| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09289182B2 |
Radiographic imaging system
Disclosed is a radiographic imaging system which is provided with: a plurality of radiographing chambers equipped with a registration device; a console; and a management device for associating and managing the identification information of a portable radiographic imaging device with the identification information of the radiographing chambers. When the identification information of the portable radiographic imaging device is notified by the registration device of a radiographing chamber, the console displays an icon corresponding to the imaging device on a selection screen. When the identification information of the portable radiographic imaging device, as notified by the registration device, is associated with the identification information of another radiographing chamber, the management device discards the association and deletes the icon corresponding to the portable radiographic imaging device from the selection screen of the console, which is associated with said other radiographing chamber. |
| US09289180B2 |
Dynamic biplane roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis
A medical imaging system includes a first x-ray image detector, a first x-ray generator, and a motorized turntable. The first x-ray image detector and the first x-ray generator are each mounted on a base and positioned opposite each other such that x-rays are projected from the first x-ray generator to the first x-ray image detector through a first imaging volume. The motorized turntable is positioned below the first imaging volume and between the first x-ray image detector and the first x-ray generator and is configured to rotate an imaging subject within the imaging volume. |
| US09289175B2 |
Light-guiding devices and monitoring devices incorporating same
A monitoring device configured to be attached to the ear of a person includes a base, an earbud housing extending outwardly from the base that is configured to be positioned within an ear of a subject, and a cover surrounding the earbud housing. The base includes a speaker, an optical emitter, and an optical detector. The cover includes light transmissive material that is in optical communication with the optical emitter and the optical detector and serves as a light guide to deliver light from the optical emitter into the ear canal of the subject wearing the device at one or more predetermined locations and to collect light external to the earbud housing and deliver the collected light to the optical detector. |
| US09289173B2 |
Intra-vascular device with pressure detection capabilities using pressure sensitive material
A laser catheter with a pressure sensor is provided according to embodiments of the invention. The pressure sensor may be coupled with the distal end of the laser catheter and may comprise any of various piezoelectric materials, for example Polyvinylidene Difluoride (PVDF). In various embodiments of the invention the pressure sensor is configured to detect pressure longitudinally and coaxially. The pressure sensor may provide an electric potential that is proportional to the vessel pressure and may be used to monitor and/or adjust laser parameters. In other embodiments the results from the pressure sensor may be used to determine the vessel size and/or the type of material being ablated. |
| US09289158B2 |
Calibration-free and precise optical detection of a three-dimensional shape
A support plate with a horizontal flat standing surface carries two posts, and is rotated about a vertical axis. A stationary triangulation measuring head having a camera and a light line projector, projects light lines, which are perpendicular to the plane of the support plate, onto a person who stands upright on the standing surface of the plate. Encoded, photogrammetrically evaluatable marks are arranged on the plate around the standing surface and on the post. Images taken by the camera during rotation of the plate are transferred to a computer to determine a three-dimensional shape of the person or of part of the person. Marking-free fields are arranged on the support plate and on the post. The computer determines the parameters of the triangulation measuring head to performs a self-calibration of the detection process based on positions of the photogrammetric marks and shapes of light traces on the marking-free fields. |
| US09289157B2 |
Robotic knee testing device, subjective patient input device and methods for using same
An apparatus for evaluating leg movement characteristics of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a base assembly configured to at least partially support the patient's torso; and first and second leg support assemblies independently pivotably mounted about a pivot axis relative to the base assembly. Each leg support assembly is configured to at least partially support a portion of a respective one of the first and second legs, independent of the support of the torso. Each of the leg support assemblies also comprises: a first leg support member including a foot rotation assembly configured to at least partially retain and support an associated foot of the patient and to rotate it about an axis of rotation relative to the base assembly; and a second leg support member configured for supporting a portion of the leg at a location proximal relative to the first leg support member. |
| US09289156B2 |
Lung function analysis method and apparatus
A method for generating data indicative of lung function of a subject. The method comprises receiving first data which has been obtained from the subject, and inputting said first data to a model of lung function to generate said data indicative of lung function. The model of lung function comprises a first model component modelling transfer of gaseous oxygen from a gaseous space within the lung to biological material within the lung based upon quantitative data indicative of oxygen content in the inhaled gases and oxygen content in the biological material and a second model component modelling the transfer of oxygen from the lungs by oxygenation of venous blood to create oxygenated blood based upon quantitative data indicative of oxygen content in the venous blood. |
| US09289154B2 |
Techniques for temperature measurement and corrections in long-term magnetic resonance thermometry
Techniques for temperature measurement and correction in long-term MR thermometry utilize a known temperature distribution in an MR imaging area as a baseline for absolute temperature measurement. Phase shifts that arise from magnetic field drifts are detected in one or more portions of the MR imaging area, facilitating correction of temperature measurements in an area of interest. |
| US09289149B2 |
Apparatus and method for wirelessly transferring and storing medical data
A medical diagnostic/monitoring system is disclosed herein. The medical diagnostic/monitoring system includes a data acquisition device having a first near field communication device, and a data storage device wirelessly connected to the data acquisition device. The data storage device includes a second near field communication device. The first near field communication device and the second near field communication device are collectively configured to wirelessly transfer power and data from the data acquisition device to the data storage device. |
| US09289146B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring biological signal with multiple unit measurers
A biological signal measuring apparatus is provided. The biological signal measuring apparatus includes a first unit measurer configured to measure a first biological signal of a subject based on an electrical characteristic difference between first electrodes contacting the skin of the subject, and a second unit measurer configured to measure a second biological signal of the subject based on an electrical characteristic difference between second electrodes contacting the skin of the subject at positions different from positions of the first electrodes. A plurality of unit measurers including at least the first unit measurer and the second unit measurer are arranged based on characteristics of contact parts of the first and second electrodes. |
| US09289145B2 |
Identification of abnormal cardiac substrate during left-ventricular pacing
Techniques for identifying abnormal cardiac substrate, e.g., scar substrate, may be implemented, as an example, during implantation of a left-ventricular (LV) lead, e.g., for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), which may enable placement of the LV lead to avoid the abnormal cardiac substrate. An example system for identifying abnormal cardiac substrate comprises at least one implantable LV lead comprising at least one bipolar electrode pair configured to sense a LV bipolar cardiac electrogram signal of LV tissue proximate the bipolar electrode pair. The system delivers cardiac pacing pulses to a left ventricle via at least one electrodes of the LV lead, which may be different then the electrodes of the bipolar pair, and which may be spaced at least a threshold distance from the bipolar pair of electrodes. The amplitude of paced depolarizations in the bipolar electrogram indicates whether tissue proximate the bipolar electrode pair comprises abnormal cardiac substrate. |
| US09289144B2 |
Automated 3D brain atlas fitting using intra-operative neurophysiological data
A method includes storing in memory preoperative brain atlas data. Neurophysiological data is obtained intra-operatively for a plurality of known sites in a brain of a given patient to provide corresponding intra-operative neurophysiological data for at least a portion of the sites. A constrained optimization is performed to fit the pre-operative brain atlas data based at least in part on the intra-operative neurophysiological data. |
| US09289141B2 |
Apparatus and methods for the measurement of cardiac output
The current invention provides an endotracheal tube fabricated with an array of electrodes disposed on an inflatable cuff on the tube. The array of electrodes includes multiple sense electrodes and a current electrode. The array of electrodes on the inflatable cuff is applied using a positive displacement dispensing system, such as a MicroPen®. A ground electrode is disposed on the tube approximately midway between the inflatable cuff and the midpoint of the endotracheal tube. The endotracheal tube is partially inserted into a mammalian subject's airway such that when the inflatable cuff is inflated, thereby fixing the tube in position, the array of electrodes is brought into close contact with the tracheal mucosa in relative proximity to the aorta. The endotracheal tube is useful in the measurement of cardiac parameters such as cardiac output. |
| US09289139B2 |
Blood pressure monitor
A method employed in a prior art arm-worn blood pressure monitor to measure the height position of the heart has been an indirect method that merely estimates the position of the heart, and therefore has had the problems that the measurement accuracy and the reliability of the measurement are low, and that the measuring position is awkward and it is difficult to achieve correct position alignment. An arm-worn blood pressure monitor includes a cuff, a microwave transmitting unit for radiating a microwave onto a human subject, a microwave receiving unit for receiving a reflected wave Doppler-shifted relative to the radiated microwave due to a heartbeat of the subject, and a correct position detector for detecting, based on the reflected wave, whether the cuff worn around an arm of the subject is located in a correct position relative to the position of the heart of the subject. |
| US09289135B2 |
Physiological monitoring methods and apparatus
A monitoring device includes a housing configured to be attached to a body of a subject. An optical emitter, optical detector, and sensor for measuring motion noise are located within the housing. Light transmissive material is in optical communication with the optical emitter and detector and is configured to deliver light from the optical emitter to one or more locations of the body of the subject and to collect light external to the housing and deliver the collected light to the detector. A signal processor is configured to receive and process signals produced by the optical detector and the motion noise sensor, and to remove noise from the signals produced by the optical detector. The signal processor may generate physiological parameters for the subject such as heart rate, blood flow, blood pressure, VO2max, heart rate variability, respiration rate, and blood gas/analyte level. |
| US09289130B2 |
Spatially offset raman spectroscopy of layered soft tissues and applications of same
The invention in one aspect relates to a method for discriminating soft biological tissues. The method includes illuminating soft biological tissues at at least one first spot with light; collecting Raman scattering light scattered from the soft biological tissues at at least second spot in response to illumination by the light, wherein the at least second spot is away from the at least one first spot so as to define a source-detection (S-D) offset distance therebetween; obtaining a spatially offset Raman spectrum from the collected light, wherein the spatially offset Raman spectrum is associated with a depth of the soft biological tissues at which the Raman light is scattered; identifying tissue signatures from the spatially offset Raman spectrum; and determining whether the soft biological tissues have a layered structure from the tissue signatures from the spectrum. |
| US09289129B2 |
Non-contact measuring method and apparatus in pediatrics
A non-contact measuring method in pediatrics is disclosed. An infant model is established by acquiring a human image and a depth image of a subject infant; updating the infant model by acquiring a plurality of anthropometric characteristic points and finally obtaining an anthropometric data of the subject infant from the updated infant model. This invention also provides an apparatus to achieve the above mentioned measuring method. An infant model which includes anthropometric characteristic points and 3D surface models is established based on a human image acquired by an image acquisition module and a depth image acquired by a depth information acquisition module in conjunction with an algorithm program built in a data acquisition and processing module. Human anthropometric data is obtained by analyzing the infant model. The non-contact measuring method and measuring apparatus in pediatrics make the measuring process more humane without contacting a subject body. |
| US09289124B2 |
Tonometer calibration tool
A tool for calibrating a non-contact tonometer (NCT) comprises a body having a mating feature configured for removably mounting the body on the nosepiece or on the measurement head of the NCT, a pressure sensor carried by the body and arranged to receive an air pulse discharged by the NCT to provide a pressure signal in response to the air pulse, and a radiation emitter carried by the body, wherein the radiation emitter provides a pseudo-applanation event when the pressure signal reaches a predetermined level that is detectable by the NCT as though an actual corneal applanation had taken place. In one embodiment, the mating feature includes a mounting orifice for receiving a portion of the nosepiece. In another embodiment, the mating feature includes a pair of mounting pins sized for receipt by a corresponding pair of mounting holes in the measurement head of the NCT. |
| US09289118B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes: a planar image acquisition unit configured to acquire a planar image showing a polarization state of a subject, a tomographic image acquisition unit configured to acquire a three-dimensional tomographic image including a plurality of two-dimensional tomographic image of the subject, a display control unit configured to display, on the display unit, an index indicating a position of a tomographic image to be displayed on the display unit among a plurality of two-dimensional tomographic images, by superimposing it on a planar image showing the polarization state, and an instruction unit configured to give an instruction to change a position of the index on a planar image showing the polarization state. |
| US09289116B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes an extraction unit configured to extract a region where light is depolarized from a polarization-sensitive tomographic image of a subject, and a display control unit configured to display, on a display unit, a region determined as a region invading a predetermined layer of the subject, in a part of the region where light is depolarized. |
| US09289114B2 |
Disposable, self-contained laryngoscope and method of using same
The present invention is generally directed toward a laryngoscope having a handle, a rigid tube, and an optical subassembly. The handle has a distal end and a proximate end. The tube is hollow and also has a distal end having a distal opening and a proximate end having a proximate opening. The optical subassembly includes a light source located within the handle, a power source located within the handle and in communication with the light source and a light carrier extending between the handle and the tube and in communication with the light source and providing light inside and along the entire length of the tube. |
| US09289104B2 |
Adapter device for attaching a vacuum cleaner bag to a retaining plate
An adapter device for attaching a vacuum cleaner bag to a retaining plate intended to be received in a vacuum cleaner bag retaining device of a vacuum cleaner and comprising a retaining plate through hole is described. The adapter device has a base element comprising a first surface and a second surface as well as a through hole which extends between the first and the second surface. The clamping arrangement comprises at least one deformable clamping element which is attached or can be attached to the base element and can be brought into a first and a second deformation state. |
| US09289103B2 |
Easy-install toilet seat
A toilet seat hinge assembly and method of installing the assembly are described, wherein the assembly includes a hinge body having a seat and a central opening extending longitudinally through the body; a fastening hinge post having a head, a longitudinally extending body and at least one locking pin; a bushing having an upper flange portion and a longitudinally extending body defining a longitudinally extending channel therethrough, which body further has at least one transversely extending groove in or on the bushing body; and at least one fastening device for securing the hinge assembly to a toilet. The at least one locking pin locks the assembly by rotation of the fastening hinge post body within the channel in the bushing body. |
| US09289094B2 |
Method and apparatus for filling a steam chamber
A method and apparatus for filling a steam chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, a steam chamber is placed in selective communication with a vacuum pump and a heat transfer medium, such as a source of deaerated water. The steam chamber is then placed in communication with the vacuum pump, which draws a vacuum on the steam chamber and begins removing air from the interior thereof. Once a sufficient vacuum has been drawn on the steam chamber and substantially all of the air removed therefrom, the steam chamber may be placed in communication with the heat transfer medium. In one exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer medium is deaerated water. A predetermined amount of heat transfer medium is then allowed to fill the steam chamber. Once the predetermined amount of deaerated water has been received within the steam chamber, a steam chamber may be sealed. |
| US09289089B1 |
Multi-use pan system
A primary module has a base with a periphery. The primary module has a base side wall with a lower edge formed integrally with the periphery of the base. The primary module has a base flange in an annular configuration with an inner edge formed integrally with the upper edge of the base side wall. Supplemental modules each have a supplemental side wall with an upper edge, a lower edge, an upper flange, and a lower flange. Each upper flange has an inner edge integrally formed with the upper edge of an associated supplemental side wall. Each lower flange has an inner edge integrally formed with the lower edge of the associated supplemental side wall. A coupling assembly secures together the primary module and the supplemental modules during use. |
| US09289088B2 |
Peeler and slicer
An apparatus for cutting, peeling, and/or slicing is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, a handle, a blade, and one or more scoring elements near the blade. The scoring elements are provided to score the item before being cut/peeled/sliced by the blade. The apparatus can be provided with one or more adjusters for adjusting the blade and/or one or more of the scoring elements. A corresponding method for cutting, peeling, and/or slicing is also provided. |
| US09289087B2 |
Motorized drapery rod assembly
Multi-purpose drapery rod assembly uses unique rod and bracket construction to provide a superior drapery rod platform that can attach a non-motorized single drapery rod to surfaces at nearly any angle, or can motorize a traverse rod. |
| US09289084B1 |
Zipper assist device
A zipper assist device for attaching to a zipper slider includes a first clasp formed as a dual-ended clasp that has a first clasp part configured to attach to the slider, and a second clasp part operably attached to the first clasp. A tether has an elongated flexible element and a third clasp part mounted to a first end of the tether. The third clasp part is engageable with the second clasp part of the first clasp. The zipper can be pulled up (zipped) or pulled down (unzipped) by the tether. The tether can be readily attached to and separated from the first clasp part. |
| US09289082B1 |
Pillow
A pillow for supporting a person's head comprises an ear depression having an ear depression surface and shaped to hold an ear, the ear depression disposed 2 to 3 inches from a lateral edge of the pillow and an angled lateral margin between the ear depression and the lateral edge, the angled lateral margin having an angled lateral margin surface lying above said ear depression surface, the angled lateral margin disposed to support a face when an ear is disposed in the ear depression. |
| US09289075B2 |
Metal crib bedstead
A metal crib bedstead includes a pair of symmetrical widthwise frames, a pair of symmetrical longitudinal frames, a mattress support frame and four elongated anchor planks. The widthwise frames and the longitudinal frames are made of metal and coupled together by wedging and welding. The mattress support frame includes an outer frame, a mesh frame and a plurality of springs connecting the mesh frame to the outer frame to evenly hold a mattress on the mattress support frame. The elongated anchor planks connect to the widthwise frame and the mattress support frame, and four anchor struts are fastened on the outer frame respectively near the lower ends of the elongated anchor planks for the anchor planks to rest without swaying. Hence the mattress support frame with different sizes can be coupled with the widthwise frames and the longitudinal frames. Assembly can be done quickly with enhanced strength. |
| US09289068B1 |
Modular stackable stool systems
A modular stackable stool system providing stackable bar stools that may be selectively customized by interchanging of the base supports and seats. |
| US09289067B2 |
Piece of seating furniture
A piece of seating furniture has a seat plate (1) with a lower seat framework (2) arranged on the underside of said seat plate (1). Also provided is a tilting device (4), by means of which the person sitting on the piece of furniture can execute a tilting movement about a point of rotation located in the seat region. The tilting device (4) is formed by a structural unit which is separate from the seat plate (1) and is arranged on the seat plate (1) of the piece of furniture. |
| US09289060B2 |
Multiple-layer shelf assembly
A multiple-layer shelf assembly includes a plurality of shelves. At least one support member and multiple engaging members are connected to each other to support the shelves. The at least one support member has at least one ridge and notches are defined in the at least one ridge. Each of the engaging members is a bent tubular member. The at least one support member extends through the engaging members and the engaging members are engaged with the notches of the at least one support member. The shelves are supported on the engaging members. |
| US09289059B2 |
Shielded heat-dissipating lap cushion
A lap cushion, for supporting an electronic device on a users lap, provides thermal insulation and cooling airflow between the electronic device and the user. The cushion further includes a shield positioned between the top surface and the electronic device where the shield is electrically-conductive and electrically-grounded so as to provide radiation absorption of RF electromagnetic radiation emanating from the electronic device. |
| US09289045B2 |
Beauty care product
A beauty care product comprising a sealable plastic container, a sealing means and a beauty care component is provided, wherein the container of which is resistant to random, uncontrolled deformation under a substantial pressure differential between the environment and inside the container, yet having an affordable cost of manufacture and/or being appealing to the consumer. A kit comprising said product thereof, a method of manufacturing said product, and a method of using said product for application onto skin and/or hair are also provided. |
| US09289042B2 |
Cosmetics container
A container for storing cosmetics or cosmetics accessories includes a main body having an inner storage compartment. An upper cap portion is removably attached to an upper end of the main body and includes a plurality of shelves. Each of the shelves is rotatable to the left or right of a central axis of the container, independently of remaining ones of the shelves, between a closed position and a respective open position. When each of the shelves is in the closed position, shelves are substantially concentric with each other and with a first opening in the upper end of the main body. When the shelves are in the respective open positions, the shelves are not concentric with each other or with the first opening. When the shelves are in the respective open positions, the first opening is revealed to provide access to the inner storage compartment. |
| US09289040B2 |
Multiple exterior reversible tote-bag
A reversible tote bag comprising: a selectively openable and closable bag opening; a plurality of compartments, each having an interior storage area; a first exterior bag surface and a second exterior bag surface; wherein the first or the second exterior surface of each of the plurality of compartments may be selectively displayed by turning the tote bag inside out; s device for selectively opening and closing the tote bag opening; and, at least one device for toting the tote bag, wherein the plurality of compartments are attached to each other along a single line such that each compartment moves independently along the single top seam while attached to each other. |
| US09289037B2 |
Hardened cobalt based alloy jewelry and related methods
Hardened cobalt alloys for forming jewelry, including finger rings as well as methods and processes for producing such alloys. In one illustrative embodiment, such an alloy can contain cobalt in an amount of from about 35 wt % to about 65 wt %, in combination with chromium in an amount of from about 16% wt to about 32 wt %, and molybdenum in an amount of from about 8 wt % to about 31 wt %. Aluminum, silicon, boron, titanium, and other hardness enhancing materials may also be present. Hot investment casting may be used to form items from the alloys, which may then be shaped or polished to a final form. Annular finger rings constructed from these materials may have a white appearance similar to white gold or platinum, may have increased resistance to scratching compared to traditional cobalt chromium rings, and may be easily be removed by cracking in an emergency situation. |
| US09289036B2 |
Watchstrap made of hinged links
The invention relates to a watchstrap (1) including a plurality of mutually hinged elements (7) which each comprise at least one link (2, 3, 4, 4′) and at least one recess consisting of at least one hole (15, 15′) for receiving therein a linking member (10, 11, 12). Next to the open ends (16) of at least some of said holes (15, 15′), a clearance (20) of the linking member (10, 11, 12) is provided, preventing any contact at said point between the latter and said links (2, 3, 4, 4′). |
| US09289034B2 |
Fastener stringer and slide fastener
A continuous fastener element in a fastener stringer has a plurality of fine projections disposed on a circumferential surface of a monofilament continuously along a length direction of the monofilament and a plurality of recesses disposed between the projections. A cross-sectional shape of the projection is curved convexly, and a cross-sectional shape of the recess is curved concavely. A curvature of the convex curved surface of the projections is set to be larger than a curvature of the concave curved surface of the recess in a cross-section of the monofilament. At least the projections disposed on the upper and lower leg parts are twisted with respect to an extension direction of the upper and lower leg parts, and a plurality of the projections disposed on the upper leg part or the lower leg part in a twisted state face the same direction. |
| US09289030B2 |
Article of footwear having a sole structure with a framework-chamber arrangement
A framework-chamber arrangement for an article of footwear, and an article of footwear having a sole structure including a framework-chamber arrangement, is provided that can cooperate to provide various advantageous features, such as multiple-stage cushioning and specialized attenuation of and reaction to ground contact forces. The framework-chamber arrangement can include a fluid-filled chamber forming laterally extending arms and a framework having corresponding recesses formed therein and receiving a lower portion of the chamber. The fluid-filled chamber can be retained within the framework without a bond being formed between lower regions of the chamber arms and the framework. Peripheral portions of some of the chamber arms can be spaced apart from adjacent portions of corresponding channels while in a relaxed state. |
| US09289021B2 |
Shear reduction mechanism
Protective gear such as a helmet includes multiple layers including an outer ball bearing layer and/or one or more energy and impact transformer layers. The ball bearing layer exposes multiple ball bearings on the outer surface of the protective gear to deflect and diminish shear forces and other rotational forces imparted onto the outer surface. In many examples, the ball bearings on the outer surface prevent the transfer of shear and rotational forces from the surface of a helmet onto a skull. The energy and impact transformer layers may also include various structures and materials used to dissipate mechanical energy applied to an outer layer or outer shell layer. |
| US09289018B2 |
Interactive point of purchase system
The system includes a garment having a series of electronic components affixed to a new or existing panel of said garment, which garment includes a flexible video display screen mounted on a portion of the garment outer surface and may contain a series of video cameras, communication systems, audio and video input and output devices, computer chips and transmission devices. A power generation system affixed to the garment or garment panel supplies the energy for its display. |
| US09289011B2 |
Method for producing lutein from tobacco
A method for producing lutein from one or more plants of genus Nicotiana is provided. The lutein can be derived inter alia from Nicotiana species biomass. A method such as is described in various embodiments herein also provides articles and compositions that include lutein produced from one or more plants of genus Nicotiana. |
| US09289009B2 |
Method for manufacture and storage of fruit and/or berry product
The invention relates to the food-processing industry, particularly, to a method for manufacture and storage of honey-containing fruit and/or berry products. According to the invention, a fruit and/or berry juice and honey are mixed in the following proportions (weight percent): fruit and/or berry juice 75-93; honey 25-7, and the obtained product is stored at a temperature between −10° C. to −18° C. Upon unpacking, the product can be stored in a home refrigerator during 120 to 240 hours (dependent on the kind of the fruit and/or berry juice). |
| US09289007B2 |
Polynucleotide encoding acyl-CoA synthetase homolog and use thereof
The present invention relates to an acyl-CoA synthetase homolog protein from microorganisms of the genus Mortierella, a polynucleotide encoding the protein, and so on. The invention provides polynucleotides comprising an acyl-CoA synthetase homolog protein gene from, e.g., Mortierella alpina, expression vectors comprising these polynucleotides and transformants thereof, a method for producing lipids or fatty acids using the transformants, food products containing the lipids or fatty acids produced by the method, etc. |
| US09289004B2 |
Concentrated shelf stable liquid coffee
The present invention is directed to a technique of producing an ultra-concentrated liquid coffee that is shelf-stable at ambient temperature without the need for refrigeration or freezing. This invention further relates to a process for manufacturing ultra-concentrated stabilized liquid coffee with enhanced freshness, aroma and flavor retention without acidity or bitterness. |
| US09289003B2 |
Use of compounds involved in biosynthesis of nucleic acids as cryoprotective agents
A new type of cryoprotective agents that are useful for retaining the viability and metabolic activity of frozen or freeze-dried microbial cultures, is disclosed. The cryoprotective agent comprises compounds involved in biosynthesis of nucleic acids. Methods for the preparation as well as the uses of such cultures are given. Such cultures are useful as starter cultures in the manufacturing of food and feed products. Starter cultures of the invention include culture of lactic acid bacteria, e.g. Lactococcus species as well as other species. |
| US09289002B2 |
Shell egg pasteurization method
A batch processing control system for a shell egg pasteurizer controls the time and temperature in which batches of shell eggs are held in a pasteurization bath in accordance with a predetermined pasteurization protocol for designated egg size and start temperature. The predetermined pasteurization protocol is preferably statistically verified to optimize batches of eggs having the designated size and start temperature. The system also includes reporting software that generates daily reports to track each respective batch and verify that the batch has been pasteurized according to the statistically verified protocol. |
| US09289001B1 |
Anti-microbial application equipment with controls
A control system for monitoring an antimicrobial application system may include a controller having a monitoring program including an operations unit and an interface unit. The operations unit may include a sensor module operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors positioned to detect operation data associated with the application system in real-time. An adjustment module may adjust the operation of the application system. An analysis module may analyze real-time operation data and initiate a specified response when the analysis indicates that a trigger event has occurred. The response may include issuing a notification to a notification device or initiating the adjustment module to perform a control operation to modify the operation of the antimicrobial application system. A remote monitoring center may control multiple and remote application systems. Mobile devices and a control panel may be operable to interface with operations of the antimicrobial application system via the control system. |
| US09289000B2 |
Method for processing items such as pieces of meat
A method of processing items such as pieces of meat, by providing a stream of items by means of a primary conveyor means, allocating at least partly by means of a computer system one or more of said items to one of at least two workstations where said items are processed, e.g. cut and/or trimmed, resulting in one or more processed items, registering in said computer system information about a return of at least one of said one or more processed items to said primary conveyor means, and returning said at least one of said one or more processed items to said primary conveyor means in accordance with said information about a return, wherein the method further comprises keeping track of said items including when they are taken out and put back on the primary conveyor. The invention further relates to a processing system for carrying out the method. |
| US09288989B2 |
Synergistic weed control from applications of penoxsulam and acetochlor
Disclosed herein are herbicidal compositions comprising a synergistic herbicidally effective amount of (a) penoxsulam or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof and (b) acetochlor or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of controlling undesirable vegetation, which comprise applying to vegetation or an area adjacent the vegetation or applying to soil or water to prevent the emergence or growth of vegetation (a) penoxsulam or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof and (b) acetochlor or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, wherein (a) and (b) are each added in an amount sufficient to produce a synergistic herbicidal effect. |
| US09288986B2 |
Plant disease control composition and method for controlling plant disease by applying the same
This is to provide a plant disease control composition having a broad spectrum against various plant pathogens, and shows excellent controlling effects (synergistic controlling effects) which cannot be expected from a single component alone.A plant disease control composition comprising (Group a) at least one quinoline compound represented by the formula: (wherein R1, R2: an alkyl which may be substituted, an aryl which may be substituted, etc.; R3, R4: H, an alkyl which may be substituted, etc.; X: halogen, an alkyl which may be substituted, etc.; Y: halogen, alkyl, etc.; n: 0 to 4; m: 0 to 6) or a salt thereof, and at least one of fungicidal compounds selected from the group consisting of a Strobilurin series compound, a triazole series compound, etc., as effective ingredients. |
| US09288979B2 |
Microencapsulated pendimethalin comprising alkali or alkaline earth metal salt of organic acid
A microencapsulated formulation of pendimethalin comprising an alkali or an alkaline earth metal salt of an organic acid. Also described are processes for the preparation of the formulation and a method of controlling weeds at a location by using the described formulation. |
| US09288977B2 |
Disinfectant detergent composition
A disinfectant detergent composition containing a food or food additive as a main component is provided. The disinfectant detergent composition contains the following components (a), (b), and (c). The sum [a+b] of the component (a) content and the component (b) content of the composition ranges from 0.1% to 30% by mass, the mass ratio [a/b] of the component (a) to the component (b) ranges from 1/2 to 4/1, and the component (c) content of the composition ranges from 60% to 99.5% by mass. (a) polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (b) a fatty acid glyceride in which the number of carbon atoms of its acyl group ranges from 8 to 12, the monoglyceride content of the component (b) being 85% by mass or more, the mass fraction of 1-monoglyceride relative to the total amount of monoglycerides being in the range of 0.9 to 1.0 (c) water and/or ethanol. |
| US09288975B1 |
Apparatus to fish
An apparatus to fish having a body with exterior and interior faces extending from a first edge to a first end. The body further has a handle fixed to the interior face. A housing assembly has a clasp and is removably mounted from within the body, whereby the clasp receives the handle. The body further has a lip assembly. The lip assembly has a second edge and a first sidewall. The lip assembly further has at least one aperture and at least one through hole. The lip assembly is defined at the first end. The first sidewall has at least one indent. Each aperture securely receives a tip of a respective fishing hook that is tied to a distal end of fishing line. A proximal end of the fishing line is tied to the at least one through hole. |
| US09288974B2 |
Shot applicator device
The present invention relates to a shot applicator device and, more particularly, to an automatic shot applicator device including a housing with a shot storage/delivery chamber, a tip structured to deliver the shot into tubing attached to various fishing tackle/equipment including fishing rigs, line, hooks, leaders, fly fishing tippet, and/or inserting directly into lures and baits, thereby changing the density (add or decrease weight) of the fishing tackle/equipment, and a mechanism structured to apply a force to the shot thrusting it through the tip and into such material. |
| US09288972B1 |
Tool and collar device for use with attaching skirts of a fishing lure
A tool and collar for affixing a multi-banded skirt to a fishing lure is disclosed. The collar includes a base member containing a central bore having a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion having a greater diameter. An outer annulus is contained on the collar for receiving a binder. The tool includes first and second mateable rods which receive the collar therebetween. Banded strands dispose on each rod in relation to the collar. The binder is positioned over each strand and disposed into the annulus to tie the strands to the collar. Opposing ends of each banded strand are cut to form the skirt. The collar and skirt are removed from the rods and positioned onto a lure with the first portion of the bore seating onto a retaining portion of the lure, and the second portion of the bore disposed about a flange thereof. |
| US09288968B2 |
Salt lick block support incorporating a liquid container therein
A salt lick block support incorporating a liquid container therein has a main body member having a hole in a top surface thereof. A hollow central portion adapted to hold a granular material therein, and a base portion extending outwardly from a lower section thereof and including a plurality of holes therethrough adapted to allow fasteners therein to securely hold the salt lick block support to a chosen surface. A plurality of fasteners adapted to extend through respective of the plurality of holes and engage the chosen surface. A removable container adapted to hold a liquid therein, has an opening in a top portion thereof, and is adapted to fit and be held in place within the hole in the top surface of the main body member, wherein the removable container further includes a small aperture in a bottom surface thereof that is adapted to allow the liquid to pass therethrough in a drop-by-drop fashion. |
| US09288967B1 |
Pet care systems
A system relating to provide improved food and water delivery to at least two canine pets of at least two different heights. The system elevates the food to a more ideal position for consuming the food and/or water. Moreover, the invention provides storage-assisting (folding) embodiments. |
| US09288966B2 |
Collapsible pet bowl
A flexible pet bowl is provided. The flexible pet bowl may include a main trough and one or more side pockets that may be used to store one or more items, such as bags, food, or the like. |
| US09288965B2 |
Reinforced feeder for livestock
A livestock feeder with improved corrosion resistance and collapse resistance is described. The feeder comprises a polymeric cylinder with an open top and an interior surface. The interior surface defines a hollow interior where feedstuffs can be placed. One or more feeding portals extend through the cylinder to provide livestock access to feedstuffs. The feeding portals include a lower ledge against which livestock exerts a force while accessing feedstuffs in the feeder interior. A reinforcing annulus extends around the interior surface of the feeder proximate to and below the lower feeding portal ledge. The reinforcing annulus may be integrally formed with the polymeric cylinder or separately formed and attached to the polymeric cylinder. The feeder can withstand repeated feedings without collapse. |
| US09288962B2 |
Low-slip high-capacity teat cup liner
A hot stone therapy and acupressure roller including a specially designed rod where hollow, cylindrical stones, along with acupressure pins, are spaced along the rod. As the rod is applied to the body, the attached stones roll and acupressure may be applied. Targeted acupressure can be applied on either side of the rod, and the acupressure pins serve to hold the cylindrical stones and spacers in place. The stones can be inserted onto the rod or used individually. The stones can be used to conduct a cold and/or hot stone massage. Additionally, each end of the rod is shaped for use as a massage tool. When using either end of the rod as a massage tool, the acupressure pins serve to improve grip and increase leverage. |
| US09288959B1 |
Maize inbred PH1W4K
A novel maize variety designated PH1W4K and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1W4K with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1W4K through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1W4K or a locus conversion of PH1W4K with another maize variety. |
| US09288957B1 |
Maize hybrid X18D794
A novel maize variety designated X18D794 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X18D794 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18D794 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X18D794, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18D794. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18D794. |
| US09288956B1 |
Soybean variety 09AY403123-1
Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated 09AY403123-1, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-122133. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the 09AY403123-1 variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program. |
| US09288955B1 |
Inbred corn line SLB22
An inbred corn line, designated SLB22, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line SLB22, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line SLB22 with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line SLB22 with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line SLB22, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line SLB22 and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods. |
| US09288950B2 |
Non-invasive sprinkler
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for an in-ground sprinkler to controller a liquid flow rate through a chamber, while reducing or eliminating leakage. Embodiments may utilize a flat, external surface that is configured to be flush with a ground surface to control the liquid flow rate through the in-ground sprinkler. In embodiments, a permanent magnet may be positioned on the flat, external surface to control an internal patch system. Responsive to the permanent magnet controlling the internal patch, liquid flowing through the chamber may be controlled. |
| US09288948B2 |
Insulated shipping containers modified for high-yield plant production capable in any environment
A system and method for generating high-yield plant production is disclosed. The system includes a container, a growing station, and a monitoring system. The growing station includes vertical racks, a lighting system, an irrigation system, a climate control system, and a ventilation system. The monitoring system monitors all of the systems in the growing station, as well as the environment within the container, to provide real-time data and alerts to a user. |
| US09288946B1 |
Bin sweep with inclined portion
An elongated sweep apparatus for moving particulate matter in a bin may comprise a sweep assembly movable over the floor of the bin and including a particulate sweep structure configured to move particulate matter toward the inboard end of the elongated sweep apparatus, and a housing generally extending between opposite ends of the sweep apparatus with a portion of the sweep structure being positioned in the housing. A first portion of the particulate sweep structure may extend along a primary movement axis and a second portion of the particulate sweep structure may extend along a secondary movement axis, and the primary movement axis may extend substantially parallel to the floor and the secondary movement axis being inclined upwardly from the primary movement axis. |
| US09288944B2 |
Removable troughs for a cleaning system of an agricultural harvester
