to prevent or reduce these visual artifacts by applying voltage to a data line more than once during the write sequence. Doing so can allow erroneous brightening or darkening caused by large voltage swings to be overwritten without causing additional large voltage swings on the data line. |
| US09183797B2 |
Display device and control method for display device
Disclosed is a display device that (i) converts an input image formed of R, G, and B into a converted image formed of R, G, B, and W to display the converted image and that (ii) compresses the luminance of an input image for the subsequent frame on the basis of an adjustment value C which is corrected in correspondence with the number of, among all pixels in a converted image for the current frame, pixels in a state of luminance saturation and that then converts the input image into a converted image, the display device including a luminance oscillation detecting section (10) for detecting, while input images identical to each other are being inputted each as the above input image, whether converted images corresponding to the respective input images have an oscillating luminance, the display device, in the case where the luminance oscillation detecting section (10) has detected that the converted images have an oscillating luminance, stopping correction of the adjustment value C to fix the adjustment value C to a certain value, thereby preventing the converted images from having an oscillating luminance as a result of oscillation of the adjustment value C. |
| US09183795B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device which can reduce a chip size and improves an electrostatic discharge capability.The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel for displaying a picture, and a driving circuit unit for driving the liquid crystal panel, wherein the driving circuit unit includes an input/output unit having a plurality of input units for receiving signals from an outside and a plurality of output units for forwarding signals to an outside, a logic unit having a plurality of logical cells each having a plurality of digital logical devices for receiving or forwarding a signal through the input/output unit, and an electrostatic shielding unit for protecting the digital logical devices from an external static electricity,wherein some of elements of the electrostatic shielding unit are formed in spaces among the logical cells. |
| US09183794B2 |
Display apparatus and driving method thereof
A display apparatus includes a plurality of light sources which emit light beams, a plurality of optical waveguides which guide the light beams, a plurality of scanning lines which are arranged so as to intersect with the optical waveguides, a plurality of light output elements which, at intersections of the optical waveguides and the scanning lines, output the light beams guided in the optical waveguides by electric signals from the scanning lines, and a scanning line driving unit which drives the scanning lines in a direction opposite to a direction in which the light beams are guided. |
| US09183793B2 |
Method for driving electrophoretic display apparatus, electrophoretic display apparatus, electronic apparatus, and electronic timepiece
An electrophoretic display apparatus driving method that allows DC balance to be achieved and reduces variations in size and color tone of a displayed image that may occur in a partial-screen drive method and related apparatus are provided. The drive method includes a first image display step (S2) of displaying a first image in a first color on a display section, a first image adjustment step (S3) of displaying a background of the first image in a second color, a first image deletion step (S4) of displaying the background of the first image in the first color, a second image display step (S12) of displaying a background of a second image in the second color, a second image adjustment step (S13) of displaying the second image in the first color, and a second image deletion step (S14) of displaying the second image in the second color. |
| US09183789B2 |
Display device, and brightness control signal generation method
Provided is a display device capable of properly controlling a luminance of a backlight on the basis of a plurality of factors. The display device is a display device (10) which includes a BL luminance control signal generating block (44) for generating a BL luminance control signal for controlling a luminance of a backlight unit (30). The BL luminance control signal generating block (44) (i) receives a plurality of BL luminance parameters regarding the luminance of the backlight unit (30), (ii) carries out a calculation process with respect to the plurality of BL luminance parameters and (iii) generates the BL luminance control signal on the basis of a result of the calculation process. |
| US09183786B2 |
Constant current driving circuit and light emitting diode backlight apparatus using the same
A constant current driving circuit includes a control integrated circuit which generates a switching signal, a switching device which switches an input power supply voltage based on the switching signal, a rectifying diode which rectifies a current of the input power supply voltage, a smoothing inductor which smoothes the current of the input power supply voltage, and a smoothing condenser which outputs an output current. The control integrated circuit includes a reference signal generator which generates a reference signal having information about a target constant current, a comparator which compares the current of the input power supply voltage with the reference signal, a flip-flop circuit which outputs a flip-flop signal having information about a time period during which a set state is maintained, and a delay circuit which outputs the switching signal to the switching device based on the flip-flop signal to control the switching device. |
| US09183778B2 |
Organic light emitting display and driving method thereof
An organic light emitting display is driven in a simultaneous (or concurrent) emission scheme. The organic light emitting display includes: a display unit including a plurality of pixels coupled to scan lines, control lines, and data lines; a control line driver for providing control signals to the pixels through the control lines; and a power driver for applying a power at different levels to the pixels of the display unit during a plurality of periods of one frame. The control signals and the power are concurrently provided to the pixels included in the display unit. |
| US09183777B2 |
Organic electroluminescent light emitting unit driving method for controlling brightness uniformity
An organic electroluminescent light emitting unit driving method includes a process (a) to execute preprocessing, a process (b) to execute threshold voltage cancellation processing, a process (c) to execute writing processing, a process (d) to set a first node to a floating state, and a process (e) to execute a series of processes at least once wherein after driving an organic electroluminescent light emitting unit, a reverse voltage is applied between the anode and cathode electrodes of the organic electroluminescent light emitting unit, with a series of processes (a) through (e) being repeated, with an auxiliary driving process being provided wherein a forward voltage is applied between the anode and cathode electrodes of the organic electroluminescent light emitting unit over a certain period, and with a period between the termination of the auxiliary driving process and the termination of the next process (b) being suppressed to 1 millisecond or less. |
| US09183776B2 |
Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display
An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display is disclosed. In one aspect, the OLED display includes a plurality of scan lines extending in a first direction and a plurality of data lines extending in a second direction crossing the first direction. The OLED display also includes a plurality of pixels electrically connected to the scan lines and the data lines and arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, each pixel including an OLED and a thin film transistor electrically connected to the OLED. The OLED display further includes a plurality of driving voltage lines that supply a driving voltage to each of the pixels and extend in the second direction, wherein an active layer of a thin film transistor serpentinely extends along an inclined direction with respect to the second direction. |
| US09183775B2 |
Display device, video processing device and video display method
A normal video data acquisition section acquires, as normal video data, a plurality of pieces of video data respectively assigned to a plurality of light sources in normal display from an input video signal A computing section performs a predetermined computation on the plurality of pieces of video data included in the normal video data to generate auxiliary video data used in place of the normal video data in auxiliary display. A selection section performs, in accordance with an instruction from a control section, a selection process for providing any one of the normal video data and the auxiliary video data to a modulation driving section. |
| US09183774B2 |
Display apparatus and driving method thereof for enhancing image quality using an encoder and a decoder
A display apparatus is disclosed. In one aspect the apparatus includes an encoder configured to encode a Nth first image data, where N is an integer of 2 or greater and a (N−1)th second image data at different rates. The display further includes a memory configured to store the encoded Nth first image data and the encoded (N−1)th second image data, a decoder configured to decode the encoded Nth first image data and the encoded (N−1)th second image data received from the memory and, an image processor configured to perform color processing on the decoded Nth first image data. It also includes an image converter configured to convert the Nth first image data received from the image processor into Nth second image data and an image quality enhancer configured to enhance image quality of the Nth second image data based on the decoded (N−1)th second image data. |
| US09183770B2 |
Foldable display device and method of controlling therefor
The present specification relates to a foldable display device and a method of controlling therefor, and more particularly, to a method of configuring illuminance of a display screen according to an illuminance value detected based on a folding angle between a first body and a second body of the foldable display device. |
| US09183768B2 |
Support systems
A support locator includes at least one body portion and at least one support portion, wherein the support portion is configured for engaging and retaining at least one strut member which holds a banner taught, and wherein the body portion is releasably connectable to a corner forming portion of a sheet of material forming the banner on the non-printed side of the banner, wherein the support portion projects substantially orthogonally out from a substantially planar body portion and wherein the plane of the body portion is parallel to that of the sheet material. |
| US09183765B2 |
Consumer product array, retail displays and methods of doing the same
The present invention relates to arrays of consumer products, retail displays of arrays of consumer products and methods for displaying an array of consumer products. |
| US09183763B2 |
Cardiac simulation device
The present invention describes a device and system for simulating normal and disease state cardiac functioning, including an anatomically accurate left cardiac simulator for training and medical device testing. The system and device uses pneumatically pressurized chambers to generate ventricle and atrium contractions. In conjunction with the interaction of synthetic mitral and aortic valves, the system is designed to generate pumping action that produces accurate volume fractions and pressure gradients of pulsatile flow, duplicating that of a human heart. Through the use of a remote handheld electronic controller and manual adjustments from a main control panel, the air pressure level, fluidic pressure, and heart rate is controlled to induce contractions that simulate a wide variety of heart conditions ranging from normal heart function to severely diseased or injured heart conditions. |
| US09183762B2 |
Method of measuring abdominal thrusts for clinical use and training
A method and system for determining the adequacy of abdominal thrusts applied to choking victims during performance of the Heimlich maneuver. |
| US09183761B1 |
Behavior management platform
A behavior management platform provided herein comprises software modules for use by persons exhibiting behaviors they wish to modify. An example “diapression” management platform is provided for persons exhibiting a range of undesired behaviors associated with diabetes. Three modules are described for integrated development: a Condition Assessment Module (CAM), an Emotional Triggers Coach Module (ETCM), and a Coping Inventory Module (CIM). A back-end database allows for generating profiles, providing feedback to users derived from population-level behavioral characteristics, and capacity to store information at the individual and aggregate level. |
| US09183752B2 |
Tutorial generator with automatic capture of screenshots
Screenshots on a computer display are automatically captured to assist in building a tutorial to demonstrate the functionality of one or more applications. In one possible approach, an event detector, such as an accessibility toolkit, detects when events are generated by the one or more applications. The events may include, e.g., button clicks, windows opening or closing, drag and drop events, check boxes being checked, menus being pulled down or menu items selected, and so forth. Or, a program may monitor pixel changes on the screen to detect when changes occur in the images generated by the one or more applications. A tutorial builder application automatically captures an image when the event or image change is detected, edits the captured image such as by providing a focus on the changed portion, and provides the edited image in a tutorial window. Related text can also be automatically generated. |
| US09183746B2 |
Single camera video-based speed enforcement system with a secondary auxiliary RGB traffic camera
When performing video-based speed enforcement a main camera and a secondary RGB traffic camera are employed to provide improved accuracy of speed measurement and improved evidentiary photo quality compared to single camera approaches. The RGB traffic camera provides sparse secondary video data at a lower cost than a conventional stereo camera. The sparse stereo processing is performed using the main camera data and the sparse RGB camera data to estimate a height of one or more tracked vehicle features, which in turn is used to improve speed estimate accuracy. By using secondary video, spatio-temporally sparse stereo processing is enabled specifically for estimating the height of a vehicle feature above the road surface. |
| US09183744B2 |
Method for providing images of traffic incidents
A method for providing traffic incident information is disclosed. Selected images of a traffic incident are associated with corresponding traffic incident data. The combined information is provided to an end-user application, such as a navigation system, the Internet, and a television station. A user can obtain the combined traffic incident information from the end-user application and/or device to obtain a better understanding of the traffic incident. |
| US09183732B2 |
Dual band nurse call system
A nurse call station and system capable of scalable accommodating a plurality of wireless nodes by incorporating a dual band of 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz for use in transmission and repeating an identification signal. The nurse call system is comprised of various components that includes but is not limited to gateway nodes, transmitter nodes, repeaters, end nodes and locators. Transmitter nodes may be comprised of various transmitter styles including wireless check in stations, wireless emergency call stations and resident bed stations. |
| US09183729B2 |
Hand care reporting panel
A reporting panel reports a selected basis for hand care. The reporting panel may be mounted at a location near one or more hand care product dispensers and may be associated with one or more hand care product dispensers. The reporting panel may communicate with a monitoring system or with a hand care product dispenser. |
| US09183727B2 |
Object tracking with platform notifications
A system may include a platform manager device including a memory and a platform application installed thereon. The platform application may be configured to cause the platform manager device to identify a last known location of a tracked device according to a detection of a disconnection of the tracked device due to lack of receipt of presence indications; identify an owner communications device, among a plurality of communications devices, to receive a platform notification message indicative of the disconnection of the tracked device according to device associations of the tracked device and the communications devices; and send the platform notification message to the identified owner communications device informing of the detected disconnection. |
| US09183722B1 |
Adjusting light emitted by a device based on charge or discharge rate of a battery associated with the device
In one aspect, a device includes a battery, a display, a processor, and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory bears instructions executable by the processor to detect a rate of charge of the battery or a rate of discharge of the battery and, based at least in part on the detected rate, actuate at least one of the display and a light on the device other than the display to indicate the detected rate. The display and/or light are actuated based on the detected rate without user input to actuate the display or the light to indicate the detected rate, and without user input to detect or determine the rate of charge of the battery or discharge of the battery. |
| US09183720B2 |
Interactive medical device monitoring and management system
A system for improving medical device management for a patient is also provided. The system can include a portable wireless device having an ECU, memory and an interactive remote patient monitoring module (IRPMM) for at least one medical device. The IRPMM has a medical device data request module that is operable to request and receive medical device data input from the at least one medical device. The medical device data can be input by the patient, or in the alternative, be automatically received without input from the patient. The IRPMM also has a medical device data supply module receives medical device information from an outside third party and provides the medical device information to the patient. |
| US09183719B2 |
Human safety indicator
A human safety system includes a circuit including a microcontroller and at least one power source; a probe in communication with the circuit; at least one use detector in communication with the circuit; and at least one alert indicator in communication with the circuit. A method of using a human safety device, the method includes initiating operation of the human safety device; arranging the human safety device in communication with skin; and monitoring the human safety device for alert indicators. A method of monitoring a user includes waking from sleep state; sensing at least one condition of the user; determining if the sensed condition is in a human condition; continuously monitoring the condition of the user; and, returning to sleep state when the user condition is outside of the human condition for an amount of time. |
| US09183711B2 |
Anti-piracy system for the maritime navigation in critical areas, and device for data extraction from on board sensors
