| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09378791B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for controlling a clock signal provided to a clock tree
Apparatuses, sense circuits, and methods for controlling a clock signal to a clock tree is described. An example apparatus includes a consecutive write command detection circuit configured to detect whether a next write command is received within a consecutive write command period of a current write command responsive to the current write command provided at an output of the write command register. The example apparatus further includes a clock signal control circuit coupled to the consecutive write command detection circuit and configured to control a clock signal to an input/output (I/O) latch based on whether the consecutive write command detection circuit detects that the next write command is within the consecutive write command period. |
| US09378790B2 |
Apparatus and method for buffered write commands in a memory
Memories, buffered write command circuits, and methods for executing memory commands in a memory. In some embodiments, read commands that are received after write commands are executed internally prior to executing the earlier received write commands. Write commands are buffered so that the commands can be executed upon completion of the later received read command. One example of a buffered write command circuit includes a write command buffer to buffer write commands and propagate buffered write commands therethrough in response to a clock signal and further includes write command buffer logic. The write command buffer logic generates an active clock signal to propagate the buffered write commands through the write command buffer for execution, suspends the active clock signal in response to receiving a read command after the write command is received, and restarts the active clock upon completion of the later received read command. |
| US09378789B2 |
Voltage level shifted self-clocked write assistance
Systems and methods for generating voltage level shifted self-clocked write assistance include a circuit with self-clocked true and complement data input signals in a first voltage domain. First and second full voltage level shifters are configured to generate voltage level shifted self-clocked intermediate true and complement signals in a second voltage domain, based on the self-clocked true and complement data input signals in the first voltage domain. Tristating logic including first and second complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuits are configured to generate voltage level shifted self-clocked tristated true and complement output signals used for providing write assistance for a memory array in the second voltage domain, based on the voltage level shifted self-clocked intermediate true and complements signals. |
| US09378783B2 |
I/O circuit with phase mixer for slew rate control
An apparatus includes a terminal, a first plurality of driver lines, and a first phase mixer. The driver lines drive the terminal to a first logic state responsive to a first enable signal. The first phase mixer is coupled to a first one of the first plurality of driver lines. The first phase mixer is operable to receive the first enable signal and a first delayed enable signal derived from the first enable signal and generate a first signal on the first driver line having a first configurable delay with respect to the first enable signal by mixing the first enable signal and the first delayed enable signal. |
| US09378781B1 |
System, apparatus, and method for sense amplifiers
An offset cancelling sense amplifier according to some examples of the disclosure may use a double sensing margin structure and positive feedback to achieve better performance characteristics and read stability without a multistage operation. For example, a sense amplifier may include a second pair of sensing switches cross coupled in parallel with a first pair of sensing switches and a pair of degeneration transistors coupled in line before a pair of load transistors. |
| US09378780B1 |
Sense amplifier
The present disclosure provides a sense amplifier. The sense amplifier includes a first inverting circuit, a second inverting circuit, a pre-charge circuit, a voltage adjusting circuit, and a discharge circuit. The first inverting circuit has a first input end and a first output end, and the second inverting circuit has a second input end and a second output end. The pre-charge circuit pulls up the voltage levels on the first and second output ends according to a power voltage during a pre-charge time period. The voltage adjusting circuit respectively receives a bit line voltage and a reference voltage during the pre-charge time period, and adjusts voltages on the first and second output ends respectively according to the voltage on the second and first receiving ends. The discharge circuit pulls down voltage levels on the first and second receiving ends of the voltage adjusting circuit during a discharge time period. |
| US09378777B2 |
Back gate bias voltage control of oxide semiconductor transistor
To stably control a threshold voltage of a functional circuit using an oxide semiconductor. A variable bias circuit, a monitoring oxide semiconductor transistor including a back gate, a current source, a differential amplifier, a reference voltage source, and a functional circuit which includes an oxide semiconductor transistor including a back gate are provided. The current source supplies current between a source and a drain of the monitoring oxide semiconductor transistor to generate a gate-source voltage in accordance with the current. The differential amplifier compares the voltage with a voltage of the reference voltage source, amplifies a difference, and outputs a resulting voltage to the variable bias circuit. The variable bias circuit is controlled by an output of the differential amplifier and supplies voltage to the back gate of the monitoring oxide semiconductor transistor and the back gate of the oxide semiconductor transistor included in the functional circuit. |
| US09378776B2 |
Semiconductor device, electronic component, and electronic device
A semiconductor device with a small cell area and excellent data read/write capability is achieved. In the semiconductor device, a wiring for writing data is provided, and a first transistor with a low off-state current is turned on to supply data to a gate of a second transistor and is turned off so that electric charge corresponding to data is retained. Moreover, a wiring for reading data is provided, and a third transistor is turned on so that data is read out in accordance with the on/off state of the second transistor retaining the electric charge. With this configuration, data write and data read are achieved in the same cycle. |
| US09378774B2 |
Interconnection for memory electrodes
Row and/or column electrode lines for a memory device are staggered such that gaps are formed between terminated lines. Vertical interconnection to central points along adjacent lines that are not terminated are made in the gap, and vertical interconnection through can additionally be made through the gap without contacting the lines of that level. |
| US09378772B2 |
Systems and methods for visualizing storage availability of a DVR
Systems and methods for visualizing storage availability are provided. Storage usage activity on a recording device is analyzed and used to determine storage availability over time. Change in storage availability is visualized using a graphic. A user may select a portion of the graphic corresponding to storage availability of the recording device at a particular time in the future. Upon selection of the graphic, the user may be presented with media assets which are associated with the storage availability of the recording device at the particular future time. These media assets may be assets that are stored, scheduled to be recorded, and/or scheduled to be deleted at the particular future time. |
| US09378770B2 |
Systems and methods of facilitating installment-by-installment consumption of discrete installments of a unitary media program
An exemplary method includes a computer-implemented media service system 1) dividing a unitary media program into a plurality of contiguous segments, 2) forming, from the plurality of contiguous segments, a plurality of discrete installments of the unitary media program, and 3) providing an end user of a media service with installment-by-installment access to the plurality of discrete installments of the unitary media program. In certain examples, the method may further include the system providing an option for selection by the end user to access the unitary media program by way of a normal-access mode or an installment-access mode. The normal-access mode may be configured to facilitate a start-to-finish consumption of the unitary media program in a single playback session, and the installment-access mode may be configured to facilitate installment-by-installment consumption of the discrete installments of the unitary media program in multiple, discrete playback sessions. |
| US09378767B2 |
Configuration of a physical control unit to support multiple logical control units for different tape drive types in a mainframe native tape attachment storage system
Method embodiments for facilitating configuration of a physical control unit to support multiple logical control units are provided. Each logical control unit supports communication with a single tape drive model type up to a maximum number of drives. A customer obtains a number N of logical control units through purchase, lease or other legitimate avenues. Based on the number of tape drive model types L and the number of tape drives for each type QL, the model types are mapped to the N LCUs. In general, mapping priority is given to the newer generation model types and the model types in which the number of attached tape drives QL exceeds the capacity M of a single LCU. An exception being that the oldest model type is ensured a mapping to an LCU. The LCUs may be reconfigured and the model types remapped on the physical CU if the customer adds different model types to the storage system or obtains a different number of LCUs. |
| US09378765B2 |
Systems and methods for differential message scaling in a decoding process
Systems and method relating generally to data processing, and more particularly to systems and methods for scaling messages in a data decoding circuit. In one embodiment, the systems and methods include applying a variable node algorithm, applying a check node algorithm, calculating a first number of errors, calculating a second number of errors, calculating a difference between the first and second number of errors, multiplying by scalar values to yield a scaled set of messages, and re-applying the variable node algorithm to the scaled set of messages. |
| US09378760B2 |
Data reader with tuned microstructure
A data reader may be configured with a tuned microstructure by initially cooling a substrate to a temperature of 100K or lower and subsequently depositing at least one layer of a data reader on the substrate while the substrate is maintained at the temperature. The tuned microstructure may consist of at least a grain size, grain size distribution, interface quality between multiple layers of the data reader, resistance-area product, and magnetoresistance. |
| US09378746B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding high frequency for bandwidth extension
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for encoding and decoding a high frequency for bandwidth extension. The method includes: estimating a weight; and generating a high frequency excitation signal by applying the weight between random noise and a decoded low frequency spectrum. |
| US09378743B2 |
Audio encoding method and system for generating a unified bitstream decodable by decoders implementing different decoding protocols
In a class of embodiments, an audio encoding system (typically, a perceptual encoding system that is configured to generate a single (“unified”) bitstream that is compatible with (i.e., decodable by) a first decoder configured to decode audio data encoded in accordance with a first encoding protocol (e.g., the multichannel Dolby Digital Plus, or DD+, protocol) and a second decoder configured to decode audio data encoded in accordance with a second encoding protocol (e.g., the stereo AAC, HE AAC v1, or HE AAC v2 protocol). The unified bitstream can include both encoded data (e.g., bursts of data) decodable by the first decoder (and ignored by the second decoder) and encoded data (e.g., other bursts of data) decodable by the second decoder (and ignored by the first decoder). In effect, the second encoding format is hidden within the unified bitstream when the bitstream is decoded by the first decoder, and the first encoding format is hidden within the unified bitstream when the bitstream is decoded by the second decoder. The format of the unified bitstream generated in accordance with the invention may eliminate the need for transcoding elements throughout an entire media chain and/or ecosystem. Other aspects of the invention are an encoding method performed by any embodiment of the inventive encoder, a decoding method performed by any embodiment of the inventive decoder, and a computer readable medium (e.g., disc) which stores code for implementing any embodiment of the inventive method. |
| US09378742B2 |
Apparatus for speech recognition using multiple acoustic model and method thereof
Disclosed are an apparatus for recognizing voice using multiple acoustic models according to the present invention and a method thereof. An apparatus for recognizing voice using multiple acoustic models includes a voice data database (DB) configured to store voice data collected in various noise environments; a model generating means configured to perform classification for each speaker and environment based on the collected voice data, and to generate an acoustic model of a binary tree structure as the classification result; and a voice recognizing means configured to extract feature data of voice data when the voice data is received from a user, to select multiple models from the generated acoustic model based on the extracted feature data, to parallel recognize the voice data based on the selected multiple models, and to output a word string corresponding to the voice data as the recognition result. |
| US09378741B2 |
Search results using intonation nuances
Systems and methods for responding to an audio query are presented. More particularly, vocalization nuances of a vocalized search query (audio query) are identified are utilized in responding to the audio query. In addition to converting the audio query to a textual representation, vocalization nuances of the audio query are identified. Search results are identified according to the textual representation of the audio query and in light of the vocalization nuances. A search results presentation is prepared in response to the audio query, where the search results presentation is based on the identified search results and also based on the vocalization nuances. The search results presentation is returned in response to the audio query. |
| US09378726B2 |
Acoustic panel assembly
An acoustic panel assembly may have one or more panels adaptable for reflecting sound waves and a support member to which the one or more panels may be attached. The support member may be extendable and retractable. The one or more panels and the support member may be collapsible into a housing. The one or more panels may be configured in one or more substantially planar portions, one or more substantially curved portions, or a combination thereof. |
| US09378724B2 |
Method and system for implementing near field communication
Disclosed are a method and a system for implementing near field communication (NFC). The method includes: modulating a digital signal to generate an audio signal with a transmitting device by utilizing a binary frequency shift keying modulation scheme; playing the generated audio signal with the transmitting device; receiving the audio signal by a receiving device; sampling the audio signal by the receiving device; and demodulating the sampled audio signal for obtaining the digital signal by the receiving device. The present disclosure is capable of implementing NFC between mobile communication devices not having NFC chips equipped, thereby solving the problems that hardware requirements which utilize schemes of the NFC standard are higher, and current application ranges are narrow. |
| US09378719B2 |
Technique for analyzing rhythm structure of music audio data
When a music audio to be analyzed is to be divided into a plurality of possible pattern segments based on estimated beat positions, it is divided in a plurality of different ways according to individual division models obtained by sequentially shifting the leading or first beat position of the possible pattern segments. Such division can provide plural sets of possible pattern segments with each of the sets corresponding to one of the division models. For each of the sets, comparison is made between individual possible pattern segments and individual reference performance patterns. For each of the possible pattern segments of the set, at least one reference performance pattern that matches the possible pattern segment is determined. Then, at least one combination of reference performance patterns is identified for each of the sets of possible pattern segments. One optimal combination is selected from among the identified combinations. |
| US09378716B1 |
Percussion instrument
A percussion instrument has a closed cavity (30) in which a multiplicity of sound-producing particles (3) are provided. The cavity (30) is bounded by a lower part forming a shell (20), with an opening which is directed upward in the use position as intended, and by a covering (2; 4) closing the opening. An inner side of the shell (20) forms a rolling surface (26) for the multiplicity of sound-producing particles (3), wherein the dimension of the shell (20) in height is smaller than half the dimension of the shell (20) in one of the widths, and wherein the covering (2; 4) forms an end stop for the sound-producing particles (3) moving on the rolling surface (26) in the direction of the covering (2; 4). |
| US09378713B1 |
Quick release adjustable bass drum beater assembly
A bass drum beater assembly which is to strike a bass drum face by actuation of a foot pedal. The bass drum beater assembly is capable of being quickly turned one hundred and eighty degrees to cause the back side of the beater head to strike the bass drum face rather than the front side. The bass drum beater assembly is also quickly axially adjustable to vary the striking position on the bass drum face. |
| US09378708B2 |
Driving device, display device including the driving device, and driving method of the display device
A driving device includes a memory configured to store an initial setting value to drive a display, a power source controller configured to output a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal controlling power applied to the display, and a switching unit configured to connect an input and output port to the memory when writing data to a memory and configured to connect the power source controller to the input and output port when driving the display. |
| US09378706B2 |
Display method and electronic device thereof
A uniform display method and an apparatus of a self-luminous display device are provided. In the method, a brightness value of an image to display is determined. An amount of a supply current corresponding to the image is controlled depending on the brightness value of the image. And the controlled amount of current is supplied to a self-light emitting device. |
| US09378704B2 |
Display device, data processing apparatus and method for driving the same
Provided is a display device including: a data processor controlling color reproducibility of RGB data under a low illumination environment to process an input image signal; a signal controller dividing the input image signal in a frame unit according to a vertical synchronization signal and the input image signal in a scan line unit according to a horizontal synchronization signal to generate an image data signal; and a data driver receiving the image data signal to transfer a plurality of data signals to each of the plurality of data lines coupled to a plurality of pixels. The display device reduces glaring and provides a higher-definition image to a user due to the accurate representation of neutral white under the high illumination environment. |
| US09378700B2 |
Device and method for adjusting a power supply voltage for a display panel, and display device
The present invention provides a device for adjusting a power supply voltage for a display panel, comprising a timing controller and a power management unit connected thereto, wherein the timing controller is able to send a power supply voltage reduction signal to the power management unit, and the power management unit is able to output a reduced power supply voltage according to the power supply voltage reduction signal. |
| US09378699B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel function, a second substrate has detection electrodes of a touch panel, each pixel has a pixel electrode and a counter electrode, the counter electrode is divided into a plurality of blocks, and the counter electrodes of the respective divided blocks are shared to the respective pixels of a plurality of display lines side by side, the counter electrodes of the respective divided blocks is also used as scanning electrodes of the touch panel, and a driver circuit is provided to apply a counter voltage and a touch panel scanning voltage to the counter electrodes of the respective divided blocks, and the driver circuit can adjust a supply start timing of the touch panel scanning voltage to be applied to the counter electrodes of the respective divided blocks. |
| US09378698B2 |
Pixel driving circuit and method, array substrate and liquid crystal display apparatus
A pixel driving circuit and method, an array substrate and a LCD apparatus, solve the problem of a deterioration of an image quality due to an insufficient charging to a pixel electrode when a refreshing frequency of the LCD is relatively high. The pixel driving circuit comprises n rows of scanning lines, where n is an integer and n≧3, and the pixel driving circuit further comprises a pre-charging unit connected to each row of scanning line, for activating the (i+2)th row of scanning line at the same time when the ith row of scanning line is activated, where i is an integer and 1≦i≦n−2. The array substrate comprises a number of pixel units distributed in a matrix, and further comprises the pixel driving circuit as described above. The LCD apparatus comprises the array substrate as described above. The pixel driving method is used for driving n rows of scanning lines, where n is an integer and n≧3, and activating the (i+2)th row of scanning line at the same time when the ith row of scanning line is activated, where i is an integer and 1≦i≦n−2. |
| US09378696B2 |
Shift register unit and driving method, shift register circuit and display apparatus
A shift register unit and a driving method and a display apparatus can realize outputting of two gate line signals in one shift register unit, which is convenient to a circuit integration design of products and also facilitates an implementation of a narrow bezel product. The shift register unit comprises a first input module, a second input module, a first gate line driving signal module, a second gate line driving signal module, a pulling-down module and a resetting module. |
| US09378694B2 |
Drive control device, display device including the same, and drive control method
Low frequency drive is performed that provides, after a charging period for refreshing a screen, a pause period for pausing the refresh. The length of the charging period is, for example, one frame and the length of the pause period is, for example, 59 frames. When new image data IMD is transmitted from a host to an LCD driver IC during the pause period, an interrupt process where the pause period is allowed to transition to the charging period is performed immediately thereafter. By performing the interrupt process, without waiting for the pause period with the predetermined length to end, the next charging period where refresh based on the new image data IMD is to be performed starts. |
| US09378687B2 |
Display apparatus and electronic apparatus including sub pixels having different areas
A display apparatus includes: a plurality of sub pixels that are included in a single pixel, that respectively perform a predetermined display based on a voltage which is supplied using a first electrode and a second electrode and display colors which are different from each other, wherein the plurality of sub pixels include areas which are different from each other, and respectively include pixels which have memory properties. |
| US09378684B2 |
Method of compensating for pixel data and liquid crystal display
A method of compensating for pixel data includes extending a side portion and a corner portion of a real screen to set an virtual screen, setting dimming values of the virtual screen using dimming values of the real screen, calculating an amount of light of each of pixels on the real screen using the dimming values of the virtual screen mapped to a predetermined analysis area, and multiplying the amount of light of each pixel by a gain of each pixel to modulate pixel data. |
| US09378683B2 |
Display device and driving method thereof
A display device is disclosed. In one aspect, the display device includes a display panel including a plurality of pixels, and a data driver including a plurality of data output unit buffers electrically connected to a plurality of data lines electrically connected to the pixels. Each of the data output unit buffers includes an output terminal, a first transistor for applying a high level data voltage to the output terminal, and a second transistor for applying a low level data voltage to the output terminal. Each of the data output unit buffers also includes a first switch electrically connecting the first and second transistors to the output terminal, and a second switch electrically connecting a ground voltage to the output terminal. |
| US09378680B2 |
Pixel driving circuit, driving method thereof and display panel
A pixel driving circuit includes a first switch, a capacitor, a second switch and at least one organic light emitting diode. The first switch includes a first end for receiving data voltage, a control end for receiving a first scan signal, and a second end for outputting the data voltage. The capacitor includes a first end coupled to the second end of the first switch, and a second end. The second switch includes a first end coupled to the second end of the first switch, a control end for receiving a second scan signal, and a second end. The at least one organic light emitting diode includes a first end coupled to the second end of the second switch, and a second end coupled to the second end of the capacitor. |
| US09378679B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit, self-luminous display panel module, electronic apparatus, and method for driving power supply line
A semiconductor integrated circuit and corresponding display panel and electronic apparatus. A pixel element includes a self-luminous element and a drive transistor connected to a power supply line. In an emission period of the self-luminous element, an active voltage and an intermediate voltage are sequentially applied between the power supply line and a potential line with a pulse-shaped waveform such that a predetermined luminance duration is obtained in the emission period. In a non-emission period of the self-luminous element, an off-state voltage is applied between the power supply line and the potential line so as to maintain the self-luminous element in a non-emission state. |
| US09378676B2 |
Display device and electronic apparatus
Provided is an active matrix display device using an organic EL panel including: a plurality of pixel circuits each including an organic light emitting diode arranged in a pixel region of the organic EL panel and a plurality of transistors configured to drive the organic light emitting diode; a plurality of scanning lines arranged along a first direction in the organic EL panel; and a plurality of data lines arranged along a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. In at least one set of pixel circuits that are adjacent in the first direction, gate electrodes and impurity diffusion regions of the plurality of transistors have an axisymmetric layout. Gate electrodes of at least one set of transistors that are symmetrically arranged in the at least one set of pixel circuits are integrated. |
| US09378672B2 |
Organic light emitting display device and driving method thereof
An organic light emitting display device includes pixels at intersection regions of scan and data lines, a scan driver configured to supply a scan signal to the scan lines, a data driver configured to supply a data signal to the data lines, and a timing controller configured to receive from outside frame data including left and right image data, and to insert first blank periods into initial and latter periods of a same frame, the left and right image data being between the initial and latter periods of the same frame. |
| US09378670B2 |
Display with black matrix
A display includes a first substrate; gate lines and data lines defining a first color, second color, and third color pixel area; a first color, second color, and third color pixel transistor located in the first color, second color, and third color pixel area respectively; a second substrate; and a black matrix, wherein the black matrix has a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion extends from an edge of a first color pixel active layer for a first shading distance, the second portion extends from an edge of a third pixel active layer for a second shading distance larger than the first shading distance. |
| US09378668B2 |
Pixel, display device including the pixel, and driving method of the display device
A pixel, a display device including the same, and a driving method thereof. After the anode voltage of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) is discharged and reset, a first voltage corresponding to a data voltage applied to a storage capacitor is transmitted to a compensation capacitor. A voltage corresponding to the threshold voltage of the driving transistor is transmitted to the compensation capacitor. The data voltage is stored according to a data signal corresponding to the storage capacitor. The organic light emitting diode (OLED) emits light according to a driving current flowing to the driving transistor by the voltage stored to the compensation capacitor. Here, the light emitting steps of a plurality of pixels are concurrently generated, and a scan step and the light emitting step are temporally overlapped. |
| US09378665B2 |
Tactile relief films, decals and stickers for indicating object characteristics
A system and method of making and using tactile relief stickers, decals or moldings to indicate object characteristics, for example to indicate object color. The system can include a plurality of stickers. Each sticker can have a first surface with a relief texture and a second surface opposite the first surface. Each sticker can also have a relief texture corresponding to an object characteristic selected from the group consisting of weight, type of the end of the object, and object hardness. The second surface can have an adhesive applied thereto. |
| US09378660B1 |
Dental arch models
An arch model has a set of teeth and a wall which bridges the set of teeth and has a surface opposite the set of teeth. A sheet containing indicia is placed between the surface of the arch model and a transparent zone of a cover. The cover is separably attached to the arch model. The resulting arch model has the sheet containing indicia disposed between the surface of the arch model and the transparent zone of the cover so that the indicia can be read through the cover. The sheet can be replaced by separating the cover from the arch model, replacing the sheet, and then re-attaching the cover. |
| US09378652B2 |
Musical learning and interaction through shapes
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for musical learning and interaction. Embodiments include presenting a playable portion of a musical instrument at a user interface. The user interface includes a video layer. The video layer is configured to visually present one or more frames of video. The user interface also includes a virtual musical instrument or a playable portion of the virtual musical instrument. At least the playable portion of the virtual musical instrument is overlaid over a least a portion of the video layer, and is at least partially transparent. As such, the portion of the video layer over which the playable portion of the virtual musical instrument is overlaid shows through the virtual musical instrument. |
| US09378649B2 |
Masking partial text data in digital document
Displaying digital document data with partial text data therein replaced with unreadable mask data. A designation is made of partial text data to be replaced within digital document data with the unreadable mask data. Replacement document data is generated. A selection of one of the plurality of rule information pieces is accepted. Then, based on the replacement information extracted by using a selection-accepted rule information piece, the unique identification information included in the replaced document data is replaced with either the unreadable mask data or the partial text data. |
| US09378648B2 |
Peered proctoring
Systems and methods described herein utilize a distributed server network to allow for the real-time distribution of copies of a data stream uploaded from a computing device. The uploaded data stream corresponds to an environment surrounding a user (exam taker) of the computing device during execution of a testing routine for an examination. Providing copies of the data stream in real-time allows proctors as well as other test assessment authorities to ‘peek in’on the exam taker's environment during the exam. As a result, the environment surrounding the exam taker can be monitored in real-time to determine whether any visual or audio activity in the environment constitutes activity not in accordance with the exam protocol. Following an affirmative determination that the exam taker violated an exam taking protocol, a proctor or other test assessment authority can then make a final or early decision regarding disciplinary action. |
| US09378645B2 |
Method and device for constructing a vertical profile for a descent and/or an approach of an aircraft
This relates to a method and device for constructing a vertical profile for an aircraft descent and/or approach. The construction device comprises a data-capture unit configured to provide, for at least one of a plurality of parameters, a value relating to a user strategy. A construction unit is configured to automatically construct a vertical profile for an aircraft descent and/or approach, using the value thus provided. |
| US09378642B2 |
Vehicle control apparatus, target lead-vehicle designating apparatus, and vehicle control method
In a target lead-vehicle designating apparatus, a vehicle tracking ECU compares surrounding vehicle information acquired through an inter-vehicle communication unit and vehicle information on preceding vehicles detected by a radar device to designate a target lead-vehicle. The communicated speed of the other vehicles and the detected speed of the preceding vehicles are compared in terms of velocity component in the travel direction of a host vehicle to identify the target lead-vehicle. Accordingly, the target lead-vehicle may be accurately identified even if the target lead-vehicle is close to other vehicles. |
| US09378638B2 |
Emergency alert system using management controller in network
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an Emergency Alert System (EAS) display controller. The EAS display controller includes: (a) a processor, (b) a network interface controller configurable to be in communication with an out-of-band network, (c) a communication-interface controller configurable to be in communication with a signage device and in compliance with a control standard, a memory storing firmware. The firmware is configured to, when executed by the processor, (a) establish an out-of-band communication channel with at least one EAS message source, (b) receive an EAS message from the at least one EAS message source through the out-of-band channel, (c) extract an alert message from the EAS message, (d) construct a signage device control command in accordance with the control standard, and (e) send the command to the signage device to instruct the signage device to display the alert message. |
| US09378636B2 |
Fall detector and method of determining a fall in a social alarm system
A fall detector unit is worn by a patient and performs a wakeup when an acceleration signal exceeds a predetermined threshold. A barometer provides a series of pressure readings over a pressure examination period to provide a first pressure difference value. The pressure signals are further monitored over a compensation period after the examination period to obtain a second pressure difference value representing background environmental changes. The first pressure difference value is compensated by the second pressure difference value to obtain a total pressure difference value and thus derive a total height difference value. The fall detector unit determines a fall event using the total height difference value. |
| US09378634B1 |
Leveraging neighbors' wireless access points in wireless-signal-variation-based physical intruder detection systems
A method for intruder detection is provided. The method includes monitoring, at a wireless sniffer in a building, received signal strength relative to each of a plurality of wireless access points, wherein a first wireless access point of the plurality of wireless access points is located within the building and a second wireless access point of the plurality of wireless access points is located external to the building. The method includes creating a profile of the received signal strength from each of the plurality of wireless access points, during a learn mode and comparing activity of the received signal strength from each of the plurality of wireless access points to the profile, during an intruder detection mode. The method includes issuing a notification, based on the comparing. An intruder detection system is also provided. |
| US09378628B2 |
System and method of allowing a player to play gaming machines having expanding symbol and column replication
The invention is directed to a gaming machine and method of providing a game. The game machine comprises a display and a controller. The display is configured to display a plurality of symbol positions displayed in a grid, the grid defining a plurality of columns. The controller is configured to: initiate a game; determine at least one symbol associated with each of the plurality of symbol positions along at least one of the columns and display the symbols in the at least one column; evaluate the symbols displayed within the at least one column to determine a highest ranked symbol; replace all remaining symbols displayed within the at least one column with the highest ranked symbol; and insert the highest ranked symbol into the symbol positions of at least one other column within the grid. |
| US09378620B2 |
Gaming device, system and method for awarding a progressive prize through free plays of a game feature
A gaming device, system and method are set forth which includes a progressive jackpot pool. Based upon a trigger condition at least a portion of the pool value PV is awarded to a player by providing free plays of a feature where each free play has an expected value EV. The number of free plays awarded is substantially PV/EV and where PV/EV includes a non-integer remainder R a remainder game having odds R/EV is played and if won an additional free play is awarded. The progressive trigger may be a mystery trigger. The free plays may be free spins of the gaming machine base game or one or more different games. |
| US09378618B2 |
Gaming system and method for accumulating and redeeming community game tokens
A gaming system which displays a community game to one or more participating players. During the community game, the gaming system accumulates one or more community game tokens for one or more participating players. The gaming system subsequently assigns a value to each community game token redeemed by each participating player. |
| US09378616B2 |
Device security in a gaming machine
A gaming system employs a device security firewall having a plurality of rules and an inclusion list of a plurality of devices allowed to operate on a gaming device for determining acceptable data traffic on the gaming device. |
| US09378615B2 |
Gaming table device having a game table on which the game medium is disposed
A gaming table device which can determine frauds precisely and human errors is provided. A plurality of antennas for reading medium identification information of the game medium disposed on a game table through a wireless communication are disposed at locations spaced away from each other, and when a first antenna of the plurality of antennas is selected, a second antenna spaced at a predetermined distance from the first antenna of the plurality of antennas is selected. |
| US09378609B2 |
Wagering game establishment offer tailoring
A system determines that current wagering game establishment activity data of a user satisfies wagering game establishment offer evaluation criteria (401). The system accesses, over a network, past activity data of the user at least partially in response to determining that the current wagering game establishment activity data of the user satisfies the wagering game establishment offer evaluation criteria (403). The system analyzes the past activity data based, at least in part, on a desired effect and the current wagering game establishment activity data (405). The system computes likelihood that at least one of a set of offers can achieve the desired effect based on the analysis result (407). The system selects a first of the set of offers based, at least in part, on determining the likelihood that at least one of the set of offers can achieve the desired effect (409). The system presents the selected first offer to the user (413). |
| US09378608B2 |
Progressive gaming system, apparatus and method providing a primary game in conjunction with an independent progressive game
A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed that include generating a set of primary game outcomes with each primary game outcome being associated with a result in a primary game. A set of progressive prize bearing outcomes are associated with the set of first game outcomes according to a progressive win frequency rule. Each progressive prize bearing record is associated with a progressive win indicator and a progressive prize. A primary game outcome is determined in response to a game play request by a player. If the primary game outcome is associated with a winning result, the player is provided a corresponding award; independent of the primary game result, if the primary game outcome is associated with one of the progressive prize bearing records, the player is awarded a corresponding progressive prize. |
| US09378604B1 |
Coin recognition system and method
A coin handling system performs a one or two-part coin handling and recognition process. In the first part of the two-part process, the system images bulk coins, determines the coin types or other attributes, and returns at least some of the coins to the bulk coin receptacle; in the second part, the system re-images the coins and uses the coin types or attributes determined in the first part to efficiently and economically perform machine recognition of attributes of the coins. The output is used to handle the coins and to determine a price to pay for the coins. The images are bright field images suitable for use by people. |
| US09378600B2 |
Physical access request authorization
In a method for controlling physical access to a computing device a first access request to a room containing the computing device is received. In response, a processor determines that the first access request is valid based on the room and the date and time of the first access request and unlocks a door to the room to permit entry to the room. Subsequently, a second access request to a cabinet that is located in the room and contains the computing device is received. In response, a processor determines that the second access request is valid based on the cabinet and the date and time of the second access request and unlocks the cabinet to permit access to the computing device. |
| US09378599B2 |
Access management system and method
An access management system and method are provided. The access management system includes an authentication means having an authentication key indicating an identity of a visitor, an authentication terminal configured to register by receiving user information corresponding to the authentication key, and store the user information matched with the authentication key recognized when the visitor accesses as an access history information of the visitor, and a user terminal configured to provide the user information corresponding to the authentication key to the authentication terminal. |
| US09378598B2 |
Wireless access control system and related methods
A wireless access control system includes a remote access device and an electronic lock. The electronic lock communicates with the remote access device. The electronic lock controls the ability to lock and unlock a door in which the electronic lock is disposed. The electronic lock determines when the remote access device is at a distance less than or equal to a predetermined distance from the lock to enable the lock to be unlocked. |
| US09378588B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of controlling applications of the same
A mobile terminal and method of controlling applications of the same are disclosed, by which each operation of all applications currently executed in a multitasking mode can be effectively controlled within one picture. The present invention includes executing a plurality of applications, displaying an execution picture of a first application among a plurality of the executed applications on a screen, and displaying a 3D polyhedron displaying a control window of at least one of a plurality of the applications except the first application on a corresponding facet of the 3D polyhedron on a screen in the course of displaying the execution picture of the first application. |
| US09378587B2 |
Systems and methods for creating a three-dimensional texture atlas
Systems and methods for reducing the amount of texture cache memory needed to store a texture atlas by using uniquely grouped refined triangles to create each texture atlas. |
| US09378585B2 |
System and method for automatic geometric correction using RPC
The present invention relates to a technique for correcting a geometric image error calculated as a rational polynomial coefficient (RPC) only through a corresponding point extracted from a digital elevation model (DEM) and a stereoscopic image without direct measurement of a ground control point (GCP). To this end, a system for automatic geometric correction using an RPC in accordance with the present invention comprises: an auxiliary data extraction unit; a corresponding point extraction unit; a first ground coordinate extraction unit; a second ground coordinate extraction unit; an RPC correction model generation unit; and an image distortion correction unit. The auxiliary data extraction unit extracts two or more different images captured from the same ground surface and auxiliary data of the two or more different images. The corresponding point extraction unit extracts a corresponding point from the two or more different images through image matching. The first ground coordinate extraction unit extracts first ground coordinates from the corresponding point and an RPC model of the auxiliary data. The second ground coordinate extraction unit extracts second ground coordinates by using the first ground coordinates and a correlation coefficient of a DEM. The RPC correction model generation unit generates an RPC correction model by correcting the RPC model on the basis of the second ground coordinates. The image distortion correction unit corrects distortion of an image by allocating ground coordinates to each image coordinates of the image by using the second ground coordinates and the RPC correction model. |