A cleaning system for use in an agricultural harvester includes a sieve and an auger arrangement positioned below the sieve. The auger arrangement includes an auger, an end plate carrying the auger and having a curved slot positioned radially outside of the auger, a deformable seal associated with the curved slot, a trough having an inner side wall, and an elongate removable pull out which is slidable through the curved slot adjacent to the inner side wall. The removable pull out and the deformable seal together being configured to prevent exit and entry of loose particles through the curved slot. |
| US09288943B2 |
Rake wheel with plastic support band for tines
A rake wheel has a hub with tines extending outwardly from the hub. The tines extend through evenly spaced openings in a support band. At least the inner periphery of the openings through the support band are made of a material softer than the material of the tines to minimize the wear of the tines where the tines touch the inner periphery of the openings as the tines move with respect to the inner periphery of the openings during the use of the rake wheel. |
| US09295184B2 |
Scalable and modular approach for power electronic building block design in automotive applications
A power electronic building block includes a housing; a power module mounted within the housing; a controller mounted within the housing and coupled to the power module; a capacitor assembly coupled to the power module and mounted within the housing; an AC bus bar mounted within the housing; and a DC bus bar coupling the capacitor assembly to the power module and mounted within the housing. |
| US09295183B2 |
Method and system for real time monitoring, prediction, analysis and display of temperatures for effective thermal management in a data center
The application provides a method and system for real time monitoring and prediction of temperatures in a data center for effective thermal management. Further, the invention provides a method and system for analyzing and display of monitored and predicted temperatures for obtaining complete temperature profile of the data center. |
| US09295180B2 |
Centrifugal fan
A centrifugal fan is provided. The centrifugal fan includes an impeller and a housing. The impeller has an impeller diameter. The housing includes an upper plate, a lower plate and a side wall, wherein the upper plate axially corresponds to the lower plate, a side wall is formed between the upper plate and the lower plate, an axial inlet is formed on the upper plate, a lateral outlet is formed on the side wall, the impeller is disposed in the housing and corresponds to the inlet, and a flow path communicates the inlet to the outlet, wherein a greatest width of the inlet is greater than or equal to the impeller diameter. |
| US09295178B1 |
Low profile compliant latch assembly and electronic circuit card and chassis incorporating same
A latch assembly operable for securing an electronic circuit card in a chassis such that connectors associated with the electronic circuit card and a backplane of the chassis are properly coupled, the latch assembly including: an elongate handle structure, wherein a proximal end of the elongate handle structure defines a hole and includes a protruding portion that is configured to engage a recess or lip associated with the chassis, and wherein a distal end of the elongate handle structure includes a handle portion; a spring structure partially obstructing the hole defined by the proximal end of the elongate handle structure; and a rotation member disposed through the hole and configured to engage the electronic circuit card, wherein the spring structure partially obstructing the hole contacts a portion of the rotation member. |
| US09295170B1 |
Programmable landscape lighting controller with self-diagnostic capabilities and fail safe features
A lighting controller includes a housing and a power transformer mounted in the housing for stepping down an inputted AC power signal at a first higher voltage to at least one output AC power signal at a second lower voltage for powering a plurality of light fixtures. The controller further includes a switching device that can be closed and opened to connect and disconnect a primary winding of the power transformer to a source of AC power that can provide the inputted AC power signal. At least one wire connection terminal is connected to a secondary winding of the power transformer. A face pack is removably mounted in the housing and is operatively connected to the source of AC power and the switching device. The face pack includes a display, at least one manually actuable input device, a processor, a memory operatively connected to the processor, and an operational program stored in the memory. The operational program is executable by the processor for allowing a user to enter ON and OFF times via the manually actuable input device and for closing and opening the switching device in accordance therewith. The processor can detect and display the current draw, and can detect overheat and current overload conditions, and disconnect the power transformer from the source of AC power in response to the same. |
| US09295163B2 |
Method of making a circuit board structure with embedded fine-pitch wires
A formation method of circuit board structure is disclosed. The formation method comprises: forming an intermediate substrate having interconnections therein and circuit patterns on both upper and lower surfaces, wherein the interconnections electrically connect the upper and lower circuit patterns; forming an upper dielectric layer overlying the upper circuit patterns, wherein the upper dielectric layer has a plurality of trenches therein; forming conductive wires in the trenches using e-less plating; and forming at least one protective layer overlying the conductive wires using a surface finishing process. The circuit board structure features formation of embedded conductive wires in the dielectric layer so that a short circuit can be avoid. |
| US09295162B2 |
Non-deleterious technique for creating continuous conductive circuits upon the surfaces of a non-conductive substrate
A non-deleterious method for producing a continuous conductive circuit upon a non-conductive substrate can begin with the application of a metallic base layer upon a surface of a non-conductive substrate. A circuit pattern can be created within the metallic base layer based upon a circuit design. The metallic base layer comprising the circuit pattern can be physically separated from the remainder of the metallic base layer on the non-conductive substrate. The region of the non-conductive substrate surface that encloses the circuit pattern can be called the plating region. The remainder of the non-conductive substrate surface can be called the non-plating region. A first metal layer can be added upon the metallic base layer. A second metal layer can be added upon the first metal layer of the plating region. The second metal layer can be electrically conductive and restricted from forming on the first metal layer of the non-plating region. |
| US09295158B2 |
Method of manufacturing printed circuit board having electronic component embedded
A printed circuit board having an electronic component embedded and a method making the same are disclosed. The printed circuit board has four electrically conductive layers and three core layers formed interleavedly. By properly removing a portion of the printed circuit board, the electronic component can be exposed. It has advantages that the exposed electronic component can be a CCD, CMOS or module. When the devices mentioned are embedded in the printed circuit board, one part of them can be exposed from the printed circuit board for normal functions. The overall thickness of the printed circuit board assembly can be minimized to meet the trend of compact design of electronic products. |
| US09295157B2 |
Racetrack design in radio frequency shielding applications
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to determining a layout of a racetrack that forms part of an RF isolation structure of a packaged module and the resulting RF isolation structures. Locations of where the racetrack can be adjusted (for example, narrowed) and/or removed without significantly degrading the EMI performance of the RF isolation structure can be identified. In certain embodiments, a portion of the racetrack can be removed to create a break and/or a portion of the racetrack can be narrowed in a selected area. |
| US09295156B2 |
Wired circuit board
A wired circuit board includes a metal supporting layer, a first insulating layer, a conductive pattern, and a second insulating layer. The first and second insulating layers include first and second openings which expose both surfaces of the conductive pattern. The conductive pattern has the surface on the other side thereof in a thickness direction which is exposed through the first opening and configured as a first terminal portion, and the surface on one side thereof in the thickness direction which is exposed through the second opening and configured as a second terminal portion. The metal supporting layer includes a third opening which exposes the first terminal portion and a covering portion of the first insulating layer which covers the conductive pattern continued to the first terminal portion, and a reinforcing portion located on a surface on the other side of the covering portion in the thickness direction. |
| US09295152B2 |
Device with a single crystal diamond substrate with a buried electrically conducting layer
A device comprising a single crystal diamond substrate with a buried electrically conducting layer with μm square openings spaced apart milled into the diamond by ablating the carbon above wherein the step of ablating uses a diode pumped tripled Nd:YAG laser at 355 nm and wherein the square openings have electrical contacts and wherein the resistance measured between the square openings is dominated by the buried electrically conducting layer and on the order of about 1 kΩ. |
| US09295145B1 |
Multifunction magnetic device with multiple cores and coils
A magnetic device includes first and second magnetic cores defining first, second, and middle legs extending between first and second back walls, an air gap defined in the middle leg. First, second, and middle legs, and first and second back walls have a substantially equal width. A first winding is located on the first leg, a second winding located on the second leg, and a third winding located on the middle leg. The magnetic device can be part of an electronic ballast circuit including an AC power source, a positive AC rail, a negative AC rail, a resonant capacitor coupled between the positive and negative AC rails, multiple positive and negative lamp terminals configured to couple to respective gas discharge lamps, and windings on a magnetic device coupled between the positive AC rail and respective positive lamp terminals. The third winding is coupled between AC power source and positive AC rail to define a resonant inductor. |
| US09295130B2 |
System and method for providing gradient intensity illumination for lighted mirrors for dressing rooms and other applications
An illumination system comprising a light source with a linear array of light emitting elements and an arrangement for regulating power to the array whereby the light emitting elements emit light in accordance with a tapered gradient intensity profile. In the illustrative embodiment, the light source includes first and second linear arrays of light emitting elements and a mirror is mounted there between. The tapered profile begins at the waist of a user when a user is standing near and in front of the mirror. In the digital embodiment, a camera is included along with software for detecting the user's waist (or detecting the user's height and inferring therefrom said user's waist) and adjusting the profile based on the detection of the user's height or waist. Any intensity profile, e.g. ramp, Gaussian, etc., may be implemented and one or more such arrays may be used and mounted horizontally, vertically or both. Each array may have a different intensity or luminous profile. In addition, or as an alternative, to the intensity profile, other optical qualities, such as color, may be changed across one or more of the arrays. |
| US09295123B2 |
Serial lighting interface with embedded feedback
A system for controlling multiple strings of LEDs includes a group of LED driver IC's, each of which includes a current sense feedback (CSFB) sample latch for storing a digital representation of the forward-voltage drop across a controlled LED string. Each CSFB latch is coupled to a register within a serial lighting interface (SLI) bus that both originates and terminates at an interface IC. As the data on the SLI bus is shifted into the interface IC, the interface IC selects the CSFB word that represents the highest forward-voltage drop of any of the controlled LED strings, which is then used by the interface IC to generate a CSFB signal for setting the appropriate supply voltage for the controlled LED strings. |
| US09295120B2 |
LED lighting apparatus
The invention relates to an LED lighting apparatus comprising a control module having a push-pull circuit for generating a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal, an LED lighting module which is connected to the control module via a signal transmission path, which is intended to transmit the PWM signal to a signal converter accommodated in the LED lighting module, and to a current source, the brightness of at least one LED being controlled using the signal converter on the basis of the PWM signal received thereby, the LED lighting module also containing a device for generating a detector current having a predefined level, and a measuring circuit for measuring the instantaneous level of the detector current being connected in the control module in such a manner that, during the switched-off times of the PWM signal, the measuring circuit is connected to the LED lighting module via the signal transmission path such that the instantaneous level of the detector current can be measured using the measuring circuit and a functional state of the LED lighting module can be determined therefrom. |
| US09295117B2 |
Near unity power factor long life low cost LED lamp retrofit system and method
Disclosed are various embodiments of low cost high quality LED (Light Emitting Diode) retrofit lamp devices capable of operating in a wide range of power and to supersede conventional lighting devices such as incandescent, halogen, sodium or fluorescent lamps. The disclosed embodiments include various LED lamp retrofit apparatuses that maximize the electro-mechanical-optical compatibility of seven interactive systems, such as: LEDs, LED Panel, Supply Adaptor, Housing, Lens/diffuser Shield, In/Out Electrical Wiring an LED driver. LED lamp retrofit apparatuses include incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, and sodium lamps. |
| US09295114B2 |
LED light unit and method of operating an LED light
An LED light unit, in particular for a passenger transport vehicle, such as an aircraft, a road vehicle, a ship or a rail car, is disclosed that has at least one LED and is configured to be used with a high intensity discharge lamp power supply that is adapted to monitor its output behavior. The LED light unit comprises a power input coupleable to the high intensity discharge lamp power supply, a capacitor switchably coupled to the power input for absorbing electrical energy from the high intensity discharge lamp power supply, and a power dissipating element switchably coupled to the power input for dissipating electrical energy from the high intensity discharge lamp power supply. |
| US09295107B2 |
Heat treatment apparatus heating substrate by irradiation with light
A capacitor, a coil, a flash lamp, and a switching element such as an IGBT are connected in series. A controller outputs a pulse signal to the gate of the switching element. A waveform setter sets the waveform of the pulse signal, based on the contents of input from an input unit. With electrical charge accumulated in the capacitor, a pulse signal is output to the gate of the switching element so that the flash lamp emits light intermittently. A change in the waveform of the pulse signal applied to the switching element will change the waveform of current flowing through the flash lamp and, accordingly, the form of light emission, thereby resulting in a change in the temperature profile for a semiconductor wafer. |
| US09295106B2 |
Safety timer for cooking appliance
A safety timer device, for a cooking appliance connected to an energy source, the cooking appliance having a heat generating component in communication with a heat controller. A timer communicates with the heat controller configured to count down a predetermined cooking time. An alarm unit, in communication with the timer, is configured to communicate an alarm signal for a predetermined alarm time after the cooking time expires. An ON/OFF device in communication with the timer, the energy source and the heat generating component, is configured to disconnect the energy source from the heat generating component after the alarm time expires. A reset device in communication with the timer, the alarm unit and the ON/OFF device configured to reset the timer to the predetermined cooking time, terminate the alarm signal after the cooking time expires, and reconnect the energy source with the heat generating component after the alarm time expires. |
| US09295104B2 |
Telecommunication system and method for transferring SMS messages between terminals and intelligent network services
A telecommunication system for transferring SMS messages between a first terminal and at least one second terminal or intelligent network service. The system comprises a mobile telecommunication system (5) and one or more mobile network switching nodes (2) acting as gateway between the mobile telecommunication system (5) and the remainder of the telecommunication system for sending and receiving SMS messages to and from mobile terminals (6a-6z), coupled to an Intelligent Network control node (1) and one or more message servers (3). The Intelligent Network control node (1), is coupled to the mobile network switching nodes (2) and the message servers (3) for providing Intelligent Network services in the telecommunication system. One or more message servers (3), routing messages in the telecommunication system are coupled to the Intelligent Network control node (1) and the mobile network switching nodes (2). The Intelligent Network control node (1) and the mobile network switching nodes (2) are adapted to exchange the SMS messages directly (101b). Further there is provided a method for transferring SMS messages in such a telecommunication system, between the Intelligent Network control node (1) and the mobile network switching nodes (2) among others for interactive message sequences. |
| US09295103B2 |
Wireless access points providing hybrid 802.11 and scheduled priority access communications
Wireless access points providing hybrid 802.11 and scheduled priority access communications are provided herein. An exemplary wireless access point may be configured to communicate with a set of standard access clients using an 802.11 mode of communication during standard access phases, as well as communicate with a set of priority access clients during priority access phases, when the wireless access point is not communicating with the set of standard access clients, using a priority mode of communication. |
| US09295101B2 |
Method in which a mobile station that supports two or more radio access technologies performs communication with two or more networks
The present invention relates to an apparatus that supports two or more radio access technologies, and to a method in which the apparatus performs communication with two or more networks. A mobile station, which supports two or more radio access technologies and which belongs to a first network, receives a signal from a base station of a second network different from the first network, and transmits feedback information to a base station of the first network in a state in which the access between the mobile station and the base station of the second network is maintained, wherein the feedback information includes channel state information on the received signal, interference level information on the received signal, and/or a reception acknowledgement (ACK) signal or a reception non-acknowledgement (NACK) signal for the receives signal. |
| US09295100B2 |
Delayed acknowledgements for low-overhead communication in a network
Communicating between stations over a shared medium comprises: receiving a first waveform at a first station transmitted over the shared medium from a second station, the first waveform including a payload having multiple segments, and during reception of a first segment of the payload, initiating processing of one or more segments of the payload received before the first segment of the payload to generate acknowledgement information that specifies which of one or more segments of the payload including the one or more processed segments have been correctly decoded by the first station; transmitting a second waveform from the first station over the shared medium, the second waveform including the acknowledgement information; and transmitting a third waveform from the first station over the shared medium, after transmitting the second waveform, the third waveform including acknowledgement information that specifies which of one or more segments of the payload including the first segment of the payload have been correctly decoded by the first station. |
| US09295096B1 |
Reducing interference in multi-radio communication device
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with reducing interference for a multi-radio communication device are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first radio transceiver configured to communicate wirelessly in accordance with a first wireless communication standard, and a second radio transceiver configured to communicate wirelessly in accordance with a second wireless communication standard. A network interface configured to establish a first communication link with a first station and establish a second communication link with a second station. An interference controller is configured to restrict the first station from communicating in accordance with the first wireless communication standard over the first communication link during a time that the network interface is communicating with the second station over the second communication link. |
| US09295095B2 |
UE preference indicator for suspension
A method, mobile device (101) and radio access network RAN (102) are disclosed for suspending and re-establishing a radio resource control (RRC) connection. In some examples, the mobile device (101) indicates a preference to have the RRC connection either suspended or released. In other examples, RAN (102) sends to the mobile device (101) a connection suspend command message instructing the mobile device to suspend a RRC connection with the RAN (102). The mobile device (101), in response to the connection suspend command message, suspends the RRC connection. When the RRC connection is suspended the mobile device (101) cannot transmit or receive user plane data to the RAN (102) and performs functions the same as or similar to idle mode functions. On suspension, RRC connection information is stored and can be used to re-establish the suspended RRC connection. |
| US09295088B2 |
RRC connection method and device therefor in wireless communication system
The present application relates to a method for a terminal having latency tolerance to perform procedures for connection with a network in a wireless communication system. Specifically, the method is characterized in comprising the steps of: transmitting a connection request message to the network; receiving a connection set message from the network in response to the connection request message; and transmitting a connection set completion message to the network, wherein the connection request message comprises a low priority connection indicator. |
| US09295077B2 |
Method and apparatus of small cell enhancement in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus are disclosed to provide small cell enhancement in a wireless communication system. The method includes connecting to more than one serving cell. The method further includes triggering a Buffer Status Report (BSR) or a Power Headroom Report (PHR). The method further includes transmitting a Medium Access Control (MAC) control element corresponding to the BSR or the PHR in a serving cell, wherein the serving cell depends on a trigger of the BSR or the PHR. |
| US09295071B2 |
Intelligent network access controller and method
A method for dynamically controlling wireless communications includes establishing a targeted coverage area as an overlay to a portion of a wireless network; and at a first wireless network access controller: establishing an attraction process that compels wireless devices within the targeted coverage area to attempt to register with the first network access controller, receiving a registration signal from a wireless device, and determining an access category for the wireless device based on the received registration signal. Determining access categories includes enabling wireless communication access limitations for a first category of wireless devices, wherein the first network access controller provides to the wireless device, an appearance of operating on the wireless network; allowing limited wireless communications access for a second category of wireless devices. |
| US09295059B2 |
Almost blank subframe allocation in heterogeneous network
A first base station provides overlapping coverage area with second base stations and third base stations. Second base stations allow regular access to wireless devices and configure a second plurality of almost blank subframes. Second base stations configure the same set of subframes as the second plurality of almost blank subframes. Third base stations allow regular access to a restricted subset of wireless devices and configure a third plurality of almost blank subframes. At least two base stations in the third base stations configure different set of subframes as the second plurality of almost blank subframes. |
| US09295053B2 |
Control channel signaling using a common signaling field for transport format and redundancy version
New control signalling is associated to a protocol data unit conveying user data in a mobile communication system and to the control channel signal. A mobile station and a base station and their respective operation are described in view of the newly defined control channel signals. To reduce the control channel overhead, a common field is defined for the transport format and redundancy version in the control channel information format. According to one approach, the common field is used to jointly encode transport format and redundancy version therein. According to another aspect, one shared field is provided on the control channel signal that indicates either a transport format or a redundancy version depending on whether the control channel signal relates to an initial transmission or a retransmission. In another embodiment, further enhancements to an HARQ protocol address certain error cases. |
| US09295049B2 |
Method and apparatus for receiving a downlink signal in a wireless communication system supporting carrier aggregation
The present invention relates to a method for receiving a downlink signal at a terminal in a wireless communication system. In particular, the method comprises: receiving a control channel to be transmitted to a specific subframe via a first carrier; and decoding a data channel corresponding to the control channel to be transmitted to the specific subframe via a second carrier, using at least one parameter included in the control channel, wherein information on the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) start symbol of data channels that are transmitted via each of at least one carrier allocated to the terminal is signaled through an upper layer. |
| US09295044B2 |
Resource scheduling in direct device to device communications systems
Methods, systems, and apparatuses of a wireless communications network can involve transmitting, to a first user equipment (UE), configuration information for the first UE (UE1 configuration information) for an inter-device session (IDS) between the first UE and a second UE. The UE1 configuration information may include a first IDS radio network temporary identifier (IDS-RNTI). A radio resource control (RRC) message indicating a resource allocation can be transmitted to the first UE for the first UE to communicate directly with the second UE. |
| US09295041B2 |
Systems and methods for uplink feedback for high-speed downlink packet access (HSPDA)
Systems and method for uplink feedback for multipoint transmission of high-speed downlink packet access (MP-HSDPA) that may improve downlink transmission efficiency and cell coverage. For example, Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) and/or Precoding Control Indicator (PCI) that may be calculated to accommodate the needs of coordinated dynamic network scheduling. Additionally, various frame structures may be generated for the uplink feedback that may carry multiple CQI and HARQ-ACK feedbacks from MP-HSDPA. The frame structures may also address asynchronous downlink transmissions between two cells. Moreover, HS-DPCCH power offset settings for both CQI and HARQ-ACK fields that may be modified and/or created to ensure reliable uplink feedback transmission. |
| US09295038B2 |
Control channel configuration in a wireless communications system
The present invention is directed to methods in a wireless communication network for allocating resource elements of a transmission resource to a control channel. The invention also relates to different nodes of a wireless communication network. The transmission resource comprises a first number of resource blocks each comprising one or a plurality of subsets of resource elements. One method in a control node comprises the steps: obtaining a bitmap for configuration of the transmission resource, wherein the bitmap is adapted to identify at least one subset of resource elements within the transmission resource (S1); allocating the at least one identified subset of resource elements to the control channel (S2); and transmitting control data on the at least one subset of resource elements allocated to the control channel to a receiving node (S3). |
| US09295036B2 |
CQI transmission power control method and apparatus for wireless communication system supporting multi-cell HSDPA
A CQI transmission power control method is provided for transmitting CQIs of multiple cells is provided for a multi-cell HSDPA system in which multiple cells transmit packet data to a user equipment. A control information transmission method of a user equipment in a wireless communication system supporting multi-cell packet transmission service according to the present invention includes generating control informations indicating channel qualities of different cells; classifying the control informations into two control information groups according to a predetermined rule; compensating the control information groups for securing uniform reception performance at a base station; and transmitting the compensated control information groups to the base station. |
| US09295035B2 |
Method of allocating resources for transmitting uplink signal in MIMO wireless communication system and apparatus thereof
A method and terminal apparatus are described for allocating resources for transmitting a signal in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication system. An uplink signal is transmitted using L layers at a terminal in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication system. Modulation symbols are generated by modulating output bit sequences of an interleaver matrix by a unit of log2 Q bits. Q is a modulation order, and each of the output bit sequences has a size of L·log2 Q bits. The modulation symbols are mapped to the L layers and transmitted by using the L layers. The output bit sequences are generated by reading out entries of the interleaver matrix, column by column. |
| US09295034B2 |
Bi-directional communication method in a cellular mobile telecommunication network and relative telecommunication network
A method of bi-directional communication in a cellular mobile telecommunication network (2) includes a terminal (10) that receives signals transmitted by at least one radio base station (5,7) of a downlink network of the cellular mobile telecommunication network (2) and selects one serving transmitting radio base station (6) among one or more transmitting (5) or transceiving (7) radio base stations of the downlink network, wherein the downlink network operator selects one serving receiving radio base station (8) among one or more receiving radio base stations (3,7) of an uplink network which have received a signalling message (URRA) transmitted by the terminal (10). By way of the serving receiving base station (8) of the uplink network and the serving transmitting base station (6) of the downlink network, the terminal (10) establishes bi-directional connections over the cellular mobile telecommunication network (2). |
| US09295033B2 |
Systems and methods for narrowband channel selection
Systems, methods, and devices for narrowband channel selection in a wireless communications network are described herein. In one aspect, a wireless communications device includes a receiver, processor, and transmitter. The receiver is configured to wirelessly receive messages from a first device over a plurality of channels. The processor is configured to estimate a quality of each channel based on one message received from the first device over each channel, select for wireless communication a first channel of the plurality of channels based on the estimated quality of each channel, and prepare a selection message indicating selection of the first channel for wireless communication. The transmitter is configured to transmit the selection message to the first device. |
| US09295032B2 |
Secure aircraft data transmission using multiple communication channels
Provided are methods and systems for terrestrial data transmission between aircraft and external networks, such as airline networks and/or airport networks. While an aircraft is landed, various data domains may need to be transmitted between the aircraft and such networks using two or more communication channels available to the aircraft. These channels may include wired and/or wireless channels, such as broadband over power line channels, Ethernet channels, Wi-Fi channels, and cellular channels. The available communication channels are allocated to transmit particular data domains based on the security levels of these channels. For example, aircraft control domains may be transmitted using a more secure communication channel than passenger information domains and/or entertainment systems domains. In some embodiments, multiple communication channels may be used to transmit the same domain parsed into multiple transmission packets. The packets are recombined back into the data domain after the transmission. |
| US09295031B2 |
Method, apparatus, and base station subsystem for paging terminal in multi-band network
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, an apparatus, and a base station subsystem for paging a terminal in a multi-band network. The method includes: obtaining a frequency band support capability of the terminal, where the frequency band support capability is information about one or multiple frequency bands supported by the terminal; if the terminal supports multiple frequency bands, obtaining a corresponding frequency band for the terminal according to the preset rule; and page the terminal on the obtained corresponding frequency band. In the embodiments of the present invention, the base station subsystem, according to the rule, can determine a redirected frequency band for a multi-band terminal and accurately page the multi-band terminal on the redirected frequency band, thereby the consumption of network capacity is reduced. |
| US09295030B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for improved paging area identifier selection in wireless networks containing low power base stations
The present disclosure presents methods and apparatuses for improved paging area identifier selection in low power base stations. In some examples described in the present disclosure, a method is provided for updating a paging area identifier, which may include observing one or more parameters of signals received in a wireless network, updating a previously selected paging area identifier to a new paging area identifier based at least in part on the one or more parameters, and transmitting the new paging area identifier. In addition, example methods are provided for paging devices in a wireless network, which may include determining a paging area identifier related to a last known low power base station for a device, determining a plurality of low power base stations using the paging area identifier, and causing the plurality of low power base stations to transmit a paging signal for the device. |
| US09295025B2 |
Radio base station and method of controlling the same
A radio base station (100) transmits a Capability Request message to a radio terminal (200), which is connected to the radio base station, to transmit terminal capability information that indicates positioning capability of the radio terminal, and receives a Capability Indication message transmitted from the radio terminal (200). The radio base station (100) determines, corresponding to the received Capability Indication message, whether positional information that indicates the geographical position of the radio terminal (200) can be acquired from the radio terminal (200). |
| US09295023B2 |
Operation of a heterogeneous wireless network by determining location of a wireless device
A heterogeneous wireless communication network includes a macrocell base station that one or more low power nodes. The location of a wireless device is estimated based on feedback reports received from the wireless device in response to downlink transmissions of a reference signal. Based on the estimated location, a schedule for future transmissions of the reference signal to the wireless device are determined. The schedule specifies a frequency of transmission of the reference signals. The schedule specifies downlink transmission antenna configuration to be used for the reference signal transmissions. |
| US09295022B2 |
Wireless network supporting extended coverage of service
A communications access point may provide access to a wireless communications network to a user device located at a first location. The communications access point may determine that the user device is moving from the first location to a second location where access to the wireless network is limited or not available. In response to the determination, the communications access point may provide access to the wireless network at the second location by extending a coverage area of the wireless network. |
| US09295006B2 |
Real-time calibration of an air to ground communication system
A method for real-time calibration of an air to ground two-way communication system. The method includes calibrating a ground base station antenna array according to forward link calibration coefficients received from an aircraft as part of a communication signaling protocol during operation of the air to ground two-way communication system. The method may also includes communicating between the ground base station antenna array and the aircraft over a narrow beam. |
| US09295003B2 |
Resource allocation in a communication system
Methods and corresponding systems for determining a transmit power in a mobile device include receiving, in the mobile device, a cell-wide power control parameter related to a target receive power at a serving base station. Thereafter, a transmit power is calculated in response to the cell-wide power control parameter and an implicit mobile-specific power control parameter. The mobile device then transmits using the transmit power. The cell-wide power control parameter can be a cell target signal to interference-plus-noise ratio, or a fractional power control exponent. The implicit mobile-specific power control parameter can be a modulation and coding level previously used by the mobile device, or a downlink SINR level measured by the mobile device. |
| US09295001B2 |
Signal amplification apparatus and method
A signal amplification apparatus includes a first modulator configured to receive an envelope signal, use a predetermined reference level to separate the received envelope signal into a first period and a second period, digitally modulate a signal of the second period to output the digitally modulated signal to a first output terminal, and output a signal of the first period to a second output terminal. Further, the signal amplification apparatus includes a second modulator configured to mix the digital modulated signal input through the first output terminal with a phase modulated carrier signal; an envelope modulator configured to output the signal of the first period as a power supply signal; and a power amplifier configured to amplify the mixed signal output by the second modulator to output the amplified signal. |
| US09295000B2 |
Power management in a portable communication device configuration version
A portable communication device transmits, to a communication network, a radio configuration (RC) request indicator requesting assignment of a power saving radio configuration for reverse link transmissions. The power saving radio configuration is one a plurality of radio configurations including the power saving radio configuration and at least one other radio configuration defined by a communication standard different than the communication standard defining the power saving radio configuration. Average power consumption at the portable device when the portable communication device participates in the call using the power saving radio configuration is less than if the other radio configuration is used for the call. |
| US09294996B2 |
Enhanced power management in communication device
Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide enhanced power management in a communication device. In one implementation, an efficient processor, such as a baseband processor, is at least partially responsible for determining if a Wi-Fi transceiver is to be enabled. In one example of the implementation, the efficient processor leverages location based information, during regular paging intervals, in determining if a Wi-Fi transceiver is to be enabled. Such location based information may include the use of radio-location signal measurements from base stations/cell towers, using GPS/A-GPS, GLONAS, or using proximity to access points by way of NFC or Bluetooth transceivers. |
| US09294995B2 |
Activate ES cell for particular UE(s)
A method includes determining, at a first cell and for a selected user equipment, a second cell would have a better performing RF interface connection with the selected user equipment than the selected user equipment currently has with the first cell. The first cell can provide radio frequency coverage for the second cell. The method includes sending to the second cell one or more messages indicating the second cell should not enter or be in an energy saving state at least while the selected user equipment or a selected user application on the selected user equipment is connected to the second cell. Another method includes determining a cell should not enter an energy saving state at least while a selected user equipment is connected to the cell; and the cell not entering the energy saving state at least while the selected user equipment is connected to the cell. |
| US09294994B2 |
User equipment battery saving in a HETNET deployment with eICIC
Devices and methods are provided for reducing client node power consumption when monitoring first and second channels corresponding to first and second access nodes in a heterogeneous wireless-enabled communications environment. Enhanced Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (eICIC) operations are performed to mitigate interference between a first access node and a second access node. The client node monitors first and second channels corresponding to the first and second access nodes. The client node receives restricted measurement data transmitted on the first channel, which is then processed to schedule cessation of monitoring the first channel to reduce power consumption and thereby conserve battery resources. |
| US09294991B2 |
Systems and methods for utilizing wireless communications to suggest connections for a user
Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can broadcast a first wireless communication including information associated with a first user. A second wireless communication including information associated with a second user can be detected. Log data including at least a portion of the information associated with the second user can be generated. The log data can also include signal strength data associated with the second wireless communication and time data indicating when the second wireless communication was detected. The log data can be provided for analysis. One or more connections suggested for the first user based, at least in part, on the log data can be received. |
| US09294981B2 |
Distributed load management on network devices
This disclosure relates to a system and method for dynamically managing load on network devices in a distributed manner. As the proliferation of data rich content and increasingly more capable mobile devices has continued, the amount of data communicated over mobile operator's networks has exponentially increased. Upgrading the existing network to accommodate increased data traffic is neither desirable nor practical. One way to accommodate increased data traffic is by utilizing network resources more efficiently. This disclosure provides systems and methods for efficiently utilizing network resources by dynamically configuring the network in a distributed manner based on real-time load information. |
| US09294973B2 |
Peer-based handoff performance measurement
Disclosed herein are techniques for measuring inter-domain handoff performance between network devices in different network domains. A peer-based handoff performance measurement process may include generating test data to be transmitted from a first edge device of a first network domain over an interface to a second edge device of a second network domain, the test data having an identifier (ID) to indicate that the test data is to be used for measuring handoff performance over the interface. The first edge device may add a start time to the test data indicating a start of a measurement instance using the test data, transmit the test data to the second edge device over the interface, receive the test data with a receive time added by the second edge device, and store at least the start time and the receive time as handoff performance data. |
| US09294970B1 |
Self-healing algorithm to overcome handover failure due to out-of-date neighbor list
A base station's neighbor list may become outdated as nearer base stations are deployed. Because mobile devices report non-unique identifiers of surrounding base stations, a serving base station may confuse a newer neighboring base station with an out-of-date neighboring base station having the same non-unique identifier. The base station may attempt to hand over the mobile device to the wrong base station based on its outdated neighbor list. A determination may be made that first and second base stations share an identical non-unique identifier. A determination may be made that the first and second base stations' neighbor lists include an identical unique identifier associated with a third base station. The earlier of the two base stations is determined, and the neighbor relationship between the earlier base station and the third base station is removed from their associated neighbor lists. |
| US09294962B2 |
Apparatus and method to allocate communication resources in a communication system
An apparatus, system and method for providing interference cancellation and communication resource reservation limits to allocate communication resources in a communication system. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a processor and memory including computer program code. The memory and the computer program code are configured, with the processor, to cause the apparatus to identify an interval of received signal power levels for interference cancellation of an interfering signal to a primary signal, and generate a message that provides the interval of received signal power levels for the interference cancellation of the interfering signal to the primary signal. In a related embodiment, the memory and the computer program code are configured, with the processor, to cause the apparatus to determine a communication resource reservation limit, and request an increase in the communication resource reservation limit. |
| US09294959B2 |
Radio communication system, mobile station apparatus, base station apparatus, and radio communication method in radio communication system