The invention concerns a maritime anti-piracy system, for the recognition of suspect watercrafts around one or more co-operating ships to be protected. The system includes a shore-based control system having one or more centers, geographically distributed, with shore sensors for detecting watercrafts surveillance data. The system also includes a central station for collecting and elaborating watercrafts surveillance data and a bi-directional communication network between the one or more centers and the central station, in such a way that the central station be able to send commands to the shore-based sensors. The system also includes a communication system between the one or more centers and the one or more co-operating ships to be protected. |
| US09183709B2 |
Wearable device as an ambient information display
A wearable device may include an inward-facing surface, an outward-facing surface, and a plurality of light emitting elements disposed on the inward-facing surface. A worn-status module of the wearable device may detect a worn-status of the wearable device and set the notification mode to a light notification mode when the worn-status indicates the wearable device is not being worn. A message module of the wearable module may receive a message. A notification module of the wearable device may, based on the receipt of the message and the worn-status of the wearable device, control the plurality of light emitting elements. |
| US09183708B2 |
Multisensor system for the blind
The multisensor system for the blind includes a cane, a boot, a headband, and a central control device. The cane, the boot, and the headband may each include one or more sensors to detect obstructions in the path of the user. Each sensor may be configured to detect obstructions at a level corresponding generally to an elevation at which it is carried on the user. Once an obstruction is detected, the sensors may transmit signals to the central control device. The central control device may process the signals and activate an appropriate auditory device to alert the user of the presence and/or distance of the obstruction. |
| US09183702B2 |
Gaming machine with mine feature
A gaming machine has a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display means and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. The gaming machine further comprises a game feature where, upon being awarded at least one prize in the feature, a player is offered a choice and, if the choice results in a successful outcome, the player has the option of continuing with the feature but, if the choice results in an unsuccessful outcome, the feature ends and a portion, but not all, of a total prize accumulated up to termination of the feature is forfeited. |
| US09183701B2 |
Gaming system and method for rewarding players
A gaming system and method of rewarding players of electronic gaming machines connected by a network to a host computer which stores player-useable points at a network-accessible location, awards a personal points multiplier to a player, and applies the personal points multiplier to at least some of the points. |
| US09183699B2 |
Gaming system with common display and control method of gaming system
A gaming system of the present invention includes: a plurality of gaming machines; and a common display device connected to the gaming machines, each of the gaming machines, comprising: a display device for displaying a plurality of symbols; a controller, which performs processes of: (a) executing a base game in which symbols arranged on the display device are rearranged after a gaming medium has been betted, and thereafter a payment is made in accordance with the rearranged symbols; (b) counting number of times of executing the base game; (c) causing the display device to display a countdown effect image stored in a memory, while the counted number of times of executing the base game reaches a second predetermined value after reaching a first predetermined value; and (d) transferring the base game to a free game executed without betting a gaming medium, in a case where the number of times of executing the base game reaches the second predetermined value; and a communication interface for notifying to the common display the controller-counted number of times of executing the base game, the common display device, comprising: a communication interface for receiving notification from each of the gaming machines; a memory for storing a countdown effect image for each of the gaming machines; and a controller, which performs processes of: (a′) judging whether or not there exist a plurality of gaming machines at which number of times of executing the base game reaches the first predetermined value, based upon the number of times of executing the base game, which is notified from each of the gaming machine; and (b′) preferentially displaying a countdown effect image for a gaming machine with a smaller number of times of executing the base game, which is to be executed until a transfer to the free game. |
| US09183698B2 |
Gaming machine
A gaming machine of the present invention includes: a light application device configured to apply visible light representing visual information which enables recognition of information related to games on a reel band, The or each of one or more reels has a mirror layer which reflects the visible light from the light application device. The light application device is disposed in an area outside the window frame of the display window so that the visible light is applied to the reel, on the side of the reel band, and is used as a front light device that emits visible light which is not representing the visual information. |
| US09183697B2 |
Gaming machine with spinning wheel and adjustable payout rate
A gaming machine of the present invention stores a bet area on which a bet is placed and a game value placed as the bet in each gaming terminal, rotates and stops the wheel to determine a resulting symbol from the plurality of symbols, awards a payout based on the resulting symbol and the odds set for the bet area on which the bet is placed in the gaming terminal, and adjusts the payout rate by changing the odds set for the bet areas in the gaming terminals. |
| US09183695B2 |
Creating casino experiences
Techniques for controlling wagering game environments are described herein. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for controlling a casino wagering game environment includes determining a plurality of zones in the casino wagering game environment, wherein the zones include one or more wagering game machines. The method can also include presenting wagering games on the wagering game machines in the wagering game environment, and detecting an event in the wagering game environment, the event triggering a bonus game for which a plurality of players have a possibility of winning an award. The method can also include determining one or more of the zones in which to present media associated with the bonus game, and presenting, in the one or more zones, the media associated with the bonus game. The method can also include determining a winner of the bonus game, and providing the award to the winner. |
| US09183692B2 |
Secure storage apparatus
Assisting users with controlling, navigating and performing any number of other operations for a secure storage apparatus is contemplated. The assistance may be in the form of easily navigable instructions/menus/screen and/or printed instructions, which may be optionally tailored to the particular operation contemplated for performance. |
| US09183686B2 |
Method and system for people counting using passive infrared detectors
A method and system for detecting an object transiting an interrogation zone of an electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) system and determining whether the object is a person entering or exiting the facility in order to increment a corresponding counter. A first zone detector detects motion in a first zone. The first zone detector can be a first passive infrared (“PIR”) detector. A second zone detector detects motion in a second zone different from the first zone. The second zone detector can be a second PIR detector. A processor is in communication with the first and second zone detectors in which the processor receives data from the first and second zone detectors to determine whether to increment a count value based at least in part on the received data. |
| US09183683B2 |
Method and system for access to secure resources
A system and method for accessing secured resources using a portable device. When a user with such a portable device is within close proximity to a locked door or other secured resource, a verification process can be automatically initiated on the device. The user verification could utilize all the input and sensor methods on the device. Once the identification process has successfully completed, an access code can be transmitted to the locked door or device via wired or wireless network. This allows for reduced electronics required at these locked doors and allows for more dynamic security measures. |
| US09183681B2 |
Diagnostic tool with parts ordering system
A graphical user interface is provided that can be used on a diagnostic too. The graphical user interface allows a technician to operate various functions of the diagnostic tool including searching for additional information on the Internet, receiving weather information that is relevant to certain diagnostic tests, and displaying in certain formats the retrieved vehicle data and when certain vehicles were last scanned or diagnosed. The graphical user interface alerts the technician that a part solution is available for a particular retrieved diagnostic trouble code and allows the technician to order a part. |
| US09183679B2 |
Distributed vehicle event recorder systems having a portable memory data transfer system
Data transfer systems for vehicle event recorders are provided as: a vehicle event recorder, a vehicle event recorder resident memory, and upload module in conjunction with, a communication port suitable for coupling with, a portable memory device, a server computer datastore, a server download module in conjunction with, a similar cooperating communications port. The portable memory device is arranged to operably couple with the communications ports of both the vehicle event recorder and the server computer and to be repeatedly moved between the two. The upload/download modules are arranged to transfer data to/from the portable memory in an orderly fashion in which no files are removed from the vehicle event recorder resident memory without first having been successfully transferred to the server computer datastore. |
| US09183677B2 |
Context based management for secure augmented reality applications
An example system that allows a camera enabled application, such as an augmented reality application, to run in a protected area may include a first device including a camera, the camera including a secure mode of operation and a display, an image processing module configured to convert image data from the camera to encoded data when the camera is in the secure mode and protect image data stored in the system, an encryption module configured to encrypt encoded data from the image processing module, and a protected audiovisual path mechanism configured to securely send augmented encoded data to the display. |
| US09183673B2 |
Simulation apparatus, simulation method and non-transitory computer readable recording medium
In accordance with an embodiment, a simulation apparatus includes a two-dimensional section dividing processing unit, a two-dimensional simulator, a one-dimensional combining processing unit, and a three-dimensional shape combining processing unit. The two-dimensional section dividing processing unit divides a three-dimensional shape as a simulation target into at least one set of two-dimensional sections intersecting with each other and defines the three-dimensional shape as the two-dimensional sections. The two-dimensional simulator runs a two-dimensional shape simulation in each time step for each of the two-dimensional sections obtained by the dividing and acquires a two-dimensional shape. The one-dimensional combining processing unit extracts a film configuration for each intersection of the two-dimensional sections from the acquired two-dimensional shape and combines the film configurations to acquire one-dimensional film configurations. The three-dimensional shape combining processing unit creates a three-dimensional structure from the acquired one-dimensional film configurations on the basis of information on the intersection. |
| US09183670B2 |
Multi-sample resolving of re-projection of two-dimensional image
Multi-sample resolution of a re-projection of a two-dimensional image is disclosed. One or more samples of a two-dimensional image are identified for each pixel in the three-dimensional re-projection. One or more sample coverage amounts are determined for each pixel of the re-projection. Each coverage amount identifies an area of the pixel covered by the corresponding two-dimensional sample. A final value is resolved for each pixel of the re-projection by combining each two-dimensional sample associated with the pixel in accordance with its weighted sample coverage amount. |
| US09183669B2 |
Method and apparatus for virtual viewpoint synthesis in multi-viewpoint video
Disclosed are a virtual viewpoint combination method and device in a multi-viewpoint video, improving the quality of the virtual viewpoint images and improving the display effects of the virtual viewpoint images under the premise of not introducing geometrical distortion. The method includes: taking two viewpoint images provided by a first camera and a second camera as reference viewpoint images, and respectively performing 3D image conversion, pinhole filling, image compensation and image convergence processing on the two viewpoint images to obtain a main virtual viewpoint image; then respectively performing depth-image processing, 3D image conversion, pinhole filling, image compensation and image convergence processing on the two viewpoint images to obtain a subordinate virtual viewpoint image; and performing filling the remaining holes in the main virtual viewpoint image on the basis of the subordinate virtual viewpoint image to obtain a final virtual viewpoint image to be combine. |
| US09183668B2 |
Ray tracing system architectures and methods
Aspects comprise systems implementing 3-D graphics processing functionality in a multiprocessing system. Control flow structures are used in scheduling instances of computation in the multiprocessing system, where different points in the control flow structure serve as points where deferral of some instances of computation can be performed in favor of scheduling other instances of computation. In some examples, the control flow structure identifies particular tasks, such as intersection testing of a particular portion of an acceleration structure, and a particular element of shading code. In some examples, the aspects are used in 3-D graphics processing systems that can perform ray tracing based rendering. |
| US09183665B2 |
Film grain for stereoscopic or multi-view images
A method and an apparatus for applying film grain to stereoscopic or multi-view images or sequences of stereoscopic or multi-view images are described. After retrieving an image pair or a set of multi-view images a depth map for the image pair or the set of multi-view images and a confidence map for the depth map are obtained. Film grain is then applied to non-occluded areas of the images in accordance with depth values of the depth map and confidence values of the confidence map. Occluded areas of the images are processed separately by first deriving depth values for these areas and then applying film grain to these areas in accordance with the derived depth values. |
| US09183662B1 |
System and method for enabling scene program functionality
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for specifying scene programs, where the effect of executing a particular scene program is to generate a sequence of graphics commands. The application programming interface is extended to include calls used to specify a high-level scene program. Upon receiving a high-level scene program, the graphics driver generates a machine code scene program. When an application program emits a call to execute one or more machine code scene programs, the graphics driver transmits corresponding scene programs execution commands to the graphics pre-processing unit. For each scene program execution command, the graphics pre-processing unit processes instructions, programmatically reconfigures the graphics pipeline based on the execution of the machine code scene program, and launches one or more parallel threads that execute commands within the graphics pipeline. Advantageously, using scene programs, application developers may tailor application programs to more effectively dispatch tasks to the GPU. |
| US09183660B2 |
Combining shapes for animation
A system includes a computing device that includes a memory for storing instructions. The computing device also includes a processor configured to execute the instructions to perform a method that includes combining, in a nonlinear manner, a first set of vertex displacements that represent the difference between a first animated expression and a neutral animated expression with a second set of vertex displacements that represent the difference between a second animated expression and the neutral animated expression. The number of vertices associated with the first set of vertex displacements of the first animated expression is equivalent to the number of vertices associated with the second set of vertex displacements of the second animated expression. |
| US09183659B2 |
Search-based matching for multiple parameter sets
Search-based matching for multiple parameter sets in computer animation is disclosed. The search-based matching method can include receiving a selection of a first set of joint parameters in a first model to match to a second set of joint parameters in a second model, currently in operation, for an appendage of a computer-generated object. The method can also adjust the selected first set of joint parameters to match the second set of joint parameters. The method can further compare the adjusted first set of joint parameters to the second set of joint parameters. Based on the comparison, the method can switch from the second model to the first model and replace the second set of joint parameters with the adjusted first set of joint parameters. The method can then output the replacement first set of joint parameters for rendering the appendage of the object. |
| US09183656B2 |
Blend modes for mineralogy images
Optimized blending mode for mineralogy images. A luminosity value is determined for a pixel in a base layer or top layer mineralogy image. An image weighting value is determined from the luminosity value and an optional mixing parameter. A multiply value is determined by multiplying the base and top layer pixel values. An overlay value is determined from twice the multiply value if the value of one of the base layer or top layer pixel values is over a threshold, otherwise it is determined by inverting twice the product of the inverted top layer pixel value with the inverted base layer pixel value. A blended image pixel value is determined by adding the multiply value weighted with the image weighting value and the overlay value weighted with the inverted image weighting value. |
| US09183652B2 |
Variable rasterization order for motion blur and depth of field
Cache thrashing or over-accessing of a cache can be reduced by reversing the order of traversal of a triangle on different granularities. In the case where triangles are not grouped, the traverse order may be reversed on each triangle. In cases where triangles are grouped, the traversal order may be reversed with each group change. However, when motion is excessive, for example beyond a threshold, then the traversal order reversal may be disabled. |
| US09183651B2 |
Target independent rasterization
Methods, systems, and computer-storage media for target independent rasterization of an image. The target is the memory allocated for a rendered image within a graphics pipeline. Embodiments of the present invention allow the rasterization process's sampling rate to be specified independently from the memory allocated for the rendered image. Embodiments of the present invention also allow the rasterization process to be executed at a rate that does not correspond to the memory allocated for the rendered target. |