| US09378584B2 |
Systems and methods for rendering virtual try-on products
A computer-implemented method for rendering virtual try-on products is described. A first render viewpoint is selected of a virtual 3-D space that includes a 3-D model of at least a portion of a user generated from an image of the user and a 3-D polygon mesh of an object. Polygons of the 3-D polygon mesh are designated as backwards-facing polygons and front-facing polygon in relation to the first render viewpoint. A shadow texture map of the object is applied to the 3-D model of the user. A transparency texture map of the object is applied to the backwards-facing polygon of the 3-D polygon mesh of the object. A first color texture map of the object is applied to the result of the application of the transparency texture map to the backwards-facing polygon. The virtual 3-D space is rendered at the first render viewpoint. |
| US09378583B2 |
Apparatus and method for bidirectionally inpainting occlusion area based on predicted volume
An apparatus and method for bidirectionally inpainting an occlusion area appearing during generation of a virtual viewpoint image, using a foreground area and a background area based on a predicted volume are provided. The method includes receiving an input of a depth image and a color image, the depth image having depth information for a first viewpoint, and the color image having color information for the first viewpoint, generating a virtual viewpoint image at a second viewpoint based on the depth image and the color image, separating the virtual viewpoint image into a foreground area and a background area, based on the depth information and direction information regarding a direction from the first viewpoint to the second viewpoint, predicting a three-dimensional (3D) volume of the foreground area, and inpainting an occlusion area bidirectionally using the foreground area and the background area, based on the predicted 3D volume, the occlusion area being included in the virtual viewpoint image. |
| US09378581B2 |
Approaches for highlighting active interface elements
A graphical user interface can provide a three-dimensional appearance that is consistent for changes in a current location or point of view of a user. The user's point of view can be determined by analyzing images showing a current relative location of the user with respect to the device, and motion sensors operable to provide information about changes in orientation or position of the device. In addition to point of view updates, the interface can render active elements such that the elements appear to be closer to an outer surface of the display element. Such rendering can enable the user to easily determine which elements are active, such as may be used to provide text input to the device. |
| US09378578B1 |
Automated video looping with progressive dynamism
Various technologies described herein pertain to generating a video loop. An input video can be received, where the input video includes values at pixels over a time range. An optimization can be performed to determine a respective input time interval within the time range of the input video for each pixel from the pixels in the input video. The respective input time interval for a particular pixel can include a per-pixel loop period and a per-pixel start time of a loop at the particular pixel within the time range from the input video. Moreover, an output video can be created based upon the values at the pixels over the respective input time intervals for the pixels in the input video. |
| US09378576B2 |
Online modeling for real-time facial animation
Embodiments relate to a method for real-time facial animation, and a processing device for real-time facial animation. The method includes providing a dynamic expression model, receiving tracking data corresponding to a facial expression of a user, estimating tracking parameters based on the dynamic expression model and the tracking data, and refining the dynamic expression model based on the tracking data and estimated tracking parameters. The method may further include generating a graphical representation corresponding to the facial expression of the user based on the tracking parameters. Embodiments pertain to a real-time facial animation system. |
| US09378574B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing makeup avatar
An apparatus and method for producing a makeup avatar is disclosed. The apparatus may include a spectrum information metadata generating unit to generate spectrum information metadata, based on skin spectrum information of a user and cosmetics spectrum information related to makeup, a makeup information generating unit to receive, from the user, a makeup avatar to which makeup is applied through a user terminal, and to generate makeup information of the makeup avatar, a control information determining unit to determine control information for controlling a makeup status of the makeup avatar, based on the makeup information and the spectrum information metadata, and a makeup avatar metadata generating unit to generate makeup avatar metadata, based on spectrum information metadata corresponding to the control information and the makeup information. |
| US09378573B2 |
Information processing apparatus and control method thereof
In an image processing apparatus, an image including an object is displayed on an operation surface. A position in the image that is designated by a user input is recognized. When the object is displayed at the recognized position, different editing operations with respect to the object are accepted according to the length of duration during which the position is continuously designated. As the different editing operations, at least a copying operation to copy the object and a cutting operation to cut the object from the image are distinctively accepted. |
| US09378569B2 |
Information processing apparatus and control method thereof
An information processing apparatus for inputting minutes data comprises an input unit which inputs the minutes data, a designation unit which designates, among a plurality of object images displayed on a display screen, at least one object images to be stored together with the minutes data, and a determination unit which determines, based on the minutes data input by the input unit, the plurality of object images to be displayed on the display screen. |
| US09378564B2 |
Methods for color correcting digital images and devices thereof
A method, non-transitory medium and color correction computing device that identifies an area of interest in a digital image comprising a plurality of pixels. A white point in the identified area of interest is determined. One or more corrected colorimetric data points are determined for each of the plurality of pixels in the identified area of interest based on the determined white point. One or more output colors in the digital image are corrected using the determined one or more corrected colorimetric data points. |
| US09378557B2 |
Microfluidic device for assessing object/test material interactions
An object/test material interaction microti iridic device comprising a sample inlet adapted to receive a fluid sample comprising a plurality of objects, an outlet adapted to output the fluid sample from the device, at least one internal surface defining a flow cavity within the device, wherein the flow cavity extends between and is connected to the sample inlet and the outlet for flow of the fluid sample through the flow cavity, the flow cavity comprises a test area to which at least one test material is attached and which is situated in the flow cavity for flow of the fluid sample over the test area, and the flow cavity has an aspect ratio which, when the flow cavity is substantially filled by the fluid sample, provides a substantially constant shear force between the test area and the fluid sample flowing over the test area. The invention further comprises a system incorporating the device, methods of use of the device and system, and methods of analyzing interactions. |
| US09378555B2 |
Enhanced outlier removal for 8 point algorithm used in camera motion estimation
A method to filter outliers in an image-aided motion-estimation system is provided. The method includes selecting eight-image-points in a first image received from a moving imaging device at at least one processor; selecting eight-image-points in a second image that correspond to the selected eight-image-points in the first image at the at least one processor, the second image being received from the moving imaging device; scaling the selected image-points at the at least one processor so the components of the selected image-points are between two selected values on the order magnitude of 1; building an 8-by-9 matrix (A) from the scaled selected image-points at the at least one processor; determining a condition number for the 8-by-9 matrix at the at least one processor; and rejecting the 8-by-9 matrix built from the selected image-points when the determined condition number is greater than or equal to a condition-number threshold. |
| US09378554B2 |
Real-time range map generation
A system, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for range map generation is disclosed. The method may include receiving an image from a camera and receiving a 3D point cloud from a range detection unit. The method may further include transforming the 3D point cloud from range detection unit coordinates to camera coordinates. The method may further include projecting the transformed 3D point cloud into a 2D camera image space corresponding to the camera resolution to yield projected 2D points. The method may further include filtering the projected 2D points based on a range threshold. The method may further include generating a range map based on the filtered 2D points and the image. |
| US09378546B2 |
Image defect visibility predictor
In at least some examples, a system comprises a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores an image defect visibility predictor that, when executed by the processor, compares an original image with a defect image and outputs a predicted defect visibility image (PDVI) that accounts for defect masking by the original image. |
| US09378542B2 |
System and processor implemented method for improved image quality and generating an image of a target illuminated by quantum particles
According to some embodiments, system and methods for image improvement comprise: receiving a plurality of frames of a given region of interest, the frames comprised of a plurality of pixels; determining, based on a quantum property of the frames, a normalized pixel intensity value for each pixel of each of the plurality of frames; and generating an improved image of the given region of interest based on the plurality of frames and the corresponding normalized pixel intensity values for the frames, the order of the image being two. Also embodiments for generating an image of a target illuminated by quantum entangled particles, such as, photons, are disclosed. |
| US09378540B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, and imaging device
According to one embodiment, an image processing device includes a calculator, and an output interface. The calculator acquires image information including a value of a first pixel and values of peripheral pixels disposed around the first pixel. The first pixel is disposed at a first position and has a first color. The calculator calculates a first feature quantity of the value of the first pixel relating to a difference between the value of the first pixel and the values of the peripheral pixels. The calculator calculates a value relating to a second color at the first position by using a first filter coefficient and the values of the peripheral pixels. The first filter coefficient is determined according to the first feature quantity and the first position. The output interface outputs the calculated value relating to the second color at the first position. |
| US09378539B1 |
Image processing method and mobile electronic device
Provided is an image processing method adapted for a mobile electronic device. The image processing method includes the steps of: deriving an original image; and executing a calculating procedure according to the original image to derive an up-sample image. The calculating procedure includes the steps of: making the up-sample image to be overlapped with the original image; deriving pixels of the original image overlapped with an nth pixel of the up-sample image and pixel values of the pixels; deriving a proportion between each of the pixels of the original image (that overlapped with the nth pixel of the up-sample image) and the nth pixel, and setting the proportion as a weight; and calculating a pixel value of the nth pixel of the up-sample image according to the pixel values of the pixels of the original image overlapped with the nth pixel of the up-sampling image and the corresponding weight. |
| US09378537B2 |
Control device
A control device includes: a first acquisition unit which, when a specific data storage server is selected, acquires specific server identification information; a second acquisition unit which, upon acquiring the specific server identification information, acquires specific file type information of specific data from the specific data storage server; a determination unit which determines whether the specific data has an interpretable format, based on the specific server identification information and the specific file type information; a conversion processing execution unit which, when the specific data does not have the interpretable format, causes a specific conversion server to convert the specific data to data having the interpretable format; and an output processing execution unit which causes an image output apparatus to output a specific image expressed by the specific data without causing the specific conversion server to execute the conversion when the specific data is determined to have the interpretable format. |
| US09378530B2 |
Smart socket for automatically switching between electricity utilization modes
The present invention is to provide a smart socket, which includes a timing unit for obtaining current time; a power receiving/output unit for receiving electricity from an external power supply or outputting electricity to a power storage device; an electricity quantity monitoring unit for detecting power value of electricity received from the power receiving/output unit; a home appliance power supply unit and an electricity selling power supply unit for transmitting electricity to an electronic device and an electricity purchaser circuit, respectively; a switching unit connected to the electricity quantity monitoring unit, home appliance power supply unit and electricity selling power supply unit, and being set with a home appliance mode, a power storage mode and an electricity selling mode; and a processing unit connected to the timing unit, electricity quantity monitoring unit and switching unit for switching mode of the switching unit according to the current time and power value. |
| US09378525B2 |
Integrated electronic credit application, contracting and securitization system and method
The present invention is an integrated electronic credit application, contracting, and securitization system and method. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises the following integrated components: a Credit Application Module, an eContracting Module and an eDocument Storage Module. Together the components enable “paper-lese” commercial transactions. |
| US09378514B2 |
Secure tokenless transaction system and method
The tokenless transaction system described herein allows a user conduct financial transactions absent the need for his/her credit cards, debit cards, promotional cards, discount cards, and all other cards typically used in executing a financial transactions. In the same manner, the chances to have a card lost or stolen are reduced, bolstering the security of the user's financial information. The transaction terminals list the entire collection of a user's credit cards and the like and allow the user to access any one or a combination of the cards to finish a financial transaction. These accounts are accessed via multiple layers of security and the system further employs various security strategies to protect the user's sensitive information. |
| US09378511B2 |
Real-time appointment of enterprise mobile agents in response to customer requests
Techniques for enabling real-time enterprise workforce management over a telecom network are provided. The techniques include receiving real-time workforce information from one or more telecom networks, and using the real-time information for dynamic load optimization to enable real-time enterprise workforce management. |
| US09378509B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to measure geographical features using an image of a geographical location
Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to measure geographical features using an image of a geographical location are disclosed. An example method includes identifying first features of a first open market from a first image of a first geographic area, identifying second features of a second image of a second geographic area, comparing the first features to the second features, and identifying a second open market in the second image based on the comparison. |
| US09378507B2 |
System and method of disseminating electronic content utilizing geographic and time granularities
A system and method for disseminating electronic content by defining a plurality of places each having a location and at least one place attribute associated therewith, receiving electronic content from a network, identifying a target geographic extent for the electronic content, identifying a target time extent for the electronic content, identifying at least one of the plurality of places based upon its location being within the target geographic extent, identifying an electronic device located at or proximate to the identified at least one place while within the target time extent, and distributing the electronic content to the identified electronic device over a network. |
| US09378506B1 |
Security chip
A security chip against counterfeiting, especially for banknotes and other documents (e.g. pre-numbered forms), enabling the verification of the authenticity of a document. |
| US09378504B2 |
Highlighting related points of interest in a geographical region
A mapping system determines points of interest that are related to a selected point of interest within a digital map displayed at a client computing device. The system receives a request for mapping system data from a client computing device. The request indicates a selected point of interest (POI) that is displayed at a geographic location within the digital map. The selected POI corresponds to a list of words describing characteristics of the selected POI, and each word corresponding to the selected POI word includes a base score describing an importance of the word compared to a list of all words corresponding to displayable POIs. The system determines POIs that are related to the selected POI by comparing base scores of the selected POI words to base scores of related POI words, where the related POIs each include at least one word in common with the selected POI. |
| US09378502B2 |
Using biometrics to recover password in customer mobile device
A bank customer's CE device is used to authorize transactions using the customer's electronic debit or credit card (“e-card”). Biometric input is used to recover the password of the customer device if lost. |
| US09378501B2 |
Controlled access to functionality of a wireless device
Various embodiments of the invention may be used to verify that a person being authorized by biometric techniques to use a device is a living person and not some form of recording intended to spoof the system. Some embodiments may try to cause a change in a measured biometric feature, and compare images taken before and after the change to verify the change occurred. In some embodiments, multiple stages of verification may be used, either to increase the difficulty of spoofing the security system, or to provide different levels of security for different levels of access to the device's functionality. |
| US09378495B1 |
System and method for providing contactless payment with a near field communications attachment
A system and method in accordance with exemplary embodiments may include an attachment with a near field communication antenna, a secure element, a plug capable of connecting the attachment to an audio jack on a mobile device. Further, a system and method in accordance with exemplary embodiments may include receiving a payment initiation instruction from a customer, using a near field communication antenna, sending payment information to a point of sale device, using one or more computer processors, encoding data related to the payment as audio data, and transmitting the data related to the payment through an audio jack. |
| US09378494B2 |
Suspending and resuming transactions through wireless beacon communications
There are provided systems and methods for suspending and resuming transactions through wireless beacon communications. A merchant may set up a wireless beacon with employee devices. The beacons may connect to a user's device and assist the employee with determining and suspending a transaction for the user. Based on the connections between the user's device and a wireless beacon attached to an employee device, the employee device may receive an identifier for the user. The identifier may also be received from a previous check-in by the user. The employee or a user may scan one or more items that the user may wish to purchase. A transaction may be generated using the scan and may be associated with the user's identifier. Later the transaction may be recalled using the user's identifier or a transaction code identifying the transaction. Payment information for the user may also be associated with the transaction. |
| US09378493B2 |
Mobile communication device near field communication (NFC) transactions
A method for transmitting data between a mobile communication device and a server. The method includes running a mobile application on the mobile communication device. The mobile application is hosted on the mobile communication device through the server as a Software as a Service (SaaS). The method further includes transmitting data associated with the mobile application between the mobile communication device and the server, in which transmission of the data between the mobile communication device and the server is monitored through the server. |
| US09378488B1 |
Selecting subsets of participants in electronic message threads
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, computer program products, and systems for selecting subsets of participants in electronic message threads. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to exclude participants based, at least in part, on activity level from message conversations, thereby streamlining message conversation and reducing unwanted message communications. |
| US09378486B2 |
Automatic interview question recommendation and analysis
Described herein are methods and systems for interview question or prompt recommendation and analysis to improve the quality and efficacy of subsequent evaluation campaigns by combining data sets are described herein. In one method, processing logic selects a first prompt from a first data set of a first candidate evaluation campaign and a second prompt from a second data set of a second candidate evaluation campaign. The processing logic determines whether a degree of similarity between the first prompt and the second prompt exceeds a threshold and combines data from the first data set with data from the second data set to create a combined data set associated with the first prompt and with the second prompt based on the determination. |
| US09378477B2 |
Framework for internal quality analysis
An apparatus for assessing and controlling the quality of a project in a production environment is provided. The apparatus comprises a memory, a processor, and a module stored in memory, executable by the processor, and configured to: receive a deliverable; process the deliverable, wherein processing the deliverable comprises assigning a quality score to the deliverable; compare the quality score value to a threshold value; and determine if the deliverable requires an action in response to comparing the quality score to the threshold value. |
| US09378470B2 |
Systems and methods for improved access to an attraction
The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for improved access to an attraction via a computing device of a user. A first computing device of a user records an identification code associated with an attraction. The first computing device transmits, to a second computing device, a request for access to the attraction, the request comprising the identification code. The first computing device receives, from the second computing device, an access authorization comprising an access code. The first computing device presents the access code to an attraction operator for access to the attraction. |
| US09378469B2 |
Optimization of system control based on solving multi-point boundary value problems
An operation of a system is controlled according to a control trajectory represented by a solution of a set of differential equations satisfying boundary conditions, wherein the set of differential equations includes ordered piecewise differential equations. The set of differential equations is parameterized to produce a first set of parameters representing values of the solution at switching times and a second set of parameters representing values of the switching times. The first and the second sets of parameters are determined alternately until the boundary conditions are satisfied to produce the solution; and the control trajectory is generated based on the solution to control the operation of the system. |
| US09378468B2 |
Generic boxed components for multi-client systems
In one embodiment, a method includes defining a parent structure including an extension. A polymorphic structure is defined for the extension. The polymorphic structure is associated with a plurality of client specialization structures, each client specialization being associated with a client in a plurality of clients. During runtime by a computing device, the parent structure is generated with an extension to a client specialization structure associated with one of the plurality of clients where client specialization structures associated with other clients are not visible to the parent structure. |
| US09378466B2 |
Data reduction in nearest neighbor classification
A set S is initialized. Initially, S is empty; but, as the disclosed process is performed, items are added to it. It may contain one or more samples (e.g., items) from each class. One or more labeled samples for one or more classes may be obtained. A series of operations may be performed, iteratively, until a stopping criterion is reach to obtain the reduced set. For each class of the one or more classes, a point may be generated based on at least one sample in the class having a nearest neighbor in a set S with a different class label than the sample. The point may be added to the set S. The process may be repeated unless a stopping criterion is reached. A nearest neighbor for a submitted point in the set S may be identified and a candidate nearest neighbor may be output for the submitted point. |
| US09378463B2 |
System and method for fusing outputs from multiple LiDAR sensors
A system and method for fusing the outputs from multiple LiDAR sensors. The method includes providing object files for objects detected by the sensors at a previous sample time, where the object files identify the position, orientation and velocity of the detected objects. The method also includes receiving a plurality of scan returns from objects detected in the field-of-view of the sensors at a current sample time and constructing a point cloud from the scan returns. The method then segments the scan points in the point cloud into predicted clusters, where each cluster initially identifies an object detected by the sensors. The method matches the predicted clusters with predicted object models generated from objects being tracked during the previous sample time. The method creates new object models, deletes dying object models and updates the object files based on the object models for the current sample time. |
| US09378461B1 |
Rule based continuous drift and consistency management for complex systems
Techniques are for rule-based continuous drift and consistency management for target systems. In one embodiment, a set of rules is stored in volatile or non-volatile store. The set of rules may include one or more drift rules and/or one or more consistency rules. A rule may be applied to one or more associated targets to detect drift or inconsistency. A drift rule identifies a set of one or more attributes and a source and may be applied by comparing a first configuration of the set of one or more attributes on an associated target with a second configuration of the set of one or more attributes on the source. A consistency rule may be applied to a composite target by comparing member targets that are grouped by target type. Notification data may be output if target drift or inconsistency is detected to alert a user. |
| US09378459B2 |
Cross-domain topic expansion
Automated method and systems are provided for determining a gap exists in an enterprise's knowledge base. Once a gap is determined, a question is developed in accord with the gap. An answer is then developed to answer the question and the knowledge base is updated accordingly. The source of the information may be cross-domain information such that an enterprise may include relevant information, and/or more usable information, than what could be otherwise provided by information limited to the enterprise's domain. |
| US09378458B2 |
Method and apparatus for operating a finite state machine
A finite state machine is provided. The finite state machine causes a function to be carried out in dependence on at least an event input to the finite state machine and the current state of the finite state machine. Associations between the functions that are to be carried out and combinations of the states and the events are identified using an associative array. The associations identified using the associative array are amended while the finite state machine is operating to dynamically reconfigure the operation of the finite state machine. |
| US09378453B2 |
Card and method for manufacturing a card
A card, comprises an electrically non-conductive substrate; a first predetermined pattern of electrically conductive material applied on said electrically non-conductive substrate; and an electrically non-conductive covering layer applied on said electrically conductive material arranged on said substrate such that said first predetermined pattern of electrically conductive material is covered; said card further comprises a second predetermined pattern in a predetermined grey percentage applied on said electrically non-conductive substrate, said predetermined second pattern being the negative of said first predetermined pattern, and said electrically non-conductive covering layer is also applied on said second predetermined pattern such that said second predetermined pattern is covered, and the greyness of said second predetermined pattern has been determined such that the colour of the electrically non-conductive covering layer is uniform. |
| US09378446B2 |
Solar powered RFID tags and method of manufacture therefore
An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, wherein the RFID tag includes an antenna, and wherein at least one amorphous silicon or organic photovoltaic solar cell is integrated with the antenna. |
| US09378445B2 |
3D laser coding in glass
This inventive method assures the authenticity of drugs or other valuable substances that reside within product containers, such as syringes. The method includes initially measuring the 3D topology of the glass surface while determining the distance to the glass surface. Thereafter, a desired 3D code is written below the glass surface with a pulsed laser system. The written 3D code is readable using optical coherence topography (OCT) or parallel optical coherence tomography (pOCT) to verify the authenticity of the product container. A system uses this method with a plurality of syringes held within a tray, and a writing apparatus that moves relative to the tray to write a predetermined 3D code on each of the syringes held in the tray, during processing of the syringes along a process line while in the tray. |
| US09378443B2 |
Calibration coded sensors and apparatus, systems and methods for reading same
In some aspects, a colored coded analyte sensor is provided. The analyte sensor has a body and a plurality of machine-readable colored codes associated with the body. The colored codes may contain red, green, and blue hues, which are discernable into coded information. The coded information may include the analyte sensor model, analyte sensor calibration constant, expiration or manufacture date of the analyte sensor, analyte sensor counterfeiting codes, warnings, messages to the user, etc. Colored code reading systems, apparatus and methods for reading such color-coded information associated with the analyte sensor are provided, as are numerous other aspects. |
| US09378442B2 |
System and method for protecting a machine readable card
A machine readable card protector is disclosed comprising: a sleeve having a first portion, a second portion, a width, a height, and a plurality of edges (having a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge). Said sleeve having at least one open edge capable of receiving a portion of a machine readable card; and at least one of said plurality of edges are sealed between said first portion and said second portion. Said machine readable card having a first side and a second side. Said machine readable card having one or more machine readable components. Said sleeve is capable of protecting said one or more machine readable components. Said sleeve is made of a sleeve material, wherein said one or more machine readable components are readable through said sleeve. |
| US09378440B1 |
System and method for reducing toner contamination on roll pair of an image forming apparatus
A method of printing a half tone image on an image forming apparatus using toner that is fused to a substrate is provided. The method includes generating a dot design that represents the half tone image, the dot design being made up of a plurality of dots; analyzing the dot design using an algorithm; matching the dot design to an equivalent alternate design that represents the half tone image, the matching being based on results of the analyzing, the equivalent alternate design being made up substantially entirely of a plurality of non-dot shapes; forming the half tone image on the substrate using the equivalent alternate design; and fusing the half tone image on the substrate with a fuser device. |
| US09378436B2 |
Low profile connector
An electrical connector comprises an insulative unit, a shielding shell, a plurality of terminals and a card ejecting mechanism. The card ejecting mechanism comprises a shaft member, a lever member and a push rod. The shaft member has a base portion fixed to the insulative unit and a shaft portion extending from the base portion and protruding from the insulative unit. The lever member has an operating portion, a pushing portion and a shaft hole positioned between the operating portion and the pushing portion. The shaft hole receives the shaft portion therein and the lever member can rotate about the shaft portion between two positions. The push rod is provided correspondingly to the operating portion and slides under pushing from an external force to push the operating portion, so as to allow the lever member to rotate from the receiving position to the pushing position. |
| US09378434B2 |
Image analysis method and image analysis device
An image analysis method includes acquiring fluorescent images of frames in time-series. Each fluorescent image comprises pixels in which pixel data are acquired in the time-series. The method further includes setting analysis areas to the acquired fluorescent images, calculating a classification value of the analysis areas, classifying the images into one or more groups on the basis of the classification value, calculating an average image of the analysis area every group, subtracting the average image from each image of the analysis area every group to calculate a new image of the analysis area, and calculating a correlation value on the basis of the new images every group. |
| US09378426B2 |
Systems and methods for note recognition
At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature systems and methods for note recognition. The note recognition system includes a sensor, a note recognition module, and a note extraction module. The sensor is configured to capture a visual representation of a scene having one or more notes. The note recognition module is coupled to the sensor. The note recognition module is configured to receive the captured visual representation and determine a general boundary of a note from the captured visual representation. The note extraction module is configured to extract content of the note from the captured visual representation based on the determined general boundary of the note. |
| US09378422B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium
In order to precisely identify a class relating to classification of an object at each of regions of an image, an image processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire image capturing information when the object has been captured, an estimation unit configured to estimate distribution relating to a degree of existence of each class which indicates classification of the object at each of predetermined regions of a captured image of the object based on the image capturing information acquired by the acquisition unit, and an identification unit configured to identify the class at each of the regions based on distribution information indicating the distribution estimated by the estimation unit and image information relating to the captured image. |
| US09378421B2 |
System and method for seat occupancy detection from ceiling mounted camera using robust adaptive threshold criteria
A method for detecting sitting behavior includes acquiring a sequence of frames capturing a scene-of-interest at an overhead view. The method includes detecting at least one empty seat within the scene-of-interest and associating the seat as being unoccupied and the frame as a reference frame. The method includes extracting reference features describing a region of the unoccupied seat in the reference frame and quantifying the reference features to form a reference feature vector. The method includes extracting features describing the region in a given frame and quantifying the features to form a current feature vector. The method includes measuring a change in a feature vector over time using the reference feature vector and the current feature vector. The method includes and determining a status of the seat in the given frame as being one of occupied and unoccupied based on the change in the feature vector. |
| US09378417B2 |
Contrast for RGB images in a GIS application
Disclosed herein is a method and system for performing normalization of an image using a cumulative histogram and a common color map for the R, G and B channels. On receiving an instruction from a user to normalize an image, the histogram for individual channels of the image is computed. The cumulative histogram from the histogram for individual channels is computed. The linear histogram cut off percentage is tripled. The min and max positions using the histogram stretch after the percentage cutoff is adjusted. The colormap is computed using the cumulative histogram and the linear histogram cut off percentage. The colormap is applied to the image data. |
| US09378413B2 |
Image processing apparatus that replaces image data in processed data
An image processing apparatus is provided. The image processing apparatus includes a data receiver, an image specifier, a replacement specifier, and a data generator. The data receiver receives data. The image specifier specifies a first image contained in the data. The replacement specifier specifies replacement data for the first image on the basis of a characteristic of the data. The data generator generates data in which the first image has been replaced with an image represented by the replacement data. |
| US09378412B2 |
Systems and methods for ergonomic measurement
Systems and methods for ergonomic measurement are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment a method for ergonomic measurement includes: receiving a first signal from an image sensor, the first signal comprising data associated with a user's orientation with respect to the image sensor. A second signal is received from a orientation sensor, the second signal comprising data associated with the image sensor's orientation with respect to gravity. An ergonomic measurement of the user is determined based at least in part on the first and second signals. Another embodiment includes a computer-readable medium comprising processor-executable code for executing such a method. |
| US09378410B1 |
Facilitating legal approval of digital images
In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes identifying one or more subjects appearing in an image captured by a mobile device. One or more approval statuses are determined, and an approval status is associated with each of the one or more subjects appearing in the image. Determining the one or more approval statuses includes searching, by a computer processor of the mobile device, within stored data for a blanket approval status applicable to the image for each subject in the image. A blanket approval status specifies an approval status to be applied for images captured in certain circumstances. The one or more approval statuses of the one or more subjects are displaying in association with the image, on the mobile device. It is determined whether the image is approved for publication based on the one or more approval statuses of the one or more subjects in the image. |
| US09378409B2 |
Eye searching method and eye state detection apparatus and eye searching apparatus using the same
The present invention relates to an eye searching method and an eye state detection apparatus and an eye searching apparatus using the same. The method comprises the steps of: defining each center point of two nostrils from a face image; computing a distance D between the two center points of the two nostrils and a midpoint between the two center points of the two nostrils; determining a reference point that has a horizontal distance k1×D and a vertical distance k2×D spaced apart from the midpoint, wherein k1=1.6˜1.8, k2=1.6˜1.8; and defining a rectangle around the reference point as its center, wherein the rectangle has a width and a length greater than the width, and the rectangle surrounds the eye of the face image. Accordingly, the present invention can quickly and accurately find out a certain part of the eye from the face image. |
| US09378401B2 |
System for the detection of customer media comprising an RF transceiver in a public transport conveyance
A system for detecting customer media comprising an RF transceiver in a public transport conveyance is proposed, where the system for each passenger compartment or car includes a number of reading devices, which are interconnected and connected to an on-board unit for the purpose of data communication, where the entire interior of passenger compartment or car is covered by a number of reading devices, where the reading devices are arranged in such a manner that any two reading devices are provided on opposite lateral walls of the passenger compartment or car, which cover the room up to the opposite wall, where each two reading units are arranged in the roof area or floor area symmetrically around the central longitudinal axis of the passenger compartment or vehicle, where the detection range of the respective two reading devices is substantially identical and substantially covers the entire width of the passenger compartment or car in the floor area or roof area, where the floor area or the roof area is covered considered axially along a pre-specified length. |
| US09378400B2 |
Radio-frequency identification reader device
A radio-frequency identification reader device including a plurality of antennas, a switch module, a coaxial cable, and a reader is provided. The switch module is electrically connected to the antennas. The coaxial cable is electrically connected to the switch module. The reader transmits a DC voltage, a control signal, and a radio-frequency signal to the switch module through the coaxial cable. The switch module generates an operation voltage by the DC voltage and the control signal. The switch module selects one of the antennas as a preset antenna by the control signal and drives the preset antenna by the radio-frequency signal. |
| US09378395B2 |
Method, a device and a computer program support for execution of encrypted computer code
A device stores program code in a plurality of slots in its memory. When a processor of the device receives a call to an encrypted function, it uses a slot table to find the location of the cipher function and the cipher module and the key to decrypt the encrypted module. The encrypted module is decrypted, executed, re-encrypted and moved to a new memory slot. The cipher function used is moved to a further new slot and the slot table is updated. Also provided is a method and a computer program support. The invention can make it more difficult to analyse execution traces of the program code. |
| US09378394B2 |
Method and apparatus for differentiated access control
A method for differentiated access control on a computing device having a connection with a second device, the method checking whether a timer has expired on the second device or if a connection is lost to the second device; and preventing at least one of the plurality of application subsets from being launched or enabled if the timer has expired on the second device or the connection is lost to the second device. |
| US09378389B2 |
Shared item account selection
Techniques for sharing of items from online storage (e.g., cloud storage) are described herein. In at least some embodiments, sharing links can be configured as one-time sharing links that provide recipients with limited, one-time access to a shared item for the purpose of selecting or registering an account to use for subsequent access to the item. Recipients are able to select accounts they find most convenient for accessing a shared item without the owner/sharer of the item necessarily having contact information for those accounts or sending a link to the accounts. Selection of a one-time link initiates an authentication sequence that selectively provides an option to select a particular account. Once the one-time sharing link is redeemed, the one-time sharing link is invalidated for subsequent access to the item. |
| US09378388B2 |
Managing keys used for encrypting data
A method, a data processing system, and a computer program product for managing cryptographic information. A determination is made as to whether a first time stamp of when cryptographic information was created is more recent than a second time stamp of a backup of the cryptographic information in response to receiving a request for the cryptographic information from a requester. The cryptographic information is used to encrypt data. The cryptographic information is prevented from being provided to the requester in response to a determination that the first time stamp of cryptographic information creation is more recent than the second time stamp of the backup of the cryptographic information. |
| US09378386B1 |
Content sharing technology
In one implementation, a computer system receives a request from a first user to perform an operation related to a file stored by the computer system. The file is associated with a second user, and the second user has shared the file with the first user with one or more conditions on the usage of the file by the first user. Based on the first user requesting to perform the operation, the computer system evaluates whether the one or more conditions placed on the usage of the file by the first user allow the first user to perform the operation. Based on evaluation results, the computer system determines that the one or more conditions placed on the usage of the file by the first user allow the first user to perform the operation and authorizes performance of the operation. |