A radio communication system including a base station and a mobile station, which perform radio communication. The mobile station includes: a receiver which receives a data signal transmitted from the base station; a controller which switches a number of group units and groups the data signal by the switched number of group units, according to one parameter or a combination of a plurality of parameters out of a type of a channel, a type of modulation scheme and encoding rate, an assigned resource amount, or a number of transmitting antennas of the mobile station, when an ACK signal or an NACK signal in response to the data signal is transmitted; and a transmitter which transmits the ACK signal or NACK signal in each group unit of the data signal. The base station includes: a transmitter which transmits the data signal; and a receiver which receives the ACK or NACK signals. |
| US09294957B2 |
Method and apparatus for resource allocation based on buffer status information of neighboring cell
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for resource allocation based on a buffer status in a neighboring cell. A method of allocating a resource between base stations may include receiving, by a first base station, information associated with a buffer status of a second base station, comparing information associated with a buffer status of the first base station to the information associated with the buffer status of the second base station, and relatively allocating a resource based on a result of the comparison. |
| US09294956B2 |
Application-server-assisted preemptive multicast bearer establishment for real-time low-latency applications
Methods and systems are disclosed for preemptively establishing a multicast bearer. An embodiment determines whether adding a multicast session to a plurality of multicast bearers will exceed a high bandwidth threshold, requests setup of a new multicast bearer if adding the multicast session will exceed the high bandwidth threshold, and hosts the multicast session on an available one of the plurality of multicast bearers or the new multicast bearer. |
| US09294950B2 |
Radio communication system and method, radio terminal, radio station, and operation administration and maintenance server apparatus
A system includes: first and second radio stations (eNB1,2) of a similar type and/or a third radio station (HeNB) of a different type, a radio terminal (UE) served by the eNB1; and an operation administration and maintenance server (OAM/SON server), wherein the eNB1 instructs the UE to measure interference from at least one of the second or third radio stations, the eNB1 and/or OAM/SON server receives a report of a measurement result by the UE, determines whether or not a change is to be made to the radio network configuration of the relevant radio station that is at least one of the first to third radio stations, and/or executes a change of the radio network configuration. |
| US09294949B2 |
Interference and noise estimation of a communications channel
A method of estimating interference and noise of a communications channel includes receiving a data sequence transmitted over the communications channel at a receiver, and computing a sequence of channel estimates based on the received data sequence. The method also includes computing a difference sequence based on the sequence of channel estimates and the sequence of channel estimates subjected to a displacement in time or frequency, and determining a covariance measure of the difference sequence as an estimate of the interference and noise of the communications channel. |
| US09294945B2 |
Test apparatus and test method
According to one embodiment, a test apparatus includes a reception buffer configured to store uplink data, a transmission buffer configured to store downlink data, an arithmetic processing module configured to execute reception arithmetic processing on the uplink data read from the reception buffer, and to execute transmission arithmetic processing to generate downlink data and store the generated downlink data in the transmission buffer, and a management module configured to provide, under a first predetermined condition, the arithmetic processing module with a first instruction to execute the reception arithmetic processing, and to provide, under a second predetermined condition, the transmitting/receiving module with a second instruction to transmit the downlink data stored in the transmission buffer. |
| US09294944B2 |
Method and apparatus to monitor and analyze end to end flow control in an Ethernet/enhanced Ethernet environment
A method and system for monitoring and analyzing flow control of packets in a communications network which includes multiple data transmission paths. The communications network has a first data path including an initiating node and a target node. A test frame is generated by an initiator module of a program executed by a computer for transmission over the first data path. The initiator module transmits the test frame over the first data path from the initiating node to the target node, wherein the test frame records a starting timestamp recorded by the initiating node upon transmitting the test frame. The test frame records a half trip timestamp recorded by the target node upon the test frame being received by the target node. The test frame records an end timestamp recorded by the initiating node, upon the test frame being received at the initiating node from the target node. |
| US09294939B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing interference
A method includes receiving information relating to interference between a relay node associated with a first base station and at least one other relay node associated with a second base station. The method also includes initiating modifying transmitting parameters of the relay node and/or the at least one other relay node on the basis of the information. |
| US09294933B2 |
Wedge shaped cells in a wireless communication system
Aspects described herein relate to a network for providing air-to-ground wireless communication in various cells. The network includes a first base station array, each base station of which includes a respective first antenna array defining a directional radiation pattern that is oriented in a first direction, wherein each base station of the first base station array is disposed spaced apart from another base station of the first base station array along the first direction by a first distance. The network also includes a similar second base station array where the second base station array extends substantially parallel to the first base station array and is spaced apart from the first base station array by a second distance to form continuous and at least partially overlapping cell coverage areas between respective base stations of the first and second base station arrays. |
| US09294932B2 |
Apparatus and method for wireless network enhancement via variable down tilt
Apparatus and methods for controlling antenna down tilt in a mixed coordinated/non-coordinated network include receiving one or more input signals defining a waveform to be transmitted, for determining a tilt angle state to be applied to the antenna based on the one or more input signals, and for transmitting a tilt control signal if the determined tilt angle state differs from a current tilt angle state associated with the antenna. |
| US09294926B2 |
Method and apparatus for integrating different radio access technologies using carrier aggregation
A method and apparatus are described for integrating third generation partnership project (3GPP) radio access network and an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 radio access technologies (RATs). This may be done at a medium access control (MAC) layer or below the MAC layer. For example, a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for multiple radio access technology (RAT) integration includes a 3GPP RAT including a radio resource control (RRC) entity, an IEEE 802.11 RAT including a medium access control (MAC) management entity, and a session management entity (SME) for mapping between the RRC entity and the MAC management entity. Combined, hybrid and split versions of logical channel prioritization (LCP) are described. The features of an LTE access stratum-service management entity (AS-SME) are also described. |
| US09294924B2 |
Monitoring suspicious events in a cellular network
Communication systems, including cellular networks, and the devices that are connected to them, can have both legitimate and illegitimate uses. Such communication systems, including systems that utilize, permit, or leverage machine-type-communications, may benefit from monitoring for suspicious events. A method can include receiving a monitoring request regarding a user equipment or a category of devices. The method can also include performing a monitoring activity regarding the user equipment or the category of devices with respect to at least one suspicious event. The method can further include responding to the monitoring request indicating whether monitoring will be performed for the user equipment or the category of devices. |
| US09294919B2 |
Method for exporting on a secure server data comprised on a UICC comprised in a terminal
A method for exporting on a UICC in a terminal. An export request signed by the UICC, is transmitted by the terminal to a secure server. The server verifies the signed export request by comparing the signature and the identity of the UICC. The server sends a signed export certificate to the UICC via the terminal. An export package containing the data is prepared, signed and encrypted by the UICC, and sent to the terminal. The terminal transmits the export package to the server. The server signs an acknowledgment message and transmits it to the UICC via the terminal. In the UICC, the data that have been exported is destroyed, and a signed acknowledge message is sent to the server via the terminal. The server makes the data available for a further transfer to a new terminal or UICC. |
| US09294917B2 |
Method, device, and system for network-based remote control over contactless secure storages
A typical system environment comprises a terminal device, a secure storage subsystem, and an interconnectivity component. The terminal device has a network connectivity subsystem enabled for data connectivity with a wireless communications network. The secure storage subsystem has a secure storage memory for securely storing contents and is enabled for local RF connectivity through a local RF communication subsystem. The secure storage subsystem is operable as a contactless smartcard in accordance with any contactless technology. The interconnectivity component is adapted to enable communication of the secure storage subsystem through the network connectivity subsystem with the network. The interconnectivity component is further configured to detect that messages received from the network are destined for the secure storage subsystem and is configured to supply that identified messages to the secure storage subsystem. The messages enable exercising control over the secure storage subsystem in that the messages comprise one or more instructions to be processed by a secure memory controller of the secure storage subsystem. |
| US09294913B1 |
Android-based secure handheld network access device and micro-USB version of IEEE 802.15.4 bridge for ACSD networks
This disclosure focuses on the development of a micro-usb module that allows a smart-device to transmit and receive IEEE 802.25.4 messages via a connection through the phone's micro-usb slot without the need for an additional external battery. This disclosure focuses on the implementation of the ACSD Protocols through the use of a Secure Handheld Network Access Device (HNAD). The functional goal of a Secure Handheld Network Access Device (HNAD) is to provide a bidirectional wireless RF communication interface to Security Devices, based upon IEEE Standard 802.15.4-2006 physical and data link layer protocols. |
| US09294912B1 |
Selective regulation of information transmission from mobile applications to third-party privacy complaint target systems
Selective regulation of information transmission from mobile applications to a third-party privacy compliant target system. A privacy policy is configured for and mapped to each of a multiplicity of mobile application concerns, with each privacy policy comprising rules regulating the transmission of information to a third-party privacy compliant target system. Instrumentation instructions can be integrated with a mobile application and provided to a mobile device. The instrumentation instructions direct the mobile application to submit a privacy policy request comprising a mobile application identifier from the mobile device to a third-party privacy compliance system and enable sending information from the mobile device to the third-party privacy compliant target system, subject to the privacy policy. The privacy policy request is received at the third-party privacy compliance system which selects the privacy policy based on an application identifier and sends the privacy policy to the mobile device for implementation. |
| US09294904B2 |
IMS/RCS Wi-Fi direct support
The invention is directed to communicating data from a first device to a second device. An exemplary method comprises transmitting first device information from the first device to the second device, the first device information comprising a first location and first device identification information associated with the first device; receiving, from the second device, second device identification information associated with the second device, the second device information comprising a second location and second device information associated with the second device; enabling Wi-Fi Direct on the first device in response to determining, based on the first location and the second location, the first device is located less than or equal to a predetermined distance from the second device; initiating a Wi-Fi Direct scan on the first device; discovering the second device information during the scan; connecting to the second device via Wi-Fi Direct; and communicating data to the second device. |
| US09294900B2 |
Mobile alert reporting and monitoring systems and methods
Computerized systems and methods may be used to enable users to report crimes, safety hazards or other perceived problems to the appropriate authorities via an alert. Such alerts may be communicated to the authorities through any suitable communication method such as, for example, phone calls, email and/or SMS text messages. In some example embodiments, the reporting system includes a computing device including, but not limited to, a mobile smartphone, tablet device, laptop computer, or desktop computer programmed with a software application. |
| US09294897B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for downloading data
A method and network apparatus for downloading data from the network apparatus to a mobile device in anticipation of the mobile device entering a black spot zone. The network apparatus determines that the mobile device has entered a predetermined tracking zone related to the black spot zone and gathers information for defining a download zone for the mobile device taking into consideration a time necessary for downloading the data to the mobile device, and a predicted time interval until the mobile device enters the black spot zone. The network apparatus then sends the data to the mobile device when the mobile device enters the download zone. |
| US09294894B2 |
Call reminder system
A call reminder system includes a transmitting module and a processing module. The transmitting module receives an outside signal to generate a call signal. The processing module is connected to the transmitting module to receive the call signal and generate a call message corresponding to the call signal. When an executed signal is not received by the processing module in a first predetermined time, and the call message is in compliance with a reminder condition determined by the processing module, the processing module will generate a first reminder signal and deliver the first reminder signal to an external electronic device by the transmitting module. Thereby, the function of reminding the user of unanswered calls may be achieved. |
| US09294892B2 |
Systems and methods for enhanced display of 411 information on a mobile handset
Systems and methods for automated retrieval of digital content from vendors upon occurrence of a 411 call event from a mobile device. In an example method, a message is sent from the mobile device based on the detected 411 call event. A server receives the sent message, compiles associated digital content based on information in the received message, and sends the digital content to the mobile device. The mobile device outputs/displays at least a portion of the received digital content to the user soon after the occurrence of the 411 call event. |
| US09294890B1 |
Intercepting and processing received short message service (SMS) messages to provide an automated response
A message receiving, intercepting and processing method and corresponding application and device may provide receiving a message at a message processing server, identifying the received message as including text information, identifying the intended recipient of the message as an automated response subscriber; and generating a response message on behalf of the automated response subscriber. |
| US09294888B2 |
Method and apparatus for efficient and deterministic group alerting
Systems and methods are provided for reliable, wireless group messaging or alerting in a system having a database, switch, wireless network, and a plurality of intelligent mobile receivers. A message is broadcast to and received by a selected group of the mobile receivers. The network replies to the sender with detailed information about the individual members in the group. Each of the mobile receivers in the group can acknowledge the group message back to the system such as when the message is received, when the message is read, and a response when sent. The system employs centralized management to provide the sender with response information of the mobile receivers. |
| US09294887B2 |
Selectively granting a floor during set-up of a communication session within a wireless communications system
An embodiment is directed to an application server configured to set-up a communication session within a wireless communications system. The application server receives, from a session originator, a request to initiate the communication session with a set of session targets, and then transmits one or more call announcement messages for announcing the communication session to the set of session targets. The application server determines information associated with a probability that the set of session targets will fail to accept the announced communication session, and/or delay information associated with when call responses will arrive from the set of session targets in response to the one or more call announcement messages. The application server selectively grants a floor of the communication session to the session originator based on the determined information. |
| US09294879B2 |
Determining path traversed by a mobile communication device
The invention provides a method and system for determining path traversed by a mobile communication device in an unobtrusive manner. The method involves providing a tower transition data involving identifying a set of GPS coordinates associated with a cellular network tower ID, and identifying the tail GPS coordinate and head GPS coordinate of consecutive cellular network tower IDs. Then the distance between the tail and head is estimated, based on which the sequence of cellular network tower IDs are determined, which provides the path traversed by the mobile communication device. |
| US09294878B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing hub-based indexing and services
An approach is provided for providing hub-based indexing and services. The hub-based platform causes, at least in part, an indexing of location-based content according to one or more location hubs of one or more transportation lines, Next, the hub-based platform determines a current proximity, a predicted proximity, or a combination thereof of one or more devices to the one or more location hubs, wherein the one or more devices are (a) traveling on the one or more transportation lines, (b) predicted to travel on the one or more transportation lines, or (c) a combination thereof. Then, the hub-based platform causes, at least in part, a presentation of at least a portion of the location-based content based, at least in part, on the current proximity, the predicted proximity, or a combination thereof. |
| US09294873B1 |
Enhanced guidance for electronic devices using objects within in a particular area
The location of an electronic device can be tracked and updated in order to provide a user of the device accurate directions from the user's current location to a target location, for various types of environments. Upon detecting a trigger (e.g., detecting a QR code or detecting an access point signal), an example device can switch from using a first type of positioning element (e.g., GPS) to a second type of positioning element (e.g., using accelerometers, QR codes, etc.) in determining the user's current location. By using the appropriate type of positioning element for each environment, the device may determine the user's current location more accurately. The device may provide an overlay (e.g., arrows) for displaying the directions over images captured from the user's surroundings to provide a more realistic and intuitive experience for the user. |
| US09294872B2 |
Location-specific data acquisition
Devices, methods, and systems are provided that allow for acquiring and/or communicating data associated with a location. Embodiments of the present invention allow a mobile communication device to detect a sensor associated with a particular location, and information about that location is provided to the mobile communication device. Other embodiments allow data to be detected and processed in order to characterize a location and objects contained therein. |
| US09294866B2 |
Method and system for resource optimized, coarse and fine grained location tracking for planned journey
Methods and systems for resource optimized, coarse and fine grained location tracking for planned journey are disclosed. A method for tracking a mobile device with respect to a point of interest (POI) using a mobile location tracker includes a conserve mode in which the mobile location tracker is turned off. The conserve mode comprises determining, by an analyzer module, whether to assess an estimated time to arrive (ETA) at the POI. If determined to assess the ETA, the conserve mode comprises performing an ETA assess operation comprising receiving the ETA; and if the ETA is not greater than a threshold time, switching from the conserve mode to an active mode, wherein in the active mode the mobile location tracker is turned on. It is determined to assess the ETA if a timer measurement is not less than the reassess time or if a trigger to reassess is received. |
| US09294860B1 |
Identifying directions of acoustically reflective surfaces
An audio device may be configured to produce output audio and to also capture input audio for speech recognition. Beamforming may be used to produce directional audio signals that emphasize sounds received from different directions. Acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) may be used to remove components of output audio from the directional input signals. AEC may be implemented by an adaptive filter based on dynamically optimized filter coefficients. The filter coefficients may be analyzed to detect the presence of potentially problematic reflective surfaces near the audio device. When such a reflective surface is detected, the user may be notified by illuminating a directional indicator on a housing of the audio device, where the directional indicator indicates the direction of the potentially problematic surface relative to the audio device. |
| US09294854B2 |
Information processor, audio processor, audio processing system and program
An audio processor acquires processed sound data, which is obtained by processing original sound data according to a content of processing defined such that first sound is emitted under the standard sound emission condition, in association with a sound emission device, acquires a control signal, and acquires a device sound emission condition. In order to make second sound emitted by the sound emission device under the acquired device sound emission condition close to the first sound, the audio processor identifies the correction content of the processed sound data based on a difference between the device sound emission condition and the standard sound emission condition, the control signal, and the processed sound data acquired in association with the sound emission device. The audio processor corrects the processed sound data according to the correction content, and supplies the corrected processed sound data to the sound emission device. |
| US09294853B1 |
Audio control process
Implementations described herein may include activating an audio source associated with a graphical user interface, the audio source having an initial location associated with the graphical user interface. Some implementations may further include sensing a displacement of the audio source with respect to the initial location and determining that the displacement of the audio source exceeds a predetermined threshold. In some implementations, in response to determining that the displacement of the audio source exceeds a predetermined threshold, the process may include adjusting a level of audio associated with the audio source. |
| US09294852B2 |
Sound processors and implantable cochlear stimulation systems including the same
Sound processors and systems including sound processors are disclosed. |
| US09294844B2 |
Voice coil speaker
A signal processing board for outputting a driving signal to voice coils is disposed at a proper position. A voice coil speaker has a speaker frame, a diaphragm supported by the speaker frame, a bobbin which is connected to the diaphragm and has voice coils formed thereon, and a signal processing board for processing a driving signal to be output to the voice coil. The signal processing board is secured to the speaker frame while disposed at the outside of the diaphragm. |
| US09294842B2 |
Heat dissipation device for moving-coil loudspeaker
A heat dissipation device for a moving-coil loudspeaker, including a thermally conductive pad, a thermally conductive bar, and a heat sink that are integrally mounted at an axially central portion of the loudspeaker. The thermally conductive bar is axially connected to the thermally conductive pad and the heat sink at top and bottom thereof respectively, the thermally conductive bar is axially provided with a through hole or a groove at a circle center thereof, the heat sink is axially provided with a through hole in which a screw is tapped, a central groove at a top end of the thermally conductive bar is aligned with a groove on the thermally conductive pad to form a straight line groove such that a communication passage leading to an exterior of the loudspeaker is for the electronic components on a circuit board. |
| US09294841B2 |
Acoustic radiator including a combination of a co-axial audio speaker and passive radiator
The acoustic radiator of a coaxial structure of an active region surrounded by a passive region wherein the operating area of the active region is also included as a part of the passive region. The active region includes for example a fully assembled audio speaker that is flexibly suspended in an enclosure with the flexible suspension connected between the audio speaker and the opening of the enclosure with the audio speaker never coming into direct contact with any portion of the enclosure when energized or unenergized. In such configuration, the area of the audio speaker functions as active region the audio speaker of the acoustic radiator. The passive radiator function includes both the area of the complete audio speaker and the area of the enclosure that surrounds the audio speaker. In this configuration the audio speaker is a central portion of the passive radiator and thus it can be seen that the audio speaker and the passive radiator are effectively coaxially mounted one with the other. |
| US09294839B2 |
Augmentation of a beamforming microphone array with non-beamforming microphones
Embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus (116) configured to perform beamforming on multiple audio input signals. The apparatus (116) includes a first plurality of microphones (302, 502) configured to resolve first audio input signals within a first frequency range. The apparatus (116) also includes at least one microphone (504) configured to resolve second audio input signals within a second frequency range. A lowest frequency in the first frequency range is greater than a lowest frequency in the second frequency range. |
| US09294837B2 |
Vehicular active vibrational noise control apparatus
A vehicular active vibrational noise control apparatus includes an amplitude limiter for limiting the amplitude of a canceling signal based on a signal level of an audio signal, and a vehicle speed detector for detecting the vehicle speed of a vehicle, which incorporates therein the vehicular active vibrational noise control apparatus. The amplitude limiter changes an amplitude limitation rule, which represents a relationship of a limiting value for the amplitude of the canceling signal to the signal level, depending on the vehicle speed, and limits the amplitude of the canceling signal based on the limiting value determined according to the amplitude limitation rule. |
| US09294834B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing noise in voices of mobile terminal
The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for reducing noise in voices of a mobile terminal and relates to the field of communications technologies, which can improve the effect of noise reduction. The method includes: selecting, from a voice headphone and a microphone built in the mobile terminal, a current communicating microphone and a current noise reducing microphone; obtaining an audio signal received by the current communicating microphone and an audio signal received by the current noise reducing microphone; performing noise reduction according to the audio signal received by the current communicating microphone and the audio signal received by the current noise reducing microphone, so as to obtain a noise reduced signal; and performing voice coding according to the noise reduced signal to generate an audio output signal. |
| US09294833B2 |
Sound collection device
The invention provides a sound collection device having little error in a desired directivity. The sound collection device includes a unidirectional microphone 12A, a unidirectional microphone 12B, and a unidirectional microphone 12C which are arranged on one plane. Each of the unidirectional microphones has the maximum sensitivity direction directed toward the inside of the arrangement. Each of the unidirectional microphones has a rear surface (direction of the minimum sensitivity) being open acoustically. Since the maximum sensitivity direction of each of the unidirectional microphones is directed toward the inside of the arrangement, the oscillation plane of each of the unidirectional microphones can be positioned substantially at the center of the arrangement. Thus, by adjusting the gain of the sound collected by the respective unidirectional microphones, the directivity can be freely formed on a flat plane with little error. |
| US09294832B2 |
Apparatus
Apparatus including: an acoustic transducer, and a sound channel coupled to the acoustic transducer, the sound channel including an element having a shape that is electrically controllable, wherein the shape of the element is electrically controllable to change the acoustic properties of the sound channel. |
| US09294831B2 |
In-ear earpiece and expansion adaptor
There is provided an in-ear earphone having a housing for receiving an electroacoustic transducer and an expansion adaptor unit which is coupled to the housing of the in-ear earphone. The expansion adaptor unit has an expansion unit with an upper portion having a curvature for fitting into a crus inferius anthelicis, an anti-helix and/or a concha of an ear of a user. The expansion adaptor unit further has at least one coupling element for coupling the upper portion to the housing of the in-ear earphone, wherein the expansion unit has at least two flexible legs as coupling elements, wherein one leg is coupled to a first end of the upper portion and a second leg is coupled to a second end of the upper portion. |
| US09294829B2 |
Wind noise reduction filter
A noise reduction filter for a microphone reducing unwanted wind noise includes a first filter element made of a first material configured to filter out wind noise, wherein the first filter element comprises a first surface configured to face towards a first microphone inlet of a first sound tube, the first microphone inlet having a central axis, and a second filter element made of a second material configured to be impermeable to wind, wherein the second filter element is configured to be positioned at the central axis so that a first part of a sound wave travelling towards the first microphone inlet is prevented by the second filter element from passing through a second surface of the first filter element into the first filter element, wherein the second surface is configured to be positioned at the central axis. |
| US09294827B2 |
Module and associated method for TR-069 object management
A method and apparatus for use in management of a plurality of parameters of customer premises equipment automatically and dynamically selects and/or alters one or more of a plurality of parameters based on credentials. A particular service provider can be authorized to view and/or alter one or more parameters based on credentials associated with the particular service provider. Specific service providers can be restricted to viewing other service provider's parameters while being allowed to change parameters associated with the specific service provider. |
| US09294826B2 |
Wavelength selection switch system and method for controlling wavelength selection switch
A wavelength selection switch system includes a wavelength selection switch including an input port and an output port, a nonvolatile memory in which configuration information for controlling an operation of the wavelength selection switch is stored, a high-speed memory in which reading and writing can be performed at a higher speed than in the nonvolatile memory and that stores a copy of the configuration information stored in the nonvolatile memory, and a control unit that controls an operation of the wavelength selection switch based on the configuration information read from the high-speed memory, wherein the control unit periodically reads the configuration information stored in the nonvolatile memory and writes a copy of the read configuration information to the high-speed memory. |
| US09294824B2 |
Method for building and transmitting a watermarked content, and method for detecting a watermark of said content
The present invention concerns a method for building a watermarked content for sending to at least one user unit having a user unit identifier, the watermarked content comprising a first series of packets, at least some from the first series of packets being available in at least two different qualities, wherein said method comprises the steps of: generating a watermark based on at least the user unit identifier, the watermark being formed by a first series of values from a predetermined set of values; mapping each of the at least two different qualities to one from the predetermined set of values; building the watermarked content by sequentially selecting from the first series of packets, a packet having a quality corresponding to each value from the first series of values forming the watermark, It further concerns a method for transmitting such a watermarked content. |
| US09294813B2 |
Probabilistic methods and apparatus to determine the state of a media device
Probabilistic methods and apparatus to determine the state of a media device are described. An example method includes generating, based on a first output signal from a first sensor, a first parameter value representative of a first property of a media device; generating, based on a second output signal from a second sensor, a second parameter value representative of a second property of the media device; calculating a first state probability that the media device is presenting media provided by a first source based on a first conditional probability associated with the first parameter value and a second conditional probability associated with the second parameter value; calculating a second state probability that the media device is presenting media provided by a second source different than the first source based on a third conditional probability associated with the first parameter value and a fourth conditional probability associated with the second parameter value; and generating a state identifier by comparing the first state probability and the second state probability. |
| US09294811B2 |
Method for mapping signaling information to announcement information and broadcast receiver
A method of providing a Non-Real-Time (NRT) service includes receiving a file configuring the NRT service, first signaling information, and second signaling information in a state of being IP-packetized and contained in a single ensemble, configuring and displaying a service guide using the first signaling information acquired from the ensemble, acquiring a first content identifier of content selected from the displayed service guide, accessing a FLUTE session using the second signaling information acquired from the ensemble and acquiring a second content identifier matched with the first content identifier from the accessed FLUTE session, and receiving and storing at least one file configuring the content based on the acquired second content identifier. |
| US09294809B2 |
Image recognition of content
Techniques are described to employ image recognition techniques to content. In an implementation, one or more images are identified in content using a signature derived from the one or more images. Metadata associated with the content is then supplemented based on the identified one or more images. |
| US09294807B1 |
System for the delivery and dynamic presentation of large media assets over bandwidth constrained networks
Media content, based on a predetermined set of constraints, from a content provider is delivered to a local cache of a user device before viewing the media. A client asset manager process resides in the user device, an asset list at the content provider site, and the media assets are located at a remote site. |
| US09294806B2 |
Systems, methods, and devices for scanning broadcasts
The various embodiments disclosed herein provide methods, systems, and devices for capturing broadcast streams, analyzing the broadcast streams to obtain information about the media content transmitted in the broadcast streams, obtaining additional information about the media content if available, and assigning a unique event identifier specific to the instance of broadcast of the broadcast stream and/or media segment transmitted in the broadcast stream. In other embodiments, the unique event identifier is broadcasted to broadcast receiving devices. With the unique event identifier, broadcast receiving devices can access the obtained information associated with the media content. |
| US09294804B2 |
Method and system of processing image sequences
A system or method for processing a variable bit rate representation of an image sequence can include segmenting a variable bit rate representation of an image sequence into a plurality of segments and creating a second representation of the image sequence where a block of information from a first segment of the plurality of segments is interlaced with blocks of information of a second segment of the plurality of segments. The second representation of the image sequence can include a fragment header indicating the block of information of the first segment of the plurality of segments interlaced with the blocks of information of the second segment of the plurality of segments. |
| US09294803B2 |
Kiosk set-top-box
A device may include one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to receive user input via a user interface and provide an appearance of selecting a channel, via a content presentation device connected to the device, without actually selecting the channel when the user input requests a particular program channel. The one or more processors may also be configured to display interactive program guide data at the content presentation device when the user input requests an interactive program guide and when the device is disconnected from a network from which the device received the interactive program guide data. |
| US09294799B2 |
Systems and methods for providing storage of data on servers in an on-demand media delivery system
A system and method may be provided that allows users to store, retrieve, and manipulate on-demand media content and data stored on a remote server network in an on-demand media delivery system. More particularly, the system may allow a user to access his or her on-demand media account from user equipment in different locations as long as the current user equipment can communicate with a remote server that stores user-specific information. The system upon user selection may freeze the delivery of on-demand media at a particular point and allow the user to resume the media at a later time from some other network location in system. Users may upload personal images or files to an on-demand delivery server for later retrieval and display. Users may be permitted to assign access rights to the uploaded files. |
| US09294793B2 |
Implementing user-specified transaction parameters for transferring digital content items amongst users
A computing system and/or network environment in which users can transfer (or initiate transfer of) digital content items to other users in accordance with a variety of transaction parameters that are specified by the user. |
| US09294785B2 |
System and method for exploiting scene graph information in construction of an encoded video sequence
A system method and computer program product for creating a composited video frame sequence for an application. A current scene state for the application is compared to a previous scene state wherein each scene state includes a plurality of objects. A video construction engine determines if properties of one or more objects have changed based upon a comparison of the scene states. If properties of one or more objects have changed based upon the comparison, the delta between the object's states is determined and this information is used by a fragment encoding module if the fragment has not been encoded before. The information is used to define, for example, the motion vectors for use by the fragment encoding module in construction of the fragments to be used by the stitching module to build the composited video frame sequence. |
| US09294784B2 |
Method and apparatus for region-based filter parameter selection for de-artifact filtering
Methods and apparatus are provided for region-based filter parameter selection for de-artifact filtering. An apparatus includes an encoder for encoding picture data for at least a region of a picture. The encoder includes a de-artifact filter for performing de-artifact filtering on the region using region-based filter parameter selection. The region includes any of a non-block-boundary, a block boundary, a combination thereof, and the non-block-boundary to an exclusion of any block boundaries. |
| US09294778B2 |
Block motion estimation
Methods and apparatus for conducting motion searching are provided. A first 2D array includes interconnected multi-directional shift registers for storing and shifting image values corresponding to a search window within a search region. A second 2D array includes registers for storing image values corresponding to a macroblock. A distortion calculation module is arranged to calculate and output a distortion value corresponding to the difference between image values stored in associated registers of the first and second arrays. The distortion value quantifies the correlation between the search window and the macroblock. The shift registers of the first 2D array are controlled to pass image values between adjacent shift registers to translate the position of the search window within the search region. Distortion values outputted after progressive shifts of the first 2D array are tracked to determine an optimal registration position of the macroblock relative to the search region. |
| US09294777B2 |
Progressive refinement with temporal scalability support in video coding
An example method of decoding video data includes receiving information indicating a picture order count (POC) value of a last picture of a plurality of pictures in a progressive refinement segment in an encoded bitstream, and decoding at least some of the pictures in the progressive refinement segment according to a progressive refinement operation based on the received information. |
| US09294775B2 |
Adaptive transform method based on in-screen prediction and apparatus using the method
Disclosed is an adaptive transform method based on an in-screen prediction, and an apparatus using the method. A method for encoding an image can comprise a step of determining in-screen prediction mode groups, and a step of transforming by using a different transform method according to the in-screen prediction mode group. As a result, transforming can be performed by applying the different transform method according to the in-screen prediction mode group. |
| US09294771B2 |
Quantization control for variable bit depth
The quantization parameter QP is well-known in digital video compression as an indication of picture quality. Digital symbols representing a moving image are quantized with a quantizing step that is a function QSN of the quantization parameter QP, which function QSN has been normalized to the most significant bit of the bit depth of the digital symbols. As a result, the effect of a given QP is essentially independent of bit depth a particular QP value has a standard effect on image quality, regardless of bit depth. The invention is useful, for example, in encoding and decoding at different bit depths, to generate compatible, bitstreams having different bit depths, and to allow different bit depths for different components of a video signal by compressing each with the same fidelity (i.e., the same QP). |
| US09294768B2 |
Moving-picture encoding apparatus and moving-picture decoding apparatus
According to one embodiment, an encoding apparatus includes a prediction unit, a classifying unit, a first transformer, a second transformer, an order controller, and an entropy coder. The prediction unit obtains a predictive residual signal to be encoded, by using a mode selected from intra-prediction modes. The first transformer obtains first transformation coefficients by subjecting the signal to an orthogonal transformation by use of a first transformation basis if the selected mode is classified into a mode having a prediction direction. The first transformation basis is preset so that a coefficient density after the orthogonal transformation is higher than a coefficient density. |
| US09294760B2 |
Image display device and controlling method thereof
An image display device and controlling method thereof are disclosed, by which a 3D stereoscopic image are more comfortably appreciated in consideration of appreciation environment. In a mobile terminal including a display unit configured to variably display a 2D (2-dimensional) image and a 3D stereoscopic image of a parallax barrier type, the controlling method includes determining a play mode of a source image including a left eye image and a right eye image for implementation of the 3D stereoscopic image, if the determined play mode is a 3D play mode, determining a brightness of the source image, and enhancing an output brightness of the source image in accordance with an output brightness of the source image. |
| US09294759B2 |
Display device, method and program capable of providing a high-quality stereoscopic (3D) image, independently of the eye-point location of the viewer
A display device according includes: a display section which displays a plurality of images intended for different eye-points; a separation section which optically separates the plurality of images for the different eye-points; a travel distance calculation section which calculates a plurality of directional travel distances of the separation section relative to the display section, in accordance with a change in an eye-point location of a viewer observing the display section; and a plurality of drive sections which is driven on the basis of the directional travel distances and moves the separation section relative to the display section. |
| US09294756B2 |
Imaging apparatus and image sensor array