| US09183643B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating typical colors for image coding
According to one embodiment, an acquisition unit acquires a pixel block having a predetermined size from image data to be coded. A comparison unit calculates a distance between a color of a target pixel in the pixel block and each of a plurality of typical colors, and selects a typical color of which the distance is a minimum distance from the plurality of typical colors. A decision unit assigns a first index representing the selected typical color to the target pixel if the minimum distance is smaller than a first threshold, assigns a second index representing a new typical color to the target pixel if the minimum distance is larger than the first threshold, and adds the color of the target pixel as the new typical color when the second index is assigned. A coding unit codes the selected typical color, the new typical color, the first index and the second index. |
| US09183634B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes an image acquisition unit acquiring a plurality of images, a corresponding point acquisition unit, a first fundamental matrix estimation unit, an epipole coordinate deriving unit, an epipole coordinate determination unit, and a fundamental matrix determination unit. The corresponding point acquisition unit acquires first corresponding points. The first fundamental matrix estimation unit calculates first fundamental matrices based on the first corresponding points. The epipole coordinate deriving unit calculates first epipole coordinates that correspond to the first fundamental matrices. The epipole coordinate determination unit determines one of the first epipole coordinates as a second epipole coordinate. The fundamental matrix determination unit determines the first fundamental matrix corresponding to the second epipole coordinate as a second fundamental matrix. |
| US09183632B2 |
Feeling-expressing-word processing device, feeling-expressing-word processing method, and feeling-expressing-word processing program
The present approach enables an impression of the atmosphere of a scene or an object present in the scene at the time of photography to be pictured in a person's mind as though the person were actually at the photographed scene. A feeling-expressing-word processing device has: a feeling information calculating unit 11 for analyzing a photographed image, and calculating feeling information which indicates a temporal change in a scene shown in the photographed image or a movement of an object present in the scene; and a feeling-expressing-word extracting unit 12 for extracting, from among feeling-expressing words which express feelings and are stored in a feeling-expressing-word database 21 in association with the feeling information, a feeling-expressing word which corresponds to the feeling information calculated by the feeling information calculating unit 11. |
| US09183631B2 |
Method for registering points and planes of 3D data in multiple coordinate systems
Three-dimensional data are registered by selecting a first set of primitives from the data in a first coordinate system, wherein the first set of primitives includes at least one plane, at least one point, and a third primitive that is either a point or a plane, and selecting a second set of primitives from the data in a second coordinate system, wherein the second set of primitives includes at least one plane, at least one point, and a third primitive corresponding to the third primitive in the first set of primitives. Then, the planes are registered with each other, as are the points, to obtain registered primitives. |
| US09183630B2 |
Method and apparatus for orienting image representative data
A method for processing a three-dimensional image file captured directly from a live subject, the file including the cranium of the subject, comprises: providing a vertex point cloud for the three-dimensional image file; determining a median point for the vertex point cloud; determining a point on the cranium; and utilizing the median point and the cranium point to define a z-axis for the three-dimensional image file. |
| US09183629B2 |
Method and system of automatic determination of geometric elements characterizing a bone deformation from 3D image
The invention relates to a method for automatically determining, on a bone comprising a head portion contiguous to a neck portion, parameters for characterizing a bump deformation on the head-neck junction of the bone from acquired 3D medical image, the method comprising the following steps: i) constructing a 3D surface model of the bone; ii) fitting a sphere on the spherical portion of the head of the bone; iii) determining a neck axis characterizing the neck portion of the bone; iv) determining from the fitted sphere and the neck axis, a clock face referential on the head of the bone rotating around the neck axis; v) determining a 3D curve on the 3D surface model characterizing the head-neck junction of the bone; vi) determining, from the 3D curve, the summit of the bump deformation of the head-neck junction of the bone; vii) determining, from said summit of the bump deformation, first and a second parameters (α3D, iMax) characterizing the maximum bump deformation of the head-neck junction of the bone. |
| US09183628B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program
A first image and a second image are obtained; the amount of deformation of the first image is estimated by evaluating the degree of similarity between a deformed first image and the second image, using an evaluation function that evaluates the correlation between the distribution of corresponding pixel values within the two images; and an image, which is the first image deformed based on the estimated amount of deformation, is generated. The evaluation function evaluates the degree of similarity between the deformed first image and the second image, based on degrees of similarities of divided images that represent degrees of similarities among the distributions of pixel values of each pair of divided first images and divided second images, which respectively are images that the deformed first image is divided into and images that the second image is divided into, according to predetermined dividing conditions. |
| US09183625B2 |
Method of processing radiograph and apparatus for processing radiograph using the method in which hough transform and radon transform performed on image
Provided are an apparatus and a method for processing a radiograph which is capable of precisely detecting a region of interest. The apparatus includes: an inputter that outputs an input image obtained by irradiating radioactive rays; and a line detector that performs a Hough transform on the input image, senses at least one edge line based on the Hough-transformed input image, performs a Radon transform in a region in which the at least one edge line is sensed, and obtains an edge line of the at least one edge line as a first collimation line one based on a result of the Radon transform. |
| US09183622B2 |
Image processing apparatus
An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and a computer program which detects a defect such as a scum at high speed and with high precision. In order to accomplish the above-described object, the present invention proposes an image processing apparatus and a computer program which acquires image data, and detects edge branch points from this image data. Here, at each of the edge branch points, an edge associated therewith branches off in at least three or more directions. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to detect a defect such as a scum without utilizing the reference-pattern image. As a consequence, it becomes possible to detect the scum at high speed and with high precision. |
| US09183611B2 |
Apparatus implementing instructions that impose pipeline interdependencies
Techniques are disclosed relating to implementation of gradient-type graphics instructions. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes first and second execution pipelines and a register file. In this embodiment, the register file is coupled to the first and second execution pipelines and configured to store operands for the first and second execution pipelines. In this embodiment, the apparatus is configured to determine that a graphics instruction imposes a dependency between the first and second pipeline. In response to this determination, the apparatus is configured to read a plurality of operands from the register file including an operand assigned to the second execution pipeline and to select the operand assigned to the second execution pipeline as an input operand for the first execution pipeline. The apparatus may be configured such that operands assigned to the second execution pipeline are accessible by the first execution pipeline only via the register file and not from other locations. |
| US09183610B2 |
Method for graphics driver level decoupled rendering and display
The invention provides a method for driving a graphic processing unit (GPU), where a driver applies two threads to drive one ore more GPUs. The method includes the steps of: (a) activating a rendering thread and a displaying thread in response to invoking by an application thread of a graphics application; (b) sending according to the rendering thread a plurality of rendering instructions for enabling generation of at least a first rendered frame and a second rendered frame; and (c) sending according to the displaying thread one or more interpolating instructions and one or more displaying instructions, the one or more interpolating instructions enabling execution of interpolation according to the at least a first rendered frame and the second rendered frame to create one or more interpolated frames, and the one or more displaying instructions enabling display of the one or more interpolated frames. |
| US09183608B2 |
Image processing techniques for tile-based rasterization
Techniques are described that can delay or even prevent use of memory to store triangles associated with tiles as well as processing resources associated with vertex shading and binning triangles. The techniques can also provide better load balancing among a set of cores, and hence provide better performance. A bounding volume is generated to represent a geometry group. Culling takes place to determine whether a geometry group is to have triangles rendered. Vertex shading and association of triangles with tiles can be performed across multiple cores in parallel. Processing resources are allocated for rasterizing tiles that have been vertex shaded and binned triangles over tiles that have yet to be vertex shaded and binned triangles. Rasterization of triangles of different tiles can be performed by multiple cores in parallel. |
| US09183604B2 |
Image annotation method and system
An originating user captures an original image with mobile equipment. The image is displayed on the originating user's mobile equipment with first annotations. First data information (R1) including the time and the location of the mobile equipment together with information that the first annotations has been displayed is sent to a server. The originating user transmits the image to a second equipment of at least one second user. The image is displayed on the second equipment. Second annotations are displayed to said second user in combination with said image. Second data information (R2) including the time and the location of equipment of the second user together with information that the second annotations has been displayed is sent to the server. The server determines from the location and/or time whether said image is an original image captured by the originating user, or a transmitted image displayed to a second user. |
| US09183591B2 |
Virtual accounts linked to financial accounts
Virtual accounts having alphanumeric identifiers different from an alphanumeric identifier of a financial account are linked to the financial account. Financial transactions performed in relation to the virtual accounts result in changing the current value of the financial account. The virtual accounts themselves do not have a current value apart from a current value of the financial account to which the virtual accounts are linked. Performance of the financial transactions in relation to the virtual accounts does not expose the alphanumeric identifier of the financial account that would otherwise be exposed if the financial transactions were performed in relation to the financial account. A given financial account is also linked to another financial account. Performance of a financial transaction in relation to this given virtual account thus results in changing the current value of one of the financial accounts to which it is linked. |
| US09183589B2 |
Systems and methods to provide visual browsing
Systems and methods for multi-directional visual browsing on an electronic device are described. In example embodiments, a a primary item is positioned in a predetermined location on a visual display. Navigation direction constraints are determined. The navigation direction constraints provide guidance as to where related items that are related to the primary item, based on at least one attribute of the primary item and attributes of the related items, should be located in the visual display. The related items are positioned in proximity to the predetermined location of the primary item based on the determined navigation direction constraints. |
| US09183583B2 |
Augmented reality recommendations
Various embodiments enable a computing device to perform tasks such as processing an image to recognize text or an object in an image to identify a particular product or related products associated with the text or object. In response to recognizing the text or the object as being associated with a product available for purchase from an electronic marketplace, one or more advertisements or product listings associated with the product can be displayed to the user. Accordingly, additional information for the associated product can be displayed, enabling the user to learn more about and purchase the product from the electronic marketplace through the portable computing device. |
| US09183579B2 |
Automatically adding gratuity to amount charged in electronic transaction
A method includes receiving a payment object for payment of a certain amount owed by a first party to a second party. The payment object carries sufficient account information for the payment from an account associated with the payment object. The second party communicates the account information from the payment object and an identification of the second party for receipt by a third party; and receives in return data that is indicative of a gratuity to be charged against the account. The second party prints a document that includes the certain amount owed and the gratuity, as indicated by the data received by the second party, and presents the document for signature by the first party. The printed document preferably includes the total of the amount owed and the gratuity. The payment object may be a credit card, charge card, debit card, rebate card, or stored-value card. |
| US09183577B2 |
Selection of images to display next to textual content
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for selecting thumbnail images to display with text advertisements. In one aspect, a method includes identifying landing page non-textual content items from a landing page to which the textual content item links and which a user device requests when the textual content item is selected at the user device; for each landing page non-textual content item, determining a relevance measure that measures the relevance of the landing page non-textual content item to the content of the landing page; selecting one or more of the landing page non-textual content items for display with the textual content item based on the relevance measures of the landing page non-textual content items; and storing, in a data storage system, data associating the selected landing page non-textual contents with the textual content items. |
| US09183576B2 |
Methods and systems for inserting media content
A method and system for providing a content object is disclosed with an in-stream ad unit inserted into the content object for a content object player. The content object is audio and/or video. The processed content object is downloaded or streamed to the content object player. A method for content insertion is provided. In this method, a first media data is received from a server and a placement request is transmitted to a content provider service. As a result, a placement response is received from the content provider service. The placement response includes data identifying a second media data associated with the first media data. The second media data is retrieved and merged with the first media data. After the merge, the first and second media data are transmitted to the server. |
| US09183574B2 |
Providing content items based on user affinity in a social network environment
A system and method for measuring user affinity in a social network environment is provided. One or more activities performed by a user associated with a social network environment are monitored. A relationship associated with the one or more activities is identified. An affinity for one or more objects associated with the social network environment is then determined based on the one or more activities and the relationship. |
| US09183572B2 |
System and method for obtaining revenue through the display of hyper-relevant advertising on moving objects
A system for obtaining revenue through the display of advertising on fixed or moving objects id disclosed. Such objects receive, store, poll and extract data to present content based on the time of day, locations, and relative movements in a specific environment, where data and information stored in moving or mobile objects within that environment can be transmitted between those objects or to stationary objects, where it is then used to enable and control such displays for which the owners of those objects are then compensated. The system enables the display of hyper-relevant ad content with synchronized remote audio, personal messaging and public service alerts on surrounding objects and provides for the real-time logging and later downloading of data to confirm communications and content deliveries between objects, track and measure consumer engagement, verify consumer's direct responses to ad viewings with accountability systems. |
| US09183571B2 |
System and method for providing advertisement data to a mobile computing device
A mobile computing device includes a processor, a display coupled to the processor, a memory coupled to the processor and configured to store user-specific data, and a location-determining circuit configured to determine the location of the portable electronic device. The processor is configured to provide advertisement data on the display based upon the location of the portable electronic device and the user-specific data. |
| US09183569B1 |
Automatic generation of text and display for presentation on online computers
Text and display may be generated automatically for an online service platform. Dynamic data is received from a provider offering items, the data comprising information about the items. Content is generated and keywords are assigned to the content. Content may include dynamic text and images. The generated content and keywords are configured into the online service via an application programming interface. The text and display may comprise text and display advertisements. The online service platform may comprise online advertise service platform such as search engine platform that also presents advertisements or information associated with entered search keywords. |
| US09183568B1 |
Using proxy behaviors for audience selection