| US09378385B1 |
Systems and methods for determining whether transmission of sensitive data is expected
The disclosed computer-implemented method for determining whether transmission of sensitive data is expected may include (1) identifying a computer program that is to be analyzed to determine whether the computer program unexpectedly transmits sensitive data, (2) simulating user input to the computer program while the computer program is executing, (3) identifying a context of the simulated user input, (4) identifying transmission of sensitive data that occurs after the user input is simulated, (5) determining, based on the context of the simulated user input, whether the transmission of sensitive data would be an expected result of the user input, and (6) performing a security action with respect to the computer program based on whether the transmission of sensitive data is expected. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09378380B1 |
System and method for securely storing and sharing information
A secure information storage system is disclosed. In an example embodiment, the secure information storage system comprises a first proxy system, a cloud storage system, an exchange registry, an access portal and a cloud-registry interface. |
| US09378375B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer program products for adapting the security measures of a communication network based on feedback
An adaptable network security system includes trust mediator agents that are coupled to each network component. Trust mediator agents continuously detect changes in the security characteristics of the network and communicate the detected security characteristics to a trust mediator. Based on the security characteristics received from the trust mediator agents, the trust mediator adjusts security safeguards to maintain an acceptable level of security. Trust mediator also uses predetermined rules in determining whether to adjust security safeguards. Despite inevitable changes in security characteristics, an acceptable level of security and efficient network operation are achieved without subjecting users of the network to over burdensome security safeguards. |
| US09378370B2 |
Scanning files for inappropriate content during synchronization
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for scanning files for inappropriate content during file synchronization. Embodiments of the invention are mindful of the order of operations when scanning files for inappropriate content and in subsequent file processing. In some embodiments, during synchronization, an intermediary server scans a file for inappropriate content. The file is not permitted to be fully downloaded to a client device until the scan determines that the file does not contain inappropriate content. In other embodiments, during synchronization, a client device scans a newer version of a file for inappropriate content. An older version of the file is not deleted until the scan determines that the newer version of the file does not contain inappropriate content. In further embodiments, server side scanning and client side scanning are both used to enhance capabilities for detecting inappropriate content. |
| US09378366B2 |
Deceptive indicia notification in a communications interaction
Systems, methods, computer-readable storage mediums including computer-readable instructions and/or circuitry for monitoring deceptive indicia in communications content may implement operations including, but not limited to: receiving one or more signals associated with communication content provided by a first participant in a communications interaction; detecting one or more indicia of deception associated with the one or more signals associated with the communication content; and providing a notification associated with the one or more indicia of deception associated with the communication content to a second participant in the communications interaction receiving the communication content. |
| US09378365B2 |
Recording activity-triggered computer video output
An application that is capable of monitoring Internet or network traffic and performing recordings of computer video output based on one or more violations of network activity policies. The recording application can be installed on the computer to be recorded or another computer or server that is connected through the network to the computer to be recorded. The monitoring application contains a configuration interface that allows a user to set thresholds for certain types of network policy violations. When the one or more violations are detected, the recording application will begin recording video of the computer's video activity. The application can be configured to include settings such as the length of the recording. In a typical environment, the application is a hardware appliance that is capable of monitoring web activity and network traffic and can connect to the computer over the network in order to perform the recording. |
| US09378363B1 |
Noise injected virtual timer
Techniques are described for injecting noise in a timer value provided to an instruction requesting the timer value. A plurality of tasks may execute on a processor, wherein the processor may comprise one or more processing cores and each task may include a plurality of computer executable instructions. In accordance with one technique for injecting noise in the timer value, a request for a first timer value is received by one or more computer executable instructions belonging to a first task from the plurality of tasks, and in response, a second timer value is provided to the first task instead of the first timer value, wherein the second timer value is derived from the first timer value and a random number. |
| US09378362B2 |
System and method of monitoring attacks of cross site script
The present disclosure provides techniques for monitoring a cross site scripting attack. These techniques may receive and reply to, by a computing device, a service request from a client terminal. The computing device may then redefine a scripting internal function applied by the cross site scripting attack, and return redefined information for the scripting internal function to the client terminal. The computing device may monitor calling information of the client terminal in relation to the redefined scripting internal function, and analyze the security of the calling information. The computing device may monitor an attacking source, an attacking time period, leakage information in the attack, and/or a vulnerability point in the attack that are associated with the cross site scripting attack. |
| US09378360B2 |
Secure if antecedent
Hostile attacks against a computer program are prevented when the program is executed in a computing environment that is controlled by the attacker. A preposition is run in a secure computing environment instead of the original call site, i.e. the IF antecedent, which has a TRUE consequence and a FALSE consequence are run in a secure computing environment. Embodiments of the invention also allow an insecure call site to detect modifications by a hostile attacker surreptitiously. In embodiments of the invention, a script is generated by a script generator from the IF antecedent and TRUE and FALSE consequence source code, for example relative to a call site. The original source code is modified to call the script engine, rather than the preposition. At run-time a script engine executes this script. |
| US09378355B2 |
Electronic device and access controlling method
A method for controlling access to an electronic device, the electronic device displays an image on a display device of the electronic device, when the electronic device is locked. The electronic device obtains a pattern according to touch signals on the displayed image using an image-recognition algorithm. Once a similarity degree between the obtained pattern and a predetermined pattern is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the electronic device is unlocked. |
| US09378352B2 |
Barcode authentication for resource requests
Mobile device, client device and server associated with client-server authentication are described. In embodiments, the mobile device may comprise a camera and a token extractor. The token extractor may be coupled to the camera and configured to analyze an image, captured by the camera. The captured image may contain a barcode and may be displayed on a client device in response to a request of a server for access to a resource. The barcode may contain a token, which may be extracted by the token extractor to be used to gain access to a resource requested from a server. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09378351B1 |
System and method for enrolling in a biometric system
The present invention is a system and method of enrolling potential system users for a biometric system for identity verification. Potential system user information is entered into the system, either by the user or a system operator, and is stored as a partially-enabled user record. The user of a partially-enabled user record fully enables the record by presenting information previously stored in the user record and presenting the remainder of user information necessary to complete record activation. Enrollment data is used to authenticate the system user's identity and authorize related transaction accesses in a biometric system for identity verification. |
| US09378342B2 |
Context analysis at an information handling system to manage authentication cycles
Context captured with sensors of an information handling system is applied to selectively lock access to currently unlocked information, with conditions for locking access based upon the context. Nervous states enforce locking of selected information based upon the confidence of the security of the information under sensed external conditions. Increased sensitivity for locking access includes reduced timeouts to a lock command, increased response to sensed conditions, and more rapid response where unlocked access is to sensitive information. |
| US09378341B2 |
Electronic device and audio processing method
An audio processing method for an electronic device includes a first audio file, a second audio file, and a first digital watermark to perform an audio processing method. The first digital watermark has ownership information regarding the first audio file. A first discrete audio array of the first audio file and a second discrete audio array of the second audio file are generated. A cipher code is generated using the first discrete audio array and the first digital watermark, and a second digital watermark is generated using the cipher code and the second discrete audio array. The first and second digital watermarks are compared, to confirm common ownership or otherwise of the second and first audio files. |
| US09378333B2 |
Display for pump
This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus comprising a pump configured to deliver insulin, a processor, and a user interface including a bistable display. A display element of the bistable display is placed in one of two stable orientations upon application of a biasing voltage and stays in the stable orientation when the biasing voltage is removed. The processor includes a display module configured to display a non-blank reversion display screen on the bistable display when no input is received at the user interface after a specified time duration, and to recurrently change the reversion display screen until input is received at the user interface. |
| US09378329B1 |
Immunity to inline charging damage in circuit designs
Approaches for checking a design of an integrated circuit using an antenna rule are provided. A method includes determining a figure of merit for a transistor based on a resistance of a shunt path of the transistor relative to the size of the antenna and the size of the transistor. The method also includes comparing the determined figure of merit to a limit. The method further includes deeming the transistor to pass the antenna rule when the figure of merit is less than the limit, and deeming the transistor to fail the antenna rule when the figure of merit is greater than the limit. The determining and the comparing are performed by a computer device. |
| US09378328B2 |
Modeling multi-patterning variability with statistical timing
Systems and methods for modeling multi-patterning variability with statistical timing analysis during IC fabrication are described. The method may be provided implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions operable to define at least one source of variation in an integrated circuit design. The programming instructions further operable to model the at least one source of variation for at least two patterns in at least one level of the integrated circuit design as at least two sources of variability respectively. |
| US09378327B2 |
Canonical forms of layout patterns
Aspects of the disclosed technology relate to techniques for determining canonical forms of layout patterns. Coordinates of vertices of geometric elements in a window of a layout design are first transformed into new coordinates of the vertices, wherein the coordinates of vertices do not comprise clipped coordinates and the transforming comprises: performing a translation on the coordinates of vertices based on differences between maximum and minimum X/Y coordinate values of the vertices. Based on sums of X/Y coordinate values of the new coordinates of the vertices, a canonical form of the geometric elements is determined. The canonical form coordinates of the vertices may then be determined and sorted. The sorted canonical form coordinates may be employed for pattern matching. |
| US09378320B2 |
Array with intercell conductors including nanowires or 2D material strips
An integrated circuit design tool includes a cell library. The cell library includes entries for a plurality of cells, entries in the cell library including specifications of particular cells in a computer executable language. At least one entry in the cell library can comprise a specification of physical structures and timing parameters of an array of circuit cells, the circuit cells including one or more transistors and a cell interconnect terminal; and a conductor configured to connect interconnect terminals of a plurality of the circuit cells in the array, the conductor comprising one or more nanowires or 2D material strips arranged in parallel. An integrated circuit including the array of circuit cells is described. |
| US09378319B2 |
Contact window arranging apparatus and contact window arranging method thereof
A contact window arranging apparatus and a contact window arranging method thereof are provided. A first contact window arrangement number and a second contact window arrangement number respectively corresponding to a first boundary and a second boundary are determined according to a first preset distance, and a third contact window arrangement number and a fourth contact window arrangement number respectively corresponding to the first boundary and the second boundary are determined according to a second preset distance, so as to select a total contact window arrangement number with more contact windows. Through taking a horizontal center line and a vertical center line of a rectangular area as benchmarks the contact windows are arranged in a manner corresponding to the total contact window arrangement number. |
| US09378316B2 |
Computer product for supporting design and verification of integrated circuit
Design and verification support related to integrated circuits that includes acquiring a first use case diagram representing a function of an object subject to design and verification and an activity diagram representing a processing procedure of the object; analyzing a structure of the activity diagram acquired at the acquiring step; converting the activity diagram to a second use case diagram representing a function of the object, based on the structure analyzed at the analyzing; verifying uniformity of the first use case diagram and the second use case diagram; and outputting a verification result obtained at the verifying uniformity. |
| US09378312B2 |
Faulted geological structures having unconformities
A method can include providing a mesh of a geologic environment that includes conformable sequences and an unconformity; interpolating an implicit function defined with respect to the mesh to provide values for the implicit function; and identifying an iso-surface based on a portion of the values where the iso-surface represents the unconformity as residing between two of the conformable sequences. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US09378293B2 |
Method and apparatus to author and manage pages of a website
Systems and methods provide a mechanism to create and maintain web pages and other types of output pages. The system and methods use an author markup language (AML) to define output pages. Additionally, a Component Markup Language (CML) may be used to define components that may be referenced by the AML. The AML and CML may be translated to an intermediate format, which may then be further processed at runtime to combine dynamic data with the intermediate format to produce the output page. |
| US09378292B2 |
Support for multiple component editions
A system and method for generating an object request comprising an absolute address from a relative address in a system comprising a plurality of editions of components for processing said object, said object request being generated by a request building component is described. To generate the object request, an edition of a component associated with processing the object is determined. The component edition is used to determine a specified address which is used in constructing the absolute address of the generated object request. |
| US09378286B2 |
Implicit user interest marks in media content
Automatically marking locations of user interest in media content is disclosed. Data that describes user interaction with media content is analyzed to determine locations of potential interest. For each of the locations of potential interest, the data is analyzed to determine whether user interest satisfies a criterion for establishing a mark for the location. Marks are determined for those locations that satisfy the criterion. A mark includes a description for a given location and information that allows the given location to be automatically presented to a user upon selection of the description. In another aspect, extrinsic data that is separate from a piece of media content is analyzed to determine whether moments of high user interest might exist in the piece of media content. Then, the piece of media content is scanned to find locations in the media content that correspond to the moments. |
| US09378284B2 |
System and method for displaying images and videos found on the internet as a result of a search engine
A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving, prior to entering a screensaver mode of operation, a search criteria identifying a requested subject matter, wherein the search criteria is based on a last user-initiated search query to a web-based search engine. In response to entering the screensaver mode, the search criteria identifying the requested subject matter is automatically transmitted to a web browser. Image content referenced by a set of uniform resource locators based upon the search criteria is sequentially presented. In response to receiving user input, a user-selectable region is presented comprising a selectable element superimposed on the first image. Selection of the element causes a defined action generating an e-mail message having an attachment with content referenced by a link associated with the first image. Receiving user input from a second input device ceases presenting of the image. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09378282B2 |
System and method for dynamic and real-time categorization of webpages
A system and method for categorizing content on a webpage is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a request for a webpage from a user's computer. Next, the system determines whether there is dynamic content on the webpage by analyzing the address, links, reputation, type, style and other indicators of being able to easily change the webpage. If the webpage contains content that can be changed, then the webpage is analyzed to determine a current categorization thereof. If the webpage does not have dynamic content then the categorization of the webpage will remain the same thereby freeing system resources by only analyzing dynamic webpages. |
| US09378281B2 |
Systems and methods for presenting data items
Systems, methods, and software for presenting data are described. Previously accessed data items are presented in a manner that is non-chronological relative to when the data items were accessed. The presentation optionally includes an indication of a significance of the data item with the representation. |
| US09378280B2 |
Facilitating video search
A method of facilitating video search is disclosed. A video on or linked to by a display page is located. A video search index entry associated with the video is generated, at least in part, using an additional information data, retrieved at least in part programmatically from a location other than the display page. |
| US09378279B1 |
Method and system for music program selection
In providing a music program, a personal music player displays personal activity choices. A user selects a personal activity and provides a time duration for the activity. The player sends a request to a music program server for a music program. The request includes the personal activity and the time duration. The music program server selects a music program record from a plurality of music program records that has an activity attribute which matches the personal activity and a program duration which matches or is less than the time duration. The server extracts location information for the music program from the program entry in the music program record, and sends this to the player. The player uses the location information to obtain the music program. In this manner, a music program is provided to a user based on the personal activity of the user. |
| US09378278B2 |
Method and system for constructing and presenting a consumption profile for a media item
A server and device for constructing and presenting a consumption profile for a media item are provided. In general, consumption of a media item by a number of first users is tracked. Thereafter, before and/or during playback of the media item by a second user, a consumption profile for the media item is constructed and presented to the second user. |
| US09378276B1 |
Systems and methods for generating navigation filters
Systems and methods for generating navigation filters are provided. A target resource is parsed and occurrences of data entries representing archetypal headings and/or archetypal items for a navigation filter are identified in the content of the target resource. A path to each of the identified occurrences is determined and used to construct a query for additional navigation filter headings and/or navigation filter items that have the same path as an identified occurrence. Identified occurrences of archetypal data entries in the target resource and the additional content having the same path as an identified occurrence are used as potential navigation filter headings and/or potential navigation filter items. Navigation filters are generated by associating one or more of the potential navigation filter items with one of the potential navigation filter headings. |
| US09378268B2 |
Systems and methods for organizing data sets
A method is provided for organizing data sets. In use, an automatic decision system is created or updated for determining whether data elements fit a predefined organization or not, where the decision system is based on a set of preorganized data elements. A plurality of data elements is organized using the decision system. At least one organized data element is selected for output to a user based on a score or confidence from the decision system for the at least one organized data element. Additionally, at least a portion of the at least one organized data element is output to the user. A response is received from the user comprising at least one of a confirmation, modification, and a negation of the organization of the at least one organized data element. The automatic decision system is recreated or updated based on the user response. Other embodiments are also presented. |
| US09378267B2 |
Methods and apparatus to search datasets
Methods and apparatus to search datasets are disclosed. An example disclosed apparatus includes a count generator to generate a plurality of counts, the counts respectively indicative of a number of corresponding records in a database satisfying a respective one of a plurality of criteria present in the database; a grouper to assign first and second criteria of a search request to a first group according to a logical relationship between the first and second criteria; an identifier to determine, via the plurality of counts, which of the first and second criteria in the first group is satisfied by a least amount of records in the database; and a reduced set generator to form a reduced set of records to be searched based on the determined one of the first and second criteria satisfying the least amount of records in the database. |
| US09378266B2 |
System and method for supporting cluster analysis and apparatus supporting the same
Disclosed is a cluster analysis supporting system, with respect to providing a cluster analysis function, including a cluster analysis service apparatus configured to request a distributed processing service apparatus to perform a k-means clustering based on k values within a predetermined range and a preset iteration frequency until a predefined converge condition is satisfied, and if center values of the k values are calculated from the distributed processing service apparatus, select an optimum center value among the center values, and control calculation and application of an optimum k value through an index calculation with respect to applying clustered indexes assigned based on the selected optimum center value to data, and the distributed processing service apparatus configured to perform the k-means clustering based on the k values and the preset iteration frequency provided from the cluster analysis service apparatus upon the request by the cluster analysis service apparatus. |
| US09378262B2 |
Synchronization storage solution
A system of replicating data stored on a source node. Replication can be configured between two controllers, the source node on the one hand, and a target node on the other. A synchronization relationship between the source node and the target node is established and maintained. The synchronization relationship can be quickly and easily created for disaster recovery, real-time backup and failover, thereby ensuring that data on the source node is fully-protected at an off-site location or on another server or VM, for example, at another data center, a different building or elsewhere in the cloud. Processes described herein streamline the entire replication setup process, thereby significantly reducing error rates in conventional systems and making the replication process more user friendly than in conventional systems. |
| US09378259B2 |
Using access count of the remote site to optimize file transfer order for asynchronous replication
According to one embodiment, a method for determining a transfer order of files includes acquiring the access count of a replicated file at a production site and at a remote site, these access counts being reflected in the order for asynchronous replication. In addition, the access count of backed up files at the remote site is also acquired and reflected in the order for asynchronous replication according to another embodiment. This allows for improved determination of the transmission order of files (according to priority based on usage) from a production site to a remote site in an asynchronous replication function. |
| US09378258B2 |
Method and system for transparently replacing nodes of a clustered storage system
Method and system for replacing a first node and a second of a clustered storage system by a third node and a fourth node are provided. The method includes migrating all storage objects managed by the first node to the second node; replacing the first node by the third node and migrating all the storage objects managed by the first node and the second node to the third node; and replacing the second node by the fourth node and then migrating the storage objects previously managed by the second node but currently managed by the third node to the fourth node. The nodes may also be replaced by operationally connecting the third node and the fourth node to storage managed by the first node and the second node; joining the third node and the fourth node to a same cluster as the first node and the second node. |
| US09378257B2 |
Content transfer
The present invention provides a method of transferring content from a file and a database. In this case, the file includes content instances, each content instance being associated with a respective field, and each field having a respective type. The transfer is achieved by determining the type of each field, and then storing each content instance in a store in accordance with the determined field type of the associated field. Each content instance can then be transferred to the database in accordance with the determined field type. A similar procedure is provided for creating XML files based on content within the database. |
| US09378255B2 |
Cloud logistics
Implementations of complex software solutions are accompanied with an intrinsic conflict between requirements, such as an ever-growing complexity of enterprise software solutions versus a demand for more and more shortened implementation cycles. Various embodiments include at least one of systems methods and software to address such conflicts. One method embodiment includes receiving a request to assemble a virtual appliance from at least one deployment template, the request including characteristic data representative of at least one virtual appliance functional and deployment requirement. In response to the received request, such embodiments may query a template warehouse to identify and deployment templates from a template warehouse to a data storage device to form a virtual appliance. The virtual appliance may then be packaged into a transport data structure and stored. The transport data structure may then be transported by various means to a target virtual machine and deployed therein. |
| US09378251B2 |
Systems and methods for categorizing and presenting performance assessment data
The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for data mining and processing, and more particularly to systems and methods for automating content from performance assessment data. In one embodiment, an automated notes and categorization system may include a primary database comprising performance assessment data. The primary database is operatively coupled to a computer program product having a computer-usable medium having a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor, causes said processor to execute a process that analyzes and converts raw performance data into automated content that presents data in readable user friendly form to facilitate human understanding. |
| US09378244B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing a data stream
An apparatus and method for processing data stream are provided. A query execution plan for processing data stream is shared between the server and the terminal. The server builds a query execution plan and determines a part of the built query execution plan to be executed in the terminal. The terminal executes the part of the built query execution plan and transfers a result of the execution. The server executes the remaining part of the built query execution plan based on the execution result transferred by the terminal. The part of the query execution plan to be executed in the terminal is determined depending on the performance of the terminal. |
| US09378240B2 |
Systems and methods for hot topic identification and metadata
According to some embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program code are provided for receiving data from a plurality of remote data sources, the received data being associated with a plurality of search terms, analyzing the received data to identify at least a first trending search term, comparing the trending search term with a database of topical terms to determine whether the trending search term is relevant to a predetermined topic, querying a content database using the trending search term to identify a caption to be associated with the trending search term, and storing the trending search term and the caption in a database. |
| US09378237B2 |
Methods for in-place access of serialized data
Methods and apparatus are provided for serializing data. A computing device can generate a serialization buffer (SB). The SB can specify fields storing data and corresponding offsets, with an offset referring to a location in the SB storing the corresponding field. The SB can access a designated field in the SB by determining a designated offset for the designated field, determining a starting location based on the designated offset, and accessing data at the starting location. A distinct copy of the SB can be stored on a storage device. |
| US09378233B2 |
For all entries processing
A system includes determination of a value identifier for each value of a first table, based on a data dictionary of a second table, generation of a hash function, the hash function mapping, for each row of the first table, one or more value identifiers of one or more columns of the row to a pointer to the row, application of the hash function to one or more value identifiers of a row of a second table, determination of whether the output of the hash function is a valid hash, and, if it is determined that the output of the hash function is a valid hash, determination that the row of the second table is associated with the first table. |
| US09378231B2 |
Accessing data in column store database based on hardware compatible data structures
Embodiments of the present invention provide one or more hardware-friendly data structures that enable efficient hardware acceleration of database operations. In particular, the present invention employs a column-store format for the database. In the database, column-groups are stored with implicit row ids (RIDs) and a RID-to-primary key column having both column-store and row-store benefits via column hopping and a heap structure for adding new data. Fixed-width column compression allow for easy hardware database processing directly on the compressed data. A global database virtual address space is utilized that allows for arithmetic derivation of any physical address of the data regardless of its location. A word compression dictionary with token compare and sort index is also provided to allow for efficient hardware-based searching of text. A tuple reconstruction process is provided as well that allows hardware to reconstruct a row by stitching together data from multiple column groups. |
| US09378225B2 |
Core service build / deployment for hierarchical database
A processor-implemented method for designing, developing, implementing and maintaining a core service related to a database is provided. The processor-implemented method may include displaying a graphical user interface and identifying, from the graphical user interface, the core service. Then the processor-implemented method may include determining, from the graphical user interface, a type of folder request based on the identified core service and accessing a folder based on the determining of the type of folder request. The processor-implemented method may further include determining a lock order based on the accessed folder; and manipulating the accessed folder based on the determining of the lock order. |
| US09378223B2 |
State driven mobile search
Methods, apparatuses, and systems are provided to process search queries initiated at a mobile computing device based, at least in part, on a state of the mobile computing device as indicated by one or more of travel speed, travel direction, and geographic location of the mobile computing device. |
| US09378221B2 |
Bonding contents on separate storage media
Local storage on player instruments provides the ability for adding further amendments and most recent supplements to the optical disc content. A problem arising with this technically applicable possibility is the protection of copyrights bound to disc and supplement data. The present invention describes a technique to ensure a security framework that is able to handle this, by creating a virtual file system (VFS) by merging optical disc data and local storage data based upon a common identifier. |
| US09378220B2 |
Bonding contents on separate storage media
Local storage on player instruments provides the ability for adding further amendments and most recent supplements to the optical disc content. A problem arising with this technically applicable possibility is the protection of copyrights bound to disc and supplement data. The present invention describes a technique to ensure a security framework that is able to handle this, by creating a virtual file system (VFS) by merging optical disc data and local storage data based upon a common identifier. |
| US09378217B2 |
Method and system for managing data and a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium
The invention relates to a method and a system for managing data and a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium, which can be used, in particular, to simplify the data management on a remote storage system when accessing the storage system from a terminal. For this purpose, a method for managing data is proposed, wherein the data on a remote storage device are managed from a terminal, and wherein by an application installed on the terminal, when the data stored at a storage location on the remote storage device are accessed by the terminal, at least an identifier of the data and information about the storage location of the data are stored by the application and made available to a user when storing the optionally modified data, particularly when writing back the optionally modified data on the remote storage. |
| US09378214B2 |
Method and system for hash key memory reduction
A system and method are disclosed for storing data in a hash table. The method includes receiving data, determining a location identifier for the data wherein the location identifier identifies a location in the hash table for storing the data and the location identifier is derived from the data, compressing the data by extracting the location identifier; and storing the compressed data in the identified location of the hash table. |
| US09378208B2 |
Content providing system based on media playback apparatus
A content providing system based on a media playback apparatus capable of reading a content reception information stored in a storage media to provide a multimedia content to a user is disclosed. In accordance with the system, an advertisement or a promotion of a product is possible by distributing a storage media that holds a link to a content providing apparatus to consumers. |
| US09378207B2 |
Methods and apparatus for multimedia creation
Systems and techniques for selecting content elements for multimedia. Information relating to contributors to content elements, such as association with previous content elements, roles in relation to content elements, ratings, interest, social friends, and the like, is stored and analyzed as needed to assist in selection of content elements for direct use or for assembly into a compilation. In situations in which a contributor declines to allow use of his or her content or likeness, substitute content may be selected based at least in part on an analysis of information relating to the declining contributor as it relates to a potential replacement contributor. For example, a replacement may be based on similarity of a replacement contributor to a declining contributor. |
| US09378203B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing information of interest to one or more users
Methods and system for providing information selected from a large set of digital content to a user. Techniques include receiving user context information associated with the user and identifying or generating a first concept in a semantic network, the first concept representing at least a portion of the user context information. The method further comprises obtaining at least one concept, including a second concept, semantically relevant to the first concept at least in part, by synthesizing the second concept based on the first concept and at least one other concept in the semantic network; and providing information to the user, wherein the information is selected by using the first concept and the at least one obtained concept semantically relevant to the first concept, wherein the first concept in a semantic network is represented by a data structure storing any data associated with a node in the semantic network. |
| US09378200B1 |
Automated content inference system for unstructured text data
An apparatus comprises a processing platform configured to implement an automated content inference system for unstructured text data. The automated content inference system comprises a data indexer, a dictionary generator, a topic model generator, and a visualization generator. The data indexer is configured to process the unstructured text data to construct a term index for a given document. The dictionary generator is configured to process the term index to construct an in-domain dictionary. The topic model generator is configured to process the in-domain dictionary to construct a topic model. The visualization generator is configured to provide an output display showing assignment of one or more topics to the given document based on the topic model. The unstructured text data illustratively comprises unstructured service request summaries from a service events database. The unstructured service request summaries may comprise problem summaries and corresponding solution summaries relating to respective service events. |
| US09378198B2 |
Associating conditions to summary table data
A method and system associate conditional formats with selected data points or groups of data points within a summary table. In one embodiment, related groups of data are determined based upon currently highlighted cells in a summary table. A user then selects from the groups and identifies conditional formats to be associated with the specified data points. The conditional formats are associated with currently displayed well as non-displayed data within the summary table. The associated conditions are saved relative to the data points rather than the original cell positions so that the conditions remain associated with the data points following a reorganization of the summary table. |
| US09378192B2 |
Memory controller and method of operating the same
A method of operating a memory controller is provided. The method includes determining a data state based on an input stream including multiple alphabet letters, converting a part of the input stream, which corresponds to a conversion size, into alphabet letters in a lower numeral system when the data state is determined to be a first state among multiple predetermined data states, inserting one of the converted alphabet letters into the input stream, and outputting each of the alphabet letters in the input stream as is when the data state is determined to be a second state among the predetermined data states. |
| US09378191B1 |
Promoting content
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, and including a method for providing creatives. The method comprises identifying a creative for processing, the creative including a title portion, a body portion and optionally a reference portion. The method further comprises evaluating the body portion and the reference portion including determining when either portion includes one or more candidate words or candidate reference that can be added to the title portion. The method further comprises determining when, if promoted, the candidate one or more words or candidate reference would be redundant to content already included in the title portion. The method further comprises promoting the candidate one or more words or candidate reference into the title portion when no unacceptable redundancy is determined. The method further comprises providing the creative including the title portion with the promoted candidate one or more words or candidate reference. |
| US09378189B2 |
Layout apparatus, layout method, and computer-readable recording medium
A layout apparatus includes: an item storage unit that stores items used in a layout; a first database that stores user's personal layout information and evaluation values with respect to each user; a second database that stores layout information and evaluation values of categories with respect to each category corresponding to attributes of the user; and a layout generation unit that generates a layout of a predetermined item using the predetermined item stored in the item storage unit based on at least either the personal layout information and evaluation values of a predetermined user stored in the first database or the layout information and evaluation values of a category corresponding to attributes of the predetermined user stored in the second database. |
| US09378188B2 |
Method and device for dynamically wrapping text when displaying a selected region of an electronic document
A method is provided for rewrapping text when changing from a first to a second zoom level when displaying an electronic document. The line length at which to rewrap the text is chosen such that no horizontal scrolling becomes necessary. Since the rewrapping may result in a change to the layout of the document, the method may further include identifying an element in the electronic document and ensuring that the element is included in the display after a zooming-in or zooming-out operation. Also described is a device configured to perform the method and a computer program including instructions for performing the method when executed by a computing device. |
| US09378186B2 |
Data processing apparatus and method for performing a transform between spatial and frequency domains when processing video data
A data processing apparatus and method are provided for performing a transform between spatial and frequency domains when processing video data. The data processing apparatus comprises transform circuitry configured to receive N input values and to perform a sequence of operations to generate N output values representing the transform of the N input values between the spatial and frequency domains. In doing this, the transform circuitry employs a base circuitry that is configured to receive M internal input values generated by the transform circuitry, where M is greater than or equal to 4, and to perform a base operation equivalent to matrix multiplication of the M internal input values by a Hankel matrix, which is a square matrix with constant skew diagonals, where each element of the array identifies a coefficient, performance of the base operation generating M internal output values for returning to the transform circuitry. The transform circuitry is arranged during performance of the sequence of operations to generate from the N input values multiple sets of the M internal input values, to provide each set of M internal input values to the base circuitry in order to cause multiple sets of the M internal output values to be produced, and to derive the N output values from the multiple sets of M internal output values. It has been found that such an approach is scalable to accommodate varying sizes of N, results in a significant reduction in the number of multiplications required in order to perform the transform between the spatial and frequency domains of the N input values, and produces a bit exact result. |
| US09378185B2 |
Transform and quantization architecture for video coding and decoding