Provided is an imaging apparatus including an imaging lens, and an image sensor array of first and second image sensor units, wherein a single first image sensor unit includes a single first microlens and a plurality of image sensors, a single second image sensor unit includes a single second microlens and a single image sensor, light passing through the imaging lens and reaching each first image sensor unit passes through the first microlens and forms an image on the image sensors constituting the first image sensor unit, light passing through the imaging lens and reaching each second image sensor unit passes through the second microlens and forms an image on the image sensor constituting the second image sensor unit, an inter-unit light shielding layer is formed between the image sensor units, and a light shielding layer is not formed between the image sensor units constituting the first image sensor unit. |
| US09294755B2 |
Correcting frame-to-frame image changes due to motion for three dimensional (3-D) persistent observations
An imaging platform minimizes inter-frame image changes when there is relative motion of the imaging platform with respect to the scene being imaged, where the imaging platform may be particularly susceptible to image change, especially when it is configured with a wide field of view or high angular rate of movement. In one embodiment, a system is configured to capture images and comprises: a movable imaging platform having a sensor that is configured to capture images of a scene, each image comprising a plurality of pixels; and an image processor configured to: digitally transform captured images with respect to a common field of view (FOV) such that the transformed images appear to be taken by a non-moving imaging platform, wherein the pixel size and orientation of pixels of each transformed image are the same. A method for measuring and displaying 3-D features is also described. |
| US09294754B2 |
High dynamic range and depth of field depth camera
In order to maximize the dynamic range and depth of field for a depth camera used in a time of flight system, the light source is modulated at a plurality of different frequencies, a plurality of different peak optical powers, a plurality of integration subperiods, a plurality of lens foci, aperture and zoom settings during each camera frame time. The different sets of settings effectively create subrange volumes of interest within a larger aggregate volume of interest, each having their own frequency, peak optical power, lens aperture, lens zoom and lens focus products consistent with the distance, object reflectivity, object motion, field of view, etc. requirements of various ranging applications. |
| US09294752B2 |
Dual mode user interface system and method for 3D video
A system is provided for use with a video input signal and a video unit. The video input signal can be one of a two dimensional video signal and a three dimensional video signal. The video unit can display a three dimensional video and a two dimensional video. The system includes a receiver portion, a processing portion, a switching portion and an output portion. The receiver portion can receive the video input signal. The processing portion can output a first signal in a first mode of operation and can output a second signal in a second mode of operation, wherein the first signal is based on the video input signal and the second signal is based on the video input signal. The switching portion can switch the processing portion from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation. The output portion can provide an output signal to the video unit, wherein the output signal is based on the first signal when the processing portion operates in the first mode of operation and wherein the output signal is based on the second signal when the processing portion operates in the second mode of operation. The first signal includes a two dimensional video signal, whereas the second signal includes a three dimensional video signal. |
| US09294749B2 |
Projection apparatus and projection control method
In a projection apparatus, a processor performs a light-source controlling process of simultaneously driving the semiconductor light-emitting elements included in the light source unit and of generating a sync signal for use in projecting a stereoscopic image, and a gradation controlling process of correcting gradations ranging from zero gradation to the gradation according to the luminance level of the sync signal, to a specific gradation, when the projecting unit forms an optical image of a color complimentary to the color of the sync signal generated by the light-source controlling unit. |
| US09294745B2 |
Digital cameras with direct luminance and chrominance detection
Digital camera systems and methods are described that provide a color digital camera with direct luminance detection. The luminance signals are obtained directly from a broadband image sensor channel without interpolation of RGB data. The chrominance signals are obtained from one or more additional image sensor channels comprising red and/or blue color band detection capability. The red and blue signals are directly combined with the luminance image sensor channel signals. The digital camera generates and outputs an image in YCrCb color space by directly combining outputs of the broadband, red and blue sensors. |
| US09294741B2 |
Imaging apparatus, imaging method, imaging system, and program product
An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging unit that generates first image data by an imaging process; a receiving unit that receives view angle change request information to instruct a change in angle of view on which an imaging process is performed, and number-of-pixels information related to the number of pixels of a display unit of an operation terminal; an image cropping unit that sets an area of part of a first image data as a crop area based on the view angle change request information and the number-of-pixels information, and crops a second image data included in the crop area; and a transmitting unit that transmits the second image data to the operation terminal. |
| US09294740B2 |
Imaging device having a color image generator generating a color image using edge data and a fake color suppressing coefficient
An imaging device is provided with an imaging element. The imaging element has a sensitive wavelength region including an infrared wavelength region, and selectively including a visible wavelength region, and is composed of at least three types of pixels having spectral sensitivities different from each other. The imaging device generates a color image, based on a luminance signal including an infrared wavelength component, and based on a color-difference signal that has been generated based on a visible wavelength component in original image data. The luminance signal including an infrared wavelength component is generated, based on a signal obtained by compressing the dynamic range of original image data including at least three types of original image components acquired by an imaging operation of the imaging element. |
| US09294733B2 |
Driving assist apparatus
Provided is a driving assist apparatus that eases the driver's operational burden by superimposing a guide image on an image captured by a vehicle-mounted camera, with a simple system configuration. A captured image of the periphery of the vehicle captured by the vehicle-mounted camera is displayed on a display apparatus inside the vehicle as a display image superimposed with a guide image using a guide display, which is a graphics image containing a guide line. Predicted course lines, which are guide lines indicating predicted courses according to an actual steering angle of the vehicle in the captured image, are stored as a plurality of graphics images that have been generated in advance for every predetermined steering angle, in a storage portion that stores graphics images for forming guide displays. A graphics image of a predicted course line is acquired from the storage portion according to the actual steering angle of the vehicle, and is provided as a guide image. |
| US09294731B2 |
Dynamic VOD channel allocation based on viewer demand
A system and method for delivering video content over a network in communication with a subscriber having an associated electronic device is disclosed. A network server is provided and is configured to transmit a plurality of multicast streams of video content over the network. A scheduled start time for the transmission of a first stream of the multicast streams is assigned. A request for the video content is received at a first time, which is after said scheduled start time and the request is the first request for the video content received by the network server after the scheduled start time. The first stream is transmitted over the network only after the request. |
| US09294729B2 |
System and method for providing content over a television network
The present disclosure provides a system and method for providing content over a television network. The method includes receiving an input that corresponds to a master account, associating the master account with at least one additional account that relates to the provision of content from a content provider and delivering the content over the television network. |
| US09294725B1 |
Providing backstage support for online video communication broadcasts
The present disclosure comprises systems and methods for broadcasting video communications including video conferences or hosted programs by providing a capability for easily moving participants in and out of the video communications, as necessary. Video communications may be “aired” or broadcast to viewers. The present systems and methods designate at least two stages in the video communication broadcasts, including a “front” stage and a “back” stage. Users who are immediate (e.g., current) participants in the video communication broadcast are provided access to the “front” stage of the video communication broadcast. Those users who are initially “guests” (e.g., will be, but are not yet, immediate or current participants in the video communication broadcast) are provided access first to a back “stage” of the video communication broadcast. A filter imposes restrictions on the back stage to prevent any broadcast of activities that may occur in the back stage to viewers. |
| US09294724B2 |
Method of operating a communication system
A communication system that may be integrated or otherwise combined with a piece of furniture, such as a conference table, desk or credenza. The communication system may provide a combination of audio, video, telephony, presentation and/or other conferencing functions and may include a number of separate user modules, a control module, a display module and a network connection. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the separate user modules is a compact device that is integrated into the piece of furniture and includes a button that, when activated, allows a user to take control of certain aspects of the communication system. For example, a user may take over the display module or the information that is sent via the network connection by activating their user module. |
| US09294718B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for automated alerts
A method, system and apparatus for automated alerts are provided. Communication, via a processor and communication interface of a communication device, occurs with one or more remote communication devices in a communication session. Data is received at the processor, from a camera device. In response, to the data, an alert is transmitted, via the communication interface, to the one or more remote communication devices in the communication session. |
| US09294713B2 |
Method for transmitting video contents from a server to a terminal of a user within service periods of a radio transport channel
The invention related to a method for transmitting video contents from a server to a terminal of a user within service periods (S) of a radio transport channel, each video content being encoded by using scalable codec technology for integrating a scalable codec base layer (b1, b2, b3, b4) and at least one enhancement layer (e1, e2, e3, e4), each service period (S) comprising: —at least one multiplexed time-sliced radio burst (A, A′) comprising at least a part of the base layers (b1, b2, b3, b4); —several multiplexed time-sliced radio bursts (B, C, D, E) comprising the enhancement layers (e1, e2, e3, e4) and the eventual remaining base layers (b1, b2, b3, b4); said method enabling to permute, between two consecutive service periods (S), the transmission order of the enhancement layers bursts (B, C, D, E). |
| US09294712B2 |
Interpolated video tagging
Interpolated video tagging techniques are described. An example method includes identifying, a sequence of video frames included in a plurality of video frames of a video, where an object exists in at least one video frame of the sequence of video frames, determining an interpolation function associated with the existence of the object in the sequence of video frames, where the interpolation function specifies a time domain of the video in which the interpolation function is valid, and transmitting the video, an indication of the object, and an indication of the interpolation function. |
| US09294708B2 |
System and method for interacting with digital video recorders through networking applications
A method and apparatus are provided. The method includes the steps of providing a web or social networking account within a chat server for a digital video recorder (DVR) of a security system, the DVR receiving a chat message from a person through the chat server and the DVR automatically executing a predetermined instruction corresponding to a content of the received chat message. |
| US09294703B2 |
Image sensor including data transmission circuit having split bus segments
A data transmission circuit of an image sensor includes first to Kth bus segments, and first to Kth data regeneration circuits respectively connected to the first to Kth bus segments and the first to (K−1)th data regeneration circuits respectively connected to the second to Kth bus segments. Each of the first to Kth data regeneration circuits may be embodied as one of a buffer, a logic gate, and a synchronous circuit operating in response to a clock signal. |
| US09294702B2 |
Image sensors for performing thermal reset, methods thereof, and devices including the same
A method of operating an image sensor includes: thermoelectrically cooling a pixel using a thermoelectric element having a thermoelectric-junction integrated to the pixel; and performing a photoelectric conversion operation using the thermoelectric element. An image sensor includes a pixel and a readout circuit. The pixel includes a thermoelectric element having a thermoelectric-junction, and the readout circuit is configured to control the pixel such that the thermoelectric element performs a thermoelectric-cooling operation and a photoelectric conversion operation. |
| US09294701B2 |
Image pickup apparatus, method for driving image pickup apparatus, image pickup system, and method for driving image pickup system
An image pickup apparatus, a method for driving the image pickup apparatus, an image pickup system, and a method for driving the image pickup system output a digital signal based on a difference between signals output from a plurality of pixels and a digital signal based on the sum of the signals output from the pixels. |
| US09294695B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image pickup apparatus, and storage medium for generating a color image
To generate a color image exhibiting few blocked-up colors or little color saturation. It is provided a image processing apparatus for processing an original image that is picked up, comprising: an image input part for inputting N original images having different exposure levels, where N is an integer of two or more, which are obtained by picking up images of the same subject in one of a simultaneous manner and a time-series manner; and a composite processing part for generating M output images, where M is an integer of one or more and less than N, by composing the N original images. The composite processing part compares color component signals in each corresponding pixel position with each other between the N original images, and sets the color component signal that produces a higher chroma as a color component signal in each pixel position of the output image. |
| US09294692B2 |
Image pickup apparatus having photoelectric coversion units, method of driving image pickup apparatus, and method of driving image pickup system
One exemplary embodiment is a method of driving an image pickup apparatus including a plurality of photoelectric conversion units. A driving method of the present exemplary embodiment includes a generating step of generating electric charges in the photoelectric conversion unit during a period from a first time to a second time; and a transferring step of transferring electric charges generated in the generating step of generating into at least two electric charge reception units in parallel. Then, electric charges transferred from different photoelectric conversion units are added in at least one electric charge reception unit. |
| US09294691B2 |
Imaging device, imaging apparatus, manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method
An imaging device includes: plural photoelectric conversion device layers in which photoelectric conversion devices performing photoelectric conversion of incident light are formed; and a wiring layer sandwiched by respective photoelectric conversion device layers, in which wirings for reading charges from the photoelectric conversion devices are formed. |
| US09294690B1 |
System and method for using filtering and pixel correlation to increase sensitivity in image sensors
An over sampled image sensor in which the pixel size is small enough to provide spatial oversampling of the minimum blur size of the sensor optics is disclosed. Image processing to detect targets below the typical limit of 6× the temporal noise floor is also disclosed. The apparatus is useful in detecting dimmer targets and targets at a longer range from the sensors. The inventions exploits signal processing, which allows spatial temporal filtering of the superpixel image in such manner that the Noise Equivalent Power is reduced by a means of Superpixel Filtering and Pooling, which increases the sensitivity far beyond a non-oversampled imager. Overall visual acuity is improved due to the ability to detect dimmer targets, provide better resolution of low intensity targets, and improvements in false alarm rejection. |
| US09294689B2 |
Digital RUVIS camera
An ultraviolet sensitive video camera is disclosed. The camera may have an input window and a bandpass filter. The input window may receive into the camera ultraviolet radiation reflected off of a subject. The bandpass filter may filter the ultraviolet radiation received into the camera through the input window. The bandpass filter may have a passband centered at about 254 nm and a bandwidth of about 1 nm to about 100 nm. The camera may also have an image sensor and at least one controller. The image sensor may collect the filtered ultraviolet radiation passing through the bandpass filter and generate an output based on the collected ultraviolet radiation. The at least one controller may be configured to generate video display signals based on the output of the image sensor. |
| US09294684B2 |
Photographing apparatus capable of flash light emission
A photographing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an accumulation control section controlling an accumulation operation in an imaging section; an accumulation start timing setting section setting a timing of accumulation start in the imaging section; and a flash light emission control section controlling the start and stop of light emission in the flash light emission section, wherein the accumulation control section instructs the flash light emission control section to start the flash light emission and causes the imaging section to start the accumulation based on an output of the accumulation start timing setting section, and the flash light emission control section causes the flash light emission to be started in response to the flash light emission start instruction of the accumulation control section and causes the flash light emission section to stop the light emission based on an appropriate light emission amount output by an exposure calculation section. |
| US09294682B2 |
Information processing device, information processing method, and program for light source estimation
Conventional calculation of light source data requires a high load and is unstable. An information processing device derives light source data which represents a state of a light source of an image represented by a captured image based on image capturing condition data at the time of capturing the image of a subject. |
| US09294681B2 |
Exposure control apparatus for vehicle-mounted camera
The exposure control apparatus is for performing exposure control for a camera mounted on a vehicle in accordance with brightness of a recognition area set in an image ahead of the vehicle taken by the camera. The exposure control apparatus includes a measuring means for measuring brightness of a photometric area showing a landscape more distant from the vehicle than a landscape shown by the recognition area in each of images successively taken by the camera, a detection means for detecting brightness variation with time of the photometric area based on measurement results by the measuring means for images taken by the camera at different times, and a control means configured to predict a timing at which the brightness of the recognition area changes based on the brightness variation with time of the photometric area, and perform exposure control of the camera at the predicted timing. |
| US09294680B1 |
Motorized rotating linearly polarized optical device
The present invention provides a polarizer that is motorized and rotates and is attached to the front of a digital camera. A series of images of a scene is acquired with the polarizer whose orientation is changed in a in a systematic sequence from 0 degrees to 180 degrees. The polarized images are processed to present a final image or set of images that amplify the net polarizations inherent in the light scattered or reflected by the various pixels in the scene. Multiple embodiments are given, including an embodiment implemented on a standard smartphone, one implemented on a miniature camera system mounted on a pair of glasses, and an embodiment on a system utilizing two synchronized camera systems mounted on a pair of eyeglasses. |
| US09294674B2 |
Method and apparatus to correct digital image blur due to motion of subject or imaging device
Signal processing techniques are applied to digital image data to remove the distortion caused by motion of the camera, or the movement of the subject being photographed, or defective optics, or optical distortion from other sources. When the image is captured, the effect of relative motion between the camera and the subject is that it transforms the true image into a blurred image according to a 2-dimensional transfer function. The 2-dimensional transfer function representing the motion is derived using blind estimation techniques or by using information from sensors that detect the motion. The transfer function is inverted and used to define a corrective filter. The filter is applied to the image and the blur due to the motion is removed, restoring the correct image. Another embodiment uses the transfer function to avoid blur by combining multiple consecutive images taken at a fast shutter speed. |
| US09294673B2 |
Image generation method, image display method, storage medium storing image generation program, image generation system, and image display device
A left panorama image and a right panorama image respectively captured by a left panorama camera and a right panorama camera are acquired. A rearward image area, of a rearward area, included in the right panorama image and captured by the right panorama camera is synthesized to the left panorama image, instead of a rearward image area, of the rearward area, included in the left panorama image and captured by the left panorama camera, to generate a left-eye image. The rearward image area, of the rearward area, included in the left panorama image and captured by the left panorama camera is synthesized to the right panorama image, instead of the rearward image area, of the rearward area, included in the right panorama image and captured by the right panorama camera, to generate a right-eye image. |
| US09294672B2 |
Multi-camera system using folded optics free from parallax and tilt artifacts
Aspects relate to an array camera exhibiting little or no parallax artifacts in captured images. For example, the planes of the central mirror prism of the array camera can intersect at an apex defining the vertical axis of symmetry of the system. The apex can serve as a point of intersection for the optical axes of the sensors in the array. Each sensor in the array “sees” a portion of the image scene using a corresponding facet of the central mirror prism, and accordingly each individual sensor/mirror pair represents only a sub-aperture of the total array camera. The complete array camera has a synthetic aperture generated based on the sum of all individual aperture rays. |
| US09294671B2 |
Conversion between aspect ratios in camera
A camera system captures an image in a source aspect ratio and applies a transformation to the input image to scale and warp the image to generate an output image having a target aspect ratio different than the source aspect ratio. The output image has the same field of view as the input image, maintains image resolution, and limits distortion to levels that do not substantially affect the viewing experience. In one embodiment, the output image is non-linearly warped relative to the input image such that a distortion in the output image relative to the input image is greater in a corner region of the output image than a center region of the output image. |
| US09294669B2 |
Remotely controlled automatic camera tracking system
A remotely controlled automatic camera tracking system for self-photography is disclosed. The systems hereof combine the functions of remote camera operation, including closed loop automatic zoom control, and camera tracking by employing a system architecture that eliminates the requirement to have microprocessors coupled to the tracking station for the calculation of range and bearing. The system enables range and bearing information to be viewed by the operator, if desired, and conserves radio power. |
| US09294665B2 |
Feature extraction apparatus, feature extraction program, and image processing apparatus
Provided is a feature extraction device including a sub region setting unit (433) which sets a plurality of sub regions with respect to a pixel of interest, and a binary pattern generation unit (434) which generates a local binary pattern indicating pixel value comparison results relative to each sub region with respect to each pixel of interest. The sub region setting unit (433) sets (436) a region constituted by a plurality of pixels including a pixel separated from the pixel of interest as a sub region, and the binary pattern generation unit (434) calculates (437) a representative value for each sub region and generates (439) a local binary pattern indicating whether or not the difference (438) between the representative value and the value of the pixel of interest is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value. |
| US09294663B2 |
Imaging apparatus and imaging method for generating increased resolution images, hyperspectral images, steroscopic images, and/or refocused images
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit and a transmission unit. The imaging unit is configured to capture two images that are different from each other by a predetermined amount of an optical distance (focus) between an objective lens and an imaging device having a first resolution. The transmission unit is configured to transmit the captured images. |
| US09294661B2 |
Camera module
The present invention relates to a camera module, the camera module including a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) mounted with an image sensor, a base formed with an IRCF (Infrared Cut Filter) at a position corresponding to that of the image sensor, a bobbin including a coil winding unit vertically reciprocatively formed at an upper surface of the base and provided at a periphery, and a plurality of rib members protrusively formed from a floor surface, a yoke formed with a magnet arranged at a position corresponding to that of a coil of the bobbin, and a shock absorption member arranged at an ambience of the rib members and longer than the rib member, wherein the shock absorption member is compressed by being elastically deformed, in a case the base is brought into contact with the rib member. |
| US09294659B1 |
Device and assembly for coupling an external optical component to a portable electronic device
An assembly for coupling an external optical component to a portable electronic device is disclosed. The assembly includes a portable electronic device case having two sidewalls extending from a rear wall, a camera opening extending through the rear wall, a rear groove on an outer surface of the rear wall, and a side groove on a sidewall. Also included is an optical component coupling configured to removably couple to the portable electronic device case. The optical component coupling includes a face plate, a side plate, a rear tongue positioned to engage with the rear groove, a side tongue positioned to engage with the side groove, an optical component mount positioned to align with the camera opening. The optical component comprises one of a spectrometer, a magnifying optical component, a light filter, a telescope, a night vision optical component, a spotting scope, and a bore scope. |
| US09294657B2 |
Vehicular imaging device
A vehicular imaging device is formed by housing a camera, which takes an image of one side and rearwardly of a vehicle body, in an interior of a minor housing of the door mirror. Since an objective lens of the camera is disposed further inside than the outer surface of the mirror housing, it is possible to prevent raindrops or snow flowing from top to bottom along the outer surface of the mirror housing by virtue of gravity or raindrops or snow flowing from front to rear along the outer surface of the mirror housing due to being pushed by air flow from adhering to the objective lens of the camera, thereby enabling the image taking function of the camera to be maintained. |
| US09294655B2 |
Apparatus for and method of processing document image
An apparatus for and a method of processing a document image are provided. The apparatus comprises: an estimation unit for estimating a brightness image from the document image; and a correction unit for correcting the brightness image by using brightness values of at least a part of edge pixels which lie on or in the adjacency of edges of the brightness image in parallel with x direction, wherein directions of neighboring two edges of the brightness image are set to be x, y directions respectively, and wherein compared with x direction, brightness values of pixels of the brightness image change relatively slightly or do not change along y direction; wherein the correction unit performs interpolation on a straight line extending along y direction by using the brightness values of the edge pixels on the straight line, thereby correcting brightness values of other pixels on the straight line. |
| US09294653B2 |
Image transmission apparatus, image transmission system, and non-transitory computer readable medium, and image transmission method
An image transmission apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires image data and an identifier for identifying a transmission destination, a first transmission unit that transmits the image data to a transmission destination identified by the identifier, a receiving unit that receives a stop instruction for stopping the transmission while the first transmission unit is transmitting the image data, and a processing unit that when a transmission request of the image data is received from a host apparatus, performs stop processing for stopping the transmission when the receiving unit receives the stop instruction and performs stop prevention processing for preventing the stop processing from being performed or the stop instruction from being received when the transmission request of the image data is received from an external apparatus. |
| US09294651B2 |
Image reading device for reading document images with visible light and non-visible light being switchingly applied
An image reading device includes: a CCD for reading an image on a document to output an image signal; a light source for switchingly emitting visible light and non-visible light; and lighting control means for controlling lighting periods of the light source. The lighting control means is adapted to perform control such that a first light source lighting period for applying non-visible light is longer than a second light source lighting period for applying visible light. The image reading device also includes splitting means for splitting the image signals outputted from the CCD into an image signal upon application of visible light and an image signal upon application of non-visible light. |
| US09294650B2 |
Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes a casing configured to cut off ambient light and have a casing-opening portion at the bottom, an image capturing unit configured to perform image capturing of a medium that is exposed to an inside of the casing in the casing-opening portion, a plurality of light sources configured to be arranged on the inside of the casing and emit light to different areas on horizontal plane in the casing-opening portion, a control unit configured to control at least the image capturing unit and the plurality of light sources, and an attachment configured to be detachably attached to the bottom of the casing. The attachment surrounds the casing-opening portion in a state in which the attachment is attached to the casing and cuts off the ambient light together with the casing in a state in which the bottom is placed on the medium. |
| US09294649B2 |
Position correction in handheld image translation device
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for correcting position in a handheld image translation device are described herein. The handheld image translation device may include a position module to determine a first position of the device and a print module to deposit a printing substance on a medium adjacent to the device based at least in part on the position. The device may also include an image capture module to capture surface images of the section of the medium with printing substance deposited thereon. These surface images may be used by the position module to determine subsequent positions of the device. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US09294644B2 |
Power-supply control device, image processing apparatus, power-supply control method, and computer readable medium
A power-supply control device includes a power-supply control section, a first detection section that detects whether or not a body capable of movement is moving, a second detection section that detects whether or not the body capable of movement exists, and an instruction section. The power-supply control section receives supply of power from a mains power source section, and selectively sets a power supply mode, in which power is supplied to a processing section, and a power saving mode, in which supply of power to the processing section is stopped. The first and second detection sections and the instruction section are caused to operate at least in the power saving mode. The instruction section provides, for the power-supply control section, an instruction for switching between the power supply mode and the power saving mode. |
| US09294636B2 |
Image forming apparatus that has internet facsimile function and stores message ID related to image data in non volatile memory
In an image forming apparatus, a facsimile device includes a non volatile memory in which received image data of facsimile is stored. A mail processing unit receives an email of internet facsimile from a mail server. An image processing unit generates received image data of internet facsimile on the basis of the received email. A job managing unit stores the receive image data of internet facsimile in the non volatile memory, and performs printing of the received image data stored in the non volatile memory. The job managing unit stores a message ID of the receive email in the non volatile memory with the received image data of internet facsimile. The open confirmation processing unit acquires destination information for an open confirmation email from the received email corresponding to the stored message ID and transmits the open confirmation email to a destination specified by the acquired destination information. |
| US09294635B2 |
Method for generating a common mosaic design for the covers of photo projects created through an electronic interface
A system for creating media-based projects includes a server, the server having access to a processor and a data repository, the server including a non-transitory physical medium, and software running from the non-transitory physical medium, the software providing a method comprising steps of receiving a plurality of images from a user-operated computing appliance to add to the media-project; performing image analysis on the images added to the media-project to identify a plurality of distinguishable features in the images; and selecting a subset of the plurality of distinguishable features in the images for presentation in a mosaic pattern in the media-project, wherein the mosaic pattern comprises the plurality of distinguishable features displayed in a tile pattern comprising a plurality of tiles, and wherein an overlaid die-cut pattern has a plurality of die-cuts corresponding to the plurality of tiles through which the mosaic pattern comprising the distinguishable features is visible. |
| US09294634B2 |
Application for designing photo albums
Some embodiments of the invention provide a computer-based application that allows its users to insert their pictures in a variety of different photo books. Each photo book has several pages that have one or more picture fields for presenting pictures. Different photo books can differ in their size, themes, covers, page designs, page colors, picture-field designs, picture-field layouts, and/or other attributes. In some embodiments, the application also allows the users to modify photo books that they select. For instance, a user can modify the page design, color, frame design, and/or other thematic aspects of a selected photo books. Also, in some embodiments, the user can add picture and text fields to the photo book. Once the user has completed designing the photo book and inserting pictures in the photo book, the user can order the photo book through an online transaction that is initiated through the application. |
| US09294633B2 |
Communication control apparatus and method for controlling the same
There is provided a communication control apparatus comprising connection means for connecting a storage medium that has a memory function for reading and writing data, and a wireless communication function for communicating with an external apparatus. Control means supplies a clock to the storage medium at a predetermined timing and controls the wireless communication function of the storage medium. Obtaining means obtains, after the storage medium is supplied with the clock by the control means, communication protocol information on a communication protocol with which the wireless communication function is compatible from the storage medium. Display means performs display according to the communication protocol information obtained by the obtaining means. The control means stops supplying the clock to the storage medium after the communication protocol information has been obtained by the obtaining means. |
| US09294631B1 |
System, method, and computer program for identification of common root causes with sequential patterns
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for identification of common root causes with sequential patterns. In use, a plurality of customer event sequences are identified. Additionally, the plurality of customer event sequences are grouped into a hierarchical framework of patterns. Further, a root-cause analysis (RCA) is performed for the customer event sequences utilizing the hierarchical framework of patterns. |
| US09294629B2 |
Home gateway system with telephony functions and method
A home gateway system has a transceiver (70) capable of establishing a wireless local loop connection (72). A voice processing system (74) is coupled to the transceiver (70). The voice processing system (74) is capable of storing a message from an incoming call.A caller identification processing system (76) is coupled to the transceiver (70). The caller identification processing system (76) determines a telephone number of the incoming call and routes the incoming call to the voice processing system (74), if the telephone number belongs to a screened group of telephone numbers. |
| US09294628B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing network origination calls in a hybrid network
A method and apparatus for processing network origination calls in a hybrid network. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network management system (NMS) having a detection module to detect at a first terminal a network origination call directed to a second terminal, a search module to search a terminal type for each of the first and second terminals according to information supplied in the network origination call, and an enablement module to enable at least one media gateway to provide communication services to each of the first and second terminals identified as a circuit-switched terminal by its corresponding terminal type. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09294627B1 |
Methods and systems for providing telecommunications services
The present invention is related to telecommunications. A call processing system receives a first call from a caller intended for a first person. A notification regarding the first call is transmitted over a network to a terminal associated with the first person. A user interface is displayed on the terminal via which the first person can indicate that a callback message is to be transmitted to the caller. The callback message is transmitted to the caller, wherein the callback message includes an identification of the first person, a callback control, and text indicating that the caller is to activate the control to initiate another call to the first person. At least partly in response to the caller activating the control, A second call to be placed via which the first person and caller are connected. |
| US09294618B2 |
Call-back to a UE that has made an emergency call via a visited IMS network
Exemplary methods for establishing an emergency call and an emergency call-back for a first User Equipment (UE) communicatively coupled to a visited Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network includes establishing an emergency call by the first UE sending an emergency call request to a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) in the visited IMS network. The methods further include providing, from the P-CSCF to a Serving CSCF (S-CSCF) in a home IMS network for the first UE, information comprising an indication that the emergency call has been performed and an equipment identifier of the first UE. The methods further include receiving, in the S-CSCF, an emergency call-back request from an emergency call-center, and using, in the S-CSCF, information comprised in the received emergency call-back and the information provided by the P-CSCF, to route the emergency call-back to the first UE and/or to a second UE. |
| US09294608B2 |
Contextual auto-replication in short range wireless networks
Previously cached data that includes contextual information is transferred between wireless devices. A first wireless device that is highly mobile is arranged to receive data from an external data source for storage on the first wireless device. The first wireless device subsequently travels to another locale where a second wireless device is located. After the wireless devices discover one another, cached data is transferred from the first wireless device to the second wireless device such that the cached data is replicated including contextual information. Each wireless device is configured to process data according to a set of acquisition rules and/or user preferences so that the cached data is managed according context. The cached data is effectively replicated by the wireless devices such that the cached data originating from the external data source is made available to wireless devices that are otherwise unable to retrieve data from the external data source. |
| US09294600B2 |
Mounting components in electronic devices
An electronic device comprises electronic circuitry and a molded plastic covering (5). In order to prevent ingress of water and dust, a hermetic seal is provided between the covering (5) and components that are accessible through the covering (5), such as a socket (7) or display, or components such as electrical connections (9). The components (7, 9) are at least partially coated in a coating material 15, such as a thermally activated polyurethane adhesive or thin thermoplastic, to provide a strong bond to the covering (5) that does not require the use of solder. The device may be a wearable device in which waterproof sealing is required. |
| US09294587B1 |
Enhanced routing and content delivery
A routing device can maintain a long-lived, bidirectional connection with a network server. The routing device can establish a TCP connection with each of multiple computing devices. One or more computing devices can make (e.g., HTTP) requests for network resources. The routing device can receive the requests and decide to direct the requests to the network server via the long-lived, bidirectional connection. Based on the requests, the network server can make requests to other servers for the resources and send modified (e.g., assembled, filtered, optimized, etc.) responses back to the routing device, which can transmit the responses to the computing devices. This process can be transparent to the computing devices. In some embodiments, the routing device can optionally establish a long-lived TCP connection with a computing device capable of the long-lived TCP connection option. The routing device can maintain the long-lived connection with the network server for the computing device. |
| US09294584B2 |
Transporting serially over TCP/IP using raw TCP encapsulation
In one embodiment, a router establishes a serial-over-TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) communication session between terminal units using raw-TCP encapsulation. For the session, the router maps serial characters to TCP out-of-band (OOB) communication fields, maps serial flow control signals to TCP/IP receiver-window advertisements, and dynamically adjusts a TCP/IP priority based on serial payload priority. Accordingly, the router may thus communicate data over the serial-over-TCP/IP session based on the mappings and priority. |
| US09294579B2 |
Centralized registration for distributed social content services
A system and method are directed towards enabling centralized registration for managing a selective display of visitor information to distributed social networking websites. A visitor may enter selective personal information, and determine what information is made available on a social networking webpage. The visitor may then return to the social networking website to view selective visitor information, such as within a reader roll. A visitor to a social networking website may select to not have their information displayed at selective a social networking website, while still being displayed at another social networking website. In one embodiment, selecting to not display their information may be performed by ‘mousing’ over their information and selecting a display option. Social networking websites may look to a centralized registration system to determine whether to display the visitor information, while still being able to obtain information about the visitor, and/or provide benefits to the visitor. |
| US09294578B2 |
Method of virally expanding social networks
Membership in a social network is virally expanded by suggesting to a user to invite contacts from the user's address book and, in addition, eligible contacts from other address books. Eligible contacts from other address books include those contacts that have e-mail addresses with the same e-mail domain as the user's e-mail address. |
| US09294577B2 |
Click through rate estimation in varying display situations