Method and system for assessing the suitability of an entity using a proxy. A description of a behavior associated with a desirable audience is received. A proxy behavior estimated to be characteristic of the desirable audience is selected. The proxy behavior comprises the performance of proxy events related to the consumption of media received by an entity over a network, which can be found in an entity's consumption history. An entity can be assessed for inclusion in a proxy audience, by examining the entity's consumption history for proxy behaviors. A behavioral model is built using a training set comprising the proxy audience. By applying the behavioral model to the consumption history of a specified entity, the specified entity's suitability for selection can be determined. Advantageously, in an embodiment, the invention enables the use of behavioral modeling techniques even when the complete behavior of the desirable audience is not available. |
| US09183567B2 |
Collecting information regarding consumer click-through traffic
A method and system for providing the centralized collection of click-through traffic information. The method includes receiving a DNS query for a domain name at a third party auditing service from a requesting computing resource. The domain name is configured to include click-through information as a subdomain, and wherein a URL associated with the domain name provides content. The click-through information is parsed from the domain name without establishing a connection between said third party auditing server and any web server providing the content. An IP address for the web server associated with the domain name is sent to the requesting computing resource. |
| US09183563B2 |
Electronic questionnaire
A questionnaire is presented to a user in a more efficient manner in which the user is more likely to participate. The questionnaire is sent electronically to the user's vehicle and presented audibly to the user. The user responds audibly to the questions in the questionnaire. The user's responses are converted to text and sent back to the provider server for tallying. |
| US09183562B2 |
Method and system for determining touchpoint attribution
A system and method for allocating credit for an advertising conversion among various advertising touchpoints encounter by the consumer is provided. The system and method comprise receiving data pertaining to touchpoints and conversions of an advertising campaign across multiple channels. Users are correlated across the channels and the various conversions, touchpoints, and touchpoint attributes are identified. Each touchpoint attribute and touchpoint attribute value is assigned a weight. An attribution algorithm is selected, and coefficients are calculated using the assigned weights. The algorithm is executed and true scores corresponding to the touchpoints encountered by each converting user are computed. |
| US09183561B2 |
Automatic generation of trend charts
Automatic trend analysis is provided on a dataset. Upon selection of a data cell or chart point within a data representation, a trend chart is automatically generated in order to demonstrate how the data within the selection trends over time. The system may automatically configure the trend chart based on the metadata of a data source associated with a selected data such that no input or configuration is needed by a user. The system may identify the time hierarchies and other data attributes included in the metadata of the data source associated with a selected data cell and may automatically configure the axis settings and the trend lines according to metadata of the data source. The trend chart may also be configured to display multiple trend lines for comparing multiple data set trends over a specified time period. |
| US09183559B2 |
Systems and methods to convert a call generated from an advertisement
Methods and systems for converting a call generated from an advertisement. One embodiment includes: establishing a real time communication connection between a first entity and a second entity via a communication reference embedded in an advertisement that is presented on behalf of the second entity; billing the second entity for the advertisement in response to the communication connection being established via the communication reference; monitoring the communication connection between the first entity and the second entity to detect a pre-defined indication; and charging the first entity, on behalf of the second entity, for communications with the second entity over the communication connection in response to a detected occurrence of the pre-defined indication. |
| US09183556B2 |
Display control apparatus and method
A display control apparatus that can display a video includes an inputting unit configured to input the video, a designation unit configured to designate an area in the video, a detection unit configured to detect that a coordinate in the designated area of the video has been pointed, and a display control unit configured to control a display size of a predetermined area in the video in such a manner that the display size of the predetermined area is larger when the detection unit detects that the coordinate in the designated area has been pointed than when the detection unit does not detect any pointing of the coordinate in the designated area. |
| US09183555B2 |
Transaction processing using a global unique identifier
A Globally Unique IDentifier (GUID) is used to match an authorization request with an authorization response for a transaction between a merchant and a consumer upon an account within a payment processing system where the payment amount is unknown until after the merchant receives the authorization response that includes the GUID. After receiving the authorization response and when the payment amount is known, the merchant forms a transmission that has information for delivery to an issuer of the account. This information is sufficient for the issuer to forward the payment amount from the account to pay the merchant for the transaction. While including the GUID and the payment amount, the information does not include an identifier of the account. |
| US09183554B1 |
Systems and methods for user authentication via mobile device
A user may provide a financial card to an automated teller machine (ATM) or point of sale (POS) terminal and may be authenticated by providing a gesture and/or an image selection via a mobile device to the ATM or the POS. The gesture and/or image selection may be provided using a touchscreen of the mobile device. The gesture and/or image provided by the user via the mobile device may be compared to a stored gesture and/or image provided by the user during an earlier registration of the financial card. If there is a match between the gesture and/or image provided by the user via the mobile device and the previously stored gesture and/or image, then the user is authenticated and may access an account associated with the financial card. |
| US09183551B2 |
Location-based payer charging system
A method for charging a payer includes detecting a payer device, which is associated with a payer account, entering an event area. The payer device is then associated with an event invoice in a database. When the payer device is determined to have been involved in at least one payer charging event while being located in the event area, a charge is associated with the event invoice in the database for each payer charging event the payer device has been involved in. When the payer device is detected leaving the event area, a payment is charged to the payer account for the event invoice. |
| US09183546B2 |
Methods and systems for a reminder servicer using visual recognition
A downloadable reminder application uses object recognition technology to recognize one or more objects appearing on a display screen of the mobile computing device and matches them to a set of known target objects. The downloadable reminder application process any associated trigger conditions for the target object. The downloadable reminder application then sets the future reminder for the target object to activate. The downloadable reminder application when it detects that a mobile computing device is satisfying the trigger condition for a target object for which it has set a future reminder on, then the downloadable reminder application in the mobile computing device fires the future reminder that was set for that target object and provides the alert to the user along with any triggerable contributions associated with that target object. |
| US09183539B2 |
Representing aggregated rich presence information
Techniques for relaying presence information of an entity to a user are provided. The techniques include obtaining a portion of the presence information of the entity from servers associated with the communications networks, and assembling an image in accordance with the at least one portion of the presence information of the entity, wherein at least a portion of the image represents a highest ranked communication option of a plurality of communication options for contacting the entity based on a rule set that evaluates the presence information of the entity, in its entirety, in accordance with at least one item of communication-related information, the image conveying presence information of the entity for at least the highest ranked communication option, and in accordance with communication parameters associated with the entity and the user, communication preferences of at least one of the entity and the user, and communication capabilities of the user. |
| US09183533B2 |
Providing a path-based identifier
A path-based identifier is provided. An entity identifier is generated at an entity of a supply chain and the entity identifier is based on a reliability of the entity of the supply chain at which the entity identifier is generated. In addition, an updated path-based identifier is stored based on a predetermined function, where the entity identifier is an input to the predetermined function. |
| US09183530B2 |
Starter-interrupt device incorporating global positioning system functionality
An onboard starter-interrupt device incorporates Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality in addition to payment schedule enforcement functions. In response to certain events, and/or on a periodic basis, the onboard device transmits vehicle location data to an operations center. In one aspect, a “geo-fence”, or virtual boundary, can be defined; if the vehicle is driven outside the geo-fence, the location information is transmitted to the operations center and/or other action is taken. In response to receiving vehicle location data, the operations center can send a message to cause the onboard device to disable the vehicle, or to present a warning to the vehicle owner, or to notify a third party of the event and/or vehicle location, or any combination thereof. |
| US09183529B2 |
Business intelligence performance analysis system
A performance analysis system that analyzes the performance of a business intelligence analytics application is provided. The performance analysis system logs data associated with one or more queries of a database within the database. The performance analysis system further generates performance data based on an analysis of the logged data, where the performance data includes data associated with one or more performance metrics of each query. The performance analysis system further generates one or more performance queries of the performance data, where a response to each performance query includes at least a portion of the one or more performance metrics stored within the database. |
| US09183526B2 |
Metadata-driven audit reporting system that applies data security to audit data
A system is provided that reports audit data. The system defines metadata that defines security conditions for a business object. The system further receives a request from a user to retrieve audit data contained within a database table, where the audit data includes a history of modifications to an attribute of the business object. The system further retrieves the audit data from the first database table. The system further applies the security conditions to the audit data based on the metadata. The system further displays the audit data within a user interface when the security conditions are satisfied. |
| US09183525B2 |
Method and system for identifying and visualizing work transfers using financial data
Disclosed are methods and systems for identifying and visualizing the patterns of work transfers for service delivery using financial data. Within a service firm, work is often transferred from one delivery center to another, which results in additional costs and delays in service delivery. To control unnecessary work transfers, sustained patterns of work transfer are identified so that steps can be taken to limit their occurrence. The disclosed methods and systems analyze the relations among the costs transferred from one location to another. |
| US09183523B2 |
Recommending electronic content based upon user availability
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system, method, and program product for recommending a digital publication. A computing device identifies a time interval for consuming a digital publication, based on schedule information in an electronic calendar. The computing device determines, based on characteristics of the time interval and a criteria, a digital publication, from a plurality of digital publications, for human consumption within the identified time interval. |
| US09183521B2 |
Inventory management system
A statistical inventory management system may optimize inventory investment using historical usage and/or consumption of an inventory component by determining one or more target inventory levels (e.g., replenishment levels). Historical usage data may be summed for a plurality of at least partially non-overlapping time periods that may be each equal in duration to a supplier lead-time period for the component to create lead-time usage data. The lead-time usage data may be utilized to more accurately determine future inventory levels (e.g., target inventory levels) because the lead-time usage data may have a reduced variance compared to, for example, day-to-day usage. The inventory management system may be employable by a computing system having a display module (e.g., GUI) that allows a user to receive at least one graphical representation indicative of at least one target inventory level of at least one inventory component (e.g., by selectively interacting with the display module). |
| US09183520B2 |
Computational systems and methods for linking users of devices
Methods, apparatuses, computer program products, devices and systems are described that carry out accepting device-identifier data corresponding to at least one communication device; accepting network-participation identifier data associated with a verified real-world user associated with the at least one communication device; and assigning a unique identifier at least partly based on the device-identifier data and the network-participation identifier data. |
| US09183519B2 |
Real-time aircraft maintenance terminal
There is described a method for maintenance of an aircraft component, the method comprising: connecting electrically to the aircraft component via a maintenance terminal; retrieving maintenance data relating to the aircraft component using the maintenance terminal; performing maintenance operations on the aircraft component by entering data via a user interface on the maintenance terminal; and communicating in real time with a remote operator by transmitting and receiving at least one of voice signals and data signals wirelessly across a network via the maintenance terminal while performing the maintenance operations. |
| US09183514B2 |
Advanced user interface and control paradigm including contextual collaboration for multiple service operator extended functionality offers
Methods and systems for presenting information regarding multiple categories of content are provided. In addition, methods and systems that suggest activities by a user in relation to content and determined affinity for content in relation to user contacts are provided. A user interface application is provided that operates to display status and/or historical information regarding content, suggested activities, and suggested contacts. The user can interact with the interface to access detailed information and to act on suggestions. In addition the user can interact with the interface to share content to other users, including users participating in real time communication sessions. |
| US09183507B1 |
Context based inference of save location
A user may store content in a data store that includes multiple repositories corresponding to one or more categories, where each of the repositories may include one or more containers for content storage. An inference application may be configured to automatically save the content to a location within the one or more containers of the repository. For example, the inference application may be configured to detect content to be saved for a user. The inference application may analyze one or more attributes of the user and the content to infer a repository category to which the content is related, and determine a confidence level associated with the inferred repository category. In response to a determination that the confidence level is above a threshold, the content may be automatically saved to a determined location within one or more containers of a repository corresponding to the inferred repository category. |
| US09183501B2 |
Upper merged ontology for it architecture
An information technology (IT) architecture upper merged ontology which includes an upper merged ontology that is a representation framework for combined knowledge sources that are used in business and information technology; an upper merged ontology knowledge base containing information derived from an analysis of business and technical services pertaining to the IT architecture application; a plurality of semantic web application programming interfaces (APIs) that allow access to the upper merged ontology as a semantic web; a reasoning and constraint language (RaCL) that is a scripting language having the capabilities of model creation, automated reasoning and search and query operations such that scripts developed in the reasoning and constraint language can execute using the semantic web APIs; and a computer processor for representing and performing execution tasks. |
| US09183499B1 |
Evaluating quality based on neighbor features
Methods, systems, and apparatus for computing quality scores based on neighbor features. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining a quality model that was trained using a set of training entities; identifying a set of candidate entities that are different from each of the training entities; for each candidate entity: obtaining a first quality score for the candidate entity; obtaining one or more neighbor features for neighbor entities of the candidate entity, where each neighbor entity of the candidate entity is linked to the candidate entity; obtaining one or more entity specific feature values for the candidate entity, where each entity specific feature value is determined independent of the neighbor entities of the candidate entity; and determining a second quality score for the candidate entity using the quality model, the second quality score being computed based on the first quality score, the neighbor features, and the entity specific feature values. |
| US09183496B2 |
Methods and systems for genomic analysis
A computer-implemented method for processing and/or analyzing nucleic acid sequencing data comprises receiving a first data input and a second data input. The first data input comprises untargeted sequencing data generated from a first nucleic acid sample obtained from a subject. The second data input comprises target-specific sequencing data generated from a second nucleic acid sample obtained from the subject. Next, with the aid of a computer processor, the first data input and the second data input are combined to produce a combined data set. Next, an output derived from the combined data set is generated. The output is indicative of the presence or absence of one or more polymorphisms of the first nucleic acid sample and/or the second nucleic acid sample. |
| US09183495B2 |
Structural plasticity in spiking neural networks with symmetric dual of an electronic neuron