A method of encoding a video stream in a video encoder is provided that includes computing an offset into a transform matrix based on a transform block size, wherein a size of the transform matrix is larger than the transform block size, and wherein the transform matrix is one selected from a group consisting of a DCT transform matrix and an IDCT transform matrix, and transforming a residual block to generate a DCT coefficient block, wherein the offset is used to select elements of rows and columns of a DCT submatrix of the transform block size from the transform matrix. |
| US09378182B2 |
Vector move instruction controlled by read and write masks
A processor executes a vector move instruction to move data elements from a second vector register to a first vector register under the control of a first mask register and a second mask register. A register file within the processor includes the first vector register, the second vector register, the first mask register and the second mask register. In response to the vector move instruction, execution circuitry in the processor is to replace a given number of target data elements in the first vector register with the given number of source data elements in the second vector register. Each source data element corresponds to a mask bit in the second mask register having a second bit value, and wherein each target data element corresponds to a mask bit in the first mask register having a first bit value. |
| US09378178B1 |
Enhancing HTTP caching by allowing content sharing of data blocks across resources identified by different uniform resource locators
A method, system and computer program product for improving performance in connection with requesting resources. A request is sent by a browser to a server to retrieve a resource, where the message includes identifiers and tags associated with blocks of data of the resource which are stored in a cache of the client. If the browser receives a response from the server indicating that the resource has not change since last accessed, the browser will determine if one of the tags associated with the data blocks of the resource stored in the cache differs from the associated tags received in the response message. If there is not a match, then the browser has identified the situation where a block of data of the resource has outdated content which can be updated using the content stored in the data block of another resource in the cache with the same identifier. |
| US09378177B2 |
WiFi USB protocol
A wireless universal serial bus (USB) system that includes a wireless USB host, a first wireless USB device, and a second wireless USB device. The wireless USB host is configured to wirelessly transmit a beacon over a wireless USB network based on a wireless USB protocol. The first and second wireless USB devices are configured to exchange wireless packets with the wireless USB host. The beacon designates the wireless USB network address access times for the first and second wireless USB devices. |
| US09378169B2 |
Method and system for changing bus direction in memory systems
A method including sorting read/write commands initiated by a memory controller based upon a destination page within a memory device. The read/write commands having a highest priority level are determined. The commands are then categorized as either page movement commands or data movement commands. The page movement commands or data movement commands are sent to the memory device based upon a signal indicating a current direction of a data bus providing communication between the memory controller and the memory device and further based upon a priority level. |
| US09378168B2 |
Shared receive queue allocation for network on a chip communication
A circuit arrangement and program product for communicating data in a processing architecture comprising a plurality of interconnected IP blocks. Transmitting IP blocks may transmit messages to a shared receive queue for a first IP block. Receipt of the messages at the shared receive queue may be controlled based on receive credits allocated to each transmitting IP block. The allocation of receive credits for each transmitting IP block may dynamically managed such that the allocation of receive credits may be dynamically adjusted for each transmitting IP block based at least in part on message traffic associated with each transmitting IP block and/or a priority associated with each transmitting IP block. |
| US09378167B2 |
Enhanced data transfer in multi-CPU systems
A method implemented in a memory device, wherein the memory device comprises a first memory and a second memory, the method comprising receiving a direct memory access (DMA) write request from a first central processing unit (CPU) in a first computing system, wherein the DMA write request is for a plurality of bytes of data, in response to the DMA write request receiving the plurality of bytes of data from a memory in the first computing system without processing by the first CPU, and storing the plurality of bytes of data in the first memory, and upon completion of the storing, sending an interrupt message to a second CPU in a second computing system, wherein the interrupt message is configured to interrupt processing of the second CPU and initiate transfer of the plurality of bytes of data to a memory in the second computing system. |
| US09378166B2 |
Slave device, master device, communication system, and communication method
In a communication system, a master device gives a data control to one of a plurality of slave devices, and stops controlling data transmission and reception in the master device. A dual-role device executes the data transmission and reception with the other slave devices according to the data control given by the master device. The master device transmits an abort signal to the dual-role device while data is being transmitted and received by the dual-role device according to the data control. The dual-role device receives the abort signal from the master device, and transmits an interrupt signal to the master device when no data is being transmitted or received. The master device enables data transmission and reception according to the data control after receiving the interrupt signal from the dual-role device. The dual-role device stops data transmission and reception according to the data control after receiving the interrupt signal. |
| US09378165B2 |
Inter-bus communication interface device
There is provided an inter-bus communication interface device capable of efficiently performing transfer of data between a plurality of devices connected to different buses, respectively. When communication data is transmitted, a first device writes the communication data into a buffer, whereas when communication control information is transmitted, the first device writes the communication control information into a register. A control circuit passes the communication data stored in the buffer to a second device, and passes the communication control information stored in the register to a second device. |
| US09378160B1 |
Unified SCSI target management for shutting down and de-configuring a service daemon in a deduplication appliance
Systems and methods are described that manage service daemons using a unified small computer system interface (SCSI) target management daemon. SCSI target management daemon SCSI target management daemon manages each service daemon operating in a SCSI target device with consideration and knowledge of each other service daemon. This unified system eliminates potential conflicts during service daemon setup and shutdown as SCSI target management daemon is aware of these potential conflicts. |
| US09378156B2 |
Information handling system secret protection across multiple memory devices
Information handling system secret protection is enhanced by encrypting secrets into a common file and breaking up the encrypted file into plural portions stored at plural memory devices, such as across plural DIMMs disposed in the information handling system. In one embodiment, a decryption key to decrypt the encrypted file is broken into plural portions stored at the plural memory devices. Upon detection of a predetermined security factor, such as an indication of removal of a the encrypted file is removed from the plural portions. |
| US09378152B2 |
Systems and methods for I/O processing using out-of-band hinting to block driver or storage controller
A storage subsystem can achieve more efficient I/O processing by enabling users to specify and pass out of band I/O hints comprising an object to be hinted, a hint type, and caching strategies associated with a hint type. A hinted object may be either a virtual device or a file. In addition to priority cache, hint types may include never-cache, sticky-cache, and volatile-cache. Hints may be passed via command-line or graphical-user interfaces. |
| US09378150B2 |
Memory management unit with prefetch ability
Techniques are disclosed relating to integrated circuits that implement a virtual memory. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit is disclosed that includes a translation lookaside buffer configured to store non-prefetched translations and a translation table configured to store prefetched translations. In such an embodiment, the translation lookaside buffer and the translation table share table walk circuitry. In some embodiments, the table walk circuitry is configured to store a translation in the translation table in response to a prefetch request and without updating the translation lookaside buffer. In some embodiments, the translation lookaside buffer, the translation table, and table walk circuitry are included within a memory management unit configured to service memory requests received from a plurality of client circuits via a plurality of direct memory access (DMA) channels. |
| US09378149B1 |
Method and system for tracking modification times of data in a storage system
A method for rebuilding an in-memory data structure. The method includes selecting a table of contents (TOC) entry of a TOC page in persistent storage, where the TOC entry includes an object identifier (ID) of an object, an offset ID, and a birth time. The method further includes determining, based on the object ID, that the in-memory data structure includes object metadata for the object including a mod time and an object map pointer to an object map tree. The method further includes that the birth time in the TOC entry is greater than the mod time, updating a stored physical address in the object map tree based on the offset ID to a physical address derived from the TOC entry; and updating the mod time stored in the object metadata to the birth time. |
| US09378146B2 |
Operand cache design
Instructions may require one or more operands to be executed, which may be provided from a register file. In the context of a GPU, however, a register file may be a relatively large structure, and reading from a register file may be energy and/or time intensive An operand cache may be used to store a subset of operands, and may use less power and have quicker access times than the register file. Selectors (e.g., multiplexers) may be used to read operands from the operand cache. Power savings may be achieved in some embodiments by activating only a subset of the selectors, which may be done by activators (e.g. flip-flops). Operands may also be concurrently provided to two or more locations via forwarding, which may be accomplished via a source selection unit in some embodiments. Operand forwarding may also reduce power and/or speed execution in one or more embodiments. |
| US09378140B2 |
Least disruptive cache assignment
The embodiments are directed to methods and appliances for assigning communication network caches. The methods and appliances can assign storage buckets to caches in a manner that is minimally disruptive to all cache assignments. The methods and appliances can determine a minimum number of cache assignments and reassignments to perform based on a plurality of factors including a number of caches added and removed to a communication network during a given time period, a number of buckets in the communication network, and current cache assignment information. The methods and appliances determine a quantity of buckets to be assigned to each cache, and a quantity of extra buckets to assign, and selectively choose certain buckets for reassignment. |
| US09378139B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for low latency scheduling and launch of memory defined tasks
A system, method, and computer program product for low-latency scheduling and launch of memory defined tasks. The method includes the steps of receiving a task metadata data structure to be stored in a memory associated with a processor, transmitting the task metadata data structure to a scheduling unit of the processor, storing the task metadata data structure in a cache unit included in the scheduling unit, and copying the task metadata data structure from the cache unit to the memory. |
| US09378138B2 |
Conservative garbage collection and access protection
A method of memory management can include creating an initial root set of pointers for a program during execution of the program and performing a marking process by iteratively marking referred objects of each pointer of the root set and expanding the root set with filtered, encoded pointers. The method also can include identifying each non-live object for any marked object as red-marked and performing, using a processor, a re-marking process on the root set in which red-marked objects are excluded. Each object of the root set not marked can be designated as including a memory leak. |
| US09378134B2 |
Non-volatile memory device capable of minimizing instant current consumption and performing memory operations in parallel, and method for operating the same, and system including the same
Disclosed are a non-volatile memory device capable of performing memory operations in parallel and a method for operating the non-volatile memory device, and a system including the non-volatile memory device. A non-volatile memory system may include a memory controller suitable for controlling a memory; and the memory suitable for performing read and program operations in response to commands from the memory controller, and wherein the memory controller and the memory operate in a high interface mode, and operate in a low interface mode when an operation to read internal data or an operation to receive (N+1)th data is performed during an operation to program Nth data in the memory. |
| US09378133B2 |
Autonomous initialization of non-volatile random access memory in a computer system
A non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) is used in a computer system to store information that allows the NVRAM to autonomously initialize itself at power-on. The computer system includes a processor, an NVRAM controller coupled to the processor, and an NVRAM that comprises the NVRAM controller. The NVRAM is byte-rewritable and byte-erasable by the processor. The NVRAM stores a memory interface table containing information for the NVRAM controller to autonomously initialize the NVRAM upon power-on of the computer system without interacting with the processor and firmware outside of the NVRAM. The information is provided by the NVRAM controller to the processor to allow the processor to access the NVRAM. |
| US09378127B2 |
Dynamic memory page policy
Mechanisms for predicting whether a memory access may be a page hit or a page miss and applying different page policies (e.g., an open page policy or a close page policy) based on the prediction are disclosed. A counter may be used to determine a hit rate (e.g., a percentage or a ratio of the number of memory accesses that are page hits). The processing device may apply different page policies based on the hit rate. A memory access history (that includes data indicating a sequence or list of memory accesses) may be used to identify a counter from a plurality of counters. The processing device may apply different page policies based on the value of the counter (e.g., based on whether the counter is greater than a threshold). |
| US09378125B2 |
Semiconductor chip and method of controlling memory
Disclosed herein are a semiconductor chip for adaptively processing a plurality of commands to request memory access, and a method of controlling memory. The semiconductor chip includes a storage unit ad a control unit. The storage unit stores a memory access request to be currently processed and a plurality of memory access requests received before the memory access request to be currently processed in received order. The control unit processes the memory access request to be currently processed and the plurality of memory access requests received before the memory access request to be currently processed, which have been stored in the storage unit, in received order, except that memory access requests attempting to access the same bank and the same row are successively processed. |
| US09378124B1 |
Software testing optimizer
In an approach for testing software, a computer receives a series of two or more revisions to a set of software code. The computer identifies modifications between the series of two or more revisions. The computer categorizes the series of two or more revisions into one or more categories of revisions based on the identified modifications. The computer tests at least one of the series of two or more revisions from at least one of the one or more categories of revisions. |
| US09378104B2 |
Mirroring in three-dimensional stacked memory
A method for mirroring in three-dimensional-stacked memory includes receiving a plurality of thermal profiles from a plurality of memory chips. The method also includes ranking the plurality of memory chips in a first ranked list of memory chips as a function of the plurality of thermal profiles and forming a first group of memory chips from the plurality of memory chips based on the first ranked list of memory chips. The method also includes forming a second group of memory chips from the plurality of memory chips distinct from the first group of memory chips based on the first ranked list of memory chips. The method also includes pairing a first memory chip from the first group of memory chips and a second memory chip from the second group of memory chips, and mirroring the pairing of memory chips. |
| US09378098B2 |
Methods and systems for redundant data storage in a register
A register structure in an integrated circuit includes a first register element to store a first copy of data, a second register element to store a second copy of the data, and storage cells to store copies of a parity value of the data. The register structure also includes parity computing circuitry, coupled to the first and second register elements, to generate respective parity values of the first and second copies of the data. The register structure further includes a selection circuit to select between the first and second copies of the data based on a comparison of the respective parity values of the first and second copies of the data to a majority value of the copies of the parity value stored in the storage cells. |
| US09378095B2 |
Mobile terminal capable of recovering an application after being rebooted and corresponding method thereof
A mobile terminal capable of recovering an application after being rebooted is provided. The mobile terminal comprises a terminal body and a battery. The terminal body comprises a power-supply management module, a power-off monitoring module, a baseband chip module, a memory module and a backup-energy storage module. The backup-energy storage module is configured to power the terminal body when the battery is detached from the terminal body, and the power-off monitoring module is configured to feed back a power-off signal to the baseband chip module when the battery is detached from the terminal body. The baseband chip module is connected to the memory module, and is configured to, after receiving the power-off signal, save a related parameter of an application currently running the volatile memory of the memory module into the non-volatile memory. |
| US09378087B2 |
Methods for improved DMX512 communication while maintaining backwards compatibility
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for improved backwards compatible DMX communications. In some embodiments, methods and apparatus related to extensions of the DMX protocol enable error detection by enhanced DMX slave devices while maintaining full compatibility with non-enhanced DMX slave devices. The methods and apparatus may utilize a packet checksum byte that is incorporated within a start code packet and that is a checksum of a plurality of bytes in the start code packet. A plurality of bytes within the start code packet may optionally be interleaved according to an interleaving scheme in some variations. |
| US09378081B2 |
Bit remapping system
A method includes storing, at a counter, a first value indicating a count of read operations in which a bit error is detected in data associated with a first address. The method further includes, in response to the first value exceeding a first threshold value, remapping the first address to a second address using a controller that is coupled to a memory array. The first address corresponds to a first element of the memory array. The second address corresponds to a second element that is included at a memory within the controller. Remapping the first address includes, in response to receiving a first read request for data located at the first address, replacing a first value read from the first element with a second value read from the second element. |
| US09378072B2 |
Mechanisms and apparatus for embedded controller reconfigurable inter-processor communications
A system and method for reconfigurable inter-processor communications in a controller. The system and method include providing multiple processors in the controller and generating a send buffer and a receive buffer for each of the processors. The system and method further include generating a send table and a receive table for each of the processors where the send table stores identifying information about messages being sent and where the receive table stores identifying information about messages being received, and providing infrastructure services that include protocols for sending and receiving messages between multiple processors in the controller. |
| US09378063B2 |
Mobile coprocessor system and methods
Embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods mobile coprocessing. A connection is established between a mobile device and an auxiliary computing device. The mobile device implements a CPU abstraction layer and a virtual CPU between a software stack and a CPU of the mobile device. The abstraction layer allows for the mobile device to offload tasks to the auxiliary computing device while the software stack interacts with the abstraction layer as if the tasks are being executed by the CPU of the mobile device. The mobile device of allocates tasks to the auxiliary computing device based on various parameters, including properties of the auxiliary computing device, metrics of the connection, and priorities of the tasks. |
| US09378062B2 |
Interface between a resource manager and a scheduler in a process
An interface between a resource manager and schedulers in a process executing on a computer system allows the resource manager to manage the resources of the schedulers. The resource manager communicates with the schedulers using the interface to access statistical information from the schedulers. The statistical information describes the amount of use of the resources by the schedulers. The resource manager also communicates with the schedulers to dynamically allocate and reallocate resources among the schedulers in the same or different processes or computer systems in accordance with the statistical information. |
| US09378060B2 |
Runtime co-location of executing logic and frequently-accessed application data
In accordance with various embodiments, systems and methods are provided for co-locating execution logic and state data in a distributed and clustered environment. Such a system can include a plurality of applications, executing on one or more application servers, including an event broker which identifies state data required by an actor, a database which identifies an application server where such state data is cached; and a co-location module which instantiates the actor on the application server where such state data is cached. The method includes identifying state data required by a transaction, identifying an application server where such state data is cached, instantiating execution logic for processing the transaction on the application server where such state data is cached, and executing said execution logic for processing the transaction on the application server where such state data is cached thereby providing predictable low execution latency. |
| US09378058B2 |
Method and system for dynamic control of a multi-tier processing system
Method, system, and programs for dynamic control of a processing system having a plurality of tiers. Queue lengths of a plurality of nodes in one of the plurality of tiers are received. A control objective is received from a higher tier. One or more requests from the higher tier are processed by the plurality of nodes in the tier. A control model of the tier is computed based on the received queue lengths. One or more parameters of the control model are adjusted based on the received control objective. At least one control action is determined based on the control model and the control objective. |
| US09378053B2 |
Generating map task output with version information during map task execution and executing reduce tasks using the output including version information
A method and system for operating a data center. The method includes, in response to a map task distributed by a job tracker, a map task tracker executes the map task to generate a map output including version information. The map task tracker stores the generated map outputs. The map task tracker informs the job tracker of related information of the map output. In response to a reduce task distributed by the job tracker, the reduce task tracker acquires the map outputs for key names including given version information from the map task trackers, wherein the acquired map outputs include the map outputs with the given version information and historical map outputs with the version information prior to the given version information. The reduce task tracker executes the reduce task on the acquired map outputs. |
| US09378051B1 |
Systems and methods for performing scheduling for a cluster
Multiple scheduler verticals can allocate tasks to resources that are shared by the scheduler verticals. Information regarding a state of each resource may be stored in memory accessible by the multiple scheduler verticals, and a processor updates the information. The scheduler verticals schedule events to be performed by any of the resources, and submit updates to reflect the scheduled events in the information. In the event of conflicting events, an update corresponding to only one of the conflicting events is committed. Moreover, disruptions may be preplanned and scheduled so as to minimize impact on scheduled tasks. |
| US09378050B2 |
Assigning an operation to a computing device based on a number of operations simultaneously executing on that device
A computer-readable recording medium stores an execution control program that causes a computer to execute a process that includes receiving an execution request for a given operation for a system; detecting number of operations that are of a type identical to that of the given operation and are under execution by a computing device that is in the system and involved in the execution of the given operation for which the execution request is received; comparing the number of operations detected at the detecting and the number of operations that are of the type and simultaneously executable by the computing device such that the execution of the given operation is completed within a given period by the computing device; and assigning the given operation to the computing device, based on a result of comparison at the comparing. |
| US09378039B2 |
Virtual machine storage replication schemes
A device may receive agreement information associated with a customer of a cloud computing service. The agreement information may be based on input associated with the customer. The device may generate replication policy information based on the agreement information. The replication policy information may identify multiple replication sets, each including replication information. The device may identify data, associated with the customer, to be stored or processed by a cloud computing resource associated with the cloud computing service. The device may determine the replication set information, associated with each replication set, based on the replication policy information. The replication set information may identify at least one computing resource to store or process the data. The device may forward the data to the at least one computing resource based on the replication set information. |
| US09378037B2 |
Guest-based quality of service for iSCSI
A system and method for providing access to a Logical Unit mapped to an iSCSI target are described herein. In accordance with this disclosure, an initiator IQN name may be split into a physical IQN name (PIN) and a virtual IQN name (VIN). The VIN may be assigned to a virtual adapter that is created in a guest partition. The PIN may be assigned to a physical adapter (e.g., an iSCSI initiator in a hypervisor). The physical adapter may log into the iSCSI target on behalf of the virtual adapter using the VIN. The physical adapter may receive a list of available logical units associated with the iSCSI target and map the list of available logical units to the virtual adapter. Thereafter, a quality of service between the virtual adapter and the iSCSI target may be monitored. |
| US09378036B1 |
Method and system for communication in a virtual machine environment
Methods and systems for routing frames are provided. A routing module of a network device stores a destination address for a virtual machine with a virtual bridge identifier associated with a virtual bridge. The virtual bridge identifier is associated with a queue pair that is used by the virtual machine to send and receive information using the virtual bridge. The network device also includes a port connected to a link for sending and receiving the information and the virtual bridge is associated with the port. The routing module is used to determine the destination of a frame whether the frame is sent by an external device or the virtual machine. |
| US09378033B2 |
Method and apparatus for a virtual system on chip
A virtual system on chip (VSoC) is an implementation of a machine that allows for sharing of underlying physical machine resources between different virtual systems. A method or corresponding apparatus of the present invention relates to a device that includes a plurality of virtual systems on chip and a configuring unit. The configuring unit is arranged to configure resources on the device for the plurality of virtual systems on chip as a function of an identification tag assigned to each virtual system on chip. |
| US09378030B2 |
Method and apparatus for interactive mobile device guidance
Described are a method and system that remotely instructs and guides end users of mobile devices to navigate through its various functions and configurations. The system comprises a repository, a control center, and an intelligent client on the mobile device, where the control center and mobile device operate in a client-server relationship and are in communication during a help session. An administrator uses the system to create step by step navigational instructions called story boards and reference device navigational maps which are uploaded to a repository. The control center pulls the relevant story boards and device navigation maps from the repository and uses it to remotely and interactively direct the end user of the mobile device to navigate through its various applications and functions. |
| US09378026B2 |
Customizable application
An application that can include customized functionality that can be selectively enabled without disrupting the underlying operation of the application or requiring multiple instances or versions of the application that must be separately stored and maintained. An application is generally made available over a network for various users. A feature is provided that allows users to selectively activate one or more customized or specialized functions and/or features of the application such that the user gains access to a customized operation of the application without the application provider having to separately create and maintain multiple versions of the web application. |
| US09378024B2 |
Randomized testing within transactional execution
Task specific diagnostic controls are provided to facilitate the debugging of certain types of abort conditions. The diagnostic controls may be set to cause transactions to be selectively aborted, allowing a transaction to drive its abort handler routine for testing purposes. The controls include, for instance, a transaction diagnostic scope and a transaction diagnostic control. The transaction diagnostic scope indicates when the transaction diagnostic control is to be applied, and the transaction diagnostic control indicates whether transactions are to selectively aborted. |
| US09378023B2 |
Cross-pipe serialization for multi-pipeline processor
Embodiments relate to cross-pipe serialization for a multi-pipeline computer processor. An aspect includes receiving, by a processor, the processor comprising a first pipeline, the first pipeline comprising a serialization pipeline, and a second pipeline, the second pipeline comprising a non-serialization pipeline, a request comprising a first subrequest for the first pipeline and a second subrequest for the second pipeline. Another aspect includes completing the first subrequest by the first pipeline. Another aspect includes, based on completing the first subrequest by the first pipeline, sending cross-pipe unlock signal from the first pipeline to the second pipeline. Yet another aspect includes, based on receiving the cross-pipe unlock signal by the second pipeline, completing the second subrequest by the second pipeline. |
| US09378018B2 |
Processor for executing wide operand operations using a control register and a results register
A programmable processor and method for improving the performance of processors by expanding at least two source operands, or a source and a result operand, to a width greater than the width of either the general purpose register or the data path width. The present invention provides operands which are substantially larger than the data path with of the processor by using the contents of a general purpose register to specify a memory address at which a plurality of data path widths of data can be read or written, as well as the size and shape of the operand. In addition, several instructions and apparatus for implementing these instructions are described which obtain performance advantages if the operands are not limited to the width and accessible number of general purpose registers. |
| US09378016B2 |
Multifunctional hexadecimal instruction form system and program product
A new zSeries floating-point unit has a fused multiply-add dataflow capable of supporting two architectures and fused MULTIPLY and ADD and Multiply and SUBTRACT in both RRF and RXF formats for the fused functions. Both binary and hexadecimal floating-point instructions are supported for a total of 6 formats. The floating-point unit is capable of performing a multiply-add instruction for hexadecimal or binary every cycle with a latency of 5 cycles. This supports two architectures with two internal formats with their own biases. This has eliminated format conversion cycles and has optimized the width of the dataflow. The unit is optimized for both hexadecimal and binary floating-point architecture supporting a multiply-add/subtract per cycle. |
| US09378015B2 |
Predicting defects in code
A system is described herein that predicts defects in a portion of code of an application that is configured to execute on a computing device. Versions of code are analyzed to locate change bursts, which are alterations to at least one portion of code over time-related events. If a change burst is identified, defects are predicted with respect to the code based at least in part upon the identified change burst. |
| US09378012B2 |
Generation of API call graphs from static disassembly
Data is received that includes at least a portion of a program. Thereafter, entry point locations and execution-relevant metadata of the program are identified and retrieved. Regions of code within the program are then identified using static disassembly and based on the identified entry point locations and metadata. In addition, entry points are determined for each of a plurality of functions. Thereafter, a set of possible call sequences are generated for each function based on the identified regions of code and the determined entry points for each of the plurality of functions. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described. |
| US09378011B2 |
Network application versioning
A system and method for managing application version changes on a network server. A backup is made of a deployed application version. When an update version of the application is to be deployed, a backup of the current application, including dynamic data, is performed. The update version is deployed and automatically monitored. If the update version is determined to be healthy, it is backed up. If it is determined to not be healthy, the previous version is automatically retrieved and deployed. An application skeleton may be automatically generated to facilitate comparison and backups of the application. |
| US09378005B2 |
Hitless software upgrades
Disclosed is a technique for facilitating software upgrade for a switching system comprising a first management processor and a second management processor and a set of one or more line processors, the techniques comprising receiving a signal to perform a software upgrade for a line processor from the set of line processors, and performing a software upgrade for the line processor without substantially affecting packet switching performed by the switching system. |
| US09378003B1 |
Compiler directed cache coherence for many caches generated from high-level language source code
Approaches for generating and operating an electronic system. High-level language (HLL) source code is compiled into equivalent intermediate language program code. The compilation determines a plurality of caches for storing data referenced by the HLL source. Flush instructions are inserted in the intermediate language program. Each flush instruction references one of caches and is inserted in the intermediate language program immediately following an instruction that is last to write to that cache. The intermediate language program is translated into a hardware description that specifies the plurality of caches, circuits for processing data in the caches, and for each of the caches a flush interface that initiates writing data from the cache to a main memory in response to a flush signal. The timing of the respective flush signal is determined based on placement of one of the one or more flush instructions in the intermediate language program. |
| US09378002B2 |
System, method, apparatus and computer program product for providing memory footprint reduction
An apparatus for providing memory footprint reduction for classes of an application programming interface includes a comparing element and a set selection element. The comparing element may be configured to receive a reference class file and one or more modified class files for each of a plurality of classes and to compare a size of each of the one or more modified class files and the reference class file. The set selection element may be in communication with the comparing element. The set selection element may be configured to select one of the one or more modified class files or the reference class file based at least in part on the size of each of the one or more modified class files and the reference class file as a selected file for each corresponding one of the classes and to form a class set comprising the selected file for each corresponding one of the classes. |
| US09378000B1 |
Determination of unreachable elements in a design
A method and apparatus for performing compiler optimizations is described. The method determines one or more impossible values for a variable in a program code based on a plurality of values of the variable. The method propagates the one or more impossible values for the variable throughout the program code. The method identifies a set of unreachable targets in the program code based on the propagated impossible values for the variable. The method removes objects associated with the set of unreachable targets. |
| US09377997B2 |
Random number generator
A random number generator includes a first oscillator configured to output a first oscillating signal having a first frequency. A second oscillator is configured to output a second oscillating signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency. A sampling unit is configured to receive the first and second oscillating signals. The sampling unit is configured to generate at least one entropy source by combining the received first and second oscillating signals. The sampling unit is configured to generate a random bit corresponding to the generated entropy source using a third oscillating signal. A third oscillator & control unit is configured to control the first and second oscillators and to generate the third oscillating signal. A frequency of the third oscillating signal is lower than the first and second frequencies. |
| US09377994B2 |
Gate driver circuit
A gate driver circuit includes several shift register stages. One of shifter register stages includes a pull-up unit, a pull-up control unit, and an output unit. The pull-up unit is configured for generating a driving signal according to a first clock signal and an operating signal. The pull-up control unit is configured for generating a next-stage operating signal to a next-stage shift register stage according to the first clock signal, the operating signal and the driving signal. The output unit is configured for receiving the driving signal and generating a first gate driving signal and a second gate driving signal according to a first controlling signal and a second controlling signal, respectively. |
| US09377989B2 |
Information processing method for slicing and displaying object and electric device for implementing the same
An information processing method and device is provided. According to the method, a first position parameter of a first device and a second position parameter of a second device are acquired. Based on the position parameters, whether a relative position relationship between the first device and the second device meets a preset condition is judged to acquire a result. If the judgment result is positive, the first device communicates with the second device, data of a first part of a first object to be displayed on the first device is acquired, a first application program corresponding to the first object in the second device is synchronously executed, and the data of the first part of the first object is displayed on the first device while data of a second part of the first object is displayed on the second device. |
| US09377988B2 |
Displaying a consolidated resource in an overlapping area on a shared projection
A method, system, and/or computer program product enables the sharing of an overlapping area on a shared projection. A system detects an overlapping area on a shared projection, which presents content from a first projection and a second projection. A computing device identifies any redundant resources, which perform the same function as one another, in the first projection and the second projection. A consolidated resource, which provides the same function as the redundant resources, is defined and/or created, and then displayed in the overlapping area. |
| US09377986B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A storage portion stores information, which can be obtained from an image forming apparatus by a communication terminal, as a result of wireless communication with the communication terminal via a first communication portion. The processor stores setting information, the information set in the communication terminal to perform communication with the communication terminal via a second communication portion, in the storage portion. The processor stores application information, the information that can identify an application which is executed by the communication terminal in accordance with a state of the image forming apparatus, in the storage portion. The processor receives the data transmitted from the communication terminal in accordance with the application being executed in the communication terminal as a result of wireless communication, via the second communication portion, with the communication terminal in which the setting information stored in the storage portion by the first storing is set. |
| US09377983B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
An information processing apparatus for generating drawing data by using a print job including setting information and printing data. The information processing apparatus includes a conversion unit that converts first setting information into first apparatus setting information in accordance with a form of the first setting information and converts second setting information, converted from the first setting information, into second apparatus setting information in accordance with a form of the second setting information; an information obtaining unit that obtains the second apparatus setting information; and a first comparison result information creating unit that creates apparatus setting information comparison result information by comparing the first apparatus setting information with the second apparatus setting information. |
| US09377979B1 |
Secure mobile printing from a third-party device with proximity-based device listing
In some embodiments, an interface is provided that allows a user to view, identify, select, and/or contact one or more remote printing locations (e.g., in proximity to the user). In some embodiments, documents queued for remote and/or mobile printing may be released and/or printed based on proximity of a user to the printing device, or based on a release command provided by the user via the Internet and/or SMS, and/or based on other print-release triggers and/or rules. |
| US09377972B2 |
Host device, management server, and method of solving error of image forming appartus
A host device includes a communication interface unit to receive status information from an image forming apparatus, an error processing unit to control the communication interface unit to transmit error information including the status information to the management server if it is determined that the image forming apparatus has an error according to the received status information, and a user interface unit to display a video manual if a URL address providing a video manual to solve an error of the image forming apparatus is received from the management server. |
| US09377970B1 |
Simultaneously printing multiple documents to multiple destinations in cloud printing
Systems and methods of processing print jobs comprising at least two documents and/or at least two printing devices via a cloud printing service are provided. A network printing server, in a cloud printing environment, can receive instructions to print the documents from any of a plurality of user devices to be printed at printing devices registered to the user device. The network printing server generates a print job for each file-destination pair. For each print job, the network printing server identifies one or more general options that apply to all of the print jobs and one or more detailed options that apply to a portion of the print jobs. The destination printing devices are connected via a public network (e.g., the Internet) to the network printing server that provides a cloud printing service. |
| US09377967B2 |
Systems and methods for scalable storage management
Systems and methods for management of scalable storage architectures are disclosed. The system includes one or more storage backplanes, each storage backplane configured to interface with one or more hard disk drives. The system includes a baseboard management controller, which includes an interface to communicate with one or more of the storage backplanes and programmable logic configured to detect the presence of one or more hard disk drives in an interfaced storage backplane and control one or more status indicators, wherein each status indicator is related to at least one of the hard disk drives in the interfaced storage backplane. |