The presently disclosed subject matter includes at least a method, system and a program storage device of estimating click through rate (CTR) of a pair of source and recommendation, the source comprising a plurality of slots, each slot configured to present a served recommendation. The CTR estimation is performed by first determining an estimated calibration CTR coefficient for each slot and then using this information for calculating an estimated CTR of a given slot when served with a given recommendation in a given source. |
| US09294575B1 |
Transmitting appliance-specific content to a user device
Methods and systems are presented for transmitting appliance-specific content to a user device associated with an appliance. In some embodiments, a third party platform may serve as a secure intermediary between a user device associated with an appliance (e.g., an oven) and a third party appliance service provider (e.g., appliance manufacturer). In some embodiments, the third party platform database may store appliance ownership data from the user device and compare an appliance search provided by the appliance service provider with the appliance ownership data in order to match an appliance service provider with a user device associated with an appliance meeting the criteria of the appliance search. The appliance service provider may efficiently transmit appliance-specific content (e.g., a list of approved or preferred appliance servicers) to the appliance user by way of the appliance user's user device. In some embodiments, the data exchange facilitated by the third party platform may be customized based on user-specified appliance center settings. |
| US09294571B2 |
Method and system of transferring a message in a session initiation protocol based communications network
Method of transferring a message in a Session Initiation Protocol based communications network, from a first node to a third node via a second node. The method comprises the steps of: storing, in a repository associated with the first node, a group identifier associated with a plurality of second nodes; deriving, by the first node, on the basis of the group identifier a network address corresponding to one second node of the plurality of second nodes; and transmitting the message to the third node via the second node derived by the first node. |
| US09294564B2 |
Shadowing storage gateway
Methods, apparatus, and computer-accessible storage media for shadowing data stored on a local store to a remote store provided by a service provider. A gateway may be configured as a shadowing gateway on a customer network in response to receiving configuration information. The shadowing gateway may receive reads and writes to the local store. The gateway passes the requests to the local store, and also uploads write data indicated by the writes to the service provider to update a snapshot of the local store maintained by the service provider on the remote store. The write data may be buffered to a write log for uploading, and may be uploaded as blocks according to a block storage format used by the service provider. The shadowing process may be transparent to processes on the customer network. The shadowed data may be used to recover data on the local store. |
| US09294561B2 |
Decentralized structured peer-to-peer network and load balancing methods thereof
An approach is provided for reassigning and sharing loads to peers with a same identity, which is based on a threshold. The peers are configured to store indexes of a key and to share the same loading (i.e., indexes) of the key to the peers with same secondary identities in different zones. The secondary identity is derived and has a modulo relationship with a first identity of the peer. The threshold indicates maximum number of indexes stored in each peer. Therefore, the loading are distributed evenly to peers in different zones, which achieves load balance to a decentralized structured peer-to-peer network. |
| US09294557B2 |
Hardware level generated interrupts indicating load balancing status for a node in a virtualized computing environment
A computing node includes at least one hardware layer comprising a plurality of hardware resources and at least one virtualization layer operative to manage at one virtual machine defined by at least one resource from among the plurality of hardware resources. The computing node includes load balancing interrupt logic configured in the hardware layer of the node. The load balancing interrupt logic is operative to compare at least one resource utilization level of the plurality of hardware resources by the at least one virtual machine with at least one threshold. The load balancing interrupt logic is operative to generate at least one load balancing interrupt indicating at least one load balancing status of the computing node based on the comparison of the at least one resource utilization level with the at least one threshold. |
| US09294553B1 |
Predictive rendering of current content versions
Features are disclosed for determining which content item or items are likely to be requested by a particular user or device, or by a group of users or devices. The determined content items may be obtained independently of a request from the users or devices, and substantially current versions of the content items may be maintained at a server system, such as an intermediary system. Visual representations of the content items may be generated to reduce processing requirements at a user device. When the content items are determined to be likely to be requested by a particular user, a predicted time may also be determined, and the visual representations may be generated such that they are available at the predicted time. |
| US09294551B1 |
Collective engine method and apparatus
A data-processing system and method for performing collective operations. Some embodiments provide a plurality of leaf software processes, a plurality of collective engines (CEs), and a network operatively coupled to the plurality of CEs, wherein collective operations messages are sent between CEs. Each of the plurality of hierarchies includes a root, leaf CEs, and one or more intermediate levels of CEs between the root and the leaf CEs. Each CE except the root is configured to have a parent CE, and each non-leaf CE in the hierarchy that is not the root CE and not one of the leaf CEs has one or more child CEs. Data is sent from software processes to one or more of the plurality of CEs, and data is received to one or more software processes from one or more of the plurality of collective engines. The root CE outputs a final result. |
| US09294547B2 |
Mobile device application for accessing a presentation uploaded to a presentation server and presenting a presentation offline
A mobile device application is described that runs on a mobile device and allows a user to log in to the user's account on a presentation server. The user can download previously stored presentations to the local memory of the mobile device to make an in-person offline presentation from the mobile device. While the user is making the presentation, the mobile device application tracks analytic data pertaining to the slide presentation, such as how long each slide is open and viewed. This analytic data is uploaded to the server when an internet connection is available for integration with other data tracked for the presentation. |
| US09294545B2 |
Fast join of peer to peer group with power saving mode
A wireless peer-to-peer protocol that supports fast and low power joining to an existing group. The protocol may be an extension of a peer-to-peer protocol that supports a sleep state for a device controlling the group. When a device is seeking to join a group at a time when the controlling device is in a sleep state, another device that has information about the controlling device may provide information to the joining device that may then be used by the joining device to more quickly, and using less power, synchronize with the controlling device. The information may include information about a channel used by the controlling device or about timing of availability of the controlling device. The information may also reveal whether the group provides a service being sought by the joining device or may otherwise influence whether the joining device will attempt to join a group. |
| US09294544B1 |
System and method for facilitating client-server communication
Computer-implemented method is disclosed. Method includes defining, at one or more computing devices, first client-server communication protocol for communication between client side and server side. First client-server communication protocol is application layer protocol in OSI model. Method also includes defining connection for client side associated with first client-server communication protocol. Method also includes defining data sink for first client-server communication protocol. Data sink is external to client side and external to server side. Data sink is configured to receive and process output of client side or server side. Method also includes defining data source for first client-server communication protocol. Data source is external to client side and external to server side. Data source is configured to provide input for client side or server side. Method also includes defining communication pathway between two or more of data source, data sink, client side, and server side to facilitate communication. |
| US09294542B2 |
Systems and methods for changing an electronic display that contains a barcode
A cellphone with a camera takes a photo of a barcode in a screen that can show different images. The barcode is decoded into a URL, and the cellphone uses wireless Internet access to visit the website of the URL. The website then makes a different image that also has a barcode of a URL, and sends it to the screen for display. This can increase the interactivity of the screen and its value to advertisers. Several users with cellphones might simultaneously interact with the screen in this manner. |
| US09294537B1 |
Suggesting a tag for content
Techniques for suggesting a tag for content may include the following: receiving, from a member of a social network, an entry in a display field along with an indication that the entry is for a post; after receiving the entry and the indication, identifying content by performing a search using at least some of the entry and information about the member of the social network; obtaining tags corresponding to the identified content; ranking the tags; outputting the ranked tags as suggestions to include with the display field; and augmenting the entry by adding a selected tag to the display field. |
| US09294536B2 |
Method and system of communicating delivery status of an XDM resource in an XDM environment
A method of an eXtensible Markup Language (XML) Document Management (XDM) server for communicating a delivery status of an XDM resource in an XDM environment is provided. The method includes receiving a request for forwarding the XDM resource to one or more intended XDM recipient devices from an XDM client device; forwarding the XDM resource to the one or more intended XDM recipient devices; and communicating the delivery status associated with delivery of the XDM resource to the one or more intended XDM recipient devices to the XDM client device. |
| US09294533B2 |
Distribution control, method and system for changing a parameter of reproduction quality at a communication terminal based on the received transmission delay time information
A distribution control system distributes data to a communication terminal through a communication network. The distribution control system includes a receiver configured to receive, from the communication terminal, transmission delay time information indicating transmission delay time from when the data is distributed by the distribution control system to when the data is received by the communication terminal; and a changing unit configured to change, based on the transmission delay time information received by the receiver, a parameter of reproduction quality when the data is reproduced by the communication terminal. |
| US09294530B2 |
Producing equivalent content across encapsulators in a network environment
A method is provided in one example and includes receiving first synchronization information associated with a first encapsulated output, receiving second synchronization information associated with a second encapsulated output, and determining whether the first encapsulated output and the second encapsulated output are in synchronization based upon the first synchronization information and the second synchronization information. The method may further include, when the first encapsulated output and the second encapsulated output are determined to out of synchronization, generating corrected synchronization information, and sending the corrected synchronization information to an encapsulator generating at least one of the first encapsulated output and the second encapsulated output. |
| US09294528B2 |
System and method for delivering content over a multicast network
A system for delivering content over a network includes a server. The server is configured to divide the content into multiple segments, to create multiple data streams using the segments of the content, and to transmit each of the data streams via a respective multicast session, wherein a copy of each of the multiple segments is transmitted during a single time slot of the multicast session. |
| US09294521B2 |
Method, device and system for processing streaming media service data
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, device, and system for processing streaming media service data. When a user equipment detects a service terminate operation or a service switching operation performed by a user, the user equipment sends a scheduling terminate message to a scheduling device, so that the scheduling device can timely learn that the user equipment has stopped a streaming media service being performed, and immediately stop scheduling, according to the scheduling terminate message, streaming media service data requested by the user equipment to the user equipment. |
| US09294519B2 |
File server device
Communication is established between communication terminals arranged in different LANS while realizing dynamic response to reduction in server load, movement of communication terminal, and the like. A relay server is arranged in a LAN and can communicate with an SIP server arranged in a WAN. For instance, a first relay server exchanges account information of the communication terminals in the respective LAN with a second relay server. If exchanged account information is changed in one relay server, the account information after the change is notified to the other relay server. One relay server determines the other relay server based on the exchanged account information and relays communication data between the communication terminals through the other relay server. |
| US09294518B2 |
Method to process a call request
Establishing a communication session in a packet-based network. A communication session request is received from an originating device. The communication session request includes a destination address. A communication session is established with the originating device. The communication session includes a communication session identifier. Based on the destination address, a first media path is set up between the originating device and a first destination device, the first media path not including a communication session controller. The first media path between the originating device and the first destination device is taken down while maintaining the communication session with the originating device. After taking down the first media path, a second media path in the communication session is set up using the communication session identifier. The second media path extends between the originating device and a second destination device, the second media path not including the communication session controller. |
| US09294511B2 |
Sending out-of-band notifications
Out-of-band notifications are used to inform users of clients of security policy enforcement actions, such as enforcement of a data loss prevention (DLP) policy. Code for instantiating a notification agent at a client used by a user is inserted into network traffic inbound to the client. Outbound network traffic sent from the client to a server is monitored for compliance with one or more security policies. If it is determined that the network traffic violates a security policy, an enforcement action is taken. An out-of-band notification message describing the enforcement action is inserted into a response to the outbound network traffic and sent to the client. The notification agent at the client receives the notification message and presents the message to the user. |
| US09294510B2 |
System and method for automatic control of security policies based on available software licenses
Disclosed are system, methods, and computer program product for applying security policies based on available licenses to a plurality of devices. An example method includes determining, by a processor, one or more criteria for a device relating to a priority of the device in the network for application of the security policies; determining numeric values for each of the one of more criteria; determining a coefficient for the device based on the numeric values; determining the priority of the device based on the coefficient of the device and respective coefficients of the plurality of devices; designating a security policy for the device based on the priority of the device; determining availability of a license for a software applying the designated security policy to the device; and when the license for the software that applies the designated security policy is available, applying the designated security polity to the device. |
| US09294508B2 |
Automated multi-level federation and enforcement of information management policies in a device network
Methods, apparatus, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable media for managing a plurality of disparate computer application and data control policies on a computing device, especially a computing device connected to a computer network, are described. In one example, at least one policy distribution point is provided that includes least one policy distribution point including at least one information management policy. A plurality of policy enforcement points, including a first policy enforcement point operating at a first policy enforcement level, and a second enforcement point operating at second policy enforcement level, are also provided. A first policy element to the first policy enforcement point, and a second policy element to the second policy enforcement point, are allocated.A management compartment in computer memory in communication with said computing device including one or more computer applications, data, and metadata specified and controlled by the information management policy is also provided. |
| US09294506B2 |
Method and apparatus for security encapsulating IP datagrams
A method and corresponding apparatus are provided to security encapsulate an original IP datagram received from a network. It is first determined whether an IP payload of the original IP datagram is a TCP segment, UDP datagram or packet of another type of network protocol. Based on this determination, a portion of the IP payload is encrypted resulting in an encrypted payload. A security encapsulated IP packet is then formed with source IP address, destination IP address, and IP protocol field from the original IP datagram, and the encrypted payload. The security encapsulated IP packet is then provided to the network. |
| US09294501B2 |
Fuzzy hash of behavioral results
A computerized method is described in which a received object is analyzed by a malicious content detection (MCD) system to determine whether the object is malware or non-malware. The analysis may include the generation of a fuzzy hash based on a collection of behaviors for the received object. The fuzzy hash may be used by the MCD system to determine the similarity of the received object with one or more objects in previously classified/analyzed clusters. Upon detection of a “similar” object, the suspect object may be associated with the cluster and classified based on information attached to the cluster. This similarity matching provides 1) greater flexibility in analyzing potential malware objects, which may share multiple characteristics and behaviors but are also slightly different from previously classified objects and 2) a more efficient technique for classifying/assigning attributes to objects. |
| US09294500B2 |
System and method for creating and applying categorization-based policy to secure a mobile communications device from access to certain data objects
A server creates categorization-based application policies and selects a specific policy to send to a mobile communications device. In one embodiment, the mobile communication device applies the categorization-based application policy received from the server to information about a data object (e.g., application) that the device wants to access (or has accessed). Based on the application of the categorization-based policy, the device may be permitted to access the data object or the device may not be permitted to access the data object. |
| US09294499B2 |
Defense communication mode for an apparatus able to communicate by means of various communication services
An appliance communicates via a communication network via various communication services available for transmitting data via the communication network. The appliance can detect an anomaly in a communication that is established with the appliance via one of the communication services, and implement a defense communication mode. In the defense communication mode, the communications to be established with the appliance via a communication service for which a detection has occurred are inhibited, while the communications to be established via another communication service are allowed. |
| US09294496B2 |
Apparatus and method for analyzing vulnerability of zigbee network
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for analyzing vulnerability of a Zigbee network. For this, the apparatus for analyzing vulnerability of a Zigbee network present invention includes an allocation supporting unit for analyzing an environment of a Zigbee network and allocating a plurality of analyzers to multiple channels of the Zigbee network. A public vulnerability inspection unit inspects the Zigbee network for predefined public vulnerability via the plurality of analyzers. A new vulnerability analysis unit analyzes new vulnerability of the Zigbee network via the plurality of analyzers. |
| US09294493B2 |
Computer security method and system with input parameter validation
A security system, including a receiver for receiving a downloadable, a scanner, coupled with the receiver, for scanning the downloadable to identify suspicious computer operations therein, a code modifier, coupled with the scanner, for overwriting the suspicious computer operations with substitute computer operations, if at least one suspicious computer operation is identified by the scanner, and for appending monitoring program code to the downloadable thereby generating a modified downloadable, if at least one suspicious computer operation is identified by the scanner, and a processor, coupled with the code modifier, for executing programmed instructions, wherein the monitoring program code includes program instructions for the processor to validate input parameters for the suspicious computer operations during run-time of the downloadable. A method is also described and claimed. |
| US09294492B1 |
Software program identification based on program behavior
Operations performed by a software application instance executed by a computing device are monitored. A determination is made that a particular operation performed matches an application signature representing a particular software application. In response, a match score is added to a total score for the software application. In response to determining that the total score is greater than or equal to a threshold, the software is classified. |
| US09294491B2 |
Device-specific content delivery
Devices of an individual's device-sphere recognize risky or undesirable behavior requested by devices outside of the device-sphere and allow the user to prevent the behavior. The user's decision is stored and used to protect all devices of the user's device-sphere from similar risky behavior from the outside devices. If the choice is made for all devices of the user's device-sphere, the choice is broadcast to other devices of the user's device-sphere such that other devices can benefit from the choice made by the user. |
| US09294484B2 |
System, service providing device, and service providing method
A service providing device includes a requesting unit for receiving, from the device operated by a user, a request for a process of using a service providing system having a different authentication base, and making a request to acquire authorization information for using the service providing system; a substitute authentication unit for acquiring authentication information of the service providing system from a second storage when the authorization information associated with the user is not stored in a first storage, and acquiring the authorization information from the service providing system by using the authentication information; and a providing unit for providing the authorization information stored in the first storage when the authorization information associated with the user is stored in the first storage, and providing the authorization information acquired from the service providing system when the authorization information associated with the user is not stored in the first storage. |
| US09294483B2 |
Method and system for mitigation of distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks
A system and method for mitigating the effects of malicious internet traffic, including DDOS attacks, by utilizing a DNS Traffic Analyzer and Firewall to analyze network traffic intended for a DNS server and preventing some network traffic from accessing the DNS server. |
| US09294482B2 |
External platform extensions in a multi-tenant environment
Methods and systems are described for allowing third party developers to add extensions to a cloud service provider's software as a service (SaaS) services by editing an ‘empty’ config file according to a schema provided by the cloud service provider to form a delta file and then merging the delta file with an internal, full version of the config file. The full config file is then used to initialize and instantiate objects upon a restart of the cloud provider's services. |
| US09294481B1 |
System and method for tokenless biometric authorization of electronic communications
This invention is a method and system for tokenless biometric authorization of an electronic communication, using a biometric sample, a master electronic identicator, and a public communications network, wherein the method includes: an electronic communication formation step, wherein at least one communication comprising electronic data is formed; a user registration step, wherein a user electronically submits a registration biometric sample taken directly from the person of the user; a public network data transmittal step, wherein the registration biometric sample is electronically transmitted to a master electronic identicator via a public communications network, said master electronic identicator comprising a computer database which electronically stores all of the registration biometric samples from all of the registered users; a user registration biometric storage step, wherein the registration biometric sample is electronically stored within the master electronic identicator; a bid biometric transmittal step, wherein a bid biometric sample, taken directly from the person of the user, is electronically transmitted to at least one electronic identicator; a user identification step, wherein an electronic identicator compares the bid biometric sample to at least one registration biometric sample previously stored in an electronic identicator, for producing either a successful or failed identification of the user; an electronic communication authorization step, wherein upon a successful identification of the user by an electronic identicator, at least one electronic communication is authorized for execution; wherein an electronic communication is biometrically-authorized without the user having to present any personalized man-made memory tokens such as smartcards, or magnetic stripe cards. |
| US09294479B1 |
Client-side authentication
A system and method for client-side authentication is disclosed. A client device comprises a browser and an authentication module. The browser is configured to receive a cookie and a timestamp via the network and determine a plug-in ID. The authentication module is communicatively coupled to the browser to receive the cookie, the timestamp and the plug-in ID. The authentication module determines a signing key and a public ID based at least in part on the cookie. The authentication module signs the timestamp, plug-in ID and the public ID using the signing key. The authentication module concatenates the public ID, the timestamp, the plug-in ID and the signature to form an authenticated plug-in URL using the security token. The browser loads the authenticated plug-in URL to display a plug-in and begin an authenticated session that expires at a time specified by the time-based security token. |
| US09294476B1 |
User-defined identity verification system
A system and application for providing a user authentication or verification of a user identity are provided. A primary log in factor is created by a user. In addition, one or more smart devices associated with the user are verified by the user to create a list of user authentication devices. Upon a request for user authentication, a combination of the correct primary log in factor and a determination that the user is within the vicinity of at least one of the user authentication devices on the list are used to determine the authenticity of the user. A user authentication may be used to unlock a secured application on a user device or to authenticate a transaction with a third party. Methods and machine-readable medium for user authentication are also provided. |
| US09294473B1 |
Server methods and apparatus for processing passcodes generated by configurable one-time authentication tokens
Server methods and apparatus are provided for processing passcodes generated by configurable one-time authentication tokens. An authentication server is configured to process an original passcode generated by a configurable one-time authentication token by configuring the authentication server to have a server configuration that is compatible with a selected configuration of the configurable one-time authentication token; receiving a candidate passcode based on the original passcode generated by the configurable one-time authentication token; and processing the Is candidate passcode based on the server configuration. The selected configuration of the configurable one-time authentication token must always enable a forward-secure pseudorandom number generation feature for the one-time authentication token and at least one additional selected token feature. |
| US09294469B2 |
Systems and methods for establishing a connection between an appliance and a home energy management device
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for establishing a connection between an appliance and a home energy management device. Upon being prompted by a user, the home energy management device can create a private network for a limited period of time. Then, upon also being prompted by the user, an appliance can request to join the private network. If the appliance satisfies any required security criteria, the home energy management device can securely provide local area network access data to the appliance over the private network. After receiving such access data, the appliance can connect to the wireless local area network and establish a secure connection with the home energy management device via a router of the local area network. In one implementation, both the home energy management device and the appliance can be prompted by the user by simply pressing a button or other user-operable selector. |
| US09294468B1 |
Application-level certificates for identity and authorization
Disclosed is a method in which a portable device processor may generate an application-level certificate for an application installed on the portable device. The processor may, for example, insert an application name in a package name field of a self-signed device-level certificate of the portable device to generate an application-level self-signed certificate. A request to authenticate the application may be forwarded to the controller. The request may include the application-level certificate. The portable device processor may receive a request to form a secure communication channel between the portable device and the controller based on the authenticated application-level certificate. A controller may respond to a portable device request for services by authenticating an application-level certificate provided by the portable device so requested services may be securely provided to the portable device. |
| US09294466B2 |
System and/or method for authentication and/or authorization via a network
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to authenticating an identity of users desiring access to an application program and determining whether an authenticated user is authorized to access one or more aspects of the application program. |
| US09294465B2 |
Identity verification and authentication
In one embodiment, receiving, at a first computing device associated with a social-networking system and from a second computing device, a first request to verify an identity of a user of the social-networking system; sending, by the first computing device and to a mobile device associated with the user, a second request for information about the user; receiving, at the first computing device and from the mobile device, the information about the user; determining, by the first computing device, a confidence score indicating a probability that the identity of the user is true based on the information about the user received from the mobile device and information available to the social-networking system; and sending, by the first computing device and to the second computing device, the confidence score. |
| US09294464B2 |
Automatic authorization of users and configuration of software development environment
A method includes the following. A task defined within a project plan of a software system under development is selected, and the task specifies a development tool and a user. The development tool is directly accessed, with a centralized data processing system separate from the user, to configure the development tool to automatically authorize the user to access the development tool. |
| US09294461B2 |
Virtual private network dead peer detection
Methods and systems are provided for detecting dead tunnels associated with a VPN. An indicator of a tunnel capability, for example, a DPD vendor ID, is received from a peer through a VPN connection. The tunnel capability is associated with one or more phase II tunnels associated with the VPN. Traffic generated by the peer is detected, and if traffic is detected at a tunnel, the tunnel is presumed to be alive. When no traffic is detected in a tunnel, a DPD packet exchange with the tunnel is initiated. A determination is made, based on the packet exchange, whether the tunnel is alive. |
| US09294460B1 |
Service credential distribution
Described are techniques and systems for providing service account credentials to a media device. A remote control configured to control the media device may include a remote identifier, service account credentials, or both to the media device. The media device may acquire the service account credentials, and configure the media device to perform one or more operations using the service account credentials. As different remote controls associated with different service account credentials are used, the media device is reconfigured according to the inputs from those remote controls. |
| US09294459B2 |
Method for a motor vehicle
A method for a motor vehicle in which a communication connection between the vehicle and a server outside the vehicle is provided. In addition, user authentication information for a user of the vehicle is transmitted to the server, and an application is executed on the server as a function of the user authentication information. Output information that is generated by the server is transmitted to the vehicle from the application. |
| US09294458B2 |
Managing identity provider (IdP) identifiers for web real-time communications (WebRTC) interactive flows, and related methods, systems, and computer-readable media
Embodiments include managing Identity Provider (IdP) identifiers for Web Real-Time Communications (WebRTC) interactive flows, and related methods, systems, and computer-readable media. In one embodiment, a method for managing IdPs comprises selecting, by a WebRTC client executing on a computing device, one or more preferred IdP identifiers indicated by one or more preferences from a plurality of IdP identifiers corresponding to a plurality of IdPs for providing identity assertions during an establishment of a WebRTC interactive flow. The method further comprises obtaining one or more identity assertions from respective ones of the plurality of IdPs corresponding to the one or more preferred IdP identifiers. The method also comprises providing, during the establishment of the WebRTC interactive flow, the one or more identity assertions. In this manner, an entity may specify the IdP used for identity authentication, and the number of identity assertions provided during initiation of the WebRTC interactive flow. |
| US09294456B1 |
Gaining access to an account through authentication
A user locked out of an account can gain access by allowing the user to reset the current password. An account access service can determine questions to ask the user. The account access service can maintain a trust level score, which is increased or decreased with each response to a question. Once this trust level reaches a certain predetermined amount, the user can regain access to the service, the account is unlocked, and the user can enter a new password to use. |
| US09294455B2 |
Maintaining video conference session continuity during transfer of session to alternative device
Implementations of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for seamlessly transferring a communication session from a first client to a second client via a close-range communication connection. Implementations contemplate serializing a set of unique identifiers pertaining to a communication session and transmitting the set of serialized identifiers from the first client to the second client via a close-range communication connection. The second client de-serializes the set of unique identifiers and transmits a request to a communication session server to assume control of the communication session from the first client. A communication session server may perform an authentication of the second client that requires the second client to provide credentials associated with a user account. In some implementations, the present disclosure provides for the creation of a temporary use token that enables a client to temporarily acquire credentials associated with a user account. |
| US09294451B2 |
Digital rights tagging system and method
A system is provided that includes a receiving component a first encrypting component and a second encrypting component. The receiving component can receive, from a first user, item identification data based on a tangible item and an ownership verification indicator. The receiving component can also receive, from the first user, image data based on the tangible item. The first encrypting component can generate encrypted item identification data based on the item identification data. The second encrypting component operable to generate encrypted image data based on the image data. The resultant set of encrypted information is stored so as to associate the image and the ownership data for use later as proof of ownership of an item and its associated rights. |
| US09294443B2 |
Secure integration of hybrid clouds with enterprise networks
A system and method of managing secure integration of a cloud-based computing resource with a private domain are disclosed. One system includes a hybrid cloud arrangement including a plurality of virtual machines, the plurality of virtual machines including at least a first virtual machine within the private domain and a second virtual machine within a public cloud. The system also includes a virtual data relay within the private domain and associated with the second virtual machine. The virtual data relay includes a private domain interface used to establish a secure communication link according to a first security protocol with each virtual machine within the private domain that is a member of a community of interest, the virtual data relay assigned a community of interest key used by the private domain interface and defining the community of interest of which the second virtual machine is a member. The virtual data relay also includes a public cloud interface used to establish a secure communication link with the second virtual machine, the public cloud interface using a second security protocol different from the first security protocol. |
| US09294441B2 |
Middleware filter agent between server and PDA
A content server provides content to a first network device during a data synchronization between the two devices. A middleware filter selectively filters content provided by the content server such that selected content is provided to the first network device. The middleware filter is included within a second network device coupled between the content server and the first network device. The second network device acts as a proxy for the first network device to receive the content provided by the content server. The content is provided from the content server according to a subscription service between the content server and the first network device. The first network device is preferably a personal digital assistant (PDA) and the second network device is preferably a personal computer. Alternatively, the content server is coupled to the first network device, without the second network device coupled in between. In the alternative case, the middleware filter is included within the content server, and the content is selectively provided from the middleware filter, on the content server, to the first network device. |
| US09294440B1 |
Secure inter-zone data communication
A proxy receives a message from a computing system in a trusted secure zone directed to a computing system outside the trusted secure zone. The proxy determines if the message includes trusted data. If the message includes trusted data, the proxy stores the trusted data for later use and provides the message to the destination computing system. When the proxy receives a message from a computing system outside the trusted secure zone directed to a computing system in the trusted secure zone, the proxy determines if the received message contains trusted data. If the message contains trusted data, the proxy determines if the trusted data matches previously stored trusted data. If the trusted data does not match, the proxy overwrites the trusted data in the message with the previously stored trusted data. The proxy then provides the modified message to the destination computing system in the trusted secure zone. |
| US09294436B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for verifying validity of location information in a packet-based network
According to embodiments of the present invention, there are provided a method, system and apparatus for determining validity of location information in a packet-switched network. A method for determining if location information associated with an endpoint in a packet-switched network is valid, the location information having been stored in a memory, comprises obtaining an access device identifier associated with an access device responsible for handling a communication session between the endpoint and the packet-switched network. The access device identifier is then compared with a last known access device identifier associated with the endpoint to enable determining if the location information is valid. |
| US09294433B1 |
Multiple-master DNS system
One or more embodiments provide a system and method for DNS that is resistant to losses of network connections. In some particular embodiments, DNS servers are operated to maintain consistency of DNS records between the multiple master servers in response to connection failure. Each master DNS server monitors network connectivity by periodically testing network connections of the master server (e.g., to other master servers) to determine whether the master DNS is isolated in a manner that prevents updates from being distributed between the master DNS servers. In response to detecting network isolation of the master DNS server, the master DNS server is configured to enter the isolation mode, in which the master DNS monitors the status of connections and takes appropriate actions to update and/or recover DNS data when connections are restored. |
| US09294428B2 |
Systems and methods for establishing communications between mobile device users
Provided are systems and methods for establishing a communication between mobile device users that register with a collaboration system. The collaboration system determines a match between profile data of the first registered mobile device and profile data of the second registered mobile device. Displayed at the first registered mobile device is a first list of user identifications, which includes an identification of a user of the second registered mobile device and an identification of a user of at least one other mobile device. Displayed at the second registered mobile device is a second list of user identifications. The second list includes an identification of a user of the first registered mobile device and an identification of at least one other mobile device user. |
| US09294427B2 |
Systems and methods for remote access to a display-based bulletin board in a shared user environment
An electronic bulletin board for use in a shared always-on environment wherein a user may manipulate messages from a remote location. The electronic bulletin board may be implemented via database and programming logic on an application server accessible from any network node, including wireless devices. The always-on environment may be set up on a computer or broadband internet appliance or other communications device. Remote users may perform operations such as updating an existing message, posting a new message, download messages, and the like. The bulletin board also supports shared messages designed for special purposes, for example, an electronic grocery list that is accessible from remote locations, |
| US09294426B2 |
Inner-circle social sourcing
A social networking environment supporting collaborative social interaction is disclosed. The social networking environment may be implemented by a computing system including a number of client computing devices and a server system that communicate with each other via a communications network. User profile and geographic location information associated with users of the social networking environment may be shared with each other. Users may request commentary from other users regarding a target user. Users may receive and fulfill requests for commentary to facilitate social interactions between two or more other users. Users may define an inner-circle of users from which commentary may be requested by that user. |
| US09294423B2 |
Communication systems and related methods for notifying devices having a plurality of unique identifiers about missed communications
Apparatuses and methods for notifying a group of communication devices about a missed call are disclosed. Each communication device is associated with a group identifier that is shared with all the communication devices in a group. Each communication device is also associated with an individual identifier that is unique to that communication device. An unanswered communication to the group identifier is received on all the communication devices in the group. A first communication device transmits to a remote server an acknowledgement notification that the unanswered communication related to the group identifier has been acknowledged by the user. A clear indicator indicating that the unanswered communication has been acknowledged is transmitted from the remote server to all the devices in the group except the first communication device. Each of the communication devices receiving the clear indicator can then clear its indicator that notifies the user of a missed call. |
| US09294418B2 |
64B/66B codec for ethernet applications