A neural system comprises multiple neurons interconnected via synapse devices. Each neuron integrates input signals arriving on its dendrite, generates a spike in response to the integrated input signals exceeding a threshold, and sends the spike to the interconnected neurons via its axon. The system further includes multiple noruens, each noruen is interconnected via the interconnect network with those neurons that the noruen's corresponding neuron sends its axon to. Each noruen integrates input spikes from connected spiking neurons and generates a spike in response to the integrated input spikes exceeding a threshold. There can be one noruen for every corresponding neuron. For a first neuron connected via its axon via a synapse to dendrite of a second neuron, a noruen corresponding to the second neuron is connected via its axon through the same synapse to dendrite of the noruen corresponding to the first neuron. |
| US09183493B2 |
Adaptive plasticity apparatus and methods for spiking neuron network
Apparatus and methods for plasticity in a spiking neuron network. In one implementation, a plasticity mechanism is configured based on a similarity measure between neuron post-synaptic and pre-synaptic activity. The similarity measure may comprise a cross-correlogram between the output spike train and input spike train, determined over a plasticity window. Several correlograms, corresponding to individual input connections delivering pre-synaptic input, may be combined. The combination may comprise for example a weighted average. The averaged correlograms may be used to construct the long term potentiation component of the plasticity. The long term depression component of the plasticity may comprise e.g., a monotonic function based on a statistical parameter associated with the adaptively determined long term potentiation component. |
| US09183491B2 |
System and method for providing contactless payment with a near field communications attachment
A system and method in accordance with exemplary embodiments may include an attachment with a near field communication antenna, a secure element, a plug capable of connecting the attachment to an audio jack on a mobile device. Further, a system and method in accordance with exemplary embodiments may include receiving a payment initiation instruction from a customer, using a near field communication antenna, sending payment information to a point of sale device, using one or more computer processors, encoding data related to the payment as audio data, and transmitting the data related to the payment through an audio jack. |
| US09183484B2 |
IC tag
The disclosure prevents, with improved reliability, an IC tag from being broken, while ensuring overall flexibility of the IC tag. The IC tag 100 is provided with a covering 140 made of an elastic material, which covers at least the side of the IC tag 100 on which an IC chip 130 is mounted and has a thickness that is larger in its portion 140a that covers a region about the IC chip 130 than in its portion 140b that covers a region outside the region about the IC chip 130. The covering 140 is configured in such a way that at least a part of a boundary of the portion 140a of the covering that covers the region about the IC chip 130 and the portion 140b of the covering that covers the region outside the region about the IC chip 130 has a curved shape. |
| US09183483B2 |
Can
A can contains an electrically conductive body and a closure region being delimited by a predetermined breaking edge on an end wall. The can has an opening element that lies in a planar fashion in its home position against the end wall and is connected to the end wall at at least one location. The opening element pivots with respect to the can from the home position into an opening position and the closure region becomes detached and an opening for emptying the content of the can is formed in the intermediate region bounded by the predetermined breaking edge. The opening element has a carrier body made of electrically and/or magnetically insulating material. The opening element has an antenna arranged on or in the carrier body and a transponder chip connected to the antenna. The home position of the antenna is disposed in the vicinity of the can. |
| US09183481B2 |
Persistent nodes for RFID
An RFID transponder in one embodiment comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, processing logic coupled to the RF transceiver, a switch coupled to the processing logic, a tunneling device coupled to the switch and a differential sensing circuit having a first input coupled to the tunneling device and a second input coupled to a predetermined reference voltage. In one embodiment, the tunneling device can discharge to a voltage below the predetermined reference voltage. |
| US09183473B2 |
Image forming apparatus having function of avoiding overflow of buffer and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of buffers, an auxiliary storage unit, a data receiving unit, a data transmitting unit, an asynchronous data write unit, a data prefetch unit, a data deletion unit, and an image forming unit. The data receiving unit inputs data into one of the plurality of buffers. The data transmitting unit outputs the stored data. The asynchronous data write unit stores the stored data into the auxiliary storage unit. The data prefetch unit prefetches, if no data to be output exists in another one of the plurality of buffers, the data stored in the auxiliary storage unit to the another one of the plurality of buffers. The data deletion unit deletes the data, transmitting of which has been completed. The image forming unit performs image formation for the data as page data. |
| US09183467B2 |
Sketch segmentation
Some examples of a sketch-based image segmentation system may segment a hand-drawn sketch based on proximity, intuitive clues and semantic information. For instance, the system may cluster line segments of the sketch if the line segments are within a threshold distance. Further, the system may cluster line segments of the sketch based on a set of intuitive clues. In some implementations, a sketch-based search engine may be utilized to search an image collection to identify images with shape features similar to the sketch and to segment the sketch based on the semantic information associated with the identified images. |
| US09183464B1 |
Face annotation method and face annotation system
A face annotation method and a face annotation system are provided. The face annotation method is adapted for a current owner to annotate contacts in online social networks. The face annotation method comprising: providing a pyramid database access control module which consists of a plurality of pyramid database units and performs a first batch of access control procedure and a non-first batch of access control procedure, wherein the pyramid database unit is constructed according to social relationship information; providing a multiple-kernel learning face recognition module implemented through the use of a MKL classifier unit which uses a MKL algorithm to achieve a face identification; and if the MKL-FR model is not able to identify query faces, providing a multiple-kernel learning face recognition fusion module to perform a collaborative face recognition strategy by utilizing a user who features a highest priority rule within a collaborative face recognition framework. |
| US09183461B2 |
Systems and methods for row causal scan-order optimization stereo matching
Systems and methods to determine a disparity map using row causal scanline optimization stereo matching are presented. A method includes, for each corresponding pixel P between a pair of input stereo images, and for each considered disparity, determining a basic match cost and a match cost for each of a set of given orientations including an east orientation and one or more other orientations, determining an overall match cost for each pixel at each considered disparity based on a sum of the determined match costs for all considered orientations for each pixel and disparity pair, and determining a resulting disparity for each pixel based on a minimum of the determined overall match costs, where a subset of the determined resulting disparities becomes available prior to completion of the input images being read in, and where the resulting disparities for all pixels are determined in a single pass through the input images. |
| US09183454B1 |
Automated technique for generating a path file of identified and extracted image features for image manipulation
A method for identifying, by at least one processor, at least one feature in a raster image based on a set of extraction parameters, and generating, by the at least one processor, a feature path file conforming to a vector format, the feature path file represents a plurality of instances of the at least one feature in the raster image. A system and computer program product are also disclosed. |
| US09183451B2 |
Image editing apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program executable by image editing apparatus
An image editing apparatus including: an image-data obtainer which obtains: first-face and second-face image data respectively created by reading first and second faces of a document, the first-face image data being as first target data, the second-face image data being as second target data; a receiver which receives a command for executing a processing for one of the first and second target data; and an image processor which, upon receipt of the command by the receiver, executes, for the one target data, a processing based on the command and executes, for another of the first and second target data, a processing symmetrical to the processing based on the command with respect to an axis extending through a center of an image corresponding to the one target data and extending in a sub-scanning direction during reading of the document. |
| US09183449B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting obstacle
An apparatus and a method for detecting an obstacle are provided. The apparatus includes a memory configured to store program instructions and a processor that is configured to execute the program instructions. The program instructions when executed are configured to compensate a position of a second image based on a first image based on a moving distance of a vehicle between the first image and the second image captured at different times and respectively generate a difference image based on a difference between the first image and the second image and between the first image and the second image in which the position is compensated. In addition, binarization is performed of the difference image and a synthetic image is generated for the two difference images. Then, the obstacle is detected by selecting a pixel corresponding to an area where the bit value is detected from the synthetic image. |
| US09183447B1 |
Object detection using candidate object alignment
Classification of an object in the field of view of a camera. A processor is configured to capture multiple image frames from the camera. A candidate image is detected in the image frames. Alignment of the candidate image is determined relative to at least one previously known training image by inputting the candidate image into a trained alignment classifier and outputting one or more alignment variables therefrom associated with the candidate image. The candidate image and the alignment variable(s) are input into a trained object classifier. The object is classified responsive to the alignment variable(s). |
| US09183444B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program
An information processing apparatus that executes processing for creating an environmental map includes a camera that photographs an image, a self-position detecting unit that detects a position and a posture of the camera on the basis of the image, an image-recognition processing unit that detects an object from the image, a data constructing unit that is inputted with information concerning the position and the posture of the camera and information concerning the object and executes processing for creating or updating the environmental map, and a dictionary-data storing unit storing dictionary data in which object information is registered. The image-recognition processing unit executes processing for detecting an object from the image with reference to the dictionary data. The data constructing unit applies the three-dimensional shape data to the environmental map and executes object arrangement on the environmental map. |
| US09183443B2 |
Method and apparatus for configuring and testing a machine vision detector
Disclosed are systems and methods for configuring a vision detector, wherein a training image is obtained from a production line operating in continuous motion so as to provide conditions substantially identical to those that will apply during actual manufacturing and inspection of objects. A training image can be obtained without any need for a trigger signal, whether or not the vision detector might use such a signal for inspecting the objects. Further disclosed are systems and methods for testing a vision detector by selecting, storing, and displaying a limited number of images from a production run, where those images correspond to objects likely to represent incorrect decisions. |
| US09183440B2 |
Identification by iris recognition
The invention relates to a method for identification on the basis of biometric data of an iris of an eye to be identified, including the steps of: encoding an image of the iris to be identified and a second iris image so as to obtain binary codes that are representative of the images to be compared; determining a binary similarity code from the binary code of the image of the iris to be identified and the second binary code of the second iris image; determining a confidence score on the basis of the local densities of similarities between the two compared iris images, as well as on the basis of the binary similarity code, the local similarity densities being in turn determined on the basis of the binary similarity code; and deciding, depending on the value of the confidence score, whether or not the two iris images are from the same iris. The invention also relates to a system suitable for implementing the identification method. |
| US09183434B2 |
Inspection apparatus, inspection method, and computer-readable storage medium
An inspection apparatus performs position adjustment between a reference image and an target image in a band region of a predetermined band size by using information of a feature point in the band region having the predetermined band size and information of a feature point in a region adjacent to the band region, and performs inspection of the printed document based on the comparison of the reference image and the target image. |
| US09183433B2 |
Apparatus and method for biometric authentication
A biometric authentication system includes: an image acquisition unit for acquiring an image of a living body; a light source with a predetermined wavelength band; an authentication information storage unit for, if light is emitted by the light source, setting a predetermined distance for a first distance to a first image acquired by the image acquisition unit in a depth direction so that quality of the first image is improved, extracting a first feature to be used to perform biometric authentication from the first image whose quality has been improved, and storing authentication information regarding the first feature; a feature extraction unit for, if light is emitted by the light source when performing authentication, setting the predetermined distance for a second distance to a second image acquired by the image acquisition unit in the depth direction so that quality of the second image is improved, and extracting a second feature for biometric authentication from the second image whose quality has been improved; and a comparison unit for comparing the authentication information regarding the first feature and authentication information regarding the second feature. |
| US09183432B2 |
People counting device and people trajectory analysis device
The people counting device includes an image acquisition unit to acquire an image from an imaging device, a head coordinate detection unit to detect a head coordinate of a target person from the image, a foot coordinate estimation unit to estimate a foot coordinate of the target person from the detected head coordinate, an individual region detection unit to perform region segmentation of the image and to give an attribute to each of regions, a foot coordinate correction unit to determine whether the target person overlaps another person based on the given attribute and to correct the foot coordinate of the target person estimated by the foot coordinate estimation unit when the persons are determined to overlap each other, a foot coordinate region inside/outside determination unit to determine whether the foot coordinate exists in a detection region set in the image, and a people counting unit to count foot coordinates. |
| US09183430B2 |
Portable electronic apparatus and interactive human face login method
A portable electronic apparatus and an interactive human face login method are disclosed. The portable electronic apparatus comprises a face database, a user interface, an image capturing device, and a recognition circuit. The face database stores a plurality of facial expression feature information. The user interface randomly generates a plurality of facial expression indications used for guiding a user to sequentially show a plurality of facial expressions. The image capturing device captures the facial expressions to output a plurality of facial expression images. The recognition circuit receives a login request and determines whether the facial expressions are consistent with the facial expression indications according to the facial expression feature information and the facial expression images. The login request is allowed if the facial expressions are consistent with the facial expression indications. |
| US09183427B2 |
Diagnostic system
A diagnostic system comprises a spectral image pickup means that picks up a spectral image in a predetermined wavelength region in a body cavity and obtains spectral image data, an image processing means that obtains, from the spectral image data, an index-value for discriminating between a diseased portion and a healthy portion, and generates and outputs an indicator image based on the index-value, and a monitor on which the indicator image is displayed, wherein, for each pixel of the spectral image, the image processing means defines β obtained by a predetermined expression as the index-value, while using the spectral image data P1 at a first wavelength which is around a wavelength of 542 nm, the spectral image data P2 at a second wavelength which is around a wavelength of 558 nm and the spectral image data P3 at a third wavelength which is around a wavelength of 578 nm. |
| US09183425B2 |
Image sensor pixel array having output response curve including logarithmic pattern for image sensor based terminal
There is described in one embodiment an indicia reading terminal having an image sensor pixel array incorporated therein, wherein the terminal is operative for decoding of decodable indicia and for providing color frames of image data for storage or transmission. An image sensor based terminal in one embodiment can include an image sensor having a hybrid monochrome and color image sensor pixel array wherein the image sensor pixel array includes a first subset of monochrome pixels and a second subset of color pixels. In one embodiment, an output response curve for the image sensor pixel array can include a logarithmic pattern. |
| US09183422B2 |
Wireless communication system, wireless communication method, radio equipment, and data transmitter
Provided is a wireless communication system including a first radio equipment that transmits first data using first radio waves, a data transmitter that outputs a second radio wave generated by modulating the first radio wave according to second data to be transmitted, and a second radio equipment that receives the first radio wave and the second radio wave, and separates and demodulates the first data transmitted from the first radio equipment and the second data transmitted from the data transmitter contained in the received radio waves. |
| US09183420B1 |
Reader for electronic cards