| US09377966B2 |
Method and apparatus for efficiently processing storage commands
A method of processing a storage command includes receiving the storage command from a host device at a storage device, processing the storage command, repeatedly, at a pre-determined time interval based on rate information indicating a rate of repetition of the storage command, and sending a response message to the host device, by the storage device, each time the storage command is processed. The storage command includes the rate information. |
| US09377965B2 |
Storage control device for controlling physical storage device in storage system including virtual storage device, storage system including physical storage device and virtual storage device, and computer-readable recording medium storing control program for physical storage device in storage system including virtual storage device
A storage control device that controls a physical storage device in a storage system, the storage control device includes: a receiving section configured to receive a command from the storage system including the physical storage device and a virtual storage device, the physical storage device configured to store data in a physical volume, the virtual storage device configured to intervene between a host device and the physical storage device and store data to be transmitted and received between the host device and the physical storage device as a virtual portable volume; a determining section configured to determine a type of the command; and a control section, if the command is an ejection command indicating an outside management of a first physical volume specified by the ejection command, configured to perform data protection setting on the first physical volume. |
| US09377962B2 |
Determining bias information for offsetting operating variations in memory cells
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for determining memory cell bias information for use in memory operations. One or more memory die are selected from a group of memory die, and one or more memory blocks selected from the selected one or more memory die. A group of cells within the selected memory blocks are programmed and cycled. Bias values are generated based on comparing one or more program levels associated with respective wordlines with predetermined programming levels. The bias values are stored lookup table that is configured to be accessible at runtime by a memory controller for retrieval of the bias value during a memory operation. |
| US09377956B1 |
Rewrite operation for recording bands
Systems and methods are disclosed for performing rewrite operations on recording bands of a data storage medium. In some embodiments, a storage device may receive a write request to be recorded to a band including a plurality of contiguous data storage areas (e.g. tracks) spanning from a first storage area to a last storage area. The device may determine a target area of the band to which to record the data, and perform a partial rewrite operation on less than all data storage areas of the band when the target area is not within a threshold number of data storage areas from the first storage area. In some embodiments, the rewrite operation may include reading data recorded in a first arrangement from the target band, modifying the data, and recording the modified data to the band in a second arrangement including a physical recording order different than the first arrangement. |
| US09377953B2 |
Efficiency sets in a distributed system
Disclosed are systems, computer-readable mediums, and methods for efficiency sets in a distributed system. A first efficiency set is determined for a first volume of data. Determining the first efficiency set includes selecting block identifiers for data blocks of the first volume, where each block identifier is used to access a particular data block corresponding to the first volume. Determining the first efficiency set further includes applying a mask to the selected block identifiers to mask at least one bit of each selected block identifier. The first efficiency set is compared to a second efficiency set for a second data store, and based on the comparison, an amount of unique data blocks of the first volume is approximated. |
| US09377950B2 |
Touch-based annotation system with temporary modes
One embodiment provides a system for processing gesture inputs on a touch screen display. The system receives a gesture input on the touch screen display. When the gesture is recognized as invoking an annotation canvas, the system determines the height, width and location of an annotation canvas, and displays the annotation canvas on the touch screen display. Then, in response to an input gesture within the annotation canvas, the system recognizes the gesture as an annotation gesture, and executes the annotation gesture. In response to receiving an input gesture outside of the annotation canvas, the gesture is interpreted by the system as a navigation input. |
| US09377946B2 |
On-board apparatus
Provided is an on-board apparatus such that a function that is not displayed on an image display unit can be safely operated in a simple operation even during travel without watching the image display unit. An on-board apparatus (10) is provided with: a touch panel (18) for detecting information about a position touched by an operator; a display mode recognition unit (32) that recognizes a mode displayed on an image display unit (17); a gesture recognition unit (33) that recognizes a gesture inputted via the touch panel; and an operation mode determination unit (34) that determines an operation mode depending on the travel status of the vehicle and on the basis of the gesture. Thus, the function that is not displayed on the image display unit (17) can be simply operated by the gesture for implementing the function that is limited during travel. |
| US09377938B2 |
Live videocast to social network
In some implementations, a method includes receiving a selection of one or more users of a social networking service, the selection received via a social networking interface. A live visual data feed derived from a camera is received, where the received live visual data feed has a multiple frames and has a time interval between successive frames of the live visual data feed. A modified live visual data feed is sent over a network to be distributed using the social networking service to the selected users of the social networking service. The modified live feed includes frames derived from the frames of the received live visual data feed, and the modified feed provides a different time interval between its successive frames than the time interval between the frames of the received live feed. |
| US09377937B2 |
Method and device for executing object on display
A method and device for executing an object on a display. The method of executing an object includes receiving a user input to an object displayed on a display; gradually enlarging and displaying the object; and executing the application corresponding to the object as the object is enlarged. |
| US09377936B2 |
Framework for automated storage processes and flexible workflow
Methods and systems for providing a framework for automated storage processes and flexible workflow are disclosed. The framework provides a user workflow design tool to create and/or customize workflow automation processes without needing to write software code. Additionally, the workflow design tool provides a mechanism that allows the workflow to make decisions, such as selecting storage resources. |
| US09377934B2 |
Image display unit, image display method and computer readable storage medium that stores image display program
An image display unit includes an image display module changing for display images each having image and header information, a touch panel input module receiving inputs, an image reading module reading the image and header information of the images, a group definition determination module determining, based on the header information of a first image of the images that is displayed next in response to an operation performed on the touch panel input module, whether or not a group definition in the header information of the first image is the same as a first predetermined group definition, and an image changing module changing the images to the first image for display in a number of steps predetermined for the first predetermined group definition. |
| US09377931B2 |
Method for decoding a menu data segment
Optical storage media often contain data structures for a menu suitable for selection of a title, a chapter, a parameter or others. Such menus usually comprise a number of buttons to be displayed, with each button having a state. Possible states of buttons are; e.g., “unselected”, “selected” or “activated”. According to the invention, the menu may contain buttons that can be selected through the keys on the remote control, but that don't have any images or text associated. This allows creating “invisible buttons” that automatically execute commands upon selection. Further, a sound or sound sequence; e.g., melody or click, may be associated to a buttons state, and may be played back when the button enters this state. Such menu data may be stored; e.g., on a Blu-ray disc. |
| US09377922B2 |
Aiding people with impairments
A device may receive information identifying a type of impairment, and provide, based on the type of impairment, a user interface. The user interface may allow a user to specify a command and an action that is to be performed, by an application, based on detecting the command. The action may relate to the type of impairment. The device may further receive configuration information via the user interface, where the configuration information identifies the command and the action. The device may configure the application based on the configuration information, detect, using the application, the command, and perform, using the application, the action based on detecting the command. |
| US09377920B2 |
Electromagnetic induction panel structure and method of manufacturing the same, and electromagnetic handwriting input device
An electromagnetic induction panel structure includes a multilayer substrate, a first cover unit and a second cover unit. The multilayer substrate includes a first outermost lateral conductive layer and a second outermost lateral conductive layer respectively disposed on two opposite outermost surfaces thereof. The first cover unit is disposed on the first outermost lateral conductive layer. The second cover unit is disposed on the second outermost lateral conductive layer. For example, the first cover unit includes a first insulating layer directly formed on the first outermost lateral conductive layer for directly contacting the first outermost lateral conductive layer. The second cover unit includes a second insulating layer directly formed on the second outermost lateral conductive layer for directly contacting the second outermost lateral conductive layer. The second cover unit includes a wave-absorbing material layer directly formed on the second insulating layer for directly contacting the second insulating layer. |
| US09377917B2 |
Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same
A mobile terminal and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The mobile terminal displays, on a display unit, a touch input interface including at least one graphic object and a first region defined to correspond each graphic object, recognizes the defined first region as a touch input region of the each graphic object, changes the touch input region of the each graphic object to a specific region discriminated from the defined first region upon sensing approach of the mobile terminal within a predetermined distance from a first object through the sensing unit, and recognizes the changed specific region as the touch input region for receiving touch input from a second object while a distance between the mobile terminal and the first object keeps within the predetermined distance. |
| US09377915B2 |
Capacitive touch sensor
Provided is a capacitive touch sensor which includes a flat panel display for displaying an image and a touch sensor panel positioned on the flat panel display or embedded in the flat panel display. The capacitive touch sensor may include: a driving clock generator configured to generate a plurality of time-periodic output signals by using a gate driver signal of the flat panel display, and apply the generated time-periodic output signals to the touch sensor panel and a receiver circuit unit; a driver configured to generate a driving signal of the touch sensor panel using a part of the output signals of the driving clock generator; and the receiver circuit unit configured to process noise contained in a signal received from the touch sensor panel, using the output signals. |
| US09377914B2 |
Capacitively operating touch panel device
A multi-layer body has a transparent first area which comprises a plurality of touch panels in the first area with a carrier substrate transparent in the first area, and a partially electrically conductive first layer transparent at least in the first area. The first layer has, in the first area, electrically conductive transmission areas, receiving areas and connection areas each formed by a pattern of electrically conductive, non-transparent tracks whose width in the first area is such that the electrically conductive transmission areas, receiving areas and connection areas are transparent. One of the electrically conductive transmission areas and one of the electrically conductive receiving areas are in each touch panel in the first layer and galvanically separated from each other on both sides of a gap separating them, wherein n transmission areas of different touch panels in the first layer are electrically connected to each other and to a contact area outside the first area in the first layer via one of the electrically conductive connection areas of the first layer, and m receiving areas of different touch panels in the first layer are electrically connected to each other and to a contact area formed outside the first area in the first layer via one of the electrically conductive connection areas formed in the first layer, wherein n≧ and m≧2. |
| US09377913B2 |
Display apparatus including touch electrode
Disclosed is a display apparatus which facilitates to improve touch sensitivity by decreasing parasitic capacitance between a common electrode and gate/data lines, and decreasing delay on touch sensing and displaying driving, wherein the display apparatus may include a lower panel including a pixel electrode; an upper panel including the common electrode, wherein the common electrode together with the pixel electrode forms an electric field for displaying an image for a displaying driving mode, and the common electrode senses a capacitance change in accordance with a user's touch for a touch sensing mode; and a liquid crystal layer of VA mode formed between the lower and upper panels, and changed in accordance with the electric field between the pixel and common electrodes. |
| US09377907B2 |
Self capacitance implementation method
A circuit for detecting a touch or proximity event on a touch input device is provided. The circuit is able to mitigate the effects that parasitic capacitance has on a self-capacitance touch sensor panel by injecting a signal into the sensing circuitry. The signal is adjusted until it calibrates the circuitry for the effects that parasitic capacitance imparts on the detection of touch or proximity events on a touch sensor panel. |
| US09377902B2 |
Systems and methods for wedge-based imaging using flat surfaces
A wedge imager and techniques of imaging with a wedge imager are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wedge image comprises: a simple wedge comprising substantially opposing flat faces; a multi-camera and/or optical system to capture light input into the wedge—which is then partitioned into at least two parities of image content. In another embodiment, image processing techniques are disclosed to correct distortion of each parity image content and merge or ‘stitch’ the two parities together to form a single image of the object input surface of the shim wedge. In another embodiment, in order to limit extreme high-FOV (field-of-view) requirements, multiple laterally-neighboring narrow sub-sections may be captured by use of an array of the dual-image sensors and imaging optics, along a single end of the wedge. |
| US09377901B2 |
Display method, a display control method and electric device
The present invention discloses a display method, for determining user's operations and thereby reducing a rate of error response of electronic devices. The method includes determining a first image to be projected; projecting the first image, the first image being capable of forming on the touch sensing unit when the second electronic device is in the projection area and the touch sensing unit faces towards the first electronic device; receiving first operation information transmitted by the second electronic device, the first operation information being information acquired by the second electronic device in response to a first operation performed by a user on the touch sensing unit; determining a second image based on the first image and the first operation information; and projecting the second image. The present invention also discloses a display control method, and electronic devices for implementing the previously mentioned two methods respectively. |
| US09377899B2 |
Optical sensing type built in touch control screen panel and a display device
An optical sensing type built in touch control screen panel and a display device are provided. The optical sensing type built in touch control screen panel includes an array substrate having a plurality of pixel units arranged in a matrix. The array substrate has touch control scanning lines between adjacent rows of the pixel units. The array substrate has touch control reading lines between adjacent columns of the pixel units. The array substrate has a photosensitive transistor and a touch control switch unit in a region defined by the touch control scanning lines and the touch control reading lines; the photosensitive transistor has a drain connected with the touch control switch unit, the touch control switch unit is connected with the touch control scanning line and the touch control reading line, respectively, so as to control ON/OFF between the drain of the photosensitive transistor and the touch control reading line. |
| US09377897B2 |
Control of coordinate input apparatus based on light distribution and moving amounts of sensor units
The sensor unit of each of a first bar housing unit and second bar housing unit is moved. The moving amount is measured and stored. The distribution of a light amount received by the light receiving unit of the sensor unit of each of the first bar housing unit and second bar housing unit is detected, and whether the moving amount is appropriate is determined based on the detection result. A calculation value used when the coordinates of the pointed position in the coordinate input effective region are calculated based on variations of the light amount distribution is corrected by using the moving amount stored when it is determined that the moving amount is appropriate. |
| US09377895B2 |
Method for divided scanning of touch panel
The present disclosure relates to a method for divided scanning of a touch panel, in which a touch panel scanning process is divided into a pre-scan process and a main scan process. According to the embodiment of the present invention, a touch panel scan process, which had been performed in existing touch panels, may be divided into a pre-scan process and a main scan process, and the performed in various manners. Thus, while power consumption is reduced, the speed of response to an external touch can be improved. |
| US09377894B2 |
Selective turning off/dimming of touch screen display region
A device includes a touch screen display comprising a touch sensitive panel and a display. The touch sensitive panel receives a touch event, and records the touch event as touch panel data. The device analyzes the touch panel data to identify the touch event as a valid or a non-valid touch event, determines, if the touch event is a non-valid touch event and based on the touch panel data, one or more regions of a touch panel display associated with the non-valid touch event, and turns off or dims the determined one or more regions of the touch panel display. |
| US09377891B2 |
Touch panel
A touch panel is provided, including a substrate, a touch sensing array, a first electrostatic protection circuit, a first insulating layer and a plurality of first connecting lines. The substrate has an active region and a peripheral region surrounding the active region. The touch sensing array is disposed on the substrate and located in the active region. The first electrostatic protection circuit is disposed on the substrate and located in the peripheral region. The first insulating layer is disposed on the substrate and located in the peripheral region, wherein the first insulating layer covers the first electrostatic protection circuit. The plurality of first connecting lines is disposed on the first insulating layer and coupled to the touch sensing array respectively. |
| US09377885B2 |
Method and apparatus for locking onto a retroreflector with a laser tracker
A three-dimensional (3D) coordinate measurement system includes a communication device, a retroreflector, and a laser tracker. The communication device includes a first light source and an operator-controlled unit that controls emission from the first light source. The laser tracker includes a wide field-of-view (FOV) camera, a second light source, a narrow FOV camera next to the second light source, and a processor. The processor determines that a lock-in command has been given in response to the wide FOV camera capturing light emitted by the first light source. To lock onto the retroreflector, the processor captures with the narrow FOV camera light from the second light source reflected by the retroreflector and uses the image to lock onto the retroreflector with a beam of light from the tracker. It measures a distance and two angles with the tracker to get 3D coordinates of the retroreflector. |
| US09377883B2 |
Touch sensing method, recording medium in which program for realizing the same is recorded, and touch sensing system
A touch sensing method for a touch screen including an image display device with a touch-sensitive screen. The method includes a filtering process that includes calculating an output signal of an nth frame from a sensing signal of the nth frame output from a touch sensing unit configured to sense touches of the touch-sensitive screen, the calculating using an equation F(n)=I(n)×W(n)+F(n−1)×[1−W(n)], wherein F(n) represents the output signal of the nth frame, I(n) represents the sensing signal of the nth frame, F(n−1) represents an output signal of an (n−1)th frame, and W(n) represents a filtering coefficient; and outputting the output signal of the nth frame to an output end. The filtering coefficient is calculated by an equation W ( n ) = I ( n ) - F ( n - 1 ) R , wherein R is a scale constant. The touch sensing method has high touch sensitivity in an environment with heavy noise while being capable of correctly detecting touch coordinates. |
| US09377879B2 |
Touch pen and mobile terminal having the same
A touch pen is configured for use with a mobile terminal. The touch pen includes a pen point having one end pointedly formed or tapered, and a pen grip extended along a longitudinal axis from one end of the pen point. At least a portion of the pen grip has an asymmetrically shaped outer edge circumference defined with reference to a cross sectional area along the longitudinal axis. |
| US09377878B2 |
Tablet stylus with presentation interaction functionality
A handheld apparatus includes a body including a laser portion having a laser lens, a stylus portion having a conductive tip, and a connection portion coupled to the laser portion and the stylus portion. The connection portion has a charging port. The laser portion and the stylus portion are movable relative to each other between a first position, in which at least one of the laser portion and the stylus portion covers the charging port of the connection portion, and a second position, in which the charging port of the connection portion is exposed. The handheld apparatus also includes a power source positioned within the body and coupled to the charging port, and a laser module positioned within the laser portion. The laser module is operable to output a directed laser through the laser lens. |
| US09377877B2 |
Method and device for detecting touch screen
A detection method and device for a touch screen is provided. When a pen touching or approaching the touch screen is detected, only the location of the pen in a predetermined range is provided, and the locations of all other objects within the predetermined range are not provided, such as the location of a palm. Only if the pen and all the objects in the predetermined range are no longer detected, then the locations of objects other than the pen in the predetermined range are provided again. |
| US09377875B2 |
Information processing apparatus, control method, and recording medium
At least part of screen data corresponding to a screen displayed on the display unit of an information processing apparatus is transmitted to an image output apparatus. Transmission includes the first transmission mode in which at least part of screen data and pointer position information indicating the position of a pointer in the screen are transmitted without associating them, and the second transmission mode in which at least part of screen data and pointer position information are associated and transmitted. In a case that a predetermined operation using the pointer to an object included in the screen is detected, at least part of screen data is transmitted in the second transmission mode. |
| US09377872B2 |
Electronic device and control method
An electronic device and the control method thereof are described. The electronic device includes a panel provided at a first outer surface of the electronic device; an instruction generating unit configured to generate setting instructions; a position control unit overlapping the panel and configured to control the relative position of at least one part of the operation object on the panel with respect to the panel. |
| US09377870B2 |
Device and method for inputting information
Embodiments relate to classifying character information to be input by category and inputting the information classified by category by using the motion information of a motion remote control working as an input unit. Character information input according to embodiments is as follows. At least one of a mode and a key to input information is selected, a category including information to be input is selected, and by moving an in input unit to be corresponded to the information direction in the category activated on a display device on the basis of the selection, character information is input/output on the display device on the basis of the motion direction information. |
| US09377869B2 |
Unlocking a head mountable device
Embodiments described herein may help to provide a lock-screen for a computing device. An example method involves, while a computing device is in a locked mode, the computing device: (a) analyzing head-pose data to determine whether a head pose associated with the computing device matches a predetermined head pose, (b) analyzing touchpad data associated with the computing device to detect a predetermined sequence of touch gestures, (c) if both (i) the head pose matches the predetermined head pose and (ii) the predetermined sequence of touch gestures is detected, then the computing device switching to an unlocked mode, and (d) otherwise, refraining from causing computing device switch to the unlocked mode. |
| US09377867B2 |
Gesture based interface system and method
A user interface apparatus for controlling any kind of a device. Images obtained by an image sensor in a region adjacent to the device are input to a gesture recognition system which analyzes images obtained by the image sensor to identify one or more gestures. A message decision maker generates a message based upon an identified gesture and a recognition mode of the gesture recognition system. The recognition mode is changed under one or more various conditions. |
| US09377864B2 |
Transforming visualized data through visual analytics based on interactivity
A data visualization application transforms visualized data through visual analytics. A detected gesture and associated visualization are processed through a visual analytics engine of the application. The visual analytics engine determines attributes for a new visualization based on the contextual information of the gesture and the visualization. The analytics engine dynamically builds an action based on the attributes. Execution of the action generates the new visualization which is rendered for presentation. |
| US09377850B2 |
Input device, input method and medium
An input device comprises: a detection unit that detects as detection data a vibration that is generated by tapping on a body of a user and transmitted through the body of the user; and an input information identification unit that refers to the detection data and that identifies a tap position based on a fact that the detection data varies according to a length of a vibration transmission path from the tap position to the detection unit. |
| US09377849B2 |
Information processing apparatus and control method for recognizing a touch operation
An apparatus capable of multi-touch operation useful for preventing a false operation despite a user's intention recognizes a touch operation and includes a touch detection unit configured to detect a touch point in a target area of the touch operation, a detection unit configured to detect a movement of the information processing apparatus, a determination unit configured to determine that, among a plurality of touch points detected by the touch detection unit, a touch point which begins to be detected before the apparatus moves and is being detected when the movement is detected, as not valid, and a recognition unit configured to recognize the touch operation based on, among the plurality of touch points detected by the touch detection unit, based on a touch point excluding the touch point determined as not valid by the determination unit. |
| US09377847B2 |
Method for interacting with flexible device and user terminal thereof
A method for interacting with a flexible device and a user terminal thereof includes detecting a physical transformation of the flexible device, and performing an interaction, in association with the flexible device, corresponding to the physical transformation. |
| US09377846B2 |
Serial advanced technology attachment interfaces and methods for power management thereof
At least one example embodiment discloses a method of managing a power between a host serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) interface and a device SATA interface. The method includes first requesting to enter one of power saving states, defined by a SATA protocol, and second requesting to enter a deep power saving state if one of the host SATA interface and the device SATA interface operates at the first requested power saving state. The first requesting to enter one of power saving states and the second requesting to enter a deep power saving state are performed by one of the host SATA interface and the device SATA interface. |
| US09377841B2 |
Adaptively limiting a maximum operating frequency in a multicore processor
In an embodiment, a processor includes a plurality of cores each to independently execute instructions, and a power control unit coupled to the plurality of cores to control power consumption of the processor, where the power control unit includes a control logic to reduce a maximum operating frequency of the processor if a first number of forced performance state transitions occurs in a first time period or a second number of forced performance state transitions occurs in a second time period. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09377839B2 |
Dynamic battery management
Systems and methods for dynamic battery management of mobile devices are disclosed. In some implementations, a battery management application at the mobile device can enable a user to configure operational priority values for one or more software applications installed on the device, a battery threshold value for the mobile device and device resources needed by prioritized applications. In some implementations, mobile devices across a network can be managed remotely through a device management application. The device management application can obtain operational priority values for one or more software applications executing on one or more devices. The device management application can identify respective battery thresholds for the devices and remotely control operation of the software applications based on their respective operational priorities and the identified battery thresholds. |
| US09377836B2 |
Restricting clock signal delivery based on activity in a processor
In an embodiment, a processor has a core to execute instructions which includes a first cache memory, a clock generation logic to receive and distribute a first clock signal to a plurality of units of the core, and a core activity monitor logic to monitor activity of the core and, responsive to a miss in the first cache memory, to send a first restriction command to cause the clock generation logic to reduce delivery of the first clock signal to at least one of the units to a first frequency less than a frequency of the first clock signal. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09377833B2 |
Electronic device and power management method
A power management method for use in an electronic system is provided. The electronic system has a processor and a power management unit. The method has the steps of: when the processor has entered a low power state and an awakening event occurs, calculating a staying time from the time point the processor enters the low power state till the time point the awakening event occurs, wherein the operation voltage of the processor is at a first voltage level in the low power state; and when the processing starts to exit the low power state according to the awakening event, determining a wait time, during which the operation voltage of the processor is recovered to a second voltage level of a working state from the first voltage level, wherein the first voltage level is lower than the second voltage level. |
| US09377831B2 |
Vehicle electric power distribution device
An electric power distribution device sets a first threshold and a second threshold for a threshold temperature of main wires, and sets a third threshold and a fourth threshold for a threshold temperature of branch wires. In the case where a temperature of each of the main wires reaches the first threshold, all of branch wire switches provided in a branch wire distributor are shut off. Thereafter, in the case where the temperature of the main wire reaches the second threshold, each of the main wire switches, which is provided a main wire distributor, is shut off. In the case where a temperature of a certain branch wire reaches the third threshold, the corresponding branch wire switch is subjected to PWM control. Thereafter, in the case where the temperature of the branch wire reaches the fourth threshold, the corresponding branch wire switch is shut off. |
| US09377824B2 |
Microelectronic assembly including memory packages connected to circuit panel, the memory packages having stub minimization for wirebond assemblies without windows
A microelectronic assembly (300) or system (1500) includes at least one microelectronic package (100) having a microelectronic element (130) mounted face up above a first surface (108) of a substrate (102), one or more columns (138, 140) of contacts (132) extending in a first direction (142) along the microelectronic element front face. Columns (104A, 105B, 107A, 107B) of terminals (105 107) exposed at a second surface (110) of the substrate extend in the first direction. First terminals (105) exposed at surface (110) in a central region (112) thereof having width (152) not more than three and one-half times a minimum pitch (150) of the columns of terminals can be configured to carry address information usable to determine an addressable memory location. An axial plane of the microelectronic element can intersect the central region. |
| US09377822B2 |
Electronic device and component-positioning module thereof
A component-positioning module comprises an elastic member, a plurality of fastening members, a plurality of adjustment elements and a positioning element. The elastic member is secured to a first component of the electronic device by the plurality of fastening members, and an operative portion of the elastic member is movable in a linear extension direction substantially perpendicular to an outer surface of the first component. The plurality of adjustment elements are secured between the elastic member and the first component by the fastening members respectively; the positioning element is combined with the operative portion to position a second component of the electronic device, and the positioning element at least partially protrudes from the outer surface. Manipulation of the plurality of fastening members deforms the plurality of adjustment elements and changes a distance of the positioning element protruding from the outer surface. |
| US09377819B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a peripheral wall defining an opening, a frame defining an internal receiving space, a tray, a stopping piece, a button, and an elastic piece. The tray receives a storage device and is slidably received in the receiving space. The stopping piece is fixed between the opening and the frame. The stopping piece blocks the tray when the tray is wholly received in the receiving space. The button is connected to the stopping piece and configured to drive the stopping piece to release the tray when the button is pressed. The elastic piece pushes the tray to pass to be partly exposed out of the opening when the stopping piece releases the tray. |
| US09377815B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a pivot shaft, a pivot holder and restraining mechanisms. The first body includes a first connecting side, a groove disposed at the first connecting side and a first attracting component disposed in the groove. The second body includes a second connecting side where the pivot shaft is disposed at. The pivot holder connects the pivot shaft to rotate relative to the second body via the pivot shaft. The restraining mechanisms are disposed at the pivot holder. Each restraining mechanism includes a hollow protrusion and a second attracting component movably disposed in the hollow protrusions respectively. The first body is adapted to be engaged with the hollow protrusions via the groove. The second attracting components move away from the pivot holder and are attracted to the first attracting component, such that the first body is engaged with the pivot holder. |
| US09377813B2 |
Supporting structure and portable electronic device employing same
A supporting structure is for supporting a portable electronic device, the supporting structure includes a holder and a plurality of supporting portions. The holder is configured to be extendedly adjusted along a length of the holder. The supporting portions are defined in a back of the portable electronic device. The holder is configured to detachably engage with one of the supporting portions to support the portable electronic device at a predetermined supporting angle related to a placing spot of the portable electronic device. A portable electronic device employing the supporting structure is also disclosed. |
| US09377811B2 |
Electronic apparatus, method of controlling electronic apparatus and computer-readable recording medium
An electronic apparatus includes a keyboard configured to receive a user manipulation command, a display configured to display an image according to the received manipulation command, a link unit configured to connect the keyboard with the display, a first detector configured to detect a disposition of the keyboard and the display, a second detector configured to detect a rotation of the display, and a controller configured to control at least one of an operation state of the keyboard and a function of the electronic apparatus according to the detected disposition and rotation. |
| US09377810B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device of the present invention includes a cover body which openably and closably covers the front surface of a flat-type device body, a support section which is capable of being stood up and laid down and mounted on the cover body, and a mount section which is bendably provided to the support section and mounted on the device body. |
| US09377809B2 |
Display panel positioning member and display apparatus
The present invention discloses a display panel positioning member and a display apparatus. The display panel positioning member comprises a main body made of a shock absorbing material with a damping property, and a length direction of the main body is parallel to an inside face of an edge frame of the glue frame and an inside bottom face of the glue frame. The main body comprises a supporting portion provided between a light incidence face of the display panel and the glue frame, and a cushioning portion connected with the supporting portion and provided between a side of the display panel and the edge frame of the glue frame. |
| US09377807B2 |
Magnetic connector
An apparatus has a first housing and a second housing. By one approach at least the second housing has at least one exterior edge configured as a pivot surface. The first housing includes at least a first magnet and the second housing includes at least a second magnet that is disposed proximal to the aforementioned pivot surface. So configured, the first and second magnet interact with one another and thereby serve as a magnetic connector such that the first housing pivots with respect to the second housing about the pivot surface. By one approach, the first and second housing do not pivotally connect to one another via a mechanical connector. |
| US09377806B1 |
Hemispherical drive for autonomic and unconstrained actuation of flapping fins with variable amplitude
A small hemispherical drive apparatus actuates the cilia to undergo the limit cycle oscillations. Electromagnets are positioned on a housing of the apparatus. A gimbal with shaft is also attached to the housing. The shaft has a first end within the housing that is proximally separated and remains separated from the electromagnets as the shaft rotates. Generated signals excite electromagnets in sequence to produce an electromagnetic track for the shaft. |
| US09377805B2 |
Programmable bandgap reference voltage
Embodiments may include a method, system and apparatus for providing a reference voltage supply. A series resistor is provided between a power supply and a bandgap circuit coupled to an amplifier. A shunt transistor circuit is operatively coupled to the series resistor. A programmable output voltage is provided based upon the shunt transistor circuit and a first value of the series resistor. |
| US09377804B2 |
Switchable package capacitor for charge conservation and series resistance
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a capacitor and a die. The die comprises a resistor switch coupled between a power line and the capacitor, wherein the resistor switch has an adjustable resistance, and the power line and the capacitor are both external to the die. The die also comprises a circuit configured to receive power from the power line. |
| US09377803B2 |
Voltage control apparatus, voltage control method, and power regulating apparatus
A voltage control apparatus includes: an obtaining unit which obtains voltage values at voltage measuring points; a detecting unit which detects a system impedance value; a control quantity calculating unit which calculates, as control quantity, a reactive power value to be output by a power regulating apparatus to prevent at least a voltage value deviating from a predetermined voltage range from deviating from a target voltage value; and a notifying unit which notifies the power regulating apparatus of the control quantity. The control quantity calculating unit calculates the control quantity such that the voltage value at a specific voltage measuring point is substantially equal to the target voltage value, and when all of the voltage values deviating from the target voltage value deviate from the target voltage value in a same direction, only positive or negative reactive power is output by power regulating apparatuses. |
| US09377800B2 |
Voltage regulating circuit
In various embodiments, a circuit is provided including a supply terminal, a logic circuit, an inverter and a control transistor which may include a body region, first and second source/drain regions, a gate insulating region having a layer thickness and a gate region. The first source/drain region may be coupled to the supply terminal. The logic circuit may have an internal supply terminal connected to the second source/drain region of the control transistor and a plurality of transistors each having a gate insulating region having a second layer thickness. The inverter input may be coupled to the internal supply terminal of the logic circuit and the output to the gate region of the control transistor. The inverter may include a transistor with a gate insulating region having a third layer thickness substantially equal to the first and second layer thicknesses. |
| US09377797B2 |
Multiple mode RF power converter
This disclosure relates to radio frequency (RF) power converters and methods of operating the same. In one embodiment, an RF power converter includes an RF switching converter, a low-drop out (LDO) regulation circuit, and an RF filter. The RF filter is coupled to receive a pulsed output voltage from the RF switching converter and a supply voltage from the LDO regulation circuit. The RF filter is operable to alternate between a first RF filter topology and a second RF filter topology. In the first RF filter topology, the RF filter is configured to convert the pulsed output voltage from a switching circuit into the supply voltage. The RF filter in the second RF filter topology is configured to filter the supply voltage from the LDO regulation circuit to reduce a ripple variation in a supply voltage level of the supply voltage. As such, the RF filter provides greater versatility. |
| US09377792B2 |
Chip level integration of a boosted class-D amplifier and integrated LED flash driver
A single integrated circuit includes a single boost converter, a first circuit, a second circuit, and a controller. The single boost converter supplies power to the first and second circuits. The controller receives an operational mode signal and in response to the operational mode signal, drives the single boost converter to respectively provide power to the first and second circuits. When the first and second circuits are simultaneously active, the controller manages an operation of the first circuit so that proper operation of the second circuit is maintained. The first circuit may be an LED flash driver, and the second circuit may be an audio amplifier, such as a Class-D audio amplifier. The controller manages an operation of the audio amplifier so that a sufficient amount of current is supplied to the LED flash driver for proper operation of the LED flash driver. |
| US09377791B2 |
Monitoring user position to determine a time for providing a specified state at a user premises
An embodiment directed to a method for providing a specified state at a premises to which a user travels. Comprises determining a time of operation needed by a device located at the premises to provide the specified state, after device activation. One or more positions of the user are detected when the user is within a boundary, the boundary being determined in part by the time of operation. Detected user positions are used to determine a time of arrival of the user at the premises. A time to activate the device is computed from the arrival time and time of operation, collectively, wherein activating the device at the computed time causes the specified state to be provided at a time that coincides with arrival of the user at the premises. |