Aspects of the disclosure provide a codec that transforms input data into a codeword. The codeword includes a header portion and a payload portion. The codec modifies the payload portion of the codeword based on a type control block that is included in the payload portion of the codeword. Specifically, the codec modifies a control block in the payload portion to create a reference block, which provisions for data blocks to be inserted in the codeword subsequent to the reference block. Thus, by modifying the payload portion of the codeword, the codec eliminates any wasted data bytes thereby achieving optimal usage of the payload bandwidth. |
| US09294413B2 |
Media playout for VOIP applications
To address limitations of conventional packet buffer management strategies, the various embodiments provide methods implemented by a processor operating on a VoIP receiver device for managing media packet rejection logic on the receiving device to improve audio playout. The embodiment methods enhance the likelihood that a receiver device will buffer (rather than reject) an incoming media packet by maintaining a history of previously rejected media packets (i.e., a packet rejection history) and referencing the packet rejection history when determining whether to reject or to accept an incoming packet the receiver device has just received. Thus, the various embodiments may reduce gaps in playback by avoiding unnecessary packet rejections and may promote an overall increase in playout quality. |
| US09294410B2 |
Hybrid dataflow processor
A network device that processes a stream of packets has an ingress front end. The ingress front end determines whether the packets are handled in a bounded latency path or in a best-effort path. The bounded latency path packets are granted a resource with a higher priority than the best-effort path packets. As the packets are processed through a number of processing stages, with processing engines, the bounded latency packets are processed within a period of time corresponding to a guaranteed rate. Resources are granted to the best-effort path packets only when the processing engines determine that the resource grant will not impact the latency bounds with respect to the first packets. |
| US09294409B2 |
Reducing round-trip times for TCP communications
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that processes network packets. Upon receiving a first Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) header for a first TCP segment from a network link, the system immediately provides a portion of the first TCP header to a transport layer prior to receiving all payload data for the first TCP segment. Next, the system uses the transport layer to transmit a first acknowledgment of the first TCP segment to the network link, wherein the first acknowledgment reduces a round-trip time (RTT) associated with the first TCP segment. |
| US09294408B1 |
One-to-many stateless load balancing
A stateless load balancer may route a request to a computing device without tracking state information of the communication connection that delivered the request. The stateless load balancer may receive a request that is initiated by a client device. The request may be transported to the stateless load balancer via a communication connection that includes a public destination internet protocol (IP) address. One of the routing devices in the stateless load balancer may obtain connection tuples of the communication connection that transported the request, in which the connection tuples include the public destination IP address. Once obtained, the routing device may generate a hash value from one or more connection tuples. Subsequently, the routing device may map the hash value to a target network address of a particular computing device in a cluster of multiple computing devices by accessing stored mapping data, and then route the request to the particular computing device for processing. |
| US09294405B2 |
Computer system, communications control device, and control method for computer system
In a case where data is output, a transmission node number stored by a transmission node number storing unit is updated. As a result of comparison between a transmission node number included in data input by an input unit and the transmission node number stored by the transmission node number storing unit, in a case where the transmission node number stored by the transmission node number storing unit is larger than the transmission node number included in the data input by the input unit, by overwriting the transmission node number included in data output by an output unit with the transmission node number stored in the transmission node number storing unit, congestion control matching the communication state of a communication route can be efficiently realized. |
| US09294404B2 |
Modem mode control based on flow ranking
A system can include a precondition detector configured to determine that the system has network congestion at a network link. The system can also include a flow ranking controller that includes a flow excluder configured to apply exclusion criteria to a plurality of data flows associated with respective modems that are operating in a lower bandwidth mode to generate a list of non-excluded data flows. The flow ranking controller can also include a flow tester configured to apply flow tests to the non-excluded data flows to determine which of the respective modems is likely to benefit from being switched to a higher bandwidth mode. |
| US09294402B2 |
Router, method for controlling router, and program
A router includes an input section configured to receive data, a buffer section including a plurality of data storage sections and configured to store the data received by the input section, and an output section configured to output the data stored on the buffer section. The router also includes an allocation processing section configured to determine whether or not to store the data on a pre-secured specific data storage section among the plurality of data storage sections, or whether or not to store the data on a pre-secured specific data storage section among a plurality of data storage sections in a buffer section of another router which is an output destination, the determination being made based on information representing burstiness of the data received by the input section. |
| US09294398B2 |
Multipath effectuation within singly contiguous network fabric via switching device routing logic programming
Each of a network fabric controller device and a network fabric forwarder devices includes network connecting hardware and network managing logic. The network connecting hardware of the devices connects them to a singly contiguous network fabric including switching devices that route data between initiator nodes and target nodes and that have routing logic programmable by the controller device. The controller device does not directly route the data themselves. The network managing logic of the devices effects multipaths for transmission of the data through the singly contiguous network fabric from the initiator node to the target nodes via programming of the routing logic of the switching devices. |
| US09294394B2 |
L2/L3 multi-mode switch including policy processing
Methods and apparatus for processing data packets in a computer network are described. One general method includes receiving a data packet; examining the data packet to classify the data packet including classifying the data packet as a L2 or L3 packet and including determining at least one zone associated with the packet; processing the packet in accordance with one or more policies associated with the zone; determining forwarding information associated with the data packet; and if one or more policies permit, forwarding the data packet toward an intended destination using the forwarding information. |
| US09294389B2 |
Method to select interface for IP packets when destination subnet is reachable on multiple interfaces
An interface may be selected. First, it may be determined that an application is intended to use a first one of a plurality of network interfaces. Next, a first one of a plurality of routing tables may be selected corresponding to the determined first one of the plurality of network interfaces. Then the selected first one of the plurality of routing tables may be used to communicate with a first device on a first network over the determined first one of the plurality of network interfaces. |
| US09294387B2 |
Discovery technique for physical media interface aggregation
Various discovery techniques are described for physical media interface aggregation. |
| US09294385B2 |
Deadlock-free routing in fat tree networks
Methods and apparatus are provided for routing data packets between source and destination switches in a fat tree network. For each packet, a route is selected having three or less routing phases such that the route follows a shortest path across the network between the source and destination switches. The data packet is transmitted from the source switch to the destination switch, via the route, on one of first and second virtual channels unless the route includes a predetermined one of a down-up turn and an up-down turn. If the route includes the predetermined one of a down-up turn and an up-down turn, the data packet is transmitted, via the route, on the first virtual channel up to the switch 1 at which the turn occurs and on the second virtual channel from that switch. This provides full-connectivity in fat tree networks with deadlock free operation. |
| US09294382B2 |
Communication device and method for enhancing energy efficiency
Provided is a method and device for increasing energy efficiency by adaptively performing clipping with respect to an input signal. The method may adaptively determine a clipping ratio (CR) based on a modulation method of the communication device and perform clipping based on the determined CR. |
| US09294380B2 |
Method and apparatus for traffic classification
A Policy and Charging Rules Function server (PCRF) of a Policy and Charging Control (PCC) Architecture for deciding control rules applicable to user traffic flows to be inspected, in accordance with applicable telecommunication protocols for each traffic flow, by a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function server with Deep Packet inspection capabilities (PCEF-DPI) of the PCC Architecture. The PCRF includes a database having a list of protocols used in the user tialYtc flow s The PCRF includes an interface unit which receives a query from the PCEF-DPI about applicable control rules for an IP Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN) session established for a user at the PCEF-DPI The PCRF includes a processing unit which sends the applicable control rules for the IP-CAN session and the list of protocols through the interface unit to the PCEF-DPI. A Policy and Charging Enforcement Function, server having Deep Packet Inspection capabilities (PCEF-DPI) of a Policy and Charging Control (PCC) Architecture. A method of a Policy and Charging Rules Function server (PCRF) of a Policy and Charging Control (PCC) Architecture. A method of a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function server having Deep Packet inspection capabilities (PCFF-DPI) of a Policy and Charging Control (PCC) Architecture. |
| US09294377B2 |
Content-based user interface, apparatus and method
A Policy- and Relevance-based User Interface (UI) for an enterprise suite Console provides a Console Operator access to information about systems on a network under management. By means of such UI, a user experience is dynamically constructed within product domains particular to the system under management using content elements that flow from content sites into the user environment, populating user interface and driving the Operator experience. Specifications distributed with the content determine how the local Console UI organizes and presents information. The UI is further determined by each Console operator's content access rights. The UI allows for re-flowing the Console UI without reinstalling or updating the Console application, seamlessly integrating new content in to the UI and targeting language to specific working areas. |
| US09294376B2 |
Apparatus for searching route in layer 2 network
A computer-readable recording medium stores therein a patch determination program causing a computer to execute a process including acquiring, from each of nodes constituting a layer 2 network, node information indicating an adjacent node to be selected as a relay destination of data by each of the nodes among adjacent nodes adjacent to each of the nodes; and extracting each route on which the data is relayed in the layer 2 network based on the acquired node information of each of the nodes and connection information between the nodes. |
| US09294374B2 |
Methods and systems for detecting burst traffic
Presented is an apparatus 200, 300, 400 and methods 500 for detecting any burst error condition on a network 204. The apparatus 200, 300, 400 measures the interval 206, 306, 406 between arriving packets 304, 404 on a network 204 and stores 208 a series of interval measurements for analysis. The apparatus 200, 300, 400 also provides a comparator 212, 322, 324, 426, 428 for determining if a burst error condition 330, 332, 434, 436 occurred. The method 500 shifts the stored interval values 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416 based on the arrival 304, 404 of the next packet and its associated interval value and sums 320, 418, 420, 422 a subset of the stored interval values 306, 308, 310, 312, 406, 408, 410, 412 for comparison to a pre-configured period 328, 432 to determine if a burst error condition 332, 436 exists for too few packets. The method 500 provides the sum 318, 418, 420, 422, 424 of a separate subset of stored interval values 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416 to another comparator 322, 426 for comparison to a pre-configured period 326, 430 to determine if a burst error condition 330, 434 exists for too many packets. |
| US09294371B2 |
Enterprise-level management, control and information aspects of cloud console
A method, computer-readable medium, and system for monitoring usage of computing resources provisioned across multiple cloud providers and/or data centers are disclosed. Events associated with usage of a plurality of computing resources may be accessed, where the plurality of computing resources may implement a virtual machine, a plurality of virtual machines of a cloud computing environment, etc. The events may be associated with a start, a stop, a status change, etc., of the plurality of computing resources. The events may be used to generate usage data for the plurality of computing resources. The usage data may include historical data associated with previous usage of the plurality of computing resources. Additionally, the usage data may be displayed using a graphical user interface, thereby enabling monitoring and/or tracking of usage of computing resources provisioned across at least one cloud provider and/or at least one data center. |
| US09294369B2 |
Method and device for processing location information of fault point
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a device for processing location information of a fault point. The method includes: obtaining, by an ingress node of a tunnel, first location information of a fault point on a link traversed by the tunnel, where the first location information of the fault point includes an identifier of an upstream node of the fault point and an identifier of an interface that is connected to the fault point and located on the upstream node of the fault point; and providing, by the ingress node, the first location information of the fault point to a user so that the user determines a location of the fault point corresponding to a tunnel fault. With the technical solutions of the present invention, the location of the fault point can be determined, and efficiency of troubleshooting specific to the tunnel fault can be improved. |
| US09294367B2 |
Duplicating network traffic through transparent VLAN flooding
An approach to duplicating network traffic is described. In one approach, a method of creating multiple copies of network traffic is detailed. The method involves receiving network traffic, producing a duplicate copy of the network traffic, and forwarding the duplicate copy to a monitoring port. The monitoring port forwards copies to a number of indicated ports. |
| US09294366B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining localized service quality in a wireless network
A method, computer-readable storage device, and an apparatus for determining a localized service quality in a wireless network are disclosed. For example, the method constructs a tensor comprising a plurality of dimensions to represent data for the localized service quality, receives data for the wireless network that is gathered at a coarse granularity level, populates the tensor in accordance with the data that is gathered, applies an unfolding mechanism to construct a plurality of two dimensional matrices from the tensor, determines for each respective two dimensional matrix of the plurality of two dimensional matrices an approximation for a pre-determined level of accuracy, and populating all entries of each respective two dimensional matrix that are not populated in accordance with the approximation of the respective two dimensional matrix, and determines the localized service quality by applying a folding mechanism across the plurality of two dimensional matrices. |
| US09294362B2 |
Adjusting quality of service in a cloud environment based on application usage
Providing a cloud-based service to an endpoint device includes providing the cloud-based service to the endpoint device in accordance with a default Quality of Service, learning an importance of the cloud-based service to a user of the endpoint device, and automatically adjusting the providing of the cloud-based service to the endpoint device in response to the importance, wherein the adjusting results in the cloud-based service being provided to the endpoint device in accordance with a Quality of Service other than the default Quality of Service for at least a temporary period of time. The importance may be inferred from how quickly the user of the endpoint device consumes data provided by the cloud-based service. Alternatively, the importance may be a relative importance of the cloud-based service to the user, as compared to other users of the cloud-based service. |
| US09294360B2 |
Operation controlling method, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and operation controlling apparatus
An operation controlling method, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and an operation controlling apparatus are provided for controlling operations performed on a common working area in a system, wherein the system includes one or more display sections being configured to display the common working area so as to allow plural operators to perform operations on the common working area. The method includes: determining an operator who has performed an operation on the common working area; storing an operation history in a storage section with the operation and the operator; accepting one or more designated operators, before performing an editing operation using one or more operation histories; and performing the editing operation using one or more operation histories, where the one or more operation histories are obtained by extracting one or more operation histories being associated with the one or more designated operators from operation histories in the storage section. |
| US09294352B1 |
Network change management
Systems and methods for implementing network changes are described herein. In one aspect, a network change procedure may be comprised of a plurality of scripts that may implement a change in the network. In one embodiment, the deployment may be paused after the script has been executed. During the pause, a change management server may determine the impact of the change on the network. If the change had a positive effect, the change management server may execute another script to make another network change. However, if the change had a negative effect, the change management server may initiate one or more remedial actions. |
| US09294351B2 |
Dynamic policy based interface configuration for virtualized environments
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving static profiles each comprising one or more properties of an operating environment, receiving a dynamic profile for identifying a configuration of an interface based on the static profile associated with said dynamic profile, associating the dynamic profile with one of the static profiles based on the operating environment of the interface, and automatically updating the association upon identifying a change in the operating environment. An apparatus is also disclosed. |
| US09294348B2 |
Methods and apparatus to provision name-servers
Methods and apparatus are disclosed to provision name-servers. An example system disclosed herein includes a name-server evaluator to determine capacities of the plurality of name-servers, a provisioner to compute profile assignment values based on a plurality of subscriber identifiers, and an assignor to assign the subscriber identifiers to one of the plurality of name-servers based on the profile assignment values and the capacities. |
| US09294345B2 |
Wireless network management procedure, station supporting the procedure, and frame format for the procedure
Provided are a WLAN management procedure, a station supporting the procedure, and a frame format for the procedure. In the management procedure, a reporting station receives a event request frame including one or more event request elements each of which comprises an event type field for specifying the event type of an event request and an event response limit field for specifying the number of requested event report elements. And, in response to the event request frame, the reporting station transmits an event response frame including event report elements for the event type specified in the event type field as many as the number specified in the event response limit field. |
| US09294343B2 |
System and method using RSVP hello suppression for graceful restart capable neighbors
A system, method and apparatus adapting one or more routers or nodes in a network to operate in a first mode to exchange hello messages with neighboring nodes to indicate thereby active or live status, and to operate in a second mode to avoid the use of hello messages by opportunistically relying upon service or management protocols to convey active or live status. |
| US09294334B2 |
Controlling communication within a container document
A system that serves content in a container document. The system may include a container server, associated with a first source, the container server identifying a first module for use with a container document, receiving a module specification associated with the first module from a second source, and serving the container document with module data based on the module specification. The module data may reference a second module, the second module being associated with the first source to enable communication between the first and second sources. |
| US09294333B1 |
System and method for privacy setting differentiation detection
A system and method for generating a notification of privacy settings difference is disclosed. A request is received. A first set of privacy settings is received from a first social network, and a second set of privacy settings is received from at least one other social network. The first set of is compared to the second set. A difference between the first set and the second is detected, and a notification is generated. The notification includes an indication that a difference was detected. The notification is sent for display to the user. In one embodiment, the notification allows the user to request to view, or edit, the first set of privacy settings. In one embodiment, the notification sends the user to a webpage on the first social network where the first set is typically displayed and/or edited. In another embodiment, the notification displays the first set and/or receives the edits. |
| US09294327B2 |
Method for identifying OFDM communication signal using OFDM symbol estimation
A method provides an identifying OFDM communication signal using OFDM symbol estimation. In view of the above, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for identifying an OFDM communication signal using an OFDM symbol estimation, which is capable of analyzing the OFDM signal with a high accuracy in a cognitive radio technique, thereby identifying the OFDM signal from a heterogeneous communication signal. |
| US09294324B2 |
Signal generator and signal generation method with cyclic prefix generation
A signal generator for creating a measuring signal comprising a cyclic prefix comprises a baseband signal generator for generating a baseband measuring signal and a channel emulator for emulating a channel in the baseband measuring signal resulting in a channel modified signal. Moreover, it comprises a modulator for modulating the channel modified signal and a cyclic prefix generating unit for generating and inserting a cyclic prefix into the modulated signal. The cyclic prefix generating unit is set up for generating the cyclic prefix in such a manner that a channel modified cyclic prefix is emulated. |
| US09294322B2 |
Apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals, apparatus for receiving broadcast signals, method for transmitting broadcast signals and method for receiving broadcast signals
A method and an apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals thereof are disclosed. The method for transmitting broadcast signals includes processing input streams into BB frames in PLPs; encoding data of the PLPs; building at least one signal frame by mapping the encoded data of the PLPs; and modulating data in the built signal frame by OFDM method and transmitting the broadcast signals having the modulated data, wherein at least one of the BB frames includes a stuffing field and a first indicator describing whether the stuffing field is included in the BB frame. |
| US09294321B2 |
Bit signal structure for differentially encoded broadcasts
In one embodiment, a communication device comprises a differential encoder to receive data for transmission and encode the data for transmission using a set of codes that, when processed by the differential encoder, place the differential encoder in a known state and generate uncorrelated output sequences. |
| US09294319B2 |
Receivers for dynamically modulated symbols
Receivers configured to handle dynamically modulated symbols. One receiver includes a slicer, a physical coding sublayer (PCS), and a decision based filter (DBF). Each of most of the received frames comprising (i) modulation information modulated according to a predetermined modulation order, and (ii) symbols of at least two different modulation orders that are dynamically modulated in accordance with the modulation information. The slicer configured to feed the PCS with essentially the minimal combination of slicing results that essentially covers all the predetermined modulation order. And the PCS configured to identify the modulation information, to use the identified modulation information to determine the modulation of the dynamically modulated symbols, and to provide the slicer with an indication of which slicer function output to use to feed the DBF. |
| US09294313B2 |
Receiver with pipelined tap coefficients and shift control
A serializer-deserializer using series-coupled signal processing blocks to process digitized input symbols, each block having a coefficient input. Each of plurality of series-coupled coefficient delay elements has a control input and a coefficient output coupling to the coefficient inputs of a corresponding one of the signal processing modules, is controlled by a shift register having an input and a plurality of outputs, each one of the plurality of outputs coupled to the control input of a corresponding one of the coefficient delay elements. An adaptation unit has a flag output coupled to the input of the shift register, and a first coefficient output coupled to the input of a first one of the coefficient delay elements. The adaptation unit generates a flag when the adaptation unit generates a coefficient, and the coefficient is entered into the first one of the coefficient delay elements when the shift register receives the flag. |
| US09294309B2 |
Forwarding tables for hybrid communication networks
A hybrid device can apply forwarding tables associated with one or more other hybrid network devices of a hybrid communication network to control the entire transmission route of a frame scheduled for transmission. The hybrid device can use its forwarding table and a forwarding table of a destination hybrid device to determine a source network interface address, a destination network interface address, and a frame transmission route. The destination hybrid device can use forwarding tables associated with one or more hybrid network devices to determine whether to process or drop a received frame, whether the frame was previously received, and/or whether the frame was received on an incorrect network interface. The hybrid device can also use the forwarding tables to ensure that the frame comprises an appropriate link layer address and to select an appropriate transmission route based on analyzing link performance values associated with multiple transmission routes. |
| US09294307B2 |
Synchronization of conversation data
Systems and methods for synchronizing conversation data between a client and a server in a networked computing environment. A data structure associated with an e-mail conversation is encoded and shuttled between the client and the server. When received at the server, the data structure is analyzed to determine changes within the e-mail conversation. The data structure is subsequently modified to reflect or include only those changes to minimize the amount of information transferred between the server and client. |
| US09294305B2 |
Method for sending ethernet frames in ethernet tree service and provider edge device
The present disclosure relates to the field of network communication, and in particular, to a method for sending Ethernet frames in an Ethernet Tree service and a provider edge device. The method includes: receiving, by a VLAN bridge, Ethernet frames sent by a root node or a leaf node; importing, by the VLAN bridge, the Ethernet frames into a root VLAN or a leaf VLAN according to the type of the node sending the Ethernet frames, and sending the Ethernet frames to a same virtual switch instance VSI; and sending, by the VSI, the Ethernet frames to a corresponding remote PE device by a pseudowire. Using the solution provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, a VLAN is associated with the type of the node sending the Ethernet frames, thereby achieving effective isolation between the E-Tree leaf nodes and ensuring the original scalability of VPLS. |
| US09294300B2 |
Token based communication in daisy chain configured battery management devices
A battery management and protection system includes a string of battery management and protection integrated circuit devices that may be connected to one another in a daisy chain configuration. Some of the devices can be electrically connected to one or more battery cells. Each device includes an inter-device communication interface comprising a daisy chain line driver. The system includes a controller external to the string of devices and a bi-directional connection lines connecting each device in the string to an upstream and/or downstream device in the string. The system can allow the external controller to access any single one of the devices in the daisy chain, any subset of the devices in the daisy chain, or all the devices in the daisy chain using a single command that is transmitted from one device to the next over a bi-directional connection line. |
| US09294298B2 |
Network system and method of controlling network system
A method of controlling a network system is provided. The network system includes a metering device measuring energy supplied from a power supply source, a communication device in which energy information related to the energy communicates, and an energy management device recognizing the energy information, the energy management device controlling an operation of an electric product. The metering device or the energy management device checks whether communication of the communication device is possible. Also, when it is determined that the communication device is in a communication failure state, the communication failure state is displayed on the outside thereof. When a communication modem mounted on the electric product is in a communication failure state, the electric product may normally perform a power management program, based on power or operation information stored therein. |
| US09294289B2 |
Method and system for service management for terminals with broadband connections
A method for service management for terminals with broadband connections, wherein the terminal is connected through a home gateway to a service connected in an operator network, the home gateway being attached to an access node of the operator network, includes the steps of monitoring whether the terminal is temporarily not using the service, delegating the service and transferring its current status and/or data to the access node, and tearing down the connection between the home gateway and the access node while operating the service in the delegated service host. |
| US09294286B2 |
Computerized system and method for deployment of management tunnels
Methods and systems for deploying management tunnels between managed and managing devices are provided. According to one embodiment, a managed device receives an address of a management device. The managed device has stored therein a pre-configured unique identifier of an authorized management device and a digital certificate assigned to the managed device prior to installation of the managed device within a network. A tunnel is established between the devices. The management device has stored therein a digital certificate assigned to the management device prior to installation of the management device within the network. The digital certificate of the management device is received by the managed device. Prior to allowing the management device to use the tunnel to perform management functionality in relation to the managed device, a unique identifier included within or associated with the digital certificate of the management device is confirmed with reference to the pre-configured unique identifier. |
| US09294282B1 |
Cryptographically verified repeatable virtualized computing
A virtualized system that is capable of executing a computation that has been identified as a repeatable computation and recording various representations of the state of the computing environment throughout the execution of the repeatable computation, where the state of the computing environment can be cryptographically signed and/or verified using a trusted platform module (TPM), or other cryptographic module. For example, a TPM embedded in the host computing device may generate a hash measurement that captures the state of the repeatable computation at the time of the computation. This measurement can be digitally signed using one or more cryptographic keys of the TPM and recorded for future use. The recorded state can subsequently be used to repeat the computation and/or determine whether the computation was repeated successfully according to certain defined criteria. |
| US09294280B2 |
Location verification in quantum communications
Methods and systems for verifying the location of a communication transceiver using quantum communication channels are described. Communications transceivers at different known locations are used having a secure channel therebetween to verify the location of the communication transceiver at a location to be verified using entangled particles transmitted using the quantum communication channels. |
| US09294278B2 |
Method for wireless local area network (WLAN)-based peer to peer (P2P) communication and apparatus for same
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for performing WLAN-based P2P communication at the state where a P2P apparatus is connected to a cellular network and to a first P2P apparatus for the method. The method comprises: a step of receiving one or more pieces of key information from a cellular base station, each piece of key information including a key value corresponding to service identification information; a step of receiving an encryption data signal from a second P2P apparatus; and a step of performing a process of attempting to decrypt said encrypted data signal using one or more keys corresponding to one or more services in which said first P2P apparatus is interested, from among said one or more pieces of key information. |
| US09294275B2 |
Method and apparatus for updating a group key in a wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for updating a key for encrypting multicast data in a wireless communication system. The method of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an information receiving step of receiving information on a group entry time and a group exit time from users who have newly entered an arbitrary group including at least one subgroup; a grouping step of grouping the users using the information on the group entry time and the group exit time; and a key transmission step of either transmitting, to the newly-entered users, keys related to the group and the subgroups, or updating, for the remaining users of the subgroups, both the key related to the subgroup to which the user exiting the group belongs and the key of the group and then transmitting the updated keys to the users of the subgroups. |
| US09294272B2 |
System and method for quantum key distribution
A method and system for quantum key distribution (QKD) between a first location and a second location through an intermediate location. The system and method include executing a quantum phase between each of the first and second locations and the intermediate location to determine a first location raw data string at the first location, a first-intermediate raw data string at the intermediate location, a second location raw data string at the second location, and a second-intermediate raw data string at the intermediate location, respectively; calculating, at the intermediate location, announcement data based on a function of the first and second-intermediate raw data strings; announcing, at the intermediary location, the announcement data over a classical channel; and deriving, at each of the first and second locations, a secret key based on the available data and on communications between the first and second locations via a classical channel. |
| US09294268B2 |
System and method for variable length encryption
Systems and methods for performing a secure transaction provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: reading data on a command token, reading data on a token; encrypting the token data with a key; encrypting an authentication data with a clear text token data; and transmitting the encrypted authentication data with the encrypted token data to a remote device. |
| US09294265B2 |
System and method for remote clock estimation for reliable communications
An electronic device is provided including a processor, a communications interface coupled to the processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and a module saved in the memory. The module configures the processor to receive a first communications packet from a remote device via the communications interface including information useful for estimating a clock offset of the remote device, and determine an upper bound of the clock offset of the remote device with respect to the electronic device based on the information. |
| US09294259B2 |
Full duplex system in massive MIMO
A multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna system is implemented for communications in a wireless device. MIMO beamforming techniques are utilized to improve communications, and may be utilized in full-duplex mode. Techniques include the formation of beamforming patterns having orthogonal polarizations to one another at each communication device, but having matching polarization between transmit/receive pairs located at each respective communication device. Techniques also include the formation of beamforming patterns in a direction towards another communication device to maximize transmit power in that direction while inducing nulls in the beamforming pattern to reduce self-interference coupling via antennas configured for reception. Full-duplex communications are improved through monitoring of the self-interference coupling and adapting the beamforming patterns to reduce it. Beamforming vectors may be generated by solving a cost function that may include an additional constraint of reduction of self-interference coupling. |
| US09294256B2 |
Methods and devices for notifying and determining patterns of common reference signals
The disclosure relates to methods and devices for notifying and determining common reference signal (CRS) patterns. The notification method comprises the steps of transmitting first downlink control information (DCI) to user equipment (UE) to inform the UE an aperiodic channel status information (CSI) feedback set and a CoMP transmission scheme to be applied to the UE, wherein the CoMP transmission includes a plurality of possible combinations of transmission points that transmit PDSCH to the UE; and transmitting second DCI to the UE for notifying transmission parameter to the UE based on the first DCI. In the disclosure, all CoMP transmission schemes and notifications of all CRS patterns therein can be supported, thus effectively perfecting notifications of the CRS patterns, saving signaling overheads, and significantly improving the flexibility. |
| US09294255B2 |
Method of handling enhanced physical downlink control channel and related communication device
A method of handling an enhanced physical downlink control channel (EPDCCH) for a network of a wireless communication system comprises calculating the average number of available resource elements (REs) in one control channel element (CCE) for EPDCCH in a physical resource block (PRB); selecting an aggregation level from a first aggregation level set; calculating the number of available REs in a EPDCCH for the selected aggregation level according to the selected aggregation level and the average number of available REs in one CCE; selecting a first candidate number set according to a second comparison result between the number of available REs in the EPDCCH for the selected aggregation level and a second threshold; and determining an aggregation level and the number of blind decoding candidates corresponding to the determined aggregation level, for transmitting control information dedicated to a user equipment. |
| US09294254B2 |
Systems and methods for interference mitigation in heterogeneous networks
Disclosed systems and methods mitigate interference in heterogeneous networks. Embodiments include adaptive or selective inter-cell interference coordination, adaptive multi-user zero forcing, adaptive power, and/or combinations of the foregoing. Techniques may be used to favor one group of users (e.g., femto users or macro users) over another. Certain embodiments focus quality of service (QoS) improvements on a first group of users, while using constraint processes to provide a threshold QoS for a second group of users. |
| US09294251B2 |
Wireless communication system, transmitting device, receiving device, and wireless communication method
The receiving device receives a transmitted signal from a transmitting device by dividing by N the spectrum of a signal to be transmitted and performing spectrum editing to reduce its occupied bands. The receiving device generates a first decoded signal by error-correcting and decoding this received signal in the bandwidth of the signal to be transmitted, and generates a transmission replica signal from this first decoded signal and divides by N the spectrum of this transmission replica signal to generate N sub-replicas. The receiving device generates a compensated received signal by restoring the spectrum of the signal to be transmitted from the transmitting device using the N sub-replicas and the received signal, and decodes this compensated received signal to generate a second decoded signal. |
| US09294250B2 |
Method and an apparatus for providing channel quality information in a wireless communication system
A method for transmitting channel quality information for a downlink channel. The method according to one embodiment includes receiving, by a User Equipment (UE), configuration information on periodic channel state information (CSI) reporting by higher layer signaling; and determining, by the UE, a channel quality information index at least based on a UE-specific reference signal overhead. The UE-specific reference signal overhead is determined according to a rank value. The method according to the one embodiment further includes transmitting the determined channel quality information index to a base station. The channel quality information index is determined further based on an assumption of no resource element allocated for a Channel Status Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS). |
| US09294247B2 |
Apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals, apparatus for receiving broadcast signals, method for transmitting broadcast signals and method for receiving broadcast signals
A method and an apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals thereof are disclosed. The apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals comprises an encoder for encoding service data corresponding to each of a plurality of data transmission units, an encoder for encoding physical signaling data by a shortening scheme and a puncturing scheme, a mapper for mapping the encoded service data onto constellations, a frame builder for building at least one signal frame including preamble data, a modulator for modulating the at least one signal frame by an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex) scheme, a transmitter for transmitting the broadcast signals carrying the at least one modulated signal frame. |
| US09294243B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving a reference signal in a wireless communication system
A base station apparatus for transmitting a reference signal in a wireless communication system is provided in which a processor generates the same sequence for resource elements (REs) allocated to each layer for reference signal transmission and spreads or covers Walsh codes for a user equipment-specific reference signal sequence such that sequences generated for the REs can be orthogonal to each other on a time axis. The Walsh code spreading or covering by the processor is applied on a frequency axis based on a plurality of resource blocks (RBs) or based on a pair of RBs such that mutually different sequences having mutually different sequence values can be mapped between RBs or between pairs of RBs. A transmission module transmits the reference signal, to which the generated reference signal sequence is applied to user equipment via each layer. |
| US09294239B2 |
Method and apparatus for hybrid FDM-CDM structure for single carrier based control channels
A system and method for hybrid FDM (frequency division multiplexing)-CDM (code division multiplexing) structure for single carrier control channels is provided. The hybrid FDM-CDM structure maximizes frequency diversity over the entire available bandwidth such that orthogonality between signals from users in a given cell is maintained. Thus, users in the given cell can transmit over a non-contiguous set of tones. Furthermore, the hybrid FDM-CDM structure maintains orthogonality of a pilot of users in different cells based on a despreading operation in the time domain. |
| US09294235B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for user equipment-based enhancements of radio link control for multi-point wireless transmission
In aspects of the present disclosure, a user equipment receives inter-NodeB multi-point transmissions, and a multipoint aggregation component detects a gap in the sequence numbers, delays transmitting a not acknowledged signal (NAK) by starting a NAK delay timer, and transmits, by a transceiver, NAK for the gap in sequence numbers in response to the NAK delay timer expiring and detecting that the gap has not been filled during the delaying. If the Medium Access Control (MAC) entity as the respective NodeB identifies itself to the Radio Link Control (RLC), out-of-order delivery (skew) can eventually be distinguished from genuine data loss before the NAK delay timer expires based upon tracking the highest sequence numbers received. Adaptive NAK delay timer can be performed by monitoring skew duration. |
| US09294230B2 |
Multiplexing of channel state information and hybrid automatic repeat request—acknowledgement information
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe devices, methods, computer-readable media and systems configurations for multiplexing channel state information and hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgement information. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US09294227B2 |
LT staircase FEC code