An apparatus comprises a tray and a reader. The tray is configured to hold a first card and a second card in a stacked configuration with contact pads on the first card and contact pads on the second card facing the same direction. The reader has a first set of contacts for engaging contact pads on the first card and a second set of contacts for engaging contact pads on the second card. The first set of contacts and the second set of contacts extend from a first side of the reader. A second side of the reader is mountable to a printed wire board. |
| US09183417B2 |
Security central processing unit monitoring of on-chip conditions
A system includes a security processing unit to monitor inputs from process, voltage and temperature sensors to maintain a security of the system. The security processing unit can operate at a determined clock frequency. A timing path detector can connect with the security processing unit. The timing path detector can monitor a condition near the security processing unit. The timing path detector can switch the clock frequency to a lower frequency before the security processing unit fails from the condition. |
| US09183416B2 |
System for performing parallel forensic analysis of electronic data and method therefor
System and method for conducting a forensic analysis of electronic data having files and information indicative of a location of each of the files. The system has processors and a controller. The controller is configured to characterize the electronic data based, at least in part, on the files and the information indicative of the location of each of the files to obtain a characterization and distribute segments of the electronic data to the processors based, at least in part, on the characterization, each of the processors corresponding to at least one of the segments and each of the segments corresponding to at least one of the processors. Each one of the processors is configured to process each corresponding one of the segments to identify at least one characteristic of each corresponding one of the segments. |
| US09183413B2 |
Method and system for controlling a device
A system and method for controlling a device. Data that was encrypted using a first encryption scheme is decrypted, then re-encrypted using a second encryption scheme. The re-encrypted data is then decrypted. |
| US09183412B2 |
Systems and methods for provisioning and using multiple trusted security zones on an electronic device
A method of provisioning a subordinate trusted security zone in a processor having a trusted security zone. The method comprises receiving by a master trusted application executing in a master trusted security zone of the processor a request to provision a subordinate trusted security zone in the processor, wherein the request comprises a master trusted security zone key, wherein the request designates the subordinate trusted security zone, and wherein the request defines an independent key. The method further comprises provisioning by the master trusted application the subordinate trusted security zone to be accessible based on the independent key. |
| US09183409B2 |
User device and operating method thereof
A security method in an electronic device is provided. The method includes pairing the electronic device with an Access Point (AP), obtaining at least one item of information about the AP, and setting a security level of the electronic device according to the at least one item of information. |
| US09183402B2 |
Protecting secure software in a multi-security-CPU system
A computing system includes a first central processing unit (CPU) and a second CPU coupled with the first CPU and with a host processor. In response to a request by the host processor to boot the second CPU, the first CPU is configured to execute secure booting of the second CPU by decrypting encrypted code to generate decrypted code executable by the second CPU but that is inaccessible by the host processor. |
| US09183400B2 |
IC card and IC card control method
According to one embodiment, an IC card includes a communication unit, data memory, selector, and inheriting unit. The communication unit performs data communication with an external apparatus. The data memory stores files managed by a hierarchical. structure, a folder as an upper layer of the files, and information concerning the inheritance of a security status between a plurality of folders. If information indicating the inheritance of a security status from the first folder to the second folder exists, the inheriting unit inherits, even while the second file is selected, the security status established while the first folder is selected. |
| US09183394B2 |
Secure BIOS tamper protection mechanism
An apparatus including a ROM, a selector, and a detector. The ROM has partitions stored as plaintext, and encrypted digests, each comprising an encrypted version of a first digest associated with a corresponding one of the partitions. The selector selects one or more partitions responsive to an interrupt. The detector generates the interrupt at a combination of intervals and event occurrences, and accesses the one or more partitions and corresponding one or more encrypted digests upon assertion of the interrupt, and directs generation of one or more second digests corresponding to the one or more partitions and one or more decrypted digests corresponding to the one or more encrypted digests using the same algorithms and key used to generate the first digest and encrypted digests, and compares the second digests with the decrypted digests, and precludes the operation if the second digests and the decrypted digests are not pair wise equal. |
| US09183390B2 |
Systems and methods for providing anti-malware protection on storage devices
Systems and methods for providing anti-malware protection on storage devices are described. In one embodiment, a storage device includes a controller, firmware, and memory. The firmware communicates with an authorized entity (e.g., external entity, operating system) to establish a secure communication channel. The system includes secure storage to securely store data. |
| US09183389B1 |
Rapid malware inspection of mobile applications
Disclosed are various embodiments for inspecting malware with little or no user interruption. A first computing device may compare a source code of an application to a fingerprint stored locally on the first computing device. The first computing device may transmit the source code to a second computing device to determine whether the source code resides in a database comprising approved applications. If the source code does not reside in the database, a thorough scan of the source code may be conducted. |
| US09183387B1 |
Systems and methods for detecting online attacks
Detecting online attacks is described, including identifying one or more events associated with users on a social graph. For each type of event of the one or more events, generating at least one directed acyclic graph (DAG), where each node on the DAG represents a node on the social graph where an event of the type occurs and each edge on the DAG represents a propagation of the event from a first node of the edge to a second node of the edge. |
| US09183378B2 |
Runtime based application security and regulatory compliance in cloud environment
A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for runtime based application security. The application runtime environment executing within a virtual machine on the data processing system receives notification of a change in execution environment for the virtual machine. Responsive to determining the virtual machine is being migrated to a virtualized environment based on the notification of a change in execution environment, the application runtime environment dynamically modifies execution of an application in the application runtime environment, wherein the application comprises a set of application modules. |
| US09183371B2 |
Personal digital identity device with microphone
A personal digital ID device provides a digital identifier to a service for a predetermined duration in response to user interaction. The user interaction may include a button press. The personal digital ID device may be in the form of a bracelet, a key fob, or other form factor. The service may be provided by a mobile device, in the cloud, or elsewhere. |
| US09183366B2 |
Request-specific authentication for accessing Web service resources
Requests for access to Web service resources are evaluated based on the type of request that is received. Requests are not granted unless sufficient proof of authentication is provided to grant that request. An authentication service evaluates one or more factors to determine whether or not to authenticate the client. After being authenticated by the authentication service, proof of authentication is provided to the Web service, which grants access to the Web service resource. |
| US09183364B2 |
Intelligent peripheral device and system for the authentication and verification of individuals and/or documents through a secure multifunctional authentication service with data storage capability
A device possessing a secure multifunctional authentication service integrated with data storage capability, wherein the device is a multifunctional intelligent peripheral or accessory device, which, upon implementation into a system, is disposed to control a set of transactions that the system is designated to perform by the device, in conjunction with a data transfer medium which is under the control of the device. |
| US09183360B1 |
Obfuscation of automatically generated code
A method is provided for obfuscating code generated from a block diagram model in a graphical programming environment. The obfuscation may be removed through the use of a password. Incorporating the obfuscated code in a block diagram allows for code to be generated from the block diagram incorporating the obfuscated code. |
| US09183359B2 |
Method and apparatus for assigning and releasing licenses
Methods and systems for allocating licenses to devices are provided. More particularly, the devices included in a system may each require a license having a release value that is equal to or greater than the release value of the device in order to be fully operational. Upon the unregistration of a device, the highest cost or value license that can be made available while maintaining proper registration of the remaining registered devices is freed. More particularly, the difference between the number of devices registered and the licenses used is calculated for each release value. A variance for each release value, beginning with the least cost or lowest release value license and working towards the highest cost or value license is then calculated. The highest cost license that can be released is equal to the license value for which the calculated variance is equal to zero. |
| US09183358B2 |
Electronic content processing system, electronic content processing method, package of electronic content, and use permission apparatus
A game playing system includes a use permission tag provided for use in a game disk for a user of a game, a disk drive, and a reproduction device for reproducing the game. The disk drive reads out a disk ID from the game disk. When the game is to be played, the reproduction device conveys the disk ID and a player ID to the use permission tag. The use permission tag stores the terms of use of the game and determines whether a combination of the disk ID and the player ID conveyed from the reproduction device fulfills the terms of use or not. |
| US09183352B2 |
Method and arrangement for predicting at least one system event, corresponding computer program, and corresponding computer-readable storage medium
A method, a system and an arrangement for predicting at least one system event and a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium are configured so that it is possible to predict a system event based on trends in observables over a certain period of time prior to the event occurring. One example of a system event is the failure of a system because the abnormal behavior of a component is reflected in irregularities in one or a plurality of observables. Another example of a system event is the early recognition or pre-acute prediction of a specific critical condition of a patient. |
| US09183346B2 |
Robotic appendages
Embodiments provided herein generally relate to robotic limbs and uses thereof. In some embodiments, a motor for driving movement of the limb is provided. In some embodiments, the motor for driving movement of the limb can itself be repositioned, thereby altering the forces and/or torque involved in moving and/or operating the limb. |
| US09183341B2 |
Pre-colored methodology of multiple patterning
Some embodiments relate to a system that pre-colors word lines and control lines within a memory cell to avoid timing delays that result from processing variations introduced through multiple patterning lithography processes. The system has a memory element that stores a graphical IC layout with a memory circuit having layout features including a plurality of word lines and a plurality of Y-control lines. A pre-coloring element pre-colors one or more of the plurality of word lines and Y-control lines, to indicate that pre-colored word lines and Y-control lines are to be formed on a same mask of a multiple mask set used for a multiple patterning lithography process. A decomposition element assigns different colors to uncolored layout features of the memory circuit, to indicate that different colored memory features are to be formed on different masks of the multiple mask set. |
| US09183340B2 |
Electronic device having circuit board with co-layout design of multiple connector placement sites and related circuit board thereof
An electronic device includes an integrated circuit, a connector, and a circuit board. The integrated circuit includes a first signal processing circuit, a second signal processing circuit, and an interface multiplexer having a first input port electrically connected to the first signal processing circuit, a second input port electrically connected to the second signal processing circuit, and an output port arranged to be electrically connected to the first input port or the second input port. The circuit board carries the integrated circuit and has a plurality of connector placement sites, including at least a first connector placement site each dedicated to the first signal processing circuit and at least a second connector placement site each dedicated to the second signal processing circuit. The connector placement sites and the output port of the interface multiplexer are electrically connected in series. The connector is installed on one of the connector placement sites. |
| US09183337B1 |
Circuit design with predefined configuration of parameterized cores
A method of processing a circuit design in a circuit design tool includes: identifying selection of a parameterized core to be instantiated in a description of the circuit design managed by the circuit design tool and configured for implementation in target hardware; processing a configuration file for the parameterized core to select a set of parameter values from a plurality of sets of parameter values dynamically based at least in part on the target hardware; creating an instance of the parameterized core in the circuit design having the selected set of parameter values; and implementing the circuit design for the target hardware. |
| US09183335B2 |
Dynamic power driven clock tree synthesis (CTS)
Dynamic power driven clock tree synthesis is described. Some embodiments can select one or more cells from a cell library based on power ratios of cells in the cell library. The embodiments can then construct a clock tree based on the one or more cells. |
| US09183330B2 |
Estimation of power and thermal profiles
Aspects of the invention relate to techniques for estimating power and thermal profiles for an integrated circuit design. With various implementations of the invention, a group of devices is identified in a netlist based on information of the group of devices. The netlist may be a schematic netlist or a layout netlist extracted from a layout design. Power consumption information for the group of devices is determined based on device parameters for the group of devices and a lookup table. The determined power consumption information is then associated with layout location information. A thermal profile may then be estimated based on the power consumption information. |
| US09183328B2 |
Method and apparatus for modeling interactions of the fluid with system boundaries in fluid dynamic systems
A method and apparatus for accessing a data representation of a model associated with a fluid system, the data representation including at least one interior cell and at least one ghost cell, calculating a physical volume value and physical surface area value for at least one interior cell and at least one ghost cell, generating at least one control volume based on one or more physical volume values, generating at least one control surface based on one or more physical surface area values; substituting one or more of the at least one control volume parameter and the at least one surface area for corresponding elements of mathematical conservation equations representative of the fluid system, and solving the mathematical conservation equations representative of the fluid system. |
| US09183326B2 |
Method for simulating fractional multi-phase/multi-component flow through porous media
A method for computing or estimating fractional, multi-phase/multi-component flow through a porous medium employing a 3D digital representation of a porous medium and a computational fluid dynamics method to calculate flow rates, pressures, saturations, internal velocity vectors and other flow parameters is described. The method employs a unique method of introducing non-wetting and wetting fluids into the pores at the inlet face of the 3D digital representation of a porous medium and a novel process control application to achieve quasi-steady state flow at low inlet concentrations of non-wetting fluid. In addition, the method of the present invention reduces the time required to simulate to complete the fluid dynamic calculations. The resulting values of flow of non-wetting fluid, wetting fluid, saturation, and other parameters are used to generate plots of relative permeability imbibition and drainage curves. Computerized systems and programs for performing the method are also provided. |
| US09183313B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing position-related information to mobile recipients
A system for providing position-related information to a mobile user includes a mobile unit and a central site server. The mobile unit includes circuitry for determining present position information from position signals which may emanate from, for example, GPS satellites. The mobile unit further includes circuitry for establishing a wireless bidirectional communications link with the central site server via a terrestrial network, which may be accessed via a cellular telephone network. The central site server includes circuitry for receiving the present position information from the mobile unit. A table stored at the central site server includes different response information in correspondence with possible positions of the mobile unit. The response information may further be in correspondence with user preferences. The central site server uses the received present position information to retrieve corresponding response information from the table, and sends the retrieved response information to the mobile unit via the bidirectional communications link. The mobile unit further includes circuitry, such as a loudspeaker, for supplying the response information to the mobile user. In another aspect of the invention, communications between the mobile unit and the central site server are encrypted. Furthermore, the mobile unit may include components for preventing position information from being supplied to the loudspeaker, thereby eliminating distracting noise from being presented to the user. |
| US09183312B2 |
Image display within web search results