| US09377776B2 |
Numerical control apparatus and production system
A numerical control apparatus includes a machining-program reading unit that reads a command issued from a machining program, a command-path storing unit that stores a pre-compression command path in a pre-compression command path buffer, a compression processing unit that creates new one post-compression command path connecting start points and end points of a continuous plurality of pre-compression command paths, a movement-data creating unit that creates tool movement data necessary for correcting the post-compression command path to a tool movement path and interpolating the tool movement path, and an interpolation processing unit that interpolates the tool movement path and calculates a tool position using both the pre-compression command path stored by the command-path creating unit and the tool movement data of the tool movement path after compression created by the movement-data creating unit. |
| US09377771B2 |
Numerical controller for communication with I/O units
A numerical controller is chain-connected with a plurality of I/O units so that it transmits DI/DO signals to and receives DI/DO signals from the I/O units by master-slave communication. The numerical controller counts signals generated by a timer circuit up to a predetermined number and sets, from among the plurality of I/O units, an I/O unit with which transfer of the DI/DO signals is to be performed for each count value. The DI/DO signals of the set I/O units are transferred according to the count value. |
| US09377769B2 |
Control apparatus for updating a user program while processing is being performed and recording medium
A control apparatus capable of updating a user program while processing is being performed in a multitasking manner is provided. A processor includes a memory that stores a user program containing a program organization unit as well as a central processing unit executing a task containing the user program and also updating the program organization unit stored in the memory. The central processing unit is configured to execute a plurality of tasks concurrently and to execute each task with a period corresponding to the task. Moreover, the central processing unit is configured to update the program organization unit stored in the memory during the period of time from when a plurality of tasks to be executed have been finished until when the plurality of tasks are executed again. |
| US09377767B2 |
Apparatus for data signal transmission through power connection
An apparatus for a circuit which allows a user to connect various adaptors to a common interface to provide a device with power and data signals. The circuit may provide a device, in which the circuit is incorporated, with the ability to discern whether a connected adaptor is providing power or data at any given time. If the adaptor is providing power at a particular moment, then the power/data circuit can identify that power is being provided and signal the device to accept power. When the adaptor is providing data at a particular moment, then the circuit can identify that power is being provided and signal the device to accept power. The circuit may include a power/data input, a vehicle connector, an internal power source connector, a reference voltage source, a comparator, and sensor. |
| US09377766B2 |
Determining electrical load and lifestyle characteristics
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for determining electrical load and lifestyle characteristics. A record receiving module receives an electrical energy usage record for premises for a predefined time period (“record period”), and receives property characteristics for the premises. The property characteristics include physical characteristics for the premises, environmental characteristics for the premises for the record period, and/or lifestyle characteristics of users of the premises. A load identification module selects a load prediction algorithm to determine if a particular type of electrical load is present at the premises. A comparison module applies the load prediction algorithm to the electrical energy usage record for the premises for at least a portion of the record period (“comparison period”) to determine if the particular type of electrical load is present at the premises. The load prediction algorithm uses the property characteristics of the premises during the comparison period. |
| US09377765B2 |
Systems and methods for remote or local shut-off of a photovoltaic system
Systems and methods for shut-down of a photovoltaic system. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a computer system includes: communicating, via a central controller, with a plurality of local management units (LMUs), each of the LMUs coupled to control a respective solar module; receiving, via the central controller, a shut-down signal from a user device (e.g., a hand-held device, a computer, or a wireless switch unit); and in response to receiving the shut-down signal, shutting down operation of the respective solar module for each of the LMUs. |
| US09377762B2 |
Displaying notifications on a watchface
Disclosed are techniques for displaying notifications on a watchface. In one or more implementations, a watchface is displayed on a display of a smartwatch. The watchface occupies an entire display area of the display and indicates a current time in a first region of the watchface. In some cases, the watchface uses one or more rotating pointers or rotating dials to indicate the current time. Responsive to receiving a notification, the notification is displayed at a second region of the watchface such that the current time is visible in the first region of the watchface. |
| US09377761B2 |
Illumination arrangement for a timepiece
A timepiece including at least one display hand for conveying information in an analog manner, the timepiece including a dial, the dial having a front side and a rear side, wherein the at least one display hand is positioned on the front side of the dial, and wherein the timepiece comprises an illumination assembly, positioned on the rear side of the dial, for illuminating the dial, wherein the illumination assembly includes a transparent ring into which light can be introduced, around and through which light can pass; at least one concentrated light source for introducing light into the transparent ring; light directing means, located on at least one of the inner and the outer periphery of the transparent ring, for directing light out of the transparent ring and towards the dial, whereby the light directed out of the transparent ring by the light directing means illuminates the dial. |
| US09377755B2 |
Process cartridge, electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit
A process cartridge for use with a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge includes a casing, a photosensitive drum having an axis L1, and a coupling member having an axis L2. The coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum. |
| US09377753B2 |
Image forming apparatus with height adjustment portion for fixing unit
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit, a first support portion, and a second support portion. First support portion fits with and positions first supported portion, which is end of fixing unit, in up-down direction and supports first supported portion movably in insertion direction of fixing unit toward attachment position. Second support portion fits with and positions second supported portion, which is another end of fixing unit, in up-down direction and supports second supported portion movably in insertion direction. Height adjustment portion adjusts height position of fixing unit by moving second support portion in up-down direction. The first support portion includes vertical surface facing first supported portion and extending in up-down direction, and vertical surface has projection at an end thereof on foreside of insertion direction, the projection projecting from the vertical surface in first direction of going away from the vertical surface. |
| US09377750B2 |
Image forming apparatus with fixation unit
An object of the present invention is to increase the accuracy of positions of a drive gear and a driven gear without an increase in size of an apparatus. In an image forming apparatus, a driven gear 108 is provided on a free end side of a roller shaft 106 rather than at a portion 106a, of the roller shaft 106, supported by a fixation unit 50. A main assembly of the apparatus 1 has a support member 103 that is movable between a support position where, with the fixation unit 50 attached to the main assembly of the apparatus 1, a free end-side end of the roller shaft 106 is supported and a non-support position where, with the fixation unit 50 removed from the main assembly of the apparatus 1, the free end-side end of the roller shaft 106 is not supported. |
| US09377749B2 |
Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus includes a first guide that defines a conveyance path and rotates about a fulcrum with the opening of the cover, the fulcrum being provided at a lower portion of the first guide, the conveyance path extending upward and downward and through which the sheet is conveyed; and a second guide that defines the conveyance path in combination with the first guide, the second guide being rotatable with the cover being open. The second guide moves in a direction away from the fulcrum with the opening of the cover. |
| US09377744B2 |
Transfer device and image forming apparatus with electrical power supply
A transfer device includes a first-transfer power supply that includes a direct-current power supply and an alternating-current power supply, and a first-transfer member that transfers a toner image formed on an outer peripheral surface of an image carrier to a receiving member from which the toner image is transferred to a medium. The first-transfer member transfers the toner image by receiving a voltage from the first-transfer power supply. |
| US09377742B2 |
Print control apparatus, and method, for selecting a control mode for use in printing image data
A print control apparatus includes a receiving unit which receives print data containing gloss-control-plane image data indicating gloss control values for identifying a type of surface effect and a region where the surface effect is to be applied, a storage unit which stores information containing multiple total-amount control modes and stores surface-effect choice information which defines, for each of the gloss control values, the surface effect type, a total-amount control mode, and a priority level of the total-amount control mode, a generating unit which generates transparent-developing-material image data indicating pixel-by-pixel density values each depending on a transparent-developing-material recording amount, and a selecting unit which selects a total-amount control mode whose priority level is highest in total-amount control modes of surface effect types associated with the gloss control values of the gloss-control-plane image data as a total-amount control mode for use in printing the transparent-developing-material image data. |
| US09377739B2 |
Toner-density calculating method, reflective optical sensor, reflective optical sensor device, and image forming apparatus
A toner density is calculated from outputs of light-receiving elements based on a difference between a reflection property of a supporting member and a reflection property of a toner pattern. Light-emitting elements aligned in one direction that is inclined to a sub-direction emit a detection light in such a manner that a distance between adjacent spots falling on the supporting member in a second direction is equal to or smaller than a width of the toner pattern in the second direction. The light-receiving elements receive a reflected light reflected from the supporting member and/or the toner pattern. The light-receiving elements are aligned, opposed to the supporting member, in a one direction corresponding to the light-emitting elements. |
| US09377738B2 |
Image forming apparatus which prevents a sheet jam caused by a sheet attached to an image bearing member
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image bearing member which bears a toner image; a first driving portion which drives the image bearing member; a transfer portion which nips a sheet with the image bearing member and transfers the toner image to the sheet from the image bearing member; a sheet conveying portion which conveys the sheet with the toner image transferred by the transfer portion; a second driving portion which drives the sheet conveying portion; a sheet detector which detects the sheet between the transfer portion and the sheet conveying portion; and a controller which controls the second driving portion to drive the sheet conveying portion to convey the sheet after the first driving portion is stopped, so that the sheet detector can detect the sheet nipped between the image bearing member and the transfer portion. |
| US09377735B2 |
Fixing apparatus
A fixing apparatus that heats, at a nip portion, a recording material, bearing a toner image, while conveying the recording material to fix the toner image thereto, includes a roller, a heating unit configured to contact the roller to form a heating portion with the roller, and heat the roller via the heating portion, wherein the heating unit includes a film, and a heating portion forming member configured to contact an inner surface of the film and form the heating portion with the roller via the film, and a backup member configured to contact the roller and form the nip portion with the roller. A micro hardness of a surface of the roller is lower than that of the film at the heating portion, and in at least a partial region of the heating portion, a velocity difference is provided between the surfaces of the roller and the film. |
| US09377725B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A fixing device includes a hollow, open-sided stationary heat roller, a flexible fuser belt, a fuser pad, a rotatable pressure member, a reinforcing member, and a sealing mechanism. The heat roller defines an elongated longitudinal side opening that opens into a hollow interior thereof. The fuser belt is looped for rotation around the heat roller to transfer heat radially outward from the roller circumference. The fuser pad is held substantially stationary along the roller opening outward from the roller interior and inward from the loop of the fuser belt. The pressure member is pressed against the fuser pad through the fuser belt to form a fixing nip. The reinforcing member is disposed within the roller interior to thrust against the fuser pad through the roller opening. The sealing mechanism is disposed on the roller opening to prevent foreign matter from entering the roller interior through the roller opening. |
| US09377723B2 |
Stainless-steel seamless belt and manufacturing method therefor, fixing belt and heat fixing apparatus
Provided is a stainless-steel seamless belt formed by subjecting a stainless-steel plate to a plastic forming process and having a thickness of 50 μm or less. The seamless belt has a bending durability of 100,000 or more times in a specific bending test and has a Vickers hardness of 450 (Hv) or more. |
| US09377722B2 |
Destaticizing device and image forming apparatus
A destaticizing device includes: a first destaticizing member that is disposed at a downstream side in a conveyance direction of a medium relatively to a transfer area where an image held in a surface of an image holder is transferred to the medium, the first destaticizing member being grounded and destaticizing the medium; and a second destaticizing member that is disposed adjacent to the first destaticizing member with respect to the conveyance direction of the medium, the second destaticizing member being grounded and destaticizing the medium. |
| US09377717B2 |
Image forming apparatus having developer cartridge and cartridge supporting member
In an image forming apparatus, each of a plurality of image forming units includes a receiving member formed with a reception opening configured to receive developer. Each of a plurality of developer cartridges includes a supply member formed with a supply opening through which developer is configured to be supplied to a corresponding one of the plurality of image forming units. A cartridge supporting member is mounted in a main casing and configured to move between a first position and a second position. The supply opening and the reception opening are in communication with each other when the cartridge supporting member is in the first position and the cartridge supporting member is pulled outside the main casing when the cartridge supporting member is in the second position. One of the receiving member and the supply member protrudes toward remaining one, and the remaining one is configured to receive the one. |
| US09377708B2 |
Toner
A toner has toner particles including a binder resin, a colorant, an ester wax and a hydrocarbon wax; and inorganic fine particles. The ester wax includes an ester compound having a structure represented by formula (1): R1—CO—O—(CH2)x—O—OC—R2; or formula (2): R3—O—OC—(CH2)x—CO—O—R4. The ester wax includes an ester compound having a highest abundance rate in an amount of 40% to 80% by mass with respect to a total amount of the ester wax in a composition distribution. The ester wax has, in differential scanning calorimetry, a peak top temperature of an endothermic peak of 65° C. to 80° C. In differential scanning calorimetry, the toner has only one endothermic peak derived from the waxes. A relationship: 3.0≦(Tw−Tt)≦8.0 is satisfied. |
| US09377706B2 |
Sustainable toner and optimized process
The present disclosure describes a sustainable toner. |
| US09377705B2 |
Toner
A toner containing a toner particle containing a binder resin, wherein the binder resin contains a styrene-acrylic resin and a crystalline resin, and the crystalline resin is a block polymer or a graft polymer in which the mass ratio between the crystalline segment and an amorphous segment is 30:70 to 90:10, and wherein, in the total heat flow measured for the binder resin by a temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimeter, the peak temperature of an endothermic peak is from 55.0° C. to 90.0° C., and the percentage of the endothermic quantity of the endothermic peak in the reversing heat flow with respect to the endothermic quantity of the endothermic peak in the total heat flow is from 0.0% to 35.0%. |
| US09377701B2 |
Mask overlay control
In some embodiments, a mask patterning system includes an electronic memory configured to store an integrated circuit mask layout. A computation tool determines a number of radiation shots to be used to write the integrated circuit mask layout to a physical mask. The computation tool also determines a scaling factor which accounts for expected thermal expansion of the physical mask due to the number of radiation shots used in writing the integrated circuit mask layout to the physical mask. An ebeam or laser writing tool writes the integrated circuit mask layout to the physical mask based on the scaling factor and by using the number of radiation shots. |
| US09377696B2 |
Extreme ultraviolet lithography process and mask
A system of an extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) is disclosed. The system includes an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask with three states. A reflection coefficient is r1, r2 and r3, respectively, wherein r3 is close to (r1+r2)/2. The system also includes a nearly on-axis illumination (ONI) with partial coherence σ less than 0.3 to expose the EUV mask to produce diffracted light and non-diffracted light, removing most of the non-diffracted light, and collecting and directing the diffracted light and the not removed non-diffracted light by a projection optics box (POB) to expose a target. |
| US09377693B2 |
Collector in an extreme ultraviolet lithography system with optimal air curtain protection
The present disclosure provides an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation source module. The EUV radiation source module includes a collector designed to collect and reflect EUV light; a solid cover integrated with the collector and configured to have a supply gap between the collector and the solid cover; and a gas pipeline integrated with the collector. The supply gap provides a path for gas flow to the radiation source at edge of the collector. The gas pipeline includes an inward entrance and an outward entrance. |
| US09377692B2 |
Electric/magnetic field guided acid diffusion
Methods and apparatuses for minimizing line edge/width roughness in lines formed by photolithography are provided. The random diffusion of acid generated by a photoacid generator during a lithography process contributes to line edge/width roughness. Methods disclosed herein apply an electric field and/or a magnetic field during photolithography processes. The field application controls the diffusion of the acids generated by the photoacid generator along the line and spacing direction, preventing the line edge/width roughness that results from random diffusion. Apparatuses for carrying out the aforementioned methods are also disclosed herein. |
| US09377691B2 |
Coating and developing apparatus, coating and developing method and storage medium
A coating and developing apparatus forms a coating film including a resist film on a substrate and performs developing on the substrate after exposure and a plurality of unit blocks performing the same processing each includes plural kinds of processing modules. A control unit outputs a control signal to perform preparing individual conveying schedules for the one substrate according to the condition when the one substrate distributed into unit blocks is conveyed in the unit blocks, respectively, obtaining a residence time until the one substrate is conveyed in each unit block and is then conveyed out; and conveying the one substrate in the unit block having the shortest residence time and conveying the substrate based on the individual conveying schedules. |
| US09377689B2 |
Silicone structure-bearing polymer, negative resist composition, photo-curable dry film, patterning process, and electric/electronic part-protecting film
A silicone structure-bearing polymer comprising recurring units derived from a bis(4-hydroxy-3-allylphenyl) derivative and having a Mw of 3,000-500,000 is provided. A chemically amplified negative resist composition comprising the polymer overcomes the stripping problem that a coating is stripped from metal wirings of Cu or Al, electrodes, and SiN substrates. |
| US09377688B1 |
Metal catalytic composition with silver N-heterocycle complex
A non-aqueous metal catalytic composition includes (a) a complex of silver and a hindered aromatic N-heterocycle comprising reducible silver ions in an amount of at least 2 weight %, (b) a silver ion photoreducing composition in an amount of at least 1 weight %, and (c) a photocurable component, a non-curable polymer, or a combination of a photocurable component and a non-curable polymer. This non-aqueous metal catalytic composition can be used to form silver metal particles in situ during suitable reducing conditions. The silver metal can be provided in a suitable layer or pattern on a substrate, which can then be subsequently subjected to electroless plating to form electrically-conductive layers or patterns for use in various articles or as touch screen displays in electronic devices. |
| US09377686B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition, conductive wire protection film, and touch panel member
The present invention provides a photosensitive resin composition comprising an unsaturated group-containing resin (D), a (meth)acrylic compound (E) having a specific structure, a silane compound (G) having a substituent selected from the group consisting of an amino group, an amide group, a ureido group, a ketimine group, and an isocyanate group, and a photo-polymerization initiator (F), the unsaturated group-containing resin (D) being obtained by adding an epoxy group-containing unsaturated compound (C) to some acid radicals of a copolymer obtained by copolymerizing a (meth)acrylic ester (A) with an unsaturated group- and acid-containing compound (B). |
| US09377680B2 |
Method and apparatus for integrated circuit layout
Provided is an integrated circuit (IC) testline layout. The layout has a device boundary and a main pattern boundary inside the device boundary. The layout includes at least one main pattern inside the main pattern boundary. The layout further includes a plurality of dummy patterns in a region that is between the main pattern boundary and the device boundary. The plurality of dummy patterns is printable in a photolithography process and is arranged in a ring with a uniform spacing between two adjacent dummy patterns. |
| US09377677B2 |
Generating method, creating method, exposure method, and storage medium
The present invention provides a method of generating, by a computer, data on patterns of a plurality of originals for use in multiple exposure, in which a single-layer pattern is formed on a substrate by exposing the substrate a plurality of times, in an exposure apparatus including an illumination optical system which illuminates an original with light from a light source, and a projection optical system which projects a pattern of the original onto a substrate. |
| US09377672B1 |
Detachable camera mount
Various camera mounts used to attach a camera to a helmet, vehicle, user, or other object are described. In one embodiment, a flexible camera mount deforms under impact, allowing an attached camera to detach without fracturing the mount. In a second embodiment, a non-flexible camera mount fractures under impact, allowing an attached camera to detach. In a third embodiment, a camera mount comprising a ring base and a floating base separates under impact, allowing a camera attached to the floating base to detach. In a fourth embodiment, a non-flexible camera mount including two rigid sections joined in a “V” shape fractures under impact, allowing the camera to detach. In a fifth embodiment, a flexible camera mount comprising two sections connected in a “V” shape separate under impact, allowing the camera to detach. |
| US09377671B2 |
Waterproof housing for camera
The present disclosure provides a waterproof housing for a camera. The waterproof housing includes a front housing and a back cover engaging with the front housing, the front housing forms a receiving cavity for receiving the camera and an opening allowing the camera to enter the receiving cavity, a lens window corresponding to a lens of the camera is formed on the front housing, the back cover covers the opening to enclose the receiving cavity; the waterproof housing further includes a fixing device for fixing the waterproof housing to an outer object and the fixing device is detachably mounted on the front housing. The waterproof housing of the present disclosure is capable of meeting various fixing requirements as well as reducing the manufacturing and using cost. |
| US09377670B2 |
Lens module having a positioning structure
A lens module, defined with an X-axis, a Y-axis and a Z-axis perpendicular to each other, includes an image sensor module, an optical lens module and a compensation module. The image sensor module is located on an X-Y plane. The optical lens module, located corresponding to the image sensor module, has an image capturing axis extending along the Z-axis. The compensation module, located between the image sensor module and the optical lens module for compensating a deviation position and a tilt angle of the optical lens module, includes a bulged cambered surface and a concaved cambered surface corresponding to the bulged cambered surface. The bulged cambered surface is synchronously movable with the image capturing axis of the optical lens module and can slide relative to the concaved cambered surface, so as to compensate the tilt between the image capturing axis and the image sensor module. |
| US09377663B2 |
Electrochromic lithium nickel group 4 mixed metal oxides
Multi-layer electrochromic structures comprising an anodic electrochromic layer comprising a lithium nickel oxide composition on a first substrate, the anodic electrochromic layer comprising lithium, nickel and a Group 4 metal selected from titanium, zirconium, hafnium and a combination thereof, wherein (i) the atomic ratio of lithium to the combined amount of nickel and such Group 4 metal(s) in the anodic electrochromic layer is at least 0.4:1, respectively, (ii) the atomic ratio of the amount of such Group 4 metal(s) to the combined amount of nickel and such Group 4 metal(s) in the anodic electrochromic layer is at least about 0.025:1, respectively, and (iii) the anodic electrochromic layer exhibits an interplanar distance (d-spacing) of at least 2.5 Å as measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD), comprises at least 0.05 wt. % carbon, and/or has a coloration efficiency absolute value of at least 19 cm2/C. |
| US09377662B2 |
Electrochromic device including carbon-based material and viologen-based compound, and method for producing the same
The following description relates to an electrochromic device including a carbon-based material and a viologen-based compound, a method for producing the electrochromic device, and use thereof. There is provided the electrochromic device including an active layer arranged between a first electrode and a second electrode, in which the active layer includes a carbon-based material and a viologen-based compound, and the carbon-based material and the viologen-based compound are bonded to each other through a non-covalent interaction. |
| US09377661B2 |
Display panel and repair method thereof
A flat display panel and a related repairing method are provided. The flat display panel includes multiple horizontal repair lines parallel to scan lines and multiple vertical repair lines parallel to data lines. The vertical repair lines are disposed on one side of the data lines one to one, and the horizontal repair lines are disposed on one side of the scan lines one to one. When one of the data lines or one of the scan lines is broken, an electrical route formed by a use of the vertical repair lines or the horizontal repair lines detours the broken scan line or data line, so as to deliver signal to pixel electrode normally. |
| US09377660B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention has a pixel which includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a first resistor, a second resistor, a first liquid crystal element, and a second liquid crystal element. A pixel electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a signal line through the first switch. The pixel electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a pixel electrode of the second liquid crystal element through the second switch and the first resistor. The pixel electrode of the second liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a Cs line through the third switch and the second resistor. A common electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a common electrode of the second liquid crystal element. |
| US09377659B2 |
Display device and manufacturing method thereof
The inventive concept relates to a display device preventing from generating a reflection light at a portion region of a thin film transistor and a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept includes: a substrate; a thin film transistor; a pixel electrode; a light blocking member formed on the pixel electrode to overlap the thin film transistor, the light blocking member being formed on an opposite side of the thin film transistor with respect to the pixel electrode, a common electrode formed on the pixel electrode to be spaced apart from the pixel electrode with a plurality of microcavities interposed therebetween; a roof layer formed on the common electrode; an injection hole exposing a portion of each microcavity; a liquid crystal layer filling the microcavity; and an encapsulation layer formed on the roof layer. |
| US09377658B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and electronic apparatus
According to an aspect, a liquid crystal display device includes a first electrode having a plurality of electrode base portions that extend in a first direction; a plurality of first comb-shaped portions that protrude from each of the plurality of electrode base portions in a second direction; and a plurality of second comb-shaped portions that protrude from each of the plurality of electrode base portions in an opposite direction to the second direction. Front edges of the first comb-shaped portions and the second comb-shaped portions that extend from the adjacent electrode base portions face each other with a gap therebetween, respectively. Transmission ineffective areas are formed at portions between the front edges facing each other, respectively, and not continuously aligned. |
| US09377657B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes: pixel electrodes arranged in respective sub-pixels arrayed in a matrix, plural image signal lines extending in a column direction of the matrix, and supplied with image signals, pixel transistors which are switches arranged in the respective sub-pixels, and supply the image signals to the pixel electrodes, and scanning signal lines extending in a row direction of the matrix, and control conduction of the pixel transistors. The pixel electrodes aligned in a direction along which the image signal lines extend are connected to either of two adjacent image signal lines with six sub-pixels as one period. The pixel electrodes corresponding to five of the six sub-pixels are connected to one of the two adjacent ones of the image signal lines, and the pixel electrode corresponding to one sub-pixel is connected to the other of the two adjacent ones of the image signal lines. |
| US09377652B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel; a backlight unit disposed under the liquid crystal panel and including a light guide plate and a light emitting diode (LED) assembly at a side of the light guide plate; a main frame surrounding a side of the backlight unit and having a light-diffusion property. |
| US09377650B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
To achieve a liquid crystal display device of a field sequential system with sufficient response speed and uniformity of viewing angle, the liquid crystal display device includes polarizing plates attached on front and back surfaces of a liquid crystal display panel, a backlight provided on the back surface of the liquid crystal display panel, and an anisotropic diffusion film provided on the front side of the liquid crystal display panel. The liquid crystal display panel and the backlight are driven by the field sequential system. The distribution of the contrast of the liquid crystal display panel varies depending on the azimuth direction. Then, the azimuth direction in which the contrast of the liquid crystal display panel is small is equal to the azimuth direction in which the emission intensity when parallel light is incident on the anisotropic diffusion film is strong, to achieve uniform contrast in all azimuth directions. |
| US09377649B2 |
Display device and method of manufacturing the same
A display device includes a substrate including a plurality of pixel areas and a non-pixel area disposed between the pixel areas, a tunnel-shaped cavity disposed on the substrate in each of the pixel areas, an image display layer disposed in the tunnel-shaped cavity, a roof layer disposed on the tunnel-shaped cavity and having an upper planarized surface, a black matrix disposed on the substrate in the non-pixel area, and a reflective electrode disposed under the tunnel-shaped cavity in a predetermined area of each of the pixel areas to reflect an external light. |
| US09377648B2 |
Liquid crystal display device comprising a warm-up configuration and a normal configuration, motorcycle including same, and method of using same
A liquid crystal display device of a motorcycle is configured and arranged to rapidly warm up a liquid crystal panel at cool temperatures, without requiring an additional heating member. The liquid crystal display device includes a control unit, for controlling a liquid crystal panel, and a backlight. When the temperature of liquid crystal is lower than a predetermined value, or when it is within a fixed time period after turning on an ignition switch, as a warm-up period, the control unit increases power supplied to the backlight to a larger amount than that in a normal display state, to increase the amount of back light, and temporarily changes the entire display surface to a darker color, in order to increase the amount of light absorbed by the liquid crystal panel, simultaneously reducing the amount of light penetrating the display surface, and thereby speeding up warming of the liquid crystal panel. |
| US09377645B2 |
Display device
A display device includes: a first insulating substrate; a main pixel which is formed on the first insulating substrate and comprises a plurality of sub-pixels and a single sensing electrode; a second insulating substrate which faces the first insulating substrate; a sensing spacer formed on the second insulating substrate which faces the sensing electrode; and a contact electrode formed on the sensing spacer. |
| US09377639B2 |
Transmitter and transmitting method
A transmitter that is difficult to be affected by structural constraints includes: a liquid crystal board; a first board having translucency; and a second board; and a control unit that changes, by switching transmittance of the liquid crystal board with respect to outside light through application, to the liquid crystal board, of a control voltage corresponding to a signal to be transmitted, an amount of light reflected by the first board and emitted toward the receiver via the liquid crystal board, wherein the control unit maintains, when switching the transmittance of the liquid crystal board to a low transmittance, the transmittance of the liquid crystal board at the low transmittance until the outside light that passed through the liquid crystal board is reflected by the second board and reaches the liquid crystal board. |
| US09377636B2 |
Array substrate having storage voltage lines, liquid crystal display panel having the array substrate and liquid crystal display device having the liquid crystal display panel
An array substrate includes a base substrate, a plurality of storage voltage lines, a plurality of connecting lines, and a common voltage applying section. Pixels are formed in regions defined by a plurality of gate lines extending along a first direction and data lines extending along a second direction. The connecting lines are connected to the storage voltage lines that are formed on adjacent pixels of pixels arranged in the second direction. The common voltage applying section applies a common voltage to the storage voltage lines that are formed in a portion of the pixels arranged in the first direction. Thus, a substantially uniform current may be applied to the display area to decrease the distortion of the common voltage, thereby increasing a liquid crystal display device's display quality. |
| US09377635B2 |
Display device capable of detecting bonding defect
A disclosed display device capable of detecting bonding defects includes: a display panel having an active area used to display images and a pad area in which pads are formed; driver IC (Integrated Circuit) chip mounted on a pad region of the display panel; a flexible printed circuit board bonded to the pad region of the display panel; and a bonding resistance detection circuit disposed in the driver IC chip. The display panel includes: first and second bonding portions formed in a mounting region of the driver IC chip within the pad area of the display panel; and third and fourth bonding portions formed in a bonding region of the flexible printed circuit board within the pad area of the display panel. The first through fourth bonding portions are electrically connected to one another, and the first and second bonding portions are connected to the bonding resistance detection circuit. |
| US09377634B2 |
Polarizer removing device and method of using it
The present invention provides a polarizer removing device and a method of using it. The polarizer removing device comprises a supporting unit for supporting a panel, a clamping-removing unit for clamping a polarizer and removing the polarizer from the panel, and a pressurizing unit for exerting a pressure onto the panel during the removing of the polarizer. According to the polarizer removing device, a uniform force is exerted onto the polarizer during the removal thereof. As a result, it is above to prevent the polarizer from being broken, thereby to facilitate the operation, improve the production efficiency and save an adhesive tape. |
| US09377633B2 |
Resilient hinge for spectacles
A resilient hinge device for connecting each of the arms to a front frame of spectacles in an articulated way, includes a tie bar having an axial extremity articulated with the arm and a resilient member including a substantially U-shaped sheet metal body, the resilient member being fitted onto the tie bar in such a way as to remain placed between the front frame and the arm to resiliently stress the arm towards preselected angular positions with respect to the front frame when the arm is rotated, these angular positions including a position in which the arm is open, suitable for wearing of the spectacles, and a closed position of the arm folded back against the front frame, and to return the arm to the open position when rotated beyond that position when opened too far with respect to the frame. |
| US09377629B2 |
Lenticular unit for two-dimensional/three-dimensional auto-stereoscopic display
A lenticular unit includes a transparent substrate; first electrodes being transparent and disposed on the substrate; a second electrode being transparent and elastic; and a transparent material layer interposed between the first and second electrodes and being deformable in a lens shape in a thickness direction depending on a potential applied between the first and second electrodes. |
| US09377626B2 |
Remote control augmented motion data capture
A head mounted display system for use with a mobile computing device, comprises a soft main body made entirely of a soft and compressible material, the main body has a retention pocket entirely formed by the material and configured to accept and secure the mobile computing device and a lens assembly comprising two lenses configured to focus vision on respective areas of a display screen of the mobile computing device, the lens assembly held within one or more apertures formed in the main body entirely by the material, the two lenses mounted for independent movement with respect to each other, such that a split screen image may be viewed through the two lenses on the display screen. |
| US09377622B2 |
Light source unit and projector
A light source unit having a luminescent material plate tight sealing construction with a dust-proof measure where a luminescent material plate is sealed tight from a circumference thereof by attaching tightly a luminescent material plate holding metallic plate to a collective lens and a projector having the light source unit are provided. The light source unit has an excitation light source device emitting excitation light and a luminous light emitting device, and the luminous light emitting device includes a luminescent material plate on to which excitation light from the excitation light source device is shone to emit luminous light of a different wavelength from the excitation light, a substrate on which the luminescent material plate is rested, a collective lens covering the luminescent material plate, and a lens holder holding the collective lens, whereby the luminescent material plate is sealed tight by at least the substrate and the collective lens. |
| US09377621B2 |
Light scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus using the same
The light scanning apparatus includes: a deflection element including first and second deflection surfaces; a rotor including a top surface facing the deflection element; a first imaging optical system including a first imaging lens; a second imaging optical system including a second imaging lens arranged to face first imaging lens; first and second shielding members. The first shielding member is arranged at a position where an edge portion thereof on a side closer to top surface in a sub-scanning direction blocks light reflected by first imaging lens. The second shielding member is arranged at a position where an edge portion thereof on a side closer to top surface in sub-scanning direction blocks light that has passed by first shielding member and been reflected by top surface. |
| US09377613B2 |
Method and system for spectral unmixing of tissue images
A method and system for spectral demultiplexing of fluorescent species, such as quantum dots, conjugated with a biological tissue. The process of demultiplexing involves a non-liner regression based on curve-fitting of estimated spectra of the quantum dots and confidence intervals describing the parameters of such fitting curve for typical quantum dots. |
| US09377612B2 |
IR microscope with image field curvature compensation, in particular with additional illumination optimization
An IR microscope (1) is constituted such that, in an optical viewing mode in a beam path of visible light (VIS-R, VIS-T), a first intermediate focus (ZW1) is imaged onto a flat detector surface (15a) of a camera. The IR microscope (1) is constituted such that, in the beam path of the visible light (VIS-R, VIS-T), the first intermediate focus (ZW1) is imaged onto a second intermediate focus (ZW2), and, in the second intermediate focus (ZW2), a Mangin mirror (11) is disposed that corrects a field curvature of the Cassegrain objective (4). The invention provides an IR microscope in which the field curvature generated by the Cassegrain objective is corrected in a simple manner in the optical viewing mode when detection is performed using a flat detector and without restricting the spectral range of the IR microscope. |
| US09377608B2 |
Imaging optical unit
An imaging optical unit serves for imaging an object field into an image field. An imaging beam path (AS) between the object field and the image field is subdivided into a plurality of partial imaging beam paths (TAS). The imaging optical unit is embodied such that the partial imaging beam paths (TAS) run between the object field and the image field in a manner completely separated from one another and guided by optical components (M1 to M6) of the imaging optical unit, that is to say that nowhere in the beam path between the object field and the image field do the partial imaging beam paths (TAS) impinge on identical regions of beam-guiding surfaces of the imaging optical unit. This results in an imaging optical unit in which a resolution capability, particularly in the production of micro- or nanostructured semiconductor components, is increased. |
| US09377607B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
A zoom lens substantially consists of a negative first lens group, a positive second lens group, a negative third lens group, a positive fourth lens group, and a positive fifth lens group in this order from the object side; wherein the first lens group through the fourth lens group move along the optical axis while changing magnification from the wide angle end to the telephoto end so as to change the distances among one another such that the distance between the first lens group and the second lens group is reduced and the distance between the second lens group and the third lens group is increased; the fifth lens group is fixed with respect to an image surface while changing magnification; and conditional formulas (1) and (2) below are satisfied: 0.15<|f1|/f2<1.00 (1) 0.1 |
| US09377605B2 |
Wide angle optical lens system
A wide angle optical lens system includes an aperture stop and an optical assembly, the optical assembly includes, in order from the object side to the image side: a first lens element with a negative refractive power; a second lens element with a positive refractive power; a third lens element with a negative refractive power; a fourth lens element with a refractive power; a fifth lens element with a positive refractive power; a sixth lens element with a negative refractive power, wherein a focal length of the wide angle optical lens system is f, a focal length of the fifth lens element is f5, a radius of curvature of an object-side surface of the third lens element is R5, a radius of curvature of an image-side surface of the third lens element is R6, the following conditions are satisfied: 1.0 |