Systems and methods for encoding data for transmission over a communications channel using an improved LT staircase FEC code are provided. Embodiments may include mapping source symbols to repair symbols, wherein a number of edges of the mapping associated with a source symbol is determined randomly according to a first distribution. The repair symbols may be ordered, and at least a first repair symbol may be encoded based on the source symbols that map to the first repair symbol and/or another repair symbol that immediately precedes the first repair symbol in the ordering of the repair symbols. |
| US09294221B2 |
Method and arrangement for retransmission control
A method and arrangement for retransmission control. A method in a sending system entity for controlling retransmissions of data to a sending system entity is provided. Initial data encoded with a first forward error correction code is sent 200 to the receiving system entity. When transmitted initial data is determined to be affected by errors at the receiving system entity, the sending system entity receives 202 a request to retransmit the initial data combined 204 by new data encoded with a second forward error correction code in a combined data stream which is encoded 206 with a third forward error correction code before being sent 208 to the receiving system entity. By combining initial data and encoded new data in a combined data stream when resending, an effective and flexible procedure for retransmissions is achieved, which doesn't introduce any substantial delay of the data. |
| US09294218B2 |
Rate prediction in fractional reuse systems
Apparatus and methods for rate prediction in a wireless communication system having fractional frequency reuse are disclosed. A wireless communication system implementing Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) can implement a fractional frequency reuse plan where a portion of carriers is allocated for terminals not anticipating handoff and another portion of the carriers is reserved for terminals having a higher probability of handoff. Each of the portions can define a reuse set. The terminals can be constrained to frequency hop within a reuse set. The terminal can also be configured to determine a reuse set based on a present assignment of a subset of carriers. The terminal can determine a channel estimate and a channel quality indicator based in part on at least the present reuse set. The terminal can report the channel quality indicator to a source, which can determine a rate based on the index value. |
| US09294216B2 |
Optical OFDM transmission
A method for transmitting digital information having a predetermined bit-rate (B) via a nonlinear optical channel includes determining a combination of transmission parameters comprising a number (N) of subcarriers, an information symbol rate (S) for each subcarrier, and a number (b) of bits per symbol on each subcarrier, such that B=NSb. An optical signal is generated comprising the plurality (N) of orthogonal optical subcarriers. Each subcarrier is modulated to carry a proportion (Sb/B) of the total bit-rate (B) of the digital information. The optical signal is then transmitted to a corresponding optical receiver via the nonlinear optical channel. The received signal has a measurable signal quality (Q) which is a function of the transmission parameters (N, S, b). Determining the combination of transmission parameters comprises selecting the parameters such that the associated signal quality is greater than a corresponding quality for a single-carrier transmission, and greater than a corresponding quality employing a larger number (M>N) of subcarriers. |
| US09294215B2 |
Method of operating an optical network element and optical network element
The invention relates to a method of operating a first optical network element (100), particularly an optical network unit, ONU, wherein said method comprises the following steps: performing a coarse tuning process (2100) of at least one transmission wavelength which is used by said first optical network element (100) for transmitting an optical signal to a second optical network element (200), particularly an optical line terminal, OLT, and performing a fine tuning process (2200) of said at least one transmission wavelength, wherein said fine tuning process (2200) is preferably performed after said coarse tuning process (2100). |
| US09294212B2 |
Systems and methods for avoiding crosstalk
A controller at a distribution point (DP) of a communication system is coupled to a plurality of customer premises (CP) transceivers via drop connections. The controller is configured to schedule upstream and downstream data transmissions across the drop connections such that they do not overlap from one drop connection to another thereby avoiding the effects of crosstalk. A flexible frame structure is used to permit dynamic scheduling changes. Overhead for the flexible frame structure is permitted to overlap on the drop connections, and a reduced bit loading is used to communicate the overhead relative to the bit loading used for data transmissions. |
| US09294205B1 |
Signal processing apparatus and methods
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming. |
| US09294204B2 |
Removing network delay in a live broadcast
A first stream of audio data is received a into a data store. Excess pauses are identified in the audio data. A second stream of audio data is transmitted from the data store comprising the first stream of audio data with the excess pause removed, the second stream of audio data transmitted after a delay that is approximately equal to but no less than the duration of the removed excess pause. |
| US09294200B2 |
Optimum modulator bias systems and methods in coherent optical transmitters
A modulator bias selection method, a coherent optical transmitter, and optical modulator solve the problem of generating a correct constellation using the bias points with the minimum phase adjustment range. The optimum modulator bias systems and methods include a coherent optical transmitter with control of four (XI, XQ, YI, YQ) quadrature data signals via a transmitter (Tx) application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), with a modulator bias controller which implements an algorithm to find the optimum bias points. The optimum bias points yield a correct constellation with minimum phase/bias adjustment. An algorithm is used to find the optimum bias solution using fast, simple method, adjusting only one quadrature at a time and exploiting a control feature of the Tx ASIC. This algorithm is significantly simpler than a generalized search, is a local algorithm, and uses only DC power measurement at the transmitter. |
| US09294199B2 |
Method for generating an optimized return-to-zero pulse shape against aggressive optical filtering and an optical transmitter implementing the method
An optical transmitter comprises: first and second sets of optical in-phase and quadrature modulators; an integrable tunable laser assembly; a first polarization beam splitter that is configured to divide the continuous-waveform optical signal into a x-polarized tributary and a y-polarized tributary, each of the x-polarized tributary and the y-polarized tributary is modulated by one of the first and second sets of optical in-phase and quadrature modulators in accordance with the two respective input signals; a second polarization beam splitter that is configured to combine the modulated x-polarized tributary and the modulated y-polarized tributary into one optical signal; and an optical modulator that is configured to modulate the combined optical signal using a driving voltage, wherein the driving voltage has a bias point that is reduced by a predefined offset from a predefined reference voltage level. |
| US09294195B2 |
Method, device, and system for saving energy in optical communication
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, a device, and a system for saving energy in optical communication. The method includes the following: sending first information to an optical communication device at a peer end through the optical module by using a first transmit optical power; receiving, through the optical module, second information that is returned by the optical communication device at the peer end after it receives the first information; and reducing, according to the first transmit optical power, and a receive optical power value and minimum receive optical power value in the received second information, the transmit optical power value of the optical module of the optical communication device to a difference value between the first transmit optical power value and the receive optical power value plus the minimum receive optical power value of the optical communication device at the peer end and a margin value. |
| US09294191B2 |
Method to mitigate propagation loss in waveguide transmission of quantum states
A system comprises a source of entangled photon pairs. The source is to place a signal photon and an idler photon in individual unknown quantum states but in a known entangled quantum state. One or more transmission channels are connected to the source. Each of the one or more transmission channels transmits one of the signal photon or the idler photon. Each of the one or more transmission channels is to substantially balance an instantaneous transmission loss with an instantaneous transmission gain distributed over a transmission distance. Analysis interferometers are configured to receive a corresponding one of the signal photon or the idler photon. Each of the one or more analysis interferometers is to perform a basis measurement on one of the signal photon or the idler photon. Single-photon detectors detect one of the signal photon or the idler photon. |
| US09294189B2 |
Lighting fixture and visible-light-communication system with same
A lighting fixture is configured to modulate light intensity of a light source (11) comprising a light-emitting device (2) to superpose a communication signal on illumination light of the light source (11). The fixture includes: a main power supply (3) configured to control light output of the light source (11) based on a dimming signal; a switch device (Q1) for modulating an output current supplied from the main power supply (3) to the light source (11); an impedance element (Rx); a communication circuit (7); and a control power supply (8). The communication circuit (7) is configured to control the switch device (Q1) to superpose a modulation signal on illumination light from the light source (11). The control power supply (8) is configured to supply electric power to the communication circuit (7). One end of two input ends of the control power supply (8) is connected to one end of the impedance element. |
| US09294188B2 |
Information communication device
An information communication method includes: determining whether conflict over use of a light receiving unit will occur between a first program for performing visible light communication and a second program for performing processing different from the visible light communication; notifying a user that the conflict will occur if it is determined that the conflict will occur; permitting one of the first program and the second program to use the light receiving unit in response to an operation by the user; and causing, by the first program, a computer to execute visible light communication according to light detected by the light receiving unit if the first program is permitted to use the light receiving unit. |
| US09294187B2 |
Method for frequency channel selection in a satellite communication system
A communications system comprising a first transceiver and a second transceiver, which system employs a device that measures power over a frequency band from sources other than those monitoring downlink radiation received at a radio terminal from the satellite, and a controller that receives these power measurements to determine on which frequency channel within a band a transmitter is to transmit. |
| US09294186B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing uplink collision identification
A method for providing uplink collision identification includes at a first satellite uplink, transmitting a first signal to a satellite; at the first satellite uplink, transmitting a first unique satellite uplink identification signal to the satellite; at a satellite downlink, receiving the first signal and the first unique satellite uplink identification signal; and at the satellite downlink, identifying the first satellite uplink in response to the first unique satellite uplink identification signal. |
| US09294184B1 |
Accurate fast-switching cross polarization repeater using non-reciprocal solid-state phase shifters
In a system for receiving an input signal, for example, at radar frequencies, having polarization components and transmitting an output signal which is cross polarized with respect to an input signal, separate transmit and receive phase shift networks are utilized. Consequently, the phase shift circuitry utilized need not be reciprocal, in order to provide accurate cross polarization. |
| US09294180B2 |
Pilot design for long term evolution uplink multi-input multi-output antenna system
A pilot transmission in a multiple antenna closed loop transmission time multiplexes a beam-specific pilot and an antenna-specific pilot in two short blocks of one uplink sub-frame. The beam-specific pilot is transmitted as an in-band pilot with the same beam as data to provide optimal data demodulation/estimation. The antenna-specific pilot is transmitted as an out-band pilot to provide optimal beam selection. |
| US09294179B2 |
Gain normalization correction of PMI and COI feedback for base station with antenna array
A wireless communication device and a method therein includes estimating a channel for each of a plurality of transmit antenna ports using a reference symbol received from the corresponding antenna port, determining a composite channel estimate based on the estimated channels and based on a precoding matrix, and determining an updated composite channel estimate using the composite channel estimate and using a gain correction corresponding to the precoding matrix. The gain correction can be obtained over-the-air or computed at the wireless communication device. |
| US09294177B2 |
System and method for transmit and receive antenna patterns calibration for time division duplex (TDD) systems
A method and system for calibrating transmit and receive antenna patterns for time division duplex (TDD) is described. A station in a communications network comprises at least two antennas configured to operate together for both transmitting and receiving modes. A phase setting difference between the transmit and receive antenna patterns may be determined and used to determine a relative amplitude setting for the transmit antenna pattern and/or a relative amplitude setting for the receive antenna pattern. |
| US09294172B2 |
Method and apparatus for reporting downlink channel state
A method of reporting a channel state to a base station supporting downlink multiple input multiple output (MIMO) in a wireless communication system includes measuring a downlink channel based on a downlink signal received from the base station, and reporting a codebook index for precoding of the downlink signal according to the measurement of the downlink channel. In the case in which the UE receives channel state information (CSI)-reference signal (RS) resources for N1 antenna ports, if a report for N2 (N1>N2) antenna ports is set, a codebook for the N2 antenna ports is configured as a subset of a codebook for the N1 antenna ports configured by the base station. Information about the N2 antenna ports is received from the base station. |
| US09294170B2 |
Efficient rank and precoding matrix feedback for MIMO systems
The present disclosure provides a receiver, a transmitter and methods of operating a receiver or a transmitter. In one embodiment, the receiver includes a receive unit configured to receive transmissions from multiple antennas. The receiver also includes a rank feedback unit configured to feed back a transmission rank selection, wherein the transmission rank selection corresponds to a transmission rank feedback reduction scheme. The receiver further includes a precoding feedback unit configured to feed back a preceding matrix selection, wherein the preceding matrix selection corresponds to a preceding matrix feedback reduction schemes. |
| US09294168B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving channel state information in wireless communication system
A method and an apparatus are provided for transmitting channel state information of a terminal is provided. A first Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) and a second CSI-RS are received. Channel State Information (CSI) is generated based on both the first CSI-RS and the second CSI-RS. The CSI is transmitted. |
| US09294164B2 |
Number of streams indication for WLAN
In a method for generating a preamble of a data unit for transmission via a communication channel, an indication of a first number of spatial or space-time streams is included in a first field of the preamble. The first number of spatial or space-time streams corresponds to transmission of the data unit to a first receiver. One or more training sequences are included in a second field of the preamble. The preamble is formatted such that the first field of the preamble will be transmitted prior to the second field of the preamble being transmitted. |
| US09294161B2 |
System and method for interference coordination
A method for operating an interference coordinating entity (ICE) includes partitioning, by the ICE, a cloud radio access network (CRAN) cluster by grouping transmission points (TPs) serving user equipments (UEs) in accordance with a partitioning criterion into at least one virtual transmission point (V-TP) to produce a V-TP set. The UEs to be served are preferably offset from a V-TP boundary. The method also includes saving, by the ICE, V-TP information to a memory. |
| US09294158B2 |
Broadcast audio service
Various embodiments are disclosed for facilitating reception of a digital audio stream over a wireless personal area network (PAN). At a wireless network mobile computing device, a wireless network audio broadcast device is discovered. The wireless network audio broadcast device is operable to provide a digital audio stream over a wireless PAN. The wireless network mobile computing device facilitates the reception of the digital audio stream over the wireless PAN by a wireless network audio listening device. |
| US09294156B2 |
Handheld device having multiple NFC reading directions
A handheld device includes at least two NFC antennas provided with different RF transmission directions. The at least two NFC antennas are separated from each other and share one communication unit. In light of this, the handheld device exchange data with an external NFC device through the at least two NFC antennas to have more effective inductive coupling directions. |
| US09294150B2 |
Information relay mechanism using proximity communication
The Embodiments provides a system and method for relaying data across electronic devices using Near-Field Communication (NFC). The method includes establishing a communication channel with an electronic device in a network and transmitting a command to access a service associated with the electronic device. Further, the method includes determining parameters associated with the electronic device based on the command and accessing the service associated with the electronic device in accordance to the determined parameters. |
| US09294149B2 |
Integrated contactless connectivity platform for portable electronic devices
A system for delivering wireless electric power and associated system services to portable electronic devices includes: (i) a plurality of links including one or more wireless transmitters/receivers adapted to transmit electric power and to transmit and receive audiovisual data, wherein the plurality of links are adapted to interconnect in series; (ii) a master control unit including a controller adapted to control the delivery of electric power through the interconnected links and control the delivery of selected audiovisual data from the links to a central audiovisual adaptor; (iii) one or more wireless audiovisual adaptors, each wireless audiovisual adaptor including an adaptor for connecting to an audiovisual port of a portable electronic device and a transmitter/receiver adapted to wirelessly transmit audiovisual data to the links; (iv) and one or more wireless electric power adaptors, each wireless electric power adaptor including an adaptor for connecting to an electric power input port of a portable electronic device and a receiver adapted to wirelessly receive electric power. |
| US09294148B1 |
Power line communication system
A power supply circuit includes a number N, N≧2, of parallel connected, cyclically switched electronic converters having outputs connected to a common output terminal; and a controller providing switching pulse signals switching the converters with a switching frequency that is the same for all converters; load circuits connected to the output terminal; a PLC transmitter modulating an output current from the output terminal; and a PLC receiver in each load circuit, the controller switching the converters with interleaved switching pulse signals; the PLC transmitter modulating the output current by switching the controller between at least two modes of operation that differ in phase relations and/or pulse shapes of the switching pulse signals, changing a ripple frequency spectrum of the output current such that a suppression amount of a predetermined frequency component is changed depending upon the mode of operation; and the PLC receiver detects the predetermined frequency component. |
| US09294147B2 |
TWACS transmitter and receiver
As disclosed, a two-way automatic communications system (TWACS) and method are used by an electrical utility in which outbound messages are sent from the utility to a consumer and inbound messages are sent from the consumer to the utility. The respective outbound and inbound messages are sent and received over the utility's power distribution system. A receiver including an analog filter component, an A/D converter and a digital processor detects the outbound messages. A substation transceiver is configured for sending analog outbound messages from the utility to a consumer. A transponder is configured for sending inbound messages to the transceiver from the consumer to the utility, the respective outbound and inbound messages being modulated on a mains signal of the utility's power distribution system. The receiver in another form includes an analog filter component, a detecting circuit and a demodulator. |
| US09294146B2 |
System for transmission over a multi-mode and/or multi-core optical fiber
A transmitter for an optical telecommunication system on a weakly multimode fiber is disclosed. One aspect is a transmitter including an encoder transforming each block of symbols to be transmitted into a code matrix, each element of the matrix being relative to a time of use and to a propagation mode of the weakly multimode fiber. The transmitter can include a plurality of modulators respectively associated with the different propagation modes, each modulator modulating a laser beam during a time of use. Each modulator can modulate a laser beam by use of an element of the corresponding matrix, the elements of the matrix of the code being subjected beforehand to an OFDM modulation upstream of said modulators. Each of the modulated beams can be input into the weakly multimode fiber to propagate therein according to a separate mode. |
| US09294144B2 |
Method and apparatus for an adaptive filter architecture
A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for identifying a spectral region in a radio frequency spectrum, determining a signal strength of the spectral region, determining a correlation factor by correlating the signal strength of the spectral region, detecting according to the correlation factor interference in the spectral region, generating coefficient data to substantially suppress the interference in the spectral region, configuring a filter according to the coefficient data to substantially suppress the interference in the spectral region and produce a digital filtered signal, and transmitting the digital filtered signal to a base station. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09294143B1 |
Circulator used as a high power TX/RX switch
A circuit card can include a circulator for routing a signal from a first amplifier to an antenna and for routing a signal from the antenna to a second amplifier, replacing a traditional transfer switch. The circulator can be a surface mount element to enable the circulator, first amplifier, and second amplifier to be mounted on the same circuit card thereby minimizing the size of a transceiver that employs the circuit card. Multiple circulators can be included on the same circuit card to allow for multi-band operation. |
| US09294133B1 |
Method and apparatus for error correction
Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for error correction. The method includes error-correction code (ECC) decoding a first code word of code words in a data block, determining erasures for a second code word of the code words in the data block based on corrections in the first code word by the ECC decoding, and ECC decoding the second code word with the erasures. |
| US09294132B1 |
Dual-stage data decoding for non-volatile memories
A method and system for decoding information read from a non-volatile memory uses a two stage decoding algorithm, where the first stage is a high-speed, low precision decoder and the second stage is a low-speed, high precision decoder. Most of the time only the first stage of the decoder is used, which lowers the average power consumption of the decoding process. |
| US09294131B2 |
Apparatus and method for improved modulation and coding schemes for broadband satellite communications systems
Modulation and coding schemes are provided for improved performance of wireless communications systems to support services and applications for terminals with operational requirements at relatively low ES/N0 ratios. The provided modulation and coding schemes will support current and future communications services and applications for terminals with operational requirements at relatively low ES/N0 ratios, and will provide modulation and coding schemes that offer finer granularity within an intermediate operational range of ES/N0 ratios. The new modulation and coding schemes provide new BCH codes, and low density parity check (LDPC) codes. |
| US09294126B2 |
Cyclic redundancy check circuit and semiconductor device having the cyclic redundancy check circuit
An object of the present invention is to provide a CRC circuit with more simple structure and low power consumption. The CRC circuit includes a first shift register to a p-th shift register, a first EXOR to a (p−1)th EXOR, and a switching circuit. A data signal, a select signal, and an output of a last stage of the p-th shift register are inputted to the switching circuit, and the switching circuit switches a first signal or a second signal in response to the select signal to be outputted. |
| US09294125B2 |
Leveraging language structure to dynamically compress a short message service (SMS) message
A message within a message queue can be identified. The message queue can be within a software entity of a computing device. The message can be analyzed to determine an encoding scheme to apply to the message. The message can be encoded using the encoding scheme to create an encoded message. The encoding scheme can be a word level encoding scheme, a language-based encoding scheme, or a grammar encoding scheme. |
| US09294109B2 |
Optical module for atomic oscillator and atomic oscillator
An optical module for an atomic oscillator using a quantum interference effect includes a light source part to emit resonant light having two different wavelengths, a gas cell in which an alkali metal atom gas is enclosed and to which the resonant light is irradiated, a light detection part to detect an intensity of the resonant light transmitted through the gas cell, and a gas-flow generation part to generate a flow of the alkali metal atom gas. |
| US09294105B2 |
Delay line off-state control with power reduction
A method and apparatus is provided for controlling a delay line for achieving power reduction. The device comprises a delay lock loop to provide an output signal based upon a phase difference between a reference signal and a feedback signal, said delay lock loop comprising at least one delay circuit comprising a plurality of logic gates configured to provide for substantially uniform degradation of a plurality of NAND gates in a static state. |
| US09294101B2 |
Integrated circuit, vibrating device, electronic apparatus, moving object, and method of switching modes of integrated circuit
An oscillator IC includes a VDD terminal (first terminal), an OUT terminal (second terminal), an oscillation circuit for oscillating a resonator element, a mode switching circuit that switches between a normal mode (the first mode in which an oscillation signal output by the oscillation circuit is output from the OUT terminal) and a serial I/F mode (the second mode in which a signal than the oscillation signal is output or input from the OUT terminal) based on a voltage of the VDD terminal, and a control circuit that controls stop of the oscillation circuit in the serial I/F mode based on setting information that can be changed from outside. |
| US09294098B2 |
System and method for on demand, vanishing, high performance electronic systems
An integrated circuit system having an integrated circuit (IC) component which is able to have its functionality destroyed upon receiving a command signal. The system may involve a substrate with the IC component being supported on the substrate. A module may be disposed in proximity to the IC component. The module may have a cavity and a dissolving compound in a solid form disposed in the cavity. A heater component may be configured to heat the dissolving compound to a point of sublimation where the dissolving compound changes from a solid to a gaseous dissolving compound. A triggering mechanism may be used for initiating a dissolution process whereby the gaseous dissolving compound is allowed to attack the IC component and destroy a functionality of the IC component. |
| US09294097B1 |
Device array topology configuration and source code partitioning for device arrays
An array of field programmable gate array (FPGA) devices configured for execution of a source code. The array includes two or more FPGA devices, a host processor, and a host interface logic. The FPGA devices are configured to execute a parallelized portion of the source code partitioned among the FPGA devices based on data rates of computing elements of the source code, computational performance of the FPGA devices, the input/output (I/O) bandwidth of the FPGA devices. The FPGA devices include a memory bank addressable by a global memory address space for the array and an array interconnect that enables the computing elements executed by each of the FPGA devices to be programmed with a uniform address space of a global memory of the array and utilization of the global memory by the FPGA devices. The host interface logic connects the host processor with one of the FPGA devices. |
| US09294095B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for input buffer having combined output
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed, including an apparatus that includes a first differential amplifier to amplify a difference between an input signal and a reference signal, and a second differential amplifier to amplify the difference between the input signal and the reference signal. The apparatus may further include an inverter circuit to receive an output signal of the first differential amplifier and another inverter circuit to receive an output signal of the second differential amplifier. The apparatus may include an output circuit to combine the outputs of the inverter circuits. The inverter circuits may each include an inverter and a shunt resistance. Additional apparatuses and methods are described. |
| US09294094B1 |
Method and apparatus for fast low skew phase generation for multiplexing signals on a multi-FPGA prototyping system
An apparatus and method is described for low skew phase generation for multiplexing signals using limited global low skew lines on a multiple FPGA system. The apparatus includes a reference clock programmed to generate a clock signal and programmable logic devices. The programmable logic devices include I/O terminals, combinational logic coupled to the I/O terminals, programmable logic coupled to the combinational logic, a phase generator programmed to receive the clock signal from the reference clock and to generate a phase clock based on the clock signal and a plurality of phase enable signals based on the phase clock, low skew lines to distribute the phase enables with minimal skew caused by routing delays, and flip-flops programmed to have a clock input driven by the phase clock, a data input coupled to ground, and a data output coupled to the combinational logic. Furthermore, synchronous preset inputs of the flip-flops receive the low skew phase enable signals to control transmission design signals by one of the I/O terminal. |
| US09294090B2 |
Carbon nanotube field-effect transistor encoder
A carbon nanotube field-effect transistor encoder, based on a binary circuit which includes: a first inverter, a second inverter, a third inverter, a first three-input NAND gate, a second three-input NAND gate, a third three-input NAND gate, a fourth three-input NAND gate, a fifth three-input NAND gate, a sixth three-input NAND gate, a seventh three-input NAND gate, a first two-input NAND gate, a second two-input NAND gate, a third two-input NAND gate and a two-input AND gate. When the input end of the encoder inputs three-bit binary input signals, the three-bit binary input signals are first processed by the binary circuit; and the processed signals are input into the ternary circuit which includes a first CNFET NAND gate, a second CNFET NAND gate, a first CNFET NOR gate, a second CNFET NOR gate, a fourth inverter and a fifth inverter to be converted into ternary signals for transmission. |
| US09294089B2 |
Method for judging capacitance type touch buttons
A method for judging capacitance type touch buttons in touch sensing technical field includes that: when touching a button, determining the change trend of the charge quantity on the button; a charge regulation is performed to the charge accumulation area corresponding to each button, until the charge quantity in the charge accumulation area corresponding to the button remains unchanged; calculating the charge changing quantity of the charge accumulation area when touching the button, and calculating the ratio between the charge changing quantity of the charge accumulation area and the charge balance quantity as well; and when the change trend of the charge quantity on the button is decrease and the ratio between the charge changing quantity of the charge accumulation area corresponding to the button and the charge balance quantity is larger than or equal to the first threshold value and smaller than the third threshold value, or when the change trend of the charge quantity on the button is increase and the ratio between the charge changing quantity of the charge accumulation area corresponding to the button and the charge balance quantity is larger than or equal to the second threshold value and smaller than the third threshold value, the button is the touched button. The capacitance type touch buttons are judged more accurately according to the present invention. |
| US09294088B2 |
Inductive distance sensor
Inductive adjustment of the core-fitted coil (16) of an eddy-current distance sensor (11) can be avoided if the coil (16) fills a physically predetermined annular space between the winding support (17) of the plastic coil former (15) and its flanges (18-19) as well as the wall (21) of a pot (20) composed of ferromagnetic material, which is placed over the rearward, smaller flange (18) and whose end face (21) rests against an annular area of the front, larger flange (19) with the same diameter as the pot (20). The ferromagnetic coil core (31) which engages coaxially in the winding support (17) can therefore be arranged on the base (24) in the pot (20) and can therefore be mounted as part of the pot (20). |
| US09294087B2 |
Integrated hall-controlled switch devices
Embodiments relate to Hall-controlled switch devices. In an embodiment, a Hall switch and a load switch are integrated in a single integrated circuit device. Embodiments can provide load switching and optional simultaneous logic signaling, for example to update a microcontroller or electronic control unit (ECU), while reducing space and complexity and thereby cost. |
| US09294085B1 |
High-voltage, low-inductance gas switch
A low-inductance, air-insulated gas switch uses a de-enhanced annular trigger ring disposed between two opposing high voltage electrodes. The switch is DC chargeable to 200 kilovolts or more, triggerable, has low jitter (5 ns or less), has pre-fire and no-fire rates of no more than one in 10,000 shots, and has a lifetime of greater than 100,000 shots. Importantly, the switch also has a low inductance (less than 60 nH) and the ability to conduct currents with less than 100 ns rise times. The switch can be used with linear transformer drives or other pulsed-power systems. |
| US09294084B1 |
Multi-stage slew rate control profiling for transistor drive applications
A transistor drive circuit uses multi-stage slew rate control to drive one or more switching transistors. After a decision is made to change transistor state, a first drive current may be applied to an input terminal of the transistor for a predetermined time duration. After the predetermined time duration, a second drive current may be applied to the input terminal. When the transition between states is substantially complete, the current drive to the input terminal may be changed to a voltage drive. In some embodiments, the predetermined time duration may be based on the start time of a Miller plateau during the transition period. |
| US09294082B2 |
Circuit for current sensing in high-voltage transistor
An integrated circuit including a high-voltage n-channel MOS power transistor, a high-voltage n-channel MOS blocking transistor, a high-voltage n-channel MOS reference transistor, and a voltage comparator, configured to provide an overcurrent signal if drain current through the power transistor in the on state exceeds a predetermined value. The power transistor source node is grounded. The blocking transistor drain node is connected to the power transistor drain node. The blocking transistor source node is coupled to the comparator non-inverting input. The reference transistor drain node is fed by a current source and is connected to the comparator inverting input. The reference transistor gate node is coupled to a gate node of the power transistor. The comparator output provides the overcurrent signal. A process of operating the integrated circuit is disclosed. |
| US09294080B2 |
Reverse current blocking comparator
An apparatus comprises at least one transistor configured as analog switch, a well biasing circuit configured to provide a dynamic electrical bias to a bulk region of the at least one transistor, and a comparator circuit in electrical communication with the well biasing circuit and the transistor. The comparator circuit is configured to detect a first operating condition of the transistor and a second operating condition of the transistor. The well biasing circuit is configured to apply a first electrical bias to the bulk region of a transistor when the first operating condition is detected and apply a second electrical bias to the bulk region of the transistor when the second operating condition is detected, and wherein the comparator is configured to apply hysteresis to detection of the first and second operating conditions. |
| US09294079B1 |
System and method for generating multi-band signal
A method for generating a multi-band signal transforms multiple base-band envelope signals into a sequence of symbols representing a signal including a plurality of disjoint frequency bands. Each frequency band corresponds to a single base-band envelope signal. Each symbol corresponds to amplitude of the signal and is a number selected from a finite set of numbers. The method encodes the sequence of symbols as a plurality of pulse width modulation (PWM) signals. Each PWM signal includes a plurality of codes for encoding each symbol, such that a sum of values of the codes of the set of PWM signals encoding a symbol is proportional to a value of the symbol. The method amplifies the PWM signals to produce a plurality of amplified signals and combines the amplified signals to produce the multi-band signal. |
| US09294072B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for adjusting impedance of output circuit
An impedance adjustment circuit includes a counter circuit outputting a count value thereof as a plurality of first impedance adjustment signals, a mode selection circuit setting a second impedance adjustment signal to be in an active/inactive state irrespective of the count value, and a level fixing circuit fixing a third impedance adjustment signal to be in an active state. A pre-stage circuit generates a plurality of first output control signals, a second output control signal, and a third output control signal in response to the first impedance adjustment signals, the second impedance adjustment signal, and the third impedance adjustment signal, respectively, and a data signal. An output circuit includes a plurality of first transistors, a second transistor, and a third transistor connected in parallel to each other between an output terminal and a first power supply wiring. Control terminals of the first transistors, the second transistor, and the third transistor receive the first output control signals, the second output control signal, and the third output control signal, respectively. |
| US09294069B2 |
Wide-band acoustically coupled thin-film BAW filter
In a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filter based on laterally acoustically coupled resonators on piezoelectric thin films, one can utilize two distinct acoustic plate wave modes of different nature, for example the thickness extensional (longitudinal) TE1 and the second harmonic thickness shear (TS2) mode to form a bandpass response. The invention is based on the excitation of at least two lateral standing wave resonances belonging to different plate wave modes that facilitate the transmission of signal. The passband is designed by tailoring the wave propagation characteristics in the device such that the resonances are excited at suitable frequencies to form a passband of a desired shape. The bandwidth of the filter described herein may therefore be more than twice that of the existing state-of-the-art microacoustic filters. Consequently, it has significant commercial and technological value. |
| US09294062B2 |
Sound processing apparatus, method, and program
The present technique relates to a sound processing apparatus, a method, and a program capable of alleviating degradation of the quality of sound in a case where the gain of a sound signal is amplified.When equalizer processing for adjusting the gain of each frequency band of an input signal on the basis of a gain setting value is performed, an input signal is attenuated by an input attenuation amount derived from the gain setting value, and the equalizer processing is performed on the input signal attenuated. The amount of amplification of the gain of the input signal in the equalizer processing is estimated on the basis of the gain setting value and a weight coefficient of each frequency band derived from a generally-available music signal prepared in advance, and a difference of the estimation value and the input attenuation amount is calculated as a gain correction amount. Further, nonlinear amplification processing is performed on the input signal so as to actually amplify the input signal, which has been subjected to the equalizer processing, by a gain correction amount, and an output signal is obtained. The present technique can be applied to a sound processing apparatus. |
| US09294060B2 |
Bandwidth extender
An apparatus for extending the bandwidth of an audio signal, the apparatus being configured to: generate an excitation signal from an audio signal, wherein in the audio signal comprises a plurality of frequency components; extract a feature vector from the audio signal, wherein the feature vector comprises at least one frequency domain component feature and at least one time domain component feature; determine at least one spectral shape parameter from the feature vector, wherein the at least one spectral shape parameter corresponds to a sub band signal comprising frequency components which belong to a further plurality of frequency components; and generate the sub band signal by filtering the excitation signal through a filter bank and weighting the filtered excitation signal with the at least one spectral shape parameter. |
| US09294059B2 |
Acoustic device and method of reproducing acoustic signal
An acoustic device, which reproduces an acoustic signal of one acoustic source selected from a plurality of acoustic sources. A first averaging unit averages signal levels of the acoustic signal for a first time period to obtain a first average signal. A second averaging unit averages the signal levels for a second time period shorter than the first time period to obtain a second average signal. A selecting unit selects either the first average signal or the second average signal as one signal having a signal level higher than the other. A gain decreasing unit decreases a gain of the acoustic signal according to the signal level of the one signal if the signal level of the one signal is higher than a threshold value determined according to the one acoustic source. A correcting unit corrects the signal levels of the acoustic signal according to the gain. |
| US09294054B2 |
Apparatus and methods for envelope trackers
Apparatus and methods for envelope trackers are disclosed herein. In certain configurations, a mobile device includes a power amplifier configured to amplify a radio frequency (RF) input signal to generate an RF output signal. The power amplifier is configured to receive power from a power amplifier supply voltage. The mobile device further includes a voltage converter configured to convert a battery voltage into a regulated voltage, and the voltage converter is configured to control a magnitude of the regulated voltage based on an error signal. The mobile device further includes an error amplifier configured to generate an output current based on an envelope of the RF input signal and to generate the power amplifier supply voltage by adjusting the magnitude of the regulated voltage using the output current. The error amplifier is further configured to control the error signal. |
| US09294051B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing wide data range and wide common-mode receivers
Embodiments of disclosed configurations include a circuit and system for a sense amplifier having a sensing circuit changing an output voltage at an output node based on a time that is defined by the output voltage reaching a threshold voltage level. The sensing circuit changes the output voltage at the output node before the time. In addition, a regeneration circuit amplifies the changed output voltage at the time. The sense amplifier offers sufficient voltage headroom to improve operation speed and power efficiency. |
| US09294048B2 |
Instrumentation amplifier and signal amplification method
An instrumentation amplifier includes a first amplifier having one input connected to a first input of the instrumentation amplifier, a second amplifier having one input connected to a second input of the instrumentation amplifier, and a feedback network. The feedback network including an active filter having a first low pass filter characteristic with a first cut-off frequency in respect of differential mode signals at the first and second inputs of the instrumentation amplifier, and a second low pass filter characteristic with a second cut-off frequency in respect of common mode signals at the first and second inputs of the instrumentation amplifier. The disclosure also relates to a device for acquiring biopotential signals and a signal amplification method. |
| US09294045B2 |
Gain and phase calibration for closed loop feedback linearized amplifiers
Embodiments of a radio frequency (RF) amplification device having an RF amplification circuit and an amplifier control circuit operably associated with the RF amplification circuit are disclosed. The RF amplification circuit is configured to amplify an RF signal in accordance with a transfer function. The amplifier control circuit includes a closed-loop linearization circuit and a calibration circuit. The closed-loop linearization circuit is configured to be activated so that the transfer function defines a closed-loop response and inactive so that the transfer function defines an open-loop response. For example, the closed-loop linearization circuit may become inactive at small-signal power levels. Accordingly, the amplifier control circuit also includes a calibration circuit configured to reduce a difference between the open-loop response and the closed-loop response of the transfer function. In this manner, the performance of the RF amplification device is maintained while the closed-loop linearization circuit is inactive. |