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for displaying search results referencing resources of two different types. In an aspect, a search system receives a search query for a search of a first resources. The search system determines a second resource score for the search query. The second resource score is measure of relatedness of the query to the second resources and is independent of a search property ratio of the query. If the second resource score meets a threshold, then the search system conducts a full search of second resources in addition to the search of the first resources. |
| US09183303B1 |
Personal content item searching system and method
A system and method for enabling a user to use a user computer to search the user's personal content items hosted by an online content management service, the online content management service having an indexer computer configured to generate a base index of the user's content items hosted by the service, a base index server computer configured to transmit the generated base index over a network to the user computer, an index mutation generator computer configured to generate index mutations for subsequent changes to user's hosted content items, and an index mutation sever computer configured to transmit the generated index mutations over the network to the user computer. In one aspect, the system and method enable searches of the user's hosted content items and changes thereto to be conducted at the user computer using an index local to the user computer constructed based on the base index and the index mutations received by the user computer. |
| US09183302B1 |
Creating a technical computing environment (TCE)-based search engine
A device provides a collaborative environment that enables the device to receive: technical computing environment (TCE) model information associated with one or more TCE models, problem information associated with one or more problems, TCE tool information associated with one or more TCE tools, and user information associated with one or more search query users. The device executes the one or more TCE models and the one or more TCE tools to determine behavior information associated with the one or more TCE models and the one or more TCE tools, stores the received information and the behavior information in a repository, and utilizes the information stored in the repository for generating a result in response to a query by a TCE-based search engine. |
| US09183294B2 |
Meta-data approach to querying multiple biomedical ontologies
A method for retrieving information spread across a plurality of different ontologies, including: defining a meta-ontology, wherein the meta-ontology includes high-level properties and their mappings to specific properties defined in a plurality of different ontologies; receiving a question, wherein the question is associated with a high-level property; and providing an answer to the question, wherein the answer is determined by using the meta-ontology. |
| US09183293B2 |
Systems and methods for scalable topic detection in social media
Embodiments generally relate to systems and methods for detecting topics in social media data. More particularly, the systems and methods can extract a concept hierarchy from a set of data, wherein the concept hierarchy comprises a plurality of layers. Further, the systems and methods can train topic models based on the content in each of the layers. Still further, the systems and methods can select the most appropriate topic model for social media data by balancing the complexity of the model and the accuracy of the topic detection result. Moreover, the systems and methods can use the most appropriate topic model to detect topics in social media data. |
| US09183289B2 |
Document classification toolbar in a document creation application
A toolbar in a document creation application provides the ability to classify documents based on specific properties such as security classification. The toolbar through dropdown selections allows users to select the appropriate classification and properties based upon the content of the document and have appropriate classifiers added to the document. Document classification properties are generated that are associated with the document in the document properties and by inserting visual markings that allow users to quickly identify the security, sensitivity, intended distribution or retention. By utilizing the classification toolbar a user can classify an document by one or more classification levels and be ensured that the classification will be visible to any person viewing the document. |
| US09183284B2 |
Inserting data into an in-memory distributed nodal database
A database loader loads data to an in-memory database across multiple nodes in a parallel computing system. The database loader uses SQL flags, historical information gained from monitoring prior query execution times and patterns, and node and network configuration to determine how to effectively cluster data attributes across multiple nodes. The database loader may also allow a system administrator to force placement of database structures in particular nodes. |
| US09183283B2 |
Inserting data into an in-memory distributed nodal database
A database loader loads data to an in-memory database across multiple nodes in a parallel computing system. The database loader uses SQL flags, historical information gained from monitoring prior query execution times and patterns, and node and network configuration to determine how to effectively cluster data attributes across multiple nodes. The database loader may also allow a system administrator to force placement of database structures in particular nodes. |
| US09183273B2 |
Systems and methods for processing location-and entity-based workflow data
Implementations relate to systems and methods for processing workflow data and providing location-based and/or entity-based workflow statistics. A processing module or other logic can receive workflow data related to operations of vehicles though a supply chain network comprising a set of locations. The processing module can process the workflow data by generating various context views, filtering out some of the data, and other functions. A user or entity can request the processing module for different views or results of the workflow data to gauge efficiencies or inefficiencies in the supply chain. The user or entity can perform modifications to components of the supply chain based on results of the workflow data. |
| US09183271B2 |
Big-fast data connector between in-memory database system and data warehouse system
Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for insuring better query consistency between at least two different databases, where one faster database has more up-to-date information than another slower database, and wherein updates are typically applied to the faster database first and then to the slower database. In embodiments, the systems and methods also insure that a query to the slower database is not performed until a set of one or more updates from the faster database have been applied to that slower database. |
| US09183264B2 |
Distributed configuration information management device and distributed configuration information management method using duplicates
In the configuration information management device, if a CI stored in the entity information storage unit has a feature, duplicates of the CIs that are associated with the subject CI, managed by other FCMDBs, and do not have features, as well as duplicates of Rels, are created and managed in the entity information storage unit. In the configuration information management device, when a search request for a search formula that associates CIs with one another by Rels is received, the information about the search formula is searched for with the use of the duplicates created in the entity information storage unit. |
| US09183261B2 |
Lexicon based systems and methods for intelligent media search
A computer image search system for rapid retrieval of media files images corresponding to a sequence of input display commands, the system comprising: a programmable data processor operating under the control of a program to convert the display commands into data entries in an array of multi-bit data characters and words, each entry of the array corresponding to a set of descriptions of the image to be displayed; and a scanned-raster display device for generating illuminated points on a display surface in response to applied data signals causing the programmable data processor to perform a set of operations. |
| US09183260B2 |
Node-level sub-queries in distributed databases
A database query is received that includes a logical query indicator at a distributed database node within a distributed network of databases. The logical query indicator includes at least one physical database query and at least one database node identifier that allows at least one distributed database node to identify at least one physical database to execute the physical database query against. It is determined that the at least one database node identifier matches a local node identifier. The at least one physical database query is executed against at least one local physical database table. A local query response is formed including data retrieved from the at least one local physical database table. The database query is responded to with at least the local query response. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US09183258B1 |
Behavior based processing of content
Various features are provided for assisting users in efficiently locating and viewing network content of interest, including but not limited to particular portions of web pages. The features are particularly useful for users of mobile computing devices having a limited display size, but may be used with any type of client device. Some features identify popular content items by collectively analyzing the interactive behaviors of a population of users, such as zooming interactions. The results of such analyzes can be used in various ways to improve users' browsing experiences. For example, popular content items can be highlighted on a web page, an option to zoom in automatically on popular content items can be provided, popular content items may be rendered at relatively high resolution, and caching of content items may be based partly on a measure of their popularity. |
| US09183256B2 |
Performing sequence analysis as a relational join
A usage model and the underlying technology used to provide sequence analysis as part of a relational database system. Included components include the semantic and syntactic integration of the sequence analysis with an existing query language, the storage methods for the sequence data, and the design of a multipart execution scheme that runs the sequence analysis as part of a potentially larger database join, especially using parallel execution techniques. |
| US09183254B1 |
Optimizing database queries using subquery composition
A database system optimizes database queries that comprise subqueries. The database system factors out computation from two or more subqueries to a reusable subquery. The reusable subquery returns a result set. The subqueries are rewritten to use the result set and the database query modified to use the rewritten subqueries. The modified database query performs efficiently since the result set is computed only once for each subquery that uses the reusable query. The database system also composes nested subqueries that compute aggregate values. The database system identifies an inner subquery nested within an outer subquery, each subquery computing an aggregate value. The database system determines a new aggregate function corresponding to a composition of aggregate functions of the inner and the outer queries. The database system determines a composed query using the inner query with the outer query. The composed query uses the new aggregate function. |
| US09183253B2 |
System for evolutionary analytics
A system for evolutionary analytics supports three dimensions (analytical workflows, the users, and the data) by rewriting workflows to be more efficient by using answers materialized as part of previous workflow execution runs in the system. |
| US09183252B2 |
Scalable and adaptive evaluation of reporting window functions
According to one aspect of the invention, for a database statement that specifies evaluating reporting window functions, a computation-pushdown execution strategy may be used for the database statement. The computation-pushdown execution plan includes producer operators and consolidation operators. Each producer operator computes a respective partial aggregation for each reporting window function based on a subset of rows, and broadcasts the respective partial aggregation. Each consolidation operator fully aggregates all partial aggregations broadcasted from the producer operators. Alternatively, an extended-data-distribution-key execution plan may be used. Each producer operator sends rows based on hash keys to sort operators for computing partial aggregations for at least one reporting window function based on a subset of rows. Each consolidation operator receives and fully aggregates all partial aggregations broadcasted from the sort operators. |
| US09183251B1 |
Showing prominent users for information retrieval requests
Implementations of the present disclosure include actions of receiving authoritative user data, the authoritative user data associating one or more queries with one or more authoritative users, processing the authoritative user data to identify one or more trigger queries, each trigger query including a query that, if received, triggers a display of one or more authoritative users in response, and storing the one or more trigger queries in a trigger queries database, each trigger query being associated with a first set of authoritative users, each authoritative user in the first set of authoritative users being associated with a first score relating to a particular trigger query. |
| US09183249B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating a path
One aspect of the invention provides a method for generating a path. The method includes: storing, in a storing unit, at least one path for each arbitrarily set section; setting, in a path setting unit, a main path from an origination to a destination input from a user and then displaying the main path through a display unit; searching, in a path generating unit, for at least one recommended path for one or more sections corresponding to a theme selected from the user and then displaying a searched recommended path through the display unit; receiving, in an input unit, a selection of one or more recommended paths; and generating, in the path generating unit, a final path based on the selection of one or more recommended paths for the one or more sections. |
| US09183248B2 |
Configuring object displays
An object configuration module for configuring an object retrieves a view object associated with a user from a database. The view object may comprise a plurality of attributes. The object configuration module may further retrieve configuration information for the view object from the database. The configuration information may comprise properties of the attributes, and the properties may be customized by the user for the view object. The object configuration module may then set the properties for each of the attributes based on the retrieved configuration information. |
| US09183246B2 |
File system with per-file selectable integrity
A file system uses data integrity techniques that are a selectable attribute of a file system object. Some file system objects have integrity on for various accesses, while other file system objects do not. Different default settings can be provided for different file system objects. Such a setting for a file system object can be changed to and from having integrity on. Given a file system object with an attribute, the file system provides file system operations for which the data integrity operation used on the file system object depends on this attribute. Such operations include, but are not limited to, operations for changing the attribute, creating file system objects with such attributes, providing and changing default settings for such attributes, and writing data to and reading data from files, which use different data integrity techniques based on this attribute. |
| US09183241B2 |
System, method and computer program product for efficient caching of hierarchical items
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a “lazy” approach in caching a hierarchical navigation tree with one or more associated permission trees. In one embodiment, only a portion of a cached permission tree is updated. One embodiment of a method may comprise determining whether a dirty node exists by comparing tree timestamps of the permission tree and the master tree. If the tree timestamp of the master tree is temporally more recent than the tree timestamp of the permission tree, the permission tree has a dirty node and the method may operate to check node timestamps of the master and permission trees. This process may be repeated until the dirty node is found, at which time a portion of the permission tree associated with the dirty node may be reconstructed, rather than the entire permission tree itself, thereby eliminating or significantly reducing access time to the cached permission tree. |
| US09183238B2 |
Providing task-based information
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing task-based information are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes identifying a set of previous interactive sessions for a particular task. For each identified interactive session in the set of previous interactive sessions, a set of implements used during the interactive session are identified based on content of the interactive session. At least one implement in the identified set of implements is classified as a required implement for the particular task. The classification is based, at least in part, on a portion of the previous interactive sessions in which the implement was identified. Classified implements are indexed according to the particular task. Data identifying the indexed implements are provided in response to receipt of a search query referencing the particular task. |
| US09183234B2 |
Merge monitor for table delta partitions
At runtime first and second cost functions associated with a request for a merge of a main partition of a table with a delta partition of the table can be calculated. The first and second cost functions can respectively quantify an urgency of the merge relative to availability of system resources required to perform the merge and an urgency of the merge relative to other merges. Determining whether the merge should occur can include comparing the calculated first and second cost functions with calculations of other first and second cost functions for other merge requests of one or more other tables. If the merge should occur, a merge thread can be assigned to execute the merge, and execution of the merge by the merge thread can be commenced if at least one merge token representing system resources usable for merge operations is available. |
| US09183232B1 |
Systems and methods for organizing content using content organization rules and robust content information
Systems and methods which provide organization of content using robust content information to enable presenting content to a user organized in a highly relevant way are disclosed. According to embodiments, a user does not control the organization of the particular content (although the user may establish some level of preferences), but rather content organization rules may be autonomously applied through analysis of robust content information and provide content organized in a thematic organizational structure which is highly relevant to the user. Such content organization rules may identify content connection points which are not readily apparent, but which nevertheless provide a collection of content which is relevant. Such content organization rules may operate to provide organization of content related through a thematic thread, such as may comprise a temporal aspect, a geographic aspect, a subject matter aspect, a content file aspect, a setting aspect, a general aspect, and/or the like. |
| US09183226B2 |
Image classification