| US09377603B1 |
Low-profile hybrid lens systems and methods for manufacturing the same
A low-profile hybrid lens system, for imaging a scene onto an image plane, includes (a) a wafer-level lens with (i) a planar substrate having opposing first and second surfaces, (ii) a first lens element of a first material and disposed on the first surface, and (iii) a second lens element of a second material and disposed on the second surface; (b) a first cast lens; and (c) a second cast lens; wherein the wafer-level lens, the first cast lens, and the second cast lens are optically coupled in series. A method for manufacturing a low-profile hybrid lens system includes mounting a wafer-level lens, a first cast lens, and a second cast lens in a fixture to optically couple, in series, the wafer-level lens and the first and second cast lenses. |
| US09377601B2 |
Focus detection device and image-capturing apparatus
A focus detection device includes: a plurality of first pixels having first color filters, via which a pair of first signals, to be used for split-pupil phase detection, are output; a plurality of second pixels having second color filters, via which a pair of second signals, to be used for the split-pupil phase detection, are output; a phase difference detection unit that detects a phase difference manifested by the first signals or a phase difference manifested by the second signals; and a defocus amount calculation unit that calculates a defocus amount by using a first conversion coefficient corresponding to the first color when the phase difference detection unit has detected the phase difference manifested by the first signals and by using a second conversion coefficient corresponding to the second color when the phase difference detection unit has detected the phase difference manifested by the second signals. |
| US09377597B2 |
Aggregator for a switch rack system
An aggregator for interconnecting a hydra with an breakout box, said aggregator comprising: (a) a bottom wall, two sides walls, and at least one faceplate; (b) adapters for multi-conductor connectors arranged in at least one column on said faceplate; and (c) wherein at least two adapters of each column are secure adapters. |
| US09377596B2 |
Optical-electro circuit board, optical component and manufacturing method thereof
An optical component including a multi-layer substrate, an optical waveguide element, and two optical-electro assemblies is provided. The multi-layer substrate includes a dielectric layer, two circuit layers, and two through holes passing through the dielectric layer. The optical waveguide element is located on the multi-layer substrate and between the through holes. The optical-electro assemblies are respectively inserted into the corresponding through holes and correspondingly located at two opposite ends of the optical waveguide element. One of the optical-electro assemblies transforms an electrical signal into a light beam and provides the light beam to the optical waveguide element, and the other one of the optical-electro assemblies receives the light beam transmitted from the optical waveguide element and transforms the light beam into another electrical signal. A manufacturing method of the optical component and an optical-electro circuit board having the optical component are also provided. |
| US09377591B1 |
Fiber-optic communication module with de-latching mechanism
A fiber-optic communication module with a de-latching mechanism is provided. The fiber-optic communication module includes a main body, a handle and a sliding member. Two tracks are located at two opposite sides of the main body. The handle is pivotally coupled to the main body, and rotatable relative to the main body to be in a latched position or a de-latched position. Two first guiding parts are located at two opposite sides of the handle. The sliding member includes two extension arms and two second guiding parts. The two second guiding parts are located at the corresponding extension arms. While the handle is rotated to the de-latched position, the two second guiding parts are moved relative to the corresponding first guiding parts. Consequently, the extension arms are slid linearly in a direction away from the receptacle. |
| US09377584B2 |
Multi-electrode system with vibrating electrodes
A multi-electrode system includes a fiber holder that holds at least one optical fiber, a plurality of electrodes arranged to generate a heated field to heat the at least one optical fiber, and a vibration mechanism that causes at least one of the electrodes from the plurality of electrodes to vibrate. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum. The system can be used for processing many types of fibers, such processing including, as examples, stripping, splicing, annealing, tapering, and so on. Corresponding fiber processing methods are also provided. |
| US09377580B2 |
Surface plasmon polariton device including discontinuous waveguide separated by gap, and apparatus and method for generating surface plasmon polariton signal using same
A plasmonic device and an apparatus and method for generating a surface plasmon polariton (SPP) mode using the plasmonic device are disclosed herein. The plasmonic device includes a first plasmonic waveguide and a second plasmonic waveguide. The first plasmonic waveguide is made of a strip-shaped metal material forming at least one pair of first metal-dielectric interfaces along with a dielectric layer, and extends from an input location to a gap start location. The second plasmonic waveguide is made of a strip-shaped metal material forming at least one pair of second metal-dielectric interfaces in planes identical to those of the at least one pair of first metal-dielectric interfaces of the first plasmonic waveguide, and extends from a gap end location, spaced apart from the gap start location by the length of a gap along the propagation direction of the SPP, to an SPP output location. |
| US09377579B2 |
Method of computing an effective bandwidth of a multimode fiber
A method of assessing the power penalty at a given bit error rate of a multimode fiber including measuring a set of elementary fiber responses corresponding to different offset launches of light over the core radius into the multimode fiber, generating a global fiber response by applying, to the set of elementary fiber responses, a set of weighting coefficients and delays depending on the different offset launches of the elementary fiber responses, and computing a parameter representative of a fiber power penalty from the global fiber response, wherein the set of weighting coefficients includes several subsets of weighting coefficients time delayed relative to one another, wherein at least one relative time delay is not set to zero, and wherein weighting coefficients of each subset depend on the different offset launches of the elementary fiber responses. |
| US09377576B2 |
Composite back cover and backlight module with adjustable curvature
A composite back cover with adjustable curvature used in a liquid crystal display with adjustable curvature is provided. The composite back cover includes a fixing plate; a back cover having a central portion secured to the fixing plate; and at least two extensible control devices disposed between the back cover and the fixing plate and respectively arranged at two sides of the central portion. The extensible control devices are stretched or shortened to adjust a distance between the back cover and the fixing plate so as to adjust curvature of the back cover. A backlight module is also provided. The distance between the back cover and the fixing plate is adjusted by stretching or shortening the extensible control devices so as to adjust the curvature of the liquid crystal display. |
| US09377575B2 |
Light guide plate, planar light apparatus, and display device
The present invention provides a light guide plate for emitting light radiated from a light source disposed at a side of the light guide plate. The light guide layer has a light incidence side for internally introducing light emitted from the light source at the side thereof; a polarization separation layer comprising a first matrix layer and a first fiber having birefringence and disposed more toward the light emission side than the light guide layer; a low refractive index layer having a lower refractive index than the refractive index of the first matrix layer; and an angle improvement layer comprising a second matrix layer having a second fiber disposed inside the second matrix layer. |
| US09377573B2 |
Lighting device and display device having the lighting device
Provided is a lighting device, including: a circuit board in which light emitting elements are mounted to one surface of a supporting substrate; a substrate housing disposed to be spaced apart from another surface opposite to the one surface of the supporting substrate; and a distance regulating portion formed between the circuit board and the substrate housing to adjust a spaced distance between the circuit board and the substrate housing according to movement of the circuit board, wherein the distance regulating portion functions to fix the circuit board to the substrate housing via a fixing element formed in the circuit board and the substrate housing. |
| US09377565B2 |
Processing of gradient index (GRIN) rods into GRIN lenses attachable to optical devices, components, and methods
Embodiments for processing of gradient index (GRIN) rods into GRIN lenses attachable to optical devices, components, and methods are disclosed. A cylindrical GRIN rod comprises an optical axis and a longitudinal axis at a center axis, where the index of refraction may be greatest at the optical axis. The GRIN rod includes GRIN lenses along the longitudinal axis. The GRIN lenses include a first optical surface and a second optical surface opposite the first optical surface. Separation processes and devices may separate the GRIN lenses from the GRIN rods and these processes may be automated. Other processes may polish the first and the second optical surfaces. A gripper may insert the GRIN lens into an optical device. |
| US09377562B2 |
Medical device, and method for producing same
A medical device includes a layer made of an acidic polymer and a basic polymer formed on at least a part of a surface of a base material, wherein at least one kind of an acidic polymer and a basic polymer forming the layers made of the acidic polymer and the basic polymer is a multi-component copolymer of three or more components. |
| US09377558B2 |
System comprising a plurality of object detection modules
A system comprises a plurality of object detection modules (SC3, SC4). An object detection module detects an object from a radiation in a particular wavelength range. The system is operable to cause an object detection module (SC4) to operate in a probing master mode (PMM). In this mode, the object detection module (SC3) produces a probing radiation (PR) in the particular wavelength range. Another object detection module (SC3) is caused to operate in a probing slave mode (PSM). In this mode, the other object detection module (SC3) provides an acknowledgment (ACK) in response to receiving the probing radiation (PR). |
| US09377553B2 |
Rigid coaxial transmission line sections joined by connectors for use in a subterranean wellbore
A rigid RF coaxial transmission line is positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation. The rigid RF coaxial transmission line includes a series of rigid coaxial sections coupled together in end-to-end relation and to be positioned within the wellbore of the subterranean formation. Each rigid coaxial section includes an inner conductor, a rigid outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, and a dielectric therebetween. Each of the rigid outer conductors has threaded ends. The rigid RF coaxial transmission line includes a respective connector between adjacent ones of the series of rigid coaxial sections, each connector having a rigid outer layer threadingly secured to respective threaded ends of adjacent rigid outer conductors, and an electrically conductive liner carried by the rigid outer layer and defining an electrical joint between the adjacent rigid outer conductors. |
| US09377552B2 |
System and method for detecting a fracture in a rock formation using an electromagnetic source
A surface electromagnetic survey system and method for detecting a fracture or fracture zone in a rock formation are provided. The system includes an electromagnetic source configured to generate an electromagnetic field in the vicinity of or at a surface of the rock formation. The electromagnetic source includes one or more electric dipole sources that are arranged so as to generate a substantially vertical electric field. The system also includes an electromagnetic receiver associated with the electromagnetic source, the electromagnetic receiver being configured to measure a component of the electromagnetic field at the surface of the rock formation; and a processor configured to convert the measured component of the electromagnetic field measured at the electromagnetic receiver into an electromagnetic field response per unit moment of the electromagnetic source. The electromagnetic field response provides information about characteristics parameters of the fracture or fracture zone. |
| US09377550B2 |
Source umbilical cable without functioning power cables
Techniques are disclosed relating to the operation of a source umbilical cable without functioning power cables from the source umbilical cable. Techniques are disclosed relating to a source umbilical cable without a power cable (e.g., a cable configured or operable to supply electrical power), and an apparatus that includes a geophysical signal source (e.g., a seismic signal source) with an electrical power generating component. The apparatus may, in one embodiment, include a geophysical signal source with a local generator configured to supply electrical power to electrical components of the geophysical signal source. In another embodiment where the geophysical signal source is being towed behind a vessel, a generator of the geophysical signal source may generate and supply electrical power based on motion of the generator through a body of water. |
| US09377542B1 |
Radiation sensor having photonic crystal structure and fabrication method thereof
A radiation sensor and a fabrication method thereof are described. In one aspect, the radiation sensor comprises a photo detector, a scintillator on the photo detector, and an adiabatic gradient-index photonic crystal nanostructure between the scintillator and the photo detector. In one instance, the adiabatic gradient-index photonic crystal nanostructure comprises an impedance matching nanostructure. In another instance, the adiabatic gradient-index photonic crystal nanostructure comprises a plurality of nanocones. |
| US09377538B2 |
Photomultiplier apparatus and radiation detector incorporating such apparatus
A radiation detection apparatus (2) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing (20), a window (26) at least partially transparent to electromagnetic radiation in a first wavelength range and a photomultiplier tube (24) for generating an electrical output signal dependent on the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation. A resiliently deformable optical coupling (28) is located between the window and the photomultiplier tube for allowing at least some electromagnetic radiation passing through the window to enter the photomultiplier tube, and a scintillator element 8 converts gamma radiation into visible light in the first wavelength range entering the photomultiplier tube. |
| US09377537B2 |
Radiographic image capture device, method and program storage medium
A radiographic image capture device includes a radiation detector and a determination section. The radiation detector includes a first sensor for radiographic image capture and a second sensor for radiation detection. The determination section determines whether or not radiation has been detected by the radiation detector based on a ratio of a first value obtained by the first sensor to a second value obtained by the second sensor. |
| US09377530B2 |
Echolocation systems and methods
An echolocation device assists visually impaired persons to navigate their environment. The echolocation device comprises a micro control unit, a power source operably connected to the micro control unit, a band pass preamplifier operably connected to the micro control unit, a power amplifier operably connected to the band pass preamplifier, a piezoelectric speaker operably connected to the power amplifier, and a user interface operably connected to the micro control unit. The device emits sound waves that echo off nearby surrounding objects. The visually impaired person listens to the echoes to determine the location or size of the surrounding objects. |
| US09377525B1 |
Methods and systems for assisting positioning determination of a mobile device
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for assisting positioning determination of a mobile device. The method may include receiving signal measurements, reported by a plurality of different sources within a service area of a communication network, for signals generated by communication network transceivers that are detectable in the service area of the communication network. The method may also include determining quality of the signals generated by the communication network transceivers for mobile device positioning based on an accumulation of the received signal measurements from the plurality of different sources over a period of time. The method may also include generating a prioritized listing of communication network transceivers based on the determined quality of signals generated by the communication network transceivers, and providing the prioritized listing to a mobile device. |
| US09377524B2 |
Time synchronization via over-determined measurements
Disclosed are a method and a system for clock synchronization estimation using position over-determination principles applied to TDOA measurements of well-tracked targets with a height of about 5 km and higher. Clock correction factors or delays can then be applied to sensor clock signals, providing accurate tracking of targets such as aircraft, even in the event of GPS failure or jamming. |
| US09377522B2 |
Utilizing a reference signal for indoor positioning
Example methods, apparatuses, or articles of manufacture are disclosed herein that may be utilized, in whole or in part, to facilitate or support one or more operations or techniques for utilizing a reference signal for indoor positioning, such as for use in or with a mobile communication device, for example. In an implementation, a reference signal may be focused into a directed beam, for example using a phased antenna array, and rotated electronically through a sequence of directional angles in a horizontal plane. A mobile device may determine a most probable directional angle from one or more transmitters transmitting a directional beam, measure one or more parameters for each directional angle and determine a location estimate using, for example triangulation. |
| US09377520B2 |
Systems and methods for direct emitter geolocation
Systems and methods are disclosed for locating signal wave (SW) emitter/s using at least one moving signal collection platform. The disclosed systems and methods may be employed in one embodiment to estimate the signal energy transmitted from a grid of locations (such as a map) using collected IQ data (or other raw data representation such as IQ data covariance matrix), and without requiring computation of any intermediate geolocation-observable measurements (such as angle-of-arrival, direction-of-arrival, etc.). In a further embodiment, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in a blind manner (i.e., transmitted emitter signal/s are unknown and processed blindly) to geolocate SW emitters using a single SW signal collection platform (e.g., at relatively large standoff distances in some implementations) without relying on a known signal modulation or operation of multiple simultaneous SW signal collection platforms. |
| US09377516B2 |
Method for adjusting magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and superconductive magnet excitation dock
An adjustment method of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes: a cooling and excitation step in which work of transporting a superconducting magnet to a facility different from a facility where the superconducting magnet is to be installed, cooling a superconducting coil of the superconducting magnet with a refrigerant, and supplying a current from an external power supply for excitation is repeated until a predetermined rated current flows; a demagnetization and transportation step of demagnetizing the superconducting coil and transporting the superconducting magnet to the facility where the superconducting magnet is to be installed in a state where the superconducting coil is cooled by the refrigerant; and an installation step of installing the superconducting magnet in the facility where the superconducting magnet is to be installed and supplying a predetermined rated current from an external power supply to the superconducting coil in order to excite the superconducting coil. |
| US09377515B2 |
Flux-locked loop circuit, flux-locked loop method, and squid measuring apparatus
Provided are a flux-locked loop circuit, a flux-locked loop method and a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measuring apparatus. The flux-locked loop circuit includes a pre-amplifier configured to amplify a signal output of a SQUID, an integrator configured to integrate a signal output from the pre-amplifier and output the integrated signal, an operating range expanding unit configured to initialize the integrator by comparing an output signal of the integrator with a positive or negative reference reset voltage corresponding to an external flux of a predetermined integral multiple of flux quantum, and a feedback circuit configured to supply current to eliminate a difference between the external flux applied to the SQUID and a magnetic flux corresponding to an integral multiple of the reference reset voltage according to the output signal of the integrator. |
| US09377514B2 |
Secondary-battery maximum-capacity measuring apparatus
A secondary-battery maximum-capacity measuring apparatus, includes: a current dependency processing unit configured to convert an inter-terminal voltage and an open cell voltage of a secondary battery into values without depending on a load current based on an amount of change in relative value of a voltage during a time period when a constant current is drawn from the secondary battery; and an error calculation unit configured to compute errors of the inter-terminal voltage and the open cell voltage of the secondary battery, the inter-terminal voltage and the open cell voltage being converted by the current dependency processing unit. |
| US09377512B2 |
Battery state estimator combining electrochemical solid-state concentration model with empirical equivalent-circuit model
A battery state estimator which combines an electrochemical solid-state concentration model with an empirical equivalent-circuit model. The battery state estimator uses a reduced-order physics-based electrochemical solid-state concentration model to calculate open circuit voltage of a battery cell, and uses the calculated open circuit voltage in an equivalent-circuit model to evaluate a diffusion voltage drop and other battery cell parameters. The battery state estimator is implemented in an online estimator framework using an extended Kalman filter, with a measured terminal voltage and measured current as inputs. A state of charge of the battery cell can be determined from the calculated open circuit voltage, and the state of charge along with the other parameters from the equivalent-circuit model are used to evaluate battery pack performance and to control battery pack charging and discharging. |
| US09377510B2 |
System for reducing peak power during scan shift at the global level for scan based tests
A method for reducing peak power during a scan shift cycle is presented. The method comprises multiplexing a test clock with a functional clock on a integrated circuit at the root of a clock tree. The method also comprises adding a plurality of delay elements on a clock path, wherein the clock path is a signal resulting from the multiplexing. Further, the method comprises routing the clock path to a plurality of cores and a cache, e.g., an L2C cache, on the integrated circuit. Finally the method comprises staggering the test clock received by each of the plurality of cores and the cache by employing the delay elements during a scan shift cycle. |
| US09377502B2 |
Testing of semiconductor devices and devices, and designs thereof
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of testing a plurality of semiconductor devices includes applying a stress voltage having a peak voltage on a shield line disposed over a substrate. The substrate has functional circuitry of a semiconductor device. A fixed voltage is applied to a first metal line disposed above the substrate adjacent the shield line. The first metal line is coupled to the functional circuitry and is configured to be coupled to a high voltage node during operation. The peak voltage is greater than a maximum fixed voltage. The shield line separates the first metal line from an adjacent second metal line configured to be coupled to a low voltage node during operation. The method further includes measuring a current through the shield line in response to the stress voltage, determining the current through the shield line of the semiconductor device, and based on the determination, identifying the semiconductor device as passing the test. |
| US09377501B2 |
Semiconductor wafers, and testing methods thereof
The invention provides a semiconductor wafer with a die area and a scribe area, and the semiconductor wafer includes a die and a testing circuit. The die is formed on the die region of the semiconductor wafer, and the die includes a main circuit. The testing circuit is disposed on the scribe area of the semiconductor wafer, and is electrically connected to the die for testing the main circuit. |
| US09377497B2 |
Device and method for monitoring a voltage supply for a vehicle system
A device for monitoring a voltage supply for a vehicle system includes a self-diagnostic function which evaluates a logic state of the comparison signal which is output by a comparison device as a function of an input signal, and checks whether a reset signal which corresponds to the output comparison signal is generatable. The self-diagnostic function recognizes a malfunction of the comparison device when the evaluated logic state of the comparison signal does not match an expected logic state. The self-diagnostic function recognizes a malfunction of the reset device when the checked logic state of the reset signal does not match an expected logic state. |
| US09377496B2 |
Cancellation of secondary reverse reflections in a very-fast transmission line pulse system
An approach for cancelling reverse reflections in very-fast transmission line pulse (VFTLP) testing of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) device in a semiconductor is provided. A method includes generating an incident pulse in a VFTLP system for applying to a device under test (DUT). The method also includes generating a delayed replica of the incident pulse. The method also includes cancelling a portion of a reverse reflection of the incident pulse by combining the delayed replica with the reverse reflection at a power divider. |
| US09377495B2 |
Wireless testing system and method for controlling the same
A wireless testing system includes a main computer that controls a wireless module, a rotary mechanism, a measurement device, and an antenna. The rotary mechanism includes a rotatable seat controlled by the main computer to rotate about a first rotation axis, a support arm disposed on the rotatable seat, and a module rotating arm disposed on the support arm and positioning the wireless module at or in the vicinity of the first rotation axis. The module rotating arm is controlled by the main computer to rotate the wireless module about a second rotation axis. The antenna is substantially directed toward the wireless module. The measurement device is controlled by the main computer to control the antenna to receive or transmit a wireless signal. |
| US09377494B2 |
Apparatus and method for analyzing distribution of electromagnetic wave in radio wave system
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for analyzing a distribution of electromagnetic waves using a 4-port transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell in a radio wave system. The apparatus for analyzing a distribution of electromagnetic waves in a radio wave system includes: an input unit configured to apply a reference electrostatic potential to an inside of a 4-port transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell in which electronic devices are located; a calculation unit configured to calculate electrostatic potentials inside the 4-port TEM cell using a mode matching scheme; an analysis unit configured to analyze the distribution of electromagnetic waves inside the 4-port TEM cell through the electrostatic potentials inside the 4-port TEM cell; and an output unit configured to output the distribution of electromagnetic waves inside the 4-port TEM cell. |
| US09377492B2 |
Device for estimating the impedance of an electric earth connection, associated estimation method and electric power supply system
The device according to the invention for estimating the impedance of an ground connection, the ground connection being connected to the ground of an alternating electric network (14) comprising a phase connected to an electric phase conductor and a neutral connected to an electric neutral conductor, comprises: an electrical component having a predetermined value impedance positioned between the phase conductor and the ground connection; a first sensor capable of measuring a first value of a first property between the phase conductor and the ground connection and a second value of the first property; a second sensor capable of measuring a first value of a second property between the neutral conductor and the ground connection and a second value of the second property; and a computation member computing the impedance of the ground connection. |
| US09377489B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring fiber optic current sensing systems
A system includes a light source configured to generate a source of light, a fiber optic current sensor (FOCS) configured to detect the source of light, and a decoding circuitry communicatively coupled to the FOCS. The system also includes a health monitoring circuitry communicatively coupled to the decoding circuitry. The health monitoring circuitry is configured to receive a first electrical characteristic component of the first signal and a corresponding second electrical characteristic component of the second signal, to generate a summation of the first electrical characteristic component of first signal and the second electrical characteristic component of the second signal, and to generate an output signal based at least in part on the summation of the first electrical characteristic component and the second electrical characteristic component. The output signal includes an indication of an operational condition of the light source. |
| US09377487B2 |
Transducer structure and method for MEMS devices
An improved MEMS transducer apparatus and method is provided. The apparatus has a movable base structure including an outer surface region and at least one portion removed to form at least one inner surface region. At least one intermediate anchor structure is disposed within the inner surface region. The apparatus includes an intermediate spring structure operably coupled to the central anchor structure, and at least one portion of the inner surface region. A capacitor element is disposed within the inner surface region. |
| US09377486B2 |
Thermal interface material handling for thermal control of an electronic component under test
Thermal interface material handing is described for thermal control of an electronic component under test. In one example, a thermal control unit is adapted to control the temperature of at least a portion of an electronic component during testing. A pedestal between the thermal control unit and the electronic component conducts heat from the electronic component to the thermal head. A conduit extends through a portion of the pedestal, to permit the flow of a liquid thermal interface material from an external source to a space between the pedestal and the electronic component. The liquid thermal interface material improves heat conduction between the electronic component and the pedestal. An elastomeric seal between the electronic device and the pedestal constrains the thermal interface fluid within the space between the electronic component and the pedestal. |
| US09377482B2 |
Detection structure for a Z-axis resonant accelerometer
A detection structure for a z-axis resonant accelerometer is provided with an inertial mass anchored to a substrate by means of elastic anchorage elements so as to be suspended above the substrate and perform an inertial movement of rotation about a first axis of rotation belonging to a plane of main extension of the inertial mass, in response to an external acceleration acting along a vertical axis transverse with respect to the plane; and a first resonator element and a second resonator element, which are mechanically coupled to the inertial mass by respective elastic supporting elements, which enable a movement of rotation about a second axis of rotation and a third axis of rotation, in a resonance condition. In particular, the second axis of rotation and the third axis of rotation are parallel to one another, and are moreover parallel to the first axis of rotation of the inertial mass. |
| US09377481B1 |
Multi-parameter scattering sensor and methods
Methods, detectors and systems detect particles and/or measure particle properties. According to one embodiment, a detector for detecting particles comprises: a sensor for receiving radiation scattered by an ensemble of particles; and a processor for determining a physical parameter for the detector, or an optimal detection angle or a bound for an optimal detection angle, for measuring at least one moment or integrated moment of the ensemble of particles, the physical parameter, or detection angle, or detection angle bound being determined based on one or more of properties (a) and/or (b) and/or (c) and/or (d) or ranges for one or more of properties (a) and/or (b) and/or (c) and/or (d), wherein (a)-(d) are the following: (a) is a wavelength of light incident on the particles, (b) is a count median diameter or other characteristic size parameter of the particle size distribution, (c) is a standard deviation or other characteristic width parameter of the particle size distribution, and (d) is a refractive index of particles. |
| US09377476B2 |
Consumable data management
The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such information in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. |
| US09377474B2 |
Prodefensin-A6 assay method for the in vitro diagnosis of colorectal cancer
The present invention relates to a method for the in vitro diagnosis of colorectal cancer by determining the presence of the Prodefensin-A6 tumor marker in a biological sample taken from a patient suspected of having colorectal cancer, it being possible for said method to be used both in early diagnosis, screening, therapeutic follow-up and prognosis, and in relapse diagnosis in relation to colorectal cancer. |
| US09377470B2 |
Prognosis diagnosis method and prognosis diagnosis kit for sepsis or multiple organ failure
Disclosed are: a prognosis diagnosis method which can diagnose the prognosis of a patient suffering from sepsis or sepsis-related multiple organ failure in a simple manner and with high accuracy and a prognosis diagnosis kit for use in the prognosis diagnosis method. The prognosis diagnosis method comprises: a first detection step of detecting a liver fatty acid-binding protein contained in urine collected from a subject with a specific antibody; a second detection step of treating the urine with a Redox reagent such as hemin and detecting a liver fatty acid-binding protein contained in the treated urine with the specific antibody; and a comparison step of comparing a detection value obtained in the first step with a detection value obtained in the second step. It is determined that the larger the detection value obtained in the second step compared to that in the first step, the worse the prognosis. |
| US09377467B2 |
Protein detection
The present invention relates to reagents for separating proteins from detergent, reagents for detecting proteins in the presence of a detergent, and methods of using the same. The separating reagents contain a cyclic oligomer such as cyclodextrin and a cellulose derivative such as 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose. When used in combination with standard protein-complexing dyes, the reagents allow detection of proteins in electrophoresis gels at nanogram levels. |
| US09377464B2 |
Metal sulfide and rare-earth phosphate nanostructures and methods of making same
The present invention provides a method of producing a crystalline rare earth phosphate nanostructure. The method comprising: providing a rare earth metal precursor solution and providing a phosphate precursor solution; placing a porous membrane between the metal precursor solution and the phosphate precursor solution, wherein metal cations of the metal precursor solution and phosphate ions of the phosphate precursor solution react, thereby producing a crystalline rare earth metal phosphate nanostructure. |
| US09377461B2 |
Monoclonal antibody against necrosis marker ERP29 and use thereof
[PROBLEM] To provide a monoclonal antibody against a biomarker which shows high specificity and can be effectively used in detection and diagnosis of various lesions relevant to various kinds of carcinomas and foci of necrosis, and so forth.[MEANS] A monoclonal antibody against a necrosis marker consisting the following amino acid sequence: (1) the amino acid sequence of any of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 3, or (2) an amino acid sequence having substitution, deletion and/or insertion of one or several amino acid residues in the amino acid sequence of (1) or sharing a homology of 90% or more with the amino acid sequence of (1), and showing the same function, activity or property as that of the amino acid sequence of (1) as a protein. |
| US09377458B2 |
Anti-VLA-4 related assays
Methods and apparatus for assaying the level of analytes in a sample, related to VLA-4, are disclosed. A method of decreasing the level of an anti-integrin antibody in a subject is described including a) contacting a biological sample from a subject with a detectable capture agent associated with a substrate, wherein the capture agent can bind an anti-integrin antibody in the sample; b) detecting binding of the capture agent with the level of the anti-integrin antibody; and c) treating the subject with plasma exchange until the level of the anti-integrin antibody in the sample reaches a predetermined level. |
| US09377455B2 |
Manipulation of beads in droplets and methods for manipulating droplets
The invention provides a method of circulating magnetically responsive beads within a droplet in a droplet actuator. The invention also provides methods for splitting droplets. The invention, in one embodiment, makes use of a droplet actuator with top and bottom substrates, a plurality of magnetic fields respectively present proximate the top and bottom substrates, wherein at least one of the magnet fields is selectively alterable, and a plurality of droplet operations electrodes positioned along at least one of the top and bottom surfaces. A droplet is positioned between the top and bottom surfaces and at least one of the magnetic fields is selectively altered. |
| US09377450B2 |
Process for predicting the stability of crude oil and employing same in transporting and/or refining the crude oil
A process for refining crude oil can be controlled to mitigate fouling by deploying a refractive index probe at a location suitable for making a crude oil stability determination, wherein the crude oil stability determination is relevant to controlling the refining process; making a measurement of crude oil stability; and then controlling the process for refining crude oil by maintaining the process or implementing a change to the process, based upon the determination of crude oil stability. This concept can also be applied to transporting, blending, and storing crude oil. |
| US09377448B2 |
Method for providing a substance for the analysis of isotope ratios
A method and an apparatus for providing a substance for the analysis of isotope ratios, at least some of the substance being contained in a liquid phase in which the liquid phase is subjected to electrolysis and, in the process, the substance or a pre-product for the latter is formed. |
| US09377447B2 |
Methods and apparatus for artificial olfaction
In exemplary implementations of this invention, an electronic olfactor determines whether a scent being tested matches the scent of a positive control. The electronic olfactor can perform this scent matching even in a changing olfactory environment, and even if the positive control scent is a combination of hundreds or thousands of different odorants. No prior training is needed, and no attempt is made to identify a single odorant that is unambiguously responsible for a scent. Instead, a computer compares the total scent pattern of a positive control sample with the total scent pattern of a test sample, across a sweep of many permutations of electrical inputs to scent sensors, to try to find any condition under which the total scent patterns do not match. If such a condition cannot be found, then the computer declares a match between the test and target scents. |
| US09377446B2 |
Method for producing CO2, N2 and/or SO2 for quantitative analysis from a sample
The invention relates to a device for producing CO2, N2 and/or SO2 from a sample for a quantitative analysis of the sample, comprising a reactor structure and metals acting in an oxidizing manner or metal oxides in the reactor. According to the invention, the reactor structure has at least two zones through which the sample can flow, which is to say a first zone with reactor metal and reservoir metal, or only reactor metal, and following the first zone, a second zone with reactor metal and reservoir metal, or only reservoir metal, wherein both metals can form oxides, and wherein the ratio of the reactor metal to the reservoir metal in the first zone is greater than in the second zone. |
| US09377444B2 |
Diaphragm-sealed valve with improved actuator design
A valve includes a valve cap, a valve body and a diaphragm positioned between the valve cap and the valve body. The valve further includes a plurality of plungers movable, by an actuation system, between a closed position where the plunger engages the diaphragm, and an open position where the plunger is disengaged from the diaphragm. Each plunger includes a base section connected to the actuation system and a head projecting away therefrom, a top section extending between the base section and the diaphragm, wherein the top section includes a foot in contact with the head of the base section, and a biasing mechanism biasing the top section away from the diaphragm when the plunger is in the open position. Tangential contact points may also be provided between components of the actuation and the biasing mechanism for preventing a misalignment of the actuation system within the valve body. |
| US09377443B2 |
Scanning acoustic microscope with an inverted transducer and bubbler functionality
A scanning acoustic microscope includes a transducer mounted in a cup below a particular elevation capable of producing ultrasonic energy and a coupling fluid source disposed below the particular elevation, which is configured to introduce coupling fluid into the cup. Ultrasonic energy is directed upwardly through coupling fluid disposed between and contacting the transducer and a first surface of a part to be inspected. The part is disposed at the particular elevation such that a second surface of the part is not contacted by coupling fluid during testing. |
| US09377439B2 |
Disposable cartridge for microfluidics system
A disposable cartridge had body, bottom layer with first hydrophobic surface, top layer with a second hydrophobic surface, and gap between. The bottom layer is a flexible film sealingly attached at its circumference to the top layer. No spacer is between the layers. The top layer has loading sites for transferring processing liquids into the gap. In use, the bottom layer is a working film for manipulating samples in liquid droplets and is placed on an electrode array of a digital microfluidics system having base unit with cartridge accommodation site and electrode array at the site. The electrode array is supported by a bottom substrate that extends in a first plane and has individual electrodes. The system also includes a central control unit for controlling selection of the electrodes and for providing these electrodes with individual voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets within the gap by electrowetting. |
| US09377431B2 |
Heterojunction nanopore for sequencing
A technique is provided for performing sequencing with a nanodevice. Alternating graphene layers and dielectric layers are provided one on top of another to form a multilayer stack of heterojunctions. The dielectric layers include boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, and/or hafnium disulfide layers. A nanopore is formed through the graphene layers and the dielectric layers. The graphene layers are individually addressed by applying individual voltages to each of the graphene layers on a one to one basis when a particular base of a molecule is in the nanopore. Each of the graphene layers is an electrode. Individual electrical currents are measured for each of the graphene layers as the particular base moves from a first graphene layer through a last graphene layer in the nanopore. The base is identified according to the individual electrical currents repeatedly measured for the base moving from the first through last graphene layer in the nanopore. |
| US09377427B2 |
Particulate matter sensor
A diesel particulate filter (“DPF”) including vertically and horizontally stacked cells in which all of vertical and horizontal sides are surrounded by walls formed of a porous material, and sealing end faces of the cells alternately vertically and horizontally are provided with first and second electrodes. In a particulate matter (“PM”) sensor in which a PM deposit quantity of the DPF is detected by a capacitance of a capacitor formed by the first and second electrodes, among open cells, the first electrodes are inserted into the open cells arranged in a line in a diagonal direction, and the second electrodes are inserted into the open cells arranged in a line in the diagonal direction and including the open cells secondarily adjacent to each of the open cells into which the first electrodes are inserted. |
| US09377426B2 |
Selective nanoscale asymmetric gas sensors
A selective nanoscale asymmetric gas sensor is disclosed, the sensor including a first electrode having a Schottky-type contact to a nanoengineered transducer with a barrier height between energy levels of the first electrode and the nanoengineered transducer; and a second electrode having an Ohmic contact to the nanoengineered transducer with a smaller or no barrier height than the first electrode. The first electrode can be palladium and the second electrode can be gold. |
| US09377424B2 |
Methods of detecting latent stains on a surface
Methods for identifying chemical contrasts on a common surface are generally provided. The presence of a stain on a surface can be detected by applying a testing vapor, such as water, onto the surface and monitoring the surface with an infrared camera that detects wavelengths of about 700 nm to about 1 mm and/or a microbolometer that detects wavelengths of about 7.5 μm to about 14 μm. The surface may be at room temperature or preheated during the detection method. |
| US09377420B2 |
Thermal conductivity measuring device