| US09294042B2 |
Power amplifier system with supply modulation mitigation circuitry and methods
A power amplifier system with supply modulation mitigation circuitry and methods is disclosed. The power amplifier system includes a regulator having an unregulated input and a regulated output along with a power amplifier having a supply input for receiving a supply current from the regulated output and having a signal input and a signal output that comprise a main signal path. The supply modulation mitigation circuitry is adapted to sense a supply modulation signal output from the regulator, generate a cancellation signal that is a scaled inverse of the supply modulation signal, and inject the cancellation signal into a node within the power amplifier system to sum the supply modulation signal and cancellation signal together to reduce the supply modulation signal from within the main signal path. |
| US09294031B2 |
Pinch detection apparatus for opening-and-closing member, and opening-and-closing member apparatus
A pinch detection apparatus for an opening-and-closing member actuated by a motor, the pinch detection apparatus includes a reference data storage portion calculating load data on the basis of a rotation speed of the motor and an environmental temperature, the reference data storage portion storing the load data and the environmental temperature as reference load data and reference temperature data, respectively, a drive load calculation portion calculating drive load data, and a pinch determination portion configured to determine an occurrence of pinch on the basis of a comparison result obtained by comparing a difference between the reference load data and the drive load data with a threshold, the pinch determination portion configured to correct a relative relation between the difference between the reference load data and the drive load data, and the threshold on the basis of a relative relation between a reference temperature and a drive temperature. |
| US09294024B2 |
Motor drive device having function of detecting abnormality of DC link unit
A motor drive device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a converter (2) for converting an AC voltage input from a main power supply into a DC voltage, a DC link unit (4) for rectifying the DC voltage output from the converter, an inverter (10) for converting the DC voltage rectified by the DC link unit into an AC voltage for driving a motor using a semiconductor switching element, a voltage application unit (6) that is provided independently of the main power supply to apply a voltage to the DC link unit, a voltage detector (7) for detecting a voltage of the DC link unit after application of the voltage by the voltage application unit, and an abnormality determination unit (8) for determining the presence or absence of an abnormality of the DC link unit based on the voltage detected by the voltage detector. |
| US09294022B2 |
BLDC motor driving apparatus and refrigerator using the same
A motor driving apparatus and a refrigerator using the same is provided. The refrigerator may include a compressor, a motor, a driving unit, temperature sensing units sensing the temperatures of storage chambers and an external temperature, and a control unit selecting a driving mode of the driving unit based on the sensing result of the temperature sensing units and controlling the driving unit to drive the motor according to the selected driving mode. In a general operation mode, the control unit controls the driving unit to drive the motor in a 120 degree conduction method, and in a power-saving operation mode, the control unit controls the driving unit to drive the motor in a 90 degree conduction method. The refrigerator increases a pulse width of driving current by converting the conduction method of the motor to drive the motor at a low speed during power-saving operation of the refrigerator. |
| US09294016B2 |
Control methods and systems for motors and generators operating in a stacked configuration
While motors or generators stacked in series may allow for higher operating voltages, such motors or generators may also exhibit instability. To minimize instability, the motors or generators may be controlled to have an approximately equal current. An example motor system may include motor stacks connected in series, each motor stack exhibiting a respective stack voltage and a respective differential power (based on a difference in power between motors in the motor stack). A control system may average the stack voltages to generate an average stack voltage and generate a nominal stack power corresponding to each stack voltage. The control system may receive the differential powers, combine each differential power and nominal stack power for the respective motor stack to generate first and a second motor powers, and control each motor stack using the first and second motor powers. |
| US09294014B2 |
Power generator
An electrical power generator has one or more serpentine elements that are made of a poled piezoelectric or electrostrictive ceramic, one or more electrically conductive shims or foils and at least two electrically conductive electrode coatings on the serpentine element. The conductive electrodes are further electrically connected to an electrical load or energy storage device or both, and the serpentine element is mechanically affixed to a source of compression or vibration or both. |
| US09294010B2 |
Method for controlling switching branch of three-level converter and switching branch for three-level converter
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a method for controlling a switching branch of a three-level converter to enter a stop state. The switching branch including a first semiconductor switch and a second semiconductor switch, a first diode and a second diode, a third semiconductor switch and a fourth semiconductor switch, a third diode, and a fourth diode, a fifth semiconductor switch and a sixth semiconductor switch, a fifth diode, and a sixth diode, and a manner of controlling the semiconductor switches. When the switching branch is set to enter a stop state, current flowing in a main circuit of the switching branch is transferred in a controlled manner to diodes that conduct the current, when all the semiconductor switches of the main circuit of the converter are turned OFF. |
| US09294008B2 |
Two-quadrant chopper
A two-quadrant chopper including first, second, third and fourth nodes wherein an input voltage may be applied between the first and second nodes, a first output voltage may be picked off between the first and third nodes and a second output voltage may be picked off between the third and second nodes, wherein a first capacitor is between the first and third nodes and a second capacitor is between the third and second nodes, a first transistor and a first diode are connected to the first and fourth nodes, a second transistor and a second diode are connected to the fourth and second nodes, and an inductor is between the third and fourth nodes. |
| US09294001B2 |
Power converter with dead-time control function
In a power converter, a feedback controller feedback controls a manipulated variable based on a first electrical parameter depending on input power and a feedback controlled variable determined for output power. A dead-time determiner determines a value of the dead time as a function of a boundary condition variable depending on at least one of the input power and the output power. The boundary condition represents a reference for determining whether the power converter is operating in a continuous conduction mode or a discontinuous conduction mode. The continuous conduction mode is designed for a current to be continuously flowing through an inductor included in the power converter or a load as an inductor current. The discontinuous conduction mode is designed for the inductor current to be discontinuously flowing through the inductor. |
| US09294000B1 |
Direct conversion output driver
A circuit and method for providing a fully integrated differential boost converter and amplifier. A first half bridge circuit has a first output node and a first switching node. A second half bridge circuit has a second output node and a second switching node. A capacitive load is coupled between the first output node and the second output node. An inductor is coupled between the first switching node and the second switching node. Control modes are provided to couple the first output node to a supply voltage and the first switching node to ground; to couple the first output node to the supply voltage and the second switching node to ground; to couple the second output node to the supply voltage and the first switching node to ground; and to couple the second output node to the supply voltage and the second switching node to ground. |
| US09293997B2 |
Isolated error amplifier for isolated power supplies
A power converter may include an amplifier that generates an error signal, a modulator that generates a modulated error signal, an isolator that generates an isolated modulated error signal, and a demodulator that generates an isolated error signal, which may be substantially proportional to the difference between the output signal and the reference signal, and a controller that controls a power stage to generate the output signal of the power converter. |
| US09293993B1 |
Multiphase buck converter controller without PID compensator or compensated error amplifier in the control loop
A controller for a multiphase buck converter is provided having reduced delay and reduced output capacitance, in various embodiments. A multiphase buck converter including the controller is also provided. Methods of controlling a multiphase buck converter are also provided. Computers and vehicles including multiphase buck converters are also provided. |
| US09293991B2 |
Apparatus and method for age-compensating control for a power converter
In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for providing age-compensation control for a power converter is provided. The apparatus comprises a controller for being coupled to a power converter including a plurality of phases for converting a first input signal into a first output signal. The controller is configured to activate at least one first switch for a first phase from the plurality of phases for converting the first input signal into the first output signal. The controller is further configured to determine an aging condition for the at least one first switch for the first phase based on an equivalent time, Teq of the at least one first switch, wherein Teq corresponds to an amount of time the at least one first switch is active and on an operating temperature of the at least one first switch while the at least one first switch is active. |
| US09293989B2 |
DC to DC buck converting controller with programmable on-time period unit
A programmable on-time period of a DC to DC buck converting controller is adjusted according to a level of a preset output voltage or a reference signal. Therefore, the DC to DC buck converting controller of the present invention is suitable for any applications with different requests of output voltages or different operating mode. |
| US09293987B2 |
Differential driver for inductive load
A small and low-cost load driving circuit device that reduces common mode noise without using a transformer, has a first switching arrangement provided between a high potential source and a terminal of an electrical load; a second switching arrangement provided between ground and the other terminal of the electrical load; a control arrangement that controls the first and second switching arrangements so as to simultaneously disconnect each other with the same frequency and the same duty ratio; and a synchronization arrangement that synchronizes the disconnect timing of the first switching arrangement and the disconnect timing of the second switching arrangement. |
| US09293984B2 |
Illumination apparatus and power supply circuit
In order to offer a power supply circuit that can minimize the drop in efficiency by reducing losses during voltage conversion, in an improved-power factor circuit, a control circuit performs a step-up operation in which a control signal for turning on a first switching element (Tr1) and switching a second switching element (Tr2) is output, and a step-down operation in which a control signal for turning off the second switching element (Tr2) and switching the first switching element (Tr1) is output. |
| US09293981B2 |
Fast startup control circuit for switch mode power supply
A control circuit for a switch mode power supply (SMPS) includes a power switch for coupling to a primary winding of the power supply and a startup resistor coupled to an external input voltage and to a control terminal of the power switch. The control circuit also includes a controller. During startup, the controller is configured to cause the power switch to amplify a startup current from an external input voltage through the startup resistor and provide a startup power to the controller. During normal operation, the controller is configured to provide a power switch control signal to turn on and off the power switch for controlling a current flow in the primary winding and regulating an output of the power supply. The controller is configured to provide a current signal for driving an NPN power switch and to provide a voltage signal for driving an NMOS power switch. |
| US09293977B2 |
Inherently torque limiting magnetically-coupled wheels
An apparatus having at least one rotatable driven object having an edge on which are disposed a series of adjacent magnets of alternating polarity and a driving object rotatable by an external motor torque and having a series of adjacent magnets of alternating polarity on a magnet supporting surface. The magnet supporting surface of the driving object is rotatable through a common region approximately centered about the point of closest approach to the magnet supporting edge of the driven object for sequentially placing magnets of the driving object in the region enveloping the effective interactive range between the two objects. The fields of magnets of opposite polarity of the driving object interact with the fields of the magnets on the driving object to effect rotation of the driven object. Disclosed are structures for torque limiting wheels, magnetic gear trains, reduction gears and ball joints, and propulsion systems for watercraft and aircraft. |
| US09293974B2 |
Electric motor having stator core for reducing cogging torque
An electric motor includes a stator having a core back which varies in width in a circumferential direction, and a rotor provided with permanent magnets. In the electric motor, cogging torque is generated M times during one revolution of the rotor, due to the number of magnetic poles of the rotor and the varied shape of the core back. The core back is provided with a step shift by an angle obtained by multiplying (360/M/2) degrees with an odd number. According to one embodiment, the core back may be provided with holes, concave portions or convex portions, so as to provide the core back with the step shift. |
| US09293969B2 |
Inverter module and inverter integrated electric compressor
The present invention has an object to provide an inverter module and an inverter integrated electric compressor capable of reliably suppressing noise interference on a control circuit board and facilitating filling with a resin gel material. Provided is an inverter module including a power system circuit board and a control circuit board (30) that are integrated through a resin case, in which an insulating through hole (47) is provided in a region between: a frame ground (42) connected to a high voltage system formed on the control circuit board (30); and a low voltage circuit (46) adjacent to the frame ground (42). |
| US09293964B2 |
Power tool
A power tool includes a housing, a motor accommodated in the housing, a cooling fan arranged coaxially with the motor, a trigger switch configured to activate the motor, a motor control board on which a switching device is mounted to drive the motor, and a coupling unit provided below a bottom surface of the motor. The motor control board is fixed to the motor via the coupling unit such that the motor control board is disposed below the motor and above the trigger switch. |
| US09293962B2 |
Hollow driving module
The present invention relates to a hollow driving module comprising a hollow driving module including a hollow motor including a stator, a rotor rotating with respect to the stator and having a perforated center portion, and a rotation shaft disposed at and coupled to the perforated center portion of the rotor; a decelerator connected with the rotation shaft positioned at an output side of the hollow motor to decelerate rotation of the rotation shaft; a torque transmission unit being connected to an output side of the decelerator to be driven by a decelerated rotation angle; a first encoder positioned at an input side opposite to a side connected with the decelerator of the hollow motor; a second encoder positioned at a side opposite to a side connected with the hollow motor of the first encoder; and a link connection means connecting the second encoder with the torque transmission unit. |
| US09293960B2 |
Electrical collecting and distributing ring
An electrical collecting and distributing ring is composed of an annular bus ring including a plurality of terminals and a plurality of circular arc portions therebetween, respectively, and a holding member, which at least partially molds the bus ring. The plurality of terminals include respective one pair of extended portions formed with clamping portions, respectively, extending through the holding member and in a radial direction of the circular arc portions to clamp an end therebetween of a winding. The respective one pair of extended portions of the terminals include thin portions, respectively, formed thin in thickness in a circumferential direction of the circular arc portions, at least partially between the holding member and the clamping portions, respectively. The terminals and the ends of the winding are connected together by caulking the clamping portions with the ends of the winding clamped between the clamping portions, respectively. |
| US09293958B2 |
Stator
Disclosed is a stator capable of reducing stress generated in the resin mold of the stator. A stator is provided with a coil formed by coiling a flat conductor, a split stator core provided with a teeth unit for inserting the coil, and a resin mold, which has resin covering the coil ends of the coil inserted into the split stator core. In the stator, an insulator is formed between the split stator core and the coil by way of insert molding, and the resin mold has a cavity, formed in the radial direction of the stator, in between the coil and the end face of the split stator core. |
| US09293955B2 |
Excitation device
In an excitation device for stators of generators for high-induction measurement, the greatest possible compensation of the reactive power requirement is achieved. Depending on the size and energy requirement of the generator, a number of individual excitation modules with a corresponding number of individual excitation windings are provided, wherein a minimum necessary total excitation current can be supplied by superimposing the individual currents of the excitation windings. |
| US09293951B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and lorentz actuator
A lithographic apparatus includes an actuator for producing a force in a first direction between a first and a second part including a first magnet assembly and a second magnet assembly each attached opposite to each other to the first part of the apparatus, the first magnet assembly including a first main magnet system and a first outer subsidiary magnet system, and the second magnet assembly including a second main magnet system and a second outer subsidiary magnet system, the first and second main magnet system defining a space between them in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The actuator includes a coil attached to the second part. The distance between the first outer subsidiary magnet system and the second outer subsidiary magnet system in the second direction is substantially zero. |
| US09293948B2 |
Renewable uninterrupted power supply for critical node infrastructure support
A platform to supply renewable backup power to critical node infrastructure is disclosed. The platform conceals solar photovoltaic modules and storage batteries in plain sight by hiding such components in commonly encountered urban furniture, such as bus shelters. In particular, a bus shelter ad box is used to conceal or cloak certain components of the system. |
| US09293947B2 |
Lighting device having uninterruptible illumination and external power supply function
The present invention provides a lighting device having uninterruptible illumination and external power supply function, in which the lighting device is combined with an energy storing/discharging device thereby providing an uninterruptible illumination function and supplying uninterruptable AC or DC power to the exterior during power blackout, a controller assembly is integrated with an operation device, an external power supply interface device, an electric-driven lighting device, a public power and/or solar power and/or wind power generation source, and an energy storing/discharging device, thereby capable of providing the uninterruptible illumination function and supplying uninterruptable AC or DC power to the exterior during power blackout. |
| US09293937B2 |
Electric storage device
An electric storage device includes an assembled battery including a plurality of electric cells connected in series; an assembled battery control unit that estimates internal resistances of the plurality of electric cells, or a magnitude relationship of the internal resistances of the plurality of electric cells; an assembled battery control unit that calculates such a discharge quantity that an SOC after the electric cells have been discharged becomes lower as the internal resistance of the electric cells, which is estimated by the assembled battery control unit, is larger, or as the magnitude relationship of the internal resistances of the electric cells is estimated to be larger by the assembled battery control unit, for each of the electric cells; and electric cell control units that discharge each of the plurality of electric cells on the basis of the discharge quantity calculated by the assembled battery control unit. |
| US09293933B2 |
Charging indication apparatus and method thereof
A charging indication apparatus and a method thereof are provided. A switching signal for controlling an operation frequency of a power conversion circuit is divided to obtain a divided frequency signal, and according to the divided frequency signal, a backlight module is controlled to emit a backlight source serving as a charging indication signal. |
| US09293931B2 |
Battery pack
A battery pack constructed with a rechargeable battery, a protection circuit that protects the battery when the battery is charged and discharged, and a switching unit that turns on a power source for the protection circuit, may be constructed with electric wiring lines constructed so that when the battery pack is not connected to a charger or a load by the switching unit or the electric wire lines, the power source of the circuit is blocked to prevent the battery pack from being shorted and to reduce the idle power, and when the battery pack is connected to the charger or the load, the power source is applied so that the circuit operates. |
| US09293928B2 |
System and method for a dynamically configurable power distribution control and management system
An energy management system for monitoring and communicating characteristics of an intelligent energy storage device is disclosed. The energy management system includes at least one pack comprising one or more batteries in an energy storage device and the components to manage and wirelessly communicate the state characteristics of those batteries. The energy storage device is connected to a Local Pack Controller (LPC) which is configured to detect a connection to a host system and automatically establish a secure wireless connection to the Host System Controller (HSC). The LPC monitors the pack state and sends the state information wirelessly to the HSC, which then broadcasts the information wirelessly to a display and/or external network. Applications include, but are not limited to, integration in a vehicle, residential, industrial, or commercial market. |
| US09293922B2 |
Systems and methods for edge of network voltage control of a power grid
Systems and methods for an edge of network voltage control of a power grid are described. In some embodiments, a system comprises a distribution power network, a plurality of loads, and a plurality of shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources. The loads may be at or near an edge of the distribution power network. Each of the loads may receive power from the distribution power network. The plurality of shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources may be located at the edge or near the edge of the distribution power network where they may each detect a proximate voltage. Further, each of the VAR sources may comprise a processor and a VAR compensation component. The processor may be configured to enable the VAR source to determine whether to enable the VAR compensation component based on the proximate voltage and to adjust network volt-ampere reactive by controlling a switch to enable the VAR compensation component. |
| US09293914B2 |
Power management system that includes a generator controller
Some embodiments relate to a power management system that includes an engine-driven generator and a plurality of load switching and sensor modules that are located remotely from the generator. The load switching and sensor modules include power switching devices and/or sensor circuits. In some embodiments, the power switching devices are operated to selectively provide protected power from a breaker to loads. The power management system further includes a generator controller that is mounted to the engine-driven generator. The generator controller is configured to operate the engine-driven generator and the sensor and load switching modules. The generator controller is further configured to receive input signals from the load switching and sensor modules via a databus, and provide commands to the load switching and sensor modules via the databus to operate the power switching devices and selectively provide power to loads. |
| US09293912B2 |
High voltage tolerant supply clamp
Apparatus and methods for active detection, timing, and protection related to transient electrical events are disclosed. A detection circuit generates a detection signal in response to a transient electrical stress. First and second driver circuits of an integrated circuit, each driver having one or more bipolar junction transistors, activate based on the detection signal and generate activation signals. The one or more bipolar junction transistors of the first and second driver circuits are configured to conduct current substantially laterally across respective base regions. A discharge circuit, having an upper discharge element and a lower discharge element, receives the activation signals and activates to attenuate the transient electrical event. |
| US09293911B2 |
Protection circuit and electronic device using the same
An exemplary protection circuit is provided to provide a controlled, latency-free, steady voltage. The circuit includes a switch module, an induction, a response module, a protection chip, and a sequence controller. The protection chip turns on the switch module when the voltage provided by a capacitor is less than a threshold voltage, thus the connection between the power supply device and the conversion circuit is enabled. The protection chip further outputs a high level signal to the sequence controller upon receiving an induction signal from the induction module. The sequence controller outputs a low level signal to the response module upon receiving the high level signal, to turn off a connection between the first end of the capacitor and ground, otherwise, a high signal is output to turn on the connection between the first end of the capacitor and ground. |
| US09293910B2 |
Power battery assembly and electric vehicle comprising the same
A power battery assembly may include a battery circuit and a circuit protecting unit. The circuit protecting unit may be connected in series with the battery circuit. The circuit protecting unit may include a relay and a current sensing unit connected in series with the battery circuit. A switching unit is connected with the relay for controlling the switching of the relay, and a controller is connected with the switching unit and to the current sensing unit to control switching on or switching off the switching unit based on comparison of the current value detected by the current sensing unit, and sent to the controller with a first predetermined current value. |
| US09293905B1 |
Walk-on cable tray apparatus for a people mover system
A cable tray apparatus is provided for a people mover system such as a Sky Train or the like. The cable tray apparatus is made up of a plurality of identical cable trays which are secured together in an end-to-end relationship. The cable trays are selectively laterally horizontally adjustable with respect to one another and are selectively vertically adjustable with respect to one another to correspond to curves in the roadway of the system and to correspond to elevational changes in the roadway of the system. Each of the cable trays includes a cover having an upstanding tactile warning device at the side edges thereof. A light is also associated with each of the tactile warning devices. |
| US09293902B2 |
Electrical junction box
An electrical junction box has a main body with a circuit board, and a cover arranged to accommodate the main body. One of the main body and the cover has a guide rib, and the other has a guide groove. The circuit board is arranged inside a side wall of the main body, and the guide rib or the guide groove is formed on an outer surface of the side wall. At least one of the side wall of the main body and the cover has a water capturing groove located between the guide rib or the guide groove and the circuit board relative to a first direction along a periphery of the main body such that the water capturing groove captures water that has entered the cover via a gap between the guide rib and the guide groove before the water reaches the circuit board. |
| US09293901B2 |
Method for creating a silicone encased flexible cable
The embodiments disclose a method for creating a silicone encased flexible cable using manufacturing machinery including automatically arranging plural individual conduits, into custom grouped arrangements including electrical wiring, pneumatic tubing and fluid tubing, inserting the custom grouped arrangements including connectors and flexible silicone junction devices into a shaped silicone encasement extrusion apparatus, depositing a mixture of silicone and additives to the custom grouped arrangements encasement using the extrusion apparatus, customizing the mixture of silicone and additives to create differing characteristics of the custom grouped arrangements, using the extrusion apparatus to create a singular encasement and to cure the singular encasement to a desired shape of the custom grouped arrangements and integrating one or more encased flexible junction box to the custom grouped arrangements, wherein the one or more flexible junction box contains at least one incoming and two outgoing conduit connections and one or more functional devices. |
| US09293898B2 |
Protective tube
The protective tube comprises a plurality of warp-knitted threads that define a strip the longitudinal edges of which are in contact with or overlap each other, defining a substantially circular cross-section, wherein at least one of said threads is monofilament thread, characterised in that at least one of the threads is carried on two or more needles, forming a mesh at least every two passes and a maximum of every twenty-five passes.It gives the protective tube greater curvature than that of currently known tubes, closing completely without need for heating for the strip to acquire its tubular shape. |
| US09293896B2 |
Assembly for power connection and signal acquisition
An assembly for power connection and signal acquisition includes a power connection member and a patch panel. The power connection member includes a holder, a plurality of connection pieces disposed in the holder, and a protection shell mounted on the holder to protect the plurality of connection pieces. The patch panel includes a trough that defines a plurality of cable slots, a sampling cable received in each of the cable slots, and a protection cover mounted on the trough to protect the sampling cable received in the cable slot. A sampling terminal is disposed at an end of the sampling cable for electrically connecting the sampling cable with each of the connection pieces. |
| US09293894B2 |
Electric charge generating device
An ionizer that acts as an electric charge generating device includes a first high voltage power source and a second high voltage power source, which are disposed in confronting relation to each other, and a first wiring arrangement and a second wiring arrangement, which are disposed in confronting relation to each other. The first high voltage power source applies an AC high voltage to needle electrodes via the first wiring arrangement, whereas the second high voltage power source applies an AC high voltage, which is 180° out of phase with the aforementioned AC high voltage, to needle electrodes via the second wiring arrangement. |
| US09293892B2 |
Short optical pulse generator, terahertz wave generation device, camera, imaging apparatus, and measurement apparatus
A short optical pulse generator which includes an optical pulse generation portion that has a quantum well structure and generates an optical pulse, a frequency chirp portion that has a quantum well structure and chirps a frequency of the optical pulse, and a group velocity dispersion portion that includes a plurality of optical waveguides disposed in a mode coupling distance and which causes a group velocity difference corresponding to a wavelength in the optical pulse of which the frequency is chirped. |
| US09293890B2 |
Device and method for generating stimulated emission of microwave or radio frequency radiation
A device for, and a method of, generating stimulated emission of microwave or radio frequency electromagnetic radiation, utilize a resonator structure, an input source of microwave or radio frequency electromagnetic radiation to be amplified, and an input of energy arranged to pump the resonator structure and thereby cause amplification of the electromagnetic radiation. The configuration of the resonator structure and/or the materials used in its construction give rise to an increase in the magnetic Purcell factor of the resonator structure. |
| US09293885B2 |
Ultraviolet triply-optically-pumped atomic lasers (TOPAL)
A continuous-wave (CW), ultraviolet triply-optically-pumped atomic laser (TOPAL) is disclosed. The inventive laser device includes a laser active media comprising a mixture of a neutral atomic vapor and one or more buffer gases. The gain mixture is placed within a segmented gain cell, allowing for periodic, selected spectral filtering of deleterious ASE transitions; the segmented gain cell, in turn, is placed within an optical cavity with a high Q at a specified ultraviolet wavelength, and is successively, resonantly excited by three drive pump lasers, in three energy-contiguous visible/IR electric-dipole allowed transitions, producing a steady-state electron population inversion density between a high-lying electronic energy level and the ground electronic level, and producing laser emission on a UV transition (within the spectral range ˜230 to ˜370 nm) terminating on the ground electronic level. |
| US09293883B2 |
Electrode of metallic material, and gyrolaser comprising at least one such electrode
An electrode (2) of metallic material comprising an axis of revolution (6) and a bottom face (2a) of outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of a top face (2b), characterized in that it comprises a fin (10) of revolution about said axis of revolution (6), on the bottom part of the lateral face (2c), said fin (10) having a radial length L and a thickness h such that the ratio L/h is below a threshold, L and h observing the following relationship: L . L 3 h ≥ 2 EX 5 σ 3 in which: E represents the Young's modulus of the metallic material; X represents the minimum deflection tolerated by the fin; and σ represents the thermal stress acting on the fin. |
| US09293880B2 |
Brush holder apparatus, brush assembly, and method
Devices and methods of use for brush holder assemblies are disclosed. Brush holder assemblies including a mounting block and a brush holder are disclosed. Also illustrated is a brush holder assembly including a first portion in sliding engagement with a second portion. In some embodiments the brush holder includes a channel, such that at least a portion of the mounting block is disposed within the channel of the brush holder. |
| US09293875B2 |
Receptacle and plug
A receptacle is selectively mateable with a first plug and a second plug. The receptacle comprises a holding member having a plate-like portion, a plurality of first contacts and a plurality of second contacts. The first contacts and the second contacts are held by the holding member. Each of the first contacts has a first contact portion while each of the second contacts has a second contact portion. The first contact portions and the second contact portions are exposed on a lower surface of the plate-like portion. The second contact portions are grouped into two groups. The first contact portions are located between the two groups of the second contact portions in a lateral direction. The first contact portions are connectable with both the first plug and the second plug, while the second contact portions are connectable with only the second plug between the first plug and the second plug. |
| US09293874B2 |
High speed radio frequency connector
A coaxial connector system includes a first coaxial connector having a first center contact and at least one outer contact segment. The coaxial connector system includes a second coaxial connector mated with the first coaxial connector. The second coaxial connector has a second center contact terminated to the first rectangular center contact. The second coaxial connector has at least one outer contact segment mechanically and electrically connected to the at least one outer contact segment of the first coaxial connector. The at least one outer contact segment of the first coaxial connector and the at least one outer contact segment of the second coaxial connector form a rectangular shaped outer contact box that peripherally surrounds the first and second center contacts |
| US09293873B2 |
Co-axial insertion-type connector
A coaxial plug-type connector with an outer conductor, an inner conductor, and an insulator connecting the outer conductor and the inner conductor, wherein the outer conductor has an axial contact area for making electrically conductive contact with another coaxial plug-type connector. The axial contact area of the outer conductor is provided with one or more projections. |
| US09293872B2 |
Cable connector, adapter assemblies and related systems and methods
An adapter assembly includes an adapter body and a connector. The adapter body has a main leg and a cross leg. The main leg and cross leg have intersecting passages. The connector includes: an electrically conductive semi-flexible joint having first and second opposed joint ends; a first end portion on the first joint end, with the first end portion including a body configured to mechanically and electrically couple with an electrical conductor; and a second end portion on the second joint end, with the second end portion including a head configured to directly or indirectly electrically connect the semi-flexible joint to a termination of electrical equipment. The head is disposed in the cross leg passage and the semi-flexible joint is disposed in the main leg passage. The semi-flexible joint is configured to enable limited movement of the head relative to the cross leg passage. |
| US09293869B2 |
Electrical connector both preventing scrapping to an insulative body and reducing antenna interference
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative body (2), a number of contacts (1), and a metal shell (5). The insulative body includes an upper wall (21), a lower wall (22) opposite to the upper wall, a pair of sidewalls (23), and a rear wall (24) connecting between the upper wall, the lower wall, and the sidewalls for cooperatively defining a receiving space (20). The insulative body has a mating tongue (25) extending forwardly from the rear wall into the receiving space. The contacts are retained in the mating tongue and partly exposed in the receiving space. The metal shell has a pair of arc portions engaging with a mating plug connector. The metal shell is positioned on the upper wall for reducing interference between the metal shell and an antenna mounted on a printed circuit board. |
| US09293862B2 |
Patch cord plug organizer
The present invention is directed to a cable organizer. The cable organizer has a base with a plurality of ports. Each port is configured to hold a plug extending from a patch cord. The cable organizer also has a plurality of flanges connected to the base and a plurality of latch mechanisms. Each flange defines a side of one of the ports and each latch mechanism is connected to the ports by a pivot element. |
| US09293857B2 |
Sealed and un-mated electrical connection system using single insertion press fit pins
A method of creating a sealed, un-mated electrical connector system using single insertion press-fit pins. Using single insertion press-fit pins allows for use of simple plastic parts for the connector shroud and a true position assurance comb in conjunction with single insertion press-fit pins. The result is a lower cost for the final connector assembly. Less plastic is needed for the combined shroud and true position assurance comb, because the true position assurance is provided in part by the shroud, and in part by the position assurance comb. |
| US09293855B2 |
Charging connector
A seal member (40) is formed of an integral body including a case split surface seal portion (41) arranged along whole circumferences of abutting surfaces (3, 7) surrounding a portion of a connector body (20) housed inside an exterior case (2) and interposed between the abutting surfaces (3, 7) of two case split bodies (2A, 2B), a connector body seal portion (42) arranged along a whole circumference of a connector fitting portion projecting hole (9) and interposed between the exterior case (2) and the connector body (20), and an electric wire seal portion (43) arranged along a whole circumference of an electric wire pullout hole (10) and interposed between the exterior case (2) and an electric wire (W1) pulled out from the connector body (20) and led outside the exterior case (2) through the electric wire pullout hole (10). |
| US09293853B2 |
Electric connector with terminal supports
The electric connector includes an electrically insulative housing forming therein a terminal space, with a terminal inserted into the terminal space. The terminal includes a sheath section, and an engagement section formed at the sheath section. A lance protrudes towards an axis of the terminal space in the housing, and the lance is engaged to and disengaged from the engagement section. A resilient support supports the lance such that the lance can be resiliently deformed in a direction away from the axis, and the housing has a path through which a jig can be inserted into the housing towards the lance. A pair of terminal supports situated horizontally face each other such that the jig inserted into the housing through the path is located therebetween, and make contact with the sheath section when the terminal is inserted into the housing. |
| US09293849B2 |
Electrical connector using a canted coil multi-metallic wire
A canted coil spring made from multi-metallic wire to achieve combinations of desired material characteristics of different metals is discussed. Wire to be used in canted coil springs can have two or more metals oriented co-axially along such wire, such as an outer layer of one metal having one set of properties, and a core of a different metal having a different set of properties, that will achieve a single solid, multi-metallic wire with enhanced performance over a single material canted coil spring. Such features may be found advantageous in electrical applications, such as where both high electrical conductivity and high strength properties are desired. |
| US09293848B2 |
Electrical connector for use with printed circuit boards
An electrical connector has one or more body portions in which is disposed an electrical terminal having at least one contact pad interface for coupling to a contact pad of at least one printed circuit board (PCB). The body has an associated fastening device which is used to mechanically and electrically couple the electrical connector to the at least one PCB. The electrical connector may be provided with a full or partial hourglass-like shape, when viewed from the side and/or from above, to facilitate its use with a PCB that carries a source of light, such as an LED. |
| US09293843B2 |
Non-polarized geophysical electrode
The non-polarized geophysical electrode has an electrically conductive metal disk mounted at its bottom opening. A mixture of an adhesive such as epoxy, inorganic binder, or RTV silicone, and fine particles in micron or nano size of graphene, nickel, nanotube, or graphite is applied on the outer bottom surface of the conductive metal disk. A lead wire of the electrode is connected to the inner surface of the conductive metal disk and extends outward through a liquid-tight strain relief mounted at a cap provided at the top of the housing of the electrode. |
| US09293839B2 |
Card member, card edge connector, and method for manufacturing card member
A method for manufacturing a card member includes: preparing a substrate having a card edge section with card edge terminals to be connected to an opposing connector; preparing a fist mold and a second mold that have molding spaces for molding a resin molded section having a fitting section to be fitted with the opposing connector formed around the substrate; placing the substrate inside the molding spaces between the first mold and the second mold in such a way that the joining portion of the first mold and the second mold are disposed so as not to be overlapped with the portion where the fitting section is to be formed; injecting a synthetic resin material into the molding space to integrally form the resin molded section around the substrate. The method can provide a card member having an excellent watertightness. |
| US09293835B2 |
Communication system with broadband antenna
A communication system including a plurality of horn antennas, a waveguide feed network, and a converter unit coupled to the plurality of horn antennas is disclosed. The waveguide feed network is coupled to each horn antenna, splits an information signal into a first component signal having a first polarization and a second component signal having a second polarization and provides a first summed component signal at a first feed port and a second summed component signal at a second feed port. The converter unit receives the first summed component signal and the second summed component signal and compensates for polarization skew between the antenna array and a source. |
| US09293831B1 |
Directional single-axis horn-reflector antenna
A horn-reflector antenna for tracking the location of in-flight aircraft is provided. The antenna includes an upwardly-opening horn having a reflector attached thereto. The horn may have an asymmetric rectangular cross-section and comprise at least one upwardly and outwardly extending side wall. The reflector includes a reflecting surface that may have a generally hyperbolic paraboloid shape or saddle shape. The horn and reflector may be constructed from a polymer material in an injection molding process. The reflecting surface of the reflector and the inner surfaces of the horn may be coated with a reflective or conductive material, for example, a paint comprising sliver-plated copper particles. In use, the horn-reflector antenna may be adapted to rotate around the longitudinal axis of a stationary waveguide feed. As such, the antenna of the present invention can be adapted for operation without the use of a rotary joint or a slip ring. |