An image classification system trains an image classification model to classify images relative to text appearing with the images. Training images are iteratively selected and classified by the image classification model according to feature vectors of the training images. An independent model is trained for unique n-grams of text. The image classification system obtains text appearing with an image and parses the text into candidate labels for the image. The image classification system determines whether an image classification model has been trained for the candidate labels. When an image classification model corresponding to a candidate label has been trained, the image classification subsystem classifies the image relative to the candidate label. The image is labeled based on candidate labels for which the image is classified as a positive image. |
| US09183224B2 |
Identifying matching canonical documents in response to a visual query
A server system receives a visual query from a client system. The visual query is an image containing text such as a picture of a document. At the receiving server or another server, optical character recognition (OCR) is performed on the visual query to produce text recognition data representing textual characters. Each character in a contiguous region of the visual query is individually scored according to its quality. The quality score of a respective character is influenced by the quality scores of neighboring or nearby characters. Using the scores, one or more high quality strings of characters are identified. Each high quality string has a plurality of high quality characters. A canonical document containing the one or more high quality textual strings is retrieved. At least a portion of the canonical document is sent to the client system. |
| US09183216B2 |
Cluster storage using subsegmenting for efficient storage
Cluster storage is disclosed. A data stream or a data block is received. The data stream or the data block is broken into segments. For each segment, a cluster node is selected, and a portion of the segment smaller than the segment is identified that is a duplicate of a portion of a segment already managed by the cluster node. |
| US09183212B2 |
Representing directory structure in content-addressable storage systems
Techniques for representing directory structure in content-addressable storage systems are provided. A directory structure of a file system is represented using a plurality of chunks in a content-addressable storage system. The directory structure includes a set of objects arranged in an object hierarchy. The set of objects includes a particular directory that has, within the object hierarchy, a set of child objects. The plurality of chunks includes a directory object chunk for the particular directory. The plurality of chunks further includes a particular set of child object chunks. The particular set of child object chunks are object chunks for each child object in the set of child objects. The plurality of chunks further includes at least one hash set chunk with hash values for object chunks in the particular set of child object chunks. |
| US09183210B2 |
Operating system control of directory events with dynamic program execution
A directory operational block data structure is provided by a processor within a memory. The directory operational block data structure allows configuration of a directory of a file system, at an operating-system level, with at least one executable program to be executed in response to configurable operating-system level directory events associated with the directory. A first program is attached within the directory operational block data structure to execute in response to a specified directory event. The attached first program is executed at the operating-system level in response to detection of the specified directory event. |
| US09183207B2 |
Method for consistent storage of data in an industrial controller
A system and method for employing a file system and file system services on the industrial controller. The file system allows industrial control programs to implement many functions previously performed within the industrial control program and stored in the same memory as the industrial control program. An execution engine is provided that interprets instructions included in an industrial control program. The instructions utilize services in the file system for including user defined routine files loaded from local or remote locations, to load and unload recipe files from local and remote locations, to log and retrieve measured data and trend data to files at local or remote locations, to select different operating systems and to select a running program from a plurality of running programs utilizing the file system. |
| US09183206B2 |
Policy based population of genealogical archive data
An approach for managing a family tree archive is provided. The approach includes creating an electronic archive based on a family tree. The approach also includes automatically discovering Internet-based data associated with at least one member of the family tree. The approach additionally includes adding the Internet-based data to the archive. The approach further includes storing the archive at a storage device. |
| US09183203B1 |
Generalized data mining and analytics apparatuses, methods and systems
The GENERALIZED DATA MINING AND ANALYTICS APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“GDMA”), in various embodiments, may identify statistical relationships among query terms by analyzing a corpus of electronic documents. Inputs may be automatically generated automatically and/or user provided. In one embodiment, a method includes: accessing a term tensor associated with at least one term in a corpus of documents, wherein the term tensor comprises a plurality of data type vectors corresponding respectively to a plurality of term-correlated data types correlated with the at least one term in the corpus and each data type vector comprising a plurality of binned data type values with corresponding weighted occurrence values derived from the corpus; providing at least one of the plurality of term-correlated data types for selectable display; receiving at least one term-correlated data type selection; and providing data type values associated with the at least one term-correlated data type selection for display. |
| US09183200B1 |
Scale up deduplication engine via efficient partitioning
An efficient partitioning scheme is provided to improve efficiency of updating a reference list database of a deduplication engine. Transaction objects of a transaction log can be divided into a number of partitioned log files, based on criteria. The transaction objects within each partitioned log file are then sorted in parallel, while maintaining time order of the transaction objects. The present disclosure also provides for dividing database records of a reference list database into multiple tables, such as a master database table and a number of child database tables. The efficient partitioning scheme also provides for processing the transaction objects of each partitioned log file against a respective child table of the reference list database in parallel, such as by updating temporary child tables with information from the transaction objects in parallel. The temporary database tables then replace (the previous version of) the reference list database tables. |
| US09183198B2 |
Customizable and low-latency interactive computer-aided translation
Methods and systems for computer-aided translation include receiving a document having one or more sentences to be translated; generating a suggestion pool of possible translations for each sentence in the document; providing a best suggestion from the suggestion pool to a user for a sentence being translated; updating the suggestion pool based on the user's input of a translation prefix; and providing an updated best suggestion from the updated suggestion pool to the user for the sentence being translated. |
| US09183192B1 |
Translator
The translator allows input of text entries into an input box and displays the translated text in an output box. The user enters text to be translated into an input box. The translator displays the translated text in the output box. The translator utilizes a dictionary to translate the entered text. The user may personalize the dictionary by adding, removing, and/or editing entries and dictionaries into a customizable dictionary. The user may add, remove, and/or edit entries and meanings of the dictionary. The user may also merge multiple dictionaries to create a single customized dictionary. The translator enables the user to save the dictionary for later use, delete a dictionary, and print a dictionary. The user may also send a dictionary to others to assist with translation. |
| US09183191B2 |
Forwarding selected document passages from an electronic reader
A process for forwarding selected passages from an electronic document being presented on a portable electronic reader, where the electronic document has been previously downloaded into a memory of the electronic reader. The process permits a user of the electronic reader to electronically identify and select the passages from an electronic document being presented on the portable electronic reader. The process also includes the automatic association of metadata with a selected passage, where the metadata includes citation information identifying the presented electronic document as the source document. The selected passages and associated metadata are stored in the portable electronic reader, for subsequent transmission over the communications network to a designated recipient. |
| US09183190B2 |
Methods and systems for document-based publishing channels
An editing application can support publishing channels that are embedded in a document being edited. A publishing channel can include one or more publishing parameters usable to control how some or all of the content is exported by the editing application. A method can comprise loading a document in an editing environment provided by an editing application, receiving data identifying at least a portion of the document, receiving data defining a publishing channel to use in exporting the identified portion of the document, and storing data defining the instance of the publishing channel in the document alongside data defining the document. The document may comprise a plurality of objects and storing data can comprise storing data defining the instance of the publishing channel with respect to one or more of the objects included in the document. |
| US09183188B2 |
Dynamic toolbar for markup language document
A toolbar that is provided or inserted in a markup language document so as to facilitate features or functionality provided by a server is disclosed. The toolbar is able to determine whether the toolbar should be displayed as part of the markup language page being displayed. In one embodiment the server is an intermediary server. |
| US09183186B2 |
Conversion tool for XPS and OpenXPS documents
A conversion tool enables XPS documents to be automatically converted into the Open XPS format and for Open XPS-formatted documents to be automatically converted into the XPS format. The conversion tool may convert content types, package-level relationships, part-level attributes, and image parts into a format supported by either document format. |
| US09183184B2 |
Configurable templates for self-service supplier registration
Embodiments of the present invention include a configurable template definition which improves the self-service supplier registration and update process by providing a tailored request to match the needs for the particular type of supplier and collect all the relevant information from them. According to one embodiment, a template page can be made available where the administrator can specify which attributes or attribute groups can be applicable for each type of supplier when registering or updating their data. Profile questions can be selected from the master list and associated to the template. The registration process can then be coded to hide or show individual attributes or groups of attributes and individual profile questions based on the selection in the related template. |
| US09183180B2 |
Method for in-flight assessment of freedom from flutter of an airplane
A computer-implemented method for in-flight assessment of freedom from flutter of an airplane, involving analyzing the airplane structure vibrations based on signals indicated by sensors located on the airplane structure. The computations are performed in real-time based on current measurement data collected from the sensors. For measurement data from individual sensors there are determined mode shapes of vibrations. The relevancy of modes of vibrations is determined by subtracting from the vibrations signal the particular mode of vibrations and calculating the value of decrease in the rest sum of squares. |
| US09183169B2 |
SAS expander based persistent connections
A network device comprising a first attach point, a second attach point, a switch and persistent connection logic is provided. The first attach point may connect the network device to a first link, and the second attach point may connect the network device to a second link. The switch may connect the first attach point to the second attach point. The persistent connection logic may create a persistent connection between a first network element and a second network element, where the persistent connection comprises the network device, the first link and the second link. The network device may also implement a non-persistent connection between two network elements, where the non-persistent connection may comprises the network device. |
| US09183168B2 |
Dual mode USB and serial console port
An information handling system includes a service connector operable to receive an RS-232 signal and a USB signal. The service connector is a USB type connector. The information handling system also includes a voltage converter operable to convert the RS-232 signal from a first voltage level to a first serial signal at a second voltage level when a signal received by the service connector is the RS-232 signal, a protocol converter operable to convert the USB signal to a second serial signal at the second voltage level when the signal received by the service connector is the USB signal, and a UART operable to receive the first serial signal and the second serial signal. |
| US09183167B2 |
Enhanced I/O performance in a multi-processor system via interrupt affinity schemes
Disclosed herein is a method for improving Input/Output (I/O) performance in a host system having multiple CPUs. Under this method, various interrupt affinity schemes are provided, which associate multiple processors, interrupts, and I/O channels for sending the interrupts, thereby allowing the interrupts to be almost evenly loaded among the multiple I/O channels and processors. Also, data locality (“warm cache”) can be achieved through the interrupt affinity schemes that associate each interrupt to its source processor, namely, the processor originating the I/O request that results in the interrupt. |
| US09183163B2 |
Method and apparatus for distributed control of an interfacing-device network
A local controller maintains a local database which stores information associated with a set of interfacing devices of a local-area network. The local database can include a database mirror for a remote database, of a remote controller, that stores information for a set of provisioned interfacing devices. During normal operation, a remote controller hosting the remote database can have primary control of interfacing devices within the local area network and/or other network domains, and the local controller maintains the local database to include at least a subset of the remote database. However, when the local controller determines that the remote controller has gone offline, the local controller can obtain primary control of interfacing devices within the local area network. |
| US09183162B2 |
Electronic device capable of being debugged via earphone port
An electronic device includes an earphone port, an audio amplifier, a digital processor, a multi-way selection switch, and an earphone detection response circuit. The earphone port includes left and right channel pins. The audio amplifier includes an earphone left channel output pin and an earphone right channel output pin. The digital processor includes a data transmission pin and a data receive pin. The multi-way selection switch includes four switches electrically connected between the data transmitting pin and the left channel pin, the data receive pin and the right channel pin, the earphone left channel output pin and the left channel pin, and the earphone right channel output pin and the right channel pin, respectively. The earphone detection response circuit turns on a first switch and a second switch, and turns off a third switch and a fourth switch when the earphone port does not receive an earphone. |
| US09183150B2 |
Memory sharing by processors
A method of memory sharing implemented by logic of a computer memory control unit, the control unit comprising at least one first interface and second interfaces and is adapted to be connected with a main physical memory via the first interface, and a set of N≧2 non-cooperative processors via the second interfaces, the logic operatively coupled to the first and second interfaces. The method includes receiving, via the second interfaces, a request to access data of the main physical memory from a first processor of the set; evaluating if a second processor has previously accessed the data requested by the first processor; and deferring the request from the first processor when the evaluation is positive, or, granting the request from the first processor when the evaluation is negative. |
| US09183147B2 |
Programmable resources to track multiple buses
A system and method for efficiently monitoring traces of multiple components in an embedded system. A system-on-a-chip (SOC) includes a trace unit for collecting and storing trace history, bus event statistics, or both. The SOC may transfer cache coherent messages across multiple buses between a shared memory and a cache coherent controller. The trace unit includes multiple bus event filters. Programmable configuration registers are used to assign the bus event filters to selected buses for monitoring associated bus traffic and determining whether qualified bus events occur. If so, the bus event filters increment an associated count for each of the qualified bus events. The values used for determining qualified bus events may be set by programmable configuration registers. |
| US09183144B2 |
Power gating a portion of a cache memory
In an embodiment, a processor includes multiple tiles, each including a core and a tile cache hierarchy. This tile cache hierarchy includes a first level cache, a mid-level cache (MLC) and a last level cache (LLC), and each of these caches is private to the tile. A controller coupled to the tiles includes a cache power control logic to receive utilization information regarding the core and the tile cache hierarchy of a tile and to cause the LLC of the tile to be independently power gated, based at least in part on this information. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09183142B2 |
Reducing flash memory write amplification and latency
Data is distributed to solid-state disks (SSDs) using the RAID-0 technique. Based on a utilization of a first region of a first one of the SSDs, the first region is selected for garbage collection. Valid data from the first region is copied to an active region of the first one of the SSDs as part of a process of garbage collection. While the process of garbage collection is being performed, data is distributed to a subset of the SSDs using the RAID-0 technique where the subset of the SSDs does not include the first one of the plurality of nonvolatile solid-state memories selected for garbage collection. |
| US09183137B2 |
Storage control system with data management mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a storage control system includes: calculating a throttle threshold; identifying a detection point based on the throttle threshold; and calculating a number of write/erase cycles based on the detection point and the throttle threshold for writing a memory device. |