The inventive concept relates to a thermal conductivity measuring device. The thermal conductivity measuring device may include a first structure which is connected to one side end of a sample and receives heat from a heat source; a second structure connected to the other side end of the sample; a first stage connected to the first structure while supporting the first structure; a second stage connected to the second structure while supporting the second structure; a connection unit connected between the first stage and the second stage; and a measuring unit measuring temperatures of the first and second structures and the first and second stages. Since the thermal conductivity measuring of the inventive concept correct a temperature change of a stage due to heat transmission emitted from the stage considering a measurement environment, reliability of measurement may be improved. |
| US09377419B2 |
Method and apparatus for multiple sample preparation and simultaneous loss of ignition/gain on ignition analysis, for use in X-ray fluorescence spectrometry
The analyzer mixes the material to be analyzed and the flux in sample holders supported by a movable platform within the furnace. A tilt member is provided having multiple stations. Each station has an upstanding pin offset from the center point of the station in a different direction. The platform is indexed relative to the tilt member such that the sample holder aligns with each station, in sequence. As the sample holder aligns with each station, the platform is moved toward the tilt member such that the pin of the aligned station abuts and tilts the sample holder in a different direction. The repeated tilting of the sample holder in different directions mixes the material and flux. The contents of the sample holder may also be agitated by rapidly moving the platform back and forth with sudden stops. The analyzer can be used with a special sample holder. |
| US09377418B2 |
X-ray imaging apparatus and X-ray imaging method
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to generate and radiate X-rays to a subject, an X-ray detector configured to detect and convert X-rays transmitted through the subject into an image signal, and a controller configured to analyze the image signal of the subject and set gain of the X-ray detector according to detection regions. |
| US09377410B2 |
Method for measuring reaction rate of reactive mesogen
A method for measuring a reaction rate of a reactive mesogen and an alignment layer formed thereby, the method including coating an alignment material on a substrate. The alignment material includes a backbone and a reactive mesogen connected to the backbone. The reactive mesogen includes an unsaturated bond. The alignment material is irradiated with ultraviolet light, or is heated, to form the alignment layer. A marking compound, including a thiol group is coated on the alignment layer and reacts with remaining unreacted reactive mesogen, to form a marked mesogen. An amount of the marked mesogen is detected. A reactive ratio is measured by comparing an amount of the reactive mesogen before irradiating or heating with an amount of the marked mesogen. |
| US09377408B2 |
Sample-holding carrier and fluorescence detection device using same
A sample holding carrier includes: a substrate to which irradiation light is entered from an under face; a first reflective film disposed on a top face side of the substrate and having electrical conductivity; a sample accommodating portion disposed on a top face side of the first reflective film and having a bottom portion; and a first current carrying part configured to apply a voltage to the first reflective film from an outside. |
| US09377407B2 |
Reaction monitoring
The invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting a signal of a specific spectrum emitted in the course of a chemical or biochemical reaction. The method comprises conducting the reaction in a reaction vessel, which is arranged so that light emanating from the reaction vessel is received by a detector comprising a plurality of photosensors in an array, wherein each photosensor is activated by light falling within a particular waveband range only, and where photosensors activated by light in different waveband ranges are distributed throughout the array. Output from one or more subsets of those photosensors which receive wavebands which contribute to the said specific spectrum is monitored and the output from a subset, or the relationship between the outputs of each subset are used to determine the signal in the specific spectrum. |
| US09377406B2 |
Method of spatial high resolution imaging of a structure of a sample, the structure comprising a luminophore
For spatial high resolution imaging of a structure of a sample, the structure comprising a luminophore, the sample, in a measurement area, is subjected to an intensity distribution of luminescence inhibiting light comprising a local minimum. Then, the sample, in the measurement area, is subjected to luminescence excitation light which excites the luminophore out of an electronic ground state into a luminescent state, and luminescence light emitted out of the measurement area is registered. This registered luminescence light is assigned to the position of the local minimum within the sample. The luminescence inhibiting light disturbs the electronic ground state of the luminophore such that the luminophore, in the disturbed electronic ground state, has an absorption cross-section for the luminescence excitation light which is reduced by at least 50% as compared to the undisturbed electronic ground state. |
| US09377402B2 |
Method and sensor unit for detecting a degree of wetting of a glass pane
A method for detecting a degree of wetting of a glass pane, in particular a windscreen of a motor vehicle, is provided. A transmitter is arranged on the inside relative to a glass pane and emits electromagnetic waves, which are reflected according to the total reflection principle on the outer, from the transmitter's point of view the opposite surface of the glass pane, and which are received by a receiver arranged on the inside relative to the glass pane. Electromagnetic waves are emitted further from a transmitter. Waves pass through the glass pane and are scattered on particles or droplets in front of the glass pane and are received by a receiver arranged on the inside relative to the glass pane. |
| US09377400B2 |
Motion modulation fluidic analyzer system
A fluid analyzer includes an optical source and an optical detector defining an optical beam path through an interrogation region of a fluid flow cell. Motion control devices determine position of the interrogation region. Flow-control devices conduct analyte and reference fluids and manipulate fluid flow in response to control signals to position a fluid boundary across the interrogation region. A controller (1) generates a time-varying motion modulation signal to move the interrogation region across the fluid boundary, (2) samples an output signal from the optical detector at one time in which the interrogation region contains more analyte fluid than reference fluid and at a time at which the interrogation region contains more reference fluid than analyte fluid, thereby generating corresponding output signal samples, and (3) determines from the output signal samples a measurement value indicative of an optically measured characteristic of the analyte fluid. |
| US09377397B2 |
Calibration system and method of using mid-IR laser measure and monitor exhaust pollutant
A method is provided of calibrating a system that detects presence of a pollution component within exhaust gases proceeding along an exhaust passageway. A measurement cell of a probe is isolated by movement of either the entire probe or a shield within the probe from the exhaust gas to allow reference gas to be detected by a laser beam in the mid-infrared range in the measurement cell to calibrate the system. In another example, a laser source is placed on one side of an exhaust passageway and a detector is placed on the other side. A reference cell is provided that is used to receive reference gas and calibrate the system. In yet another example, the exhaust gas is extracted from the passageway and is measured in a reference cell. The reference cell is also filled with reference gas when it is desired to calibrate the system. |
| US09377393B2 |
Method for eliminating horizontal offset of traction testing device and traction testing device thereof
A method for eliminating the horizontal offset of a traction force test device and traction force test device thereof, the device comprising a substrate (300), a first single-arm cantilever beam (100) and a second single-arm cantilever beam (100′) which have the same structure. By employing an inverse horizontal displacement offset compensation structure, the invention completely overcomes the horizontal offset of the free end of the un-fixed single-arm cantilever beam, and achieves still better effect by suspending the test tool with two sets of inversely-installed cantilever beams which have the same structure and are arranged in the vertical direction. |
| US09377388B2 |
Methods for detecting target analytes and enzymatic reactions
A microsphere-based analytic chemistry system and method for making the same is disclosed in which microspheres or particles carrying bioactive agents may be combined randomly or in ordered fashion and dispersed on a substrate to form an array while maintaining the ability to identify the location of bioactive agents and particles within the array using an optically interrogatable, optical signature encoding scheme. A wide variety of modified substrates may be employed which provide either discrete or non-discrete sites for accommodating the microspheres in either random or patterned distributions. The substrates may be constructed from a variety of materials to form either two-dimensional or three-dimensional configurations. In a preferred embodiment, a modified fiber optic bundle or array is employed as a substrate to produce a high density array. The disclosed system and method have utility for detecting target analytes and screening large libraries of bioactive agents. |
| US09377387B2 |
Method and measuring system for ascertaining density of a fluid
A method for producing at least one oscillation measurement signal, which has vibrations of a vibratory body are registered. A temperature sensor is applied thermally attached with a non fluid contacting, second surface of the vibratory body for producing a temperature measurement signal representing a time curve of a variable temperature of the vibratory body. The temperature measurement signal can follow, however time delayed, a change of the temperature of the vibratory body from a beginning temperature value, to a new temperature value. Based on the oscillation measurement signal as well as the temperature measurement signal, density, measured values are produced representing the density, wherein, during such, discrepancies possibly occurring between the time curve of the temperature of the vibratory body and the temperature measurement signal are taken into consideration, respectively at least partially compensated. |
| US09377381B2 |
Device for detecting solids
Secure areas, such as at airports or other security-critical facilities, are entered from freely accessible areas, often by means of access locks. This bottleneck, which is present in any case, is used to check for substances of concern, such as drugs or explosive materials. In the case of solids, as is known, particles extracted from the access lock and retained in a screen are vaporized and the vapor is examined. Several of the screens are arranged on rotatable carrying disks and undergo consecutively the steps of vaporization and analysis. The aim of the invention is to make known methods more efficient in order to increase the throughput through such access locks. The aim is achieved by a device for which available heating and extraction elements are assigned to multiple rotational positions of the carrying disks, whereby adjacent rotational positions lie apart from each other by only half the distance of two screens. |
| US09377378B2 |
Power assembly test stand system and method
A system and method for testing and maintaining a power assembly of a locomotive diesel engine. In one embodiment of the invention, the testing apparatus comprises: a first test position for securing a strongback of a power assembly; a second test position for securing a cylinder head of the power assembly; and a third test position for securing a cylinder liner. In another embodiment of the invention, the testing method comprises: securing a power assembly to a first test position; removing a cylinder head from the power assembly; securing the cylinder head to a second test position; removing a cylinder liner from the strongback assembly; placing the cylinder liner into the third test position; cleaning the cylinder liner; testing the cylinder head for possible leakage; and re-assembling the power assembly cylinder head passes the leakage tests. |
| US09377375B2 |
Repetitive shock vibration testing system and method
In operating a vibration testing system, a table is provided with a plurality of distinct regions, and each of the plurality of distinct regions is provided with at least one vibrator of the plurality of vibrators and at least one accelerometer of the plurality of accelerometers. Target vibration strengths are set for each region, and the vibrators are operated. Local vibration strength is measured at each distinct region with the corresponding accelerometer(s) of the plurality of accelerometers. A signal corresponding to each of the measured local vibration strengths is provided to a controller. An individual vibrator control signal is calculated for each distinct region based on the corresponding measured local vibration strength and the corresponding target vibration strength. The individual control signals are provided from the controller to control the vibrator(s) of each distinct region to achieve the target vibration strength at each of the distinct table regions. |
| US09377373B2 |
System and method for analyzing verbal records of dictation using extracted verbal features
Language dictation recognition systems and methods for using the same. In at least one exemplary system for analyzing verbal records, the system comprises a database capable of receiving a plurality of verbal records, the verbal record comprising at least one identifier and at least one verbal feature and a processor operably coupled to the database, where the processor has and executes a software program. The processor being operational to identify a subset of the plurality of verbal records from the database, extract at least one verbal feature from the identified records, analyze the at least one verbal feature of the subset of the plurality of verbal records, process the subset of the plurality of records using the analyzed feature according to at least one reasoning approach, generate a processed verbal record using the processed subset of the plurality of records, and deliver the processed verbal record to a recipient. |
| US09377369B2 |
Temperature and pressure monitoring system of sealed derrick structure
Provided is a system for monitoring temperature and pressure of an enclosed derrick structure communicating with a moonpool, which senses abnormal internal temperature and pressure of the enclosed derrick structure by monitoring the temperature and pressure of the enclosed derrick structure, thereby effectively coping with dangers. The system may include: one or more temperature sensors installed in the inside of the enclosed derrick to monitor an internal temperature of the enclosed derrick; one or more pressure sensors installed in the inside of the moonpool to monitor an internal pressure difference of the moonpool; and one or more damping units installed in a side of the enclosed derrick to supply air to the inside of the enclosed derrick or exhaust air to the outside of the enclosed derrick in order to cope with an abnormal internal temperature of the enclosed derrick and an abnormal internal pressure variation of the moonpool. |
| US09377367B2 |
Specific absorption rate measurement and energy-delivery device characterization using thermal phantom and image analysis
A method of predicting a radiation pattern emitted by an energy applicator includes the steps of providing thermal profile data for an energy applicator, determining a specific absorption rate around the energy applicator as a function of the thermal profile data, and generating a simulated radiation pattern for the energy applicator as a function of the determined specific absorption rate. |
| US09377363B2 |
Infrared camera architecture systems and methods
An infrared camera architecture includes, for an embodiment, an infrared detector, a substrate, a plurality of electrical components coupled to the substrate, and a pedestal made of a thermally conductive material and having a leg coupled to the substrate. The infrared detector is supported by and thermally coupled to the pedestal, with the pedestal thermally isolating the infrared detector from the plurality of electrical components. |
| US09377362B2 |
Systems and methods for high-contrast, near-real-time acquisition of terahertz images
A terahertz image beam is upconverted by a nonlinear optical process (e.g., sum- or difference-frequency generation with a near IR upconverting beam). The upconverted image is acquired by a near IR image detector. The terahertz image beam and upconverting beam comprise trains of picosecond pulses. The bandwidths and center wavelengths of the terahertz image beam and the upconverting beam are such that wavelength filtering can be employed to permit an upconverted image beam to reach the detector while blocking or substantially attenuating the upconverting beam. |
| US09377359B1 |
Optical measuring system and gas detecting method
An optical measuring system and a method for gas detection, the optical measuring system including a light emitter and at least one light detector arranged in at least one housing, wherein the light emitter emits a modulated main light beam with a mean wave length λ0 with a modulation span Δλ. At least one opto-mechanical component, e.g. a housing window including optically effective boundary surfaces, is arranged between the light emitter and the light detector and causes scatter light beams which interfere with the main light beam so that self-mixing occurs and/or etalons are caused. According to the invention the at least one opto-mechanical component is arranged relative to the light emitter and/or the light detector at an optimized distance L which is a function of the wave length λ0 and the modulation span Δλ of the main light beam. |
| US09377358B2 |
Spectroscopy system using waveguide and employing a laser medium as its own emissions detector
An intracavity laser absorption infrared spectroscopy system for detecting trace analytes in vapor samples. The system uses a spectrometer in communications with control electronics, wherein the control electronics contain an analyte database that contains absorption profiles for each analyte the system is used to detect. The system can not only detect the presence of specific analytes, but identify them as well. The spectrometer uses a hollow cavity waveguide that creates a continuous loop inside of the device, thus creating a large path length and eliminating the need to mechanically adjust the path length to achieve a high Q-factor. In a preferred embodiment, the laser source may serve as the detector, thus eliminating the need for a separate detector. |
| US09377355B2 |
Optical sensor apparatus and image sensing apparatus integrating multiple functions
An optical sensor apparatus includes an infrared light generating device, N first detection devices, a second detection device and a processing circuit. In addition to detecting infrared light, the N first detection devices further detect N different visible wavelength ranges, respectively. The second detection device is optically shielded from visible light and arranged for detecting infrared light. In a first sensing mode, the processing circuit obtains color information according to N first detection signals generated by the N first detection devices and a reference signal generated by the second detection device. In a second sensing mode, the N first detection devices and the second detection device generate (N+1) second detection signals when the infrared light generating device is activated, and generate (N+1) third detection signals when the infrared light generating device is deactivated. The processing circuit recognizes gesture information according to the (N+1) second and the (N+1) third detection signals. |
| US09377351B2 |
Angle of incidence selective band pass filter for implantable chemical sensor
Apparatuses and methods for limiting the angle of incidence (AOI) of light reaching a dichroic filter. The apparatus may include an AOI filter element and the dichroic filter. The apparatus may be a sensor and may include a photodetector. The dichroic filter may be configured to prevent light having a wavelength outside a band pass region from reaching the photodetector and to pass light having a wavelength within the band pass. Physical limitations of the dichroic filter may preclude the dichroic filter from preventing high AOI light having a wavelength outside a band pass region from reaching the photodetector. The AOI filter element may be configured to prevent light having a high AOI from reaching the dichroic band pass filter and to propagate light having a low AOI to the dichroic band pass filter. The AOI filter element may be a fiber optic bundle comprising a plurality of optical fibers. |
| US09377349B2 |
Free-space optically accessed acoustically modulated retro-reflector arrays
Systems and techniques are provided for transmitting a light towards a plurality of acousto-optic retro reflectors, arranged as an array, that are configured to physically react to an acoustic signal. The physical reaction modulates the transmitted light which is reflected back towards a light detector and analyzed. The analysis may include detecting an acoustic signal source location and/or reconstructing the acoustic signal. A light scanner may be configured to transmit the light towards the plurality of acousto-optic retro reflectors in a predetermined, continuance, or dynamically determined sequence. |
| US09377346B2 |
Food product scale
A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment. |
| US09377342B2 |
Pulsed power-based dry fire protection for electric water heaters
A water heater having an electric heating element therein is provided with apparatus for preventing dry firing of the heating element. The apparatus is operative to (1) power the heating element with electrical test pulses having first predetermined durations and being separated by rest periods of second predetermined durations during which the heating element is depowered, (2) determine the average electrical current flow through the element during each of the test pulses, and (3) preclude energization of the heating element if the average current flow therethrough during an electrical test pulse subsequent to the first test pulse is less by a predetermined magnitude than the average electrical current flow through the heating element during the first electrical test pulse. |
| US09377340B2 |
Monitoring of floating roof tank
System for monitoring a floating roof of a tank containing a liquid, wherein the system determines a local status of the floating roof in spaced apart sensing element locations. In a hazardous or potentially hazardous environment, there is an on-roof subsystem including a sensing element in each sensing element location, intrinsically safe measuring circuitry coupled a sensing elements and arranged for determining said local status, intrinsically safe radio communication on-roof circuitry coupled for communicating externally of the on-roof subsystem the local, an intrinsically safe power supply circuitry connected to an intrinsically safe and interchangeable energy storage unit for powering the on-roof subsystem. The system further includes monitoring circuitry for receiving the indication of local status and for determining an overall monitored status of said floating and further radio communication circuitry. The on-roof subsystem is wireless in its power supply and communication. |
| US09377337B2 |
Syringe meter
A syringe meter is provided, including a supply tank, a container with variable capacity, a transmission set, an air supply tube, a liquid outlet tube, and a plurality of valve elements; wherein the container being a bellows tube having two ends sealed; the supply tank having a cyclic tube and a pump connected to bellows tube so that a liquid able to circulate in supply tank and bellows tube; the transmission set being for compressing or pull bellows tube; the air supply tube and the liquid outlet tube being connected to the container; and the plurality of valve elements being disposed at the positions where tubes connected to bellows tube. As such, the capacity of the bellows tube is adjusted for outputting a preset volume, or the transmission set is activated to compress or pull the bellows tube after filling with a liquid to control the output volume. |
| US09377335B2 |
Flow rate sensor probe having contactless force trasnmitting structure
A flowrate sensor includes first and second portions to be mounted protruding inside and the duct, respectively, includes a probe constrained to the first portion responsive to the flowrate and arranged to move from a rest position to a measuring position under a fluid dynamic thrust, the sensor having a load cell constrained to the second portions and arranged to receive a force from the probe responsive to the measuring position and configured to maintain a corresponding electric measurement signal, wherein first and second portions are fluid-tightly separated by a wall, and the probe and the load cell are configured for transferring a magnetic force between the probe and the cell, through the wall, without contacting each other, first and second portion being preferably housed within an elongated container whose first and second parts house first and second portions and protrude inside and outside the duct, respectively. |
| US09377333B1 |
Turbine flow meter
A turbine flow meter housing is provided for hot oil trucks and similar applications. The ends of the housing are configured with external threads and flat end faces with embedded O-rings for connection to the inlet and outlet pipes with hammer unions. Because of the flat end face style hammer union connections, the housing and turbine assembly can be removed for service and cleaning using only a hammer and without having to remove the inlet and outlet pipes. The housing is sized for use with 2-inch pipes and has an overall length of only 6.167 inches yet maintains a minimum crush zone of 0.157 inches on each end to prevent deformation when the hammer unions are tightened. |
| US09377329B2 |
Sensor apparatus
The invention relates to a sensor apparatus for detecting an object comprising a sensor head having a plurality of receiving spaces for individual sensor devices and a driving mechanism for providing a relative movement of the object relative to the sensor head in an advance direction during a detecting operation. The receiving spaces are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, such that an array of receiving spaces with a rectangular pattern of the receiving spaces is formed, and the array of receiving spaces is tilted with regard to the advance direction such that the rows extend in a transverse direction relative to the advance direction and the receiving spaces of a successive row of the rectangular pattern are offset with regard to the receiving spaces of a preceding row of the rectangular pattern in a direction perpendicular to the advance direction. |
| US09377324B2 |
Computer assisted human machine interface display
Methods and apparatus are provided for selectively balancing pilot workload. The apparatus comprises a display device configured to display a user interface (UI) and a processor. The processor is configured to determine a state of the pilot and/or a state of the aircraft, prepare modification to the UI based in part on the state of the pilot and/or the state of the aircraft such that the modification adds one or more command icons without obscuring, without removing, and without replacing any information item on the display, and to execute the modification. |
| US09377323B2 |
Systems and methods for using route matrices for identifying intersection POIs
Computer implemented methods are disclosed. The methods may include identifying a plurality of points of interest (POIs) within a pre-determined travel time from an intersection or highway exit and calculating a travel time and distance from the intersection or highway exit to each of the plurality of POIs. The methods may further include, associating each of the plurality of POIs with the intersection or highway exit, and storing the travel time and distance from the intersection or highway exit to each of the plurality of associated POIs in an electronic database as pre-calculated POI data. |
| US09377321B2 |
Navigation system with semi-automatic point of interest extraction mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a navigation system includes: extracting a feature from a sample field with a manual label associated with a point of interest, the feature for locating the sample field in a document; generating a rule based on the feature extracted to assign the manual label to a target field; extracting the target field from the document with the manual label assigned by applying the rule to the document; and inserting the target field associated with the point of interest to a location-based guide for displaying on a device. |
| US09377319B2 |
Estimating times to leave and to travel
In an embodiment, a data processing method comprises obtaining a present location value indicating a present location of a computing device and event data indicating an event location and an event time; determining a route of travel between the present location and the event location for a mode of transportation from the present location to the event location; determining one or more route segments in the route of travel; determining one or more estimated journey times respectively for each of the route segments; adding one or more padding time values to each of the route segments; determining a total travel time based upon the journey times and the padding time values for all of the route segments; determining a recommended time to leave based upon a current time and a difference between the event time and the total travel time; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices. |
| US09377318B2 |
Method and apparatus for a navigation conveyance mode invocation input
A method comprising receiving an indication of a navigation conveyance mode invocation input, determining a navigation conveyance mode identified by the navigation conveyance mode invocation input, and entering the navigation conveyance mode is disclosed. |
| US09377315B2 |
System and method to provide valet instructions for a self-driving vehicle
A vehicle computer system in an autonomous vehicle includes a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with a remote device. The vehicle computer system also includes a processor in communication with the wireless transceiver. The processor is configured to receive instructions from the remote device to initiate an automatic valet-mode, receive data from the remote device indicative of a user's pick-up location, and send instructions to a vehicle module instructing the vehicle to drive to the user's pick-up location. |
| US09377314B2 |
Reduced network flow and computational load using a spatial and temporal variable scheduler
A vehicle includes a navigation system and a processing device. The navigation system is configured to identify a current location of the vehicle, a destination location, and a distance between the current location and the destination location. The processing device is configured to identify a task, associate the task to the destination location, and schedule the task according to the distance from the destination location. |
| US09377313B2 |
Methods and systems for creating digital street network database
In a method for creating a digital representation of a transportation network location measurement data is acquired, and a plurality of maneuvers between choke points are generated from the location measurement data. The digital representation of the transportation network is then created and stored based on the plurality of maneuvers. |
| US09377312B2 |
Methods and systems for creating and using a location identification grid
A method and system for generating a location identifier using a location code and a grid coordinate. The location code corresponds to a defined geographical area, such as a postal code or an area code. A grid coordinate can be determined based on destination location information, such as an address, a GPS-determined position, or other reference to a specific physical location. The location identifier is combined with the location code to generate a location identifier, which can be encoded in a computer readable format and placed on items for use in a distribution network. The location identifier can be used to facilitate domestic or international distribution of items using a common format or addressing scheme. The domestic and foreign distribution networks read and interpret location identifiers in order to deliver items. |
| US09377311B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying geographic locations
Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method for assigning identifiers to geographic locations within digital map data, comprising selecting a region within the map data, dividing the region into a first plurality of cells each uniquely addressable by an identifier of a first length, selecting a portion of the region and dividing the portion into a second plurality of cells each uniquely addressable by an identifier of a second length, wherein the second length is shorter length than the first length and a geographic location within the portion of the region may be uniquely identified by an identifier of the first length and an identifier of the second length. |
| US09377307B2 |
Semiconductor device, electrical device, and method of controlling power source
A semiconductor device includes an atmospheric pressure value obtaining unit configured to obtain an atmospheric pressure value from an atmospheric pressure sensor; and a control unit configured to detect a variance state of the atmospheric pressure value obtained with the atmospheric pressure value obtaining unit. The control unit is further configured to control an on state and an off state of a power source of a GPS (Global Positioning System) device according to a determination whether the variance state satisfies a specific condition. The GPS device is configured to detect a position thereof based on a GPS signal received therewith and output positional information. |
| US09377304B2 |
Destination recommendation system, destination recommendation method and destination recommendation program product
A destination recommendation system includes a map database storing facility data, a travel history database storing travel history data, a trip destination determination section, a calculation section, a search section, and an output portion. The trip destination determination section determines plural trip destinations corresponding to a hub position when the number or a frequency of a plurality of visits from the hub position to each of the trip destinations satisfies a predetermined condition. The calculation section calculates a distance or necessary travel time from the hub position to each trip destination, and calculates a mode value of the distance or the necessary travel time. The search section searches for a target facility that is located within a range of the mode value of the distance or the necessary travel time. The output portion outputs the target facility to a user. |
| US09377303B2 |
Surveying appliance and method having a targeting functionality which is based on the orientation of a remote control unit and is scalable
A surveying appliance for surveying targets has a targeting unit and a remote control unit for prompting changes in the orientation of the targeting unit, equipped with measurement functionality for determining a three-dimensional orientation of the remote control unit or for determining movements by the remote control unit. The surveying appliance also has an evaluation and control unit. The extent or speed of the changes in the orientation of the targeting unit can be scaled to corresponding changes in an orientation or speed of change of orientation of the remote control unit such that at least two targeting modes having different levels of transmission ratio are provided. The surveying appliance can be used with corresponding handheld, moving remote control units, computer program products for providing, controlling and performing a targeting functionality for the surveying appliance and methods for tracking and surveying targets using the surveying appliance. |
| US09377301B2 |
Mobile field controller for measurement and remote control
A mobile field controller, together with a geodetic surveying device, forms a one-person measurement system for geodetic position determination. The field controller allows the spatial orientation of the field controller to be determined. The field controller supports a geodetic target object and has a distance-measuring unit that measures the distance between the field controller and a target point, the distance being optically marked by the field controller, as a result of which a 3D point cloud is generated without physical contact to a target point. When surveying a specific terrain region, algorithms analyzing the 3D point cloud are saved in a control and evaluation unit of the field controller. The absolute position of the target point is calculated from the data of the spatial orientation of the field controller, the distance between field controller and target point and the absolute position of the geodetic target object. |
| US09377300B2 |
Photoreflectance device
A photoreflectance device for characterizing a rough surface includes a pump beam emitter to emit a pump beam; a probe beam emitter to emit a probe beam; a detector to detect the probe beam reflected by the surface; an integrating sphere to collect the probe beam reflected by the surface, the integrating sphere including: a first output connected to the detector, and disposed so as to receive a majority of the probe beam reflected by the surface; a second output arranged so as to receive a majority of the pump beam reflected by the surface. |
| US09377297B2 |
High-resolution imaging and processing method and system for increasing the range of a geometric dimension of a part that can be determined
A high-resolution imaging and processing method and system for increasing the range of a geometric dimension of a part that can be determined are provided. The method includes directing at least one plane of collimated radiation at a surface of the part. Each of the planes is occluded by the part to create unobstructed first and second planar portions of the plane of radiation. Each of the first and second planar portions has a width and contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the supported part to be determined. The method includes increasing the width and decreasing the intensity of the first and second planar portions imaged on a plurality of predetermined measuring areas to obtain respective elongated planar portions and to produce respective electrical signals. The electrical signals are processed to determine the geometric dimension with enhanced accuracy. |
| US09377296B2 |
Laser-based coordinate measuring device having a fixed/loose bearing apparatus
A laser based measuring apparatus for measuring a position of a distant target is disclosed. Some embodiments may include a laser tracker for detecting the position and the orientation of a measuring aid The laser-based measuring apparatus may include a base, a support, a telescope unit means, a first bearing apparatus, and a second bearing apparatus. In some embodiments the first bearing apparatus is in the form of a fixed/loose bearing apparatus, having a shaft, the longitudinal axis of which runs coaxially with the tilt axis, a fixed bearing and a loose bearing, and/or the second bearing apparatus is in the form of a fixed/loose bearing apparatus, having a shaft, the longitudinal axis of which runs coaxially with the vertical axis, a fixed bearing and a loose bearing. |
| US09377294B2 |
Handheld cellular apparatus for volume estimation
What is disclosed is a wireless cellular device capable of determining a volume of an object in an image captured by a camera of that apparatus. In one embodiment, the present wireless cellular device comprises an illuminator for projecting a pattern of structured light with known spatial characteristics, and a camera for capturing images of an object for which a volume is to be estimated. The camera is sensitive to a wavelength range of the projected pattern of structured light. A spatial distortion is introduced by a reflection of the projected pattern off a surface of the object. And processor executing machine readable program instructions for performing the method of: receiving an image of the object from the camera; processing the image to generate a depth map; and estimating a volume of the object from the depth map. A method for using the present wireless cellular device is also provided. |
| US09377288B2 |
Dendrometer
A dendrometer comprises a dendrometer band whose length is extendable for encircling a tree trunk. The dendrometer further comprises an elongated electronic component that is closely or contiguously attached to the dendrometer band for moving along with the dendrometer band in order to follow length extension of the dendrometer band. Length variation of the dendrometer band is configured to be converted to electronic signals by the electronic component. |
| US09377286B2 |
Device for globally measuring thickness of metal film
A device for globally measuring a thickness of a metal film (901), comprises: a base (10); a rotating unit (20) comprising a fixed member (21) fixed on the base (10) and a rotating member (22) having a rotating joint (23); a working table (50) fixed on the rotating member (22) and having a vacuum passage which is formed therein and connected with the rotating joint (23); a linear driving unit (30) including a guide rail (31) fixed on the base (10) and a sliding block (32) slidable along the guide rail (31); a cantilever beam (40) disposed horizontally and defining a first end fixed with the sliding block (32) and a second end; a measuring head (80) connected to the second end of the cantilever beam (40), facing a surface of the working table (50) and having an eddy current probe (82) disposed therein. |
| US09377285B2 |
Magnetic field sensor and related techniques that provide varying current spinning phase sequences of a magnetic field sensing element
A magnetic field sensor can use a variety of different current spinning phase sequences, and/or can provide an angle error value to correct and/or minimize errors of the magnetic field sensor, A circuit using this magnetic field sensor can process output signals from an angle sensing element to provide an output signal that has a high degree of angle accuracy and a relatively high speed. |
| US09377283B2 |
Method and program for using gestures to control a coordinate measuring device
A coordinate measuring device includes a measuring probe measuring three-dimensional coordinates; a measuring arm supporting the measuring probe and outputting position information for calculating the three-dimensional coordinates; a controller connected to the measuring arm and detecting the three-dimensional coordinates based on the position information; and a memory storing a predetermined gesture. The controller further detects a trajectory of the measuring probe based on the continuously detected three-dimensional coordinates and, by cross-checking the trajectory with the gesture stored in the memory, the controller recognizes the specific gesture corresponding to the trajectory. |
| US09377282B2 |
Method for validating a workpiece measurement in a dimensional metrology hand tool
A method for validating a workpiece measurement in a hand-held spatial dimension measurement metrology tool comprises vibrating a portion of the metrology hand tool using the vibration excitation element; sensing a vibration signature using the vibration sensor configuration; identifying a valid contact state between the metrology hand tool and the workpiece based on a vibration signature criterion; identifying a valid seating state based on a measurement stability criterion applied to a set of dimensional measurements of the metrology hand tool; and indicating that a dimensional measurement is valid for a dimensional measurement that is obtained when the valid contact state and the valid seating state occur simultaneously. |
| US09377278B2 |
Biological active bullets, systems, and methods
A biological active bullet able to be discharged from a firearm, the ammunition essentially comprising a bullet in a cartridge, the bullet including, and distinguished by the use of, at least one potentially reactive chemical substance delivered to a target and undergoing at least one violent exothermic chemical reaction with a bodily fluid of said target, and having at least one biological effect in the target upon impact and penetration, while causing tissue damage in addition to the bullet wound, and thus, having additional functions and applications than prior art bullets, along with methods of use, that ensure enhanced damage and lethality. |
| US09377275B2 |
Armor plated device
An armor plated assembly (20) and a protective wall system (120) containing a protective material. The armor plated assembly (20) comprises of a container (22) having opposing walls (26) for encompassing the protective material. The assembly (20) includes an armor device (24) having a first plate (48) and a second plate (50) with one of the opposing walls (26) sandwiched between the first plate (48) and the second plate (50) securing the armor device (24) to the container (22). The armor device (24) impedes the penetration of a projectile through the armor plated assembly (20). The protective wall system (120) includes at least two of the armor plated assemblies (20) with a mechanical connection (140) between the armor devices (126, 134) of the armor plated assemblies (20) for aligning and securing the assemblies (20) in a stacked orientation. A second embodiment of the protective wall system (220) includes at least two containers (222, 234) and a bib (232, 236) adhered to each of the containers (222, 234) such that the bibs (232, 236) overlap in a shingle-like engagement between the stacked containers (222, 234). |
| US09377269B2 |
Apparatus for mounting a sidebar to an archery bow
The present invention provides an apparatus for mounting a sidebar to an archery bow having at least one interlocking coupling. Each interlocking coupling includes a male mating element, a female mating element, and a fastener that connects the male element to the female mating element. The male mating element has a plurality of protrusion points and is connectable to the sidebar. The female mating element has a substantially cylindrical aperture defined by a plurality of arcuate recesses and is connectable to the archery bow. The plurality of protrusion points on the male mating element engage the plurality of arcuate recesses on the female mating element to provide rotational adjustment about an axis. There may be thirty-six arcuate recesses of the female mating element. The plurality of protrusion points of the male mating element may be a factor of three. |
| US09377267B1 |
Shooting bow with transitional modules
A shooting bow with transition modules includes two string cams, two cables, a bow string, two limbs and a bow riser. The shooting bow may be a cross bow or a vertical bow. The first and second limbs extend from each end of the bow riser. The first and second cams are pivotally retained on the first and second limbs. The first and second cams retain a bowstring. The first and second cams retain the first and second cables. Each cam includes a cam ring, a cam hub and a transition module. The bow string is retained on cam ring. The cam hub includes an upper track, which continues to a lower track. The transition module includes a cable track. The cam hubs and the transition modules allow the cams to be rotated as much as 330 degrees. |